Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 8 mars 2017
Why This Blogger Simply Refuses to Go on a "Diet" and You Should, Too!
This post was originally posted on Yanira Garza and written by Yanira Garza, who is a part of POPSUGAR Select Latina.
First, let me start by saying dieting is bullsh*t. I love food, and I like to eat. However, I also have always been a very thin woman. I was 110 pounds when I got married in 2006, so, naturally, when I was pregnant with my daughter, I figured I could eat the whole house and not gain a pound. Uh, not true.
I gained almost 70 pounds and because eating healthy and exercising were things I did not understand, it was hard for my body to bounce back. Two months at the gym changed that, and at 135 pounds, I still wasn't at my prebirth weight. But, I looked better than ever. With my second, I embarked on a clean eating journey towards the end that helped me bounced back almost a week later. When E was just two months old, I was 125 pounds. Baby M brought on a few old bad eating habits, and after slowly losing the weight, my father's passing helped me find passion in tubs of ice cream and 10 pounds more were added.
Now, let me add that I do not need to lose weight. I'm curvier, a bit soft in the middle, but that's not a bad thing. At 5'8" and 150 pounds, I'm the size of a fabulous woman. But I do need to eat better. The pizza, the ice cream, the sweets are getting out of hand. My emotional eating has spiraled so out of control that it is causing headaches, dizziness, irritability, exhaustion, lack of energy and a serious creative block. For a mom of three, no bueno. So instead of a diet, since I'm not here for that yo-yo type life, I'm focusing on eating better and doing better to simply be better. It isn't about a number on the scale. They all look the same on my body anyhow.
In a little less than a month, I will be 32 and I cannot start another year of my life letting old habit resurface. Of those, I have plenty and I need not one. So yes to more water, fresh food from the farmer's market, less meat (and more greens), long walks, stretching, great coffee in the morning and soothing teas at night, not looking at the scale, actually sleeping eight hours, disconnecting more and actually reading things that matter, because my health matters.
I write this as I enjoy a nice lunch of roasted sweet peppers and onion tacos, drizzled in avocado salsa. Here's to good living.
The Mommy Wars Are Finally Over!
Ladies, put down your weapons, your words of shame and blame, and one-upmanship. A truce has been called. Both sides have agreed. The mommy wars are officially over. We have bigger battles to fight, and the only way to win them is to join forces, united in a common goal: to protect the rights of our sisters, our mothers, our girlfriends, our daughters.
We felt so safe in our little bubbles, didn't we? So safe, in fact, that we got a little bored, craved a little drama and some conflict, so we turned on each other. Stay-at-home moms decided they were the superior ones because they'd sacrificed their careers for their children, were there every day to pick them up from preschool and make them snacks and kiss them good morning and good night.
Working moms, however, knew they were the gold standard of their gender, balancing the same child scheduling and home organization as stay-at-home moms while still working a full-time job, proving to their daughters that they were just as smart and capable as any man. A line was drawn, and we let it divide us. We got mean.
Blame social media or a lack of empathy for one another, but it got ugly there for a while. We saw a mother struggling to breastfeed her baby in public and chided her for not being covered up. We saw another give her newborn a bottle of formula and criticized her for not breastfeeding. We said C-sections and epidurals were the easy way out. We judged women for having too many children or none at all, for being too involved in their children's lives, and for not being involved enough.
We were hateful and trolling. But no longer. We've learned that we're so much stronger together.
We've learned that we're so much stronger together.
Of course, it started with the election of a president who claimed to be the biggest advocate for our gender yet also seemed to only judge us by our appearances, our sex appeal. We tried to understand how a man who said he supported us, a man who obviously loved and relied on his daughter, could also threaten women's access to affordable birth control and health care, attempt to defund Planned Parenthood, and appoint judges who don't support Roe v. Wade.
It didn't take long for our bubble of gender equality to burst. Suddenly, the different ways we decided to parent our babies and children started becoming less important, even less apparent.
Sure, we had chosen different paths in how we balanced work and home life and in a million small decisions about how we parented, but on one thing, we could agree. We all believe that no matter what is on a woman's résumé or what kind of mother she has decided to be, she has the same rights as any man, and those rights deserve to be upheld and protected.
And so we marched, more than 5 million of us worldwide together, to show, as the Women's March so succinctly expressed, that "women's rights are human rights, regardless of a woman's race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, sexual identity, gender expression, economic status, age or disability." And regardless of whether she coslept, breastfed, ate cold cuts while pregnant, or allowed her 2-year-old to watch YouTube.
And today, we stand together again for International Women's Day. Whether you're boycotting work and shopping or attending one of hundreds of events across the country or going into the office or staying home with your children, your voice matters, so use it.
As comedian Aziz Ansari said during his SNL monologue in January, "Change doesn't come from presidents. It comes from large groups of angry people." And as we see our rights threatened, we women are angry. Just not at each other. Not anymore.
26 Quinoa Salads That'll Save You From a Sad Desk Lunch
While lunchtime has much potential, in reality it's far too often a rotation of soggy sandwiches, flat-tasting soups, and wilted salads. Avoid midday meal disappointment by preparing a sturdy quinoa salad - many taste nearly as good on the second, or even third, day - to bring with you to work, to school, or on a picnic. Here are a few tasty options.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
5 Things You Should Try to Say to Your Child Every Single Day
There are no doubt hundreds of exchanges between you and your child each day including everything from morning routine encouragement, yelling at them to pick up their toys, praising the art they brought home from school, and reading bedtime stories together. With each day, the exchanges will change slightly, but there is one routine exchange you should strive to have with your child every single day - a positive one that will remind them how appreciated, admired, and loved they are, always.
These are five things you should say to your child every single day, whether they be scattered throughout or said in one fell swoop before bed:
- Something they did that you're proud of.
- Something you know they tried their best at.
- Something you loved doing with them.
- Something they said that made you laugh.
- And no matter how you choose to say it: "I love you."
At first you may want to present each item one after another as more of a checklist, or even tweak a few to better fit your relationship with them. Either way, as time goes on it will become habit to communicate these positive thoughts to your children every day, and it's something they'll remember you doing for the rest of their lives.
