Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
vendredi 3 mars 2017
What This Officer Did After Pulling Over a 9-Months-Pregnant Woman Is Going Viral
UPDATE >> We talked to Officer Jim Allen about the traffic stop. He had an important message to share >>...
Posted by KIRO 7 News on Friday, July 31, 2015
When Amby M. Johnson saw the flashing lights in her rearview mirror in Seattle, she knew she was going to get a ticket. At 38 weeks pregnant, she was having a "really bad contraction," so she decided to drive around a speed bump in the road to avoid further pain.
A female military police officer pulled her over and explained the reason - her license plates were expired.
"I reached to my back seat and showed her that I had the new ones, my husband just had not had the time to put them on," Johnson wrote on Facebook. "He's in the Navy and sometimes he works long days, and I don't want to bother him to put them on . . . Bending over to put them on myself was definitely out of the question."
A few moments later, another car pulled up and a male police officer, Jim Allen, approached Johnson's vehicle. But instead of issuing a citation, the two officers returned her paperwork and instructed her to affix the license plates soon. Johnson politely asked if Allen could help right then and there. He politely obliged.
Johnson took a photo of the officer and posted it on Facebook. Her caption, which was updated after the image went viral in August 2015, read:
"Today you don't hear about the officers who actually do good, but I wanted to be one of the people to give credit when it's due. . . I just wish people who comment and share the story would stop seeing race or the fact that I said he was sweating his balls off. It bothers me so bad that majority of the shares have the heading WHITE OFFICER helps BLACK WOMAN. . . Just see the story for what it is. A good officer helping out a woman. No race."
As for Allen? The female officer joked at the time that he should be awarded officer of the year. His thoughts on the situation, which he told to KIRO 7 News, were simple: "We're human, too and we need to have compassion."
Crispy and Delicious Paleo Chicken Nuggets
Remember noshing on chicken nuggets as a kid . . . or maybe last weekend? No matter when you last enjoyed a nugget, we want you to know we've found a way to make them healthy without sacrificing the flavor. Better yet, if you're following a Paleo you can eat these crispy, baked chicken nuggets. Watch the video to check out the recipe then get cooking.
Crispy and Delicious Paleo Chicken Nuggets
Remember noshing on chicken nuggets as a kid . . . or maybe last weekend? No matter when you last enjoyed a nugget, we want you to know we've found a way to make them healthy without sacrificing the flavor. Better yet, if you're following a Paleo you can eat these crispy, baked chicken nuggets. Watch the video to check out the recipe then get cooking.
We Found All Your Favorite Disney Princesses on the Runway
We just can't help it. Every season we watch the runway, waiting for looks that remind us of our favorite Disney characters. It's not that these sparkly, dreamy dresses aren't perfect for the red carpet; they're appropriate there, too. It's just that there's something about the 20 designs below that feel all the more flavorful and costume-like. In fact, if Ariel, Aurora, and (scarily enough) Cruella de Vil were here in IRL, we bet they'd choose these outfits in a heartbeat. Scroll to see all the perfect pairings we found this season.
This Google Fortunetelling Website Isn't What You Think It Is
It definitely feels like Google holds most of the answers to our modern-day problems, which is why most people didn't question that it came up with a new fortune-telling website. However, the website, called Google Fortunetelling, is neither part of Google nor can it tell you anything about your future.
First you begin typing a question, but the site then autocompletes it to "Where can I find a safe place?" along with several other questions like, "Will I be reunited with my family?" and "Is there a place where I can give my children a safe future?" After a few seconds, you're redirected to another page that reminds you to think of how you can help the current migrant crisis in Europe, which includes an estimated 19 million people who are refugees coming from countries like Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan. If you choose to share the site, it'll appear on Facebook and Twitter as if you found an incredible fortune-telling website, but it will lead people to this same page in the end.
The website is a creative way to highlight an issue that can so easily be forgotten and is a great reminder that we can all do something to help the situation.
This post was originally published on September 21, 2015.
Sofia Carson Stepped Out of a Fairy Tale and Onto the Red Carpet
Sofia Carson is having a fairy-tale moment at her first-ever Academy Awards appearance. The 23-year-old Disney Channel regular hit the red carpet wearing a beaded princess gown by Monique Lhuillier, Christian Louboutin heels, and a dazzling hair brooch by Jennifer Behr. To match her classic ensemble, she opted for simple eye makeup and a bold red lip.
Funny enough, the actress recently starred in the latest Cinderella Story installment, titled A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits. She looked like Cinderella as she carefully picked up her gown and descended down the stairs! Look ahead for pictures of Sofia's debut Oscars red carpet.
7 Delicious Places You'll Want to Read a Book
The following post was originally featured on Always Order Dessert and written by Alejandra Ramos, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Latina.
1. The Window Seat on a Plane 36,000 Feet Up in the Air
Bring a tea bag from home and ask the flight attendant for hot water (the coffee is never good, but tea can be). Or get a glass of wine. Bring snacks, too. I like something chocolate (a candy bar or small piece of cake or these little chocolate covered coconut pieces), salty cured chorizo, a few slices of manchego, and really good crackers. Lean up against the window, wrap yourself up in a big blanket, and don't stop reading until you finish the book or the plane lands (whichever comes first).
2. The Tub
Fill it up high with water that's way too hot to step into yet. Add bath salts or scented oil or bubbles (or all three). Tightly roll up a towel to use as a pillow and put a mud mask on before you get in. A playlist of something jazzy enough to block out all outside noises, but ambient enough to not distract. Shut the door. Sink in. Read until the water turns cool and your fingers are soft little prunes.
3. A Train
Not the subway or the commuter train, I mean a proper train that'll take you somewhere that requires a bit of luggage. Bonus points if it's in another country. Again you'll need the seat by the window, the blanket, and the snacks. If there's a quiet car, take that one, and let the only noise be the rocking rattle of the tracks as you turn the page.
4. Your Sunniest Room
The one that helps you forget winter and gives you hope for the summer. Fling all the windows open, and let the breeze flow through carrying with it the scent of mossy grass cuttings and singing birds.
5. Outside by the Water
There is a whole category of books that exists expressly for being read like this: Outside, by water. Maybe it's a pool or maybe it's the beach (I prefer the latter provided there is someone to bring you a drink). There should be a table nearby to hold your drink, which must be cold, filled with ice and sweating fiercely. The book should be something light and sexy, a bit silly. The kind of book you can read in between quick naps or dips in the water. Disposable, too, so that you don't care about the sand getting stuck in the creases, or the droplets of water and coconut-scented fingerprints marring the pages. When you finish it, leave it behind for a random stranger to find.
