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.
vendredi 7 octobre 2016
Scientific Study Reveals 5 Reasons Moms Are More Stressed Than Dads, as If We Even Needed 1
A new study reveals that moms are more stressed out about parenting than dads?! Thank you, lead researcher Captain Obvious for whatever longitudinal experimentation went into drumming up that conclusion.
We'd like to imagine that the person who performed this latest parenting study - which was just published in the American Sociological Review - had a husband at home who kept saying, "Prove it!" when she'd complain about doing more work. But it's more likely that she reviewed timed diaries of more than 1,200 parents for the rest of us ladies . . . so that we had something to print off, tape to the refrigerator door, and point to whenever things got rough.
So, if you've been long telling your partner that you have it harder, and if by some tragic fluke, he doesn't believe you, you now have scientific evidence to back your claims. Evidence that says:
1. Moms actually have less fun being a parent.
"The good news from our study is that parents generally enjoy being with their kids," University of Minnesota researcher Ann Meier, who led the research, said. "But the bad news is that mothers are more stressed and enjoy it less than fathers." (Is he still stumped as to why? Read on . . . )
2. Moms perform worse parenting tasks. Categorically.
Scientific research quantitatively confirms that women do less of the desirable parenting tasks: "Mothers are doing different things with their children than fathers are, things that we know aren't as enjoyable," Cornell professor and co-author Kelly Musick said. "Playing with their kids is a particularly enjoyable experience for parents. And dads are doing more play as a share of the total amount of time they spend with their kids."
As for moms, "They're going to play when they have time to play, but they're going to make sure they have everything else covered," she said. "Dinner is made, the kids are bathed, laundry is folded. They do play with their kids, but when you take account of all the things they're doing, it's just a smaller share of their time."
3. A mom's role as the primary caregiver hasn't evolved with her increased presence in the workforce.
On the other hand, because of historical precedence, fathers experience less - as researchers dub it - "role strain." That's a nice, scholarly way of saying "mommy guilt."
4. Time spent away from kids is less restorative for moms. (Because it involves kids.)
"Mothers are more likely than fathers to be called on by kids "around the clock," Meier said. "Fathers' sleep and downtime are less likely than mothers' to be interrupted by kids. This is part of the reason fathers are less tired than mothers when parenting."
5. Moms multi-task, and multi-tasking is empirically the worst.
According to this research, our own brains are working against us - preventing us from relaxing or focusing - because we are performing more "sentient activities" behind the scenes. We're ticking off things in our mental to-do list, organizing events, and generally handling more tasks at once because we're more often alone with kids than dads are.
There you have it: all things you already know. You might as well go ahead and add "scientist" to your résumé and start conducting your own experiments. Oh, wait, we just outlined five reasons why that does not sound like a good use of your time. Let's all stick with wine instead.
This Halloween Makeup Tutorial Is Perfect For Women Who Want to Look Terrifyingly Glam
With the highly popular show Scream Queens taking place in a hospital in its second season, it seems fitting that one beauty blogger is taking the traditional sexy nurse Halloween costume and giving it a gruesome spin. On YouTube, Shaaanxo recently shared a sexy-meets-scary nurse makeup tutorial complete with creepy blood splatter.
The look is achieved by first applying a full face of glamorous makeup. Think full-coverage foundation, metallic eye shadow, thick winged liner, some highlighter, and red lipstick. (What's great about this part of the tutorial is that it's useful as a wearable makeup look for a sexy night out or special occasion.) The next step, however, is what brings the look into Halloween.
To get that aforementioned splatter, she uses Colour Pop's Creme Gel Colour in Best O and gently dabs it around her face and neck with a stippling sponge. She then repeats the same process with special effects scab blood and stage blood.
Though the finished result is decidedly freaky, the entire look is actually pretty easy to replicate. Check out the full tutorial above.
The Workout That Helped This Woman Lose 230 Pounds
Weight-loss success happens when you truly love to live a healthy lifestyle, as Cynthia Ortega found out. Here, she tells Zumba's lifestyle blog, Zlife, about her struggles with weight and how she finally found what works - and lost 230 pounds!
Cynthia: Before
Born and raised in Houston, Cynthia Ortega used to look in the mirror and hate what she saw. "I felt horrible and sad," she says. "I used to dread going to restaurants with my husband because I knew I wouldn't fit in the seat." Often smiling on the outside, deep down inside, she wasn't happy. She was trapped in her own body, desperately wanting to be someone else. Even her husband, who was very supportive, felt helpless.
Heavy mostly her whole life, she had never exercised and had many failed attempts with crash diets. One day, while standing in line to order pizza with her husband, a little girl pointed at Cynthia and said to her mom, "Look mom, that's a big lady!" Everyone heard it and Cynthia was mortified. In 2009, she was hospitalized with the swine flu and couldn't even fit through the MRI machine. She went into an induced coma and had to learn to walk and eat again. Due to her weight, she also discovered she had sleep apnea and diabetes.
Cynthia: Before
At a crossroads in her life, it finally clicked for Cynthia that she had to get healthy for herself and her young son who looked up to his mom and needed a positive influence. In 2013, she stumbled across a gym near her home and peeked in to see people taking a Zumba class. "It just looked like a lot of fun and something I could do." She and her friend signed up and, within one month of taking two classes per week, she lost 30 pounds! And that was just the beginning of her transformation.
Cynthia: After
Now 230 pounds lighter, she takes Zumba classes 12 times per week and puts more thought into her diet. She even started a YouTube page to chronicle her weight loss, called "BestFriendFitness" in the hopes of inspiring others out there to get healthy.
At 29 years old and married for eight years, Cynthia is inspiring her husband and family members to be healthy and eat foods in moderation. "Now, when my husband takes me out to a restaurant, I don't have to care about the chairs and if I'll fit in them. I love taking selfies and when I look in the mirror I feel great." She recently went back to the doctor for some tests and stayed four extra days to find out that all her health issues had disappeared and her heart rate was that of a fit person's!
Cynthia: After
So what is Cynthia's advice to others who are suffering from weight issues? "Find what works for you and something you're passionate about. You have to be persistent. You can't expect results from one day to the next. Zumba Fitness is challenging for me. My friends think I make it look easy, but I get out of breath . . . sore . . . tired. It's something that I truly love."
Cynthia: After
More from ZLife:
The Workout That Helped This Woman Lose 230 Pounds
Weight-loss success happens when you truly love to live a healthy lifestyle, as Cynthia Ortega found out. Here, she tells Zumba's lifestyle blog, Zlife, about her struggles with weight and how she finally found what works - and lost 230 pounds!
Cynthia: Before
Born and raised in Houston, Cynthia Ortega used to look in the mirror and hate what she saw. "I felt horrible and sad," she says. "I used to dread going to restaurants with my husband because I knew I wouldn't fit in the seat." Often smiling on the outside, deep down inside, she wasn't happy. She was trapped in her own body, desperately wanting to be someone else. Even her husband, who was very supportive, felt helpless.
Heavy mostly her whole life, she had never exercised and had many failed attempts with crash diets. One day, while standing in line to order pizza with her husband, a little girl pointed at Cynthia and said to her mom, "Look mom, that's a big lady!" Everyone heard it and Cynthia was mortified. In 2009, she was hospitalized with the swine flu and couldn't even fit through the MRI machine. She went into an induced coma and had to learn to walk and eat again. Due to her weight, she also discovered she had sleep apnea and diabetes.
Cynthia: Before
At a crossroads in her life, it finally clicked for Cynthia that she had to get healthy for herself and her young son who looked up to his mom and needed a positive influence. In 2013, she stumbled across a gym near her home and peeked in to see people taking a Zumba class. "It just looked like a lot of fun and something I could do." She and her friend signed up and, within one month of taking two classes per week, she lost 30 pounds! And that was just the beginning of her transformation.
