Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 3 septembre 2016
Snapchat Just Made It SO Much Easier to Create a Custom Filter
One of the best aspects of Snapchat is discovering its best features along the way. A favorite among users is definitely the geofilter, which unlocks according to which city you're in. A few months ago, the company started allowing anyone to create a filter, and now, it's become even easier with ready-made templates anyone can use.
Snapchat first introduced its on-demand geofilter in February, allowing all users - not just the selected few whose art submissions get approved - to design their own geofilters for a specific time frame and location. This feature is ideal for weddings, events, birthday parties, and businesses, which were not eligible to submit geofilters previously.
If your design submission meets Snapchat's guidelines, you can upload it online and select the time and "geofence" (either the venue or location radius you'd like covered) it can be accessible for. It will then get reviewed for approval within one business day. The fee for customizing a geofilter starts at $5 and varies depending on the duration (max is 30 days) and location range (from 20,000 to 5 million square feet), according to Business Insider.
Beginning Aug. 30, Snapchat now has templates ready for you to tinker with online. You can choose from the following ones: birthdays, celebrations, and weddings. You'll then see six different filters that you can customize with color and other text. So basically, if you're ever celebrating something, you have zero excuses not to create a filter. You can see what the birthday option looks like below.
While many have yet to utilize the app to its full potential, we can see how this personalization can get everyone involved. Check out the video ahead to get an idea of how this feature works. It might just be what your next party needs.
Your 24-Hour Detox Plan
Whether you overindulged last night or just need an extra push in the right direction, this one-day plan will help get you on your healthy way!
Morning
- Upon waking: The benefits of lemon juice are plenty, so start your day off on the right note by drinking some hot water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Aside from giving the body a boost of vitamin C, says Dr. Frank Lipman, specialist of integrative medicine, hot water with lemon also helps to stimulate the digestive tract. Be sure to continue to drink water all throughout the day - hydration is key to a healthy detox!
- Before breakfast: When detoxing, an intense workout isn't recommended, but it's still important to keep the body warm and the blood flowing. If you're feeling a little sluggish, there's no better way to wake up the body than with some gentle, energizing yoga. This short three-minute morning yoga sequence from yogi Tara Stiles is designed to wake up the body, helping you get energized for the rest of the day.
- Break the fast: Set the day up for success by eating a meal that will keep you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. If you're a fan of PB&J, you'll love this strawberry smoothie recipe from celeb trainer Harley Pasternack. Since it contains over a day's worth of fiber, it will definitely help to keep things moving. Another option is this recipe for a flat-belly smoothie, which contains ingredients known to ease digestion and eliminate uncomfortable feelings of bloat. Both smoothies contain about 300 calories.
- Midmorning coffee break: While it's encouraged to give up caffeine during a detox, sometimes it's not always feasible. Instead of ordering a cup of coffee, opt for green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea has also been shown to boost metabolism. If you're feeling like you need a little snack before lunch, grab a fiber-rich apple, or pair some belly-fighting blueberries with probiotic-filled Greek yogurt - each snack will aid in digestion.
Afternoon
- Break often: Use this time to really care for your body's health, so as much as you can, try to move throughout the day. Get up from your desk frequently to take short walks around the office (every 20 minutes is a good benchmark). If you can't get up that often, take a moment to do these desk stretches throughout the day, and give your eyes a break by looking away from your computer using the 20-20-20 rule: look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes at a spot 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Lunch hour: Avoid the afternoon slump by eating a light lunch that won't weigh you down. We recommend choosing one of these detox soup recipes or this fiber-rich cabbage salad that contains heart-healthy fats; round out the meal with some lean protein. Take this time to eat away from your desk - put away your phone and focus on the delicious meal in front of you. Once lunch is done, allow yourself 20 or 30 minutes for a walk.
- Snack time: If you feel like you need something to hold you over until dinner, there's nothing quite like a green juice. This nutrient-dense beverage has a knack for instantly boosting energy and making you feel like you have done something really good for your body. It also doesn't hurt that it's packed with a host of essential vitamins. If you aren't able to make your own juice, pick up one of these store-bought cold-pressed juices from your grocer.
Evening
- Unwind: Before heading home to plop yourself in front of the television, find a way to treat yourself! A great way to unwind and detox is to get a massage or spend time in a sauna. Both will help to ease any tension in the body and offer relief to sore muscles or joints.
- Dinner: This is the perfect time to relax with a healthy dinner full of lean protein and fresh veggies. This panko-crusted fish over kale is full of fiber, protein, and vitamins; it also only takes 20 minutes to prepare. If you're sensitive to gluten, try our cod with asparagus en papillote instead. Instead of eating in front of the TV, sit down at a table to take the time to really enjoy your dinner. You'll find that by doing so, you can focus on your food and not eat mindlessly, which is a common reason for overeating.
- Wind down: One of the best ways to detox the body is to make sure you have enough quality sleep. Sleep is connected to weight loss, stress levels, and overall health. Make a point to decompress from technology tonight, take a relaxing shower, and give yourself enough time to get a good night's rest. You can also unwind with this before-bed yoga sequence that will help you relax.
This Rainbow Baby's Birth Is Nothing Short of Beautiful
Some birth stories just touch you in a way you don't expect. When we came across photos of baby Liam's birth, we were originally taken with the images that Georgia-based photographer Rachel Smith shot. They're clean and crisp, and she captured every detail of the day so the family would have beautiful images to look back on as Liam grew. But it wasn't until we reached out to the photographer that we learned that Liam was a rainbow baby and that his birth was an extraspecial moment for his family.
Eighteen months earlier, Liam's parents, Erikah and Luke, were expecting a baby girl - Ailene Martina Messamer. Luke was deployed in Okinawa, Japan, when Erikah learned that baby "Ali" would be stillborn at 23 weeks and 3 days. The Red Cross worked to get Luke home in time for the birth, and after 33 hours of labor, Ali was born sleeping. A photographer from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep captured photos of Ali and her parents so they'd have some memories to cherish.
Fast-forward 18 months and Erikah was nine months pregnant with baby Liam, whom she describes as "proof that there is life after loss." Read on to see the spectacular photos of Liam's birth and the look of pure joy on his parents' faces.
Your 24-Hour Detox Plan
Whether you overindulged last night or just need an extra push in the right direction, this one-day plan will help get you on your healthy way!
Morning
- Upon waking: The benefits of lemon juice are plenty, so start your day off on the right note by drinking some hot water with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Aside from giving the body a boost of vitamin C, says Dr. Frank Lipman, specialist of integrative medicine, hot water with lemon also helps to stimulate the digestive tract. Be sure to continue to drink water all throughout the day - hydration is key to a healthy detox!
- Before breakfast: When detoxing, an intense workout isn't recommended, but it's still important to keep the body warm and the blood flowing. If you're feeling a little sluggish, there's no better way to wake up the body than with some gentle, energizing yoga. This short three-minute morning yoga sequence from yogi Tara Stiles is designed to wake up the body, helping you get energized for the rest of the day.
- Break the fast: Set the day up for success by eating a meal that will keep you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. If you're a fan of PB&J, you'll love this strawberry smoothie recipe from celeb trainer Harley Pasternack. Since it contains over a day's worth of fiber, it will definitely help to keep things moving. Another option is this recipe for a flat-belly smoothie, which contains ingredients known to ease digestion and eliminate uncomfortable feelings of bloat. Both smoothies contain about 300 calories.
- Midmorning coffee break: While it's encouraged to give up caffeine during a detox, sometimes it's not always feasible. Instead of ordering a cup of coffee, opt for green tea. Rich in antioxidants, green tea has also been shown to boost metabolism. If you're feeling like you need a little snack before lunch, grab a fiber-rich apple, or pair some belly-fighting blueberries with probiotic-filled Greek yogurt - each snack will aid in digestion.