6. A Cool Room
This one is best after a day out - maybe at work, or maybe just exploring. Either way, you're hot and tired so you come home and walk straight into the shower, letting the water run as cold as you can handle. The AC should be on - you need the room frigid because outside it feels like a hundred and the humidity is thick. Slip into something breezy and collapse on the bed (which should have been made - the sheets pulled tight and the pillows arranged perfectly). You might have plans later, but for a while it should be just this book, this chilly room, and the afternoon light streaming in through the window.
7. Your Bed
Turn the computer off, or the iPad, or your phone, or anything that lights up or beeps or demands attention. Most of the lights should be off (except the one you need to read), and the only sound should be the pages that turn. Teeth brushed, face washed, dishes put away. Everything that had to be done has already been done (or you've accepted that it just won't be). This isn't the time for a new book; you want something you've already read or you're already deep into so you can get right into it. Maybe you'll read for a few pages, or maybe it'll grab you and you'll stay up all night. Your body knows what you need; let it guide you.
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2017 - So Far
One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that it's constantly releasing new products for customers to try, and we're not just talking about the free samples. Shopping at Trader Joe's is never boring thanks to the never-before-seen foods available every month, and 2017 is already off to a fantastic start. We're keeping up with every single new offering from Trader Joe's to let you know which items are worth the purchase and which ones you should skip. Ahead, read up on all the best new Trader Joe's products of the year so far, and add your favorites to your shopping list the next time you head to TJ's.
- Additional reporting by Jamie Mieuli
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Hold Hands on the Beach After His Shirtless Surf Session
Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus were spotted hitting the beach in Malibu, CA, for a surf session on Wednesday. The engaged couple held hands as they made their way through the sand with their dogs; Liam showed off his shirtless physique in a black wetsuit, while Miley rocked denim cutoffs and a colorful bikini top. Miley and Liam had a similar sweet outing on Valentine's Day, as they celebrated near the ocean wearing a few more layers of clothing. The pair have shared a handful of adorable public moments since rekindling their relationship last January, and though it seems the two are in no rush to get married, we still can't wait to see them walk down the aisle.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Hold Hands on the Beach After His Shirtless Surf Session
Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus were spotted hitting the beach in Malibu, CA, for a surf session on Wednesday. The engaged couple held hands as they made their way through the sand with their dogs; Liam showed off his shirtless physique in a black wetsuit, while Miley rocked denim cutoffs and a colorful bikini top. Miley and Liam had a similar sweet outing on Valentine's Day, as they celebrated near the ocean wearing a few more layers of clothing. The pair have shared a handful of adorable public moments since rekindling their relationship last January, and though it seems the two are in no rush to get married, we still can't wait to see them walk down the aisle.
Enchanting Beauty and the Beast Birthday Party Decorations For the Ultimate Disney Bash
Before you invite all of your kiddo's friends to be his or her guest at an enchanting birthday bash, you need to decide on the perfect Beauty and the Beast-inspired decor. Whether you little one has been in love with Belle for years or the new movie has unleashed their inner Beast, there are plenty of options to bring the magical birthday party of their dreams to life.
From photo-booth props to a life-size dancing Belle and the Beast display, check out the perfect party decorations for your next Disney celebration.
That '70s Show Star Danny Masterson Being Investigated Over Sexual Assault Claims
Danny Masterson is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department over allegations of sexual assault by three different woman. Authorities told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday that they are "conducting an investigation involving the actor Danny Masterson" because "three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s." The former That '70s Show star played Steven Hyde on the show, which aired on Fox from 1998-2006. Danny, 40, is married to actress and model Bijou Philipps. The couple share a 3-year-old daughter and are both members of Scientology.
In the wake of the reports, a rep for the actor responded in a statement that seemed to assign fault to actress Leah Remini and her documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath for one of the women's allegations. Chrissie Carnell, who dated Danny for six years and is a former member of the church, reportedly met with Leah - and the statement not only claims that Chrissie's reports are false, but that they "appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini's anti-Scientology television series." Here's the statement:
We are aware of Chrissie Carnell's 16-year-old allegations. It was only after Chrissie Carnell was in contact with Leah Remini that she made allegations of sexual assault by Mr. Masterson. The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their 6-year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend. Significantly, during their long relationship she made numerous inconsistent claims that she was previously raped by at least 3 other famous actors and musicians.
When Danny ended the relationship she continued to pursue him, even making threats to beat up his current wife Bijou Phillips unless she left him. In fact, we are informed by the Church that the only demand Chrissie Carnell made of the Church after Danny broke up with her was asking for their help to intervene so the breakup would not be permanent.
We are aware also that approximately 14 years ago a woman referred to in the blog made allegations of sexual assault and that the LAPD interviewed numerous witnesses and determined the claim had no merit. Based on reading the anti-Scientology blog that posted this story, these false allegations appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini's anti-Scientology television series since Chrissie Carnell only came forward after connecting with Leah Remini.
Author and Scientology journalist Tory Ortega was first to report the news on his blog, The Underground Bunker.
This New Meme Making the Rounds on the Internet Will Make Every Know-It-All So Happy
The "me, an intellectual" meme making the rounds on the internet is causing us to laugh until we cry. Obviously, we (with our fancy words) are intellectuals, and this meme really speaks to us. The meme is simple to do: rephrase an ordinary word or sentence into something overly complicated and complex.
Though the meme is everywhere lately, it was originally posted to Tumblr in August 2016 by user wecknician. Most recently, the meme has taken off on Twitter, and the results are hilarious.
Read on to see some of the best "intellectual" tweets.
you: eleven
me, an intellectual: onety one- sriracha papí (@1800SADDAD) February 22, 2017
you, a peasant: who
me, an intellectual: whomst'd've- antonio (@antoniodelotero) February 28, 2017
you: kill bill
me, an intellectual: annihilate William- civillian villain (@glowmilk) February 20, 2017
you, an owl: hoo
me, an intellectual: whom- Kit (@volsairine) February 23, 2017
There Is Only 1 Word to Describe Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Hold onto your flying umbrellas, kids! The first look at Mary Poppins Returns is here, and it's practically perfect in every way. Wearing a blue overcoat, fun hat, and that iconic magical suitcase, Emily Blunt takes on the role of the lovable nanny in this first official still. The sequel, set in 1930s depression-era London (the time period of the original novels), will follow Mary as she revisits a grownup Michael and Jane Banks to help them cope with a personal loss in their family. While nothing can top the original, the film certainly has some incredible stars lined up, including cameos from the original cast. We can't wait for even more exciting glimpses as the movie preps for its official release on Christmas Day 2018.
This 1 Hack Will Ensure You Always Find the Right Foundation at the Drugstore
For over a decade, I've had the honor of working as a makeup artist to some of today's leading supermodels, fashion houses, and entertainers for. And throughout this time, I've definitely been put to the test to determine which foundations are best for my clients' skin type. Luckily, the methods that I've developed can also translate to choosing the right complexion product for your skin type - even when you're shopping at the drugstore!