Cynthia: After
Now 230 pounds lighter, she takes Zumba classes 12 times per week and puts more thought into her diet. She even started a YouTube page to chronicle her weight loss, called "BestFriendFitness" in the hopes of inspiring others out there to get healthy.
At 29 years old and married for eight years, Cynthia is inspiring her husband and family members to be healthy and eat foods in moderation. "Now, when my husband takes me out to a restaurant, I don't have to care about the chairs and if I'll fit in them. I love taking selfies and when I look in the mirror I feel great." She recently went back to the doctor for some tests and stayed four extra days to find out that all her health issues had disappeared and her heart rate was that of a fit person's!
Cynthia: After
So what is Cynthia's advice to others who are suffering from weight issues? "Find what works for you and something you're passionate about. You have to be persistent. You can't expect results from one day to the next. Zumba Fitness is challenging for me. My friends think I make it look easy, but I get out of breath . . . sore . . . tired. It's something that I truly love."
Cynthia: After
More from ZLife:
8 Killer Netflix Horror Movies For All You Slasher Fans Out There
With so many horror movies on Netflix right now, it's easy to get overwhelmed. After all, there are tons of different kinds of horror films: monster movies, psychological horror, "torture porn," even sci-fi. But there's one subgenre that's a true staple of the category: slasher films. Here's the best of what Netflix has to offer at the moment.
Sean Penn and His 24-Year-Old Girlfriend Attend Their First Public Event Together
Sean Penn and Leila George made their relationship red carpet official when they attended the Film Independent at LACMA event in LA on Thursday. The two were all smiles as they posed alongside film critic Elvis Mitchell. While the actor dressed casual in a denim shirt, his girlfriend, who is the 24-year-old daughter of actor Vincent D'Onofrio, donned a black dress and red wig. The pair was first linked last week, when they were spotted making out in the ocean in Hawaii. This marks Sean's first public romance since his split from Charlize Theron back in June 2015. He was also previously married to Robin Wright, with whom he shares two children, daughter Dylan, 25, and son Hopper, 23.
This Video Of Adele, 2 Dads, and 1 Baby Is Enough to Make Your Heart Explode
In case you needed another reason to love Adele, this video from her concert in Toronto will make your heart explode.
Although the talented performer is known to take selfies during her concerts, this adorable moment between Adele, baby Jackson, and his two dads might be the sweetest yet. After inviting Jon (who was wearing Jackson) and Steve on stage, Adele greeted each with a big hug - and then handed over her microphone to let the adorable baby express himself. After he said his peace to the audience, she offered to snap a selfie with the family before apologizing to Jackson for suffocating him in her boobs during another hug.
This lucky little one didn't seem to mind, and she also signed his orange noise-canceling headphones as a reminder of the night he shared a microphone with Adele.
What Happens in The Walking Dead Comic Books After That Major Death
Image Source: AMC
Negan has arrived, and we're already wishing he would go away. After several months of The Walking Dead fans freaking out about who the new villain would kill, April's season finale ended on a big cliffhanger. While we can only speculate as to who he murders with Lucille, we do know how the rest of Negan's storyline plays out in the comic book series. The Walking Dead TV series has veered from canon before, so we can't assume any of this will really go down on the show. Then again, we won't get new episodes of the series until Oct. 23, so we may as well read up.
At this point, you have to know that in the comic books, it's Glenn who Negan mercilessly beats to death with Lucille. So after all that ugliness, Negan and a group of the Saviors head to the Alexandria safe zone to take a bunch of stuff from Rick's people. Carl ends up hiding in the truck with Negan's men on the way back, and when he's found out, Carl uses an assualt rifle to kill a bunch of the Saviors. Rather than killing him, Negan takes an interest in Carl. He shows Carl around his compound, the Sanctuary, makes a stop to torment one of his many wives, and forces Carl to remove the bandage from his eye socket. Negan even lets Carl hold Lucille while he burns the face of a man whom his "wife" slept with.
Days later, Negan goes by Alexandria and is approached by Spencer Monroe when Rick is gone. Spencer tells him that Rick is a bad leader, and that he (Spencer) should be in charge. Negan kills him on the spot for his cowardice - RIP Spencer. Negan and Rick butt heads one last time before he leaves Alexandria, and on his way back to his compound, Negan is attacked by Rick and his crew. Negan basically laughs in his face and Rick realizes that he's surrounded by Negan's army. There's a scuffle but Negan ends up back at the Sanctuary to prepare for "All Out War." (This is a big deal in the comics.)
Rick is actually the one who initiates a fight with Negan and his men. He tells Negan to clear the space of women and children, and when Negan refuses, Rick and his men open fire. Rick's army takes out a portion of the walls, allowing zombies to pour in and flood the courtyard. In the heat of battle, Negan catches one of his men about to rape a woman from Rick's side. Negan stabs him and apologizes to the woman. Despite having several wives, Negan does not approve of sexual violence. Part One of the war ends with Negan's men bombing Alexandria with grenades.
The next day, Negan comes up with a plan to cover Lucille and all of his men's weapons in zombie guts. That way, whoever they hit will be instantly infected. They attack Rick's colony, and Rick ends up getting shot with an arrow. Negan and his men temporarily retreat, and when they go to take over Rick's people, Negan is shocked to see that Rick is still alive. Rick manages to convince him that they shouldn't be fighting; they should be pooling their resources to fight the zombies - then he slashes Negan's throat. Don't freak out; Negan doesn't die.
Two years later, Carl goes to the basement in an unknown house and talks to a shadowy figure about a girl who showed him her boobs. (I'm not making this up.) The man asks Carl if he still wants to kill him, and Carl says, "Yes, Negan. You know I do." He's been living in the basement for two years! He and Rick have some loaded discussions about mercy and why Rick is really keeping Negan alive. Negan ends up escaping with a character named Brandon Rose. He's still alive in the comics, but he's missing in action.
And there you have it! That's Negan's storyline as far as we know. Let's see how closely the show sticks to the books next season.
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jeudi 6 octobre 2016
Cancel All Your Fall Plans Just So You Can Lounge Around In These Everlane x Opening Ceremony Sweaters
Slipping on your coziest sweater is the best way to welcome Fall. Of course getting comfy also means we're that much more inclined to stay indoors. But rest easy, it appears Everlane and Opening Ceremony have come up with a plan to help us binge watch Netflix in style by creating 13 cashmere essentials, from cardigans to sweaters.
The collection, which launches Oct. 13 has styles for both men and women, including limited-edition cashmere sweaters: the cropped crew ($225) and turtleneck ($325). They'll be available exclusively at Opening Ceremony stores in NYC and LA, while the rest will be shoppable at Everlane. Get your #sweaterweather game on by scrolling ahead to see the snug selections.
If You're Concerned The Walking Dead Will Draw Out the Negan Death Reveal, Don't Worry
Even months later, gut-wrenching season six finale of The Walking Dead is still fresh in our minds. We're still reeling and trying to come to terms with how everything went down. Going into the finale episode, there was one thing we dreaded that ended being our horrific reality: an awful cliffhanger. In the time since, the creators' defense of the finale has fallen on deaf ears; we're too busy puzzling out who Negan kills. Even so, we couldn't help but worry: what if we don't even get our answer in the season seven premiere? To help assuage your fears, we're rounded up a few quotes that help nail down when this reveal will go down. Find them ahead, then get even more details about season seven.
Apple's New Commercial With Mary J. Blige and Hillary Clinton Is Pretty Awkward
When Apple releases new ads, they are usually inspiring or beautiful, touching videos. That's not the case in the latest ad for an Apple Music show with Mary J. Blige and Hillary Clinton. It's a little awkward to watch, and the internet agrees.
The first ad, which was tweeted out by Apple Music on Sept. 26, is to promote a new show coming to Apple Music on Sept. 30 called The 411 With Mary J. Blige. The video shows Blige singing to Clinton about police brutality and race. The snippet of the song is powerful, with lines like "It ain't no secret, no secret my friend you can get killed for living in your American skin." However, in the video, Blige grabs Clinton's hand as she sings, and it feels odd to see it happen out of context of the interview. Watch it below.
