Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 25 février 2017
Flashback: Rachel McAdams Pulled a Style Move No Star Ever Had Before at the 2016 Oscars
"Mmhmm, beat that," Rachel McAdams seemed to be thinking in this photo, as she walked the Oscars red carpet in 2016. That's because she was wearing a gorgeous teal gown so new, it hadn't even debuted yet. Her halter-neck, open-back August Getty Atelier design was shown later on the runway at Paris Fashion Week as part of the label's Fall 2016 collection. But we got to admire the look on Rachel way before that.
Rachel's stylists told People the actress originally chose the gown for the Vanity Fair afterparty sans train, but when she couldn't stop thinking about the original dress, they whipped up a new creation for the ceremony. To all the ladies who still request their gowns after they strutted the catwalk, keep up. Read on to see Rachel's biggest style move to date, and zoom in on her Stuart Weitzman heels and gorgeous diamond drop earrings.
15 Punny Oscar Noms to Snack On During the Award Show
Watching the Oscars isn't nearly as fun without plenty of good food, and we've gathered 15 of the best Oscars appetizers that are worthy of the best pun award. Inspired by the hilarious #OscarFoods on Twitter, we've curated list of party appetizers inspired by movies and Oscars categories, both current and old. Prepare to get a serious kick out of the punny recipes inspired by La La Land, Moonlight, and more, and then bookmark your favorites for the big show. Because at the end of the night, there's really only one winner that matters: best original s'more.
If Your Kid Is the Pickiest Eater in the World, These 5 Tips Are For You
Ah, the picky eater phase - fun, right? Yeah, that's what we thought.
Fighting the war on picky tots is a daily battle for most moms, and honestly, it's totally normal. Toddlers are hardwired to be suspicious of new foods - that's just evolution doing its thing - but it can get extremely frustrating to consistently put new foods in front of your kiddo just to have them spit it back out at you or refuse to touch it.
We sat down with Dr. Alan Greene, pediatric advisor over at Plum Organics, who blew our minds with 5 tips for parents of picky eaters - and we think he's onto something . . .
7 Ways to Encourage Girls to Go STEM
There's a big disparity when it comes to men versus women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professions. As a techie since childhood, I've always been fascinated with STEM and even earned my networking certificates before graduating high school! Coding at an early age is what got me motivated to get into a STEM profession. It's also why in college I went on to earn my Bachelor's of Science degree in information technology new media from Rochester Institute of Technology.
My interest in STEM has shaped my exciting career as a tech expert and global tech consultant, and part of my personal mission is to get more girls and young women interested in STEM careers. So in honor of National Engineers Week (Feb. 19-25), let's take a look at some tools that should really get a gold star for encouraging and increasing the number of girls and women to go into STEM fields.
19 Celebrity Mistresses Who Became the Main Squeeze
Love is funny, you know? Sometimes you meet "the one" when you're both single and ready to mingle, and other times . . . not so much. We all know the story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie falling in love on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith while he was technically still married to Jennifer Aniston, and LeAnn Rimes's relationship with Eddie Cibrian involved infidelity on both sides. In addition to those couples, there are a handful of other stars who happened to meet their current loves while they happened to be taken - and it's a habit that goes back decades.
19 Celebrity Mistresses Who Became the Main Squeeze
Love is funny, you know? Sometimes you meet "the one" when you're both single and ready to mingle, and other times . . . not so much. We all know the story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie falling in love on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith while he was technically still married to Jennifer Aniston, and LeAnn Rimes's relationship with Eddie Cibrian involved infidelity on both sides. In addition to those couples, there are a handful of other stars who happened to meet their current loves while they happened to be taken - and it's a habit that goes back decades.
I Lost My Husband 3 Days After Welcoming Our First Baby
There I sat, my 3-day-old infant in my arms, trembling in fear as chaos and horror played out in my living room. Muffled by my bedroom door were sirens, chattering voices, and screams that will forever haunt my dreams. Frozen and in a state of shock, all I could see in my mind was the lifeless face of the only man I ever intended to love, his lips white and his body lying on the floor in an unnatural state. "I couldn't feel a pulse, but he has to be alive," I told myself. A police officer slowly opened my door and disturbingly made his way to my bed. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the willing arms of family members reaching out for my infant son. As the words "He's deceased" came out of the officer's mouth, all went black.
A stray bullet is how the news reported the story, but we will never know the whole truth. The bullet that killed Justin went against pure logic and had a statistical probability of one in infinity. In a drunken stupor, my backyard neighbor fired his 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The bullet managed to travel through his screen door (dodging dozens of trees) over 200 feet to our home. It crashed through our glass door and blinds, continued across our living room, and finally stopped when it hit Justin in the head at the very second he jumped up from our sofa.
We tend to refer to the next day as "the day the music died." I had a 3-day old-baby and now a dead husband.It's been two years since that tragic day, and at 33 years old, I see myself a much sadder but wiser girl. Going through something so horrific and life-altering not only changes the way you see the world, it transforms it. Grief is a very personal thing, and while I would never claim to be an expert on coping, I do know firsthand how to live with it. I like to compare it to a scar. More specifically, an internal scar on your heart and in your mind that follows you everywhere. A dark cloud that hovers over everything good and beautiful for the rest of your life. For one to truly understand the full gravity of the situation, you have to know the story as a whole, not just the ending. Therefore, I must jump back 19 years.
I was barely a teen, a 14-year-old girl in the eighth grade, when I first met and fell in love with Justin Ayers. He could play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix and crack a joke like Jerry Seinfeld. He was a smart, talented, adorable, funny, passionate boy, and I took notice. As I think back on our love story, a specific song lyric comes to mind: "Each night I ask the stars up above, why must I be a teenager in love?" I would sob, "Why can't we just get married today?" My friends and family (with the exception of my mom) would chuckle at the idea, dismissing us as kids who would grow up and realize it's just the hormones. But I never once doubted. In 2003 (one year after I graduated high school), we finally tied the knot.
Over the next 10 years, Justin and I made our own rules in life. We had several goals we wanted to pursue, so we decided to wait to start a family, knowing we needed time to grow up. We formed multiple bands, traveled for leisure and work, and wrote and recorded an album together. It was definitely outside the norm, but it was our norm, and we savored it. Then one morning, I woke up and suddenly felt different. I wanted a baby! And Justin agreed. We'd been married for 10 years, and we both knew we were ready to become parents. We got busy between the sheets and in September 2013, I became pregnant with our son, Jax.
On June 14, 2014, I remember looking at my infant son and realizing, "I finally understand!" His hair was thick and silky, his lips were bright red, and his eyes were captivating. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, bringing a child into this world has to be one of the most incredible feelings a woman can experience in life. A few minor birthing complications cost us an extra day in the hospital, but on the third evening, we were released and went home to be a family.
We tend to refer to the next day as "the day the music died." I had a 3-day-old baby and now a dead husband. I was a brand-new mother and now a widow at only 31 years old. I never had a chance to tell Justin goodbye or tell him how much I loved him. I like to think he already knew.
We buried Justin on a Saturday, exactly one week after Jax was born. The day after his funeral, the crowds were starting to disperse, and my support system was dwindling down to a much smaller group. It seems incomprehensible to try to portray the level of darkness I slipped into. A darkness that is so scary, I wasn't "allowed" to be left alone for one second. Not even to take a shower.