Mass brands have made a huge splash this past year with some of the latest innovations in foundation formulations. They have really become comparable to high-end department store types - and for a fraction of the cost! From Neutrogena's skincare-infused options to L'Oréal's expansive shade range, drugstore foundations are, well, covering all bases.
There are various factors to consider when shopping for the right foundation, especially when you can't exactly try them on in-store. Perhaps you're used to working with a Sephora Pro for guidance, or maybe you shop for beauty in department stores, where testers are available. When you're on your own at a pharmacy (without those handy options), it's easy to end up accidentally choosing the wrong shade. You may select a shade that matches your hand or your arm or just the wrong color altogether, resulting in mask-face (you know, when your face is a completely different color than your neck). So let's get down to business; where do you start?
That '70s Show Star Danny Masterson Being Investigated Over Sexual Assault Claims
Danny Masterson is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department over allegations of sexual assault by three different woman. Authorities told The Hollywood Reporter on Friday that they are "conducting an investigation involving the actor Danny Masterson" because "three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s." The former That '70s Show star played Steven Hyde on the show, which aired on Fox from 1998-2006. Danny, 40, is married to actress and model Bijou Philipps. The couple share a 3-year-old daughter and are both members of Scientology.
In the wake of the reports, a rep for the actor responded in a statement that seemed to assign fault to actress Leah Remini and her documentary series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath for one of the women's allegations. Chrissie Carnell, who dated Danny for six years and is a former member of the church, reportedly met with Leah - and the statement not only claims that Chrissie's reports are false, but that they "appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini's anti-Scientology television series." Here's the statement:
We are aware of Chrissie Carnell's 16-year-old allegations. It was only after Chrissie Carnell was in contact with Leah Remini that she made allegations of sexual assault by Mr. Masterson. The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their 6-year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend. Significantly, during their long relationship she made numerous inconsistent claims that she was previously raped by at least 3 other famous actors and musicians.
When Danny ended the relationship she continued to pursue him, even making threats to beat up his current wife Bijou Phillips unless she left him. In fact, we are informed by the Church that the only demand Chrissie Carnell made of the Church after Danny broke up with her was asking for their help to intervene so the breakup would not be permanent.
We are aware also that approximately 14 years ago a woman referred to in the blog made allegations of sexual assault and that the LAPD interviewed numerous witnesses and determined the claim had no merit. Based on reading the anti-Scientology blog that posted this story, these false allegations appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini's anti-Scientology television series since Chrissie Carnell only came forward after connecting with Leah Remini.
Author and Scientology journalist Tory Ortega was first to report the news on his blog, The Underground Bunker.
6 Unusual Ways to Lose Weight That Actually Work
Most people will agree that a successful weight-loss plan includes a healthy diet and movement. Luckily, what you eat and how much you move are the factors you can control. Maybe you're already doing this, but did you know that there are some unusual ways to help boost weight loss that you probably haven't heard of?
Best of all, these tips aren't fads; they are actually backed by research.
Keep in mind incorporating these unusual ways for weight loss won't alone get the pounds to come off. However, adding them to your current routine may give you the extra boost you're looking for!
1. Smell more vanilla
Taste and smell go hand in hand. If you smell something delicious, chances are it will encourage your appetite for that food. The opposite is also true. If we smell something revolting, appetite usually goes down.
Smelling vanilla may actually help calm dessert cravings. This sweet scent has a calming effect on the part of the brain where cravings live, which can help curb your appetite. The study was done in St. George Hospital in London, and researchers found those who wore vanilla scented patches lost more weight than those wearing no patch or a lemon patch. Researchers believe the sweet smell of vanilla helped appease the need for something sweet, and participants who smelled vanilla were less likely to overeat sweets.
So, if sweets are your guilty pleasure, getting a vanilla scented air freshener or candle could help you resist the temptation.
2. Eat off different colored plates
The food you serve on your plate certainly makes an impact on weight. However, research from Cornell University also suggests the color of your plate can also make a difference on how much you eat. Researchers found when study participants ate off same colored plate as their food they served themselves about 30 percent more food. When study participants ate off different colored plates than their food, they served themselves less food. This difference in how much you eat off of plates could help or hinder weight loss efforts.
Want to take it a step further? Contrasting plates with the tablecloth also seemed to further help lower food intake. Other studies have suggested blue plates could help lower food intake. This is probably because the vast majority of foods are not blue, meaning no cravings in the brain are triggered.
3. Change who you eat with
Who you eat and socialize with can impact your own lifestyle patterns. A study noted that if a friend is obese, chances are the other friend becoming obese can increase up to 57 percent. An obese spouse can also increase risk for your own weight gain.
Researchers suggest the portions others eat around us can also become a norm for you. This doesn't mean you need to find a new group of friends, but it means to increase your awareness of environmental cues around you.
4. Write down or take a picture of everything you eat
Many weight-loss programs suggest tracking your food intake by writing it down to keep you honest about how much and what you are eating. It can also show where you are sneaking in extra calories or larger portions of food that you don't realize.
Another way to track your food intake is to take a picture of it. A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that taking pictures of food before you eat it can serve as an encouragement to change your diet. Taking a picture is immediate, where as filling out a food diary is often done hours after eating. If you have to take a picture of everything you eat, it makes you stop before eating and think about your choices.
5. Leave the serving dishes off the table
Many slight changes in your environment can make eating healthier the easier choice. Many times when food is out of sight it helps keep it out of mind. One small change you can make for encouraging smaller portions at meal times can be to change where you keep your serving dish.
Leaving the serving dish on the stove instead of on the table could help you keep your portion size down. Instead of reaching for seconds right away on the table, you need to make an effort to get more from the kitchen. This can also help slow down your food intake to give your brain enough time to register when you're full.
6. Dim the lights when you eat
If you go to any sit down restaurant, chances are the lights will be dimmed. Contrast that with a fast food restaurant, or even your own home, and the lights are probably a lot brighter.
A 2012 study found just changing how dim the lights are in a fast food restaurant helped people eat less food. What they ordered didn't change, but how much they ate did.
Researchers found dimming the lights lengthened the eating time suggesting a more relaxed atmosphere increases satisfaction and decreases how much food you eat. While this study was in a restaurant, dimming the lights in your own home could have the same effect on food intake.
What the Actual Hell Is Going On With American Horror Story Season 7?
Sigh. Here we go again, friends. As we gear up for another season of American Horror Story, it's time - yet again - to sort through news about the upcoming theme. Unfortunately, we already know that when it comes to AHS news, it's not always factual. Season six introduced a whole slew of teasers, only for FX to reveal later that only a couple of them actually hinted at the new season. We still don't know which ones they were referring to. This time around, Ryan Murphy has proceeded to make a bold claim about season seven, only to take it back, then to restate his previous claim. So, uh, what's going on? Here's the timeline.
