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.
dimanche 1 janvier 2017
Wearable Winter Tech Everyone on Your Shopping List Will Love
The cold months of Winter bring freezing temperatures and Winter blues, but fear not, the holidays can bring you plenty of new tech to keep you warm. These wearable joys will keep you well-rested, protected from the cold, and looking merry and bright!
18 Breakfasts That Follow the Perfect Weight-Loss Formula
Experts don't recommned skipping meals to save on calories, especially breakfast. Nutritionists Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition have shared the perfect equation for how to make asatisfying breakfast that will help also you lose weight. So instead of grabbing a scone or donut with your latte, reach for one of these delicious recipes.
18 Breakfasts That Follow the Perfect Weight-Loss Formula
Experts don't recommned skipping meals to save on calories, especially breakfast. Nutritionists Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition have shared the perfect equation for how to make asatisfying breakfast that will help also you lose weight. So instead of grabbing a scone or donut with your latte, reach for one of these delicious recipes.
No One Can Spot a Girl's Legs in This Photo and It's Driving People CRAZY
If you find yourself a bit bored and willing to test your patience, take a look at this photo that's going viral on Reddit. The photo in question is driving people a bit crazy because no one can find one person's legs in the picture.
The photo, posted by Reddit user jr0d7771, has amassed more than 400 comments from people trying to figure out where the legs of the girl sitting in the middle are. Is she floating? Is she wearing jeans the same color of the couch? Is this a dream? Is this another trick 2016 is playing on our hearts and brains for fun? Try finding the legs in the photo below.
Did you spot them? It's OK if you didn't - one Reddit user made the photo brighter and spotted the missing girl's legs.
Or, is the actual answer this?
Still curious? Dive deep into the Reddit thread discussing the photo to see other answers (and plenty of jokes). Rather walk away and not let your mind go crazy? That's totally fine, too.
38 Sexy Reasons We Miss Charlie Hunnam on Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy has been over for a good while, and we can't even tell you how much we still miss Jax Teller. Charlie Hunnam portrayed the SAMCRO member for seven seasons, and the character - spoiler alert! - is killed off in the series finale. Hunnam is ridiculously sexy in real life, and creator Kurt Sutter has gotten us all excited with a full-blown prequel on the way. Remember Jax with all these moments - especially the NSFW GIFs at the end. You're welcome.
The Best Freaking Jicama Salads You'll Ever Taste
When it comes to finding variety in your homemade salads, the world is your oyster when including jicama. This Mexican root vegetable works great in sweet, fruity, and savory mixes alike, because the juicy and crunchy veggie absorbs the flavor of the ingredients around it and soaks up dressing like it's its job. Here we've gathered 17 recipes that are sure to pack some serious taste in every bite.
25 Recipes That Combine 2 of the Greatest Foods Ever, Chicken and Pasta
Chicken and pasta - where would we be without them? They're two of the best and most trusty ingredients out there, and when you combine them, you've got a winning dinner formula that's guaranteed to please all taste buds at the table. For fast and easy dinners that are especially ideal for weeknights, look no further than these recipes for chicken fettuccine alfredo, cajun chicken pasta, and much more.
See Katy Perry in Various States of Undress
Ever since she broke onto the scene in 2008, Katy Perry has never shied away from showing off her best assets and flaunting her famous figure. For no particular reason at all, we've rounded up Katy's sexiest moments, both on and off the stage. See them all now - and rock on, Katy!
11 Netflix Documentaries That Will Make You Want to Be Healthy
After an indulgent period, I need a little bit of a healthy reboot. Streaming an awesome documentary on Netflix always inspires me to get my head back in the game and get serious about my health. If you're in need of a healthy reset, turn on one of these flicks tonight. You might just be inspired to clean up your diet, get back to yoga, or even sign up for a crazy-challenging race.
11 Netflix Documentaries That Will Make You Want to Be Healthy
After an indulgent period, I need a little bit of a healthy reboot. Streaming an awesome documentary on Netflix always inspires me to get my head back in the game and get serious about my health. If you're in need of a healthy reset, turn on one of these flicks tonight. You might just be inspired to clean up your diet, get back to yoga, or even sign up for a crazy-challenging race.
Based Off Last Year's Trends, These 30 Names Will Be Among the Most Popular of 2017
Although the top 10-20 baby names of the year rarely shift around more than a few slots each 365-day cycle, there are a ton of names that rise in the ranks due to trends that cause huge upticks in popularity. In 2016 we saw trends revolve around vintage names, long vowels, and nouns, to name a few, and we expect that these fads will continue to inspire parents naming their children in the coming year.
Scroll through for the 30 baby names we think will be among the most popular of the year in 2017.
25 Outfits Only Salma Hayek Could Pull Off in 2016
Whether she's owning Fashion Week alongside her husband - French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault - walking the red carpet, or racing from meeting to meeting, Salma Hayek always has one thing to show off: her amazing style.
The Mexican-born actress dares to look runway ready any time she's in public, and her commitment to quality outfits is truly inspirational - she prefers designs by brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Stella McCartney, all owned by her husband's fashion company, Kering. Get your vision (read: Pinterest) boards ready, and keep scrolling to experience every jaw-dropping outfit Salma has worn so far this year. Then, relive her steamiest PDA moments with Francois-Henri.
7 Apps to Help You Start a 365-Day Challenge in 2017
It's not easy keeping a resolution every year, which is why you might want to consider doing a 365 Project challenge instead. The challenge, which first revolved around taking a photo every day but has since evolved into taking a video or Boomerang, is an incredible way to document your year and keep to a goal that is all about your life. Sometimes, we all get caught up in the day-to-day stress of our lives and forget to remember what there is to be grateful for. A 365 Project can help bring more joy into your life and make you try to see something special in the everyday.
Convinced yet? Take a look ahead at apps that will help you achieve the 365 Project goal and make 2017 a year you won't forget.
My Husband Dressed Me For a Week, and It Changed the Way I Dress Myself
As a woman admittedly preoccupied with fashion for as long as I can remember, surrendering a week of outfits to my husband's whims for a styling experiment sounded like torture. Let me preface this by saying that my husband, Thomas, is pretty stylish. He grew up with a fashion-savvy mother and two sisters, so he really does get fashion, or at the very least, has been exposed to great style for much of his life. Add to that that we've been together for 11 years, so he knows me and my taste.
Still, like most men he has some strong feelings about what he thinks I should be wearing and most of the time it skews a whole lot sexier than I'm comfortable with. I assumed inappropriately tight silhouettes and revealing necklines would feature prominently in the week to come, and I immediately resolved to wear a sign at the office with the disclaimer: "My husband dressed me today." Read on to see how the week evolved with my husband playing stylist.
