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.
mercredi 21 décembre 2016
What I Learned After Watching All 157 Episodes of Gilmore Girls in 118 Days
Towards the end of the Summer, I found myself feeling mildly confused by life. I was bored with my job and fed up of spending hours each day being herded across London clutching lattes I couldn't afford. My boyfriend and I had been fighting about which of us was more sh*t at doing the dishes and I felt homesick for Scotland. So I took the obvious next step: I pressed play on season one, episode one of Gilmore Girls.
What I was looking for was a little light relief; something non-demanding I could have on in the background whilst I chopped stuff for dinner. What I found was something to devour, hour after hour and episode after episode, as though my very life depended on it. I had to take some breaks, annoyingly, for things like turning up to work, going on holiday, and social interactions with real-life people. But in a mere 118 days, I devotedly worked my way through every. Single. Episode.
Inevitably, the end drew ever nearer. I became genuinely a bit nervous for myself. Would I suffer some kind of instant, all-consuming Gilmore withdrawal? Would I be found writhing around on the kitchen floor, clutching my laptop, screeching the theme tune at the top of my lungs?
Turns out I handled it all pretty well. As the credits rolled on "Fall," the fourth part of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life at the weekend, I actually felt calmer than I have for ages. Despite the whole Last Four Words fiasco, my many questions, and the infuriating bits about Rory being the worst journalist in the entire world, watching the show has felt like wrapping a giant blanket around myself. Coming to the end felt much like coming out of a long Sunday evening bath to a dressing gown waiting on the radiator. And in the immediate post-Gilmore hours . . .
1. I called my mother.
Because I absolutely bawled when Rory, at the end of season seven, says: "To my mom, who is just everything to me and everything I am".
Sure, I sometimes found their best-friend-mother-daughter thing unrealistic during Rory's teenage years (it's not feasible to worry about every single unrealistic bit though so don't try - if nothing else, that level of caffeine consumption would have left them both with some sort of chronic stomach condition). The relationship they share through Rory's 20s, and then in her 30s in the revival, remains genuinely wonderful to watch. Research exists to suggest that a mother-daughter bond is the strongest of all relationships, and when I told my own mum this on the phone she said, "I absolutely believe that to be true, from my experiences both as a daughter and as a mother." Cue more bawling.
2. I felt grateful for people who can remind me of who I am when I feel lost.
Because everyone needs to be brought back to themselves every so often.
Part three of A Year in the Life sees Jess tells Rory, "You should write about you and your mom . . . It's a cool story, it's got a point of view, and it's something only you can write." Almost instantaneously she regains her self-belief, her confidence and her drive. Jess tells Rory nothing new and nothing surprising, but he reminds her of things she's temporarily forgotten. Having people around you who can do that, who can gently guide you back when you've veered off-course, is a horribly easy thing to take for granted. I thought of the all the people I have in my life who are ready - quietly and reliably - to steady me when I wobble and to make it impossible for me to fall very far apart.
3. I thought fondly of my first love.
Because I totally disagree with what Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show's writer, said about Rory's love life in an interview: "In the grand scheme of Rory's life, who her boyfriend was when she was 16 years old is such a small event."
If a negative early relationship can affect the way you look at the world long after it ends, then a positive one can do the same. When Rory bumps into Dean in the final revival episode, she tells him about her book and he asks her what she'd write about him. Her answer made me tear up (for the millionth time that hour): "That I know that if I hadn't had you with me when I did, I wouldn't be the person I am today. That you taught me what safe feels like." It's highly unlikely I'll ever bump into my teenage ex in the village corner shop, mainly because I've never lived in a village, and if I did I am pretty sure it would be a mega-awkward. I am just as sure, though, that my understanding of love was shaped in part by who my boyfriend was when I was 16, and it was lovely to be reminded for a moment of how lucky that makes me.
4. And finally, I remembered that Wild is one of the most life-affirming books I have ever read and decided to read it again right now.
So I guess that will fill the void. For a day or two at least . . .
I started watching Gilmore Girls because I was looking for something to cheer me up a bit. What I found was a happy, funny, comforting lifeboat that kept me afloat until I felt more able to swim.
The 8 Things That Help Your Kids Make Your House Look Like a Tornado Hit It
Parenthood is not a gig for the faint of heart; it's as overwhelming as it is rewarding. Maybe that's why we inevitably end up lowering our standards in almost every area. "My kid will never eat processed foods" morphs into "My kid will never eat processed foods more than twice a week" morphs into "Here, eat these chicken nuggets." Screen time goes from extremely limited to Paw Patrol on a loop. And when it comes to cleaning? Forget about it.
Even the neatest of neat freaks find themselves walking barefoot across crumbs without blinking an eye. It's because having kids takes basic household tidiness to a whole other level. Kids are gross, and they don't care about cleanliness - a bad combination when it comes to keeping things sparkling.
I'm not even talking about all the stuff you normally need to clean, like the floors and the windows. I'm talking about the extra stuff that kids mess up, things that childless households never have to think about. Children leave a bazillion dirty things in their wake, such as . . .
Boogers
Who needs tissues when a booger receptacle is as near as the closest wall? Certainly not kids. They'll dive knuckle-deep into a nostril and then wipe the freshly mined nuggets anywhere they can reach. Headboards, baseboards, you name it. Oh, and if you think you can simply sponge 'em away, think again - you're gonna need a chisel and a ton of patience to rid your wall of the snot-spackle. Try not to cry when the paint chips off along with the boogers.
Wrappers
Trash cans are a concept they seem to have a hard time understanding. Therefore, you'll find the wrappings of string cheeses and yogurt packages and fruit snacks pretty much everywhere except the trash. You'll run them through the laundry, and discover them buried in the depths of toy boxes, stuffed in between the couch cushions, and crumpled into that crack between the wall and the bed.
Smudges
Before kids, you take all your gloriously not smudged surfaces for granted. You never even considered that someday you'd find yourself wiping grubby prints off the front of the refrigerator, or lamenting about how grungy your walls look (starting about waist-level). Windows, appliances, computer screens - if your kids can reach it, it'll be gross, guaranteed.
Stickiness
There was a time when I confined my kids' snacking strictly to the kitchen. But then I had more kids, and they got older and sneakier, and I got tired, and that's why my house has enough random sticky patches to rival a freshly asphalted road. You've got kids, you've got sticky messes. Which, if left undiscovered long enough, become dirty and crusty. I mean . . . at least they're not sticky any more after that point. Look on the bright side, right?
Pee
An adults-only restroom isn't usually a urine-soaked disaster (unless it's a gas station or something, then all bets are off), but a bathroom shared with kids requires much more cleaning than the average. I'm not sure why they have such difficulty with targeted tinkling, but they spray more than a teenage boy with a can of Axe. I'm gonna chalk it up to their lack of aiming experience, but whatever the reason, parents buy approximately 8000 percent more bathroom cleaner. It's a fact.
Dirt
Everybody's house gets dirty. But "dirty" to someone without kids might mean a thin layer of dust that you can only see on the fingertip of a white glove, whereas "dirty" with kids takes on a whole new meaning. Because I'm talking about literal dirt. You'll find it tracked across floors, making a ring in the bathtub, caked on the bottoms of shoes, and sometimes even filling pockets (better hope you find it before you wash). Remember the Pigpen character from Peanuts? Yeah - it's like that. All over your entire house.
