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.
jeudi 16 février 2017
Bella Hadid's First Teen Vogue Cover Will Make Her Your Number 1 Girl-Crush
If you didn't already have a massive girl-crush on Bella Hadid, you're about to. For the first volume of Teen Vogue's now-quarterly print edition, the magazine chose three stars to grace alternate covers and created coordinating videos. Bella Hadid, supermodel and, according to the article, all-around nice person, is featured on one of the covers and stars in a short film playing an '80s poster girl.
The video stars a preteen boy dreaming of his poster of Bella on his wall and then seeing her everywhere. The video is cheeky and sweet, making the model into the ultimate teenage dream.
The younger Hadid sister looks like she's having endless amounts of fun in the photographs, smiling in a bathtub on her first Teen Vogue cover. Within the pages of the teen bible, Hadid lounges on a fire escape wearing a lace shirt with a purple bow around the collar, then relaxes on a bed, sporting embroidered denim shorts, a heart-spotted button-down, and heart-shaped sunglasses.
In another series of photographs, the model runs around with a friend in an oversize hat. The photos show the model's more playful side, which is a refreshing reminder that Bella is only 20 years old and isn't done having fun, even while globe-trotting for Fashion Month.
Where You've Seen the Gorgeous Cast of Riverdale Before
If you're like us, your latest obsession lies in Riverdale, The CW's reimagining of the beloved Archie comics. Riverdale combines three things that made shows like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars major fanfare: love triangles, a murder (at least one for now), and a really, really good-looking cast.
And like many teen thrillers that have come before it, much of the cast was plucked out of obscurity. While some of the actors had a few credits to their name, many of them are getting their big break on the show - at least, that's the case with most of the students; you'll most definitely recognize the parents on this series, as almost all of them are TV veterans.
Keep reading to find out where you've seen the cast before.
Coco and Ice T's Daughter Struts Her Stuff on the Runway at NYFW
Ice T and Coco Austin's daughter, Chanel, made her New York Fashion Week debut on Wednesday when she walked in the Air Jordan for Rookie show. The adorable 1-year-old, who recently returned from a tropical vacation with her family, strutted her stuff on the runway in an Air Jordan tracksuit that matched her dad. After being carried by her mom, Chanel stood at the end of the runway and struck a fierce pose. If her second year is anything like her first, she's in for more glamour than most Hollywood stars.
We Have an Idea of How Rihanna Will Be Celebrating Her Birthday - and It Includes a Blunt
Rihanna is refreshingly outspoken on many matters: relationships, sex, social media detractors, and her love of weed. The self-professed bad gal frequently shares pictures of herself sparking up a joint - sometimes two - and she even dressed up as the "bride of Mary Jane" on Halloween in 2012. With her 29th birthday taking place on Feb. 20, we have a pretty good idea of how she'll be celebrating. Look ahead for some of her proudest pothead moments.
OMG, Star Wars Land Has an Official Opening Date
It's official: Star Wars Land at both Disneyland and Hollywood Studios are opening in 2019. The company confirmed the news in an earnings call.
Star Wars Land is expected to include a slew of fun activities and sights that any Jedi or Sith is going to freak out about. Fans will get to visit a Mos Eisley cantina, fly in the Millennium Falcon, pick a side between the First Order and the Resistance, and plenty more secrets we're sure Disney is hiding.
In the meantime, we're just going to keep obsessing over the few details Disney's revealed about the theme parks and fantasize about sailing on a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise.
How Being a Dad Makes Me a Better Husband
Our friends from YourTango share how one man can love two women in his life.
Loving my daughter reminds me why I love my wife.
It's time for me to confess: I've been seeing another woman.
No, she's not a cocktail waitress or a nightclub promoter or a porn star, but she's cute, has a killer smile and looks good in a dress. I've tried to rationalize the relationship as the inevitable by-product of a common stagnation period for marriages: my wife Dorothy and I are about to enter our fifth year. But that argument just doesn't fit.
Dorothy's beautiful, smart and successful. We have common habits (doing laundry) and convictions (we don't like Walmart, but shop there anyway), and cohabiting is easy: we prefer crunchy peanut butter to smooth, Brian Williams to Katie Couric, and The Bachelor to... are there any other shows?
Further, Dorothy's one hundred percent Italian - the daughter of a businessman with less than loose mafia ties who would put me underground if I so much as frowned at his "little girl."
See how easy fidelity should be? Still, from the first minute I met this other woman, I couldn't resist her charms.
I first met Sophia when Dorothy and I lived in Greensboro, NC. We connected in a hospital and started seeing each other immediately. It wasn't easy; I worked long hours and she was a full-time student who was very attached to her mother, which made things uncomfortable. But we found time in the mornings after Dorothy left for work, or in the early afternoons for a quick lunch.
Then Dorothy and I moved to Asheville, NC. Sophia did, too. I guess you could say she moved for me, but that's debatable. Regardless, Dorothy started a new job - 10-hour days and lots of travel.
Sophia enrolled in a new school, part-time, and I began a new job working mostly from home, which afforded us plenty of time. Now we spend five or six hours together each day, riding bikes, going to the park for picnics, visiting the library and museums, and watching movies.
Sophia and I have become so close we can finish each other's sentences. We've developed our own inside jokes, language, games and idiosyncratic routines. I've even started a blog about our relationship.
Dorothy knows all about us. And for the most part, she's fine with it. Take last week as an example: when Dorothy came home and found me giving Sophia a bubble bath - in her shower - she smiled and announced, "You guys look like you're having fun!" How understanding is that!?
It's time to confess what you may have already guessed: the other woman in my life, Sophia, is my 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter.
Sure, children can arrest marriages: maybe Mom has to put a career on hold, or Dad realizes he just isn't ready to be a dad, or mom and dad bicker constantly over the cumulative array of child-rearing decisions(diet, vaccines, school). But it shouldn't be this way. A child should be one of the foundations of a strong marriage, the epoxy that fastens Mom and Dad's sometimes disjointed interests and beliefs, the tonic that tempers those (more and more) frequent periods of disquietude.
I'm reminded of this as I grow closer to the other woman in my life. The more time I spend with my daughter, the more attuned I become to what I love about my wife. It's probably because Sophia is exactly like Dorothy - a mini "D."
Dorothy will spend three hours writing a 250-word blog post for work; this bothers me until I watch Sophia trace her name over and over and over again until she gets it just right. Dorothy expects to have her feet rubbed while we're watching television; this bothers me until Sophia chucks a Sandra Boynton board book at me and says, "You read it to me, daddy. Five times!"