Why Eating Jell-O Should Be Part of Every Woman's Nail Care Regimen
Though many women are obsessed with their nails, we sure put them through some major abuse. Biting, using them as tools, and peeling off our gel manicures are just a few of the horrible habits we'll admit to. Manicurists backstage at New York Fashion Week paint dozens of talons per show and only have a few minutes to make them look gorgeous. To make their jobs even more challenging, models are hopping from runway to runway. This means claws are getting cleaned, shaped, and painted, then doused with acetone polish remover before the process starts over again at the next show (resulting in some serious nail stress!). We consulted pros on the most common issues they see, how you can fix them at home, and other top tips.
Brittleness and Peeling
All three of the professionals we consulted declared brittle nails to be the number one problem seen backstage. Jin Soon Choi, seasoned NYFW manicurist and founder/owner of the Jin Soon spas and polish line, cites failure to moisturize, lack of nail maintenance, and malnutrition as sources of this issue. She recommends people with this concern "drink a lot of water" as internal dehydration could be to blame.
Celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards for KISS Products, Inc., shares that dry nail beds are also often caused by constant application of polish remover, which desiccates the nail. Michelle Saunders, celebrity manicurist for Essie, adds, "Brittle nails can be caused from not removing nail polish in due time - found on many models at Fashion Week. Be sure to remove the polish when it starts to chip and apply a good base and top coat."
White Spots
"The correct name for this nail condition is called 'leukonychia,'" reports Saunders. "This is caused from slight trauma to the nail bed." Being gentler on your hands and nails will prevent these from occurring in the future. However, there's no way to treat them once you have them. "Allow time for them to heal and grow out," says Edwards.
Breakage
This is commonly caused by lack of moisture to the nail. "Moisturize your nails with cuticle oil a few times a day," suggests Choi. However, if you take good care of your claws and they're still cracking on the edges, they may just be too long for your lifestyle. Saunders advises that those with this issue trim and shape their nails weekly.
Splitting
"Nails split because they are dehydrated or because they are paper thin," Choi says. Saunders agrees and recommends daily use of cuticle oil like the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil ($9). Choi adds, "Take vitamins that make your nails stronger, such as biotin or fish oil, and eat plenty of dark greens." Dark green vegetables are rich in calcium, which fortifies your bones as well as your nails.
Soft Nails
"I know a hand model who swears by Jell-O for firming up soft nails," divulges Choi. "The theory is that the ingredient that makes liquid Jell-O convert to a solid (gelatin!) imparts the same firming effect on your nails." She confesses that she's not sure if this sweet-treat trick is scientifically accurate, but she also recommends using a nail strengthener with keratin and protein. We like Jin Soon Power Coat ($18), which, in addition to keratin, biotin, and calcium, contains diamond particles to harden your manicure.
Painful Hangnails
"Hangnails occur when you use your hands a lot," says Saunders. "Never ever pick, pull, or bite your hangnails." Edwards recommends preventing this issue by keeping nails hydrated with coconut or jojoba oil. If you want to remove them yourself, Choi offers a solution for removal: "Soak them and snip only the hangnails when they are soft, then moisturize them afterward."
Mistakes to Avoid
As attractive as they may be, Choi advises that you pass on trying out acrylics. "They can destroy healthy nails, and once that happens, it's difficult to get them back," she says. Additionally, if you've ever bit off the skin around your nails (we're guilty!), Edwards begs you to stop. "Not only is it unsanitary, but it can lead to a nail infection if the skin is irritated and open."
Tips to Follow
Saunders wholeheartedly recommends keeping a soft file, base coat, cuticle oil, quick-dry top coat, and hand cream nearby on a daily basis. After all, if you have access to the proper tools, you'll use them . . . instead of your teeth. Adds Choi, "Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - technically that's three, but I can't stress it enough!"
This Turkish Bride's Wedding Dress Looks Like a Work of Art Just Sitting on the Hanger
Of course Turkish bride Busra Yavuz looked lovely in her Elie Saab Couture wedding gown. The intricate piece fit her like a glove, shimmering with intricately embroidered sequins down the sleeves and spanning out into a dramatic floor-sweeping skirt. When she took the dance floor at her reception (which took place at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul), she looked as if she was gliding through a Winter wonderland - a train as white as snow might have that effect.
But before Busra slipped into her bridal look, her dress hung from the ceiling in a candle-lit room, making for one of the most gorgeous wedding-day shots we've ever seen. The photo is so mesmerizing and Pinterest-worthy, you might dream about it tonight. But accompanied by a bird's-eye view of Busra showing off her design at the party, it's confirmed: the bride truly does brings her gown to life. Read on to see.
13 Products That Help Your Vagina Feel Stronger, Fresher, and Healthier
More than ever it seems women are talking about their vaginas, pelvic floor muscles, and vulvas. What once felt deeply embarrassing and taboo is now empowering - and needed! Beyond being a beautiful part of our bodies, vaginas are also important when it comes to our health. Sometimes it gets funky down there, especially during workouts. Or maybe you're one of thousands of women who have a hard time holding it when you have to go (a little leakage during jumping jacks is a real thing!); strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help. Or heck, maybe you just want to give some extratender loving care to your lady parts or are looking to up the pleasure of an orgasm. Whatever it is, there's a product here to give your vagina the attention it deserves.
13 Products That Help Your Vagina Feel Stronger, Fresher, and Healthier
More than ever it seems women are talking about their vaginas, pelvic floor muscles, and vulvas. What once felt deeply embarrassing and taboo is now empowering - and needed! Beyond being a beautiful part of our bodies, vaginas are also important when it comes to our health. Sometimes it gets funky down there, especially during workouts. Or maybe you're one of thousands of women who have a hard time holding it when you have to go (a little leakage during jumping jacks is a real thing!); strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help. Or heck, maybe you just want to give some extratender loving care to your lady parts or are looking to up the pleasure of an orgasm. Whatever it is, there's a product here to give your vagina the attention it deserves.
This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Macaroni and Cheese
Ah, macaroni and cheese - one of the world's most beloved comfort foods. At its most basic, it's pretty standard: macaroni plus cheese sauce. But like most classic dishes, many chefs have entirely different methods of making it, whether it's a secret ingredient in the sauce, a combination of unexpected cheeses, or the addition of a crunchy breadcrumb topping. We guarantee these chef-approved tips will inspire you to go beyond Kraft-style stovetop mac 'n' cheese the next time you make it from scratch (not that there's anything wrong with that). Here's how some of our favorite celebrity chefs make their mac.
Alton Brown: Add an Egg
No, not like a fried egg on top. Alton's mac and cheese recipe calls for one egg that gets whisked into the warm butter-flour-milk mixture, which helps to create a custardy texture. Be sure to read the recipe carefully, though. Alton elaborates on the incorporation of the egg, saying, "This common maneuver called 'tempering' prevents curdling of the egg by slowly increasing their temperature. Skip this and you'll be making scrambled eggs."