Read These Quotes Before Your Workout, Then Kick Some Ass
Need a little motivation to get to the gym and push yourself hard to reach your goals? Read these quotes and then get psyched to sweat!
Read These Quotes Before Your Workout, Then Kick Some Ass
Need a little motivation to get to the gym and push yourself hard to reach your goals? Read these quotes and then get psyched to sweat!
My Dad Was an Undocumented Immigrant - and My Biggest Inspiration
My father's story proves timing is everything. At least, that's how the saying goes, right? Whether it's falling in love, or just looking for a parking space on the busy streets of Los Angeles, timing can be the one ingredient that can alter a situation for better or worse. But what if I told you that timing can truly change lives? And that it can also destroy them?
My dad was only 14 years old when he crossed the Mexican border, or as Latinos like to joke, when the "border crossed him." Coming into the country with almost nothing, my father juggled multiple jobs as a busboy before attending night school to learn English at 18. A sharp student by nature, he learned English fairly quickly. By the time he was 20, he could converse with his American-born co-workers fluently, with little-to-no accent.
My father worked two jobs while I was in elementary school, one in construction, and a weekend job delivering pizzas. He worked many hours, all of the money going towards a private school my younger brother and I attended. I remember the most popular girl in my grade coming up to me to tell me that my father had delivered a pizza to her house over the weekend. I knew she did this to embarrass me. It didn't work.
It wasn't until I was in middle school that my father started reevaluating his life and what he wanted to do - not just as a father and husband, but as an individual. We had many conversations about his passions and interests during my childhood. While he always insisted that I pursue a college education, I couldn't help but wonder what my dad would have wanted to be if his home country had granted him the same opportunities mine did. Once, I asked him. "A doctor," he told me.
Two weeks shy of my 12th birthday, my father took the second biggest risk of his life and bought a Mexican restaurant. It was his first career move, and it was quite a big one.
What followed was a collection of many wins, losses, and, in 2008, one of the worst business years the restaurant would ever see during the economic rut. But even after all of the good days, slow days, and slower days, my dad still managed to successfully run a business for 13 years, bringing culture to the city he immigrated to and creating jobs - and damn good mole - for his community.
Yet, it still never really occurred to me just how successful my dad was, not by means of money, really, but by means of hard work.
I once dated a Caucasian guy whose father had been a rocket scientist. We were talking about college one day, and he proudly told me all about his father's alma mater, asking me where my father attended college. I told him he didn't. In fact, my father had only a sixth-grade education. My boyfriend's jaw dropped.
My dad is actually the epitome of the American dream.
I realized then and there that my dad was actually the epitome of the American dream. He not only created a home, became a businessman and sent his daughter to college, but he also became a beloved member of his community.
But as much as my father's success is credited to his sacrifices and hard work, my father was only really able to fulfill his dream because of one very critical element: the government.
In 1986, my father - along with 2.7 million undocumented immigrants - was granted a green card. This was thanks to the Reagan administration's Immigration Reform and Control Act, which made any immigrant who'd entered the country before 1982 eligible for amnesty. It was one of the largest immigration reform sweeps in this country's history, and it was great news for my father, who had entered the country in 1981.
My dad was allowed to apply for citizenship six years later; something that would help him greatly during his business loan application process years later.
It was hard work, sacrifice, and ultimately this country's immigration policy in the '80s that helped my father achieve the American dream.
It was hard work, sacrifice, and ultimately this country's immigration policy in the '80s that helped my father achieve the American dream. It was timing. Yet, if President Donald Trump's deportation efforts and his threat of an executive order to block federal funding to sanctuary cities are proof of anything, not every immigrant who enters the US with the goal to work will be granted the same aid my father received. Not every undocumented immigrant who comes here to work long hours, doing the jobs nobody wants to do, will be given a break by the country they gave their labor and life to.
In fact, some will actually be deported even after spending decades here, like Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos. The mother of two US-born children, who was living in Arizona for 20 years, was sent back to Nogales, Mexico days after Trump issued an executive order changing deportation priorities.
Yes, my father came into this country illegally. Yes, he lived in the US undocumented for several years; but he also cleaned your dishes, delivered your food, and helped build your buildings. He got to live out his American dream thanks to a reform that, though it was slightly flawed, helped situate many immigrants. He came into this country at arguably the right time. I wish I could say the same for everyone else.
A Better Way to Freeze Bananas For Smoothies, Banana Bread, and More
Don't toss out those overripe bananas! With a couple minutes of prep work, they can be transformed into frozen nuggets of gold, perfect for smoothies. Here's the best way to do it:
- Start with overripe, spotty bananas (they have much more flavor).
- Peel all of the bananas.
- Slice them into 1- to 2-inch chunks. (Smaller pieces are much easier on your blender; even a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix, will have trouble breaking down a whole banana.)
- Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment- (or wax-paper-) lined rimmed sheet pan. Don't just toss the unfrozen chunks into a freezer-safe bag; if you do this, they'll freeze into a brick of banana chunks that'll need to be chipped apart before using.
- Once frozen, transfer to freezer-safe bags. We like to separate them into individual bags that hold just enough banana chunks for a smoothie, so there's no guesswork (or measuring needed) when you're tired and looking to blitz your way to breakfast. For our go-to smoothie recipe, that means 1 1/2 bananas, but many other recipes use less.
Armed with a freezer full of banana bags, you'll always be ready for rich, creamy smoothies, vegan banana "ice cream," banana bread, or oatmeal (heat the chunks in a microwave until thawed before using).
13 Times Olivia Wilde Was Our Total Badass Mom Crush
Olivia Wilde is the definition of a cool chick, which is easily recognizable from the moment you click into her Instagram page. However, she's an even cooler mama, and we have a total mom crush on her. From buying her daughter feminist onesies to getting real about an unrealistic breast-pump bra advertisement, there are more moments than we can count in which we feel inspired by this fierce mama.
Read through to see 13 of our favorite badass Olivia Wilde mom moments.
23 Breathtaking Shots of Ballerinas Against City Backdrops
Ballet can easily be appreciated on stage or in a studio, but it's even more breathtaking when seen in unconventional settings. Photographer Omar Z. Robles beautifully blends dance and street photography, and the results are nothing short of magical. His Instagram account is a collection of stories told through dancers' bodies against urban backdrops. Rather than sneakers on pavement, you see ballet shoes, and instead of leotards and mirrors, you see everyday clothing in movement on the streets of New York and Cuba.