Dorothy never admits when she's made a mistake; this bothers me until I ask Sophia who spilled the Cranberry Splash Sierra Mist on the carpet and she accuses Big Bones, her life-sized stuffed golden retriever. And Dorothy exercises religiously, two hours a day; this bothers me until I see Sophia actually running on the treadmill.
In these moments, I realize I love my wife because she's a perfectionist, because she knows what she wants, because of her stubbornness and because she takes care of herself.
My advice, then, to the married-with-children crowd: embrace your relationship with the younger "man" or "woman" in your life; it's part of being a father. Because our kids can help us refocus the distorted image we develop of our spouses over time.
Such vision can serve a husband well if his wife takes forever to get ready, especially if he remembers that his daughter takes great pride in picking out her own clothes and tying her own shoes. It can also serve a wife well if she has a husband who wants to dip into their savings to start a second career as a restaurant owner, especially if she remembers how much her son loves trying new activities.
And really, it can serve any man or woman well, especially if his or her spouse consistently drives the family minivan through the garage door. Because, really, what child doesn't love racing Matchbox cars into walls?
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
This Kickstarter Needs Your Help to Make Lisa Frank Makeup a Reality
Considering how unicorns and rainbow color are such key trends in beauty right now, it's no surprise that '80s and '90s girls are searching for ways to incorporate Lisa Frank into their lives in 2017. While there are tattoos inspired by Lisa Frank's vibrant illustrations and even a clothing line, our beauty bag is seriously lacking in official swag.
Indie brand Glamour Dolls Makeup is working hard to change that. With the help of beauty influencer extraordinaire Kandee Johnson, the company recently announced a Kickstarter campaign to work on a Lisa Frank collaboration. You can already pre-order an angled blush brush covered in vibrant unicorns (it's just $5 and will ship in April!), but the team behind Glamour Dolls is hoping to make even more products with your help.
On the Kickstarter page, the company shared its hopes to develop lip balm, matte mousse, liquid liner, a unicorn lippie, highlighter, and a vegan leather makeup bag with the help of sponsors. Those who opt to contribute to the campaign will even get to help pick the shades and names that make the final cut.
The goal is to get $30,000 of financial backing by April 2, so get to donating! That sneak peek at the brush proves that Glamour Dolls is up to the challenge to produce high-quality, affordable swag that lives up to our technicolor fantasies. (Even better, the brand is cruelty-free and vegan, too.) Read on to see the campaign video, then head over to the Kickstarter campaign to do your part.
Mandy Moore Just Wore the 1 Feather Headband You'll Want This Spring
Mandy Moore admitted she needed something to spruce up her beauty look at this year's New York Fashion Week Fall 2017.
The singer/actress found just what she was looking for with a gorgeous black fringed headband from the new Jennifer Behr x Lela Rose collection. "Sometimes you need a little @jenniferbehr headband to take your mind off of carbo-loading and pms-induced breakouts," she captioned a photo of her look on Instagram.
The decadent headband was also featured on Lela Rose's Fall 2017 New York Fashion Week runway, and is available for purchase now with a portion of all proceeds going to Planned Parenthood and the ACLU. Keep reading to see another photo of Mandy Moore pulling off the look, and then find out where you can buy one for yourself.
Holy Sh*t: Rey Could Be a Palpatine in the New Star Wars Trilogy
It's been well over a year since Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasted into our galaxy, and we're still processing. While there are some lingering questions about the latest trilogy, one glaring mystery seems to stick out among the rest: who the hell are Rey's parents? While there are plenty of plausible theories, one insane internet claim out there alleges the most unexpected lineage for Rey: she could be related to Emperor Palpatine. Is Rey the granddaughter of the evil Sith Lord? We're unpacking all the most prominent evidence so you can decide for yourself.
Her Fighting Style Is Similar
Rey's first move in her lightsaber duel with Kylo Ren is a forward stab. This also happens to be the exact same first move Emperor Palpatine executes in Revenge of the Sith. It's also worth noting that these are the only two Force-sensitive individuals to use this form of attack. They also share another move: swinging the lightsaber overhead and bringing it down, sledgehammer style. It can't just be coincidence . . . can it?
Rey Seems to Be Pulled Toward the Dark Side
There are a few passing moments in The Force Awakens that indicate a darkness within Rey. It's interesting to see how much she relishes telling Kylo Ren that he'll never be as great as Darth Vader. Later during their lightsaber battle, her bloodlust almost seems uncontrollable, and there's a moment near the end where she almost delivers a final deadly blow . . . until she lets him live. Could she be teetering on the edge of the dark side? Is it possible she has the power of the Sith running through her veins?
OK, Wait, Isn't Luke Rey's Father?
While Luke has been one of the most popular picks among the candidates for Rey's parents, there's a lot of evidence to suggest that it's just not so. First and foremost, it's simply just too obvious. The Force Awakens is filled with nods to a connection between Luke and Rey. There's the fact that Luke's lightsaber "calls out" to her. Then there's all of her Force-sensitivity and Jedi mind tricks, and that loaded scene with Luke himself at the end. It's so obvious! It's so heavy-handed! It would just be way too easy.
It stretches beyond that, of course. If Rey were Luke's daughter, could we really believe Han Solo and Leia Organa knew nothing of her existence? And why would Maz Kanata imply that Rey's parents were dead? If Luke is not the father, it leaves room for someone else.
The Skywalker vs. Palpatine Phenomenon
It's worth noting that this dichotomy appears in every Star Wars trilogy. In the original trilogy, Luke Skywalker faces off against Emperor Palpatine. In the next trilogy, Anakin Skywalker, still teetering on the edge of the dark side, also fights Palpatine before he becomes the deformed Sith Lord we recognize him as. In the new trilogy, Kylo Ren is a Skywalker. His mother is Leia Organa! Wouldn't it make the most sense to have another destined face-off? A Skywalker against Rey, a Palpatine? Furthermore, it would almost add a dash of poetic impact to the new movies. With a Skywalker as a Jedi and a Palpatine as a Sith in the preexisting films, this new entry is flipping everything on its head. Kylo Ren, the Skywalker, is a Sith. And Rey, possibly a Palpatine, is on the good side . . . for now.
There's so much more to unpack: the fact that Supreme Leader Snoke and Kylo Ren are obsessed with getting their hands on Rey, the fact that Rey is skewed toward the dark side on the poster for The Force Awakens, and even Luke's apparent apprehension in that haunting final scene. If you want to dig even deeper, this video does a pretty good job of covering everything:
OK, OK, we'll take off our tinfoil hats . . . for now.
If You've Dealt With Setbacks Trying to Lose Weight, Chrissy Metz Has an Important Message For You
Chrissy Metz has been anything but shy about her weight loss journey, and now she's opening up about how her struggle on This Is Us has motivated her in her real life. Chrissy was recently stopped by a TMZ reporter where she was asked about her character Kate's "failure" to lose weight, and she responded with some motivational advice for anyone who's had setbacks while trying to shed pounds.