Afternoon
- Break often: Use this time to really care for your body's health, so as much as you can, try to move throughout the day. Get up from your desk frequently to take short walks around the office (every 20 minutes is a good benchmark). If you can't get up that often, take a moment to do these desk stretches throughout the day, and give your eyes a break by looking away from your computer using the 20-20-20 rule: look away from your computer screen every 20 minutes at a spot 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Lunch hour: Avoid the afternoon slump by eating a light lunch that won't weigh you down. We recommend choosing one of these detox soup recipes or this fiber-rich cabbage salad that contains heart-healthy fats; round out the meal with some lean protein. Take this time to eat away from your desk - put away your phone and focus on the delicious meal in front of you. Once lunch is done, allow yourself 20 or 30 minutes for a walk.
- Snack time: If you feel like you need something to hold you over until dinner, there's nothing quite like a green juice. This nutrient-dense beverage has a knack for instantly boosting energy and making you feel like you have done something really good for your body. It also doesn't hurt that it's packed with a host of essential vitamins. If you aren't able to make your own juice, pick up one of these store-bought cold-pressed juices from your grocer.
Evening
- Unwind: Before heading home to plop yourself in front of the television, find a way to treat yourself! A great way to unwind and detox is to get a massage or spend time in a sauna. Both will help to ease any tension in the body and offer relief to sore muscles or joints.
- Dinner: This is the perfect time to relax with a healthy dinner full of lean protein and fresh veggies. This panko-crusted fish over kale is full of fiber, protein, and vitamins; it also only takes 20 minutes to prepare. If you're sensitive to gluten, try our cod with asparagus en papillote instead. Instead of eating in front of the TV, sit down at a table to take the time to really enjoy your dinner. You'll find that by doing so, you can focus on your food and not eat mindlessly, which is a common reason for overeating.
- Wind down: One of the best ways to detox the body is to make sure you have enough quality sleep. Sleep is connected to weight loss, stress levels, and overall health. Make a point to decompress from technology tonight, take a relaxing shower, and give yourself enough time to get a good night's rest. You can also unwind with this before-bed yoga sequence that will help you relax.
33 Amazing Avocado Recipes
In California, we've been getting some awesomely delicious avocados lately. Chalk it up to avocado season, which runs from Spring to Fall. Even if you don't live in the Golden State, chances are that green fruit you're savoring is from here anyway. Ninety percent of the nation's crop comes out of California. From sandwiches and salads to salsas and other tropical-tinged flavor combinations, avocado is surprisingly versatile. Here are 33 of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry, Emily Bibb, and Hilary White
Hailey Baldwin Isn't the First It Girl to Wear This Bikini, but She Totally Made It Her Own
Labor Day celebrations won't kick off until next weekend, but Hailey Baldwin's already inspiring our waterside look. The It model recently shared yet another stunning bikini pic, this time rocking a red, white, and blue option from Solid & Striped. The design is far from new - Cara Delevingne wore it on Memorial Day, while Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift opted for the one-piece version - but Hailey still managed to make it all her own. She paired the twisted top with a Jennifer Fisher initial necklace, a statement watch, and double studs, then completed the casual, lounge-around look with a pair of denim cutoffs.
Scroll through to see Hailey's must-have bikini, then shop it, or a similar version, before those LDW festivities begin.
25 Adorable Dogs Dressed Like Tacos
If your dog loves to dress up for Halloween as much as you do - hey, we mean it, only if your dog actually enjoys being in a costume! - why not show your (and we're sure his) love for tacos with a cute ensemble? Instagram is chock-full of examples, so we dug deep and rounded up 25 of the cutest pups out there. Scroll ahead for a sweet group of pets who showed off their #tacodog pride on Oct. 31 (and beyond) to adorable results.
You're Already Wearing Fall's Biggest Trend - in the Bedroom
Wearing lingerie to bed? No problem. It makes us feel good in our skin as we drift off to sleep and gives us reason to hang around in our PJs come morning. But working a lacy chemise or see-through bralette into an #OOTD can be daunting. You want to look sophisticated but slightly sexy at the same time. You're taking a risk after all, letting your bra peek out from your blouse or a slip dress see the sunlight.
There are a handful of ways we recommend warming up to the trend in time for Fall, when you'll see plenty of camisoles atop button-downs or styled beneath puffer coats. Read on for 10 solid ideas, then shop key pieces that will help you pull them off.
Emily Ratajkowski Just Made a "Diaper Bikini" the Sexiest Thing on Earth
At first glance, Emily Ratajkowski's wearing a floral bikini any girl could get behind. But the supermodel is vacationing in Greece, and honey, that calls for some sexy swimsuits, accessorized to boot with body chains. Once Emily shared a few different angles of her Dolce & Gabbana two-piece, we recognized its daring, cheeky allure.
From behind, her bottom features just a tiny sliver of fabric. Yes, it's almost reminiscent of a diaper, albeit a very stylish diaper. Of course, Emily pulled off the look with ease, strutting her stuff along the beach and inspiring us to invest in the same floral bikini that will never stop turning heads. Read on to get a look, then shop the D&G set.
Move Over, Bacon: These 5 New Emoji Are More Important
🍏 Apple requests five new emoji professions: Artist, Firefighter, Pilot, Astronaut, Judge https://t.co/rEEHdhOFiK http://pic.twitter.com/aFzpS0k1zj
- Emojipedia 📙 (@Emojipedia) August 24, 2016
In what looks like yet another move toward better emoji diversity, Apple has reportedly requested five new emoji that are both gender and career inclusive. Emojipedia recently uncovered Apple's Unicode request for an artist, astronaut, firefighter, judge, and pilot, all of which will be available in both genders. Until now, professional emoji like the policeman and construction worker are male, while female emoji are only ones like the princess or dancer.
Once approved by Unicode, the emoji will likely be released with the other much-needed emoji once the new iOS 10 software is available this Fall.
31 Vegan Barbecue Sides That'll Even Impress Nonvegan Eaters
'Tis the season of camping, grilling, and backyard parties. While classic barbecue sides like potato salad and macaroni and cheese are big favorites, they don't always work for those following a vegan diet. If you're planning a barbecue this holiday, here are more than 30 side dishes that will have vegan friends coming back for seconds.
- Additional reporting by Marina Liao
31 Vegan Barbecue Sides That'll Even Impress Nonvegan Eaters
'Tis the season of camping, grilling, and backyard parties. While classic barbecue sides like potato salad and macaroni and cheese are big favorites, they don't always work for those following a vegan diet. If you're planning a barbecue this holiday, here are more than 30 side dishes that will have vegan friends coming back for seconds.
- Additional reporting by Marina Liao
This Little Ballet Flat Is Already Fall's Hottest Shoe
Lace-up flats have become almost a staple part of our wardrobes, but Miu Miu changed the whole game with a pair that will make you feel exactly like a ballerina, and a very cool one at that. If you had a love affair with your ballet slippers as a girl, these will make you feel like you're stepping back into your old shoes, only reimagined with a punky set of buckles and mismatched black and grosgrain straps that tie up the ankle. Like the Chanel slingbacks of last season, this trend is quickly becoming iconic, popping up on the streets on the heels of fashion bloggers and influencers everywhere (and inspiring plenty of copycats along the way).
We've likewise fallen for the look, which manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, tough, and totally feminine. It might just be Fall's perfect statement shoe. Read on to see how the style set's wearing theirs, then take the plunge and grab a pair while you still can.
Diddy Gets Super Cute With Kids While Opening His New Charter School in Harlem
Sean "Diddy" Combs was all smiles while posing with a group of excited kids while opening his Capital Prep charter school in NYC's Harlem neighborhood on Monday. The rapper and music mogul beamed with pride as he cut the ribbon and snapped photos with school officials and new students. During the big event on Monday, Diddy spoke to a crowd, saying, "Great schools and great education make a big difference. Unfortunately, too many people don't get the opportunity to succeed, no matter how hard they try. This is leveling the playing field here at Capital Prep." So far, the school has admitted over 170 students in sixth and seventh grades and aims to enroll about 700 more in grades six through 12 by the year 2021. News broke back in March that Diddy would be opening the school in his birthplace of Harlem, and the rapper called its creation "a dream come true."