Life is a series of choices, and this choice to live started with my decision to get up off the bathroom floor and feed my infant son."Jess, you OK in there?" my friend Casey hollered as she banged on the bathroom door, "Jax is crying and needs to eat. Do we need to break the door down?" Time seemed frozen as I realized it had been two hours since I'd snuck away to the bathroom, granting my first chance to be alone since losing Justin. I took it as my only opportunity to bask in my own misery. The light from the hall shone brightly under the door as I lay in a pool of tears staring at everyone's feet pacing back and forth. With the chill of the bathroom tile on my cheek being my only comfort from the pain, I decided in that moment that I was ready to completely give up. I wanted to die.
I could hear multiple voices in the hallway, all pleading for me to open the door. But in the distance I could hear a tiny voice that resonated in my heart. It was Jax, he was hungry, and I knew I was his source for food. "We are sending someone to the store for formula," my mom said to me. That was the defining moment when I had to make a choice, life or death. I realized that even though the life I'd worked so hard for was gone, I could try and start a new one. My son needed me to survive, and I needed him. It took me over 10 minutes to actually stand to my feet, but once I did, I felt a little hopeful. Life is a series of choices, and this choice to live started with my decision to get up off the bathroom floor and feed my infant son.
Over the next year, I was like a chameleon. I became so many different versions of myself that I didn't know who I was anymore. Was I Justin's wife or his widow? Was I a stay-at-home mom who used to be a musician or would I sing again? Would I ever have the opportunity to have another child? I had always wanted three. The endless questions and constant wonder consumed me from the inside out. For close to 10 months, I disappeared from any social scene, social media, or social circle that didn't include a few select people. I was hiding from the world and wasting away to nothing, a shell of my former self. Then it happened again. I looked at my now-10-month-old baby and felt ashamed. That hungry infant, once crying for mommy's milk, was now starting to talk, walk, and think. Looking at my gorgeous baby boy, I once again realized that it was time for me to make another choice between life or death.
Looking back on the last two years of my life, I realize how many choices and decisions I had to make to arrive where I'm at today. I needed to find "me" again, and that required throwing myself back into my biggest passion, which had ironically become my biggest fear: music. My love for performing and music was something I shared with Justin, and it was now something I was forced to explore on my own. By sheer circumstance, I reconnected with a former bandmate and was presented with the opportunity to fill in on a few gigs. With much hesitation, I accepted. Declining the opportunity and turning my back on what I used to love would have been the much safer bet. But I knew it would mean I would end up spending the rest of my life running away from the pain and the joy it would bring.
The roller coaster of emotions I go through during a live show are endless. However, I choose to face them every night because in the end, the good outweighs the bad. I maintain the idea though that the happiness I experience day to day is by my own choosing. Every single day I wake up like everyone else and I'm faced with a choice. Some days I hate life and choose to be sad, angry, hurt, scared, resentful, and lonely. Other days I feel blessed and choose to be happy, optimistic, thankful, forgiving, and compassionate. Each day is a new decision, and with each decision brings a new outcome. I can only hope I'm making the right choices for my future, especially for Jax's.
When I close my eyes at night, I like to tell myself three things: I will be eternally grateful for you, my mommy! I will forever worship you, my Justin! And I will always love you, my Jax!
Some of the greatest quotes in life come to us in the form of song lyrics. So, I will leave you with these words from Aerosmith: "Life's a journey, not a destination. And I just can't tell just what tomorrow brings."
Jessica Ayers recently founded a foundation for young widowed mothers. For more, visit her website, The Singing Widow, where she blogs about life, loss, and motherhood.
Don't Believe the Rumors! This Is the Only Official News From Fenty Beauty So Far
After the announcement last year that Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line would be hitting Sephora shelves in 2017, we have anxiously anticipated any scrap of news. Over the weekend, fans got riled up after an unofficial Instagram page (which has since been taken down) claimed that the first product launch would be a holographic lip gloss.
According to the brand's official public relations agency, Bold PR, these were only rumors. However, they did divulge a bit of new information: makeup artist James Vincent will be leading the charge on a search for a Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty. (Vincent is the Director of Artistry and Education for the brand Ardency Inn.)
"This is the only official information posted from the brand since the announcement of the launch in Spring of 2016," said a representative from Bold PR. "Any other post and/or chatter are from fan pages that are enthusiastically awaiting the launch and are unofficial and conjecture about the launch." In other words, stay tuned for Fall 2017, because that's when we'll all be getting the real scoop! We'll provide more updates as they become available.
Lauren Conrad Reveals Her Secret For Mastering a Stylish Instagram Feed
When we talked to Lauren Conrad about her popular clothing line for Kohl's, we had to take a quick pause to grill her about her gorgeous Instagram feed. If you didn't already know that it looks like a dreamy, pink mood board, perhaps you picked up on Lauren's social media prowess when she announced her pregnancy, offering a first glimpse at her maternity style.
Lauren's baby bump fit right in with the rest of her style snaps, which are usually fashion focused, but also provide a taste of adventure, with plenty of BTS shots, food 'grams, and manicures included. So, what's the secret sauce?
"I think as far as taking photos that have a softer appearance, it's really important to have good lighting honestly. I take photos all day long, but I only post once or twice a week because I do like consistency throughout a feed. I think it's about not sharing everything. For me, if you go back a little further, I had some photos that I would take in the evening. But in the last year or two I kind of stopped doing that. Almost my entire feed is taken during the day in natural light," she revealed.
Scroll for a look at some of Lauren's best work, and find a few more tips we gleaned ourselves while studying her pictures.
Could This Heartbreaking Harry Potter Theory Explain Hogwarts Class Sizes?
A question that comes up often in Harry Potter fan circles is about the size of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. JK Rowling describes the magical institution as one of Europe's largest, with hundreds of students attending every school year. But, as book readers are well aware, the series's namesake character seems to have very few classmates, a mere handful of boys and girls in Gryffindor, with similarly scant enrollment of Harry's grade level in Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.
Well, one Tumblr user has come up with a theory for why Harry Potter's grade level is so small.
This theory, though heartbreaking considering its implications, has been parroted across Reddit and other fan blogs. It makes sense, right? Given that Harry's parents were killed when he was only 15 months old, it would explain tiny class sizes immediately surrounding Harry's year - Voldemort was at his peak leading up to and immediately following Harry's birth. Understandably, couples likely avoided conceiving during such terrifying times, with only a few brave wizards in Britain deciding to procreate despite the horrors of Voldemort's reign.
This sort of wartime fear surrounding major life events is a common theme in the Harry Potter series. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Molly Weasley explains that she and Arthur married young because everybody did during Voldemort's rise to power - they didn't know how much time they had left. And her son Ron justifies kissing Hermione during the Battle of Hogwarts for a similar reason.
"Is this the moment?" Harry asked weakly, and when nothing happened except that Ron and Hermione gripped each other still more firmly and swayed on the spot, he raised his voice. "Oi! There's a war going on here!"
Ron and Hermione broke apart, their arms still around each other.
"I know, mate," said Ron, who looked as though he had recently been hit on the back of the head with a Bludger, "So it's now or never, isn't it?"