"I don't think that she's [Kate's] failed at losing weight," Chrissy said. "I just think that she has to make it more of a concerted effort and that's what she's trying to do."
Her struggle on the hit show has been well-documented, most recently at weight-loss immersion camp, but Chrissy's message to the viewers and anyone trying to lose weight is important: not shedding pounds does not mean you've failed, it's all part of the journey.
She said that her character's story line is not meant to discourage anyone trying to lose weight, in fact, it's the opposite. "I think it inspires people because we're all on different journeys and we all progress differently," Chrissy said. "So, when we're all in it together, it's a little more inspiring in that way."
If You've Dealt With Setbacks Trying to Lose Weight, Chrissy Metz Has an Important Message For You
Chrissy Metz has been anything but shy about her weight loss journey, and now she's opening up about how her struggle on This Is Us has motivated her in her real life. Chrissy was recently stopped by a TMZ reporter where she was asked about her character Kate's "failure" to lose weight, and she responded with some motivational advice for anyone who's had setbacks while trying to shed pounds.
"I don't think that she's [Kate's] failed at losing weight," Chrissy said. "I just think that she has to make it more of a concerted effort and that's what she's trying to do."
Her struggle on the hit show has been well-documented, most recently at weight-loss immersion camp, but Chrissy's message to the viewers and anyone trying to lose weight is important: not shedding pounds does not mean you've failed, it's all part of the journey.
She said that her character's story line is not meant to discourage anyone trying to lose weight, in fact, it's the opposite. "I think it inspires people because we're all on different journeys and we all progress differently," Chrissy said. "So, when we're all in it together, it's a little more inspiring in that way."
This Haunting Cover of "The Scientist" Is 1 of the Best Parts of Fifty Shades Darker
Even if you don't care about Fifty Shades Darker, you have to admit that the soundtrack is fantastic. There's Zayn and Taylor Swift's collaboration, Halsey's "Not Afraid Anymore," and this gem of a cover from Corinne Bailey Rae. The singer puts her own spin on Coldplay's 2002 hit, and it's a gorgeous version of a song that, to be honest, we already loved. Check it out!
Here's How the Big Proposal in Fifty Shades Darker Goes Down
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Fifty Shades Darker is out, and we have a feeling that fans of Ana (Dakota Johnson) and Christian (Jamie Dornan) will be pretty happy with the latest installment. After a rocky start, the two decide to give their relationship another shot, this time with no rules and absolutely no secrets. Sure, they hit a few speed bumps on the way, but the end is definitely satisfying.
It all goes down when Christian has a nightmare about his tortured childhood. After Ana wakes him up, the two cuddle in bed and he asks her to marry him. That's right, he proposes! It's not really all that romantic, but just wait. Even though she doesn't give him an answer, she does give him an early birthday present. The only catch is that he has to wait until his actual birthday to open it - delayed gratification, if you will. He obliges and proceeds to go on a business trip to Portland. All seems well between the two lovebirds until Christian's helicopter goes missing.
As Ana waits with Christian's family in his apartment, she is emotionally distraught, realizing she doesn't want to live her life without him. And because this movie isn't a tragedy, he eventually bursts through the doors, completely unharmed. Now that it's actually his birthday (around midnight to be exact), Ana makes him open her present: a Seattle keychain. While he doesn't seem particularly impressed at first, upon further inspection he realizes the back reads "YES" in glowing letters.
The two announce their engagement to family and friends at his birthday party. Excited to finally have a "sister," Mia (Rita Ora) insists on seeing the ring before Christian assures her that they're going to pick one out together. After mingling with guests, he eventually steals Ana away for one last surprise. He takes her to the pool house, which has been covered with hundreds of colorful flowers. As Ana takes it all in, she turns around to find Christian kneeling on the ground with a huge diamond ring. "Share my life with me," he says with a sexy smolder. "Be mine. Marry me." To which, of course, she says, "YES!"
28 Beauty Street Style Photos That Will Make You Want to Get Glam in the Dead of Winter
As a native New Yorker, I can attest that getting dressed up, doing my hair, and putting on makeup in the dead of Winter is a struggle. But the women who attended New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 during February's brutal snow, rain, and wind storms battled the elements beautifully.
Show-goers hit the streets and tents with model-off-duty wavy, textured, rainbow-colored manes, bold lipstick choices, and enviable fresh skin. Keep reading to see some of our favorite looks. And you may notice some famous faces, including Emma Roberts, Drew Barrymore, and others!
Jessica Alba Shares Her Foolproof Guide For Combatting That Dreaded Airplane Dryness
Jessica Alba recently shared some foolproof travel tips that only further solidify her impressive know-how. In a recent interview with Travel and Leisure, the Honest Company cofounder shared her skin care secrets and opened up about her commitment to comfort when traveling.
Per her interview, we gathered that Jessica's top travel priorities are comfort, her trusty circulation socks, and hydration. The Zico spokeswoman said she'll typically pick up a bottle of coconut water at the airport. In addition, she said, "I'll usually buy a liter and a half of water in the airport and drink it on the airplane. If I have a longer trip, I'll do some kind of face mask, like a sheet mask or eye mask. I have a little travel kit of my beauty products that are very hydrating."
Some of those hydrating products include Honest Beauty's Everything Organic Face Oil, Younger Face Deep Hydration Cream, and the so-called Magic Balm which Jessica said she uses "under my eyes on the high points of my face, my lips, and my cuticles, and to fix fly-aways." Before applying all of those products, however, Jessica makes sure to use a makeup remover wipe to start out with a clean slate.
Jessica's ideal travel outfit is basically just a pajama set. (Same.) She said, "[I like] any version of pajamas - whether it's a cashmere sweatsuit or just a regular cozy, soft sweatsuit - or actual pajamas that you can wear out, like silk ones. If you throw a chic trench coat or long coat over it, you can get away with it." She's also not opposed to bringing a blanket from home, as well as her Beauty Bear Pillow to prevent those annoying face creases.
6 Things You Didn't Know About Ed Sheeran's New Song, "Shape of You"
At the beginning of the year, Ed Sheeran emerged from from a year-long hiatus with two very different new songs. While "Castle on a Hill" has more somber vibes, the other song, called "Shape of You" has more a beat to it. Recently, the latter song seems to have gained Sheeran's favor; he sang it on Saturday Night Live, and the very next day he performed it at the Grammys. With so much attention on the song (and a fire dance video, to boot), we decided to uncover a few fun facts about Sheeran's new sound.