Like you've never seen them before.@MaryJBlige sits down with @HillaryClinton.#The411
Coming September 30th.https://t.co/hbaWqfjJcp http://pic.twitter.com/P2qpm3h3Pm- Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 27, 2016
Do you feel weird? Awkward? You're not the only one, and the rest of the internet had plenty to say about it.
@AppleMusic @maryjblige @HillaryClinton http://pic.twitter.com/qu2X87pRB4
- yunq clatchèt (@whayanameis) September 27, 2016
@AppleMusic @maryjblige @HillaryClinton http://pic.twitter.com/zJlTl4Qukp
- Bae. K. Rowling (@HeelsNheartbrk) September 27, 2016
Hillary just came for snacks and MJB does this... @AppleMusic @maryjblige @HillaryClinton http://pic.twitter.com/4PeDohbWb0
- Delonté De Clou (@dilemmv) September 27, 2016
@AppleMusic @maryjblige @HillaryClinton Who thought this was a good idea? http://pic.twitter.com/R3EJ4mKeMT
- Lexis ❤️⚓️ (@mostRIHquested) September 27, 2016
@AppleMusic http://pic.twitter.com/kWPbLJ28J0
- G-Lo (@incogneglo) September 27, 2016
The second ad is a little better, as it shows Blige asking Clinton some poignant questions. Watch it for yourself below.
An intimate conversation.@MaryJBlige and @HillaryClinton.#The411 coming September 30 on Apple Music.https://t.co/hbaWqf27NP http://pic.twitter.com/9nYv3G36MO
- Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 27, 2016
In any case, we can all find out more about what actually happens in the interview on Sept. 30 - if you have an Apple Music subscription.
The Best Cut and Styling Technique For Your Curly Hair, According to Selena Gomez's Stylist
You might be used to seeing Selena Gomez with straight hair, but the truth is she has curls for days. Her longtime hairstylist and Pantene partner Marissa Marino spilled the secret tips and tricks she gave Selena to keep her hair soft and conditioned through the Revival tour, breaking it down into easy steps you can follow, too. Straight ahead you'll find the best cut, styling technique, and treatments for your waves.
Ben Stiller's 'PSA saved my life' assertion questioned
Ben Stiller's declaration that a prostate cancer test saved his life is under scrutiny from doctors.
Fentanyl now top opioid-related killer in northeastern Ontario
The powerful painkiller fentanyl has killed 131 people in northern Ontario since 2010, according to new data from the Chief Coroner's office.
Ben Stiller's 'PSA saved my life' assertion questioned
Ben Stiller's declaration that a prostate cancer test saved his life is under scrutiny from doctors.
Fentanyl now top opioid-related killer in northeastern Ontario
The powerful painkiller fentanyl has killed 131 people in northern Ontario since 2010, according to new data from the Chief Coroner's office.
Goldie Hawn Glows on a Morning Walk After Making Candid Comments About Marriage
Goldie Hawn was spotted taking a stroll through her Pacific Palisades neighborhood in LA on Thursday. The 70-year-old actress was glowing as she made her way down the street with a friend while sporting a pair of printed leggings and sneakers. It was reported this week that Goldie and her longtime partner, Kurt Russell, recently put their very private (and very well-decorated) Pacific Palisades home on the market for $7.25 million.
Goldie also made headlines late last month with her candid comments about her relationship with Kurt. The actress opened up about why the pair has chosen not to marry - a question she seems to get quite often, despite having the same answer - telling a British talk-show host, "I would have been long divorced if I'd been married. Marriage is an interesting psychological thing. If you need to feel bound to someone, then it's important to be married. If you have independence, if you have enough money and sense of independence and you like your independence, there's something psychological about not being married because it gives you the freedom to make decisions one way or the other. For me, I chose to stay, Kurt chose to stay, and we like the choice."
It sounds like Goldie and Kurt have it all figured out - so maybe we should stop asking?
The Doctor-Approved Secret to Clearing Your Hormonal Acne That Actually Works
Image Source: Adriano Russo
When I tell you how I finally cleared up my hormonal acne, it is going to sound so painstakingly obvious that it might even seem . . . annoying. To make a long story short: I met with a doctor who helped me balance my hormones and improve my gut health, and my skin has never looked better.
At the start of Spring, I booked an appointment with Dr. Keith Berkowitz, an MD (internist) located in NYC who worked with Dr. Robert C. Atkins (as in the Atkins diet) for six years and now specializes in how eating affects health. He gave me a glucose test, took my blood, analyzed the lab results, and diagnosed me with reactive hypoglycemia. The latter means I process sugar unusually quickly, so I can't eat much of it (even fruit!). I learned I had high testosterone levels and was iodine deficient.
According to the American Thyroid Association, iodine is an element (not made by the body) needed for the production of the thyroid hormone. You get iodine from your diet and various foods, and if you do not have enough of it, you can't make the thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance.
I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
"Women today are struggling with increased hormonal imbalance causing estrogen dominance, low levels of progesterone, and high levels of testosterone and DHEA [an endogenous steroid hormone]," Dr. Berkowitz told me via email. "This is complicated by the overall decrease in hormone levels as we age. It leads to women having dull, dry skin; a rush of wrinkles; increased pigmentation; and increased acne."
So I began on a journey to balance out what was going on internally by changing my diet and taking supplements. When it came to eating, I had previously spent a year living off of morning smoothies and eliminating gluten and dairy. Though it was technically "healthy," I was eating way too much fruit and spiking my blood sugar.
Dr. Berkowitz tweaked my diet so that I was eating more balanced, portion-controlled meals and snacks that include carbohydrates (including vegetables and fruits) with high-fiber foods and lean protein or healthy fats (like avocado). "It is important that you eat three meals and one snack every day," he explained of his general diet philosophy. "Eating balanced meals will minimize fluctuations in blood sugar and increases in insulin levels."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
He immediately added bread back into my regime, but only low-carb (Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Flax Seed Bread), and I can have just one piece at a time to ensure I am not carb-loading. I was permitted low-lactose dairy, such as goat cheese, since it is a great source of protein. In addition, I eat a lot of organic chicken and salmon, eggs, salads dressed with olive oil and lemon (rather than sugary dressing), and low-carb Wasa crackers topped with hummus and avocado. My smoothies were tweaked: instead of blending in four fruits, I can have one (usually low-sugar, antioxidant-rich berries). Any time I do eat fruit, I can have half the amount (such as half a pear) and mix it with protein, such as a spoon of almond butter. Eating this way has stabilized my blood sugar (I no longer get 3 p.m. sugar cravings), and I feel less restless overall.
On the supplements front, I started taking kelp supplements to help with my iodine deficiency, DIM Plus to give me an estrogen boost, and theanine, which just helps me relax at night.
I expected to debloat (I did!) and lose a few pounds (check!), but what I did not see coming was how these tweaks would significantly affect my skin. Pre-Dr. Berkowitz, I had combination skin, meaning I would occasionally get pimples in places I am greasier (usually my cheeks and chin). And every month a few days before my period, I got a few "lurkers" (below-the-skin pimples) around my chin. These are typically caused by hormones and can't be cured by creams - they have to go away on their own.
After a Summer spent traveling as far as Greece and Prague, wearing tons of gooey sunscreen, and straight-up sweating, I expected to see my usual cluster of whiteheads on my cheeks. I have also waited each month for the arrival of those chin lurkers. But for the past three months, my skin has been completely and totally clear. I have no dryness and no oiliness. The lines on my forehead are naturally smoothing out and the redness around my nose fading. I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
What had changed was my gut health. "Tiny bacteria in the gut are one of the major control systems in the body," Dr. Berkowitz explained. "These bacteria have a direct role in helping maintain the health of the skin. They help your absorb nutrients needed to protect and repair itself. They protect the integrity of the gut lining. The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
He also told me that gut in the bacteria can cause acne, because that area produces something called substance P. This affects sebum production (the cause of oily skin).