So next time you're wondering why you only ever hear about a handful of Hogwarts students in Harry's grade level, understand that they're the few whose parents were brave (or foolish) enough to bring babies into the world during the reign of a complete monster.
This Magical, Color-Changing Dye Turns Your Head Into a Mood Ring
If you're a hair-dye addict who can never settle on just one color, this new formula is about to cast a spell on you. Lauren Bowker, a visualization scientist and self-professed witch, has invented color-changing dye. Lauren's company, THEUNSEEN, collaborated with Storm Models on this project, which is titled FIRE.
The dye she created for FIRE responds to changes in temperature (like a mood ring!) and changes to a drastically different hue. When temperature hits the hair, it changes the chemical bonds, creating a reaction, which transforms the color from red to blue. Other versions of her hair dye use chemistry and light refraction to create a shift in color similar to one you'd see in a prism. This creates a hair color that looks one shade indoors and another outdoors.
This isn't the first time Lauren has created bewitching products. At the THEUNSEEN Emporium, you can shop Lauren's amazing color-changing purses, phone cases, and backpacks. Celebrities like Mindy Kaling have showcased Lauren's creations on the red carpet.
You might think this technology is dark magic, and if that's the case, Lauren doesn't mind. She told Dazed she's totally down with the occult, has been mixing potions since childhood, and describes herself as alchemist and witch.
"Old school female chemists and doctors had a really bad time with the church and were depicted as witches," she says. "Now the occult has bad connotations of being a dark art and being taboo. When really it's just a spiritual way of living . . . To me, chemistry and science is witchcraft - and so it should be."
The dye hasn't been released to the public yet, but don't despair. According to Wired, the dye is already going through necessary testing for toxicology so it can be made available for salons. Read on to witness the mystifying hair colors.
You'll Feel Pretty Accomplished After Finishing This 60-Minute Treadmill Workout
Weight loss on the mind? Kick it up a notch with this hour-long treadmill interval workout that will burn around 500 calories in one session. Complete it five times in a week and you'll be well on your way to burning or cutting out an extra 3,500 calories - the magic number to lose one pound in a week.
Be sure to warm up for at least five minutes before getting started. If you find that this workout is too easy or too hard, just adjust the speed to fit your level.
Congratulations - you just burned 511 calories! Don't forget to cool down and stretch afterward. Get a photo-free printable version of this workout to take to the gym.
*Calories burned calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.
**RPE = rate of perceived exertion
You'll Feel Pretty Accomplished After Finishing This 60-Minute Treadmill Workout
Weight loss on the mind? Kick it up a notch with this hour-long treadmill interval workout that will burn around 500 calories in one session. Complete it five times in a week and you'll be well on your way to burning or cutting out an extra 3,500 calories - the magic number to lose one pound in a week.
Be sure to warm up for at least five minutes before getting started. If you find that this workout is too easy or too hard, just adjust the speed to fit your level.
Congratulations - you just burned 511 calories! Don't forget to cool down and stretch afterward. Get a photo-free printable version of this workout to take to the gym.
*Calories burned calculations are based on a 130-pound woman.
**RPE = rate of perceived exertion
13 of the Easiest (and Tastiest!) Recipes From Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen's first cookbook, Cravings, has lived up to the hype even more than we'd anticipated. The cookbook is not only undeniably enjoyable to read just for fun, but it's also full of doable recipes that won't intimidate the everyday cook. We've gathered more than 10 of the easiest recipes that people are showing off on Instagram using the hashtag #CravingsCookbook to inspire you to get in the kitchen and embrace your inner Chrissy, from John's famous chili to fast and easy pastas.
74 Things You Totally Did as a Teenager in the 2000s
Remember last decade, how you used to quote Mean Girls word for word while talking to your best friend on your Nokia cell phone? You wore low-rise jeans with tiny t-shirts and Rocket Dog sandals and spent your afternoons requesting music videos on TRL and learning the dance moves to "I'm a Slave 4 U." We'll be honest; we still quote Mean Girls and try to copy Britney Spears routines, but we look back on those days with equal parts dreamy nostalgia and sheer horror. We're taking a trip down memory lane with all the best (and worst) things about coming of age in the aughts. So here we go: you know you were a teenager in the 2000s if . . .
This Agency Is Paving the Way For Transgender Models
Transgender rights are facing major hurdles, and while transgender representation in fashion and entertainment seems like a secondary concern in comparison to basic safety and access to bathrooms, we can't achieve true equality until transgender stories have visibility on a much larger scale. Peche Di is fighting for just that. Di is the powerhouse behind Trans Models NYC, an agency in New York that aims to find professional opportunities for transgender men and women looking to work in fashion and entertainment. Hannah caught up with Peche to learn what inspired her to start the agency and how she hopes to keep improving the lives of transgender people everywhere (including via her dating app for transgender and trans-attracted singles called Teadate).
Princess Beatrice of York Hangs With Kate Middleton, but Her Style's on Another Level
You might have heard Princess Beatrice's name with ties to Uber executive Dave Clark. The longtime couple made headlines recently with news of their split, but we're here to prove the Royal Highness of York can hold her own. Not only does the princess regularly attend family events alongside her younger sister, Eugenie; her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II; and Kate Middleton, but she also participates in charity work and is developing a career in business.
From a fashion perspective, Beatrice is a natural. Her wardrobe consists of key pieces that turn heads on the red carpet, at fashion shows, and on the street, but it's the way she wears them that counts. While the princess favors Peter Pan collars, avant-garde fascinators, and all sorts of embellishments, every outfit includes an element of surprise. Read on for 73 lessons you can learn just by studying her style.
74 Things You Totally Did as a Teenager in the 2000s
Remember last decade, how you used to quote Mean Girls word for word while talking to your best friend on your Nokia cell phone? You wore low-rise jeans with tiny t-shirts and Rocket Dog sandals and spent your afternoons requesting music videos on TRL and learning the dance moves to "I'm a Slave 4 U." We'll be honest; we still quote Mean Girls and try to copy Britney Spears routines, but we look back on those days with equal parts dreamy nostalgia and sheer horror. We're taking a trip down memory lane with all the best (and worst) things about coming of age in the aughts. So here we go: you know you were a teenager in the 2000s if . . .
Mom Posts Heartbreaking Photo of Her Son to Share the Realities of Childhood Cancer
"It is about to get real, real hard and real quick," starts a post to Facebook, which accompanies a heart-wrenching photo of a 10-year-old boy with cancer. "The picture I'm posting is from this morning, and before you scream and cry 'Why would she post a picture of him in a pull up, the indecency,' well, 1) it doesn't show more than swimming jammers would, and 2) because life is not always politically correct and pretty, it is real. Life isn't pretty, and cancer destroys a person."
Written by his mother and shared to the Love What Matters Facebook page, the post continues, describing the aforementioned photo of Drake, who is battling leukemia.
"This was this morning after carrying Drake to the bathroom. Yes, he is in a pull up because 75 percent of the time he can't control his bathroom habits. This is skin and bones, because I have to beg him to eat ONE green bean for supper, or drink a cup of water throughout the day. This is having your son sleep with you at night because he is afraid of something happening and being alone, and by something I mean dying.