1. It Was Originally Meant For Rihanna
In an interview with BBC Radio back in January, Sheeran revealed that he originally wrote the song with Rihanna in mind. "We were writing this song and I was like, 'This would really work for Rihanna.'" he revealed. "And then I started singing lyrics like 'putting Van The Man on the jukebox' and I was like, 'Well, she's not really going to sing that, is she?' And then we sort of decided halfway through that we were just going to make it for me."
2. Then It Was Meant For Someone Else
In the same interview, Sheeran explained that Rihanna wasn't the only artist the song was going to go to. Once he brought the song to his label, he suggested that it go to Rudimental, a British band. It was his label, actually, that suggested he use it for himself.
3. He Probably Wrote It About His Current Girlfriend
Although Sheeran tends to keep pretty private about his relationship with Cherry Seaborn, there's evidence the song is about her. After all, Sheeran says above he was the one working on the lyrics. Of course, "I'm in love with your body" is a dead giveaway, but other hints (like the "thrifty" first date) hearken back to what might be Sheeran's younger years. And, as Sheeran has said before, he and Seaborn grew up three or four miles away from each other.
4. It Wasn't Supposed to Be on His New Album
Another fun fact from that BBC Radio interview: "Shape of You" almost didn't make the cut. "This was the last song that was finished," he said, "and I just didn't put two and two together that this was even going to be on the album. I just kind of wrote it and was like 'Oh, that was fun.'"
5. He Almost Forgot That Signature Style He Used For His Grammy Performance
After taking his hiatus, Sheeran admitted he had forgotten the words to some of his most popular songs, and he had to relearn how to use a looping station. The machine is a signature of his performance style; it lets him loop his own sounds and, in essence, to put on a one-man show. He actually just did it during his Grammys performance, if you want to get a sense of what we're talking about.
6. One of the Songwriters Has a Very Famous Girlfriend
Sheeran revealed that he worked on the song with Johnny McDaid, whom you might remember is dating Courteney Cox! The two have had a rocky relationship, and called off their engagement last year. However, in the Fall, they were reportedly back together, so as far as we know, things are going OK.
Why It's Good to Fail in Front of Your Kids
I want what's best for my kids. Obviously.
I want them to sail through life without ever encountering a single bully, without the pain of heartbreak or the sting of self-doubt, and I want them to feel proud of and confident in their family. I want them to have the perfect childhood. Unfortunately, no such thing exists and there are times when that inevitable failure on my part terrifies me to my core. I want to be perfect for them, but I know I never will be.
What I'm slowly starting to realize, though, is that being perfect isn't the point of being a parent, and even if it was, it wouldn't necessarily be the most beneficial for our children.
Dozens of times in my short stint as a parent I've watched anxiously from the sidelines as my children attempted some new feat or took some unknown risk. I've paced back and forth like a caged animal, wringing my hands and praying to anyone who will listen to please just let him make this shot or please don't let him forget his line in front of everyone.
Just don't let him fail.
Because failure hurts. It's demoralizing and embarrassing and often very, very public. Sometimes it's enough to destroy a person's love of a game, or even their love for themselves, and I would do anything to shelter my children from that pain.
But failure is also an essential part of life and growing up. How else do we learn where our limits are so that we can figure out how to break them? Without failure there can be no growth, no accomplishments, and no pride.
So as difficult as it is to watch my children continually put themselves in danger of failure, I know I have to let them. I have to stay on the sidelines, muttering quiet affirmations to myself and clenching my jaw, and show them that I'm there for them whether they fail or not. But it's not enough to just tell them that failure is a part of life. It's my job as a parent, as it is for so many things, to model that behavior for them as well.
It's my job as a parent, as it is for so many things, to model that behavior for them as well.
When it comes to my own failures, I need to be honest and open with my children, even if it means admitting that I'm not perfect. Because I need them to know that success isn't just a series of triumphs; it's a long, hard road that's badly paved with potholes in the center and 100-foot drops on either side. I want my children to know that I've worked for all that I have, and that it's OK if things don't come easily to them. The best things rarely do.
I want my children to see me fail. I want them to see me get knocked down, lose my way, and cry like a baby so that they can see me pick myself back up. I want my children to see that failure isn't the end of their dreams. If anything, it's just the beginning. It's a tool to help you hone your craft or focus your effort.
Someday I want to sit down with them, surrounded by memories of the good life we've lived together, and I want to tell them that I had the opportunity to quit. I had so many chances to be afraid, to shrink from the possibility of another painful failure. But I didn't. I want to be able to tell them that I fought for what was important to me, and I want them to know that they should be prepared to fight too.
Taking risks and following one's dreams isn't always pretty, but it's almost always worth it.
Imparting upon my children the importance and the fragile beauty of failure, acceptance, and perseverance is the closest thing I'll ever get to being a perfect parent. And I'm sure I'll screw it up sometimes. I'll get caught up in wanting them to be proud of me and think I'm invincible when really what they need is to see that I am human. That I am just like them. And that I am still trying every day.
Ed Sheeran's Acoustic Version of "Shape of You" Might Actually Be Better Than the Original
We would listen to Ed Sheeran singing a phonebook a cappella, so it should come as no surprise that we're obsessed with the acoustic version of "Shape of You." There are so many versions of the song available (including some great covers and remixes), but the plain ol' acoustic recording is our favorite. It's just Sheeran and his guitar, because he really doesn't need anything else. Just listen!
Millbrook youth make video to uplift Indigenous youth contemplating suicide
A youth group on the Millbrook First Nation in Truro, N.S., is sending a message of hope to Indigenous youth who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Millbrook youth make video to uplift Indigenous youth contemplating suicide
A youth group on the Millbrook First Nation in Truro, N.S., is sending a message of hope to Indigenous youth who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Kids needing OHIP funding for surgery tangled in 'catchment area' red tape
With life-changing surgery, Fiona Santos’s daughter could one day walk. But instead, she’s caught in bureaucratic red tape which has her bouncing back and forth between doctors and hospitals.
7 Apps Perfect For Outdoor Photography
Whether you're snapping photos of your vacation or the snow, it might be time to brush up on your outdoor photography. Whether you're vacationing in a big city, taking a trip to the rural Midwest, or coasting along the edge of California, you'll want to document your epic experiences. The seven gorgeous picture-editing apps ahead were designed for this purpose. Your photos of this big, beautiful world will never be the same again after using these apps!
Kids needing OHIP funding for surgery tangled in 'catchment area' red tape
With life-changing surgery, Fiona Santos’s daughter could one day walk. But instead, she’s caught in bureaucratic red tape which has her bouncing back and forth between doctors and hospitals.
This Actress Is the Only Latina With an EGOT
Lin-Manuel Miranda is in the running for the coveted EGOT with his nomination to the 2017 Oscars, but before the Hamilton creator came legend Rita Moreno.