My gut bacteria wasn't all that had been regulated after three months of sticking to Dr. Berkowitz's plan: my hormones tested more balanced, my iodine levels were better, and my glucose more stable.
"The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
"Your eating plan led to your hormones being better balanced - lowering DHEA and testosterone - and having better balance with progesterone and estrogen," Dr. Berkowitz told me when I asked how this could have affected my skin. "The lifestyle also leads to lower levels of cortisol [a hormone that regulates stress, metabolism, and inflammation] and insulin [the hormone that regulates metabolism and gives your cells energy]." He noted that when these hormones are high, it can cause drier skin and premature aging. This is because there is a connection between stress and the deterioration of cells, and skin is made up of cells.
A hormone imbalance can also cause discoloration of the skin. "Estrogen and progesterone can trigger the melasma, which are brown or light gray patches of pigmentation that most commonly appear on the face," he said. "It usually appears between the ages of 20-50 and is most common in pregnant women or those on an oral contraceptive pill."
In addition, he shared that low estrogen can lead to decreased collagen production and more wrinkling of the skin. Low levels of progesterone are associated with decreased skin elasticity. And a deficiency in DHEA is problematic, because it helps control oil production. DHEA also increases collagen production, which you want for youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to testosterone, having too much can lead to acne through an increased sebum production. So that explains why decreasing my testosterone levels eliminated my breakouts.
Though my situation was very specific, others can benefit from getting their blood tested and tweaking in specific ways that make sense for them (as instructed by a professional MD). While we are in no way telling you to run out and try a bunch of supplements to balance all of this out (please talk to your doctor first!), regulating your hormones and improving your gut health can directly give you clearer skin with better tone and texture. It happened to me!
If you get the OK from your doctor, here is a list of supplements (from Dr. Berkowitz) and what they do:
- Alpha lipoic acid: helps stop the stiffening of collagen fibers.
- Antioxidants: stop free radical production. For example, vitamins A, C, and E help to better hydrate the skin.
- Hydrolyzed collagen: reduces wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates skin. (Yes, you can take the popular skin care ingredient as a supplement, as well!)
- Astaxanthin: fights free radicals and prevents damage from the sun and other environmental toxins.
Here are specific supplements for acne:
- Zinc: helps accelerate the development of new clear skin cells and reduce the inflammatory response to bacteria.
- Probiotic: promotes healthy or good bacteria and thus decreases the inflammatory response that damages skin.
- Coconut oil: helps replace the protective acid layer that keeps skin healthy and reduces inflammation.
He also shared an anti-inflammatory eating plan:
- Avoid refined carbohydrates, which increase insulin and inflammation.
- Avoid gluten, cow's milk dairy, processed foods, and excessive amounts of omega-6, which are all pro-inflammatory.
- Increase use of spices: turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and parsley all have anti-inflammatory effects to help keep the skin healthy and slow down the aging process.
The 13 Loneliest Moments in Motherhood and What to Do About Them
The emotional rollercoaster that you experience during pregnancy is nothing compared to the ups and downs that you'll go through once your child is born. While you're surrounded by love and excitement, there are moments that can feel extremely helpless and isolating at every stage of motherhood - whether you're physically alone or not. From the first time a bully makes your child cry and there's nothing you can do about it, to when your child starts asserting their independence and begins needing you less, these are 13 times when moms feel the most alone - and what to do about it.
Gold: Matthew McConaughey Goes For Broke in the Trailer For His Oscar Contender
Despite his previous luck finding gold with Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey is moving on with a new partner in crime in Stephen Gaghan's shiny new adventure thriller, Gold. McConaughey plays Kenny Wells, a miserable man at the end of his rope who turns to the jungles of Borneo to fix his financial troubles. Along with an unlikely ally (Édgar Ramírez), Kenny ventures into the Indonesian wilds in search of gold, where he ends up not only getting rich but also getting plenty of attention from FBI agents eager to see his new fortune disappear. The film costars Bryce Dallas Howard and Corey Stoll and already has people whispering about Oscar season. Could it be another big win for McConaughey? See for yourself when it hits theaters on Dec. 25.
Teaser Trailer:
Here's a Map With WiFi Passwords For Airports All Around the World
Anyone who goes on a vacation or travels for work knows that sitting around in an airport can feel like years. Some airports charge for WiFi, and in others it works so slowly. Never worry about that again with this map and app that has the WiFi passwords for airports all over the world.
Created by Anil Polat, a self-proclaimed "digital nomad" and writer who runs foXnoMad, a travel blog, the map has WiFi passwords to airports, and includes instructions on how to access it. In some cases, the map also includes how long the free WiFi lasts. It's updated regularly and Polat encourages readers of his blog to submit any new information or WiFi spots they find. If you don't want to bookmark the page where this map exists, download the app, WiFox, in three forms: iOS, Android, or Amazon. You can check out the map below.
Keep this map handy for the next time you're on a long layover or get stuck in an airport; you won't regret it one bit.
Nigel Barker Took the Best Part of America's Next Top Model and Turned It Into a Brand-New Show
Despite my 5'0" height, a long-lost (and kinda embarrassing) dream of mine was to appear on America's Next Top Model - so much so that I once dragged my mom to an open casting call for a "short" season of the show. While I never made it past the first few rounds, my life and career later granted me an opportunity that was just as special: a trip to the set of Nigel Barker's new show, Top Photographer, to interview him and a few guest judges.
Just like ANTM, Nigel revealed that the show follows a handful of contestants as they compete in different challenges, which they're later judged on during elimination. Yet rather than models, Top Photographer focuses on - you guessed it! - photographers, who also get an allotted amount of time to edit their photos to perfection before submitting them. The show is sponsored by Canon, which provided the equipment, and presented by Adorama, which will air all five episodes on its YouTube channel AdoramaTV.
Walking around the dramatically lit set, I got to see every contestant's stunning photos, from a shoot they did with Olympic fencer Miles Chamley-Watson to a breathtaking landscape they took from a top-secret location. I also stayed for a portion of the very nerve-racking finale but left before the winner was announced so I wouldn't spoil it for myself. Read on for all the reasons, some of which come straight from Nigel himself, that this show is bound to be a big hit. Then stay tuned for the first episode, which airs Nov. 1.
These Father-Daughter Illustrations Are Sweet Enough to Make a Grown Man Cry
It's hard to put into words why the relationship between a father and a daughter is so special. Perhaps that's why Ukrainian artist Snezhana Soosh decided to use watercolor paints.
In her recent series of Instagram illustrations, Soosh depicts the sweet-yet-silly bond between a dad and his little girl, whether it's braiding her hair or giving up a sizable portion of a king-size bed to make sure she sleeps soundly. Although the magic captured in the drawings focuses on one very loving dad (and his adorable daddy's girl), there are some any parent can relate to, like the need to look away from that massive pile of work to enjoy imaginary tea time . . . or play a rousing game of hide-and-seek.
We hope Soosh continues to paint these beautiful depictions of fatherly love - they serve as wonderful reminders that there are no limits to the ways a daddy can love his daughter.
10 Tips to Start Using Spotify Like a Pro
It's time to up your game - your Spotify game, that is. Whether you're a power user or not, there are plenty of tips to learn that will enhance your listening experience. This includes adding music from your iTunes to Spotify and offline listening. Check out the tricks we think are the most useful to know when it comes to this streaming service, and don't forget to clean your earphones before jamming out.
Finally, a Patronus Quiz That Won't Make You Question Everything You Know
When Pottermore finally released a Patronus quiz, eager Harry Potter fans were excited to discover their powerful animal guardians. Unfortunately, many people were not pleased with their results - including the film franchise's own Evanna Lynch!
A major critique of the quiz is that it doesn't gather enough information. The site has a bank of 38 total questions but only asks five, which caused people to get weird results. Even worse, the site didn't let people take the quiz a second time. Instead, people started to create a separate account using a different email address and took the quiz again.