This is having middle of the night conversations with a 10-year-old, asking if he dies will he go to heaven and will he see his dad there and be able to talk and play with him. This is him being too weak to get out of bed or walk and needing to be carried or in a wheelchair. This is him falling asleep as someone is talking to him, because he is too exhausted. This is him, throwing up every medication I give him and him dry heaving because his stomach is empty except for the spoonful of yogurt I just gave him with his pills. This is having to take 44 chemo pills last week in a matter of 24 hours.
This is him telling me, 'Mommy, I'm not going to make it.' This is him not wanting to be touched, because it hurts too much, and using morphine to get through his day. This is him telling me he is scared and thinks he won't see his eleventh birthday. This is him and me, telling him that I will continue to fight for him when he can't. This is him and me, and our world."
Drake's mom ends her post, which was originally posted to a Facebook page dedicated to supporting him through his battle, "Stinky Joe's #1 Pit Crew," with words every mother can relate to: "This is him, Drake, Stinky Joe, my whole world. From the moment I found out I was pregnant till future forever, he has been my reason for life. He is my smile, my love, my heartbeat. He is also my tears, my heartache, my frowns. He is my life."
You'll Be Tickled Pink by These 30 Flamingo Nail Art Ideas
Whether it's the dead of Winter or halfway through a sweltering Summer, we pretty much have one constant goal: we hope to wind up on a warm yet breezy beach with a daiquiri in hand. Sadly, it's hard to guarantee that a tropical getaway is inked onto our calendars every year. That's why we ensure that at least once every 12 months, we incorporate a flamingo or two into our nail art. Not only is the social bird practically synonymous with vacation, but its feathery flair lends itself well to festive fingertips. So even if you don't have a flight booked, at least you can dream. Read on to see our favorite flamingo-accented nail art from Instagram.
10 Awesome K-Beauty Products You Can Find at Forever 21's New Beauty Shop
Babes on a budget already know Forever 21 as a destination for affordable fashion finds, but now the retailer can add that it's a "beauty hotspot" to its résumé. As of Feb. 16, stores will have a huge shopping area designated just for beauty. The Beauty Shop will include the brand's own products that we've come to love (remember that rainbow highlighter?) as well as a selection of items from cult-favorite companies, such as E.L.F., NYX, Nudestix, and more.
Most notably, however, there will be a stash of typically hard-to-find Korean beauty products . . . all under $20. Buzzy treatments like pore packs, bubble masks, and melting eye patches are just a few of the exciting formulas you can find in the lineup.
In advance of hitting up your local store, read on to discover 10 of the best K-Beauty products you can stock up on at the new Forever 21 Beauty Shop.
Is Bruising After Foam Rolling Normal?
Foam rolling is one of those "it hurts so good" love-hate relationships. You dread it and look forward to it simultaneously. It's essential to muscular recovery, but how can you tell if you've gone too far with this "good" pain?
My first foam rolling experience was excruciating; after a physical therapist told me I had "the tightest IT bands" he'd ever seen, he explained how he was going to roll them out for me, and that it was going to hurt, and that it was going to bruise the next day - but it was nothing to worry about.
He was right - I had blue-green bruises from my hip to my knee for about five days. It was freaky, but I did feel better after the bruises subsided. From then on out, I committed to rolling my extratight IT bands regularly.
Have you ever bruised after foam rolling? My bruising experience years ago was forgotten until recently when I was rolling my VMO muscles with a lacrosse ball - and subsequently bruising the crap out of them. I consulted Dr. Kristin Maynes, PT, DPT, and Michael Heller, sports performance analysis coordinator at Professional Physical Therapy, to ask their opinions on post-foam-rolling bruises.
Is Bruising Normal?
Short answer? Yes. "Especially if you're really tight in that area," said Dr. Maynes, or "if it is the first time performing it," said Heller. Another reason you might be bruising? If you're staying on one area for too long. Dr. Maynes noted that if you're rolling one muscle area for two to three minutes, you're bound to see some bruising the next day.
What Causes Bruising?
When you're foam rolling, you're breaking up scar tissue and adhesions (a specific type of scar tissue that occurs from inflammation, trauma, etc.). When you put your "bodyweight pressure on a concentrated myofascial area," you are "breaking adhesions, as well as [creating] small tears in tightened muscle fibers," said Heller. "This causes blood to be trapped under the skin, giving the appearance of a bruise."
It's nothing to worry about, but don't go rolling that area again until the bruise clears up . . . ow!
How Far Is Too Far?
How do you know the difference between normal discomfort and injury-inducing pain? "Foam rolling is done to a person's pain level tolerance and threshold," said Dr. Maynes. "If it's too painful, don't do it." Seems pretty simple, right? Don't push it too far, and make sure you stretch. "If it's causing more harm than good (physically and mentally), and if it's too painful you can't stand it, then stop," she said. "It's not for everyone and it's not going to make or break your recovery if you don't foam roll!"
In terms of pain threshold, she said there's a "good pain" that is similar to the sensation of a deep-tissue massage, and that if you experience it, proceed with your rolling regimen.
Can you overdo foam rolling? Heller says no. "You cannot overdo foam rolling, as it can be performed seven days a week, and it even serves as a good warmup and cooldown when working out."
Use these guidelines:
- Only stay on the area for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Don't roll an injured area unless advised by a medical professional (including your nearest physical therapist).
- If the pain is more than some soreness/tightness, stop.
- Stretch afterward - "You need to supplement with stretching for foam rolling to be effective," said Dr. Maynes.
Is Bruising After Foam Rolling Normal?
Foam rolling is one of those "it hurts so good" love-hate relationships. You dread it and look forward to it simultaneously. It's essential to muscular recovery, but how can you tell if you've gone too far with this "good" pain?
My first foam rolling experience was excruciating; after a physical therapist told me I had "the tightest IT bands" he'd ever seen, he explained how he was going to roll them out for me, and that it was going to hurt, and that it was going to bruise the next day - but it was nothing to worry about.
He was right - I had blue-green bruises from my hip to my knee for about five days. It was freaky, but I did feel better after the bruises subsided. From then on out, I committed to rolling my extratight IT bands regularly.
Have you ever bruised after foam rolling? My bruising experience years ago was forgotten until recently when I was rolling my VMO muscles with a lacrosse ball - and subsequently bruising the crap out of them. I consulted Dr. Kristin Maynes, PT, DPT, and Michael Heller, sports performance analysis coordinator at Professional Physical Therapy, to ask their opinions on post-foam-rolling bruises.
Is Bruising Normal?
Short answer? Yes. "Especially if you're really tight in that area," said Dr. Maynes, or "if it is the first time performing it," said Heller. Another reason you might be bruising? If you're staying on one area for too long. Dr. Maynes noted that if you're rolling one muscle area for two to three minutes, you're bound to see some bruising the next day.
What Causes Bruising?
When you're foam rolling, you're breaking up scar tissue and adhesions (a specific type of scar tissue that occurs from inflammation, trauma, etc.). When you put your "bodyweight pressure on a concentrated myofascial area," you are "breaking adhesions, as well as [creating] small tears in tightened muscle fibers," said Heller. "This causes blood to be trapped under the skin, giving the appearance of a bruise."
It's nothing to worry about, but don't go rolling that area again until the bruise clears up . . . ow!
How Far Is Too Far?