How to Avoid Using Toxic, Expired Skin Care and Makeup Products
I finally found a way to justify throwing out products even when they are not finished. I toss them when they are expired! When I recently met Tata Harper (the owner of her eponymous natural skin care brand), she reminded me that time is often sooner than when most people think it is. Once I started researching the shelf life of beauty goods, I realized there was no reason to hoard so much stuff. It's pretty gross to hold onto a mascara or face cream for years. We don't eat food that old, so why put it on our skin?
"Every formula is different, but all products degrade over time," Tata later told me via email. "In the US only products regulated by the FDA (like sunscreen and some acne products) are required to list expiration dates, so it can be hard to tell when it's time to toss. Most products list a 'Period After Opening' recommendation (the little jar symbol with a number followed by an M), but in general the shelf life of a product depends on the actual formula, and so much depends on how you store and care for your products."
So how long does she wait to toss items? "Time and exposure to air, sun, or heat can cause the active ingredients - the ones that give you the results - to become less and less active," she explained. "That's why I personally don't like to put anything on my skin that's more than a year old, and why we batch our products every month; we think it's important to have the freshest products possible so that they are as effective as possible."
To help you navigate the shelf life of your own stash, Tata laid out some rules.
Moisturizer: six months to one year
"Most moisturizers are good to use for six months to one year after opening," Tata said. "Anything that comes in a jar will have a shorter shelf life because you're putting your fingers in it and exposing it to bacteria. Products with a pump will last a bit longer since they are more protected. In general, though, it is always important to look for changes in the smell, texture, or color of your product, which can all be signs that it's become unstable and should be thrown away."
Serum: six to nine months
"Serums have a slightly shorter shelf life of about six to nine months because the high-performing ingredients they contain can lose their effectiveness," she explained. "Formulas with vitamin C or other ingredients that oxidize will especially lose their effectiveness with exposure to air, so it's always good to look for airless packaging, which protects the formulas more."
Face wash: six months to one year
"There are so many varieties of cleansers," Tata noted. "Oil-based formulas can last for a year if kept in a cool, dark place, while water-based products should generally be used within closer to six months, particularly if they include BHA, AHA, or enzymes that can degrade or oxidize quickly."
Oil: approximately one year
"Oils are more resistant to bacteria than water-based products, but their shelf life is really about how you treat them," she said. "Oils can last for a year or longer, but can go rancid if not stored properly. They need to be kept in a cool, dark place. You can look for added (natural) antioxidants such as Tocopherol that aid in oil stability."
Body lotion: one to two years
"Body lotion is similar to moisturizer - it can last about a year and sometimes up to two years, but it depends on the formula and how much exposure it has to bacteria," Tata explained. "Again it's important to look for changes in the product from when it was first opened to determine if it's gone bad."
SPF: check the expiration date
"SPF is very strictly regulated by the FDA, but despite the expiration date, it can go bad early if not handled properly," she said. "If it's been left out in the sun or in a hot car you may want to consider replacing it."
Foundation: six months to one year
It's best to replace foundations and other non-powder face makeup after six months-a year. It's important to monitor these products for any changes and to be really mindful of how you're caring for tools like brushes and sponges. If not cleaned properly, these tools can attract a lot of bacteria that you're then spreading into your product and onto your skin.
Mascara: three to six months
"Mascara and eyeliner should be replaced every three to six months, and you should sharpen eyeliner before every use; you really don't want to get bacteria in your eyes!" Tata advised.
Lip gloss: one year
"I've heard that lip glosses and lipstick can last two to three years, but the most I recommend is a year," she said. "I don't believe a beauty product will be as effective as it was when it was created after a whole year, and I prefer to only put fresh products on my face, especially near my mouth and eyes."
15 Pitcher-Perfect Cocktails For Breezy Bartending Duty
Cocktails taste better when they're enjoyed with good company, but rather than craft a bunch of different beverages (I mean, who really wants to be stuck with bartending duty all party long?), make pitcher drinks like sangria, margaritas, and punch. All you have to do is make a large batch, and everyone gets a glass on demand. Hooray! Here are a few of our favorites, just in time for that pool party, BBQ, or whatever else you have planned for the holiday weekend.
- Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
43 New Movies and Shows Coming to Netflix in September
Netflix is gearing up for a fantastic September. The most recent seasons of your favorite shows are coming (Luther! The Walking Dead! Gotham!), plus a ton of exciting movies. Before you start compiling a list, make sure you've made it through all the stuff that hit the streaming service in August. Take a look; you can find us preparing for the debut season of Luke Cage.
vendredi 2 septembre 2016
Halloween Just Isn't What It Used to Be
This post was originally featured on Totally the Bomb and was written by Jamie Harrington, who is a part of POPSUGAR Select Moms.
Am I the only one who has noticed the end of Halloween? When I was a kid, we'd all go out into the neighborhood, ON Halloween night, dressed in our hobo Indian princess pirate get-ups, knocking door to door and hoping we didn't get kidnapped. Our food was either x-rayed by the local hospital (for fear of razors), or we threw caution to the wind and ate as much of it on the way home as possible so that we could avoid the 'mom tax'. You remember the 'mom tax', right? The amount mom charges for having to look for suspicious looking candy in your bag. Also, the houses were scary. Not all of them, but there was always that one neighbor who went over the top to try to scare the bejeezus out of us kids. And walking up to that door was a test of wills. If you made it, you survived, you got the good candy. If you ignored that house, everyone in school knew. I miss Halloween. I don't know if it even exists anymore…
Halloween Was So Much More Fun When I Was A Kid
A big part of me thinks Halloween is just dead. I'm not sure it will ever come back to its former glory, or if we even live in a world where that is possible anymore. Now, kids don't go to "Halloween Parties", they go to "Fall Festivals"…and those festivals are all held ON Halloween night.
So the scary houses where people used to hand out the good candy don't even bother anymore. Last year, despite the bloody handprints on my front door, and the gorified stuffed animals lining my front walkway, we had two trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. That was it. The rest of the street was blacked out, and kids either went to their church Fall Festivals, or something at school, or Trunk-Or-Treat, but none of them came to my house. What's the point anymore?
What's the point in decorating if you know kids aren't coming? What's the point in buying the good candy if all that's going to happen is you'll end up having to eat it during the weeks following Halloween. There's no use in hanging spider webs, because there won't be kids out to get tangled up in them. No use in dressing like a scarecrow and sitting still on your front porch, because there's no one out there to grab and scare anymore.
And those few neighbors who do put in the effort? Now they're likely to be harassed for it. Last year, Vicki Barrett of Parma, Ohio, was told that her decorations were so scary that the neighbors wanted her to take them down. When the neighbors learned that there was nothing illegal in Vicki's decorations, they continued to harass Barrett and her family until they took down the decorations out of fear for her and her family's safety.
How is that okay?
Now Halloween is so sanitized that I'm not sure we can even call it Halloween anymore. Gone are the good decorations, and candy. They've been replaced by safe church community rooms and elementary school gymnasiums. Now kids no longer have to face their fears to walk up to the scary house to get candy, they just go to the second grade teacher (who is dressed like a not-scary-at-all witch) and say, "Trick Or Treat!" and boom, candy. No tricks. Not even the fear of tricks.
Are we all so protective of our kids that we can't let them experience any sanctioned scares anymore? Yes, the world we live in is a scary place, but in a time like this shouldn't Halloween become the most important night of the year? It's the night for kids to face those fears. The night where they can go up to that scary door and say, "You know what, world? I'm scared out of my wits but I'm going to face it." It's the one night where kids get to experience fear in the safe environment of their neighborhood, and are rewarded by candy for their effort. But all that is gone.
Can we even call it Halloween anymore if all that's left are the treats?
Teyana Taylor's Abs Demand Our Attention and Respect
The whole world is losing their mind over Teyana Taylor's body. The 25-year-old musician-slash-model had her first child with NBA star Iman Shumpert mere months ago and clearly had zero trouble getting back into her usual fitness routine - and it's not the gym, according to her Instagram caption. What does Teyana do for that bod? SHE DANCES. That's it.
