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
16 Reasons You Should Take Pride in Being a Miranda
Back in Sex and the City's TV heyday, when many people were trying to figure out which of the main characters they were most like, there seemed to be an unspoken belief that it was bad to be "a Miranda." Think about it: Carrie has the cool curly hair, unique fashion sense, and interesting job; Samantha is completely fearless when it comes to everything in life, especially sex; and Charlotte is pretty and perfect and lives on Park Avenue. But Miranda? Miranda Hobbes has the dowdiest wardrobe (especially in the first two seasons!) and can be so pessimistic that she often veers into Debbie Downer territory. "But she's so mean to Steve!" your girlfriends may have said; "That haircut!" another probably quipped. Be honest - you did not want to be a Miranda.
Here's the thing about Miranda, though: she is the realest. She is, quite possibly, the baddest b*tch on the block, and when it comes to her friends, she is an unwavering pillar of strength and constant source of support. When Carrie considers reuniting with Big after their devastating (first) breakup, Miranda is the one to slap some sense into her ("He's bad for you, Carrie!") and in Sex and the City 2, when Charlotte is feeling overwhelmed with the pressures of being a mom, it is Miranda who tells her that she doesn't have to be everything to everybody. When Miranda goes through her own hard times - like when her mother passes away and when she contemplates having an abortion after an accidental pregnancy - she has to come to terms with her own emotions and learn how to lean on others for comfort and encouragement, just like any other adult would. As the show went on, we were introduced to Miranda's softer side, but thankfully, she never loses her edge or her trademark biting wit. In honor of all the Mirandas out there - especially those who may have initially rejected their Miranda-ness - we've rounded up the 16 reasons you should let your Hobbes flag fly. Keep reading to see them all now.
Jessica Chastain Celebrates International Women's Day at a Rally in Poland
Stars are celebrating International Women's Day on Wednesday in all sorts of ways and in all corners of the world. While some have taken to social media to voice their support for women's rights, others have taken to the streets to participate in rallies and protests. Jessica Chastain did just that when she stepped out in Warsaw, Poland, to march with the local people. The actress, who is in the country to promote her film The Zookeeper's Wife, dressed in an all-black outfit to honor the color Poland chose to wear to focus on issues including femicide and abortion. In addition to walking with the crowd, Jessica also chatted to individuals and posed for photos. Who run the world? Well, you know the rest . . .
There's a Reason Both Parents and Kids Love This Genius "Salt Tray" Hack
Now that Jen's little girl is in the first grade, she's been given a list of sight words to practice reading at home each week. Instead of just working on how to the read them, the mother-daughter duo is also focusing on spelling, so Gracen's crafty mama came up with a clever way to turn this "homework" into a hands-on activity.
In a video from November 2016 that's now going viral, Jen shows how a simple DIY "salt tray" is a valuable tool for helping kiddos practice printing, spelling, and refining their handwriting. "It's waaaaay more fun than having to use a pencil and paper, fixing mistakes is a breeze (fun even - shake, shake, shake!) so it takes away a lot of the anxiety that comes with potentially making a mistake and the frustration that comes with constantly having to erase, and it's a sensory-filled process which adds interest and holds kids' attention," Jen shared on Facebook.
Whether you use a shoebox lid and table salt or a special tray and incorporate some glitter into the mix, as long as you have a strong contrast between the white salt and the color of your tray, you and your little one should be all set!
20 Amethyst Nail Art Ideas That Look Like Jewelry
Now that you've mastered the rose quartz manicure, it's time to move onto another gem stone: amethyst. The violet quartz stone is often used in jewelry and home decor - and it definitely makes a statement when translated to nail art.
Some fun facts: the ancient Greeks thought amethyst could prevent intoxication (so maybe try it before a big girls' night out?), and it is also thought to have protective and healing properties. Gem stone facials are hot in skin care right now, so if learning about this appeals to you, freshen up on the ABCs of stones, energy, and beauty here.
But if you just want a chic manicure, keep reading to see gorgeous ways to rock amethyst on your fingertips!
What Happens to Eugene in The Walking Dead Comics?
Things have not been going well for Eugene during this season of The Walking Dead. He's lost his friends Abraham and Glenn, and is having a hard time coping with their deaths. Even worse, his remaining friends are taking their sweet time rescuing him from the Saviors - to be fair, they've been a little preoccupied with convincing King Ezekiel to join the fight against Negan.