How do you know the difference between normal discomfort and injury-inducing pain? "Foam rolling is done to a person's pain level tolerance and threshold," said Dr. Maynes. "If it's too painful, don't do it." Seems pretty simple, right? Don't push it too far, and make sure you stretch. "If it's causing more harm than good (physically and mentally), and if it's too painful you can't stand it, then stop," she said. "It's not for everyone and it's not going to make or break your recovery if you don't foam roll!"
In terms of pain threshold, she said there's a "good pain" that is similar to the sensation of a deep-tissue massage, and that if you experience it, proceed with your rolling regimen.
Can you overdo foam rolling? Heller says no. "You cannot overdo foam rolling, as it can be performed seven days a week, and it even serves as a good warmup and cooldown when working out."
Use these guidelines:
- Only stay on the area for 30 seconds to one minute.
- Don't roll an injured area unless advised by a medical professional (including your nearest physical therapist).
- If the pain is more than some soreness/tightness, stop.
- Stretch afterward - "You need to supplement with stretching for foam rolling to be effective," said Dr. Maynes.
What Does Purple Ube Ice Cream Taste Like?
Filipinos have been in on the ube secret for ages, but this delightfully purple ingredient is making its way into the mainstream as of late. It's a root vegetable, likened to a yam, that is used in many dishes, but what I was really interested in is this ube ice cream that keeps popping up on Instagram. I went to Soft Swerve in Lower Manhattan to see for myself. As a fan of yams and a fan of ice cream, I felt like I couldn't possibly go wrong with this vibrantly colored dessert. Good news, y'all: it was pretty awesome.
While you can expect to wait in line for a bit and pay a bit of a steep price (my cone was nearly $8), the ice cream is actually delicious. It's really creamy and not too sweet, so after inhaling it to keep it from melting in the ridiculous February heat wave, I didn't feel my normal ice cream hangover. (You know that feeling after eating too much sweet creaminess? Ice cream hangover.) The ice cream didn't at all taste like a sweet potato, though. It had a subtle earthy, nutty flavor. It also didn't have any of the crystallization in its texture like a lot of soft serve does. Overall, this trendy new treat is a total win in my book. I topped mine with mochi and toasted coconut, and the coconut provided most of the flavor, as did the chocolate cone the dessert was served in. Overall, if you're in New York, definitely check out Soft Swerve.
3D printer lets surgeons hold a child's heart before surgery starts
Doctors are using hearts made with a 3D printer to practice on before operating.
The 5 Worst Mistakes I Made as a New Runner and How You Can Learn From Them
I went from not running at all to running quite a bit in a very short period of time. With essentially no guidance or coaching, I pushed myself from huffing and puffing around the track to doing five half-marathons in less than two years. Sounds great, right? A total "started from the bottom now we here (at the half-marathon finish line)" kind of story. But I've had some painful setbacks because of things I didn't know as a beginner and had to learn the hard way.
For one, I got patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee) in both my knees, particularly the left - it's something that hurts almost constantly, and I have to do physical therapy for it. I also learned that intense cardio, including running, can induce stomach pain, and I've ended up with some crippling stomachaches.
Here are the five pieces of wisdom I wish were bestowed upon me when I first laced up and began my running quest, things that may have spared me some unnecessary pain and made this process even better. You might have heard some of these, but you also might not know any of them (that's what I'm here for)! I hope my follies and learnings can help you avoid injury, discomfort, and curveballs that might keep you from pursuing running, because running is actually really awesome and life changing. Let's get into it!
1. You Actually Have to Warm Up
I wish someone told me that one, warming up is important, and two, how to actually warm up (because seriously . . . how?). When I was training with some Adidas prorunners at Kezar Stadium a few weeks ago, I got an epiphany-status piece of insight from them: "We don't run to warm up; we warm up to run."
It was the first time it finally clicked - running isn't a warmup, and I need to warm up for this workout just like I would for any other workout. Strengthening the legs, hips, and butt can have a significant impact on performance, stability, and injury prevention.
Try warming up with different lunges: reverse lunges, curtsy lunges, and side lunges. Stretch your quads, and bring your knees to your chest. Dynamic warmups and stretching can have a huge impact on your form and strength and on your body's ability to prevent injury.
2. There's a Thing Called the "Talk Test," and You Need to Try It
I interviewed ultramarathoner and run coach Robin Arzon about what advice she gives to new runners. It seems so simple, and maybe this is common knowledge for some of you, but I had no idea what the "talk test" was until she brought it up.
"You should be able to have a conversation," she said. If you can't, "you're going way too fast." In my past runs and races, I had tried to keep up with other, more seasoned runners and pushed myself to a pace that wasn't comfortable . . . well beyond being able to talk comfortably. I still find myself doing this now and then, even though my current pace is much quicker than it was a few years ago.
You don't have to be fast when you start running. In fact, you don't have to be fast at all. Find the pace that is comfortable for your body, so you can keep running for miles and get the best workout possible.
3. You Might Not Want to Eat After Your Run (You Might Even Have a Stomachache)
When I got started, I totally expected "runger" - this was one of those "insider" terms I had actually heard at the beginning of my running journey. So naturally, I expected to be coming through my front door after a run, feeling sweaty and exhausted and ravenous. But this has actually never been the case for me. In fact, I almost always have to force myself to eat something to get nutrients - my appetite can be suppressed for hours!
I also had no warning that I might get a pretty bad stomachache, especially as a beginner. "When performing high-intensity exercise, blood is shunted from digestion to the periphery in order to accommodate the oxygen demand to the working muscles," said DIAKADI trainer Elijah Markstrom. This means that depending on what you eat or how sensitive your stomach is, you could be in for some serious intestinal distress.
There are solutions to preventing and treating runner's stomach pain, but I really wish I had some kind of warning - I thought something was seriously wrong! Now if it happens, I know it's somewhat normal and how to treat it. So heads up! What and when you eat impacts how your stomach feels on a run, and sometimes there's just no controlling the digestive woes . . . they happen!
4. Don't Go Crazy With Mileage - Gradually Increasing Is Key
As aforementioned, I drastically increased my mileage in a short period of time. Had I heard of the 10 percent rule of running? Absolutely not. Would it have potentially saved me from injured knees? Probably.
Here's how it works - never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent from the previous week. Going from running 0 miles a week to 10 and then from 10 to 20 is actually not that awesome for you, especially if you don't have any other kind of base-level physical competence (read: this is what I did). When I was a new runner, I was a new everything: no group fitness experience, no gym experience . . . nada. So rapidly amping up my mileage without this gradual percentage rule set me up for injury.
5. A "Foam Roller" Will Be Your Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)
Another "WTF is this" moment I had was when I first saw a foam roller. I thought it was a torture device (I was kind of right, TBH). My supertight IT bands were also a contributing factor to my knee woes, as my physical therapist told me. This is yet another instance in which I could've prevented injury if I had known how essential recovery was after each and every run and the right way to do it.
If you're a new runner, get a foam roller. If you feel some soreness, that's OK - think of it like a deep tissue massage (this is why many runners have a love-hate relationship with their roller). It's essential. Roll your IT bands. Don't be lazy. Don't skip your cooldown. Take time to work on your muscles. You'll appreciate those extra two to five minutes SO much in the long run.