Dishes
I have been saying "Please put away your dishes," (or less-friendly variations thereof) after every single meal for the better part of a decade. You would think that by now, putting their dishes in the dishwasher or sink would come as naturally to my kids as breathing . . . but you'd be wrong. I find cups and plates and bowls everywhere besides the places where dirty dishes need to go. Kitchen sinks, like trash cans and tissues, are another receptacle that kids seem to find completely unnecessary.
Laundry
See: dishes. The same goes for clothes hampers.
Yes, all houses - childless or not - are subject to getting dusty and crusty every now and then. But kids make your surroundings exponentially more disgusting, and it never stops; turn around and something new is tarnished, blink and there's another booger. You either go insane, or you sigh and hope that maybe when they go to college, your stuff will stay clean for more than two seconds.
They say I'll miss the mess someday. But I'll believe that when I see it.
What Is Ghee, and Is it Better Than Butter?
Ghee is gaining notoriety in the health world lately, thanks in part to the popularity of Paleo diets. We even predict it'll be one of the most popular healthy foods of 2017. But it's not new - ghee's roots date back centuries in India (ghee is the Hindi word for "fat"), and it has been used in both Ayeurvedic medicine and Indian cooking.
Should you swap your butter for ghee? To find out how it compares to regular old butter, we talked to three dietitians: Sarah Asay, RD at bistroMD; Lisa Eberly, RD, MPH; and Allison Stowell, M.S., RD, CDN, and dietitian for Guiding Stars.
What Is It?
Ghee is clarified butter, meaning the milk solids are removed. "This makes it casein and lactose free, which could be a benefit for some people," said Allison.
If you're lactose sensitive or intolerant, ghee might be an option for you in the kitchen. Sarah said "Given the trace amounts of dairy, this is often a form of butter dairy-sensitive people can tolerate."
In terms of taste and texture, it's somewhat like a butter-flavored coconut oil. You can find ghee in different flavors (we like Fourth & Heart's truffle salt and Madagascar vanilla).
What's the Nutritional Info?
It's pretty comparable to butter, with butter actually being lower in fat and calories, according to Allison. Here's what she shared with us:
- 1 tablespoon ghee: 135 calories, 15 grams of fat (9 grams of saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol.
- 1 tablespoon butter: 100 calories, 11 grams of fat (7 grams of saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol.
Is It Better Than Butter?
There's some debate; Lisa and Allison don't think so. "Ghee is not 'better for you' as it may be positioned," said Allison, "as it offers more calories, fat, and saturated fat. It may be a good tool for cooking and sautéing, but I would not recommend for your daily breakfast toast."
However, if you're lactose intolerant, ghee might be a better option. "Ghee could be a good option for individuals who prefer a strong buttery taste," Ashley said. If you're craving that flavor but just can't stomach the milk solids, give ghee a shot.
If you've got no dietary restrictions, Lisa recommends grass-fed butter over ghee. "Like ghee, grass-fed butter also has saturated fat, but the fat from grass-fed butter has particular fatty acids that can have digestive effects similar to fiber."
Some studies have also shown that ghee might have the ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), which could prevent heart disease. That said, a 2010 study showed that butter and saturated fat didn't necessarily contribute to heart disease, either.
Aside from the health aspect of ghee versus butter, ghee is a more stable oil for cooking. Sarah told us that it has a higher smoke point, meaning it can tolerate higher temperatures than butter can. "When cooking with butter, you may have noticed it burns easily and begins to smoke. This is due to the milk solids present in butter. Since ghee has this component removed, it can tolerate much higher heat than its unclarified counterpart."
You can also store ghee in your cabinet, and it has a longer shelf life. Unlike butter, ghee can be stored at room temperature and will last for months.
10 of the Most Hilarious Christmas Fails of All Time
We saw how badly some Thanksgivings went, and Christmas isn't looking any better for certain folks. Ahead, check out the most hilarious #Christmasfail tweets, and be thankful for every little thing that goes right this season.
P.s. You'll also want to check out 17 times Christmas was done so right.
1. Scary Santa
Santa scared my daughter half to death. She came running for me lol http://pic.twitter.com/yM4NiRvBpf
- Sunny Deniro (@SunnyDeniro) December 7, 2014
2. You had ONE job
You had ONE job! #ChristmasFail http://pic.twitter.com/XSs7aIeYyA
- Hannah Marsh (@Hannah_Marsh) December 5, 2014
3. Whoops!
When spelling errors get slightly disturbing… #christmasfail http://pic.twitter.com/F4iwAeXaFJ
- UNiDAYS® (@MyUNiDAYS) December 18, 2013
4. Ummm . . .
Christmas!! Going to have a think and try again. #Christmas #christmasfail http://pic.twitter.com/bcxwajcXid
— RCasswell (@RichardCasswell) December 6, 2016
5. Woof!
We mixed up @GuzinIt bag with the dogs #ChristmasFail http://pic.twitter.com/umtsPaP8ah
- Kaylen Davidson (@KaylenDavidson) December 25, 2013
6. Headless Santa
If Santa didn't make it to ur house. I may have the answer… (took this outside Goodwill awhile back). #santafail http://pic.twitter.com/EQmgLRu8LM
- Brian Bates - JohnTV (@JohnTVokc) December 25, 2013
7. :(
Oh no! #christmas #santafail
https://t.co/AERAZQ3vSU http://pic.twitter.com/0nCkEC2dlH
- FatCap (@Fatcap) December 23, 2013
8. Heck no
Honey, we have mice - and they got to my presents! #christmasfail http://pic.twitter.com/pPHfmEP0o5
- Joel Charlebois (@MrCknowzit) December 24, 2013
9. This is awkward . . .
Nothing says Happy Christmas like a big snowman 'ploughing' a small snowman! @_youhadonejob #ChristmasFail http://pic.twitter.com/gbuEzk5QHo
- Mathew Webber (@MathewWebber) November 30, 2014
10. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So the Christmas Tree fell on me while I was screwing it into the base. #ChristmasFail http://pic.twitter.com/AcyKMVvR7X
- Crystal Wilkening (@CrystalCarolina) December 7, 2013
What Is Ghee, and Is it Better Than Butter?
Ghee is gaining notoriety in the health world lately, thanks in part to the popularity of Paleo diets. We even predict it'll be one of the most popular healthy foods of 2017. But it's not new - ghee's roots date back centuries in India (ghee is the Hindi word for "fat"), and it has been used in both Ayeurvedic medicine and Indian cooking.
Should you swap your butter for ghee? To find out how it compares to regular old butter, we talked to three dietitians: Sarah Asay, RD at bistroMD; Lisa Eberly, RD, MPH; and Allison Stowell, M.S., RD, CDN, and dietitian for Guiding Stars.
What Is It?
Ghee is clarified butter, meaning the milk solids are removed. "This makes it casein and lactose free, which could be a benefit for some people," said Allison.
If you're lactose sensitive or intolerant, ghee might be an option for you in the kitchen. Sarah said "Given the trace amounts of dairy, this is often a form of butter dairy-sensitive people can tolerate."