The Puerto Rican actress, now appearing in Netflix's One Day at a Time, took just 16 years to land an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony and join the short list of highly awarded performers that have done the same, which includes Audrey Hepburn, Richard Rodgers, and Whoopi Goldberg. But did you know that Rita was only the third performer ever to land an EGOT in 1977 and that she's the only Latina ever to do this? Scroll ahead to find out more details of Rita's record-breaking accomplishment.
- 1961: Rita won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in West Side Story. Her performance of "America" is legendary!
- 1972: She takes a Grammy Award for Best Album for Children for The Electric Company Album. She was part of the original cast of the PBS show also featuring Morgan Freeman, Bill Cosby, Judy Graubart, Lee Chamberlin, and Skip Hinnant.
- 1975: The Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play goes to Rita for her role as Googie Gomez in The Ritz, which was later turned into a movie also featuring the actress.
- 1977: To complete her EGOT, Rita took an Emmy Award for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for a supporting role in The Muppet Show. Interesting, right?
10 Chick-Fil-A Copycat Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings, Even on Sundays
Why is it that Chick-fil-A cravings seem to hit the hardest on Sundays, the only day the fast-food chain is closed? These copycat recipes allow you to get your fix any time, any day. From the classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich to the nuggets and more, every Chick-fil-A obsessive will surely appreciate these recipes that are just as good as - if not better than - the real thing. Just pick up some Chick-fil-A Sauce (or 20), and you're good to go.
My Kid Is Superhero Obsessed. Super or Not So Much?
My son's love of superheroes started around his second birthday. Every night, after bath and before bed, he would top his zip-up pajamas with a cape and mask, then barge into his sister's room, one arm out as if ready to take flight, and present himself as Superman. "Oh, Superman, we love you," she'd play along. "You're wonderful. You're amazing." He'd soak in all that admiration and praise for a few minutes, then rip off his mask, and announce, "It's just me, Sam," every time expecting us to be surprised by the big reveal.
This little routine was sweet, if not a bit tiresome after the 100th time seeing it, especially on nights when it would push him and his sister even farther past their usual bedtimes. We did not realize that it was just the beginning of what would soon become an all-out superhero obsession.
These days, my son, now 3, spends most of his days dressed in superhero shirts (yesterday, he told me he really needs more superhero pants, too, as if that's a big thing), playing with his 10 or so Batman vehicles (who knew the masked hero needed a helicopter, hovercraft, motorcycle, and a car that transforms into a robot?!), 10 million tiny superhero and villain figurines, and 5,000 shooting discs that I can't wait to throw away someday.
When he's not shooting me with those plastic circles of annoyance, he's begging me to put on Justice League or Lego Batman or something else that he found on Netflix that seems vaguely superhero related. Other times, you'll find him in full character, running around our house saving the day, fighting bad guys, and Hulk-smashing his way to a more peaceful world.
Since we live in a relatively safe suburban neighborhood with nary a Joker sighting to date, his superhero work actually translates to him chasing his sister while she screams for my help, pretending that I'm a bad guy that needs to be destroyed, and Hulk-smashing my living room furniture. All in all, not so super.
I'd about had it with my tiny Batman impersonator until my mom, who's well aware of the intensity of his super stage, called me last week to say she had heard a psychologist talking about the confidence-building benefits of superhero play on the radio. Apparently, kids who pretend to have super-smashing abilities or fight crime like the Caped Crusader are markedly more confident than their non-role playing peers.
It makes sense. Toddlers my son's age have so little control over their worlds and so little opportunity to shape their lives. A hero with the power to save mankind, stop moving trains, and defeat armies of opponents has all the control in the world, so pretending to be one lets a child try on that cloak of competence and confidence, even if that cloak came wrapped in plastic from Target.
It also inspires creativity. Although my son only just started speaking clearly enough so that anyone besides his immediate family can understand him, he has no problem imagining up entire dramatic scenarios with his tiny action figures, with one of the good guys, of course, always prevailing. It's pretty amazing to watch, especially considering the kid still can't figure out how to put his own shoes on or consistently use the toilet.
While I'm still not thrilled about the damage that's being done to my house - and on the days that he decides I'm a bad guy, to my body - I'll take the superhero play to have a kid that believes he is as super as I do.
Oscars Movie Challenge: Use Our Checklist as You See All the Movies!
It's not just award season, it's Oscar season! The nominations are out, the other major shows have already happened, and now we have our sights on the biggest movie event of the year: the Academy Awards. If you're anything like us, you're using this time to watch as many Oscar-nominated movies as you possibly can. To help with your obsession, we have a printable checklist and a clickable one (below) for you to methodically check off each one as you go. Every feature-length film nominated for something is represented here and divided into three parts: the best picture nominees (self-explanatory); the advanced section, which incorporates films with the acting and screenplay nominees not already up for best picture; and the perfectionist category, which has everything else - for the movie buff who really wants to see them all.
So check off the films you've seen below or print out your checklist, queue up the movies you can watch at home, make plans to go to the theater, and get your cinephile bragging rights on. And if you want to actually brag about it, that's encouraged: use #popsugarmoviechallenge and tell us what you're seeing!
5 Fast Facts About the Suicide Squad Sequel
This week, the entertainment world has been buzzing about the impending sequel of Suicide Squad. Even though the next installment of the bad-guy epic isn't on the official calendar of DC Comics releases, Warner Bros. has officially begun courting a director and breaking ground on the project. With so much up in the air, it's easy to wonder what we do know about the sequel. We did some digging and scraped together as much confirmed and speculative information as we possibly could.
1. Mel Gibson May Direct
Although David Ayer wrote and directed the first film, it seems Warner Bros. may be veering in a different direction for round two. The studio is reportedly courting Mel Gibson for the job, but Daniel Espinosa (who just directed that intense alien thriller Life, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds) is also in the running.
2. David Ayer Could Potentially Return in Some Capacity
Even if Ayer doesn't direct, he seems to have a lot to say about the sequel. Back in March 2016, The Wrap inadvertently confirmed the sequel during a seemingly innocuous news report. As almost an afterthought, the site mentioned that Suicide Squad 2 was already on Ayer's 2017 schedule. It's worth noting that Ayer is tied up with an all-female DC Comics villain movie starring Margot Robbie, called Gotham City Sirens. That said, he could still co-write or contribute to this film in a smaller way.
3. Will Smith Will Probably Be in It Once Again
The aforementioned report from The Wrap also mentioned that Suicide Squad's sequel was on Will Smith's schedule as well. Considering he was one of the biggest stars attached to the first film, it would make sense that Warner Bros. would want him to return!