Ryan Murphy Says Season 7 Is About the 2016 Election
On Feb. 15, Murphy appeared on Watch What Happens Live! and revealed season seven's theme to host Andy Cohen: "I don't have a title, but the season that we begin shooting in June is going to be about the election that we just went through. I think that will be interesting for a lot of people." When asked if someone would play Donald Trump, Murphy slyly replied, "Maybe." Obviously, we immediately cast our dream version of this season.
Murphy Says He Didn't Mean It LITERALLY
On Feb. 24, Murphy appeared at the Publicists Guild Awards Luncheon and blamed an onslaught of martinis for divulging the election theme. "The themes of American Horror Story have always been allegories. You will not see [Donald] Trump and [Hillary] Clinton as characters on the show." Later in the show, he joked that, "Now as I look over at Sarah Paulson, I think of Kellyanne Conway. I don't know! I might be rewriting!" OK.
Murphy Claims That the Show Begins on Election Night
On March 2, E! News posted an interview with Murphy in which he dropped some very confusing comments. "I think people literally think Sarah Paulson is playing Hillary Clinton, and I wanted to clarify that that is not true. Horror Story is always about allegory, so the election is allegory. It's our jumping off point. It is about the election we just went through and what happened on that night and the fallout of that night, which to many people, from all sides of the camps is a horror story. And you know, that show is always so fun when it's about the zeitgeist and what we're doing now."
He went on to say that he has not cast Clinton and Trump: "No, not yet. We're halfway through the writing and not yet. But it's really, really fun. It starts on election night is all I'll say . . . It's very scary that night for many people. It's fun, you will like it. It's really a season that will have a lot of people interested and I think there's something for everybody in that season."
So, it does begin on election night, but the candidates have not "yet" been cast. While we had a handful of theories for the setting of season seven, it sounds like the election is going to play into the season more than we thought (at least, more than we thought after the second time Murphy talked about it). At this point, I'm leaning more toward the theory that season seven will take a microcosmic view of the election. Rather than focus on the candidates, perhaps it will zoom in on a family and show how they are affected by the outcome. This would allow for the show to begin on election night (like Murphy said) but not be directly about the politicians.
Muggles, Don't Even Think About Attempting This Harry Potter Bucket List
Muggles, don't even think about attempting this Harry Potter bucket list! It's only for folks who know their stuff about witchcraft and wizardry - aka extreme fans of J.K. Rowling's magical series. From collecting special items to learning one's own true wizarding colors, we've rounded up quite a few experiences that every Potter enthusiast should have in their lifetime. If there are items on this list that you haven't already accomplished, you won't need a Remembrall to remind you about them . . . you won't want to rest until they're completed!
6 Unusual Ways to Lose Weight That Actually Work
Most people will agree that a successful weight-loss plan includes a healthy diet and movement. Luckily, what you eat and how much you move are the factors you can control. Maybe you're already doing this, but did you know that there are some unusual ways to help boost weight loss that you probably haven't heard of?
Best of all, these tips aren't fads; they are actually backed by research.
Keep in mind incorporating these unusual ways for weight loss won't alone get the pounds to come off. However, adding them to your current routine may give you the extra boost you're looking for!
1. Smell more vanilla
Taste and smell go hand in hand. If you smell something delicious, chances are it will encourage your appetite for that food. The opposite is also true. If we smell something revolting, appetite usually goes down.
Smelling vanilla may actually help calm dessert cravings. This sweet scent has a calming effect on the part of the brain where cravings live, which can help curb your appetite. The study was done in St. George Hospital in London, and researchers found those who wore vanilla scented patches lost more weight than those wearing no patch or a lemon patch. Researchers believe the sweet smell of vanilla helped appease the need for something sweet, and participants who smelled vanilla were less likely to overeat sweets.
So, if sweets are your guilty pleasure, getting a vanilla scented air freshener or candle could help you resist the temptation.
2. Eat off different colored plates
The food you serve on your plate certainly makes an impact on weight. However, research from Cornell University also suggests the color of your plate can also make a difference on how much you eat. Researchers found when study participants ate off same colored plate as their food they served themselves about 30 percent more food. When study participants ate off different colored plates than their food, they served themselves less food. This difference in how much you eat off of plates could help or hinder weight loss efforts.
Want to take it a step further? Contrasting plates with the tablecloth also seemed to further help lower food intake. Other studies have suggested blue plates could help lower food intake. This is probably because the vast majority of foods are not blue, meaning no cravings in the brain are triggered.
3. Change who you eat with
Who you eat and socialize with can impact your own lifestyle patterns. A study noted that if a friend is obese, chances are the other friend becoming obese can increase up to 57 percent. An obese spouse can also increase risk for your own weight gain.
Researchers suggest the portions others eat around us can also become a norm for you. This doesn't mean you need to find a new group of friends, but it means to increase your awareness of environmental cues around you.
4. Write down or take a picture of everything you eat
Many weight-loss programs suggest tracking your food intake by writing it down to keep you honest about how much and what you are eating. It can also show where you are sneaking in extra calories or larger portions of food that you don't realize.
Another way to track your food intake is to take a picture of it. A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that taking pictures of food before you eat it can serve as an encouragement to change your diet. Taking a picture is immediate, where as filling out a food diary is often done hours after eating. If you have to take a picture of everything you eat, it makes you stop before eating and think about your choices.
5. Leave the serving dishes off the table
Many slight changes in your environment can make eating healthier the easier choice. Many times when food is out of sight it helps keep it out of mind. One small change you can make for encouraging smaller portions at meal times can be to change where you keep your serving dish.
Leaving the serving dish on the stove instead of on the table could help you keep your portion size down. Instead of reaching for seconds right away on the table, you need to make an effort to get more from the kitchen. This can also help slow down your food intake to give your brain enough time to register when you're full.
6. Dim the lights when you eat
If you go to any sit down restaurant, chances are the lights will be dimmed. Contrast that with a fast food restaurant, or even your own home, and the lights are probably a lot brighter.
A 2012 study found just changing how dim the lights are in a fast food restaurant helped people eat less food. What they ordered didn't change, but how much they ate did.
Researchers found dimming the lights lengthened the eating time suggesting a more relaxed atmosphere increases satisfaction and decreases how much food you eat. While this study was in a restaurant, dimming the lights in your own home could have the same effect on food intake.
These Glittery Vans Are Here to Put All of Your Other Sneakers to Shame
These throwback sneakers, favorited by skaters - and now, the fashion crowd - just got their glitziest makeover ever, courtesy of the designers behind Opening Ceremony. As part of their ongoing collaboration to revamp Vans Old Skool sneakers, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim just released their Glitter pack, featuring glitter-covered Vans in three colorways ($110 each). We don't think we've wanted a sneaker this badly since our LA Gear light-ups back in the sixth grade. Read on to see and shop them all.