In terms of taste and texture, it's somewhat like a butter-flavored coconut oil. You can find ghee in different flavors (we like Fourth & Heart's truffle salt and Madagascar vanilla).
What's the Nutritional Info?
It's pretty comparable to butter, with butter actually being lower in fat and calories, according to Allison. Here's what she shared with us:
- 1 tablespoon ghee: 135 calories, 15 grams of fat (9 grams of saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol.
- 1 tablespoon butter: 100 calories, 11 grams of fat (7 grams of saturated fat), 30 mg cholesterol.
Is It Better Than Butter?
There's some debate; Lisa and Allison don't think so. "Ghee is not 'better for you' as it may be positioned," said Allison, "as it offers more calories, fat, and saturated fat. It may be a good tool for cooking and sautéing, but I would not recommend for your daily breakfast toast."
However, if you're lactose intolerant, ghee might be a better option. "Ghee could be a good option for individuals who prefer a strong buttery taste," Ashley said. If you're craving that flavor but just can't stomach the milk solids, give ghee a shot.
If you've got no dietary restrictions, Lisa recommends grass-fed butter over ghee. "Like ghee, grass-fed butter also has saturated fat, but the fat from grass-fed butter has particular fatty acids that can have digestive effects similar to fiber."
Some studies have also shown that ghee might have the ability to lower bad cholesterol (LDL), which could prevent heart disease. That said, a 2010 study showed that butter and saturated fat didn't necessarily contribute to heart disease, either.
Aside from the health aspect of ghee versus butter, ghee is a more stable oil for cooking. Sarah told us that it has a higher smoke point, meaning it can tolerate higher temperatures than butter can. "When cooking with butter, you may have noticed it burns easily and begins to smoke. This is due to the milk solids present in butter. Since ghee has this component removed, it can tolerate much higher heat than its unclarified counterpart."
You can also store ghee in your cabinet, and it has a longer shelf life. Unlike butter, ghee can be stored at room temperature and will last for months.
Is This the Year We Reached Peak Denim?
Thanks to a kick-back, comfortable look embraced by the fashion industry and many designers, we've been basking in the rise of athleisure, sneakers with everything, and denim everywhere. Surely, jeans are nothing new. They cycle in and out of our closets in varying silhouettes and washes, being reintroduced every few years with new touches and twists, embroidery here, embellishment, fringe, a wider crop, a higher rise, changing our everyday look with each small update or throwback. But if you stop to take stock of the year in fashion - denim trench coats, personalized pieces, day dresses, and tailored denim - you might just notice how much more we saw. It was more than just jeans.
Jean jackets featured prominently in Balenciaga's Fall '16 collection; Vetements reworked the look with two-toned jeans and uneven hems, and it all quickly took to the streets. Style stars' obsession with the classic was anything but traditional, embracing bold, baggy, frayed cuts, denim jumpsuits, denim on denim. It seemed very quickly jeans weren't just part of the outfit - they were the outfit. The center of every stylish outfit. To which, we wonder, have we reached peak denim? Where do we go from denim everything? Read on to see the year's explosive denim trend, then weigh in. What will your jeans look like in 2017? We have some ideas.
All of the Queen's Most Amazing Necklaces
They are worth millions of pounds, and kept secure in the vaults under Buckingham Palace. They represent love, power, and intrigue. Their beauty is famed and their history is unique - one was nearly lost to a royal mistress, one was the subject of investigation, and another has links to ancient history. They are the queen's most impressive and important necklaces, and we have rounded up the top 17 in her majesty's personal collection . . .
When You See These Photos of Michelle Obama, You'll Realize She's the Queen of Holiday Style
When it comes to holiday dressing, Michelle Obama is fit to teach us a thing or two. After all, the first lady has worn countless beautiful gowns over the years and has become as powerful of a style icon as Jackie Kennedy. Though Michelle has access to a host of stylists and talented designers, make no mistake - the first lady knows how to wear clothes. She's always confident and poised, whether she's wearing a bold print or a power color like red. She may not have done it knowingly, but the first lady's given us 29 holiday dressing tips we'll never forget.
There Are a Ton of Great Movies and TV Shows Coming to Netflix in January
As we careen toward the end of 2016, a fresh new year with fresh new entertainment awaits. Netflix has a ton of new titles hitting the streaming service in January, and we have them right here. You still have a few weeks before these hit the service, but there's no harm in figuring out what you'll be watching when 2017 peeks its head in.
10 Books to Read If You Love True Crime
As Titus Andromedon expertly explains to Kimmy in the first season of Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, "People love hearing terrible details of news tragedies: 1. It's titillating like a horror movie. 2. It makes them feel like a good person because they care about a stranger. 3. It makes people feel safe that it did not happen to them." If this sounds like you (and you've already binged these documentaries and listened to these podcasts), check out the list below of 10 books that will satisfy all of your true crime needs.
16 Editors Share Their Healthy Goals For 2017
Have you decided on a healthy New Year's resolution? To inspire and motivate you to live your healthiest life this year, 16 POPSUGAR editors shared their personal resolutions for 2017, and the responses are all over the map.
Do you want to do pull-ups like Fitness editor Jenny, cut back on sweets like POPSUGAR founder Lisa, or love yourself a whole lot more like our Celebrity editor Quinn? Read through these 16 resolutions to spark the ideas and get those healthy wheels turning.
Get Stronger
"My New Year's resolution is to be able to get stronger so I can do 5 pull-ups, to eat less sugar, run another half-marathon, to ski more so my 4- and 6-year-olds don't become better skiers than me, to make time for the things I used to do before kids that make me happy like playing banjo, singing, and being crafty, and to be more kind." - Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
"My goal is to get 'wedding arms.' I want to tone that back arm crease area (the little fold). I plan to do Pilates and barre-inspired workouts as well as dance classes to do it!" - Lauren Levinson, senior editor, Beauty
"I have two! 1. Strengthen my arms, so I can do push ups on my toes instead of knees. 2. Attend 270 Bar Method classes in 2017." - Lauren Hendrickson, product manager
"This will seem ambitious, but I made my first resolution to run my first full marathon this year - all 26.2 miles - and I also plan to get my CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification, so I can extend my knowledge of fitness and health. A lot of training and studying this year!" - Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
Self Love
"Like a lot of other women, my long, bumpy, cellulite-covered road to self-acceptance hasn't been easy. Although I'd love to say that my number one resolution for the new year is to start eating better or to exercise more (both of which remain top priorities, I should note), my biggest hope is that 2017 will be the year I finally love my body for what it is. I might never be able to get rid of every unwanted pound, unexpected curve, or the metabolism that seems to be actively plotting against me, but as long as I can feel happy when I look in the mirror, I think that's a great place to start." - Quinn Keaney, assistant editor, Celebrity
Healthy Eating
"The words 'healthy' and 'lifestyle' aren't normally paired for me, but my wedding is in August, so it's time to shape up. At some point in January (the first day is overrated), I'm going back to hot yoga and trying out the Mediterranean diet. There, now that I've written it down, it has to happen." - Maggie Pehanick, editor, Entertainment
"Trying number six [from this list of resolutions] as long as natural sugar is still allowed!" - Lisa Sugar, founder and president
"My biggest hope is that 2017 will be the year I finally love my body for what it is."