Giada De Laurentiis: Egg Noodles and Mozzarella
Obviously Giada's mac and cheese has an Italian spin. There's no cheddar in sight - instead, her recipe calls for a combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and fontina to create an ultrarich cheese sauce before the mac is baked into bubbly perfection. The cheese isn't the only difference, though. She swaps traditional elbow macaroni for wide egg noodles and adds diced ham for an added flavor dimension.
Chrissy Teigen: Cheesy Garlic Breadcrumbs
You've probably heard of John Legend's famous mac and cheese recipe, but Chrissy Teigen wants you to know hers is better, dammit. You won't find a link to this recipe online, but in Chrissy's cookbook, Cravings, you'll find it on page 90 with a sassy explanation about why hers is the winner: "This is MY mac and cheese, dammit. Everyone is alllllways asking, begging John to make his mac and cheese and if I may be frank here for a moment: I DON'T GET IT." One look at Chrissy's creamy and crunchy baked mac topped with cheesy garlic breadcrumbs, and I'm a believer.
The Pioneer Woman: Spices and More Spices
The Pioneer Woman is queen of comforting recipes, and her mac and cheese is no exception. While it's a pretty standard recipe overall, the chef's smart use of spices turns up the flavor several notches - she adds ground mustard, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick.
Mario Batali: Throw Some Truffles in That Sh*t
No surprise here - Mario Batali adds shaved truffles to his scrambled eggs, and he does the same thing with his decadent mac and cheese recipe. The Italian chef's elevated style of cooking is just one of many things that make Batali interesting.
Ina Garten: a Dash of Nutmeg
Ina Garten's mac and cheese recipe proves you've been missing out if you haven't tried adding nutmeg to cheesy dishes. The slightly sweet spice adds that interesting what is that quality to mac and cheese, and Ina's takes the flavor combo to new heights by adding a combination of gruyere and cheddar cheese.
Related: This Is How All Your Favorite Chefs Make Scrambled Eggs
Your Cold Winter Nights Will Now Be Warm Thanks to Selena Gomez's Sexiest Performances
We don't have to tell you that a Selena Gomez bikinigram can leave you hot and bothered, but we're here to remind you that the singer and actress is not only sexy when laying poolside in a swimsuit or posing in a magazine, she lights the stage on fire with every live performance, too.
Straight ahead you'll find serious journalist work: an ultimate ranking of Selena's hottest performances though the years. Is number one her Victoria's Secret Fashion Show appearance in 2015 or is it one of her many Jingle Balls? Scroll ahead to find out, then vote to choose Selena's sexiest moment of 2016.
Everything That Has Happened Since Angelina Jolie Filed For Divorce From Brad Pitt
Image Source: Getty / Target Presse Agentur Gmbh
This post has been updated with new information.
Fans were thrown for a loop when news broke on Sept. 20 that Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after 11 years of being together. Although the By the Sea actress has yet to personally speak out on the matter, her attorney, Robert Offer, said her decision to split was "for the health of the family." Brad released a statement of his own not long after, telling People, "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids." While it's still unclear what led to their shocking breakup, keep reading to get all caught up on everything that has unfolded since then.
- Angelina files for divorce from Brad. The actress filed papers to end their marriage on Sept. 19, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting sole physical custody of their six children, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, and twins Vivienne and Knox. She also asked the judge to grant Brad visitation rights.
- Angelina's attorney, Robert Offer, releases a statement on her behalf. After their divorce news grabbed headlines on Sept. 20, Angelina's attorney said her decision to divorce was made "for the health of the family," but did not answer any further questions.
- Brad releases a statement. The actor spoke out about the split in a statement to People that same day, making it clear that he's putting their kids first. "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time," he said.
- More details about their divorce surface. In an exclusive report from Us Weekly, a source close to the pair revealed that "they fought a lot over the years and disagreed about many things. . . . The fighting got worse and they disagreed a lot about parenting." The insider also noted that they would also "fight over their schedules and politics."
- Angelina's manager, Geyer Kosinski, releases another statement on her behalf. Later that Tuesday, Angelina's manager told E! News, "Angelina will always do what's in the best interest of taking care of her family. She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time."
- Celebrities react to Brad and Angelina's shocking split. Once the news broke on Sept. 20, it didn't take very long for GIFs and memes to flood the internet. Stars also quickly chimed in, and Chrissy Teigen tweeted, "Brad and Angelina. How am I supposed to go to work today?" Meanwhile, their friend George Clooney found out about the breakup while attending the Leaders' Summit on Refugees at the United Nations. During an interview with CNN, a reporter asked him to comment on their split, to which he shockingly responded, "What happened? . . . I didn't know that. I feel very sorry then. That's a sad story and unfortunate for a family. It's an unfortunate story about a family. I feel very sorry to hear that." Adele also dedicated her NYC concert to the couple, telling the audience, "I need to address to elephant in the room . . . But it's the end of an era." More recently, Courteney Cox said the divorce is "not about" Jennifer Aniston, and Jen's husband, Justin Theroux, made a similar comment about her inclusion being "nonsense." Melissa Etheridge also chimed in, calling Angelina "nasty" and saying that the allegations of child abuse against Brad were "completely unfounded."
- The New York Post releases a cover featuring a laughing Jennifer Aniston. On Sept. 21, people were furious when The New York Post released its Brad and Angelina split cover, showing a massive photo of Jennifer laughing hysterically. Not long after, Jennifer's pal, Chelsea Handler, spoke out about the breakup, saying, "Brad and Angelina always said they wouldn't get married until everyone could get married and I always said I wouldn't get married until they got divorced, so I'm officially accepting proposals. I'm ready." She then continued, "There are rumors that part of the problem was that Brad was allegedly drinking and smoking too much weed. I wonder why he would need to self-medicate? Maybe because he could have been spending the last 12 years at Lake Como hanging out with George Clooney and Matt Damon instead of being stuck in a house with 85 kids, speaking 15 different languages. Oh yeah, and because he married a f*cking lunatic, that's why."
- Marion Cotillard breaks her silence on Brad and Angelina's split. On Sept. 21, Marion took to Instagram to announce her pregnancy with longtime partner Guillaume Canet and shut down rumors that she had an affair with Brad in a lengthy post. "This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into," she wrote, adding, "Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need . . . And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery. Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both of whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment."