Macarons: Don't Confuse Them With Macaroons
It's high time we set the record straight: the word "macaron" is not an alternate spelling of macaroon. In fact, the two terms refer to distinctly different things. Both macarons and macaroons are confections, and both names are derived from ammaccare, which is Italian for "to crush" - but that's where the similarities end.
A macaron specifically refers to a meringue-based cookie made with almond flour, egg whites, and granulated and powdered sugar, then filled with buttercream, ganache or fruit curd. The delicate treat has a crunchy exterior and a weightless interior with a soft ending that's almost nougatlike in its chewiness. To add to the confusion, it's often called a French macaroon.
In contrast, the word macaroon is a generic phrase that is applied to a number of small, sweet confections. Mostly, the term is equated with the moist and dense coconut macaroon, which is composed of egg whites, sugar, and dried coconut, often piped with a star-shaped tip, and sometimes dipped in chocolate. The coconut macaroon, or congolais, as it's known in France, is frequently served during Passover because it contains no flour.
77 Snacks to Satisfy Hunger, All Under 150 Calories
There's so much more to snacking than cheese and crackers! Here are 77 different mouthwatering, hunger-curbing snacks to enjoy every day of the month (and then some!) - all at 150 calories or fewer.
77 Snacks to Satisfy Hunger, All Under 150 Calories
There's so much more to snacking than cheese and crackers! Here are 77 different mouthwatering, hunger-curbing snacks to enjoy every day of the month (and then some!) - all at 150 calories or fewer.
Just Like That, Michael Jackson's Daughter Is on Her Way to Becoming the Next It Model
Add Paris Jackson to the growing list of celebrity children making a name for themselves in fashion. The 18-year-old was just signed by IMG - the same agency that reps models like Ashley Graham, Karlie Kloss, Jasmine Tookes, and the Hadid sisters. Prior to the exciting news, Paris graced CR Fashion Book's Issue 10 alongside newcomer Halima Aden in a royal-blue Gucci dress.
While Paris is still relatively new to the modeling scene, it won't be long before her name catches on. She sits front row at fashion shows and walks the red carpet in designers like Balmain. Don't be surprised if you see both her fashion and film résumé grow longer by the minute with campaigns and movies to come.
Work Your Obliques, Booty, and Legs - All in 1 Move
Get ready to work your core, legs, and booty - all while stretching your shoulders and back, and getting your heart rate up with some cardio. This move does it all!
Here's how to do a gate swing with a shoulder-stretching twist:
- Begin standing with your feet together. Hop your feet wide apart, and come into a deep squat, bringing your hands to your thighs. Your toes will be pointed outward.
- With your hands on your thighs, rotate your abdomen to the left, dipping your right shoulder toward the center. Then rotate to the right, bringing your left shoulder down and center. Return to a neutral position with your spine and shoulders.
- Push off your knees for leverage as you jump your legs together to complete one rep.
- Repeat as many times as possible for at least 60 seconds.
Work Your Obliques, Booty, and Legs - All in 1 Move
Get ready to work your core, legs, and booty - all while stretching your shoulders and back, and getting your heart rate up with some cardio. This move does it all!
Here's how to do a gate swing with a shoulder-stretching twist:
- Begin standing with your feet together. Hop your feet wide apart, and come into a deep squat, bringing your hands to your thighs. Your toes will be pointed outward.
- With your hands on your thighs, rotate your abdomen to the left, dipping your right shoulder toward the center. Then rotate to the right, bringing your left shoulder down and center. Return to a neutral position with your spine and shoulders.
- Push off your knees for leverage as you jump your legs together to complete one rep.
- Repeat as many times as possible for at least 60 seconds.
Dove's New Campaign Features 5 Empowering Latinas
Dove is highlighting real beauty in their newest campaign. The skincare brand recruited Peruvian photographer Mario Testino to shoot 32 women and girls from 15 countries, ages 11 to 71, who believe beauty comes from within. Among those women: five inspiring Latinas - including two pint-sized girls from Mexico that will melt your heart.
With the Real Beauty Pledge, Dove is committing to using women (not models) on their advertising, from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and without any retouching. "Globally 8 out of 10 girls opt out of key life activities when they don't feel good about the way they look. Dove has a mission to ensure the next generation grows up enjoying a positive relationship with the way they look," the pledge reads. Badass! We're giving serious props to the brand for this initiative and admiring the gorgeous photos and inspiring quotes from the Latinas in the campaign ahead.
Airbnb, similar rentals may draw smokers as hotels butt out
Nonsmokers who use these services like like Airbnb should always ask if smoking is prohibited and how the ban is enforced, researchers say.
See Every Single Magical Shade and Swatch of Urban Decay's Unicorn Lipstick Topcoats
Game over, Urban Decay! While holographic "unicorn" lip glosses and metallic topcoats have already begun to spread through the market, UD just launched a showstopping set. Yesterday, we dropped the news that the brand created Vice Special Effects Lip Topcoats, and today we have the exclusive first look at all 12 shades, swatches, and the campaign images featuring Ruby Rose.
The colors are a dizzying array of blue, purple, green, white, and pink metallics with every type of iridescent, glittery infusion you can imagine. It's definitely - to borrow a phrase from UD - beauty with an edge. We imagine Wende Zomnir and crew watching the previous unicorn lipstick populate Instagram, thinking, "We can own this game." So they did. The result is your naughty night-out essential set. No-makeup makeup girls, proceed with caution.
Here's what we can tell you about the Vice Special Effects Lip Topcoat formula: it's a longwear and water-resistant (like many of UD's products) gel-cream formula. I'm pretty sensitive to dehydrating lip products, and this felt comfortable. This is due to nourishing marine collagen being a key ingredient.
The topcoat is meant to be a shade shifter and transform and lock in whatever color is underneath it. The flexible skinny applicator allowed me to easily line my pout before I filled it in. Because it dries down so fast, you don't have to worry about glitter particles falling all over your face. It didn't get on my coffee cup when I took a sip. It's like glitter lips for dummies.
Keep reading to see all 12 magical shades, swatches, and a sexy Ruby Rose in the campaign before it's available for $18 a pop on March 23 at urbandecay.com and on March 31 at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and select Macy's stores.
This Female Director Is Inspiring Young Girls to "Take Charge" of Their Stories
In February, the Geena Davis Institute and Ford launched a new campaign that aims to tackle the gender disparity in Hollywood by spotlighting female voices. In this episode of She's Got Drive, we meet Yulin Kuang, a young director whose films have been screened at Sundance and The Palm Springs Shortfest. Listen to her story, then check out the profiles on indie pop artist Clara C and YouTube personality Tara Southern.