As a result of this mess, someone decided to aggregate Pottermore's entire bank of 38 questions used in the Patronus quiz to create a more thorough and accurate quiz. The creator of the quiz then shared it on Reddit, and it has since made its way onto Tumblr.
Take the new quiz below and see if it differs from your original Patronus results. If you get salmon on both, however, maybe it's just time to embrace it.
I Got Microbladed - Here's Everything That's Happened (So Far)
I've never gotten a tattoo, and I didn't plan on ever getting one. But when you see the transformation that comes as a result of microblading, it makes you reconsider.
I actually heard about microblading from Bella Thorne. Well, not directly through her, per say, but she had just been in studio for an episode of Pretty Unfiltered, a show I host here at POPSUGAR, and I started following her on Snapchat immediately after. She visited Microblading LA to get her brows done. I had seen the term thrown around a few times online, but the idea of getting something permanently done to my face freaked me out, so I never thought twice about it, until I saw Bella's brows.
Microblading is a procedure that essentially makes any and all brow products worthless to you, because you will not need to use them when you get the procedure done. It's a cosmetic tattoo that fills in your brows or, in some cases, creates a beautiful, sculpted, natural-looking brow, sometimes out of nothing. A technician uses ink and a handheld blade to create hair-like cuts into the skin. You know the meme that compares your brows? "Left brow: Speaks three languages, top of her class, helps the homeless. Right brow: lives with her parents, gets arrested, has no life goals." It speaks to me on a personal level. Getting my brows to a good place each morning takes too much time! It's not that I have nonexistent brows - my hair is coarse - but there are definitely patches of hair missing.
I try any and everything for our viewers, so I offered my brows up as a test. (You know, in the name of journalism.) And, of course, I wanted to go to the best, so I reached out to Lindsey Ta and Microblading LA. There, they have four rooms for clients, along with a larger studio that serves as their training academy. Lindsey, the owner, has been in the permanent cosmetics world for several years and won the 2016 World of Microblading Championship in Amsterdam this year. To say she knows symmetry of the face would be a gross understatement.
Before the Appointment
Lindsey was kind and personable during our correspondence, and two days before my appointment, she advised me not to take aspirin, drink alcohol or caffeine, or eat omega 3s, explaining all of these things could thin my blood. She also explained to me that clients who receive injectables should refrain from this service for at least two weeks after their last appointment.
The Appointment
"I tell everyone to expect a two-hour appointment," Lindsey said. The first hour or so is mostly for the mapping process and for getting to know the client. Lindsey says learning about her clients' lifestyle can help her give them perspective when it comes to their brows. For instance, someone who swims a lot or sweats a lot might not have as long-lasting results as some of her other clients. And I learned it's not how much or little brow hair you have that matters. Instead, the real focus is your skin type. If you have oily skin, the results might not last as long, either.
In terms of how long they last - that's the second question I always get (first coming later on) - it can be anywhere from one to three years, depending on your lifestyle. I imagine with my job, which has me consistently washing my face or doing some kind of crazy face mask at the drop of a hat, that mine won't last past a year, if that. But it sounds amazing to not have to do my brows every morning!
After filling out paperwork and chatting with Lindsey, she sat me down in front of a brightly lit vanity and offered me a mint. "We're about to get real close," she said as she popped one in, too. Then, she stepped back toward the vanity and looked me straight on, to my left and my right, observing my brows from every angle.
"Your left eye is smaller than your right," she said, matter of factly. She was right: having eye surgery as a child to remedy a condition called ptosis, I've noticed that my left eye has always been smaller and in the past year has started to droop. I shook my head. "I'm going to shape your brows so they look a bit more symmetrical." This excited me - perhaps I won't need another surgery to remedy this issue.
Mapping the Brow
First, they use a pencil to map out the brow. It's a very confusing process because they essentially create a giant outline of your brow, and I was worried I was going to look like a caricature of myself. Lindsey explained that they would never create single, straight, harsh lines on my brow. These lines are like a coloring book: they're guides to fill the brow in. They also mark the brows to indicate when the hair stroke should change direction, hence the vertical lines on my forehead.
Then, they use a 3D waterproof pencil to create hair strokes to use as a guide for the actual tattooing process. Once that is finished, she let me look at the shape and give my thoughts. Initially I was worried that they were too close together, but she reminded me that it would be fading, and the hairs wouldn't be as stark as the guide she created.
With my approval, she shaped my brow with a razor, cleaning up underneath and essentially lifting my brow. Then, she applied topical numbing cream, and 20 minutes later, I was lying down to get my first tattoo - on my face, no less!
The Process
The number one question I've received throughout all of this has been "does it hurt?" Yes and no. The numbing cream makes it so that you don't feel any incisions, but it's not perfect, so there were times I could feel a bit of discomfort when she was making the hair strokes. And let's get real: she was using a blade to cut open my skin! Of course it wasn't going to be pain-free. I'd describe the entire process, though, similar to an itch. She pulled my skin taut and sliced, kind of like creating a bunch of tiny paper cuts. I know this sounds painful, but it was more annoying to me than anything.
She created the incisions, and as she went, she filled them with ink. Lindsey asked some secrets of her practice to remain secret, so what I'll say about the ink is that it's, apparently, different than ink they used for standard cosmetic tattoos, so when it fades, it doesn't turn gray or purple; it just kind of disappears over time.
After the first round of incisions (about 30 minutes), she went back and fixed any imperfections. Then, she coated the brow with a layer of ink to seal her work. Two minutes later, I was looking in the mirror at my new brows.
After the Appointment and Aftercare
Staring at my new brows, I was shocked to see that this normal "dip" I have in the tail of my natural brow was completely gone: she'd filled it with the most perfect hair-like strokes I've ever seen. The sparse patch at the front of my brow had vanished, and she'd also created a few strokes closer to my nose, bringing them in a little.
The numbing cream wore off about an hour after the appointment, and it felt like my brows were on fire. They were fairly sore, too. (Again, I wasn't surprised.) Lindsey told me before the appointment that there were a variety of aftercare instructions, one being that I couldn't wash my face for a week.
SKIIIIRT. What?! Washing my face gives me great joy. I was not amused by this tidbit, but she explained that there is a "dry healing" period in which the brows will need to essentially scab over and shed. To prevent any scars and to help them heal quickly, it would be essential for me to keep my brows from getting wet for at least a week, which definitely made removing eye makeup and taking showers a very detailed activity. Oh, and picking off the dead skin was also a big no-no.
The good news, though, is that I was not allowed to sweat excessively, either, so it's too bad that I couldn't go to the gym, either. Truly.
It will be about four to six weeks before my brows fully heal, and during that process, I'll notice my brows get super dark, shed, get super light, shed, and them become the shade they were intended to be. After six weeks, I will return for a touch-up appointment.
1 Week Since the Appointment
I've been keeping a diary of sorts on Instagram regarding my microblading experience. The day after the appointment, my brows were so dark that I could have been mistaken for Groucho Marx or Bert from Sesame Street. I have found that I wear more eye makeup right now, since my brows are darker, because I want to balance them. Cleansing cloths from Olay and Q-tips have been my new best friends when it comes to makeup removal, and my Beautyblender has made applying moisturizer stress-free.
Over the past week, they've been itchy, and it's taken every inch of me not to scratch them profusely. Randomly, a little piece will hang off my skin and look like dandruff, which is super sexy, and at night, I know that my boyfriend probably has nightmares about my glistening, ointment-coated brows. But I have to say, not filling in my brows has changed me. It's a time saver, that's for sure. I have had to fill in the places where the brows have shed, but Lindsey told me that would happen and I could use brow powder to help.
3 Weeks Since Appointment
My brows feel fully healed, but Lindsay told me it would take about 4-5 weeks to see results. I do notice some areas that need to be touched up to make the brows look perfect without makeup, as I'm filling in some spots with powder right now. However, I'm loving that my brows as super low-maintenance!