- Brad is investigated for child abuse. On Sept. 22, People magazine reported that the actor was under investigation for child abuse by the Los Angeles Police Department and LA County Department of Children and Family Services after someone anonymously reported that he got "verbally abusive" and "physical" with one of his six children. The incident allegedly occurred on Sept. 14 on his and Angelina's private plane, where the rest of the kids, as well as Angelina, were also present. The report also suggests that he had been drinking at the time of the incident. Not long after the news broke, the LAPD denied the report with the statement: "We have no criminal investigation that we are actively pursuing. To my knowledge, [Pitt talking to police] never happened. And right now, that is where our office is. We are not investigating any case, nor do we have any allegations against Mr. Pitt. We understand how rumors get spun up and hopefully we can put a few of them to rest. We have no investigation involving Mr. Pitt." People later clarified that the DCFS is still investigating Brad for child abuse, but the LAPD has not been involved. TMZ has also further reported that the child abuse allegations have been transferred to the FBI.
- Brad gets a lawyer. On Sept. 22, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the actor enlisted help from Lance Spiegel, a family law attorney from Beverly Hills, for his upcoming divorce.
- The FBI releases an official statement. On Sept. 22, the FBI responded to Brad's child abuse investigation in a statement to Us Weekly saying, "In response to your inquiry regarding allegations within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States; specifically, an aircraft carrying Mr. Brad Pitt and his children, the FBI is continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued."
- Brad Pitt backs out of an event and releases another statement. On Sept. 27, Brad revealed he wouldn't be attending a previously planned screening of Terrence Malick's Voyage of Time. "I'm currently focused on my family situation and don't want to distract attention away from this extraordinary film," he said.
- Brad offers to take a drug test. In an effort to prove he has nothing to hide, Brad agreed to a drug test, according to a report from Us Weekly on Sept. 28. A legal source confirmed that the test would not not be conducted against Brad's will, stating, "The DCFS [Department of Community & Family Services] wouldn't compel someone to provide the urine sample for the drug test; it would be voluntary."
- Angelina hires the real-life Olivia Pope for her divorce.On Sept. 29, People confirmed that the actress hired famous crisis manager Judy Smith, who inspired Kerry Washington's character in Scandal, to help with her divorce. "Judy has been asked to consult with those working with Angelina on divorce negotiations," a source told the magazine. "Judy and her firm have a long history of handling issues that have unfortunately garnered too much attention in the public eye, and she knows how to push towards resolutions that are swift and discreet."
- Brad and Angelina reach a temporary custody agreement. On Sept. 30, it was revealed that the former couple reached a temporary custody agreement, which will be in effect for three weeks before the LA County Department of Children and Family Services will draw up another arrangement or turn the jurisdiction over to the court. The agreement states that Angelina will get full physical custody of their children and Brad will have visitation rights, although hist first visit will be monitored by a therapist, who will determine if he is allowed to then have unsupervised time with the kids. Angelina and Brad also have to attend individual counseling as well as family counseling with the kids, and Brad has to take random drug and alcohol tests.
- Brad won't be prosecuted for alleged plane incident with Angelina and Maddox. On Oct. 8, it was reported that the FBI never opened an investigation against Brad because there was "no case," though TMZ says the FBI is still working on gathering all the facts from the incident.
- Brad sees his kids for the first time since announcing the split. E! News confirmed that Brad was able to visit some of his children on Oct. 8, with a therapist present to monitor his behavior. It's not clear which of the kids were present and which weren't, but a second source also told E! that the therapist would be present for all of Brad's visits through Oct. 20 and that the actor happily volunteered to complete drug and alcohol testing (even though it was not required).
- Maddox Jolie-Pitt refuses to attend the reunion with his dad. While Brad reportedly "wanted to make sure the meeting would be the most productive for the kids," Maddox refused to attend the family reunion and stay with Angelina. According to a source close to Angelina, "He chose not to go and stayed with Angie," adding, "It wasn't full of joy and happiness."
- Angelina and the children are reportedly interviewed by the FBI. In an attempt to get to the bottom of the alleged physical altercation that happened between Brad and Maddox on the plane, the FBI reportedly visited Angelina and the kids at their Malibu, CA, home on Oct. 19, according to TMZ. Law enforcement, who is taking the allegations of child abuse seriously, spent three hours interviewing everyone about the incident. Brad was not present for the interview.
- Brad and Maddox reunite. After a month-long standoff, E! News reports that the two met on Oct. 20 with a therapist present.
- Brad and Angelina are selling Chateau Miraval. According to Us Weekly, Brad and Angelina have put their estate and vineyard in the village of Correns, France up for sale. "The home has been valued and is going on the market any day now," an insider revealed, adding, "It currently says Jolie-Pitt on the Chateau Miraval bottles, and the next season's batch will have a new reprinted label with no names written on it."
- Angelina meets with the FBI. Angelina reportedly met with two FBI agents in her rented home for four hours on Oct. 18, answering questions about the claims made against Brad.
- The investigation into Brad is extended. On Oct. 25, Us Weekly reported that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has extended their investigation into Brad Pitt. The investigators are looking into "whether there are additional incidents or a pattern that may suggest a history of abuse that involves more than one of Pitt and Angelina Jolie's six children." The investigation was initially scheduled to conclude on Oct. 20.
- Brad seeks joint custody. NBC News confirmed on Nov. 4 that the actor has filed for joint physical custody of the children. Angelina initially asked for sole custody when they first split, just allowing Brad visitation rights. Although that might have only been a part of the temporary custody agreement that was originally agreed to by a judge, the allegations made against Brad regarding child abuse certainly complicate things.
- Brad and Angelina reach another temporary custody agreement. On Nov. 7, Angelina's rep told ET in a statement that "childcare professionals have encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides over a week ago." The agreement states that "the six children will stay in their mother's custody, and the children will continue therapeutic visits with their father . . . This has been determined by childcare professionals to be in the children's best interest." Her rep continued, "We are not in a position to discuss the details. We hope, now that it is clear that the events which led to the dissolution filing involved minor children and their wellbeing, there will be understanding of the sensitivity of the family situation. We believe that all sides are committed to healing the family and ask for your consideration during this difficult time."
- Brad has been cleared in child abuse investigation. On Nov. 9, law enforcement sources confirmed to Us Weekly that Brad did not abuse his son Maddox during a plane incident back in September. TMZ also reported that the Department of Children and Family Services ruled out any reports of any patterns of misconduct on the actor's part. Later that day, Angelina's rep released a statement to TMZ, saying, "Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their eight-week involvement, the DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal."
- The FBI closes Brad's child abuse investigation. On Nov. 22, the Allied actor was officially cleared by the FBI of any wrongdoing involving his kids, NBC News reported. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller released a statement, saying, "The FBI has conducted a review of the circumstances and will not pursue further investigation. No charges have been filed in this matter."
- Brad's lawyers file a motion asking a judge to seal the childrens' records as it relates to the divorce. On Dec. 22, news of the files were released, alleging that Angelina's attorneys compromised their privacy in a bid to "undercut" Brad during the custody battle. They added that Angelina releasing "the names of [the children's] therapists and other mental health professionals" violated their initial agreement to protect the children's privacy. "[She] appears to be determined to ignore even agreed upon standards relating to the children's best interest," the filing reads.