Look ahead to see exactly what this stark contrast looks like - this will take your admiration to the next level.
17 Too-Real Parenting Quotes From Zoe Saldana That'll Make You Love Her Even More
Zoe Saldana is not going to sugarcoat it for you: being a mom (yes, even in Hollywood) can be complicated, draining, and messy. Of course, all that matters to the Puerto Rican-Dominican actress is being there for her 1-year-old twins, Cy and Bowie, giving them all the care and support they need - but Zoe will be the first to tell you she's probably doing all that loving with a little poop on her hair. Now that Zoe has welcomed her third child, Zen, it's back to the trenches with the little one.
From the emotional process that is sleep training to the hurdles of wanting to pass along her native Spanish and her husband's Italian to her kids to negotiating with Hollywood studios to pay for her daycare, scroll ahead for 17 times Zoe was deadpan honest about her experience being a mom.
23 Breathtaking Shots of Ballerinas Against City Backdrops
Ballet can easily be appreciated on stage or in a studio, but it's even more breathtaking when seen in unconventional settings. Photographer Omar Z. Robles beautifully blends dance and street photography, and the results are nothing short of magical. His Instagram account is a collection of stories told through dancers' bodies against urban backdrops. Rather than sneakers on pavement, you see ballet shoes, and instead of leotards and mirrors, you see everyday clothing in movement on the streets of New York and Cuba.
Look ahead to see exactly what this stark contrast looks like - this will take your admiration to the next level.
CrossFit Is Redefining Women's Fitness, and This Video Proves It
Strength knows no gender, and this CrossFit video is proof. In this touching video, a male narrator explains how he grew up with a sister who not only inspired him but also demonstrated that women are just as tough - if not tougher - than men. One powerful line that stands out: "In thousands of chalk-filled gyms, women are challenging misconceptions of their own frailty." We couldn't agree more. Whether you are a CrossFit fanatic or not, this video will remind you just how tough you are. Despite what you may have heard about CrossFit, this video might even compel you to give it a shot.
CrossFit Is Redefining Women's Fitness, and This Video Proves It
Strength knows no gender, and this CrossFit video is proof. In this touching video, a male narrator explains how he grew up with a sister who not only inspired him but also demonstrated that women are just as tough - if not tougher - than men. One powerful line that stands out: "In thousands of chalk-filled gyms, women are challenging misconceptions of their own frailty." We couldn't agree more. Whether you are a CrossFit fanatic or not, this video will remind you just how tough you are. Despite what you may have heard about CrossFit, this video might even compel you to give it a shot.
A Latina Invented Your Favorite Beauty Tool - Yes, the Beautyblender!
Backstage at Fashion Week, in the suitcases of some of your favorite supermodels, and even in your own makeup bag, chances are you'll find a familiar pink teardrop sponge.
The Beautyblender is a phenomenon. Today, seven sponges are sold every minute, and over 325,000 YouTube videos have been created around the makeup tool. That is even more impressive considering that when the sponge first appeared in stores in 2003, it was basically a one-woman operation: a very resourceful and skillful woman named Rea Ann Silva, a Latina makeup artist with more than 20 years of experience.
"My mother is Mexican, and my dad was Portuguese and Irish. I was brought up in Los Angeles with my mom's family. I identify 100 percent as being Latina," Silva said when we caught up with her over the phone to talk about her invention. "My mother never wore makeup. She thought I would be good in fashion, so she enrolled me into the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising." There, Silva says she quickly realized it was the sketching and drawing she loved the most, so she got herself a job at a makeup counter.
That's where it all began for her. She met the right people and started working on music video sets with singers like Rod Stewart, then made the jump into television and film, working with Vivica A. Fox in Set It Off. Finally, in 2000, she was running the makeup department for the first TV show filmed in high-definition: CBS's Girlfriends featuring Tracee Ellis Ross.
I'd spend hours cutting the sponges into the tear shape by hand, and they'd disappear from the trailer!
The idea for the Beautyblender came to Silva in the makeup trailer on the set of Girlfriends. "I would airbrush everyone in the morning, but by the end of the day, the makeup looked heavy," she says. "I couldn't bring the airbrush kit to set, so the team would do touch-ups with sponges. It was hard to keep a light hand. I found this special-effects sponge used to apply prosthetics and started wetting it like film makeup artist Kelcey Fry used to do. I realized that the smoother sponge would absorb less foundation once wet and created a natural finish. I'd spend hours cutting the sponges into the tear shape by hand, and they'd disappear from the trailer! Makeup artists and actors were taking them home." That's how she knew the invention had potential.
Read on to learn 10 surprising things about Rea Ann Silva and the cult beauty brand that has inspired hundreds of viral tricks.
How 1 Woman Invented Coffee as We Know It Today
If you've ever wondered what genius invented the coffee filter as you sip a freshly brewed cup, allow this brief introduction to make you appreciate your daily dose of caffeine even more. Melitta Bentz, a German housewife, invented the coffee filter based on her desire for a smoother blend without the presence of grainy grinds or the bitterness caused by overbrewing.
Melitta, who brewed coffee every day, wasn't pleased with the ineffective ceramic and metal filtering devices that were available, so she tried a softer, thinner material: a sheet of blotting paper from her son's school notebook. Melitta used nails to poke holes in the bottom of a brass cup and then lined it with the paper before filling it with coffee. And voila! No more grind-infused, overly bitter coffee.
In 1908, Melitta patented the paper coffee filter and started the Melitta Bentz Company with her husband - and demand for the new filters spiked. Melitta went on to receive awards for her invention, and the rest is history. The next time you prep your morning coffee with a fresh filter, you'll know whom to thank for such a small but appreciated part of your morning routine.
The Sweet Story Behind the Creation of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
It has long been believed that the chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident. As the legend goes, Ruth Graves Wakefield was whipping up a batch of chocolate cookies when her chocolate didn't fully melt, thus creating the chocolate chips within the cookie. In reality, it was no accident; Wakefield knew exactly what she was doing.