The Cost
And the third most asked question: how much does it cost? Microblading LA charges between $700-$1,500 for this service, depending on how extensive your brow application is. If you're filling in a few spots, it's going to be less expensive than going in and getting an entire brow drawn onto the skin. Nationally, it seems the standard rate starts around $500.
Yes, it's an investment, that's for sure. If time is money to you, it's definitely worth it. I'm going to keep reporting each week on the status of my brows and how the process is going, so check back frequently to learn more about the process! Below is a photo of me, nothing on my brows, pretreatment, and a photo of myself on set six days later. I have nothing on my brows, even though I do have on more makeup.
11 Things You Won't Need For Your Hospital Birth
Wanting to pack up all the essentials for your hospital birth is tempting, we know - especially if it's your first child. But the truth is, besides delivering a beautiful baby, not much else about the experience is all that glamorous. You won't want to do a lot more than stare at your gorgeous creation, sleep, and relax with your family and friends who come to visit (and you don't need a heck of a lot of "stuff" to do all that).
So yes, your fresh new baby bag full of sweet little baby items may be tempting to haul with you, but these are the 11 things you can totally leave at home (you'll have plenty of time to lug that bag around with you once you're home!).
- Adorable baby outfits. You've probably bought a ton of cute outfits, but in the hospital, they'll mostly be in a diaper and swaddle blanket. At most, bring one cute ensemble for a "homecoming" photo opp.
- Diapers. The hospital will have you covered on this one, but make sure you've got some ready to go at home.
- Nice underwear. Make way for mesh underwear or Depends. Even if you had a C-section, you're going to want to be comfortable.
- Swaddle blankets. The hospital will wrap your baby in one of its blankets, so there's no need to dirty up the fresh ones you bought - yet.
- Breast pump. Your breast milk needs time to come in after birth, so you're not going to need to explore the ins and outs of your pump just yet.
- Formula and bottles. If you are not going to breastfeed or are nervous you won't be able to, don't worry about formula and bottles - the hospital will have it covered.
- Toys. Your adorable little nugget of a baby is not going to sit and play with Sophie the Giraffe in his first days - he's going to sleep and poop.
- Laptop. You may want to have one as entertainment - or because you're Superwoman, to do work - but seriously, you won't want it in the throes of labor.
- The baby book. Even the craftiest moms aren't going to have time to make pages at the hospital. Save the birth details and take some photos to fill things in later.
- Beauty products. Most new moms won't have the energy to do a full hair and makeup routine after baby. A few products to help you feel fresh are all you'll need.
- Prepregnancy clothes. With babies only weighing in around seven pounds, you're probably not going to fit into your old clothes yet. Pack your favorite sweats and a comfy tee.
You're Going to Want Every Single Item in MAC's Outstanding Holiday Collection
Along with punchy pigments and incredible collaborations, MAC Cosmetics is known for its mesmerizing package. Year after year, the iconic brand turns out cartons, tubes, palettes, and more boasting unique, limited-edition designs that make them total collector's items. For the 2016 holiday season, MAC is gifting us with Nutcracker Sweet, a beautifully wrapped collection that may be the company's most covetable yet.
Festive shades of pink, plum, bronze, and gold punctuate the entire range, which includes everything from glitters and eye pencils to lipsticks and highlighters. However, if the powders and creams don't incite you to purchase (though they will!), the cases they're housed in will completely hook you.
The more colorful take on candy-cane striping and classic nutcracker designs dresses each palette, lipstick tube, and compact. You'll find pink and plum stripes, sparkling gold embroidery, and star prints, many of which are mimicked on the actual products themselves. We're particularly coveting the face palettes, which consist of a blush and highlighter duet that are debossed with the aiguillette of a nutcracker's uniform.
If you plan on shopping the collection this holiday season, there's no need to stuff any of these products in gift bags or wrap them in paper . . . that is, if you can stand to give them away and not keep them for yourself. Their packaging already makes them look like presents! Read on to see all the stunning items, then shop them when they launch on MACCosmetics.com and in stores on Oct. 27.
7 Celebrities Who Sent Kim Kardashian Poignant Words of Support After Her Robbery
On Oct. 2, Kim Kardashian was bound, gagged, and robbed at gunpoint in her Paris apartment while visiting the city for Fashion Week. Since the disturbing news broke, social media users - and Karl Lagerfeld - have been quick to insinuate Kim brought the incident upon herself after years of "flaunting her wealth." Despite the blowback from internet trolls, Kim's celebrity friends (as well as celebrities who've never even met her) have had poignant things to say about her terrifying ordeal, offering a silver lining to what Kim reportedly described as "one of her biggest fears."
- Hillary Clinton: In an interview with Extra, the presidential candidate expressed sympathy for Kim: "I felt really bad for her. Her husband was in the middle of the concert, and he ran off stage, bless his heart. It's horrible. I'm just glad nobody was hurt."
- Lena Dunham: Lena sat down with the hosts of Power 105.1's "The Breakfast Club" on Wednesday and spoke at length about the robbery. "So awful. I literally am thinking about her every day like she's my friend even though I don't know her. I'm like, 'Is she feeling okay? Is she talking to somebody?' I'm worried," she said. "What I really hate about this Kim thing is that people are feeling so much license to make jokes. That's a human being and she may have put her life on display in a specific way and you may not agree with everything that she does, but that is a woman, and a mother, and a daughter who's just been put through something so heinous. My heart is with Kim."
- Chrissy Teigen: As a close friend of Kim's, Chrissy wasted no time in sharing her thoughts on the matter via Twitter, which also spoke to the relationship between fans and celebrities in general. "Fame is interesting. Celebs are supposed to love you guys while also knowing you'd make a meme of our dead bodies to get retweets," she wrote. "Please do not think that I think celebrities are special snowflakes. I just miss empathy, in general, for everyone."
- Georgia Cutts: "Even if you're not a Kim Kardashian fan, there is nothing remotely funny about a woman of two children being tied and held at gunpoint," the makeup artist shared with her Twitter followers.
- James Corden: The late-night host was one of the first people to come out swinging in defense of Kim on Twitter. "People making jokes about Kim Kardashian tonight would do well to remember that she's a mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend. Be nice or shut up," he said before further defending her on The Late Late Show on Wednesday. "Regardless of whatever you think of someone, it's someone being held at gunpoint in a room," he continued during his discussion with guest Jamie Lee Curtis. "Just don't say anything. Also, you don't need to say anything. Just don't do anything!"
- Jamie Lee Curtis: The Scream Queens actress had plenty of thoughts as well, and applauded James for standing up for Kim. "This very day, something really scary happened to a public person, and you were the first person to stand up and tell [Twitter users] that they should shut the f*ck up and leave this poor woman alone and let her recover," she said to the host. "And you, you said it! And I am impressed by you, very much." She also tweeted, "Relieved @KimKardashian was unharmed. Public people deserve private, safe lives. A horrific moment 4 her family. Twitterverse silence thee."
- Leona Lewis: Leona, famous for her song "Bleeding Love," sadly found Kim's experience more relatable than most after she was punched in the head by a man while signing autographs in London in 2009. "Years later I'm still personally dealing with trauma after being attacked. We should be sending love to @KimKardashian it's an awful ordeal," she posted to her Twitter account.
Nobody Does Halloween Quite Like Nicole Richie and Her Family
Plenty of celebrity families dress up every year for Halloween, but one brood that really takes the holiday seriously is Nicole Richie's. Not only does the fashion designer deck out her home with skulls and pumpkins, but she gets her whole family in on the costume fun. Throughout the years, we've seen Nicole pay tribute to A Clockwork Orange with Joel Madden and dress up like a cat with little sister Sofia Richie, and in 2014, she and her mini mes, daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, channeled Cruella de Vil and the 101 dalmatians. We can't wait to see what she comes up with this year!