"Next year I'm going to start holding myself more accountable for what I eat by keeping by using an app to record all my meals. By tracking everything I eat throughout the day, I'll be able to make sure that I'm eating a balanced diet and not replacing important meals with small bites and snacks." - Victor Verdugo, editorial assistant, Social Media
"In the coming year I'm aiming to rely less on meat as the foundation for my meals and instead get creative with vegetarian dishes. My ideal goal is to only eat meat on the weekend and have meatless meals during the week. I've just found that eating less meat makes me feel lighter both physically and ethically. We'll see how I fare!" - Kelsey Garcia, editorial assistant
"Totally weird and random but - I want to make a resolution to eat at least a few tablespoons of plain yogurt every day. I didn't realize all the positive effects it has: it helps you recover faster after a workout, has good bacteria for you, keeps colds away, and lots of other things . . . it also helps your smile (and helps protect your gums!)." - Zareen Siddiqui, audience development associate
Healthier Choices
"My New Year's resolution is to find balance and look at the long-term benefits of being active, rather than the short-term smugness of completing a challenge and losing a bit of weight." - Gemma Cartwright, senior editor, POPSUGAR UK
"I have an overall self-care goal next year to stop treating my body like sh*t. I need to stop taking my health for granted."
"My new year's resolution is to wake up an hour earlier! I'm the type of person who snoozes 10 times before I wake up and get myself together at the last minute, so I'm constantly feeling rushed. Waking up earlier is a simple, attainable way to have more me time, whether it's getting a quick workout in, meditating, or reading." - Meghan Tipton, editorial recruiting associate
"I have an overall self-care goal next year to stop treating my body like sh*t. This spans from drinking more water, being more active, eating McDonald's maybe every other week instead of every other day, drinking less alcohol, etc. I need to stop taking my health for granted." - Nicole Yi, assistant editor, Love and Sex
"1. Fit in at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. 2. Drink more water (I actually started today. I'm on my sixth cup of water - and that's six cups more than I usually drink). 3. Attempt self-control when it comes to food. I usually do a "if I crave it, I'll find a way to eat it," diet. I think I need to change that. 4. Get more sleep: Super important because I barely get sleep and I feel it's finally catching up to me." - Alaine Flandez, editorial intern
Mental Health
"I'm trying to take care of my mental health more and pay attention to my mood and identify why I'm feeling how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll be crabby because I haven't had enough to eat or slept enough. Another resolution is to make sure I get enough sleep and exercise!" - Sarah Siegel, trending editorial assistant
"My goal is to meditate twice a day, every day this year. Ambitious, but when I do meditate consistently (the Calm app is my fave), I feel so much better, more focused, less stressed, and more productive." - Mandy Harris, managing editor
16 Editors Share Their Healthy Goals For 2017
Have you decided on a healthy New Year's resolution? To inspire and motivate you to live your healthiest life this year, 16 POPSUGAR editors shared their personal resolutions for 2017, and the responses are all over the map.
Do you want to do pull-ups like Fitness editor Jenny, cut back on sweets like POPSUGAR founder Lisa, or love yourself a whole lot more like our Celebrity editor Quinn? Read through these 16 resolutions to spark the ideas and get those healthy wheels turning.
Get Stronger
"My New Year's resolution is to be able to get stronger so I can do 5 pull-ups, to eat less sugar, run another half-marathon, to ski more so my 4- and 6-year-olds don't become better skiers than me, to make time for the things I used to do before kids that make me happy like playing banjo, singing, and being crafty, and to be more kind." - Jenny Sugar, editor, Fitness
"My goal is to get 'wedding arms.' I want to tone that back arm crease area (the little fold). I plan to do Pilates and barre-inspired workouts as well as dance classes to do it!" - Lauren Levinson, senior editor, Beauty
"I have two! 1. Strengthen my arms, so I can do push ups on my toes instead of knees. 2. Attend 270 Bar Method classes in 2017." - Lauren Hendrickson, product manager
"This will seem ambitious, but I made my first resolution to run my first full marathon this year - all 26.2 miles - and I also plan to get my CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification, so I can extend my knowledge of fitness and health. A lot of training and studying this year!" - Dominique Astorino, assistant editor, Fitness
Self Love
"Like a lot of other women, my long, bumpy, cellulite-covered road to self-acceptance hasn't been easy. Although I'd love to say that my number one resolution for the new year is to start eating better or to exercise more (both of which remain top priorities, I should note), my biggest hope is that 2017 will be the year I finally love my body for what it is. I might never be able to get rid of every unwanted pound, unexpected curve, or the metabolism that seems to be actively plotting against me, but as long as I can feel happy when I look in the mirror, I think that's a great place to start." - Quinn Keaney, assistant editor, Celebrity
Healthy Eating
"The words 'healthy' and 'lifestyle' aren't normally paired for me, but my wedding is in August, so it's time to shape up. At some point in January (the first day is overrated), I'm going back to hot yoga and trying out the Mediterranean diet. There, now that I've written it down, it has to happen." - Maggie Pehanick, editor, Entertainment
"Trying number six [from this list of resolutions] as long as natural sugar is still allowed!" - Lisa Sugar, founder and president
"My biggest hope is that 2017 will be the year I finally love my body for what it is."
"Next year I'm going to start holding myself more accountable for what I eat by keeping by using an app to record all my meals. By tracking everything I eat throughout the day, I'll be able to make sure that I'm eating a balanced diet and not replacing important meals with small bites and snacks." - Victor Verdugo, editorial assistant, Social Media
"In the coming year I'm aiming to rely less on meat as the foundation for my meals and instead get creative with vegetarian dishes. My ideal goal is to only eat meat on the weekend and have meatless meals during the week. I've just found that eating less meat makes me feel lighter both physically and ethically. We'll see how I fare!" - Kelsey Garcia, editorial assistant
"Totally weird and random but - I want to make a resolution to eat at least a few tablespoons of plain yogurt every day. I didn't realize all the positive effects it has: it helps you recover faster after a workout, has good bacteria for you, keeps colds away, and lots of other things . . . it also helps your smile (and helps protect your gums!)." - Zareen Siddiqui, audience development associate
Healthier Choices
"My New Year's resolution is to find balance and look at the long-term benefits of being active, rather than the short-term smugness of completing a challenge and losing a bit of weight." - Gemma Cartwright, senior editor, POPSUGAR UK
"I have an overall self-care goal next year to stop treating my body like sh*t. I need to stop taking my health for granted."