4. It Could Be Rated R
In Spring 2016, David Ayer talked about the sequel with MTV News. While the studio definitely aimed for a PG-13 rating on the first one, the second one is up in the air. Ayer remarked that an R stamp "would be worth lobbying for." In light of the runaway success of 2016's Deadpool, which made billions of dollars and became one of the most successful R-rated films of all time. With numbers like that, an R-Rated Suicide Squad sequel sounds pretty appealing.
5. Jay Hernandez May Not Be Gone Forever
Even though El Diablo goes out with a pretty epic blaze of glory in the first film, actor Jay Hernandez told ComicBook.com that the character could still return somehow."Of course there is [a chance he could return]! I'm not saying anything, just that it's a possibility." Considering Superman kind of sort of dies in Batman v. Superman but also seems to have somehow come back from the dead to appear in the Justice League films, nothing is out of the question.
8 Shows You Should Watch If You're Obsessed With Riverdale
Riverdale has quickly become the new It show on The CW. With all the mystery, drama, and hot eye candy, what's not to love? Perhaps the reason we can't get enough of the series is because it reminds us of some of our other favorite TV shows. That love triangle between Betty, Veronica, and Archie? Totally Gossip Girl. The continuous question about who really killed Jason? So much like Twin Peaks. Not to mention the subtle retro vibe reminds us of Stranger Things. See which other popular series Riverdale has similarities to.
Everything We Know About Top of the Lake Season 2
Remember Top of the Lake? The 2013 crime drama that made The Killing look like Teletubbies? It's returning for a second season, and while we won't get to see it for a while, we do have some exciting intel. Who will be starring? What's the plot? Is Jane Campion involved again? We can answer most of these now, but you'll have to stay tuned for the rest of the details. Take a look below to get the scoop and find out why you should watch Top of the Lake.
Marc Jacobs Just Set Up a Hip Hop Runway Right on the Sidewalk
For a collection heavily influenced by hip hop, there wasn't a single sound on the runway. Marc Jacobs invited his guests to the Lexington Armory and set up two rows of folding chairs - the type you probably sat on during high school assemblies. There was no warning that the show was about to start, save for the time on the clock (2 p.m.) and the stomping of the models's feet in Marc's signature chunky platform boots, a patent oxford on occasion.
The show lasted eight minutes. Eight minutes of mostly neutral clothes walking on by. The only real pop of color was from the gold hardware on all the flashy jewelry, from large-and-in-charge hoops to long pendant chains and the detailing on hobo bags. There was one bedazzled earring in the shape of a key that stood out, along with a flashy little miniskirt swathed in sequins.
The outerwear, however, stood out in particular. There were plenty of plaid coats and one jacket with cherry-red shearling accents. The track suits looked as though they could have been plucked from a thrift store, but undoubtedly worn-in and comfortable. Extended bucket hats and backwards baseball caps were the final nod to the origin of street wear.
At the end of it all, Marc himself emerged wearing all-black and one single gold chain. We were permitted to leave. Outside on the street, Marc's models (including Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow, Jamie Bochert, and Hanne Gaby Odiele) were lined up in front of a wall of boomboxes blasting hip hop. Everyone took photos of them as they flashed their iPhones right back at us. But the message was in the loud, thumping music: it was what shaped the clothes of the entire hip hop cultural movement. Scroll for a look at the encore sidewalk performance.
Does Dan Stevens Sing in Disney's Live-Action Beauty and the Beast?
Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast is nearly a month away, and we can barely contain our excitement. While the posters, stills, and soundtrack have appropriately pumped us up, we're just excited to see one of our favorite childhood movies come to life on the big screen. The adaptation is straying a little bit from the animated version, but it is staying true to a few things, including the musical aspect. We've already gotten our first listen to Emma Watson's singing voice in the trailer, but what about the Beast? Since Prince Adam doesn't have any songs in the original movie, we can't help but wonder, will Dan Stevens sing in the upcoming adaptation?
Well, the short answer is yes. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the English actor revealed that Alan Menken, who penned the original score, wrote a brand-new song specifically for the Beast. Stevens's wife, Susie Hariet, even helped with his audition since she's a jazz musician and singing teacher. "We're a pretty musical household and it was lovely to have that," he said. "We've never really sung together all that much. It was a really beautiful thing to do."
A Quick Reminder of the Movies Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Have Costarred In
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are shaping up to be quite the onscreen duo. Their new film, La La Land, earned rave reviews and is now slaying the award-season circuit, winning all seven of the Golden Globes it was up for and scoring Oscar nods for both Stone and Gosling. They clearly love working together, because they keep doing it. It's been seven years since they initially costarred in a film, so in case you've forgotten, here are the movies they've appeared in together.
How Does Jack Die on This Is Us? 4 Heartbreaking Theories
This Is Us has been filled with sad moments this season, but the most gut-wrenching had to be the revelation that Milo Ventimiglia's character Jack is no longer alive in present day. Since the sad news broke, we have been racking our brains trying to figure out how it all goes down, and during a recent episode, we finally got some closure. As Kate takes part in a drum-therapy class at an adult weight-loss camp, she recounts heartbreaking memories from her past, including her father's funeral. While the clip offers that the kids were teenagers, it still doesn't exactly answer how Jack dies. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the show comes full-circle by having him die on their shared birthday. There are a few theories about his cause of death, and we've gathered three of the most intriguing here.
1. Alcoholism
Even though Jack seems to have kicked his alcoholism, it may have still taken a toll on his health. It's possible that all that drinking leads to heart problems or increases his risk of developing cancer. We don't even want to think about that.
2. Heart Attack
Kate is so distraught over Toby's heart surgery, and while obviously any person would be, the storyline might have been backwards foreshadowing that her father also suffered from a heart condition.
3. Plane Crash
Hold onto your seat, because this final theory is a doozy. Some fans seem to think that Jack actually dies during the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Tumblr user just-an-outlaw pointed out that both Kate and Kevin seem to have a fear of flying, and that Kevin threw away his model airplanes after his dad's death - and that's not the only connection. Randall lives in New Jersey and Rebecca seems to live nearby. Perhaps the family moved to city sometime around 2001? While the details certainly make sense, the only problem is that the kids would have been in their early 20s, and the flashback suggests that they are a bit younger when Jack dies.
4. Miguel Kills Him
OK, OK, this one is out there. Miguel probably isn't a murderer, but what if Miguel accidentally kills him? And that's why Kevin doesn't like him; not because Miguel marries Rebecca. Huertas dispelled this theory in an interview with E!, saying, "What kind of show are you watching? This isn't some murder mystery!" But we're still not convinced that he doesn't have something to do with the death.