In 1924 - when Wakefield was 21 - she attended the Framingham State Normal School to study household arts. The Massachusetts school still exists, though it is now a university. It was there that she pursued her culinary interests. A few years later, she opened the Toll House Inn with her husband, Kenneth Donald Wakefield, in the small town of Whitman, MA. Together, they owned and operated the tourist lodge.
On a glorious day in 1938, according to The Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book, Wakefield was going to make her famous butterscotch cookies when she instead came up with a brilliant alternative. While there are several stories floating around, it is now commonly believed that she grabbed a Nestlé chocolate bar and chopped it up into small pieces for her new recipe.
Prior to her invention of the chocolate chip cookie, Wakefield had written a popular cookbook, Toll House Tried and True Recipes. Following her breakthrough, she re-released the cookbook to include her recipe.
The cookie promptly became a popular treat outside of the Toll House Inn. A year later, Nestlé bought the rights to the recipe, as well as the Toll House name. The price for one of the world's most beloved baked goods? A single dollar and a lifetime supply of chocolate. Reflecting on the exchange later, Wakefield said, "I was always brought up in college to think that a professional person doesn't enter the commercial world." She did, however, continue to consult for Nestlé on recipes for years to come.
In 1966, the Wakefields decided to sell the inn. A decade later, she passed away from undisclosed causes. Her precision and craftsmanship is frequently noted in books and articles about her. This can be detected even in the foreword of her cookbook. On the inn, she wrote, "Our aim has always been to offer a restful atmosphere and, in expanding, never to sacrifice fine quality or the kind of service we all want in our own homes." What's more, her innovative chocolate chip cookie is a reflection of that "restful atmosphere" and the sheer effort she put into all aspects of her life. For Ruth Graves Wakefield, nothing great was ever an accident.
Catch Some of Prince William's Sportiest Moments Over the Years
The royal family has proven time and time again that they are one sporty bunch. While Kate Middleton is an avid rower and Prince Harry has been known to show off his football skills, Prince William is also incredibly athletic. Aside from the casual game of polo from time to time, the famous royal also participated in rugby, hockey, swimming, football, clay pigeon shooting, and cross country running during his time in school. Keep reading to see some of his sportiest moments over the years.
Catch Some of Prince William's Sportiest Moments Over the Years
The royal family has proven time and time again that they are one sporty bunch. While Kate Middleton is an avid rower and Prince Harry has been known to show off his football skills, Prince William is also incredibly athletic. Aside from the casual game of polo from time to time, the famous royal also participated in rugby, hockey, swimming, football, clay pigeon shooting, and cross country running during his time in school. Keep reading to see some of his sportiest moments over the years.
12 Things Invented by Women That Moms Swear By
They say necessity is the mother of invention, but motherhood may be the real inspiration behind many of the life-changing products we have in our parenting arsenals. It's not until you're truly in the trenches and up to your elbows in dirty diapers and unwashed dishes that you realize there has to be a better way, and you're determined to make it happen - now.
That's the motivation behind 12 products - including the disposable diaper, the dishwasher, those ubiquitous muslin baby blankets, and more - that moms have created over the years. As we celebrate women throughout the month, take a moment to imagine what life would be like without these dozen products and start dreaming up your own inventions.
7 Celebrity Romances That Lasted Way Longer in Your Head
When it comes to celebrity couples, there are some that you just can't let go of, no matter how long it's been since they broke up. Some of the high-profile romances from our youth seem so iconic and so important that we tend to believe they lasted a lot longer than they really did - and what's even more fascinating is when you realize that some of those same stars are in current relationships that have actually stood the test of time. From Britney and Justin to Brad and Jennifer, keep reading for seven celebrity romances that were much shorter than you remember, then check out more things you loved as a teenager in the 2000s.
9 Things You Never Knew About SoulCycle
Many fitness fanatics (ourselves included) can't imagine a world without SoulCycle. Those 45 sweat-soaked, spiritually attuned minutes in SoulCycle's grapefruit-scented halls are absolutely sacred to us and have become an integral part of our fitness and wellness regimen.
That was exactly the vision that SoulCycle's two incredible female founders had when they created the powerhouse fitness brand we now know and love. The story of Soul starts at a blind-date lunch, traverses a yellow rickshaw in front of a Craigslist sublet, lands squarely at a cleansing crystal ritual, and has empowered a whole lot of women along the way. Here are nine things you probably don't know about the brand and its history.
- Founders Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice didn't come from the fitness industry; Elizabeth was in luxury real estate and Julie was a talent agent.
- In fact, they weren't even friends; they were set up on a "blind date," and before they left their first lunch together, they had an action plan: figure out how to get towels and secure real estate for SoulCycle's first studio.
- Elizabeth was a yogi who had trouble losing the baby weight and needed cardio. Julie was a runner and hiker looking for that same sense of community in a fitness class. Their visions came together in a way we can still see today; SoulCycle has a distinct yoga vibe with intense(ly fun) cardio and a tight-knit community.
- Eighty-six percent of the company's leaders are women (wowza), starting with the CEO, Melanie Whelan, formerly of Equinox. "We create roles for women," said SoulCycle SVP of PR and Brand Strategy Gabby Etrog Cohen (yet another example of a woman in charge).
- SoulCycle found its first studio space on Craigslist; it was a back lobby on 72nd Street in New York City and had no outward signage (the studio has since moved to 77th Street). They used a yellow-painted rickshaw to grab attention outside, despite the fact that it would get them some parking tickets.
- They chose the color yellow because it's a happy, positive color that evokes joy and the opposite of what traditional gyms tend to look like. They wanted to bring more joy and light to the workout experience.
- SoulCycle prides itself on being "the only class you can do with your eyes closed." They urge riders to disconnect completely, leaving phones behind and immersing themselves in the experience.
- Each corporate meeting at Soul begins with a meditation and a setting of an intention.
- There is an amethyst in every single studio behind the bike on the podium; in fact, SoulCycle has an SOP (standard operating procedure) for the official crystal cleansing ceremony that happens before every single studio opens, even a pop-up. The crystal is blessed with water from a natural source, and the staff all rides together for a class to "christen" the studio before it is open to the public.