20+ Nail Art Ideas That Shamelessly Celebrate Tacos
For some of us, Taco Tuesday isn't just a weekly celebration, it's a way of life - a life in which meat (or veggie!) filled tortillas can be eaten every day, transformed into body art, and even incorporated into beauty routines.
Case in point: taco nail art. It's real, and it's amazing. If you're a self-professed taco fan, keep scrolling to discover 20 gorgeous designs guaranteed to inspire your next manicure!
3D printer lets surgeons hold a child's heart before surgery starts
Doctors are using hearts made with a 3D printer to practice on before operating.
The 5 Worst Mistakes I Made as a New Runner and How You Can Learn From Them
I went from not running at all to running quite a bit in a very short period of time. With essentially no guidance or coaching, I pushed myself from huffing and puffing around the track to doing five half-marathons in less than two years. Sounds great, right? A total "started from the bottom now we here (at the half-marathon finish line)" kind of story. But I've had some painful setbacks because of things I didn't know as a beginner and had to learn the hard way.
For one, I got patellofemoral syndrome (runner's knee) in both my knees, particularly the left - it's something that hurts almost constantly, and I have to do physical therapy for it. I also learned that intense cardio, including running, can induce stomach pain, and I've ended up with some crippling stomachaches.
Here are the five pieces of wisdom I wish were bestowed upon me when I first laced up and began my running quest, things that may have spared me some unnecessary pain and made this process even better. You might have heard some of these, but you also might not know any of them (that's what I'm here for)! I hope my follies and learnings can help you avoid injury, discomfort, and curveballs that might keep you from pursuing running, because running is actually really awesome and life changing. Let's get into it!
1. You Actually Have to Warm Up
I wish someone told me that one, warming up is important, and two, how to actually warm up (because seriously . . . how?). When I was training with some Adidas prorunners at Kezar Stadium a few weeks ago, I got an epiphany-status piece of insight from them: "We don't run to warm up; we warm up to run."
It was the first time it finally clicked - running isn't a warmup, and I need to warm up for this workout just like I would for any other workout. Strengthening the legs, hips, and butt can have a significant impact on performance, stability, and injury prevention.
Try warming up with different lunges: reverse lunges, curtsy lunges, and side lunges. Stretch your quads, and bring your knees to your chest. Dynamic warmups and stretching can have a huge impact on your form and strength and on your body's ability to prevent injury.
2. There's a Thing Called the "Talk Test," and You Need to Try It
I interviewed ultramarathoner and run coach Robin Arzon about what advice she gives to new runners. It seems so simple, and maybe this is common knowledge for some of you, but I had no idea what the "talk test" was until she brought it up.
"You should be able to have a conversation," she said. If you can't, "you're going way too fast." In my past runs and races, I had tried to keep up with other, more seasoned runners and pushed myself to a pace that wasn't comfortable . . . well beyond being able to talk comfortably. I still find myself doing this now and then, even though my current pace is much quicker than it was a few years ago.
You don't have to be fast when you start running. In fact, you don't have to be fast at all. Find the pace that is comfortable for your body, so you can keep running for miles and get the best workout possible.
3. You Might Not Want to Eat After Your Run (You Might Even Have a Stomachache)
When I got started, I totally expected "runger" - this was one of those "insider" terms I had actually heard at the beginning of my running journey. So naturally, I expected to be coming through my front door after a run, feeling sweaty and exhausted and ravenous. But this has actually never been the case for me. In fact, I almost always have to force myself to eat something to get nutrients - my appetite can be suppressed for hours!
I also had no warning that I might get a pretty bad stomachache, especially as a beginner. "When performing high-intensity exercise, blood is shunted from digestion to the periphery in order to accommodate the oxygen demand to the working muscles," said DIAKADI trainer Elijah Markstrom. This means that depending on what you eat or how sensitive your stomach is, you could be in for some serious intestinal distress.
There are solutions to preventing and treating runner's stomach pain, but I really wish I had some kind of warning - I thought something was seriously wrong! Now if it happens, I know it's somewhat normal and how to treat it. So heads up! What and when you eat impacts how your stomach feels on a run, and sometimes there's just no controlling the digestive woes . . . they happen!
4. Don't Go Crazy With Mileage - Gradually Increasing Is Key
As aforementioned, I drastically increased my mileage in a short period of time. Had I heard of the 10 percent rule of running? Absolutely not. Would it have potentially saved me from injured knees? Probably.
Here's how it works - never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent from the previous week. Going from running 0 miles a week to 10 and then from 10 to 20 is actually not that awesome for you, especially if you don't have any other kind of base-level physical competence (read: this is what I did). When I was a new runner, I was a new everything: no group fitness experience, no gym experience . . . nada. So rapidly amping up my mileage without this gradual percentage rule set me up for injury.
5. A "Foam Roller" Will Be Your Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)
Another "WTF is this" moment I had was when I first saw a foam roller. I thought it was a torture device (I was kind of right, TBH). My supertight IT bands were also a contributing factor to my knee woes, as my physical therapist told me. This is yet another instance in which I could've prevented injury if I had known how essential recovery was after each and every run and the right way to do it.
If you're a new runner, get a foam roller. If you feel some soreness, that's OK - think of it like a deep tissue massage (this is why many runners have a love-hate relationship with their roller). It's essential. Roll your IT bands. Don't be lazy. Don't skip your cooldown. Take time to work on your muscles. You'll appreciate those extra two to five minutes SO much in the long run.
10 Signs You're Obsessed With Nordstrom Beauty, as Told in GIFs
You've signed up for the newsletters. You've set up Google alerts. And that's just the beginning. That's what happens when you discover the vast world that is Nordstrom Beauty, where exclusive (often money-saving) shades and bundles, as well as gifts with purchase, are par for the course. From skipping lunch hour to check out the latest arrivals to ditching friends to attend Nordstrom's in-store events (the tips! the samples!), read on to see just how bad you have it.
Watch This Student Beat the World Record For Most Finger Snaps in 1 Minute
A Japanese college student just beat the Guinness World Record for most finger snaps in one minute. In a mesmerizing video, Satoyuki Fujimura is able to snap his fingers a whopping 296 times, beating the previous record of 278 times.
Satoyuki took the stage of a local show, Tantei! Knight Scoop, to perform his quirky and record-breaking talent. In the video, he closes his eyes and moves his fingers at such an insanely fast speed, so much so that his hand appears blurry pretty much for the entirety of that minute. According to Guinness World Records, Satoyuki's mother taught him the skill when he was a teenager.
The 8 Trends You'll Be Wearing Next Fall
It happens like clockwork: the New York Fashion Week runways wrap and we start planning our outfits. The Fall '17 forecast promises to mix up our wardrobes with reinvented suiting, fresh autumnal florals, and the piece that's about to replace the culottes we've worn on repeat for the last year. Yep, it's a season of change, but in this case, that's a very, very good thing. Read on for the eight big trends you'll be shopping come Fall.
Is Moonlight Based on a True Story? The Answer Is Complicated
If you've seen the Golden Globe-winning drama Moonlight, you know how intensely raw it is. Drenched in genuine emotion, it would be more shocking to find out someone completely made up the story of Chiron than to hear that the events are based on a true story. Thus, it's not surprising that director Barry Jenkins and writer Tarell Alvin McCraney admitted to The New York Times that much of the film parallels their own upbringings. Though they only met a few years ago, the men came of age in the same broken-down neighborhood in Florida - and the similarities don't stop there.