24 Must-Have Gilmore Girls Baby Gifts For Your Smallest Stars Hollow Fan
Pretty much every Gilmore Girls fan dreams of having a relationship with their child like Rory and Lorelai have. This infectious duo has stolen the hearts of millions while proving that where a child leads, a mother will follow. Honor this duo's bond, as well as your love for this epic show, by showering your smallest Stars Hollow fan with everything he or she needs to rock their Gilmore Girls pride. From precious nursery decor to a mini Luke's Diner flannel and "Team Jess" onesie, these are the best baby gifts for the ultimate Gilmore Girls fan.
That's a Wrap! See the Best Street Style From All of Fashion Month
Fashion Month gives way to street style in epic proportions. The streets of our fashion capitals are seemingly overrun by the most stylish women on the planet, giving way to outfit inspiration in all extraordinary forms. After seasons of studying the best dressed women at Fashion Week, we consider ourselves experts at uncovering the most memorable looks and the biggest up and coming trends. So, consider the looks inside completely vetted - the best of the best, if you will. Here, we curated a gallery of the can't-miss looks and the style setters who might just influence your outfits all year. Read on for the best snaps from all of New York, London, and Milan, and Paris.
11 Types of Braids You've Never Heard Of (but Should Try)
Sorry, three-strand, french, and fishtail braids: we love you just as much as the next Pinterest diehards, but it's time to take our plaiting skills to the next level. Set aside what you think you know about braiding techniques, because you've never tackled these styles before.
In fact, most amateur hairstylists haven't even heard of lace, infinity, cage, ladder, and loop braids. But just because these techniques are unfamiliar doesn't mean they should stay that way - especially not when you have YouTube tutorials to guide you through mastering these new looks.
Step one: watch these tutorials and practice these braids. Step two: take over the world. Or at least Pinterest.
11 Famous Families to Be For Halloween
One of the best ways to put together a group Halloween costume is by drawing inspiration from famous families and siblings. We're helping you out with a handful of high-profile celebrity families you and your brood can channel for Halloween, from the Kardashian-Wests to the Obamas.
Magnolia Bakery's Stunning Ombré Cake Will WOW Your Guests!
Magnolia Bakery's ombré frosted cake is one of those mysterious things in life that you had no idea you needed until it was finally in front of you. And BOY, do we need this cake now (we'll let you know if we decide to eat it or frame and hang it on the wall). Oh, and don't worry if Magnolia Bakery doesn't happen to be in your neighborhood; the bakery is sharing tips on how to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen!
Pocky's Latest Flavor Will Leave You Drunk With Happiness
We have great news, whiskey-lovers. One of our favorite Japanese treats is all grown up, and we're ready to dunk whiskey-flavored Pocky head first into our drinks! The Pocky, called "Otona no Kohaku," which translates to "Adult Amber," is coming soon, and it's the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and, of course, boozy. The company has taken the original chocolate stick, salted it, and covered it with whiskey-scented chocolate to make a revolutionary happy-hour snack. It was first released last November, but it sold out quickly and will now be available worldwide after Oct. 25. The snack is available for preorder on Amazon for less than $10.
The original chocolate flavor has been noted by POPSUGAR editors as "the best candy/cookie hybrid ever," and anyone who's had Pocky can attest to that! We can't wait to try this adult-flavored treat.
This New Bill Will Finally Stop the TSA From Forcing Moms to Dump Out Their Breast Milk
Traveling with a child is never easy but flying without your baby when they are still nursing presents an entirely separate set of difficulties.
A breastfeeding mom painstakingly pumps and stores her milk in order to ensure that her baby can continue to drink breast milk – and so she can maintain her supply – when they are apart. Although there are regulations for nursing moms to fly with pumped milk, many airports haven't been following these rules simply because TSA workers aren't aware. They are instead forcing moms to throw out their hard-earned milk.
Currently there are laws protecting a breastfeeding mom's right to transport breast milk as well as any necessary equipment on an airplane. According to the Transportation Security Administration, "Formula, breast milk and juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag . . . You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk."
Supporter of the bill, Republican House Representative Jaime Herrera-Beutler, acknowledges that although this exemption is in place to protect parents, there are still issues with compliance. "There have been too many instances reported by parents that TSA officials either didn't know or simply refused to follow these exemptions," Herrera-Beutler said on the House floor.
Since so many moms have experienced difficulties transporting breast milk - even as they follow the set rules - the House of Representatives recently passed a bill to rectify the problem. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act will ensure that TSA employees receive proper training in order to uphold these breast milk regulations.
"Parents who are trying to follow these rules are consistently singled-out for harassment-like scrutiny by TSA," said Herrera-Beutler. "This has led to breast milk being forcibly tossed out, equipment being broken, and flights missed."
If the Senate passes the bill, it will give the TSA 90 days to ensure that all personnel understand the security exemptions for transporting breast milk.
Stop Everything! Jennifer Lopez Is Releasing a Spanish Album Produced by Marc Anthony
Are you jumping with excitement already? Billboard is reporting that Jennifer Lopez is working on a new Spanish album with the help of her exhusband, and the father to her twins Emme and Max, Marc Anthony. Details on the release are already confirmed. The album will be out in 2017 with the first single premiering - get ready - this November. Yes, just in weeks.
"I am so excited and really looking forward to this new musical journey and to celebrate my Latin roots with Marc Anthony and the Sony/Magnus family," J Lo said in a statement published by Billboard. This marks the singer, actress, and producer's second Spanish album, Como Ama Una Mujer, debuted more than 10 years ago. It was about time, right?
Kendall Jenner Isn't the First (or Last) to Wear This Over-the-Top Furry Red Coat
If you wanted a puffer coat for Winter, pause that thought. There's another giant, furry jacket taking over the streets and your newsfeed, too. The heart-shaped, fiery-red-hued topper from Saint Laurent was first spotted on Rihanna in New York City but, since then, has made appearances at Fashion Week and even on Kendall Jenner. The model jokingly called the piece "low key" in a recent Instagram snap, but there's definitely nothing subtle about this outwear - and that's why every It girl, blogger, and fashion editor is obsessed (us included).
No one could ever miss this coat, and whoever wears it is basically saying, "I'm here and ready to party." Scroll ahead to see how the outerwear option is being styled, and if you're feeling inspired - and have a cool $15,500 lying around - shop the Saint Laurent piece yourself.
Why the Empowering Hashtag #DontTouchMyHair Is Going Viral
Solange Knowles released her newest album, A Seat on the Table, on Sept. 30. Almost immediately afterwards, she released the powerful video for the single "Don't Touch My Hair," which went viral. Black women around the world celebrated the visually stunning video (which included a variety of incredible natural hairstyles) and its empowering message about their hair.
"Don't touch my hair, when it's the feelings I wear . . . Don't touch my crown, they say the vision I've found," declared the lyrics. Feeling inspired, many took to Instagram to proudly show off their own coifs. In addition to a toddler who re-created the cover for Solange's album (hair clips and all!), women flaunted protective styles, lush Afros, and more. Read on to see some of our favorites.
mercredi 5 octobre 2016
All About That Time Olivia Holt Taught Me How to Use Instagram
As New Yorkers sprinted through the rain on a damp day, Olivia Holt was seated inside a tricked-out limousine overflowing with oversized pillows, a faux fur blanket, and other feminine accents. The limo's interior looked like the bedroom of a quintessential Disney Channel character. In real life, Olivia drives a Mercedes-Benz GLK, which she insisted to me was not a "mom car," but her bashful laugh implied otherwise. She clarified, "It's not a minivan, but the shape of it made me think of my mom."
At 19, Olivia has over ten acting credits, a self-titled EP with Hollywood Records, and a massive social media following. I spoke to the multi-hyphenate at a Neutrogena event - because, yes, she also happens to be a brand ambassador - that celebrated the release of the futuristic Light Therapy Acne Mask ($40). The interview took place away from the event, however, and in the limo parked just outside.