Alas, it seems like we may not be getting answers right away, as the show's creator, Dan Fogelman, told Entertainment Weekly that the how for Jack's death is going to take much longer to reveal. "By the end of the season, you're going to know a lot of the details of the how and the ramifications of it," he said. "In terms of the detail of how he died, was it illness? Was it something tragic? Was it something else? You're not going to know that for a little bit because we want to show that in the show. So that's going to take a minute." Thankfully, the series has two more seasons to tell Jack and the rest of the Pearson family's story.
8 Exercises to Give You the Perfect Booty
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Karen, who is part of Collective Fitness.
Image Source: Fit Bottomed Girls
There is a lot to be gained from daily exercise that goes well beyond a good physique. For starters, there's your health, physical and mental. Lose either one of those and it won't matter how good your butt looks in your jeans. Commitment to a fitness program also builds self-confidence and promotes creativity. It can improve your sex life, your quality of sleep, your memory, and, well hell, it can be just plain ol' fun.
But sometimes, I'll admit, it is all about that bass.
If your backside could use a little work, (and whose couldn't?) take your pick of the following booty-targeted exercises from a variety of types of workouts and build, shape or lift to your heart's content.
Weight Training
If you want to add size to your butt, you've got to go heavy.
The Squat: Hands down the best exercise to build mass. Train smart and slowly work your way up in weight. Do full squats (parallel or lower) and use a wide stance to activate more muscle fibers.
The Hip Thrust: The hip thrust seriously activates the glutes, stretches the hip flexors and corrects muscle imbalance at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with the hip thrust, start with a glute bridge and work your way up.
CrossFit
Crank up the intensity and burn fat while you build muscle with these functional moves.
The Walking Lunge: This unilateral move requires balance. Drive through the front foot and only use the back foot for support. Hold a weighted ball overhead for more challenge.
Burpees: You hate 'em, but your butt (and your whole body) loves 'em. Make it harder by doing a tuck jump at the end.
Classic Barre
If you are looking to shape your booty, Barre exercises will give you a high round butt.
The Foldover: This exercise emphasizes correct posture and alignment to successfully isolate the glutes. The leg variations (turned out thigh, pointed toe) work the entire hip. Bonus: the standing leg is building bone density and working also!
The Pretzel: The small controlled lifts of this deceptively easy looking exercise target the gluteus medius like nothing you've felt before. When you do it right (don't worry, you'll know it), you'll see immediate results.
Yoga
Get a butt that defies gravity with this ancient practice.
Chair Pose: Utkatasana firms the butt, strengthens the ankles and tones the core simultaneously. To make it more difficult lift up on the balls of your feet as you sit your butt down on your raised heels.
Warrior Three. Virabhadrasana III strengthens and lengthens the entire backside of the body while it improves balance and focus. Let the lift of the back leg guide your torso to perpendicular (instead of vice versa) and hold for five breaths.
There is ample opportunity to work your booty throughout the day: squeeze your cheeks while you brush your teeth, take the stairs and walk more often. Keep in mind that genetics and the width of your hips play a part in the shape of your butt so don't get too caught up in the way it looks. Remember, you're already perfect the way you are.
8 Exercises to Give You the Perfect Booty
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Karen, who is part of Collective Fitness.
Image Source: Fit Bottomed Girls
There is a lot to be gained from daily exercise that goes well beyond a good physique. For starters, there's your health, physical and mental. Lose either one of those and it won't matter how good your butt looks in your jeans. Commitment to a fitness program also builds self-confidence and promotes creativity. It can improve your sex life, your quality of sleep, your memory, and, well hell, it can be just plain ol' fun.
But sometimes, I'll admit, it is all about that bass.
If your backside could use a little work, (and whose couldn't?) take your pick of the following booty-targeted exercises from a variety of types of workouts and build, shape or lift to your heart's content.
Weight Training
If you want to add size to your butt, you've got to go heavy.
The Squat: Hands down the best exercise to build mass. Train smart and slowly work your way up in weight. Do full squats (parallel or lower) and use a wide stance to activate more muscle fibers.
The Hip Thrust: The hip thrust seriously activates the glutes, stretches the hip flexors and corrects muscle imbalance at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with the hip thrust, start with a glute bridge and work your way up.
CrossFit
Crank up the intensity and burn fat while you build muscle with these functional moves.
The Walking Lunge: This unilateral move requires balance. Drive through the front foot and only use the back foot for support. Hold a weighted ball overhead for more challenge.
Burpees: You hate 'em, but your butt (and your whole body) loves 'em. Make it harder by doing a tuck jump at the end.
Classic Barre
If you are looking to shape your booty, Barre exercises will give you a high round butt.
The Foldover: This exercise emphasizes correct posture and alignment to successfully isolate the glutes. The leg variations (turned out thigh, pointed toe) work the entire hip. Bonus: the standing leg is building bone density and working also!
The Pretzel: The small controlled lifts of this deceptively easy looking exercise target the gluteus medius like nothing you've felt before. When you do it right (don't worry, you'll know it), you'll see immediate results.
Yoga
Get a butt that defies gravity with this ancient practice.
Chair Pose: Utkatasana firms the butt, strengthens the ankles and tones the core simultaneously. To make it more difficult lift up on the balls of your feet as you sit your butt down on your raised heels.
Warrior Three. Virabhadrasana III strengthens and lengthens the entire backside of the body while it improves balance and focus. Let the lift of the back leg guide your torso to perpendicular (instead of vice versa) and hold for five breaths.
There is ample opportunity to work your booty throughout the day: squeeze your cheeks while you brush your teeth, take the stairs and walk more often. Keep in mind that genetics and the width of your hips play a part in the shape of your butt so don't get too caught up in the way it looks. Remember, you're already perfect the way you are.
Tears From the Front Row
Image Source: The 12ish Style
For so long, fashion has given off a "you can't sit with us" vibe that has felt so very unchic to me, a size 12ish (12/14/16) fashion blogger. But based on this season's New York Fashion Week shows, it's looking more and more like that attitude is becoming a thing of the past. Fashion today is finally celebrating individuality, and it's such a welcome breath of fresh air!
I'm not sure that was more evident anywhere than at the show for Prabal Gurung, a long-time champion of strong, powerful women. Maybe I'm biased because I got to sit in the front row (next to Song of Style), but I was blown away.
The all-star lineup included models of diverse body types and ethnicities, but the show managed to transcend simply checking boxes and instead shined a light on Prabal's amazing women and the amazingness of women in general. Stronger together!
When my pal, the gorgeous Candice Huffine (whose body type happens to be similar to mine), strutted by, I finally saw a model on the runway who I could identify with. I could even picture the clothes on my body! That was such a powerful moment and was the first time during Prabal's show I got choked up.