Behold the miraculous body of this curvaceous, superfit dancer - she will have you mesmerized within seconds.
Teyana Taylor's Abs Demand Our Attention and Respect
The whole world is losing their mind over Teyana Taylor's body. The 25-year-old musician-slash-model had her first child with NBA star Iman Shumpert mere months ago and clearly had zero trouble getting back into her usual fitness routine - and it's not the gym, according to her Instagram caption. What does Teyana do for that bod? SHE DANCES. That's it.
Behold the miraculous body of this curvaceous, superfit dancer - she will have you mesmerized within seconds.
Gigi Hadid Wore This Fall Trend on the Runway, and Now You'll See It Everywhere
Past trends we long forgot about (or so we thought) have made a recent comeback: chokers, slip dresses, skinny jeans - well, those never go out of style - but you get the point. When these trends do reemerge, there's always a modern twist to them, and this Fall, skinny scarves fall right into that category.
Though this accessory isn't exactly new, we've been spotting them since last year; when we saw them reappear at Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2016 show, we knew the look was here to stay. Gigi Hadid walked down the runway in a matching dress and skinny scarf set, which we predict is the easy way to style the accessory for this season. Our obsession with this matchy-matchy look of course led us to find a few similar options, which are all available to shop here. Come Sept. 22, you'll be so ahead of the game.
Why You Should Be Stocking Up on Skin Care Products With Copper Peptides
Peruse any shelf in your favorite beauty store - virtual or otherwise - and read the label. Chances are, you'll see many mentions of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, and retinol. While you're likely pretty familiar with those buzzwords, it's safe to guess that you're not as acquainted with copper peptides. However, more and more products are taking advantage of copper's powerful properties, so it's time you got a quick lesson on the science and skin care benefits.
The Science and History
Copper peptides (sometimes seen as "copper gluconate") were first developed and utilized in products that helped expedite wound healing. But over the last couple of decades, scientists and researchers have studied the ingredient as it pertains to the regeneration of collagen production and antiaging. What they've found has been promising and has led to more brands incorporating copper peptides into products.
"Copper peptides are supported by voluminous scientific research and play an integral role in age prevention skin care regimens," said Francine Porter, a product development expert and the founder of Osmotics Cosmetics.
She explains that copper is something our bodies produce naturally and that it serves as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. According to recent studies, copper peptides in skin care have been found to not just increase collagen and elastin (the materials responsible for firm, taut skin) but also nix old, damaged collagen and elastin to make way for a more youthful complexion.
The Skin Care Benefits of Copper Peptides
Products utilizing copper peptides are best for those who want to slow down signs of aging. Will it give you an instant facelift? No, the only thing that can do that is, well, a facelift. But according to many researchers, it can improve the quality of your skin.
"Proteins are the key building blocks of most living tissues," explained Bella Schneider, a clinical skin care expert and founder of Bella Schneider Beauty. "Copper peptides can help minimize the damage from daily wear and tear of the skin. They also have the potential to improve wrinkles, skin texture firmness, and thickness. Copper peptides are effective against various forms of skin irritation, mainly due to their anti-inflammatory effects."
Products Containing Copper
Sunday Riley Bionic Anti-Aging Cream ($125) contains an antiaging cocktail of copper, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, and prickly pear. I find that a little goes a long way with this thick, custard-like formulation and that it's ideal for mature or dry skin types since it's so moisturizing. I apply a thin layer at night after cleansing and toning, and as the night progresses, my skin slowly sucks up the sweet-smelling product. In the morning, my skin is noticeably softer and plumper.
CU Shine Copper Mask ($46) is a shimmery peel-off mask that looks like molten metal and contains a mixture of copper, magnesium, and zinc. I apply it to clean, dry skin and let it set for about 10 minutes before peeling it off in one layer. Afterward, my skin feels exfoliated, soft, and firm. Bonus: it makes for fun Instagram selfies.
Lastly, Korres Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir ($98) combines copper with saffron, hyaluronic acid, and oat. These ingredients work together to plump skin, minimize fine lines, and hydrate and soothe your skin. I like that it has a velvety slip to it and my skin drinks it up within minutes after applying.
Established Ingredients vs. New Ones
"Remember that many cosmetic ingredients come into popularity in cycles," said Stephen Alain Ko, a cosmetic chemist. "Copper peptides, in combination with retinoic acid, was popular in the mid-2000s as a treatment for acne scarring on online forums."
Ko says that the jury is technically still out in the case of copper peptides and that many of the studies are currently "in vitro," which means they're still being tested on skin models within a lab. For that reason, some arguments say you should avoid new ingredients (like copper) entirely and stick to those that have a long and solid history. While it's hard to argue with that line of thought, there's still something to be said for innovation, even if it's young.
The Best Tip For Getting Your Grade-Schooler Dressed, Without Stress
My daughter started kindergarten last week, but our battles on what makes an appropriate school outfit have been going on for years. Since her first day of preschool three years ago, my then-2-year-old little lady has been super opinionated about her daily look, fully committed to wearing her ugliest, most clashing, most inappropriate, and sometimes even dirtiest clothes to school as often as possible.
Very quickly I gave up my visions of raising an Instagram-famous mini fashionista. No matter how many Crewcuts dresses or hipster headbands I bought, it wasn't happening. Quite opposite, in fact. It was almost as if she could smell my desperation for her to wear certain items and would swiftly and permanently put them on her "not going to do it" (her words) list.
Even after I lowered my standards to the bare minimum - basically, your body has to be covered, and you can't smell bad - we still had dressing drama. I'd finally agree to an outfit, and five minutes later she'd come out of the bathroom naked after deciding she actually hated the outfit she'd so vehemently requested. Her socks hurt (all of them). She hated any piece of clothing with a seam. Next time you're in the Gap, try asking if they make any seamless clothing. I did, and they don't, just like every other clothing retailer in the world.
After fully giving up this past Summer and allowing her to wear cropped bike shorts, stained t-shirts, and filthy flip-flops all season, I knew back-to-school dressing was going to be a struggle. I took her shopping a few times, hoping that some cute new clothes might inspire her to up her style game. Still, I was anticipating a struggle every morning at 6:30 a.m., when I have to wake her up to make her 7:30 bus.
Then I was gifted a life-changing tip by a friend with a slightly older, yet similarly obstinate and style-challenged daughter. "On Sunday, have her pick outfits for the entire week, and put them in little piles in her closet," she said. "I swear it works."
And holy sh*t, she was right! After two weeks of about no-stress dressing (OK, we're still having some sock issues), I am a believer. Even better, she's actually looked super cute almost every day, wearing outfits I'd actually call Instagram-worthy. No one is more shocked than me.
I've done some serious contemplation about why this strategy has so drastically changed the way she and I deal with her daily wardrobe. First of all, her early rise time means she is blurry and grumpy every morning, and I think in that state she actually appreciates having one less decision to make. Second, planning outfits so far in advance means she's less emotionally invested in each outfit because she doesn't have to put it on immediately. Wearing those animal-print leggings five days from now seems like less of an ask. But yet, she doesn't balk on the day I actually hand her Friday's leopard-trimmed pile.
I'm sure getting older, and being surrounded by even older kids who are more and more aware of wanting to look and be cool, is part of her new-found fashion compliance. Mainly though, I think the week-ahead plan is just a magic strategy that doesn't sound like it should work but actually does. Except for socks. Socks are evil.
Say Goodbye to Pesky Dark Circles and Spots With This Makeup Routine
The following post was originally featured on Love, Grey Skies and written by Tiffany Diana Torres, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Latina.
Who knew that adult acne was a thing? Not me.
Up until about a year and a half ago all I had to worry about was the occasional break out from Aunt Flow and the dark circles under my eyes. Boy how things have changed. A year and a half ago I developed adult acne which has really taken a bit of a toll on my self esteem. Hey, I'm a work in progress. Since then I've learned ways to cover and conceal not only my dark circles, but the scars left behind from the acne and I'm going to share it with you!