- Brad spends Christmas with his kids. According to Us Weekly, Brad saw his children over the holiday weekend for a gift exchange that Angelina organized. An insider told the publication that "[Brad] gave them presents and it was cordial."
28 Times Bradley Cooper Was Superhot on Screen
Bradley Cooper first won our hearts on the small screen in Alias, but he's become a full-blown movie star since then, racking up three Oscar nominations and tons of award recognition. We're taking a look back at his onscreen journey to stardom, marking memorable characters like Sack from Wedding Crashers and Phil from The Hangover. No matter what character he embodies, though, one thing stays the same: those beautiful baby blues. Take a look back at Bradley's hottest roles to date!
3 Activities to Help Your Pups Beat the Winter Blues
When the weather gets colder, we inevitably want to hide inside more often, and our dogs can tend to share that habit. And when we're stuck indoors, we all, of course, experience those Winter blues. This weekend, if you and your pup find yourselves feeling down in the dumps during this crazy blizzard, try one of these activity ideas from DogVacay that you both can enjoy together.
5 Things No One Ever Told You About Raising a Toddler (but You Need to Know)
Sometimes parenting books feel like they're a dime a dozen - a handful cross my desk each week promising to provide the definitive method for raising sweet, well-adjusted tots - spoiler alert: few actually do. But when I learned that Dr. Tovah Klein, a mother of three and the director of the Barnard College Center For Toddler Development in NYC who has been observing toddlers for over 20 years, would be speaking at my son's preschool PTA meeting, I made sure I was seated in the front row to hear her philosophy and learnings firsthand. Dr. Klein's How Toddlers Thrive: What Parents Can Do Today For Children Ages 2-5 to Plant the Seeds of Lifelong Success ($19, originally $25) was already generating buzz, and after hearing her in person, I understand why.
Based on the philosophy that toddlers are not miniadults, that they're individuals fueled by a desire to know was just the beginning. In just 45 minutes Dr. Klein took us deep into the magical world of the toddler years and got to the root of many of our biggest frustrations with our tots. I learned a few fascinating philosophies about young kids that have already helped me better understand my child. I highly suggest you pick up a copy, but in the interim, here are a handful of teasers you'll find in the book.
Source: Flickr user edmdusty
After 20 Years, 1997's Top Fashion Trends Are Back in Style
The cycle of a trend is sort of a funny one: first something's really in, then it's really out, then it makes a triumphant return, cooler, modernized, and ready to be worn again. That's kind of what happened when it came to '90s staples. A few years ago, rocking a tracksuit out and about might have been perceived as outdated and lazy. Now? It's near impossible to find an It girl who doesn't have one in her closet.
We've recently discovered an easy hack for predicting the hottest styles, and it has to do with going back in time rather than looking forward. Read on for some 1997 styles you'll likely see everywhere in 2017. If you could just promise to stay away from that frosted white lip gloss, we'll be forever grateful.
Selena Gomez's Street Style Looks Can Teach You a Thing or 2 About Dressing Sexy
Selena Gomez's red carpet appearances and Instagram feed aren't the only sexy things about the singer and actress. Her street style deserves a spot on that list, too.
The jean cutoffs and low-cut dresses, the crop tops and sexy heels, the short hems and tight curve-showing swimsuits - they are all pieces Selena wears out and about on her days off that ooze the same, if not more, sensuality than any backless, shimmery, mermaid gown she could sport to an award show.
Though we might not all be able to get our hands on Selena's everyday designer garb, we can surely learn a lot about dressing sexy from her best street style. Here are 17 tips you need to live by.
The Spilling Meme Is the Latest Trend That Will Make You Laugh and Say "Huh"
Like most things on the internet, not everything you initially see is what it appears to be. That's the case with the latest meme making the rounds on the internet: the spilling meme. At first, it sounds like people are just spilling things for fun, but there's a hidden message behind every spill.
The meme appears to have started right before the holidays and is pretty simple. Film yourself spilling something only to pan the camera to an actual message you want to send. The results? Plenty of jokes about "sending nudes" but some get really creative with what they are spilling. Check out our favorites ahead and bless 2016 for giving us another meme to get us through the rest of the year.
If Your Resolution Is to Read More This Year, Take Our 2017 Moms Reading Challenge
OK, so finding time to read as a mom is pretty hard, but if your resolution is to read more this year, we've got a fun challenge to inspire you to get those pages turning. The 2017 POPSUGAR Moms Reading Challenge contains a list of types of books rather than specific suggestions, so whether you comb through the bestseller list, google our topics and find something random, or reach out to your bookworm friends, you can choose the books for your challenge however you'd like (making your own decisions . . . a rare luxury these days).
Print out our list below, put it somewhere the kids can't reach, and get reading! (And if you're super ambitious and want to try to complete a mom-free reading challenge as well, check out the official 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.)
Happy reading!
- A book that's been sitting on your nightstand since before you had kids.
- A book by a mom for moms.
- A book about child behavior (especially if you have a toddler).
- A book about a mystical world you can pretend to live in alone.
- A book about someone without kids.
- A book you loved as a child.
- A book that highlights the humor in parenting.
- A book recommended by a mom friend.
- A book about your favorite prebaby hobby.
- A bestselling book that your book club would read if you had time for a book club.
- A book that's becoming a movie this year so you have an excuse to hire a sitter.
- A book you and your kids can read together.
- A book short enough to finish on secret trips to the bathroom to escape the kids.
- A book by an author you love.
- A book you've already read that changed your life prekids.
- A book written by a parenting expert.
- A book that takes place in a dystopian world (where maybe kids are better behaved).
- A book in which the main characters are children.
- A book about a pregnant woman.
- A book that's easy enough to read while sitting in the carpool line at school.
From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her Life
Meet Brooke, an empowered, strong, and inspiring woman from San Francisco, who is taking her health into her own hands and turning her entire life around with her conscious choices and habits. So far, Brooke has lost over 100 pounds.
Multiple factors have contributed to Brooke's awe-inspiring success - she does the Kayla Itsines BBG workouts and Pilates, goes hiking, and preps her meal. But what she most wanted to share about her journey - in which she went from a size 22 to a size 12 - is that "changing behavior through healthy habits and real food are imperative for sustainable weight loss."
A Lifelong Journey: From Obese to Healthy
Her journey started at an early age. When she lost her grandmother to cancer, she turned to food as a source of comfort . . . at the age of five. "One of my earliest memories is hiding under a table and eating at my grandmother's wake," said Brooke. "I don't ever remember a time in my life when I wasn't losing weight, gaining weight, or desperately trying to maintain my weight."