Image Source: Getty / Neilson Barnard
The second time happened during his finale, when models came out sporting an array of feminist t-shirts that struck a timely chord (OK, OK, I was fully shedding tears here - are you allowed to weep in the front row? SJP? Eva? Give a girl some tips!!)
And the third time I pretty much lost it in public was when I realized that here I am, a body-positive blogger, sitting in the front row along with a plus-size supermodel, Miss Ashley Graham (also the face of the upcoming Prabal Gurung x Lane Bryant collection), ALL things that would never have happened five years ago. Prabal's show felt like the physical manifestation of progress, and set the tone for an amazing week.
At Michael Kors, Ashley Graham was back, this time as the first model above a size 12 to walk for the brand. And of course she killed it!
Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
At Christian Siriano, diversity of all types was the name of the game, from the front row, which included transgender model/actress Gigi Gorgeous, to the models themselves, featuring 10 plus-size women, including body-positive star Iskra Lawrence.
J.Crew continued their approach from last season, using everyday people - friends and employees of the brand - in their presentation, and it was a thrill to see plus-size model Sabina Karlsson in the lineup.
Niche brands got in on the action, too. Tome's show was a beautiful celebration of women of all body types, ethnicities, and ages. Chromat featured plus-size models for their fourth show in a row. And Sophie Theallet tapped plus-size muse Candice Huffine for the second year in a row.
If the shows at New York Fashion Week are any indication, fashion looks to be finding its new groove. It's not about highlighting a certain body type, size (big or small!), or ethnicity at the expense of another. Instead it's about making sure everyone is invited to the party. It's no small feat to accomplish, but after such an inspiring week and, yes, many tears shed, I can't wait to see what's next for London, Milan, and Paris. But one thing is for sure . . . I am here if you need me, Karl!
Every Single Celebrity Who Will Be Presenting at the Oscars
The Oscars are almost here, and it's sure to be a star-studded night. Not only are there a handful of big A-listers up for awards this year, but some of the crème de la crème from 2016 will also be on hand to present, including Leonardo DiCaprio. The list is now up to 25 actors, so see who else is signed on!
Why We Should All Be Celebrating the Empowering Hashtag #DisabledAndCute
Freelance writer Keah Brown is making headlines with just three words: #DisabledandCute.
Brown, who has cerebral palsy, took to Twitter on Feb. 12 to declare, "I want to shoutout my Disabled brothers, sisters, & non-binary folks! W/ #DisabledAndCute," posting a collage of four images of herself. The goal was simply to share a bit of her own journey of self-love and acceptance. "I made this hashtag to sort of celebrate the fact that I felt cute in my body for the first time," she told Self. But the reaction to her tweet was an outpouring of support and tons of responses.
"Sickle cell ain't never kept ya girl down," said @laelahndifon as she used #DisabledandCute. "Oh hell yeah I am #disabledandcute. Treating a fusing spine with chemo, biologics, and lipstick," said @hannahmosk. The hashtag sparked conversations and new friendships among the participants, but it also spotlighted an important, often-underplayed issue in the United States: lack of inclusivity of those with disabilities.
According to the United States Census, one in five Americans has a disability, but it's very rare to see that figure reflected in mainstream media. There have been some small victories: designer Carrie Hammer has been celebrated for using her New York Fashion Week runway as a platform for women of all abilities, including Karen Crespo, a quadruple amputee, and Dr. Danielle Sheypuk who uses a wheelchair. Katie Meade, who has Down syndrome, was named the face of Beauty & Pin-Ups in 2016. More often than not, though, those with disabilities are often portrayed as caricatures. To see yourself represented like that can be soul-crushing, and contributed to how Brown saw herself growing up.
"I realized I was different, and I took it immediately to be this terrible thing," Brown said to SELF. "I never had that representation growing up where I saw other disabled people and knew other disabled people, especially other disabled black people."
We're hoping that the success - and visiblity - of #DisabledandCute will help prove to all that the two terms are far from being mutually exclusive. Brown shared that meeting and talking with other people with disabilities on social media went a long way towards helping her self-esteem. And you know what they say: positivity is infectious. Keep reading to see some of the empowering tweets.
What's Really a Kid's "Best Age"?
Do you think it was when your kids were squishy newborns or when they started saying hilarious things as toddlers that they were at the "best age"? Or are you still waiting for your favorite age? It's a hard thing to pinpoint, and of course there is no one right answer, which is why we asked our readers to share their thoughts!
Maybe your kids are in school and their snarky attitude has you longing for those cute toddler days, or perhaps your toddler just started having major tantrums and you can't help but wish for the sleepy newborn days back. Whatever phase you're currently in, these responses will have you feeling both nostalgic for the ages your little ones have passed and looking forward to watching them grow.
- "About 6 months old was always my favorite age. Not old enough to crawl, but more sturdy, they start sleeping through the night and their little personalities start to develop." - Meara D.
- "Definitely newborns. They don't talk back, make messes, or yell that they hate you because you told them they couldn't wear shorts to school in the winter. All that is coming from my 5- and 3-year-olds! I'd pick newborns any day." - Erin W.
- "Teenagers actually. I know some people are thinking 'OMG she's insane,' [but] my oldest is pretty awesome and I can relate to her a heck of a lot better than I can my toddler. All my kids are awesome (I have five), but I love the teen years the most probably." - Emily M.
- "I loved my 3-year-olds!! My very favorite age of childhood. But now that they're grown, I find them simply amazing too. Teen daughters? Not so much." - Amy B.
- "My near 9- and near 10-year-old are bliss. They can do most things themselves, help cook/bake. Shower on their own and can actually enjoy going out to places and having random conversations." - Kirstin J.
- "My kids are 12, 8, and 4. I loved when they were about 1 to 2-and-a-half. They were a little more independent, but not really mouthy yet, and I love when they are just starting to walk (waddles)." - Heidi S.
- "My 12-year-old son is awesome. He can lift heavy stuff, catch small creepy things, mow the lawn, and entertain his little brother. Best age so far." - Aeron M.
- "After 2! 0 to 2 were the worst!" - Giulia P.
- "I've loved every stage with my 3-year-old, but this really is a great age!" - Jessica K.
- "School age! 5-9." - Karen T.
- "Love the newborn stage and I'm enjoying the mid-teen stage with my eldest too." - Kelsey L.
- "I LOVE watching my daughters grow up and finding out who they are, but I'd say toddler is a hilarious stage." - Valarie H.
- "I have five children. My favorite age is 4!!!" - Jill S.
- "When you could put them on the floor and they'd still be there when you got back from the bathroom." - Tess P.
- "All of it, until they started driving! They are 36 and 31." - Rose G.
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