Step 1: Start with a clean & moisturized face. After that, apply a thin layer of primer. This allows your makeup to stay on all day and go on smoothly. I used the MUFE hydrating primer, because it's my favorite! Glides on nicely and really makes my skin feel nice and plump.
Step 2: Apply an orange/salmon colored concealer under your eyes. This will cancel out the dark purple/blue shade and help neutralize the "bags." Plus, this little trick makes you look fresh faced and wide awake!
Step 3: If you have any fresh acne that is irritated and red, then it's best to go in with a green concealer. This will help cancel out the redness and allow the foundation to do its job by covering up afterwards.
Step 4: For the under eye area, I take my ring finger and blend, but I'll use the beauty blender for the other spots.
Step 5: Apply foundation. This is one of my favorite foundations because of the finish and coverage!
Step 6: Apply a thin layer of concealer. I used the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye first in the shade Light, but I felt like it was too bright so I went in with my favorite; Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Light Neutral. I concealed under my eyes but I also highlighted areas in the center of my face such as my nose, cupid's bow, and forehead.
Step 7: Set your face! I use the Laura Mercier Translucent powder which allows everything to just stay in place.
Now it's time to just glam up!
These are steps that I take every time I do a full face of makeup, because I like to look as even-toned as possible. This definitely helps those days when my face isn't in the best condition, but remember that it's really important to have a skin regimen and to drink lots of water. Your makeup only looks as best as your skin does, so remember to take care of it.
6 Style Lessons We Learned From Devious Maids
It was the guiltiest of guilty pleasures: a Lifetime soap opera that features some of our favorite Latina actresses in over-the-top roles that are so dramatically delicious, tuning in on Mondays almost required a pint of ice cream.
But in addition to the plot twists and theatrics (plus the fact that it was executive produced by Eva Longoria), one of our favorite reasons to tune in to Devious Maids each week was to check out what the characters are wearing. And we even picked up a few style lessons from the girls! Keep scrolling to see six tips we got from the show before it was tragically canceled.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
The Most Universally Flattering Swimsuit - According to a J.Crew Pro
Ask any prep where she prefers to shop, and we bet J.Crew will be on the list. But the retailer's beachwear section actually appeals to a wide range of styles. That's because J.Crew offers the most classic cuts and colors, along with a few trendy designs that look wearable enough to try. The love for J.Crew Swim is so strong, in fact, one woman even wrote an ode to the scoopback, requesting a restock. Naturally, the brand fulfilled her wish.
J.Crew's swim designer, Amy Romanowsky, knows a thing or two about sold-out suits. When we talked to her about the most universally flattering bikini and one-piece, along with the perfect coverups to go with them, she even offered up a few secrets. Below you'll find a guide to the silhouettes J.Crew can barely keep in stock and the details that make them so special. Read on to learn the basics, and shop these pieces while they're hot.
Get even more swim:
Elle Fanning's Denim Miniskirt and White Polo Will Take You Right Back to Your Middle School Days
When Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner hopped on the denim skirt train, we knew it wouldn't be long before other stars followed suit. Elle Fanning, who is clearly on board with the look, took advantage of the sunny weather in Los Angeles to break out her denim mini. But that wasn't all; the actress paired the frayed skirt with a crisp white polo and instantly threw it back to your middle school days. It appears everyone is pretty much feeling nostalgic for the past and bringing back old trends, and this look is one outfit we're not mad about. So before Summer ends, give your denim mini one last spin and pull on that colorful polo.
How Viral Dessert Trends Are Taking Over Instagram
It's almost impossible to scroll through Instagram without coming across a photo of mouthwatering sweets. New confectionary creations are introduced what seems like every single day, and social media facilitates the hype. But what is it about creative desserts that make people so obsessed?
The infatuation with this type of food goes beyond an insatiable sweet tooth; it also makes a statement. It's a declaration that says, "Yes, I've been there, and here's the tempting proof." The desserts that tend to go viral are pure innovations - crazy combinations like macaron doughnuts and anomalies like rolled ice cream. Posting a photo of the latest dessert trend on your social media feed is like being an early adopter of technology; it shows that you are cutting edge and adventurous. POPSUGAR even has a show, Eat the Trend, that's dedicated to this cultural movement.
Nowhere is the viral dessert movement more palpable than on Instagram. Finding the latest and greatest treats is easier than ever, with geotags and hashtags providing instant information about where to find the hottest new spots and how others are engaging with them. Some even argue that Instagramming food makes it taste better.
Tessa Gluck is a food blogger who posts endless photos of tantalizing desserts on her Instagram page. Some of her posts are original photos she's taken herself, but many are from others who submit their snapshots to be featured on her profile, which has over 195,000 followers (and counting). "I see a photo that I think fits my theme, and I repost and give picture credit. Once I repost a picture, that photo ends up filling my followers' feeds, which essentially starts the trending process," Tessa said.
World-renowned chef, restaurateur, and Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis has witnessed the impact of social media from the inside. "Social media has put food - and the food industry - front and center, and it has created a whole food culture all on its own," she told us.
From the looks of it, the viral dessert culture isn't going anywhere. And as the weather warms up, we can't help but wonder what new crazes are going to emerge. Keep reading for the story behind all of the dessert trends that should be on your bucket list.
The Reason This Woman Was Discharged From the Navy Will Make You Furious
Though many women of color have been proudly wearing their natural kinks and curls, there are unfortunately still some who face discrimination (especially in the workplace) for their style choices. Jessica Sims, former Hospital Corpsman 2nd class and sailor, has experienced this ordeal firsthand after she was honorably discharged from the Navy after 12 years of service for refusing to cut her dreadlocks.
Sims has been wearing the hairstyle since 2005 and tying them into a bun. According to Navy Times, Jessica's hair was ruled out of regulation because the size of her bun was too "bulky" to accommodate the wearing of her gas mask. But Jessica argues that her locs were, in fact, never an issue during the majority of her service and very well within bounds of the regulations.
The U.S. Navy Grooming Standards states that locs are unauthorized. More specifically, braids and locks that are widely spaced and/or protrude from the head are forbidden. Though Jessica has worn her dreads tied into a bun for the majority of her service, they were still deemed unacceptable. Navy officials defended their decision to dismiss Jessica, stating that her locks presented safety concerns including being unable to wear protective headgear. The Navy chain of command stated that Jessica was presented with multiple opportunities to cut her hair but firmly refused. Consequently, she was released for disobeying orders.
Though the Navy has recently made minor changes to its grooming policies making natural hairstyles (like twists and cornrows) somewhat acceptable, Jessica believes that there is still bias against black women who choose to wear their natural hair in any style.
"To me, my natural hair is professional. It's all how you keep yourself up. I could just have a regular bun and not take care of that and it could look unprofessional," she said. Jessica added that the Navy should be explicit with its regulations against dreadlocks and ban (or permit) the style altogether, instead of being selective with various lengths and sizes.
Though Jessica does not bewail her decision of refusing to cut her locks, her unfortunate situation is just further evidence of the negative associations made with dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles. A woman's natural hair shouldn't discredit her professionalism, let alone her ability to protect and serve her country. Hopefully, society will continue to make strides in becoming more accepting of natural hair in the workplace to prevent further situations similar to Jessica's from occurring.
A 70+ Recipe Salute to Summer Grilling
When the sun is shining, we can't help but spend most of our time hovering over our grills. After all, everything from burgers to pizza to skewers and even sweet things can be (and should be) made in this manner. Cooking food over the coals seems to kiss it with a fire-roasted flavor that pairs perfectly with a cold, crisp beer and the Summer heat.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
We Tried All 7 Flavors of Halo Top Low-Calorie, High-Protein Ice Cream . . . and Here's How It Went
Holy sweetness, you guys. We finally got to try Halo Top ice cream - the protein-rich, low-sugar, low-carb, low-fat frozen goodness that we've had our eye on for months - and it didn't disappoint.