7 Celebrity Romances That Lasted Way Longer in Your Head
When it comes to celebrity couples, there are some that you just can't let go of, no matter how long it's been since they broke up. Some of the high-profile romances from our youth seem so iconic and so important that we tend to believe they lasted a lot longer than they really did - and what's even more fascinating is when you realize that some of those same stars are in current relationships that have actually stood the test of time. From Britney and Justin to Brad and Jennifer, keep reading for seven celebrity romances that were much shorter than you remember, then check out more things you loved as a teenager in the 2000s.
9 Things You Never Knew About SoulCycle
Many fitness fanatics (ourselves included) can't imagine a world without SoulCycle. Those 45 sweat-soaked, spiritually attuned minutes in SoulCycle's grapefruit-scented halls are absolutely sacred to us and have become an integral part of our fitness and wellness regimen.
That was exactly the vision that SoulCycle's two incredible female founders had when they created the powerhouse fitness brand we now know and love. The story of Soul starts at a blind-date lunch, traverses a yellow rickshaw in front of a Craigslist sublet, lands squarely at a cleansing crystal ritual, and has empowered a whole lot of women along the way. Here are nine things you probably don't know about the brand and its history.
- Founders Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice didn't come from the fitness industry; Elizabeth was in luxury real estate and Julie was a talent agent.
- In fact, they weren't even friends; they were set up on a "blind date," and before they left their first lunch together, they had an action plan: figure out how to get towels and secure real estate for SoulCycle's first studio.
- Elizabeth was a yogi who had trouble losing the baby weight and needed cardio. Julie was a runner and hiker looking for that same sense of community in a fitness class. Their visions came together in a way we can still see today; SoulCycle has a distinct yoga vibe with intense(ly fun) cardio and a tight-knit community.
- Eighty-six percent of the company's leaders are women (wowza), starting with the CEO, Melanie Whelan, formerly of Equinox. "We create roles for women," said SoulCycle SVP of PR and Brand Strategy Gabby Etrog Cohen (yet another example of a woman in charge).
- SoulCycle found its first studio space on Craigslist; it was a back lobby on 72nd Street in New York City and had no outward signage (the studio has since moved to 77th Street). They used a yellow-painted rickshaw to grab attention outside, despite the fact that it would get them some parking tickets.
- They chose the color yellow because it's a happy, positive color that evokes joy and the opposite of what traditional gyms tend to look like. They wanted to bring more joy and light to the workout experience.
- SoulCycle prides itself on being "the only class you can do with your eyes closed." They urge riders to disconnect completely, leaving phones behind and immersing themselves in the experience.
- Each corporate meeting at Soul begins with a meditation and a setting of an intention.
- There is an amethyst in every single studio behind the bike on the podium; in fact, SoulCycle has an SOP (standard operating procedure) for the official crystal cleansing ceremony that happens before every single studio opens, even a pop-up. The crystal is blessed with water from a natural source, and the staff all rides together for a class to "christen" the studio before it is open to the public.
66 Times Mariah Carey Proved She's the Most Glamorous Mom
Mariah Carey: elusive chanteuse or supercool mom? According to her Instagram, it seems the iconic singer is more devoted to the latter role. But let's get one thing straight from the get-go: Mariah is not your average celebrity parent. She has ridiculously expensive taste, and as a result, her kids are treated to nothing but the best. Boat excursions, Christmas in Aspen, theme park takeovers - these are just some of the A-list activities Mariah does with her adorable twins, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon. Read on to find out what Mariah has (probably) been thinking as she takes on motherhood like a loving diva, and be sure to follow more celebrity families on Instagram.
66 Times Mariah Carey Proved She's the Most Glamorous Mom
Mariah Carey: elusive chanteuse or supercool mom? According to her Instagram, it seems the iconic singer is more devoted to the latter role. But let's get one thing straight from the get-go: Mariah is not your average celebrity parent. She has ridiculously expensive taste, and as a result, her kids are treated to nothing but the best. Boat excursions, Christmas in Aspen, theme park takeovers - these are just some of the A-list activities Mariah does with her adorable twins, Moroccan and Monroe Cannon. Read on to find out what Mariah has (probably) been thinking as she takes on motherhood like a loving diva, and be sure to follow more celebrity families on Instagram.
Drew Barrymore and Daughter Olive Have a Precious Date With the Easter Bunny
Drew Barrymore and 4-year-old daughter Olive Kopelman got a head start on their Easter celebrations when they attended the Society of MSK's Bunny Hop in NYC on Tuesday. The mother-daughter duo were as cute as can be as they cuddled up together for pictures with the Easter Bunny. The annual charity event raises funds for pediatrics, and even though Drew's younger daughter Frankie wasn't in attendance, we're pretty sure this beats the family's recent trip to Disney World.
Drew Barrymore and Daughter Olive Have a Precious Date With the Easter Bunny
Drew Barrymore and 4-year-old daughter Olive Kopelman got a head start on their Easter celebrations when they attended the Society of MSK's Bunny Hop in NYC on Tuesday. The mother-daughter duo were as cute as can be as they cuddled up together for pictures with the Easter Bunny. The annual charity event raises funds for pediatrics, and even though Drew's younger daughter Frankie wasn't in attendance, we're pretty sure this beats the family's recent trip to Disney World.
You Won't Believe the Gross Thing 1 Fan Asked Charlie Hunnam to Give Her
Charlie Hunnam covers the April issue of Men's Health, and this behind-the-scenes video from the photo shoot may or may not make you blush. Wearing a white t-shirt, the sexy star worked out as the cameras clicked, confirming exactly why he's so crush-worthy and joking that he hopes to sell more issues of the magazine than Mark Wahlberg and Barack Obama.
It's a busy time for the actor, who will be hitting the big screen in two major movies coming out this Spring: The Lost City of Z and King Arthur, both of which are sure to grow his already rabid fan base. Oh, and speaking of Charlie's incredibly devoted fans, in the Men's Health video, Charlie couldn't help but smirk as he revealed one of the wildest, most unbelievable requests he's received. One time, he said, a woman wrote a letter asking him to send her one of his fingernails or toenails. Yes, toenails. And spoiler alert: he didn't.