This Female Director Is Inspiring Young Girls to "Take Charge" of Their Stories
In February, the Geena Davis Institute and Ford launched a new campaign that aims to tackle the gender disparity in Hollywood by spotlighting female voices. In this episode of She's Got Drive, we meet Yulin Kuang, a young director whose films have been screened at Sundance and The Palm Springs Shortfest. Listen to her story, then check out the profiles on indie pop artist Clara C and YouTube personality Tara Southern.
This Female Director Is Inspiring Young Girls to "Take Charge" of Their Stories
In February, the Geena Davis Institute and Ford launched a new campaign that aims to tackle the gender disparity in Hollywood by spotlighting female voices. In this episode of She's Got Drive, we meet Yulin Kuang, a young director whose films have been screened at Sundance and The Palm Springs Shortfest. Listen to her story, then check out the profiles on indie pop artist Clara C and YouTube personality Tara Southern.
This Crazy Theory About Riverdale Would Change Everything
The CW's Riverdale has us hooked, but like most reboots, there are quite a few differences from the comics. Not only are Jughead and Betty officially an item, but there is a new mystery added with Jason Blossom's murder. While we certainly have a few ideas about how the series will unfold, one of the craziest theories is that the quiet town is heading towards a zombie apocalypse.
You might be wondering, how is this even possible? Well, it actually happens in the comics. As it turns out, showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa also created Afterlife With Archie, a popular comic series about the Archie gang battling flesh-eating monsters. Adding more fuel to the flame is the teenage witch, Sabrina Spellman, who will reportedly appear in the series. In Afterlife, it is Sabrina who accidentally causes the apocalypse when she tries to resurrect Jughead's dog Hot Dog, and in turn, the undead creature turns him into a zombie.
While it's pretty hard for us to wrap our minds around a zombie Jughead (let alone a zombie dog), there are a few moments from the show that could prove this theory true. In episode five, Cheryl actually has a nightmare that Jason is a zombie. Could it have been foreshadowing? She did mention taking him to the Greendale side of Sweetwater River – aka where Sabrina lives. Dilton Doiley's hardcore survivalist skills could be another possible clue. When Jughead confronts him about firing off on July 4th, he coyly responds that his skills are needed because of "the way this town is going . . ." Does he know something we don't?
If we're being completely honest here, we hope this theory isn't true. Don't get us wrong, zombie shows are cool and all, but we are partial to the show's juicy plots and dramatic romances. Even though Riverdale has some striking similarities to supernatural shows like The Vampire Diaries and Twin Peaks, throwing undead walkers into the mix would be a bit much.
Airbnb, similar rentals may draw smokers as hotels butt out
Nonsmokers who use these services like like Airbnb should always ask if smoking is prohibited and how the ban is enforced, researchers say.
The Unexpected Reason 1 Stranger Connected With New Parents and Their Preemie
At 29 weeks pregnant, Maggie Wright gave birth to baby a baby boy via emergency C-section. As Noah grows stronger in the NICU, his fighting spirit continues to make his parents proud as they marvel at their "true miracle" each day.
The weeks feeling helpless in the hospital while watching their son's long journey have been difficult for Noah's parents, so they decided to take a break one afternoon and go to their happy place: the beach. As the couple strolled along Tybee Island, they stopped into the aquarium's gift shop and the passionate clerk began talking about their sea turtle, Alkie. She then asked if the couple had any kids and they showed her a picture of Noah.
The new parents continued looking around and when they were headed out the door, the woman stopped them again. "She rushed up to us, handing me a bag with a stuffed animal sea turtle," Maggie shared on Love What Matters Facebook page. "She caught me off guard and said, 'Alkie came to us when he was tiny and weak, and now he is big and strong. Noah will get there, too.'"
When the couple left, they realized that there was also a note in the bag wishing Noah luck and telling him to come visit Alkie when he was old enough. Although the stuffed animal is a great reminder for Noah and his parents of this stranger's kindness, she most likely has no idea just how much it meant to them.
"Little does she know how much we needed to hear this right now. Little does she know how grateful we are. This is a human being who, at the most difficult (yet wonderful) time of our lives, reminded us that life, and people, are beautiful and kind. This is one of many stories I cannot wait to tell Noah when he gets older. How even strangers were rooting for him when they heard his story. She might not have seen how important what she did was or the impact she would make. But it just goes to show how even the smallest gestures can make a huge impact. And this was no small gesture."
Disney Created a Room That Can Charge Any Gadget - Without a Single Wire
Disney isn't just tinkering away at creating Star Wars Land and bringing you one-of-a-kind experiences on cruises. The latest invention from Disney Research is a gadget that can charge your phone wirelessly - without a single wire or additional product.
The three-person team composed of Disney researchers Matthew Chabalko, Mohsen Shahmohammadi, and Alanson Sample created a room that can seamlessly charge any device - and deliver power to TVs or other products that normally need to be plugged in. To begin, the team built a room with aluminum panel walls, floor, and ceiling. In the middle of the room, a large copper pipe sits with capacitors (that regulate the electromagnetic frequency) to create an electromagnetic field. With these structures, electricity can continuously run through the loop, creating a "magnetic field" that can "deliver kilowatts of power," otherwise known as quasistatic cavity resonance (QSCR). Essentially, this technology lets you enter the room and, without doing a single thing, your phone will automatically start charging.
With a room like this, you can decorate it however you want but still be able to charge wirelessly. You can learn more about QSCR in the video below, or read the team's findings in a paper submitted to the journal PLOS One.
35 of the Best Male Butts in Cinematic History
Butts. Love them or hate them, it's not hard to notice how present they are in popular culture, so much so that recent years have been full of booty. We see butts all over our favorite TV shows - we're lookin' at you, Game of Thrones - and music is ripe (pun intended) with references to cake, peaches, and other euphemisms we could think of if we had more time. Here's the thing, though. You can't talk about butts in pop culture without looking to the longest-standing provider: movies. We've been seeing rears on the big screen for decades and decades now, and we figured it's high time to call out a few of our favorites. Venture a glance over your shoulder to make sure no one's watching and get scrolling.
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.
Channing and Jenna Look so Cute While Casually Building Sandcastles Togther
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan took a relaxing getaway to Hawaii last week, during which the couple playfully re-created some of their Step Up moves in the ocean and laughed it up while chasing each other on the sand. A couple of days later, Jenna and Channing were spotted back on the beach to make sandcastles; the Magic Mike star sported swim trunks while Jenna showed off her toned figure in a sexy striped bikini with cutouts. The couple is coming up on eight years of marriage and share a daughter, Everly, who was born in 2013. While it's not clear if the little one was vacationing in Kauai with her parents, Channing and Jenna are clearly enjoying their sweet Spring break.
Becky G's Steamy Music Video for "Todo Cambió" Is a Freaking Telenovela
Becky G just dropped the mischievous music video for her latest single "Todo Cambió." In the video, the bubbly singer has a unexpected and romantic meet-cute only to come home and find her boyfriend down on one knee, proposing. The remainder of the twisted video shows Becky having second thoughts, going on a steamy date with the other man, and ultimately turning back at the altar. Yep, it's like a freaking telenovela.