McCraney wrote the screenplay in 2003, the same year he first attended Yale University School of Drama and the same year his mother died of AIDS. A mutual friend handed the script to Jenkins, who was interested in making a film about growing up in Florida but didn't want to make it too personal. When he read McCraney's script, he asked the writer to revise the script. McCraney was too busy, so after several years, he adapted the script himself, putting more of his own story into it. Here are the parts of the film from their childhoods that are also in the film.
- Jenkins and McCraney grew up in Liberty City, one of the poorest parts of Miami. They returned as adults to film Moonlight in Liberty Square, a housing project where they both lived as kids.
- Both were born to mothers who got pregnant as teenagers, and both of their mothers became addicted to crack, later testing HIV-positive.
- They attended the same elementary school (and were there at the same time, for a brief period), though only McCraney was bullied the way Chiron is in the film. While McCraney told The New York Times that at one point he "did snap," he wouldn't get into details about whether he had the same type of outburst that Chiron has in the film.
- A central part of Chiron's story is his lack of understanding and eventual acceptance that he's gay; McCraney told The New York Times that he is "gay-identified."
- Both McCraney and Jenkins admit that like Chiron, they largely chose to be silent as children. In the movie, it's a defense mechanism for Chiron; the less he says, the less reason his mother has to yell at him.
- The character of Juan (Mahershala Ali) is inspired by one of McCraney's childhood role models: Blue, his younger brother's father. Blue protected him the way Juan looks after Chiron in the movie until Blue was fatally shot when McCraney was 6 years old.
So while the movie isn't 100 percent true to real life, it does incorporate quite a few elements from the filmmakers' lives, making it all the more poignant.
Dad's Note to Selfless Wife Carrying Their Baby Without a Brain to Term For Organ Donation
"The other night, before I left for New Orleans, I was watching my beautiful wife sleep peacefully on the couch," writes Royce Young in a heartbreaking post to Facebook. "I looked at her laying there, her belly big with our daughter kicking away, a daughter that won't live more than a few days, and it just overwhelmed me of how incredible this woman is."
Young's loving ode to his strong and incredible wife, Keri, is making its rounds on the internet, simultaneously breaking hearts and helping the world to see what true selflessness looks like. After getting the unthinkable news that their developing daughter, Eva, does not have a brain and won't live long after birth, Keri asked through sobs whether she'd be able to donate Eva's organs if she carried her to term.
"I remember our doctor putting her hand on Keri's shoulder and saying, 'Oh honey, that's so brave of you to say.' Like, how nice of you, but come on. Keri meant it," Young writes. "There I was, crestfallen and heartbroken, but I momentarily got lifted out of the moment and just stood in awe of her. I was a spectator to my own life, watching a superhero find her superpowers. In literally the worst moment of her life, finding out her baby was going to die, it took her less than a minute to think of someone else and how her selflessness could help. It's one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced."
Young's post continues as he outlines the entire devastating situation while marveling at Keri's strength.
This whole process has been rough, but I say that as someone watching from the bleachers like the rest of you. Keri has been in the trenches the entire time, feeling every little kick, every hiccup and every roll. She's reminded every moment of every day that she's carrying a baby that will die. Her back hurts. Her feet are sore. She's got all the super fun pregnant stuff going on. But the light at the end of her nine-month tunnel will turn into a darkness she's never felt before a couple hours or days after Eva is born. She's the one that is going to deal with all that comes with having a baby - her milk coming in, the recovery process, etc, but with no snuggly, soft, beautiful newborn to look at to remind you that it was all worth it.
We made our choice to carry Eva to full term for a lot of reasons, but the first and foremost was to donate her organs. We don't say that to try and sound like great people or anything. It was just a practical endgame that in our minds, before we came to the realization Eva is alive and our daughter deserves to meet her mama and daddy, gave us a purpose to continue on. Donating was on Keri's mind from darn near the second we found out and while the experience of holding and kissing our daughter will be something we cherish forever, the gift(s) she's got inside that little body of hers is what really matters. Keri saw that almost instantly. . . .
We're getting closer to the finish line, and while it's going to be amazing to run through that tape and meet Eva, it comes at a cost. We'll go to the hospital for a birth, and go home without a baby. A lot of people say things like, 'I wouldn't change anything' after a trying circumstance, but I'm not about to say that. I would definitely change this if I could. I want my daughter to be perfect. I want her to blow out her candles on her first birthday. I want to watch her bang her head on our coffee table trying to learn to walk. I want her to run up a cell phone bill texting boys. I want to walk her down an aisle. I want to change it all so, so badly. But I can't. This is our reality. And there's no stopping it.
Young finishes his soul-crushing post with final thoughts on Keri's character. "She's TOUGH. She's BRAVE. She's incredible. She's remarkable," he writes. "She's cut from a different cloth, combining wit, beauty, courage, silliness, character, and integrity into one spectacular woman. And somehow, she's my wife. Not that I needed some awful situation like this to actually see all of that, but what it did was make me want to tell everyone else about it."
What's in your chicken sandwich? DNA test shows Subway sandwiches could contain just 50% chicken
Canadians who opt for chicken sandwiches while dining at fast food restaurants may find a Marketplace analysis of what they contain a little hard to swallow.
Asylum seekers learning to cope without hands after frostbitten walk into Canada
It's been exactly two months since Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal almost froze to death walking across the border into Manitoba from the United States, and while they're grateful to be in Canada, they're struggling to cope.
What's in your chicken sandwich? DNA test shows Subway sandwiches could contain just 50% chicken
Canadians who opt for chicken sandwiches while dining at fast food restaurants may find a Marketplace analysis of what they contain a little hard to swallow.
Asylum seekers learning to cope without hands after frostbitten walk into Canada
It's been exactly two months since Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal almost froze to death walking across the border into Manitoba from the United States, and while they're grateful to be in Canada, they're struggling to cope.
The Best Freaking Grilled Chicken Recipes You'll Ever Taste
Whether you're making tacos, a salad, or just eating it as a main course along with some sides, we promise grilled chicken can be flavorful while still keeping all its healthy protein perks. You likely already have a go-to marinade or seasoning, but mixing it up is the best way to avoid falling into a rut and getting burned out on the easy-to-make dish. We guarantee these 16 Latin-inspired recipes will keep things interesting.
15 Inspirational Quotes to Commemorate Black History Month
February has been designated as Black History Month by every US president since 1976, and we're commemorating this year with 15 inspiring, motivational quotes from influential black figures like Angela Davis, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as iconic entertainers like Beyoncé Knowles and Oprah Winfrey. These thoughtful celebrity quotes are the perfect words to soak up now and pin later! Share away and don't forget to follow our Pinterest board for more uplifting words from your favorite stars.
These Beauty and the Beast Desserts Will Completely Enchant You
Take a look at Belle's iconic yellow dress, the enchanted rose, and more memorable themes from Beauty and the Beast as they're transformed into eye-catching desserts. You are sure to find magic in your kitchen with these thoughtful decorating tips, ideas, and inspirations.