A quick nutritional breakdown of Halo Top flavors: an entire pint has between 240 and 280 calories, depending on the flavor, with each flavor offering 24 grams of protein per pint. By comparison, a pint of vanilla Haagen Dazs ice cream has 1,000 calories (not joking) - same with Ben & Jerry's.
In each serving of Halo Top, you'll get 6 grams of protein per serving, 20 percent of your daily fiber intake, and only 4 or 5 grams of sugar. In Haagen Dazs or Ben & Jerry's, you'll get 4 grams of protein, zero fiber, and about 20 grams of sugar.
We've tried healthy ice creams before, and to be perfectly honest, sometimes they just don't live up to the real thing; you're left unsatisfied and a little annoyed you didn't just let yourself have a scoop of regular ice cream. NOT the case with Halo Top, which for all intents and purposes, is just like regular ice cream. Here's how we know . . .
We may or may not have left out the fact that this ice cream was "healthy ice cream" when we invited POPSUGAR employees for a Friday treat in the kitchen. Unsuspecting colleagues came in to scoop up a little of each flavor and see which was their favorite, but they didn't pay much attention to the labels calling out the fact that they were relatively low-calorie and a good source of protein.
The result? When they found out, they were shocked. There was a whole lot of "Love!" and "Delicious!" and "Yummy!" in our taste test notes. Let's look at the definitive ranking of all seven flavors.
Vanilla Bean
Truly the cream of the crop. The VB flavor of Halo Top is the first perfect score we've seen on a Fitness taste test. With 5s all around, Vanilla Bean was said to be "smooth and not too sweet." Highlights included: "LOVE!! Healthy?! For real?!" "On. Point." "Perfection; I could marry this ice cream, it's that perfect and dependable." For a lifelong relationship with an ice cream you can count on, definitely grab the Vanilla Bean flavor of Halo Top.
Birthday Cake
We had been waiting to try this flavor for ages, as it was a bit tough to find in store. The funfetti style of rainbow chips gave it a touch of nostalgia, and the flavor definitely delivered. "Tastes like bday cake," "tastes like yellow cake batter," "really good texture for a low cal ice cream," and "sweet God," were among the best reviews. Those who didn't prefer this flavor said it was too sweet for their preference, which was great, because it allowed the rest of us to finish the pint.
Mint Chip
Mint Chip received high scores, but perplexingly did not live up to the latter half of its name. "Love the mintiness! Wish there were more chips," said one reviewer. "Creamy & delicious – what no crunchy chips?" said another. "I mean, it's really delicious but where TF are the chips?!" chimed in a third. This pattern went on. Perhaps if Halo Top had simply named this flavor "Mint" and left it at that, it'd have scored higher. Seems to be a bit of false advertising in the chip department, but overall, the flavor was well received by every single taste tester, and never scored below 4 points.
Strawberry
Even though the jury is a bit out for our dear Strawberry flavor, it still ranked nearly 4 stars, which is particularly high for any taste test. "Really tasty" and "Creamy! Yummy!" were countered by "Yummy but odd aftertaste," and "the taste is so unclear to me." Overall, it's probably the best healthy strawberry ice cream you'll find at the store, and would probably make an awesome milkshake.
Chocolate
As far as chocolate ice creams go, this one got pretty great reviews. Although some reviewers commented that it's "not as good as vanilla," people noted that it was "delicious" and "silky smooth." Most reviews did, however, note an "odd" or "peculiar" aftertaste.
Chocolate Mocha Chip
The downfall of Chocolate Mocha Chip, or CMC as we'll call it, was not the flavor - it was the texture. Whereas the other flavors seemed to have more of a silky smoothness, CMC had a bit of a "powdery," "dry," "strange, crumbly" texture. In fact, all reviews noted the great flavor, but odd texture. Definitely not the worst we've tried.
Lemon Cake
To be quite honest, I'm a little surprised that Lemon Cake came in last, but when every flavor is truly delicious, someone has to take last place, you know? The worst reviews said "Just OK" and "meep . . . eh" (whatever that means). The best reviews were several "yummy"s, "best one," and "tastes just like lemon and cake!!!"
18 Exciting and Romantic Pictures From Bridget Jones's Baby
The wait for Bridget Jones's Baby is almost over! The third film from the British romantic comedy hits theaters on Sept. 16, but in the meantime you can catch a glimpse of the delightful story with these brand new stills. Even though the photos don't give us very much information as to who's the father of Bridget's child, they do feature some gorgeous shots of the McDreamy, Patrick Dempsey. Check them out below and then get pumped for the film by rewatching the trailer.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Latest Outing Includes a Very Creepy Toy Dinosaur
Prince William and Kate Middleton were all smiles when they visited the Eden Project, an educational charity that teaches people about the living world, in Cornwall, England, on Friday. The royal couple looked completely amused as they explored the Rainforest Biome, the world's largest indoor rainforest, and came in contact with a few funny creatures. While William donned a blazer and khaki slacks, Kate added a pop of color with her jacket and printed blue trousers from Gap. Not only did the pair stop for a refreshing drink at the Baobab & Rum Bar, but the Duchess of Cambridge also shared a few laughs when she was greeted by a toy dinosaur. Later that day, the couple continued the fun by hopping on a boat to St Martin, waving at the crowd as they took off.
Gabrielle Union Opens Up About Being the Victim of a Horrific Sexual Assault
In the midst of Sundance darling The Birth of a Nation receiving sweeping praise from critics everywhere, rape allegations against the film's director, actor, and producer Nate Parker resurfaced. Nate and friend Jean Celestin - who co-wrote The Birth of a Nation - were accused of raping a fellow student at Penn State. Nate was acquitted of his charges and Celestin's initial conviction was eventually overturned, and in 2012 their accuser committed suicide. Due to the accusations attracting a great deal of media attention, one of the film's brightest stars, Gabrielle Union, addressed the topic in a thoughtful, heartbreaking op-ed for the LA Times on Friday, which details her own experiences as a rape survivor.
"Twenty-four years ago I was raped at gunpoint in the cold, dark backroom of the Payless shoe store where I was then working," Gabrielle began the essay. "Two years ago I signed on to a brilliant script called The Birth of a Nation, to play a woman who was raped . . . Seventeen years ago Nate Parker was accused and acquitted of sexual assault. Four years ago the woman who accused him committed suicide." The Top Five actress noted that "rape is a wound that throbs long after it heals," and that since Nate's story was revealed to her, she found herself "in a state of stomach-churning confusion."
Gabrielle plays an unnamed slave who ends up being raped, and noted that although she took the role specifically for the reason that she could represent "countless black women who have been and continue to be violated," she couldn't remain silent any longer. "As important and groundbreaking as this film is, I cannot take these allegations lightly," she wrote, adding, "This is real. We are real. Sexual violence happens more often than anyone can imagine. And if the stories around this film do not prove and emphasize this, then I don't know what does."
This Mom Is Blown Away by the Selfless Thing Her Son Did With a Pair of Sneakers
This young boy filled our hearts with joy after he asked his mom for a favor, showing how truly selfless and caring he is. When Erin Fedele's son Jaymes asked her if he could give a pair of sneakers away to a classmate, it was in that moment she realized what a good person he was growing up to be. In a Facebook post, Jaymes smiles ear to ear with his LeBron sneakers.
"Today, Jaymes asked me if he could give a pair of his LeBron 13s to a friend at school because his friends soles were falling off. He said 'why should I have all these nice shoes and my friend has to glue the bottoms on his?' I'm beyond proud of the heart this kid has."
For a parent, it's an incredible moment to see your child act so selflessly out of the goodness of his or her heart, and we can all learn something from Jaymes. Now, parents have read about this young boy's act of kindness and are sharing their own stories in the comments.
We Tried All 7 Flavors of Halo Top Low-Calorie, High-Protein Ice Cream . . . and Here's How It Went
Holy sweetness, you guys. We finally got to try Halo Top ice cream - the protein-rich, low-sugar, low-carb, low-fat frozen goodness that we've had our eye on for months - and it didn't disappoint.