"My new year's resolution is to wake up an hour earlier! I'm the type of person who snoozes 10 times before I wake up and get myself together at the last minute, so I'm constantly feeling rushed. Waking up earlier is a simple, attainable way to have more me time, whether it's getting a quick workout in, meditating, or reading." - Meghan Tipton, editorial recruiting associate
"I have an overall self-care goal next year to stop treating my body like sh*t. This spans from drinking more water, being more active, eating McDonald's maybe every other week instead of every other day, drinking less alcohol, etc. I need to stop taking my health for granted." - Nicole Yi, assistant editor, Love and Sex
"1. Fit in at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily. 2. Drink more water (I actually started today. I'm on my sixth cup of water - and that's six cups more than I usually drink). 3. Attempt self-control when it comes to food. I usually do a "if I crave it, I'll find a way to eat it," diet. I think I need to change that. 4. Get more sleep: Super important because I barely get sleep and I feel it's finally catching up to me." - Alaine Flandez, editorial intern
Mental Health
"I'm trying to take care of my mental health more and pay attention to my mood and identify why I'm feeling how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll be crabby because I haven't had enough to eat or slept enough. Another resolution is to make sure I get enough sleep and exercise!" - Sarah Siegel, trending editorial assistant
"My goal is to meditate twice a day, every day this year. Ambitious, but when I do meditate consistently (the Calm app is my fave), I feel so much better, more focused, less stressed, and more productive." - Mandy Harris, managing editor
Macaulay Culkin Reprised His Home Alone Role, and You Won't Believe What's Become of Kevin
Home Alone is one of the most classic Christmas movies of all time, and now we know what eventually becomes of little Kevin McCallister. While you were busy fantasizing about how cool it would be to be left alone for the holidays, one man has been tramautized by the whole ordeal: Macaulay Culkin, iconic '90s child star and real-life Kevin McCallister. Last year, he starred in a viral video as a grown-up version of Kevin, and his life is not all sunshine and roses. Take a look for some (somewhat depressing) holiday laughs.
The Hottest Sam Heughan Shirtless Pictures We Could Get Our Hands On
It's no secret that Sam Heughan is one good-looking man, but he's even hotter when he goes without a shirt. The actor has been known to show off his abs on Outlander, but he has also shared some pretty steamy moments on Instagram as well. What can we say? We just can't get enough of the hunky star. See some of his sexiest shirtless moments here.
12 Makeup Products That Will Keep Your Skin Dewy in the Winter
We all complain about having dry, ashy skin in the Winter, but it's time to stop kvetching and be proactive. Sometimes moisturizing your face and body just isn't enough to combat the extreme polar-vortex winds or ski-season atmospheres, so you need to get combative about your plan. That's why I'm sharing my personal tricks - I completely change up my cold-weather makeup to include hydration in the most unexpected ways. Learn how to nourish every nook and cranny from your eyelashes to your nail beds. A more soothing Winter can be yours as you keep reading!
10 Pieces of Clothing to Ditch Before 2017
Whether you are making room for new stuff or feel the urge to get organized, the beginning (or even end) of a year can be a great time to clean out that closet. After all, you've got some vacation time, resolutions are in place, and all those "fresh start" quotes can be somewhat inspiring. But where do you begin? What clothes do you ditch first? Take a look at the suggestions ahead, and get a move on. We promise, you'll feel so much better - and maybe a bit freer! - afterward.
Charlie Hunnam Was a "Total Bastard" to His Girlfriend While Filming The Lost City of Z
Charlie Hunnam is dream boyfriend material, but even he admits that he screws up sometimes. The actor, who has been dating Morgana McNelis for more than 11 years, chatted to Entertainment Weekly about how he made a major mistake in his personal life while filming The Lost City of Z with Robert Pattinson. Since the five-month shoot took him away from Morgana, the two agreed to write letters to each other to keep the romance alive. "We went to Colombia, and the mail system doesn't really work very well," he said. "It's completely unreliable. I received a letter from her, and I realized that from the tone of it and things she was saying that she hadn't received the two letters that I sent before."
Despite Morgana's obviously hurt feelings, Charlie decided to take the completely wrong turn and stop writing to her altogether. Since he plays Percy Fawcett, a real-life British explorer who disappeared in the 1920s, in the film, his decision to cut-off communication with Morgana was a bit too method. "[It] obviously makes me sound like a total bastard, appropriately so," he continued, "but I was very apologetic." Even though she appears to have forgiven him since they were spotted on a cute outing in early December, she still better have gotten the biggest flower arrangement humanly possible.
Michael Che's Reaction to Third-Wheeling With Leslie Jones and Colin Jost Is Pretty Classic
On Saturday Night Live, Leslie Jones is known for sliding up to the Weekend Update desk and unabashedly hitting on Colin Jost - so to see the two sitting courtside together at a New York Knicks game on Tuesday night really warmed our hearts. Leslie and Colin were joined by their SNL costars Cecily Strong and Michael Che, who couldn't have looked more like a third wheel seated with them; he also had some hilarious facial reactions to Leslie's overzealous cheering for the team and snapped selfies of the crew.
If the SNL cast didn't bring enough fun to the big game, also seated front row were Amy Schumer, Sam Morril, and Chris Rock, who chatted it up between quarters. The two worked together on Amy's 2015 standup special Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, and the Trainwreck star shared a cute photo of the group at the game, saying, "Kids who told jokes till they got courtside."
7 Mental Health Resolutions, Straight From a Psychologist
As someone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis, I made one of my New Year's resolutions about mental health. This year I plan to start working with a therapist to develop better management tools for anxiety and stress, which can sometimes be so bad it can be paralyzing. Because I don't want anything to hold me back in 2017 (especially since I'm training for my first marathon!), getting anxiety under control is of the utmost importance.
A lot of you also struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and even just high amounts of stress. Let's make this year about having our healthiest bodies and brains and finally taking control of our mental health. We got a list of seven incredible resolutions from psychologist Stephanie Parmely, Ph.D, from Mercy Medical Group, a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation.
1. Exercise
We obviously love this suggestion, but it's awesome to have an expert back it up. "Over the past 10 years, multiple studies have found that exercise can be just as effective, if not more so, than antidepression medication," said Dr. Parmely. "For those seeking a more holistic approach to tackling depression and anxiety, regular exercise boosts endorphins. Even the smallest physical activity can work wonders – it takes only 12 minutes of exercise per week to improve a person's health." .
Dr. Parmely reinforced you don't have to do a ton to make a big impact on your mood. She recommends a 10-minute exercise video three times a week, or just keeping a regular gym schedule. "Find time to exercise; you won't regret it."
2. Develop a Sense of Mastery
"Feeling a sense of accomplishment can help reduce the risks and impact of depression," she said. "This is especially important for parents helping their children overcome depression. It's important to find a sense of mastery - no matter how big or small the achievement may be." Are you not giving yourself enough credit? Make your resolution to be kinder to yourself. "Sometimes, we forget to acknowledge the good we've done, so next time you fix a leaky faucet or organize your files, take the time to recognize yourself for successfully completing a task from start to finish."
3. Meditate
"Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and deserves the same kind of conditioning and dedication," Dr. Parmely said. And how does one do this? With meditation, of course! "Meditation is exercise for the brain, helping to strengthen the frontal lobe, which is the part of our brain that controls the negative impulses and triggers." To get started, we'd recommend trying a meditation app, or as Dr. Parmely suggested, try "following an instructional breathing video on YouTube [or] focusing on a page in your adult coloring book."
4. Do What Makes You Happy
As it turns out, "do what you love" actually makes for an awesome New Year's resolution. "A common question when diagnosing depression is 'are you no longer doing something you used to enjoy?'" she said. "Think about what might have previously brought you happiness that you may have let go in 2016. Dancing, painting, or organized sports - whatever the activity may be - if it brought you happiness in the past, it will likely provide that seem feeling again in 2017."