The lifelong battle had begun. She turned to food, then turned to diets. "I have done every diet out there, probably twice, each with varying degrees of success," Brooke told us. Each time she'd stop the diet, she'd gain even more weight back.
Hitting a Low Point
She started trying more extreme methods, like fasting, juice cleanses, and purging - and her struggle only worsened as she battled bulimia and food addiction. "Those periods of control would inevitably be followed by periods of being out of control. I was trapped in the cycle of restricting and binge-eating."
It wasn't until she hit a breaking point that she realized she needed to change something fundamentally. At nearly 300 pounds, Brooke said, "I realized I was slowly killing myself. . . . I finally took a step back and realized how insane my behavior was." At that point, she turned to others for support and realized she wasn't the only one going through this struggle.
"I carried around a tremendous amount of shame about my weight," said Brooke. "It was liberating to let go of that and realize that I wasn't alone."
Alone she is not. Through this awakening and "peeling back the layers of shame," as she puts it, Brooke discovered the thriving BBG community on Instagram. Scrolling through hashtags like #BBG and #KaylasArmy, she wondered "who is this Kayla person and why does she have an army?"
Brooke's use of social media as a support system ended up being a pivotal move in her journey and opened her up to a community that would change her life. After losing some significant weight, Brooke started through the BBG programs with millions of women around the world and turned to the community for strength. "It's empowering to be vulnerable about our flaws, share our goals, and cheer each other on."
A Fitness Journey Begins
Brooke weighed nearly 300 pounds just four years ago. She had debilitating plantar fasciitis and said she could hardly walk a few blocks. Her first goal? Get a FitBit and go for 10,000 steps per day. "It was a way to start moving," she said.
This positive step (10,000 steps, actually) snowballed into greater choices. "It was more about becoming active rather than calories burned." And her consistency has been key. She committed to this goal every day for four years, and her four-year average is now 11,000!
When Brooke wanted to push herself further, she got into hiking. "I really started noticing the mental benefits of exercise and fell in love," said Brooke.
Her new love for movement was taken to another level with the BBG program, which has only intensified her overall love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Today, Brooke combines hiking, BBG, and Pilates.
Lifestyle Changes
In the past four years, Brooke has made huge fundamental behavioral changes. She knows from research that permanent lifestyle changes - not diets - are what works for sustainable weight loss and has since learned that extreme physical exertion and starvation aren't going to work.
Brooke's approach to food has completely 180-ed. Her golden formula? Mindful eating, meal prep, and greens at every meal.
"Being obese, the priority was changing my eating habits and beliefs about food," she said. "For so long I viewed food as a moral issue, like certain foods were 'good' or 'bad' and if I ate them I was 'good' or 'bad.' . . . But that's warped" (seriously). "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character."
This honesty helped her focus on the bigger picture and identify which foods triggered overeating - this led to mindful eating. She cut out the trigger foods, "not because they made me fat or I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to feel good."
And that's what the big picture is about: feeling your best and living your best life.
Brooke also shared some relatable advice: don't try to cook supercomplicated recipes based on a restrictive diet - you might crash and burn (like she did) and end up at a drive-through because you're so frustrated (and hungry)! Instead, turn to meal prep.
"Preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, but it has to be easy and enjoyable or it won't happen consistently."
She also loves adding greens to every meal, because "it's universal and can be applied to any diet."
Looking Ahead
Brooke tells us that it's much easier to create a new positive habit than to break a negative habit. One positive choice (like adding in vegetables) can have a snowball or ripple effect, leading to healthier, better choices in other areas. It's helping her stay on a healthy track and meet new goals.
What are those goals? What does a goal look like for someone who has already lost so much weight? "More love and acceptance of my body." Her journey will never end, and she challenges herself to be a little bit better every single day.
Brooke's advice for someone just beginning their weight loss:
"Just start. Then don't stop. Everything else is just details. It's a lifelong journey and it won't be linear, but it will be worth it. Get brutally honest with yourself, and if you can, with another person. Question the excuses that are holding you back, and never, ever give up."
She noted that if you too are "in the thick of it," she would love to hear from you. You can reach out on her blog, or send her a comment on Instagram.
From a Size 22 to a Size 12: This Woman Changed Her Habits and Her Life
Meet Brooke, an empowered, strong, and inspiring woman from San Francisco, who is taking her health into her own hands and turning her entire life around with her conscious choices and habits. So far, Brooke has lost over 100 pounds.
Multiple factors have contributed to Brooke's awe-inspiring success - she does the Kayla Itsines BBG workouts and Pilates, goes hiking, and preps her meal. But what she most wanted to share about her journey - in which she went from a size 22 to a size 12 - is that "changing behavior through healthy habits and real food are imperative for sustainable weight loss."
A Lifelong Journey: From Obese to Healthy
Her journey started at an early age. When she lost her grandmother to cancer, she turned to food as a source of comfort . . . at the age of five. "One of my earliest memories is hiding under a table and eating at my grandmother's wake," said Brooke. "I don't ever remember a time in my life when I wasn't losing weight, gaining weight, or desperately trying to maintain my weight."
The lifelong battle had begun. She turned to food, then turned to diets. "I have done every diet out there, probably twice, each with varying degrees of success," Brooke told us. Each time she'd stop the diet, she'd gain even more weight back.
Hitting a Low Point
She started trying more extreme methods, like fasting, juice cleanses, and purging - and her struggle only worsened as she battled bulimia and food addiction. "Those periods of control would inevitably be followed by periods of being out of control. I was trapped in the cycle of restricting and binge-eating."
It wasn't until she hit a breaking point that she realized she needed to change something fundamentally. At nearly 300 pounds, Brooke said, "I realized I was slowly killing myself. . . . I finally took a step back and realized how insane my behavior was." At that point, she turned to others for support and realized she wasn't the only one going through this struggle.
"I carried around a tremendous amount of shame about my weight," said Brooke. "It was liberating to let go of that and realize that I wasn't alone."
Alone she is not. Through this awakening and "peeling back the layers of shame," as she puts it, Brooke discovered the thriving BBG community on Instagram. Scrolling through hashtags like #BBG and #KaylasArmy, she wondered "who is this Kayla person and why does she have an army?"
Brooke's use of social media as a support system ended up being a pivotal move in her journey and opened her up to a community that would change her life. After losing some significant weight, Brooke started through the BBG programs with millions of women around the world and turned to the community for strength. "It's empowering to be vulnerable about our flaws, share our goals, and cheer each other on."
A Fitness Journey Begins
Brooke weighed nearly 300 pounds just four years ago. She had debilitating plantar fasciitis and said she could hardly walk a few blocks. Her first goal? Get a FitBit and go for 10,000 steps per day. "It was a way to start moving," she said.