A quick nutritional breakdown of Halo Top flavors: an entire pint has between 240 and 280 calories, depending on the flavor, with each flavor offering 24 grams of protein per pint. By comparison, a pint of vanilla Haagen Dazs ice cream has 1,000 calories (not joking) - same with Ben & Jerry's.
In each serving of Halo Top, you'll get 6 grams of protein per serving, 20 percent of your daily fiber intake, and only 4 or 5 grams of sugar. In Haagen Dazs or Ben & Jerry's, you'll get 4 grams of protein, zero fiber, and about 20 grams of sugar.
We've tried healthy ice creams before, and to be perfectly honest, sometimes they just don't live up to the real thing; you're left unsatisfied and a little annoyed you didn't just let yourself have a scoop of regular ice cream. NOT the case with Halo Top, which for all intents and purposes, is just like regular ice cream. Here's how we know . . .
We may or may not have left out the fact that this ice cream was "healthy ice cream" when we invited POPSUGAR employees for a Friday treat in the kitchen. Unsuspecting colleagues came in to scoop up a little of each flavor and see which was their favorite, but they didn't pay much attention to the labels calling out the fact that they were relatively low-calorie and a good source of protein.
The result? When they found out, they were shocked. There was a whole lot of "Love!" and "Delicious!" and "Yummy!" in our taste test notes. Let's look at the definitive ranking of all seven flavors.
Vanilla Bean
Truly the cream of the crop. The VB flavor of Halo Top is the first perfect score we've seen on a Fitness taste test. With 5s all around, Vanilla Bean was said to be "smooth and not too sweet." Highlights included: "LOVE!! Healthy?! For real?!" "On. Point." "Perfection; I could marry this ice cream, it's that perfect and dependable." For a lifelong relationship with an ice cream you can count on, definitely grab the Vanilla Bean flavor of Halo Top.
Birthday Cake
We had been waiting to try this flavor for ages, as it was a bit tough to find in store. The funfetti style of rainbow chips gave it a touch of nostalgia, and the flavor definitely delivered. "Tastes like bday cake," "tastes like yellow cake batter," "really good texture for a low cal ice cream," and "sweet God," were among the best reviews. Those who didn't prefer this flavor said it was too sweet for their preference, which was great, because it allowed the rest of us to finish the pint.
Mint Chip
Mint Chip received high scores, but perplexingly did not live up to the latter half of its name. "Love the mintiness! Wish there were more chips," said one reviewer. "Creamy & delicious – what no crunchy chips?" said another. "I mean, it's really delicious but where TF are the chips?!" chimed in a third. This pattern went on. Perhaps if Halo Top had simply named this flavor "Mint" and left it at that, it'd have scored higher. Seems to be a bit of false advertising in the chip department, but overall, the flavor was well received by every single taste tester, and never scored below 4 points.
Strawberry
Even though the jury is a bit out for our dear Strawberry flavor, it still ranked nearly 4 stars, which is particularly high for any taste test. "Really tasty" and "Creamy! Yummy!" were countered by "Yummy but odd aftertaste," and "the taste is so unclear to me." Overall, it's probably the best healthy strawberry ice cream you'll find at the store, and would probably make an awesome milkshake.
Chocolate
As far as chocolate ice creams go, this one got pretty great reviews. Although some reviewers commented that it's "not as good as vanilla," people noted that it was "delicious" and "silky smooth." Most reviews did, however, note an "odd" or "peculiar" aftertaste.
Chocolate Mocha Chip
The downfall of Chocolate Mocha Chip, or CMC as we'll call it, was not the flavor - it was the texture. Whereas the other flavors seemed to have more of a silky smoothness, CMC had a bit of a "powdery," "dry," "strange, crumbly" texture. In fact, all reviews noted the great flavor, but odd texture. Definitely not the worst we've tried.
Lemon Cake
To be quite honest, I'm a little surprised that Lemon Cake came in last, but when every flavor is truly delicious, someone has to take last place, you know? The worst reviews said "Just OK" and "meep . . . eh" (whatever that means). The best reviews were several "yummy"s, "best one," and "tastes just like lemon and cake!!!"
Samsung's New Pink Gold Galaxy Phone Is Another Reason Not to Get the New iPhone
Samsung just gave you another reason not to get the new iPhone. The company's Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge now come in a new color: pink gold.
The new version is in Best Buy stores starting Aug. 28, a week before the supposed announcement of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. It's definitely not the softer rose gold option Apple offers for the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, but it's still a pretty color. Anyone who buys the pink gold phone will receive a $150 Best Buy gift card. Above, you can see the pink gold phone for the Galaxy S7 and below for the Galaxy S7 Edge.
If you were torn between waiting for the latest addition to the iPhone line or picking a Samsung phone, this might be the reason you finally switch over. The S7 and S7 Edge will feel like a new phone, whereas the latest rumors about the iPhone 7 indicate that it won't feel that different from the 6S series.
6 Things That Have Happened Since Drake Declared His Love For Rihanna at the VMAs
Drake and Rihanna's are-they-or-aren't-they relationship has been going on since 2009, but it finally seems like they're official. Drake has never been shy about his feelings for the "Work" singer, and he made sure everyone knew it when he put up a giant billboard to celebrate her well-deserved MTV Video Vanguard award the day before the VMAs. When the night finally arrived on Sunday, Drake and Rihanna ended up having one of the show's most memorable moments thanks to the sweet near-kiss they shared on stage and the seriously epic speech Drake gave her. The couple's relationship keeps heating up, so let's take a minute to examine everything that's gone down between them since Drake's declaration of love at the VMAs.
Mom Writes a Thank-You to the Cop Who Pulled Over Her and Her 1-Year-Old Son
Driving to the hospital at 3 a.m. with her 1-year-old son, Mindy Matthewson wasn't expecting to have a run-in with the local sheriff's department. Pulling over Matthewson, Deputy Kyle Cleveringa was expecting to give a ticket for a broken taillight and license plate light, not to find a worried mother and a small boy with labored breathing in the back seat. After Cleveringa assessed the situation, he told Matthewson to continue driving to the hospital with her son.
In a post to Woodbury County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page, Matthewson described what happened next.
He followed me to the hospital, helped me carry my things into the ER, offered to hold my son while I filled out paper work, gave my son a stuffed toy truck, and was helping to comfort him by talking to him and giving him high-fives. My family and I are very thankful for deputy Cleveringa and everything he did for my son and I this morning. He went above and beyond and I cannot thank him enough.
And as for her son's breathing and that pesky taillight? "P.S. My son is fine and I will fix those lights ASAP!"
Victoria Beckham's Pared-Down Vogue Cover Will Inspire You to Embrace Uncomplicated Fashion
Victoria Beckham appears very much herself on the cover of British Vogue's October issue, though the slip-dress-clad designer's minimalist look couldn't be further from the Spice Girls image that brought her early fame in the '90s. That's a fact Victoria herself knows well and has come to appreciate, telling the magazine in a letter to herself:
"You are going to have so much fun with your clothes - PVC catsuits; chokers that say absurd things; weird spiky blonde hair. It will never occur to you that you appear ridiculous. You will turn up at awards ceremonies resembling a drag queen. But I look back at you and smile. It will add interest to your life to go from one extreme to another. I love the fact that you will feel free to express yourself."
We love it, too - and the fact that she's become a style icon for a generation of women who grew up imitating Posh Spice and are now taking a page from her modern, polished aesthetic. That is exactly what you'll find in these pages: a cool, uncomplicated version of sophistication that Victoria does so well. Read on to see the shoot in full.
The Story Behind This Elderly Woman's Manicure Will Bring You to Tears
Many of us know that a simple manicure can boost confidence levels. But nursing aide Brandalyn Mae Porter's touching story proves that polish can change lives.
Brandalyn explained that before she painted a new resident's nails, she suggested lacquer colors. Her elderly client said that she only wanted clear. "The only thought that came to my mind was 'CLEAR?! That's no fun,'" Brandalyn admitted. When she asked why she didn't want any particular shade, the resident said, "My hands are ugly, I don't want to draw attention to them."