You Won't Believe the Gross Thing 1 Fan Asked Charlie Hunnam to Give Her
Charlie Hunnam covers the April issue of Men's Health, and this behind-the-scenes video from the photo shoot may or may not make you blush. Wearing a white t-shirt, the sexy star worked out as the cameras clicked, confirming exactly why he's so crush-worthy and joking that he hopes to sell more issues of the magazine than Mark Wahlberg and Barack Obama.
It's a busy time for the actor, who will be hitting the big screen in two major movies coming out this Spring: The Lost City of Z and King Arthur, both of which are sure to grow his already rabid fan base. Oh, and speaking of Charlie's incredibly devoted fans, in the Men's Health video, Charlie couldn't help but smirk as he revealed one of the wildest, most unbelievable requests he's received. One time, he said, a woman wrote a letter asking him to send her one of his fingernails or toenails. Yes, toenails. And spoiler alert: he didn't.
14 Celebrities Who Experienced Disney Magic - and Got Photographic Proof
It seems like nearly everyone has some kind of Disney-related childhood memory, right? There's something about the fun-loving brand that just resonates. Between Mickey Mouse, the princesses (bonus: we even have Latina Princess Elena of Avalor now, too), and the beautiful stories, there's so much magic tied to it all. And Disney parks bring the feeling to life. So it's no wonder that millions of people frequent the parks' multiple locations around the world each year - including your favorite celebrities. Read on to see exactly who has made the trek!
A Letter to Everyone Who Changes My Name From Rose to Rosa on Purpose
Imagine being in class with a teacher or at work with colleagues who repeatedly mispronounce your name, even after you have verbally introduced yourself, carefully saying your not-hard-to-pronounce name loud and clear. That has been my situation way too often.
My name is Rose. I'm a third-generation Mexican-American, and I only speak and understand basic Spanish. In 1954, my tata Crescencio Ramirez, my maternal grandfather, was smacked with a ruler by his teacher for speaking Spanish in class. As a result, he didn't teach his children the language, thinking it would prevent them from experiencing the same treatment. My paternal grandmother, Eleanor Barraza, tried teaching the language to her children, but they always preferred English. Which is why I'm confused when anyone addresses me as Rosa. That's not my name, and through the years, it has made me uncomfortable and upset when someone ignores that fact. The incidents are frequent and memorable.
I can remember it clearly. I was working at a shoe store, standing behind the register, preparing for a reset. As our district manager walked in, he greeted the managers, and then we were introduced. Along with my visible name tag, he had just heard me say my name, but within five minutes of meeting me, he had already changed it. I originally thought he had misheard me, but even after correcting him, it continued.
And the cycle sustained at my next job. I was in a business meeting with my colleagues; we went around the table introducing ourselves to a new employee. It was my turn, I announced my name and position, and he responded: "Nice to meet you, Rosa." The room went silent and every facial expression declared a moment of shock. They already knew not to call me anything other than my name. It was an embarrassing moment, and he later apologized. But I always wondered why this kept happening.
As a child, I rarely corrected anyone because my parents taught me to respect and obey my elders. But over the years, teachers, bosses, colleagues, clients, strangers, and even new friends misinterpreted my name. It's not in any way that I want to disassociate myself from my Mexican heritage, I just want to answer to the legal name my parents gave me like most people in the world. It was not until I took a media literacy class in college, which focused on the intersection of race, class, and gender, that I was exposed to a different perspective.
A study by Dwight E. Brooks and Lisa P. Hébert titled "Gender, Race, and Media Representation" concluded that media shape our notions, in various ways, about certain groups of people in society. Latinas are generally portrayed as domestic workers, reinforcing existing stereotypes often seen in movies, like with Jennifer Lopez in Maid in Manhattan, Adriana Barraza in Babel, or Lupe Ontiveros in The Goonies. The study also acknowledged that Lopez tends to break the mold by playing characters that are not ethnically categorized, such as her roles in Monster-in-Law, Gigli, and The Wedding Planner, but that's not the norm. In an interview with NPR, Ontiveros said that she has played the role of a maid over 150 times throughout her career. Common names for the characters she portrayed were Rosa, María, Lupe, and Marta.
Learning these facts during the class made me question if people were addressing me as Rosa because I looked like the typical maid in media - whose name couldn't possibly be Rose. In an article published in the journal Sociology Compass titled "The Persistent Problem of Colorism: Skin Tone, Status, and Inequality" by Margaret Hunter, the author found that fair-skinned Latinas were generally portrayed as successful and sexy, while dark-skinned women were left with unwanted and labor roles. As a brown girl, I understood. I always felt invisible, insignificant, and unworthy in environments where I felt like I was being treated differently because of my skin tone. I realized that my real-world experience reflected media stereotypes.
I am glad to see Latinas creating change in media - America Ferrera in Superstore on NBC and Jenna Ortega in Stuck in the Middle on the Disney Channel - but we still have a long way to go. Bobbie Eisenstock, Ph.D, a California State University Northridge media professor, explained that "with a media culture so overpopulated with stereotypes, the effect is to normalize and perpetuate stereotypes in society, which, in turn, affect how we interact with people who fit the stereotype in our real lives, particularly if we lack first-hand personal experience knowing someone like them."
People may think I am overreacting, but our names are our identities, and stereotyping people based on physical appearance is more common than we may realize. In an interview with Makers Women, Christy Haubegger, founder of Latina magazine, shares her story about being mistaken for a housekeeper at a major hotel where she was staying on business. After meetings with advertising companies, Haubegger left her hotel room to get ice when another guest asked: "Oh, wonderful, dear, are you bringing those to all the rooms?" She replied, "No, ma'am, just my room." This event strengthened her commitment to challenge stereotypes until people recognize Latinas as entrepreneurs, lawyers, and more.
I want women like Ramona Ortega, founder and CEO of My Money, My Future, who teaches young millennial Latinas about finance; Maria Teresa Kumar, founder of VotoLatino, who involves and educates Latinos about the political process; and Nury Martinez, the only Mexican-American woman serving on the Los Angeles City Council, to be as well-known as Gloria Steinem, Sheryl Sandberg, and Beyoncé are to their communities and the world. These women inspire me every day - for them, I promise to work hard until everyone finds us worthy enough to learn our names.
You'll Be Surprised These Celebrities Are Actually Twins!