15 Inspirational Quotes to Commemorate Black History Month
February has been designated as Black History Month by every US president since 1976, and we're commemorating this year with 15 inspiring, motivational quotes from influential black figures like Angela Davis, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as iconic entertainers like Beyoncé Knowles and Oprah Winfrey. These thoughtful celebrity quotes are the perfect words to soak up now and pin later! Share away and don't forget to follow our Pinterest board for more uplifting words from your favorite stars.
The Breakthrough That Helped 1 Woman Lose the Last 15 Pounds
Sam was working out five to seven times a week, teaching class at her blossoming studio Cycle & Row in Michigan, and prepping to compete on Jillian Michaels's show Sweat Inc. Still, she couldn't shed the last 15 pounds she'd been holding on to. "You know your body better than everyone else, and I knew I was bigger than I needed to be. I was thicker than I needed to be," Sam recalled.
Sam had little success with dieting in the past and decided not to go at it alone this time. Instead, she linked up with Ricki Friedman, health coach and creator of Break the Weight, to determine what was holding her back. Since Sam was already incredibly active, her major lifestyle changes needed to happen in the kitchen. In a little over three months and without making a single change to her workout routine, she lost 15 pounds.
A self-described "good eater," Sam dealt with quantity and portion-control issues, often finding herself feeling stuffed after mealtime. "It is especially hard when you are used to being really fit, really active, and you are burning a lot of calories, and you feel like you can eat whatever you want, just like when you were 15 or 16," Sam said. "Our metabolisms are not what they used to be when we were younger." Sam began taking a short walk during and after meals, and health coach Ricki determined the amount of calories Sam needed to eat to support her active lifestyle (around 1,600 each day). Sam also began journaling her food with MyFitnessPal to keep her choices in check. Here's what an average day of meals looks like for Sam:
Breakfast: She used to load up on a big breakfast of nonfat yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and a banana, but later Sam realized that while all those foods are healthy, it's simply too much. Now, Sam only eats the oatmeal and a small portion of nuts, which keeps her full until lunch.
Lunch: Sam makes her own salad at a local grocery store most days that's 40 percent protein (either salmon or grilled tofu), 40 percent greens, and 20 percent carbs (usually quinoa or sweet potato). She usually dresses her greens in lemon juice and olive oil.
Dinner: If Sam is cooking at home, it's typically salmon or chicken plus a cooked green like brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach. When she doesn't have time to grocery shop, she always has whole-wheat or lentil pasta on hand, so she can whip up dinner quickly. If she's out to a nice dinner, Sam orders fish with double veggies instead of a starch. However, if has been "good and controlled all day," she isn't "crazy picky about dinner."
In her new program, Sam didn't cut out entire food groups or say goodbye to her favorite treats forever. "If I go to a party and all they have is pizza, I have one piece instead of three," Sam explains. "I am a partier, and if there is a pizza party, I am not going to be the girl who says, 'no, I don't eat that.' I had to learn if I am going to have the pizza, how am I going to correct it in other areas?" For Sam and so many other women who want to see a change in their shape, it is all about finding this balance with food. As much as we wish an extra workout session would make up for a ton of indulgent choices, the truth remains: even when you're working out like a badass, abs are made in the kitchen.
This post was originally published on October 13, 2015.
9 Moments From the 2016 Oscars That People Are Still Talking About
That's a wrap on the Oscars - the 2016 ones, anyway. While we're waiting for this year's show to delight and entertain us, we're remembering how last year's show was filled with great burns, surprising wins, and fantastic speeches. So many questions were swirling leading up to the big day: Would Leo finally win? Could Lady Gaga top her performance from 2015? Would Chris Rock address #OscarsSoWhite? Just kidding - there's no way he wouldn't. Before you watch this year's show, take a walk down memory lane with all the best moments from last year!
The Breakthrough That Helped 1 Woman Lose the Last 15 Pounds
Sam was working out five to seven times a week, teaching class at her blossoming studio Cycle & Row in Michigan, and prepping to compete on Jillian Michaels's show Sweat Inc. Still, she couldn't shed the last 15 pounds she'd been holding on to. "You know your body better than everyone else, and I knew I was bigger than I needed to be. I was thicker than I needed to be," Sam recalled.
Sam had little success with dieting in the past and decided not to go at it alone this time. Instead, she linked up with Ricki Friedman, health coach and creator of Break the Weight, to determine what was holding her back. Since Sam was already incredibly active, her major lifestyle changes needed to happen in the kitchen. In a little over three months and without making a single change to her workout routine, she lost 15 pounds.
A self-described "good eater," Sam dealt with quantity and portion-control issues, often finding herself feeling stuffed after mealtime. "It is especially hard when you are used to being really fit, really active, and you are burning a lot of calories, and you feel like you can eat whatever you want, just like when you were 15 or 16," Sam said. "Our metabolisms are not what they used to be when we were younger." Sam began taking a short walk during and after meals, and health coach Ricki determined the amount of calories Sam needed to eat to support her active lifestyle (around 1,600 each day). Sam also began journaling her food with MyFitnessPal to keep her choices in check. Here's what an average day of meals looks like for Sam:
Breakfast: She used to load up on a big breakfast of nonfat yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and a banana, but later Sam realized that while all those foods are healthy, it's simply too much. Now, Sam only eats the oatmeal and a small portion of nuts, which keeps her full until lunch.
Lunch: Sam makes her own salad at a local grocery store most days that's 40 percent protein (either salmon or grilled tofu), 40 percent greens, and 20 percent carbs (usually quinoa or sweet potato). She usually dresses her greens in lemon juice and olive oil.
Dinner: If Sam is cooking at home, it's typically salmon or chicken plus a cooked green like brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach. When she doesn't have time to grocery shop, she always has whole-wheat or lentil pasta on hand, so she can whip up dinner quickly. If she's out to a nice dinner, Sam orders fish with double veggies instead of a starch. However, if has been "good and controlled all day," she isn't "crazy picky about dinner."
In her new program, Sam didn't cut out entire food groups or say goodbye to her favorite treats forever. "If I go to a party and all they have is pizza, I have one piece instead of three," Sam explains. "I am a partier, and if there is a pizza party, I am not going to be the girl who says, 'no, I don't eat that.' I had to learn if I am going to have the pizza, how am I going to correct it in other areas?" For Sam and so many other women who want to see a change in their shape, it is all about finding this balance with food. As much as we wish an extra workout session would make up for a ton of indulgent choices, the truth remains: even when you're working out like a badass, abs are made in the kitchen.
This post was originally published on October 13, 2015.
19 Totally Gucci Facts About Everyone's Favorite Brand
Ask any fashion girl what bag she's coveting this season, and we bet a Gucci design is on the list of contenders. With the help of Creative Director Alessandro Michele, the iconic label's sort of gone viral, modeled on the cover of magazines and toted on the arms of celebrities. I even pulled out my grandmother's vintage shopper that's big enough to carry my laptop. (Full disclosure: I've been wearing it almost every day.)
But with an iconic brand like Gucci in the spotlight, it's not just about the new and now. The fashion house's history begins in the early 1920s, and you've got quite the timeline to study. Read on for 19 little-known Gucci facts you've never heard, then study up on Chanel and everyone's go-to retailer, Zara, too.
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