5. Sleep!
Just another reason to get extra ZZZs: it's good for your mental health. "While consistent sleepiness can be a sign of depression, sleep is not an enemy. A good night's rest leads to a clearer mind to start your day ready to tackle any negative thoughts." We're all for this. Dr. Parmely also mentioned that "people tend to sleep better in the winter months, given the colder temperatures and less daylight, which increases melatonin." If you need a boost of melatonin as the seasons become brighter, try taking a supplement to get some shut-eye.
6. Don't Forget Your Vitamins
Did you know certain vitamins and minerals can fight stress and depression? While you'll want to eat foods rich in these vitamins and minerals, you might need a boost in the winter when you're starting these resolutions. "Essential vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin B are especially crucial in the winter months," said Dr. Parmely. "Less sunshine means less natural vitamin D, which is important for maintaining the mood-boosting brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Vitamin B-12 and B-6 vitamins also play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect a person's mood."
7. Lend a Hand
Giving back to those in need can absolutely improve your mood - and it's backed by science. "This year brought a lot of emotional confusion to people. Often times, we're left defeated when we feel we could have made a difference and didn't," she said. "Shaking that feeling and taking action can lead to a happier, healthier and more stable frame of mind. Get involved. Volunteer your time, money, or skills to a cause you admire. Giving back is as humbling for the soul as it is healthy for the brain." Sounds like an amazing resolution and an awesome way to spend 2017.
Every Key Moment From the Star Wars Films in 1 Easy Place
With Rogue One now out in theaters, there's a total of eight feature films in the Star Wars franchise. That's a whole lot of epic space opera and sci-fi fun to devour, and it can be hard to keep all that information straight. Forgot what happens to Anakin Skywalker in the prequels? Need to brush up on some Han Solo knowledge before his spinoff movie hits theaters? Here's a timeline of some major events in each Star Wars film thus far. And of course, beware of spoilers ahead!
The Walking Dead: Are Animals Susceptible to the Horrific Zombie Virus?
One of the biggest mysteries on The Walking Dead also happens to be one of the most prevalent pieces to the zombie apocalypse puzzle: the virus. Throughout the run of the show, we've learned plenty about it through observation, character explanations, and more. We've even learned about why none of the characters say "zombie" while referring to the infected. There's one thing, though, that isn't quite as explicitly addressed in the series: can animals get it too?
It's true, the show has never truly answered the question in scenes, but that doesn't mean an answer isn't out there. In fact, creator Robert Kirkman directly addressed the issue during a very early episode of Talking Dead, the postmortem show that immediately unpacks each episode after it airs. "Animals can't become walkers/zombies," Kirkman revealed. "Only humans." You know what this means, right? One day, when every human is turned to a rotting member of the undead - or better yet, when all the walkers are finally dead for good - animals will once again take ownership of the world. Now that would be a great ending.
7 Mental Health Resolutions, Straight From a Psychologist
As someone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis, I made one of my New Year's resolutions about mental health. This year I plan to start working with a therapist to develop better management tools for anxiety and stress, which can sometimes be so bad it can be paralyzing. Because I don't want anything to hold me back in 2017 (especially since I'm training for my first marathon!), getting anxiety under control is of the utmost importance.
A lot of you also struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and even just high amounts of stress. Let's make this year about having our healthiest bodies and brains and finally taking control of our mental health. We got a list of seven incredible resolutions from psychologist Stephanie Parmely, Ph.D, from Mercy Medical Group, a service of Dignity Health Medical Foundation.
1. Exercise
We obviously love this suggestion, but it's awesome to have an expert back it up. "Over the past 10 years, multiple studies have found that exercise can be just as effective, if not more so, than antidepression medication," said Dr. Parmely. "For those seeking a more holistic approach to tackling depression and anxiety, regular exercise boosts endorphins. Even the smallest physical activity can work wonders – it takes only 12 minutes of exercise per week to improve a person's health." .
Dr. Parmely reinforced you don't have to do a ton to make a big impact on your mood. She recommends a 10-minute exercise video three times a week, or just keeping a regular gym schedule. "Find time to exercise; you won't regret it."
2. Develop a Sense of Mastery
"Feeling a sense of accomplishment can help reduce the risks and impact of depression," she said. "This is especially important for parents helping their children overcome depression. It's important to find a sense of mastery - no matter how big or small the achievement may be." Are you not giving yourself enough credit? Make your resolution to be kinder to yourself. "Sometimes, we forget to acknowledge the good we've done, so next time you fix a leaky faucet or organize your files, take the time to recognize yourself for successfully completing a task from start to finish."
3. Meditate
"Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and deserves the same kind of conditioning and dedication," Dr. Parmely said. And how does one do this? With meditation, of course! "Meditation is exercise for the brain, helping to strengthen the frontal lobe, which is the part of our brain that controls the negative impulses and triggers." To get started, we'd recommend trying a meditation app, or as Dr. Parmely suggested, try "following an instructional breathing video on YouTube [or] focusing on a page in your adult coloring book."
4. Do What Makes You Happy
As it turns out, "do what you love" actually makes for an awesome New Year's resolution. "A common question when diagnosing depression is 'are you no longer doing something you used to enjoy?'" she said. "Think about what might have previously brought you happiness that you may have let go in 2016. Dancing, painting, or organized sports - whatever the activity may be - if it brought you happiness in the past, it will likely provide that seem feeling again in 2017."
5. Sleep!
Just another reason to get extra ZZZs: it's good for your mental health. "While consistent sleepiness can be a sign of depression, sleep is not an enemy. A good night's rest leads to a clearer mind to start your day ready to tackle any negative thoughts." We're all for this. Dr. Parmely also mentioned that "people tend to sleep better in the winter months, given the colder temperatures and less daylight, which increases melatonin." If you need a boost of melatonin as the seasons become brighter, try taking a supplement to get some shut-eye.
6. Don't Forget Your Vitamins
Did you know certain vitamins and minerals can fight stress and depression? While you'll want to eat foods rich in these vitamins and minerals, you might need a boost in the winter when you're starting these resolutions. "Essential vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin B are especially crucial in the winter months," said Dr. Parmely. "Less sunshine means less natural vitamin D, which is important for maintaining the mood-boosting brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Vitamin B-12 and B-6 vitamins also play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect a person's mood."
7. Lend a Hand
Giving back to those in need can absolutely improve your mood - and it's backed by science. "This year brought a lot of emotional confusion to people. Often times, we're left defeated when we feel we could have made a difference and didn't," she said. "Shaking that feeling and taking action can lead to a happier, healthier and more stable frame of mind. Get involved. Volunteer your time, money, or skills to a cause you admire. Giving back is as humbling for the soul as it is healthy for the brain." Sounds like an amazing resolution and an awesome way to spend 2017.
The Best Celebrity Pregnancy Announcements of 2016
With the help of social media, announcing a pregnancy to everyone outside your immediate circle is a breeze - especially if you're a celebrity with millions of fans watching your every move. Many a celebrity celebrated a pregnancy in 2016 - some of whom have already delivered their babies! - and the way each one chose to announce their impending bundle of joy got the internet talking.