In addition to famous twins like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Benji and Joel Madden, and the Mowry sisters, there are a number of celebrities that you may not have known are part of a pair. Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, and even Vin Diesel have twin siblings - and while some of their other halves keep a low profile, others have a place in show business as well. Keep reading to see 16 stars that you didn't know had a double!
You'll Be Surprised These Celebrities Are Actually Twins!
In addition to famous twins like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Benji and Joel Madden, and the Mowry sisters, there are a number of celebrities that you may not have known are part of a pair. Ashton Kutcher, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, and even Vin Diesel have twin siblings - and while some of their other halves keep a low profile, others have a place in show business as well. Keep reading to see 16 stars that you didn't know had a double!
11 of the Best McDonald's Recipes - Hacked!
"McDonald's" and "homemade" don't always go hand in hand, but these copycat recipes allow you to make your own McDonald's every time the craving strikes. Skip the drive-through for more than 10 DIY versions of your favorite menu items you can totally re-create at home, from the iconic french fries to the Shamrock Shake.
Why I Became an American Citizen
That's my flag up there, as of June 15, 2012. That's the day I stood in a government building in New York City filled with people from basically every corner of the world, proudly swearing my allegiance to the United States of America as a brand-new citizen.
But the stars and stripes is not my only flag. I was born and grew up in Lima, Peru. I came to the US to attend college with a student visa and a scholarship when I was 17 and never left. After falling in love with this country (and an American guy), I got to stay, legally, without any issues. I know it's not that easy for everyone, that people fight hard to stay. As a recent immigrant, I know the idea of coming to the US in search of the American dream is not just an idea, it's reality. Even though I think this country, just like my birth one, has its flaws, I deeply love it and know many of the opportunities I've gotten in life could only have been given to me here.
Anyone who knows that I was born in Peru - that's everyone I know, because I volunteer this information without skipping a beat - asks me at some point if I ever think of "going back home." My answer: this is home. I've spent almost half of my life in New York, and as much as I miss my family and friends and speaking Spanish every day, I grew into an adult here, and I don't really know how to live in Peru anymore. The bottom line is I was a kid when I left, and now I'm a totally different person with goals and attitudes that were shaped by living in the US.
For me, becoming a resident was a given. My husband is American and our lives were here, so there was no question about staying. Aside from the process being nerve-racking, it was fairly easy for me to get a green card. I was lucky, and I know that. There were tons of forms and a huge file of evidence to show the relationship with my husband and our marriage were legitimate, but that was really it. The green card came in the mail three months after our immigration interview, and I held on to it for three years. The day that I was allowed to file for my citizenship - after three years if you get your green card through marriage; five if you did for other reasons - I did.
Having spent my young-adult years here, acquiring a New York accent, celebrating Fourth of July, and paying taxes, I decided that I wanted to be an official citizen. I would have been allowed to live in the US forever with a green card and as a legal resident, but I felt American as much as I felt Peruvian. For me, having a naturalization certificate said I chose to be part of this country as much as I chose to be part of Peru.
I want to be clear: I love Peru. I didn't leave the country because I didn't want to be there, but because the US was giving me a chance that I couldn't pass up. I am proud to represent Peruvians in the US. When I accomplish something, I want people to know that I'm both Peruvian and American, not one in spite of the other. Both countries made me who I am, not just one of them.
You're entitled to think otherwise, but in my mind, I'm the definition of what it is to be an American. I'm an immigrant with a complicated background and a wish to honor what this country gave me by being a standout citizen and fighting to make this an even greater place than it already is. My American passport doesn't make me any less Peruvian, and my Peruvian passport doesn't make me any less American. I'm both and unique, and that's what this country is all about.
Scarlett Johansson Files For Divorce From Husband Romain Dauriac
Scarlett Johansson has filed for divorce from French journalist Romain Dauriac, Page Six reports. According to the publication, Scarlett's attorney Judith Poller served divorce papers to Romain's lawyer on Tuesday, March 7. In January, news broke that Scarlett had called it quits with her husband of two years, while a source revealed, "They've been separated since the summer." The pair started dating in November 2012 before welcoming their daughter, Rose, and tying the knot in 2014. Scarlett most recently attended the Oscars in LA with her agent, Joe Machota.
Scarlett Johansson Files For Divorce From Husband Romain Dauriac
Scarlett Johansson has filed for divorce from French journalist Romain Dauriac, Page Six reports. According to the publication, Scarlett's attorney Judith Poller served divorce papers to Romain's lawyer on Tuesday, March 7. In January, news broke that Scarlett had called it quits with her husband of two years, while a source revealed, "They've been separated since the summer." The pair started dating in November 2012 before welcoming their daughter, Rose, and tying the knot in 2014. Scarlett most recently attended the Oscars in LA with her agent, Joe Machota.
Bone Broth Is Just as Good For Your Dog as It Is For You
We've often sung the praises of bone broth in our regular diets, but did you know that it has just as much nutritional value for your dog? According to veterinarian Dr. Leilani Alvarez, who works at New York City's Animal Medical Center, bone broth is chock-full of calcium, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid, among other things.
Dr. Alvarez recommends bone broth as a supplement for senior dogs because all of the minerals and nutrients from the bones in the broth end up benefiting your dog's bones in the same manner. But aside from benefiting your pup's bones and joints, the bone broth also aids in digestion and fighting allergies. It can even stimulate a dog's appetite if he doesn't want to eat his regular food. She advises, however, not to feed your dog only bone broth. It is meant to be used supplementally with your dog's regular diet.
You can make your own bone broth at home using this recipe (just be sure to not use the onion), or you can buy it premade in stores, which is what Dr. Alvarez said she does for convenience. One of our favorites is this bone broth from The Honest Kitchen that saves you all the hassle of making it yourself! After all, bone broth takes many, many hours to make. But if your pup is sick and needs you, you do what you gotta do.
A Taste of Amy Schumer Leather-Filled Stand-Up Special, Now on Netflix
Fun fact: Amy Schumer only gets funnier when she's wearing a leather catsuit. Or at least that's the premise of her Netflix stand-up special, aptly called Amy Schumer: The Leather Special. In it, the Snatched actress tackles a few of her favorite things: binge drinking, body shaming, her relationship with boyfriend Ben Hanisch, and how her vagina smells on "its best day" (obviously). The special was filmed at Denver's Bellco Theater during one of her sold-out shows and hit the streaming giant on March 7. Prepare yourselves accordingly.