This positive step (10,000 steps, actually) snowballed into greater choices. "It was more about becoming active rather than calories burned." And her consistency has been key. She committed to this goal every day for four years, and her four-year average is now 11,000!
When Brooke wanted to push herself further, she got into hiking. "I really started noticing the mental benefits of exercise and fell in love," said Brooke.
Her new love for movement was taken to another level with the BBG program, which has only intensified her overall love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Today, Brooke combines hiking, BBG, and Pilates.
Lifestyle Changes
In the past four years, Brooke has made huge fundamental behavioral changes. She knows from research that permanent lifestyle changes - not diets - are what works for sustainable weight loss and has since learned that extreme physical exertion and starvation aren't going to work.
Brooke's approach to food has completely 180-ed. Her golden formula? Mindful eating, meal prep, and greens at every meal.
"Being obese, the priority was changing my eating habits and beliefs about food," she said. "For so long I viewed food as a moral issue, like certain foods were 'good' or 'bad' and if I ate them I was 'good' or 'bad.' . . . But that's warped" (seriously). "Food is food and it can be used for fuel or pleasure, but it doesn't define my character."
This honesty helped her focus on the bigger picture and identify which foods triggered overeating - this led to mindful eating. She cut out the trigger foods, "not because they made me fat or I wanted to lose weight, but because I wanted to feel good."
And that's what the big picture is about: feeling your best and living your best life.
Brooke also shared some relatable advice: don't try to cook supercomplicated recipes based on a restrictive diet - you might crash and burn (like she did) and end up at a drive-through because you're so frustrated (and hungry)! Instead, turn to meal prep.
"Preparing meals at home is one of the most effective ways to manage weight, but it has to be easy and enjoyable or it won't happen consistently."
She also loves adding greens to every meal, because "it's universal and can be applied to any diet."
Looking Ahead
Brooke tells us that it's much easier to create a new positive habit than to break a negative habit. One positive choice (like adding in vegetables) can have a snowball or ripple effect, leading to healthier, better choices in other areas. It's helping her stay on a healthy track and meet new goals.
What are those goals? What does a goal look like for someone who has already lost so much weight? "More love and acceptance of my body." Her journey will never end, and she challenges herself to be a little bit better every single day.
Brooke's advice for someone just beginning their weight loss:
"Just start. Then don't stop. Everything else is just details. It's a lifelong journey and it won't be linear, but it will be worth it. Get brutally honest with yourself, and if you can, with another person. Question the excuses that are holding you back, and never, ever give up."
She noted that if you too are "in the thick of it," she would love to hear from you. You can reach out on her blog, or send her a comment on Instagram.
The Easy Closet Organization Trick to Steal From Gigi Hadid's Mom
A new year is the perfect opportunity to jump-start a closet (and life) clean-out, and it seems like Yolanda Foster doesn't waste any time. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and mom to Gigi and Bella Hadid refreshed her wardrobe last year with one simple trick. She wrote on Instagram, "If you have not worn it in the past year, it's probably time to PASS IT ON."
While it may be tough to imagine parting ways with your clothes, slimming down your closet can both spark outfit creativity and offer you the chance to appreciate the clothes you truly love. So, if you're looking for a New Year's challenge, take a page out of Yolanda's book and consider decluttering your wardrobe.
Baking Basics: 10 Tips For Beginner Bakers
Every baker must begin somewhere, yet the calculated science behind baking is not always simple and intuitive for some, especially cooks who prefer to improvise in the kitchen instead of following a recipe verbatim. If you're new to baking or have had rough (aka messy or burned) experiences in the past, here are 10 tips every beginner baker should peruse before firing up the stove.
9 Truths About Motherhood That Nobody Told Me
Mother's Day has come and gone, and while there's plenty written about moms in the days leading up to the big day, it was being surrounded by my kids, my own mom, and my grandmother that got me thinking about what it really means to be a mom. Nine years in, and I still feel like I'm figuring it out. There are books about what to expect when you're pregnant and how to parent your children (whole sections at bookstores). But there are some topics that the books - and fellow parents - just don't seem to cover. Here, nine things no one told me about motherhood - and, truthfully, if they had, I probably wouldn't have believed them.
There will be tears, lots of 'em. Happy tears, sad tears, tears for no reason. No one told me to expect so many tears. They start the day we give birth. Those are attributed to postpartum hormones. After that, there are tears because the baby won't sleep. There are tears because the baby won't eat. There are tears because the baby smiled at you - really smiled at you - for the first time. There are tears because of your daughter's disappointment over a friendship. There are tears over your frustration at your kids' inability to sense your frustration. There are tears over a viral video. There are lots of tears. Buy stock in Kleenex, you'll be keeping them in business!
Your vulnerabilities will be exposed. It's almost as if we pass the knowledge of these vulnerabilities on to our kids through the umbilical cord. Kids have an innate ability to expose these vulnerabilities at the most inopportune times. Like when they call you out for something you thought they didn't notice. When they sense your insecurities and expose them to the world. And when they ask you a question that you just don't know how to answer. It's good for them to know that you're not invincible, but it would be nice if they didn't take advantage of your vulnerabilities!
Your strengths will become stronger. If you're a good organizer, there is no better thing than to create an organized life for your kids. If you're a good listener, you're in luck because kids desperately need someone to hear them. If you're athletic, you'll introduce your kids to a lifetime of healthy living. Having kids doesn't squash your strengths, it makes them stronger.
Middle school was nothing compared to the sidelines of your kids' games. Forget mean girls, meet the mean moms. They're real, and they're even meaner than they were when you were in school with them. I'm not sure what hormone is released in childbirth that brings out this trait, but it seems to grow stronger as the kids get older. They passive aggressively criticize your parenting. They aren't inclusive, regardless of how hard you try to break your way into their group. And they make you second-guess your decisions. No, you don't have to be friends with them, but you should be wary of them so you can avoid them at all costs.
You will never feel like you are doing enough. You'll give it your all, but you'll never feel like it's enough. You just have to come to terms with the fact that you are doing the best you can, and that is all you can do. It's a tough mountain to tackle, but once you accept it, motherhood is much easier!
You'll appreciate your mother more than you ever thought you would. You were a kid, so you couldn't see all that your mom went through when she was parenting you. But now, now you see just how hard she worked. That she struggled just as you do. That she second-guessed herself as much as you do. That she didn't know what she was doing either. You appreciate her for her experience, for the advice she gives (even when you don't ask for it), and for her understanding that you're still figuring this whole motherhood thing out, just like she did.
You'll never eat the last scoop of ice cream again. Or a piece of perfectly ripened pineapple, or the last piece of chocolate, or whatever your favorite things are when the kids are around because somehow they always snatch it from you - and you let them, because you want them to experience just how good it really is. And here's the kicker - you don't mind doing it!