Throughout the interview, Olivia was notably mature and self-aware. She took her time as she spoke, but she also never hesitated. When I asked her about her Instagram habits, she consistently inserted phrases like "for me" and "in my opinion." And though she admitted to loving the social media platform, she also made sure to note that she doesn't take it too seriously.
One of the few times when I was reminded of her age was when we chatted about our shared love of Lizzie McGuire, who she described as being "majestic." The other sign of youth she has a hard time evading? Breakouts. In addition to sharing her acne-fighting tips, Olivia also spoke about her new haircut, photo-editing apps, and why she sometimes needs to take a break from makeup. Look ahead for some memorable quotes from our interview.
Every Single Item From This Marvel Superhero Clothing Line Is Perfect
Her Universe and Hot Topic are back at it again with a new Marvel line inspired by the female superheroes in the comic books. The line, which includes dresses and jackets, will debut at a New York Comic-Con popup shop, as well as in Hot Topic stores and online.
The entire line is available in sizes extra-small through 3X, with "two styles available in plus." You can look forward to buying dresses inspired by Captain Marvel, Agent Peggy Carter, or Black Widow. If that's not your style, you can choose between a Spider-Gwen or Scarlet Witch jacket. Beginning Oct. 6, you can peruse the new line at the Official ReedPOP Supply Co. store in New York City. Not in NYC? Select Hot Topic stores will carry it, or you can find it online.
For any fans of the Her Universe Fashion Show, you might recognize the Spider Gwen jacket. It was originally designed by Lindsay Hamilton for the 2015 Her Universe Fashion Show. Hot Topic loved it so much, the company bought the design for this collection.
Take a look at the dresses and jackets ahead and mark your calendars to be one of the first people to buy one of these pieces.
No, You Aren't the Only One Confusing Haley Bennett With Jennifer Lawrence
If you don't know Haley Bennett's name yet, rest assured you'll have it seared into your memory by the end of the year. The talented 28-year-old actress burst onto the Hollywood scene in 2007 when she appeared in the Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore-led rom-com Music and Lyrics, but it's her current roles that have people talking. After kicking ass in The Magnificent Seven alongside Chris Pratt, Haley was cast as Megan Hipwell in The Girl on the Train, which left the internet wondering whether or not Jennifer Lawrence has a secret twin:
Haley Bennett looks like someone made a fancy porcelain doll version of Jennifer Lawrence.
- Alicia Lutes (@alicialutes) October 4, 2016
Embargoed from tweeting about #TheGirlOnTheTrain for now. But Haley Bennett is definitely Skeet Ulrich to Jennifer Lawrence's Johnny Depp
- Chris Lee (@__ChrisLee) September 29, 2016
If Jennifer Lawrence ever plays a twin in a movie, they don't even need to Parent Trap her. Just hire Haley Bennett to play her sister.
- Stefan Ellison (@MisterCoat) September 22, 2016
So this whole time, I thought it was Jennifer Lawrence in the #TheGirlOnTheTrain trailer, but it's actually an actress name Haley Bennett.
- Kayla Whitter (@kaylakedavra) September 9, 2016
From her blond hair to her delicate features, the resemblance between Haley and the Hunger Games actress is uncanny. Keep scrolling to see what has everyone talking!
23 Toys For Kids That Will Sharpen Their STEM Skills at Any Age
Encouraging our children to love learning can sometimes be difficult - they may love school and learning in the classroom, but what about at home? If you're looking to tap into your child's STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) skills - even from a very young age - there are a bunch of toys that cleverly intertwine fun and learning to jumpstart their brains in the best way.
Scroll through for 23 brilliant STEM toys for kids of any age.
The 1 Fitness Mantra to Remember When You Really Want to Skip Class
Image Source: Nonymous Productions
When the day of the Movemeant Foundation's Dare to Bare event rolled around, I was not even the tiniest bit excited to work out. Maybe it was the corn dogs, french fries, and beer I'd downed at a festival a day earlier (is it obvious I'm not a fitness editor yet?), but the SoulCycle class I'd eagerly signed up for days earlier now seemed like a death sentence. To make matters worse, I hadn't signed myself up for just a regular SoulCycle class. No, I had signed myself up for a shirtless ride promoting body positivity in one of the busiest parks in New York City. Awesome.
I won't lie to you, I considered just skipping the whole thing altogether. I let myself imagine a glorious day spent melting into my couch, wearing a shirt in the privacy of my own home. Besides, a lackluster workout when I felt like crap would be a total waste of my time, right? But when I felt the guilt of skipping a workout (a charity workout, even worse) creep in, I quickly threw on the event's Sweaty Betty sports bra and promised myself that I'd only clock in the minimum amount of effort necessary to avoid public humiliation.
Image Source: Jorge Quinteros
Strapped into my bike, armed only with a sports bra and my really bad attitude, I settled in for a mediocre ride. Only, that's not at all the kind of ride I ended up having. Two songs in, I found myself humming along to the blaring music and smiling to myself as my more cheerful classmates shouted words of encouragement into the crowd. A few tracks later, my body was tuning into the improved mood of my brain and I was really cruising. Sure, I was skipping all of those double tap backs and taking more breaks than usual, but who cares? Without even giving it a thought, the catchy tunes and positive attitudes of my classmates had melted away my reluctance to give the workout a fair shot.
Image Source: Jorge Quinteros
My Dare to Bare experience gave me a new fitness mantra to live by: just show up to class. No. Matter. What. Even if I'm confident I'll hate every second of it. Even if I feel awful after eating my way through an entire festival's worth of fried food the day before. I accept that the classes where I have to physically drag myself to the studio may not be the ones where I set personal records and completely kick ass. But I won't accept pressing the cancel button and simply throwing away an opportunity to surprise myself with what my body can do if I just get myself in the room.
The 1 Fitness Mantra to Remember When You Really Want to Skip Class
Image Source: Nonymous Productions
When the day of the Movemeant Foundation's Dare to Bare event rolled around, I was not even the tiniest bit excited to work out. Maybe it was the corn dogs, french fries, and beer I'd downed at a festival a day earlier (is it obvious I'm not a fitness editor yet?), but the SoulCycle class I'd eagerly signed up for days earlier now seemed like a death sentence. To make matters worse, I hadn't signed myself up for just a regular SoulCycle class. No, I had signed myself up for a shirtless ride promoting body positivity in one of the busiest parks in New York City. Awesome.
I won't lie to you, I considered just skipping the whole thing altogether. I let myself imagine a glorious day spent melting into my couch, wearing a shirt in the privacy of my own home. Besides, a lackluster workout when I felt like crap would be a total waste of my time, right? But when I felt the guilt of skipping a workout (a charity workout, even worse) creep in, I quickly threw on the event's Sweaty Betty sports bra and promised myself that I'd only clock in the minimum amount of effort necessary to avoid public humiliation.
Image Source: Jorge Quinteros
Strapped into my bike, armed only with a sports bra and my really bad attitude, I settled in for a mediocre ride. Only, that's not at all the kind of ride I ended up having. Two songs in, I found myself humming along to the blaring music and smiling to myself as my more cheerful classmates shouted words of encouragement into the crowd. A few tracks later, my body was tuning into the improved mood of my brain and I was really cruising. Sure, I was skipping all of those double tap backs and taking more breaks than usual, but who cares? Without even giving it a thought, the catchy tunes and positive attitudes of my classmates had melted away my reluctance to give the workout a fair shot.
Image Source: Jorge Quinteros
My Dare to Bare experience gave me a new fitness mantra to live by: just show up to class. No. Matter. What. Even if I'm confident I'll hate every second of it. Even if I feel awful after eating my way through an entire festival's worth of fried food the day before. I accept that the classes where I have to physically drag myself to the studio may not be the ones where I set personal records and completely kick ass. But I won't accept pressing the cancel button and simply throwing away an opportunity to surprise myself with what my body can do if I just get myself in the room.
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