Did Eugene Inadvertently Cause The Walking Dead's Zombie Apocalypse?
Negan has taken Eugene hostage on The Walking Dead. On a recent episode, Negan tries the "nice guy" route with his new prisoner; he gives Eugene a great room, video games, and all the pickles he could possibly want. In this episode, Eugene also repeats an old lie he once used on Abraham and Rosita: he tells Negan that he had been a scientist who was working on the Human Genome Project before the plague took over.
According to Eugene's story, his work involved weaponizing diseases to fight against other military forces who were doing the same thing. We learn this is a lie all the way back in season five, when Eugene tells Glenn, Maggie, Rosita, Tara, and Abraham that he's "not a scientist," that he "doesn't know how to stop it," and that he "just knows things." But what if some of his story is true? I think the one thing we can all agree on is that Eugene lies about a possible cure. It's the number one incentive driving Rick and the rest of the group to Washington DC, and that's Eugene's primary goal when we first meet him. Here's the thing, though: he also says he's a "very good liar," which means it's nearly impossible to tell what is and is not the truth.
So, here's a plausible theory: Eugene is a scientist, he did work on the Human Genome Project, and he was trying to weaponize diseases. Eugene's spiel is so specific, so detailed, and so believable, I have trouble accepting he conjured the whole story out of thin air. What's more, we know Eugene is a clumsy oaf (even if he's super smart). Is there a chance he somehow released the disease? In our previous investigation into the origin of the virus, we discovered that a small detail on Fear the Walking Dead suggests it's in the water, and that's why everyone has it.
What if by some tragic accident, a weaponized virus was let loose into the nation's (or world's) water sources, and it was Eugene's fault? Not only does it fit with his obvious skill set, but it might even explain why he's such an emotional disaster. Making such a deadly and catastrophic mistake could utterly shatter a person's emotional stability.
It's clear that Eugene has a pretty solid grasp on science and chemistry. You have to, at some point, chalk it up to more than him "knowing stuff." After all, he painlessly creates a poison pill, and he knows how to mix elements to create explosives and cause other chemical reactions. Consider this: it's one thing to admit you lied about a potential cure, but it's another to confess that you're somehow responsible for the entire apocalypse. That's something Eugene might never want to admit to another soul. We may never get an answer either way, but if this story is something that Eugene returns to over and over again, it's hard not to wonder if part of it is true.
8 Harry Potter/Game of Thrones Crossovers That Might Blow Your Mind a Little
Our ever-loving fan minds were blown once again when we learned that Jim Broadbent would be joining Game of Thrones next season - because he's yet another Harry Potter alum to join HBO's hit show. There have been a lot of crossovers between the show and the series, so many that you may not know about all of them. If you want to know about everyone who has gone from the land of wizards and Muggles to the land of dragons and kings, just keep reading.
There's 1 Clear Difference in Jennifer Lopez's Style This Year
Jennifer Lopez isn't wasting any time - she's hitting every red carpet and stepping out to run errands in outfits worthy of your attention.
We're only a few days into the year, and she's already giving us plenty to think about. For example, has her style gotten more demure? No, seriously, is this the year J Lo chooses high necklines and classic items like pussy-bow blouses instead of lots of cleavage? Only time will tell, but it looks like so far the singer, actress, and producer is switching things up and keeping us on our toes. Scroll ahead to see her best outfits this year so far.
Gabby Douglas Just Got Real About the Double Standard She Experienced During the Olympics
"I literally felt like the world was against me," said Gabby Douglas.
Gabby Douglas Just Got Real About the Double Standard She Experienced During the Olympics
"I literally felt like the world was against me," said Gabby Douglas.
Thank Heaven For Little Girls
We have a bond with our daughters that is undeniable. But little girls can both tug at our heartstrings and pinch our nerves - and while you may not always see eye to eye with her, you gotta love that gal of yours. So while we loved celebrating the joys of boys being boys, this one's for the girls.
Try to Read This List of '90s Boy Bands Without Saying "I Totally Forgot About Them"
Matching outfits. Cheesy group photos. Frosted tips - there's so much about '90s boy bands to be thankful for. While posters of *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, or Boyz II Men might have gotten the choice spots on my bedroom wall (who wouldn't want Lance Bass watching them sleep?), there are some groups from that particular decade who need a little bit more love, in my humble opinion. Although some from of those aforementioned bands have gone on to see solo stardom (you know who you are), let's pour one out for the groups who might not be ruling the charts anymore but still hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts. That's right: O-Town, LFO, and even 2Ge+Her (yes, EVEN 2GE+HER).
Where Can You See the Oscar Winners Next? These Big Movies
Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Mahershala Ali, and Casey Affleck can all call themselves Oscar winners, but that doesn't mean their work in Hollywood is done! Far from it; each actor has several exciting projects in the works. From a Disney adaptation to a Neil Armstrong biopic, find out what's in store for 2017's most critically lauded actors.
31 Stars Who Will Make You Feel Great About Turning 40 This Year
If you're one of the many people turning the big 4-0 this year, you're not alone. This Is Us costars Milo Ventimiglia and Justin Hartley are both hitting the big milestone this year, as are musicians Kanye West, Chris Martin, and John Mayer. In addition to sharing the same birthday, John Cena and Kal Penn are also turning 40 along with Tom Brady, Jessica Chastain, and Liv Tyler. If we didn't know any better, we'd say these stars have found the fountain of youth.
10 Times Selena Gomez Got Real About Body Positivity - and We Loved It
Selena Gomez is no stranger to the sometimes-harsh criticism that comes with fame; however, the "Kill Em With Kindness" singer is known for her keen ability to rise above it, stay true to herself, and recognize when she needs a break from the limelight.
Following a hiatus earlier in 2016, Selena re-emerged at the American Music Awards with an even stronger message of self-love and acceptance that reminded us just how much we've idolized her body positivity over the years. Ahead, find 10 times she has inspired us with a few simple words!
Articles