In an interview with Billboard, Becky said the song subtly reflects her current love life and her relationship with soccer player Sebastian Lletget. "When I made this song, my life was going through a lovely turnaround," she said. Adding, "I was falling in love. I had decided to record my first album in Spanish. I was filming my first movie, and living on my own for the first time. Lots of things were happening for the first time!"
Watch the dramatic video in its entirety, above.
Channing and Jenna Look so Cute While Casually Building Sandcastles Togther
Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan took a relaxing getaway to Hawaii last week, during which the couple playfully re-created some of their Step Up moves in the ocean and laughed it up while chasing each other on the sand. A couple of days later, Jenna and Channing were spotted back on the beach to make sandcastles; the Magic Mike star sported swim trunks while Jenna showed off her toned figure in a sexy striped bikini with cutouts. The couple is coming up on eight years of marriage and share a daughter, Everly, who was born in 2013. While it's not clear if the little one was vacationing in Kauai with her parents, Channing and Jenna are clearly enjoying their sweet Spring break.
Starbucks's New Cookie Butter Bar Tastes Like Happiness With Cream Cheese Frosting
Starbucks's newest dessert in its bakery case is made with one of the best spreadable substances on earth: cookie butter. The new Starbucks Cookie Butter Bar ($2) is made with gingerbread-like Speculoos cookies on the bottom, a layer of gooey cookie butter on top, followed by a layer of rich vanilla cream cheese frosting, and topped with crushed Speculoos cookies. It's buttery, crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at once.
Out of all the new foods and drinks Starbucks has released this year, including sous vide egg bites and Spring macchiatos, this is hands down our favorite item of the year so far. The thick layer of cream cheese frosting atop the buttery cookie spread and crunchy cookie bottom takes these bars over the edge. The next time you need a mid-afternoon latte and sweet treat, we recommend ordering your favorite grande caffeinated beverage and a Cookie Butter Bar (or two).
Recall Alert! Your Baby's Favorite Rattle Ball Could Cause a Choking Hazard
Infant toy manufacturer Kids II has voluntarily recalled nearly 700,000 one of the most popular baby toys around, its Oball Rattle. The recall comes following 42 reports of the plastic disc breaking and releasing small beads, which includes two reports of beads found in children's mouths and three reports of gagging.
The Oball Rattles affected have 28 finger holes, one of which has a clear plastic disc with all orange beads embedded inside, and two of which have clear plastic discs with beads of varying colors. The rattles have a model number of 81031 printed on the inner surface of one of the plastic discs and on the packaging, and come in pink, blue, green and orange. The rattles also have a small date code located on a small triangle on the inner surface of the rattle - the codes included in the recall are as follows:
- T0486
- T1456
- T2316
- T2856
- T3065
The rattles were originally sold at Target, Walgreens, Walmart, and Amazon, among others, for $5 to $7 from January 2016 through February 2017. If you have a rattle affected by the recall, you should immediately take it away from your children and contact Kids II online or at 877-243-7314 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days to receive a full refund.
Milo Ventimiglia Reunites With His Onscreen Son, Turns Our Hearts to Mush
When you've been missing your TV dad 🤗❤️ @MiloVentimiglia #ThisIsUs #NAACP #ImageAwards http://pic.twitter.com/Ywi9grss4g
- Lonnie Chavis (@LonnieChavis) February 12, 2017
The cast of This Is Us had a fun-filled outing at the NAACP Awards last month, but there was one sweet reunion you might have missed. Shortly after the show, Lonnie Chavis, who plays young Randall on the series, posted a video with Milo Ventimiglia (Jack Pearson) on Twitter, and it's actually too cute for words. Not only does the actor adorably pick him up his onscreen son for a hug, but like a true dad, he can't help but compliment about how sharp he looks in his gray tux. With all the heartbreaking moments on the show, it's nice to see the cast keeping things lighthearted.
Does Wolverine Die in Logan? Well, If You Really Want to Know . . .
Warning: Spoilers follow!
Just because Logan is Hugh Jackman's last X-Men movie doesn't mean his character has to die . . . right? There are a number of directors the franchise could have pointed Wolverine in at the end of the film, but - spoiler alert - he dies.
Logan is a tortured figure in Logan; he's one of the only mutants left (so he thinks) and his life has no meaning. He keeps living just in the hopes of earning enough money that he can buy a boat and sail away with his buddy Professor X. When Laura (aka his teeny tiny clone) comes into his life, he refuses to accept any emotional responsibility for her. He begrudgingly protects but repetitively rejects her over the course of the entire film - until the end.
Laura and her fellow mutant friends are trying to escape the evil team at Transigen, and Logan realizes he's their only hope at getting to safety. He springs into action, taking a serum that magnifies his mutant powers for a short period of time before depleting him of nearly all his energy. He dies in battle, saving Laura and the next class of mutants. While he's slipping away, Laura hugs him, calling him, "Daddy," and he says, "So this is what it feels like." In death, he accepts love. It's heartbreaking, and a fitting end for one of the franchise's most iconic characters.
And yes, he's definitely dead. Like, they bury his body. He's gone. Sorry.
These New Magnetic Palettes Are the Affordable Storage Solution You've Been Waiting For
As a certified makeup hoarder, my drawers are crammed with bulky single eye shadows, highlighters, and blushes. Though my makeup collection was starting to get to the point of complete chaos, I still didn't want to shell out big bucks for magnetic palettes that are essentially just cardboard and a magnetic sheet.
My organizational prayers were answered when I learned that shopmissa.com, famous online for its incredibly affordable makeup and accessories, was launching a makeup line that would include the affordable magnetic palettes I craved. The new line, called A2O, will offer highly pigmented shadows, highlighters, bronzers, and blushes. All of the powder products come in pans (without packaging!) so they can easily be placed into the magnetic palettes.
Fortunately, the magnetic palettes can be used to store any powder product you want. Packaging is frequently bulky, so you can cut down on space by depotting the products into one of these palettes.
The best part of these new products is the price; everything is under $8. Read on to see some of the awesome new products that will be available on shopmissa.com starting March 6.
Couple With Down Syndrome Celebrates 22 Happily Married Years
Maryanne and Tommy were believed to be one of the first couples with Down syndrome to marry when they tied the knot in Essex, England, in July 1995. Twenty-two years later, Maryanne, 45, and Tommy, 59, are still as happy as ever.
Camila Cabello: "Our Dreams Were Bigger Than Our Fears"
Camila Cabello is a singer and songwriter and former member of pop group Fifth Harmony.
A bus. The yellow lighting of the gas station against the dark hours of midnight. Fast asleep. Silence. My head slumped over my mom's shoulder. Her voice timid and hesitant as she stumbled through a sentence in English at the cash register. A Winnie the Pooh journal. These are the things I remember when I think of when my mom and I immigrated to America.