While many people might have just painted on the clear polish after a comment like that, Brandalyn went above and beyond. She told her client, "Your hands tell the story of your life. They tell the story of love, of care and adventure. These hands have touched and held things that most people can only wish to one day." Happily, the resident decided on pink polish for her manicure.
Brandalyn's moving story has since received thousands of shares on Facebook with many supportive comments. "You amaze me all the time with your genuine compassion for people," remarked Facebook user Rachel Mejia. "You're [definitely] in the right career field."
"Sometimes what we are so insecure with, others find beauty in," Brandalyn wisely commented. Read on, and don't be surprised if you get a little emotional.
Mary-Kate Olsen Shows Off Her Wedding Ring While Riding a Horse in the Hamptons
Mary-Kate Olsen had the support of her husband, Olivier Sarkozy, when she competed in the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, New York, on Thursday. Dressed in a navy blazer, button-down shirt, and khaki slacks, the fashion designer showed off her impressive equestrian skills (and her wedding ring!) as she rode her horse around the obstacle course. Of course, this isn't the 30-year-old's first rodeo. Not only has she been a competitor in the event since 2013, but we've also seen her riding horses as a kid in her classic movies with twin sister Ashley. Needless to say, these pictures are definitely making us want to re-watch It Takes Two ASAP.
These 28 Travel Beauty Items Are the Only Ones You Need to Pack
Packing for a long weekend is one of the most stressful tasks a beauty junkie can endure. Editing down your favorite goods (do you really need a dry shampoo and a texture spray?) can be daunting and take hours if you're not prepared. You also may be confused about what to splurge on (skin care!) and what to save on (hairspray, trust us) when it comes to buying travel-size products.
To help you get ready for long Summer weekends, we are offering up the ultimate selection of beauty minis. Basically, we made the good decisions for you, so all you need to do is decide which cosmetics case to put them in (the struggle is so real). Keep reading to see our travel picks for skin, hair, and body care.
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Basically the Human Version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte
You know that feeling you get when Fall starts, you break out your flannel shirts, take crisp walks in the chilly air, and consume everything pumpkin flavored you can get your hands on? Well, looking at Jake Gyllenhaal puts us in that same blissful state. The actor looked like his handsome self when he stepped out at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Friday. Dressed in a chic suit jacket and pants, he flashed his sexy smile while making his way around the city on a boat and while hitting the red carpet for the his new film, Nocturnal Animals. Besides looking cute, he also made time to mingle with his fans by taking selfies and waving to the crowd. Anytime you want to stop making us fall so in love with you would be great, Jake. We've got lives to live.
Girl Who Lost Sister to Cancer Shares What You Can Do For Families Going Through the Same Thing
"Katy never specifically talked to me about dying, but this is what happened right before she passed away," begins Kristin Long Barry, years after her 12-year-old sister lost her two-year battle with pediatric colon cancer.
"My mom was with her early that morning and she was lying there and suddenly shot up in bed. She said: 'Mommy, the doves just touched me! I see Jesus and He wants me to go with him!'
My mom said Katy was scared to leave all of us. But when my mom told her it was OK and to go, she laid back down and died."
If that story – or the touching photo of the siblings, with young Katy giving a full-tooth grin – doesn't make you want to do something for a similar family in need, Kristin has some first-hand advice on what you can do for other families whose children have had cancer. In a Facebook post shared by KTVU anchor Frank Somerville, she explains how she was a week shy of her ninth-grade graduation at the time of her younger sister's death and remembers the acts of kindness that truly made a difference.
- Pray. "I believe that the most important thing we can do for these families is to pray for them. But we can also help out in other ways."
- Prep meals. "When Katy was sick, it was so nice for my parents not to have to worry about meals."
- Run errands. "Moms tend to spend a lot of time in the hospital with their child, so offering to do laundry or pick up a sibling from school can be a blessing."
- Send over a toy. "Sometimes it's as simple as sending a quick note telling the family you're thinking about them, or sending over a toy for the child to take with them to one of their treatments.
- Give a gift card. "Gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores are a great idea, as well as any monetary gifts to help with the overwhelming costs that occur trying to battle the disease.
- Embrace them. "If you know someone whose child is struggling with cancer, and you're not sure what to say to them, don't say anything. Just give them a hug."
Kate Middleton Wore the 1 Piece We Had Yet to See On Her – and Now We Can't Forget About It
Kate Middleton's wardrobe is full of classic pieces she can wear again and again, so it's never a surprise to see her in similar looks. But just because she likes to keep a few pieces in rotation doesn't mean she won't try something new. During her visit to the Eden Project in Cornwall, the Duchess pulled a very bold style move with a pair of printed blue trousers. The geometric design was not an accidental choice as the colors matched her navy blazer and she even coordinated with Prince William's look for effect. She kept the rest of her look neutral with beige pumps and a cream sweater.
Now if you're thinking, "I need a pair of pants like that for Fall," we're right with you. This one piece can instantly transform the most basic of looks and thankfully, you can shop similar options below. Read on to see how Kate styled her pants and you can bet the Queen would have approved of this outfit.
Samsung Is Recalling the Note 7 Amid Battery Concerns
After numerous reports of the Note 7 exploding or catching on fire, Samsung is officially recalling the device. The company issued a statement on Sept. 2 stating that it "found a battery cell issue."
So far, the company stated that there are 35 cases where users reported a problem with the phone's battery. While they conduct an investigation into the matter, Samsung is stopping all sales and shipment of the Note 7. If you're someone who already has a Note 7, Samsung will replace it, though it's unclear when and how long that will take.
The problem with the phones involved one user reporting that their Note 7 caught fire and several others on Samsung's support page in Singapore stating their phones were getting really hot while it charged.
At the very least, Samsung has taken note of the matter and is acting swiftly to make sure customers aren't in danger from their phones.
The Only Thing Michael Phelps Cares More About Than Gold Medals Is Boomer's Instagram
Michael Phelps might be the cutest stage dad we've ever seen. The gold medal winner appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night, where he couldn't help but gush over his adorable son, Boomer. In addition to confirming what we already knew to be true ("[Boomer] is definitely gonna be the cool kid"), the VMA presenter also revealed that he is the mastermind behind his son's supercute Instagram account. While his fiancée, Nicole Johnson, who he said he'll be tying the knot with at the end of the year, takes most of the photos, Michael is the one who does all the posting. He also touched on how he'll be getting more involved with the Michael Phelps Foundation now that he's retired, but that Boomer will be with him every step of the way. "The little man gets to travel everywhere with us," he said. "It's awesome."
12 Hair Color Trends You Need to Try For Your Fall Makeover
You spent all Summer growing out those mermaid waves, and now that Autumn is upon us, you don't want to cut them but you still crave a change. Go for a new hair hue, instead! Fall is the ideal time to dye your strands, because you don't have to worry about the sun or chlorine altering the formula. Plus, it's a back-to-school rite of passage (even if you graduated a very long time ago).
We quizzed a bevy of color experts on what the hottest hues and dye trends are this season. Everything from exposed roots to subtly lighter tips to shocking blue is going to be major for Fall. Keep reading and get ready to screenshot one of these photos for your stylist!
More than 100 Canadians have opted for assisted death since law passed
Doctors and nurse practitioners have helped hasten the deaths of more than 100 Canadians since the federal law governing medical aid in dying was passed in June.
Canadian Blood Services seek more donations during summer lull
The organization has put a call for all blood types to help replenish the blood supply by Labour Day, since donations traditionally drop during the summer.
More than 100 Canadians have opted for assisted death since law passed
Doctors and nurse practitioners have helped hasten the deaths of more than 100 Canadians since the federal law governing medical aid in dying was passed in June.
Canadian Blood Services seek more donations during summer lull
The organization has put a call for all blood types to help replenish the blood supply by Labour Day, since donations traditionally drop during the summer.
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