Scroll through to see the most adorable (and creative!) celebrity pregnancy announcements that 2016 had to offer.
It's Not Lea Michele's Swimsuit That'll Catch Your Eye - It's What She's Wearing With It
A few days after Lea Michele attended Glee costar Becca Tobin's wedding, the actress traded in her Winter coat for a swimsuit. Lea was snapped on the beach, filming an episode for Scream Queens. She wore a cobalt blue one-piece for the scene, but it wasn't the bathing suit that caught our eyes first. It was actually her multicolored sarong, which she expertly tied to her waist.
While some accessorize with body chains at the beach, Lea reminded us just how stylish and flattering a sarong can be. The piece served as a breezy, eye-catching skirt as the star posed to show off the side of her leg. Most of us won't be experiencing beach-weather temps for quite a while, but we're still ready to shop some viable, Lea-inspired swim and sarong options - for vacation, perhaps? - ahead.
If You Prefer Emily Ratajkowski's Bikinis, You Obviously Haven't Seen Her Baywatch Suit
Don't get us wrong, Emily Ratajkowski looks good in a two-piece. In fact, the supermodel's come up with so many ideas for mixing and matching her bikinis, we can barely keep up. But while vacationing with her friends Bella Hadid, Elsa Hosk, Hannah Ferguson, Lais Ribeiro, Hailey Baldwin, and Rose Bertram in the Bahamas, Emily pulled a style switch-up.
Her red Solid & Striped design was fitted and sleek, with not a cutout in sight, and the plunging neckline was a touch sexy - very simple, very effortless, very Baywatch. Emily completed her look with a dainty chain necklace, allowing us full focus on her one-piece. While clearly, most of her pals prefer classic tops and bottoms, Emily is making a case for coverage at the beach. Read on for a look, then shop similar silhouettes for yourself.
6 NYE Outfits Hot Enough to Stop the Clock
Your chances to celebrate 2016 are coming to an end, and finally there's just one big event left on the horizon: New Year's Eve. It's the night you'll be saying goodbye to the year that was, and welcoming a new one in style. So it's only fitting that you want to dress your best for the big occasion.
These six outfits cover all the bases – some sparkle, others show major skin – so no matter what you're looking to wear, these outfits let you shine. Just scroll for a little inspiration and to shop our favorite looks. Now all you need is the champagne.
5 Ways to Eat More Vegetables in 2017
If getting greens in your diet is always a struggle, then we're here to help. Adding more vegetables to your meals comes with a bevy of benefits - like getting essential vitamins and minerals, fighting off illness, having more energy, and even losing weight. Step one to all these great perks? Eating more greens! Here are some super sleuth (and super simple) ways to get more green into your body every day.
- Add a green to each meal. Throw arugula or kale into your breakfast scramble, add a side salad to your lunch, snack on brussels sprouts chips midday, and cook up some broccoli at dinnertime.
- Try one new veggie each month. Confession: I didn't try brussels sprouts until after college - my mom never made them, so I never ate them. A friend of mine had never eaten green beans until she ate dinner with my family once. Most of us eat foods that we're most familiar with, based on our parents' cooking, so it's up to us as adults to experiment. Challenge yourself to try a new veggie each month, and try it in all its forms to give it a fair shot. You'll open yourself up to more meals and recipes than ever before.
- Experiment with recipes. Speaking of giving things a fair shot - maybe you think you hate certain vegetables, but you haven't had them prepared in the right way for your tastes. If you can't stand plain raw carrots, try them pickled or cooked. Not a fan of cooked spinach? Try it in a salad. Maybe you hated candied yams growing up, but would love a savory sweet potato sauté.
- Sneak them in. Go for total stealth mode when you need to - veggies can be sneaked into in foods you're already eating! Throw spinach or kale into smoothies. Sneak some spinach into brownies, muffins, breads, and pancakes.
- Make plant-based swaps. When you can, swap a starchy carbohydrate side like a pasta salad or rice or mashed potatoes for a vegetable. You can do this for your main entree, too! Instead of getting chicken in your quinoa bowl, try broccoli or sweet potatoes. Make a veggie stir-fry or Thai-style curry with cauliflower, or go a step further and switch rice for cauliflower rice.
5 Ways to Eat More Vegetables in 2017
If getting greens in your diet is always a struggle, then we're here to help. Adding more vegetables to your meals comes with a bevy of benefits - like getting essential vitamins and minerals, fighting off illness, having more energy, and even losing weight. Step one to all these great perks? Eating more greens! Here are some super sleuth (and super simple) ways to get more green into your body every day.
- Add a green to each meal. Throw arugula or kale into your breakfast scramble, add a side salad to your lunch, snack on brussels sprouts chips midday, and cook up some broccoli at dinnertime.
- Try one new veggie each month. Confession: I didn't try brussels sprouts until after college - my mom never made them, so I never ate them. A friend of mine had never eaten green beans until she ate dinner with my family once. Most of us eat foods that we're most familiar with, based on our parents' cooking, so it's up to us as adults to experiment. Challenge yourself to try a new veggie each month, and try it in all its forms to give it a fair shot. You'll open yourself up to more meals and recipes than ever before.
- Experiment with recipes. Speaking of giving things a fair shot - maybe you think you hate certain vegetables, but you haven't had them prepared in the right way for your tastes. If you can't stand plain raw carrots, try them pickled or cooked. Not a fan of cooked spinach? Try it in a salad. Maybe you hated candied yams growing up, but would love a savory sweet potato sauté.
- Sneak them in. Go for total stealth mode when you need to - veggies can be sneaked into in foods you're already eating! Throw spinach or kale into smoothies. Sneak some spinach into brownies, muffins, breads, and pancakes.
- Make plant-based swaps. When you can, swap a starchy carbohydrate side like a pasta salad or rice or mashed potatoes for a vegetable. You can do this for your main entree, too! Instead of getting chicken in your quinoa bowl, try broccoli or sweet potatoes. Make a veggie stir-fry or Thai-style curry with cauliflower, or go a step further and switch rice for cauliflower rice.
Better than any medal: The lessons this athlete learned after a kidney transplant
Jonathan Hickman is taking his passion for competition and sports to an international level, but is finding greater inspiration closer to home.
Better than any medal: The lessons this athlete learned after a kidney transplant
Jonathan Hickman is taking his passion for competition and sports to an international level, but is finding greater inspiration closer to home.
The 9 Best Christmas TV Episodes
Sure, holiday movies get all the credit this time of year for being festive and reminding us the the real reason we celebrate. Blah, blah, blah. Some of us, however, need a little more wit, a smidge more sarcasm, and a touch more awkward to get us through this long holiday season. That's where TV comes in and is, quite possibly, the best gift you can give yourself. If you need a break from all the Christmas movies with sappy endings and ridiculously good-looking actors, then hit up this list for the best holiday episodes on television.
10 Times Selena Gomez Got Real About Body Positivity - and We Loved It
Selena Gomez is no stranger to the sometimes harsh criticism that comes with fame; however, the "Kill Em With Kindness" singer is known for her keen ability to rise above it, stay true to herself, and recognize when she needs a break from the limelight.