I was almost 7 at the time, born in Havana, Cuba. My papá is puro Mexicano and we lived back and forth between the heat of Havana and the concrete jungle of Mexico City. I didn't realize it then, but, boy, does it hit me now. I realize how scary it must have been for them. For my mom to leave the streets of Havana where our neighbors were our friends, where we gathered every holiday to eat pork and my grandma's rice and beans, to not hear the malecón and the heartbeat of her city pulsing with every crash of the wave. For my Dad to leave behind his four brothers and sisters, the memory of his parents, the street vendors selling the elotes con mayonesa that I would beg him to get in the mornings before school, the best friends he'd grown up with . . . everything. To decide to start from the ground up.
With a couple hundred dollars, the clothes on our backs, no family in the United States, and no clue of what was going to happen next, that's exactly what we did. Like my mom said, "I don't know where I'm going, but I can't stay here." And that was enough.
Why were we packing up our stuff? Why was my grandma hugging me tighter than usual? Where were we going? "We're going to Disney World!" That's what my Mom told me when we were crossing the border. She packed a little backpack with my Winnie the Pooh journal and my doll, and we crossed the border from Mexico to the US, seeing my Dad become an ant in the distance as he stayed behind.
Just Disney World. Whenever I have to make a decision now and I'm afraid, my mom always reminds me of that day. "That day, I knew if I thought about it, fear would make me turn back. That's why when you're afraid, you force yourself to jump. You don't think, you just jump," she says to me.
After she sat down with the immigration officer in a tiny office, we and a bunch of people from other countries with similar hopes were placed in rooms with tiny beds in them, a hotel full of these rooms. It was me and my mom and two other families in a little room waiting for somebody to come in and let us know if we were going to be granted permission to enter the US or be sent back. Some people spent days there, some spent weeks in agonizing anxiety over what the answer would be. Meanwhile, I was wondering when the heck we were going to get to Disney. We were there only a day when we finally got the news. The room bursted with joy, everybody around me clapping and hugging and screaming and crying! And me yelling out "Yay! We're all going to Disney!" Little did I know.
Little me and my mamá ended up on a Greyhound bus to Miami that took 36 hours - that's where I have my most vivid memories. Other stuff I vaguely remember and know from stories my parents told me years after. But I remember writing in my Winnie the Pooh journal a lot on that bus ride.
We got to Miami and moved into my grandpa's colleague's house who later became my godmother. My mom was a very good architect in Cuba, but when she came to America none of the degrees she earned in Cuba counted, so to make enough to keep us fed and put me into school she began stacking shoes in Marshalls and going to school at night to take courses in English, all while taking me to and from school and helping me with my homework all by herself, alone in a strange country. I can't imagine how frustrating it must have been for her to have worked her whole life in architecture and then have it all erased when she came here.
One day, as if God was listening, two elderly Cuban women were conversing with her and told her: "Oye, tu estás muy bonita para trabajar en Marshalls. Where are you from?" My mom told her the story of how she was Cuban and she was actually an architect. You wouldn't believe it, but the two Cuban women said they had a brother who worked in architecture and needed someone who worked in Autocad, a complicated architectural computer program. They asked her: "Do you know Autocad?" Internally, my mom was like "Autocad? What the hell is Autocad? We use pencil and paper where I'm from." But to the ladies, she said: "Autocad? Of course. Yes, of course. I can do that." She learned how to use the program in a week and made enough to move us out of my godmother's house and into an apartment.
She learned fast because she literally had to in order to survive. Immigrants have one thing in common: Hunger. I don't mean it literally, although that's true too, but metaphorically. The hunger to do the impossible because you have no choice, because you came too damn far, because you've known what struggling is, and you're not going to take an opportunity for granted. The hunger and ability to win above people with better circumstances than you simply because you want it badly enough.
Long story short, my papá came over from Mexico a year and a half later - I had a little calendar in my room counting down the days - because he couldn't stand being away from us. He went through such hardship to cross the Mexican border and had it harder than my mom and I did, literally risking his life for his family to physically make it here. When he first came to the US, he started off washing cars in front of Dolphin Mall in the blistering Miami heat. But we kept moving on up . . . with the Latin community in Miami, helping each other up as we did it. Slowly and slowly my parents kept working and climbing and ended up forming a construction company together named after my sister and I. They always pushed me to focus on my studies because the whole reason we came here was so my sister and I could have better opportunities in life than they did. They said: "Money comes and goes, but your education, lo que tienes aquí (and they would point to my head while saying that), nobody can ever take that away from you." They let me know that in order to go a good college I had to get a scholarship, so I worked as hard as I could. However - plot twist! - that didn't quite go the way we thought it would.
You see, in 9th grade, a little girl who had never sung in front of people before asked her parents if they could take her to Greensboro, NC, to audition for a little show called The X Factor. Yikes! I had never sang in front of people before. Well, did my mom know Autocad? No. Did I know how to perform on a stage on TV? No. But I wanted it badly enough, and I learned from my family that if you work hard enough and you want it badly enough, you can do the impossible.
I was wrong about one thing. My mamá and papá did not leave everything behind, they brought it with them. My grandma still makes pork and rice and beans every holiday like she did, and my mom still feels the waves of the malecón in her heartbeat because she still feels the most at peace when she's by the sea. My grandma and dad still get drunk and sing Luis Miguel in the kitchen. We found our favorite Taco spot in Miami (I capitalized Taco because they are that good). And whenever we find another person from our country, we freak out. "¿De qué parte?" Because we have home in us. Because we brought it with us. Every Cuban brought it with them and so we have Miami. Mexicans brought it and so we have the best Mexican food ever. The Italians brought it and so we have pizza. The Swedish brought it and we have great pop songs. The list goes on and on. And so, that's why when I hear a bigoted, racist man with power and influence speak with anger and ill-will about immigrants, I think "what a fool."
I am so proud to be Cuban-Mexican. This country was built on immigrants. People who were brave enough to start over. How strong we are to leave behind everything we know in hopes of something better. We are not fearless, we just have dreams bigger than our fears. We jump. We run. We swim, we move mountains, we do whatever it takes. And so next time, when anybody wants to tell you they want to build a "wall" on our border, remember behind that wall is struggle, determination, hunger. Behind that wall, could be the next cure for cancer, the next scientist, the next artist, the next drummer, the next anything they work hard enough to become!
P.S. I did end up going to Disney for the first time a year later.
Couple With Down Syndrome Celebrates 22 Happily Married Years
Maryanne and Tommy were believed to be one of the first couples with Down syndrome to marry when they tied the knot in Essex, England, in July 1995. Twenty-two years later, Maryanne, 45, and Tommy, 59, are still as happy as ever.
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