You won't have a solid night's sleep ever again. We're not just talking about the infant years or if you have a bad sleeper here - those were expected. I'm talking about that half-sleep parents seem to master where they can catch up on their zzz's while still hearing every cough, sneeze, and bad dream their kids have. I imagine that once your kids are old enough to be out on their own, you sleep with "one eye open," so you don't miss a text or phone call from them.
Your heart will burst in ways you never knew possible. There's plenty written about the joys (and struggles) of motherhood, but there are no words that can describe how your heart swells when you see your child smile at you. Or when you see your son accomplish something he thought was impossible. Or when your daughter comes to you because she needs a hug. You can blame hormones, but I blame motherhood. It makes the heart expand at the most unexpected times!
These "Rain Drop, Drop Top" Memes Will Make You Laugh Nonstop
Chances are you've recently come across an Instagram caption or Twitter meme starting with four simple words: "Rain drop, drop top." No, your friends aren't all simultaneously commenting on the rainy weather - they're chiming in on the latest meme trend that's sweeping the internet.
These words are actually the lyrics from Migos' song "Bad and Boujee," which says "Rain drop, drop top, smokin' on cookie in the hotbox." These catchy lyrics quickly became a template for internet users to put their rhyming skills to the test by altering the last line to whatever their hearts desire. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite "Rain drop, drop top" memes so far.
7 Ways Latinas Can Make Their Voices Heard in 2017
The unexpected outcome of the 2016 presidential election may have felt discouraging for many voters, including Latinas who rallied together against Donald Trump's many shocking comments about immigration and women. If you felt a wave of apathy in the aftermath of the election, you are not alone. Now that the proverbial dust has settled, however, it's especially important to stay engaged and involved. Ahead, we've listed seven ways to do that.
1. Participate in your local Latinas Represent chapter.
Latinas Represent is the byproduct of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, and Latino Community Foundation of Colorado. The coalition works toward increasing Latinx representation in American politics. While Latinas Represent does give female leaders the tools they need to run for office or influence public policy, it also offers regular civilians a place to share the issues that affect them. To engage with other Latinas in your area, check out Latinas Represent's many chapters. If you're not represented on the map, then consider starting your own!
2. Contact your elected officials.
In November of 2016, a former congressional staff member went viral with her helpful guide to contacting representatives and actually making them listen to you. All of her advice is definitely worth a read on Twitter - however, she ultimately said the most effective method is to actually just make the calls. For more information on how to contact them, click here.
3. Share your story with COLOR.
The Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) is a pro-choice, sex-positive movement that fights for reproductive rights and the overall physical and mental well-being of Latinas. If you're willing, you can share your own so-called "reproductive justice" story with COLOR. The organization will only use your first name.
4. Mark your calendar for Nov. 6, 2018.
Despite the unexpected outcome of the 2016 presidential election, Latinx voters still had a strong influence on many local and state-level races. For example, Mexican-American Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto won the Senate race in Nevada. While these victories from the 2016 election are great, the midterm elections on Nov. 6, 2018, will provide Latinx voters with another opportunity to make their voices heard.
5. Become a sponsor for ELLAS.
Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances, or ELLAS, is a program that helps low-income high school students excel both in and outside of the classroom. For $950, you can sponsor a student and help them attend workshops relevant to their interests and pursuit of higher education. You can also get involved by becoming a volunteer or speaking at a workshop. While ELLAS is not an explicitly political organization, investing in the next generation is certainly a way to influence politics in the years to come. They are the future, after all.
6. Attend a local town hall meeting.
Town hall meetings serve as effective (yet slightly less formal) spaces for residents in the area to air their grievances and propose solutions. While these types of meetings don't have a direct effect on the nation at large, they are still important and can improve your day-to-day life. To attend a meeting, find out who your senators and representatives are and monitor their websites or Twitter accounts for any announcements on upcoming meetings.
7. Run for political office.
If you've ever considered a career in politics, check out She Should Run. Following the presidential election, the organization launched an incubator program that has since encouraged over 4,000 women to run for elected office. She Should Run helps women define their brands, stand up to sexism, and connect with other women in the program so that they can grow their respective networks.
Here's What to Pack For Every Type of Travel Weather
Packing for a vacation where the weather's drastically different isn't only hard, it's frustrating. Like, explosion-of-clothes-all-over-your-bed frustrating. "Do people even wear shorts when it's 65? Maybe I should google that," you mutter to yourself. But instead of relying on a quick search or a weather app, we made you a handy guide.
To assist you in dressing for your next getaway, we gathered some ideal outfits and sorted them for three different types of weather: cold, moderate, and warm. We looked to jet setters who have figured out how to pack the optimal suitcase for traveling and came away with 30 different outfit ideas for every type of weather. Whether the temperature is set at 30 degrees or 85, use the #OOTDs below to craft your wardrobe.
Kelly Clarkson's Family Photos Are Just Like Her Hit Songs - You'll Never Get Tired of Them
It's no secret that Kelly Clarkson has one adorable family. The "Piece by Piece" singer, who married Brandon Blackstock in October 2013, is mom of daughter River Rose, 2, son Remington, who was born in April, and is also stepmom to Brandon's two kids from a previous relationship, Seth and Savannah. Kelly frequently takes to social media to share precious moments with her brood, including River having the time of her life in the studio and the family's epic Christmas cards. Keep reading to see all of their best moments here.
10 Brilliant Ways to Detox Your Hair According to Fashion Week Pros
When it comes to hair health, it can be hard to ensure our strands stay damage-free after all the sprays, gels, and hot tools we use day to day. While this is obviously a struggle for girls everywhere, models - especially during New York Fashion Week - might take the cake when it comes to the amount of damaging products and scorching hot tools they're exposed to. Their shiny locks always look so glossy and voluminous on the runway, but all it takes is a single glance backstage to understand just how much those same models' hair is put through (seriously, the faint smell of burnt hair kind of wafts around backstage).
So, if you've ever wondered how these lengthy-haired goddesses keep from permanently destroying their hair while jumping from show to show, we've got you covered. After interviewing a few NYFW stylists for their best hair recovery tips that the models - and RL women - can use to recover their hair health, we're brimming with secrets. Read on!
33 Celebrities Whose Real Names You Never Knew
Did you go through that phase in life where you grew tired of your name and toyed with the idea of changing your moniker or dropping part of it to make it, well, unique? You can now rest assured that you weren't alone, and had you gone through with the change, you'd be following in the footsteps of some of today's top artists.
Regardless of the reasons behind the name changes - some dropped their last names, some go by their middle name or nickname only, some dropped an accent or two, and others just made up a brand-new persona - these swaps are surprising to sift through. Keep reading to find 33 stars whose real names might shock you.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto.
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