Following a hiatus earlier in 2016, Selena re-emerged at the American Music Awards with an even stronger message of self love and acceptance that reminded us just how much we've idolized her body positivity over the years. Ahead, find 10 times she has inspired us with a few simple words!
Harry Potter Fans Will Freak Out Over This Magical Sorting Hat Bath Bomb
When you're in need of a little rest and relaxation, few things are as soothing rereading a favorite book (it's like an old friend!) or hopping into a steaming tub and adding a bath bomb. If you turn to Harry Potter during difficult times, then you know how easy it is to combine your adoration for the series with your bath fizzy obsession. There are plenty of Potterhead products on the market - especially on Etsy! - including a golden snitch bomb and one filled with a love potion.
However, the team at Seventeen alerted us to an even more ingenious take on the Harry Potter bath bomb: this Sorting Hat fizzer, developed by Created by Rebecca Lynn.
Decorated with stripes of red (Gryffindor), green (Slytherin), blue (Ravenclaw), and yellow (Hufflepuff), the white bomb holds a little secret inside. Just drop it into your tub and wait for it to dissolve: you'll soon see one bright hue, which is meant to denote your chosen house. Magic!
While Rebecca's Etsy shop is currently unavailable, you can buy similar fizzers from Wrath of the Bath ($8) and the Feisty Fox Store ($8). See the mesmerizing product in action when you read on.
8 Ways to Transform Your Instagram Feed Into Something Fashion-Blogger-Worthy
We've tried, then failed, then tried again: achieving an elevated, blogger-like Instagram is not as easy as it seems. There's just so much to take into account - color, lighting, editing tools, etc. - that it's easy to give up and give in to old, blurry habits. But for 2017, we're feeling determined. Our photos will be ones that earn hundreds of "likes," because, well, we're stealing some tips - and not giving 'em back. Scroll through for what we've gathered from a few chic feeds, then put it all into practice, ASAP.
Kim Kardashian Looks Like a Woman in Love During Date Night With Kanye West
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West put all those split rumors to rest on Sunday when they were spotted on a sweet date night. The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, were photographed leaving Giorgio Baldi restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. Kim kept warm in a large fur coat while a newly-blonde Kanye wore green track suit pants and a black jacket. While they didn't show too much PDA, Kim did flash a loving glance at her husband after they got into their car.
The fun outing is much needed for the parents of North and Saint. After Kim was robbed at gunpoint in Paris in October, Kanye suffered a nervous breakdown in November and spent a few weeks in the hospital. After he was released, he had a surprise meeting with President-elect Donald Trump in NYC. Despite Kim and Kanye's different political views, sources say Kim "respects her husband" and his decision to meet with Trump. Guess nothing can tear these two apart.
How to Decorate Christmas Cookies With Royal Icing
Before beginning to decorate your sugar cookies this Christmas season, you'll want to learn how to properly ice them. Christmas Cookie Swap! has a reliable recipe for royal icing and a step-by-step process to help you pipe the icing with success.
Royal icing creates a smooth surface on decorated cookies. It's made with either whipped egg whites or whipped meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water. The addition of just a bit of corn syrup boosts the flavor and helps create a shiny finish.
Royal Icing
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
3 tablespoons meringue powder
5 to 6 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
Food coloring paste (optional)
Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, and corn syrup in a large bowl. Beat at medium-low speed with an electric mixer 5 to 7 minutes. Divide and tint with food coloring, if desired. Icing dries quickly, so keep it covered at all times. Makes about 3 cups.
Mom's List of 9 Major Things Nobody Told Her About Motherhood Should Be Required Reading
There were countless moments during Gylisa Jayne's first year of motherhood when she found herself thinking, "Why did no one tell me about this . . . ?"
As she came across a number of these unpleasant surprises, the mom from England realized - over and over again - how little she actually knew about the truth of being a mom. She also discovered that she would've been better prepared if her midwife appointments involved watching a video of all of the truths left out of sex-education classes and what all of her mom friends didn't include in their Facebook updates.
In an effort to help prepare other expecting moms, she's speaking out by sharing her own major realizations. "No one told me that it's perfectly fine to admit you didn't 'love' your baby when it was fresh from the minge and being thrust at you. It's okay," Gylisa wrote on Facebook. "I felt the same way when I saw my placenta in that sick bowl - morbidly interested in what it looked like - but no thanks, I don't really fancy a cuddle with it."
In addition to that semihilarious, real-life tidbit and a relatable photo showing exactly what it's like to try and shave your legs when you have a toddler, Gylisa is arming her friends with an exhaustive list of the things nobody told her, but she wishes they had. Here are some of her findings:
1. "No one told me that stitches in your vag can actually hurt way more than birthing a 7lb baby."
2. "No one told me that breastfeeding DOES F*CKING HURT. . . . It is a sign of a bad latch if there is pain but it is also a sign that your nipnop is being aggressively sucked for (presumably) the first time."
3. "No one told me that EVERYONE will have an opinion on your baby - how to feed it, how to clothe it, how to name it, how to rock it, why you should only rock it for five seconds a day else it will be a spoiled little f*ck, and how if you aren't holding it 24/7 then you are clearly a sh*t mom."
4. "No one told me a polite way of telling said opinionated people to eff off."
5. "No one told me that I would really, honestly NEVER be alone again. This includes shitting, showering and shaving. Especially when they get older and find your shaving your fanny acutely interesting and you pray it doesn't scar them for life."
6. "No one told me that actually, once you get used to not being alone, you miss them when they nap because they are so cute."
7. "No one told me that pregnancy side effects last for ages . . . so essentially you are pregnant for like two years. Like an elephant. Which is how fat you feel now."
8. "No one told me that having a baby might make me hate my husband sometimes. That sometimes I really would prefer a cuddle with our baby. That it would feel unfair A LOT."
9. "No one told me that despite feeling like I couldn't do any of this, that I wouldn't know the first thing about motherhood, actually my instincts would not fail me, and everyone is winging it."
This 16-Year-Old Snowboarding Prodigy Shows Off Her Personality With Gorgeously Vibrant Hair
For 16-year-old Chloe Kim, snowboarding was always a passion. The Mammoth, California native always felt tied to the slopes, and she's dominated the field as a woman and a teenager: she was the first athlete to win two X Game gold medals before the age of 16, and the first woman to pull off back-to-back 1080s. Needless to say, her star is rising, and while she was too young to compete in Sochi's 2014 Olympics, she's certainly a shoe-in for South Korea in 2018 - an exciting opportunity for her, as she's Korean-American.
Chloe is changing the face of snowboarding most certainly due to her young age, but also with her personality-driven aesthetic. Her hair is never the same color for long, as she loves going to the salon and testing out vibrant blues, fuchsias, violets, and more.
"I feel like a lot of people feel like snowboarding is really tomboyish. That is not true!" said Chloe. "A lot of my friends love fashion . . . me and my snowboarding girlfriends go shopping when we can," said Chloe.
Recently, Chloe was named the first-ever North American ambassador for Korean cosmetics brand Laneige.
Check out the full interview to learn more about Chloe, and let us know your favorite part of the interview in the comments section below.
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