For the most part, Eugene's story has been faithful to the comics. Just like on the show, he lies and later admits he doesn't know how to find a cure for the breakout. (We have a theory that Eugene may have caused the breakout.) Then, he discovers a factory capable of producing bullets and his intelligence intrigues both Rick and Negan.
A recent episode, however, saw his character deviate from the comics by declaring, "I am Negan." The whole episode had been building up to the moment, with him also helping Negan figure out how to stop his fence-line walkers from decaying by cleverly suggesting they be covered in liquid metal, making them virtually indestructible. In the comics, he's not so enthusiastic about helping Negan and continually stands up to him. Even with Negan forcing him to make bullets, he still pledges his loyalty to Rick. Eugene finally escapes with the help of one of the Saviors, who believes Negan to be unfit to lead.
Jumping two years ahead, he's found his groove as an important member of the Alexandria community, which Rick has successfully rebuilt. After rejoining the Herd Patrol, he also forms a relationship with Rosita (yup!) and she ends up pregnant. His happiness is short-lived when a new group called The Whisperers kill her and her unborn child.
In an effort to get his mind off of things, Eugene buys a CB radio and begins communicating with a woman named Stephanie. They start a relationship, despite never meeting, and he learns that she is from Ohio. When he discloses his location, she tells him he shouldn't have done that. However, he trusts her with the sensitive information and keeps his relationship with her a secret from Rick.
That's all we've seen of him so far in the comics. Who knows how it will play out on TV!
15 Crazy-Good (and Healthy) Avocado Recipes to Make on the Regular
Fact: everything is better with avocado. Salads, desserts, smoothies, sandwiches - you name it, it needs some avo. This superfood is rich in monounsaturated fat (specifically oleic acid), helps lower cholesterol, and is totally versatile. Whether you use it as a sauce, a dressing, or a topping, you're guaranteed stomach satisfaction when it's involved.
15 Crazy-Good (and Healthy) Avocado Recipes to Make on the Regular
Fact: everything is better with avocado. Salads, desserts, smoothies, sandwiches - you name it, it needs some avo. This superfood is rich in monounsaturated fat (specifically oleic acid), helps lower cholesterol, and is totally versatile. Whether you use it as a sauce, a dressing, or a topping, you're guaranteed stomach satisfaction when it's involved.
16 Frida Kahlo Quotes That Will Change Your Life
We are not here to tell you Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was inspiring AF. You already very well know that her individuality and self-acceptance were off the charts. But we're here to remind you that the words she wrote and spoke through the short 47 years she was alive were pure magic - and perhaps just what you need for a little inspiration.
You'll want to keep these 16 motivational and beautiful quotes credited to Frida close. Make them your mantras, share them with friends, turn them into a tattoo or two. Her words have never rang truer than right now!
Emma Watson Shouldn’t Have to Defend Posing Topless
"I really don't know what my tits have to do with it."- Emma Watson
Emma Watson Shouldn’t Have to Defend Posing Topless
"I really don't know what my tits have to do with it."- Emma Watson
10 Latina-Owned Beauty Brands You Want to Get Your Hands On ASAP
Behind every great makeup brand there's an innovative creative mind, and in the case of these 10 beauty companies, the lead has been taken by a Latina.
Each woman is dedicated to empowering anyone who wears makeup to look and feel their best, and each brand features trendy products you'll want to add to your everyday routine. From your beloved Beautyblender to that Kat Von D Studded Lipstick in Lolita you wear all the time, these are the brands and beauty buys you should know.
Try This Healthy Self-Care Challenge
Reduce stress and live a healthier life by practicing self-care. With simple, practical indulgences, you'll find outlets to balance the stresses of your day to day and give yourself the mental strength to take on more challenges this year . And it's not selfish - when you feel better and take better care of yourself, you're able to give more to others, too. Get after bigger and better goals in the coming months by taking care of number one with some much needed TLC.
- Get at least one massage (more if you can!).
- Try a restorative yoga practice.
- Start using and diffusing essential oils; try lavender, eucalyptus, rose, and more.
- Gratitude journal several times throughout the month to remind yourself of what you're grateful for.
- Find an awesome therapist, and commit to regular sessions.
- Spend more time alone, on your own schedule, with no one telling you what to do.
- Plan a vacation with your best friend - even if it's a weekend staycation!
- Try acupuncture, reiki, or another natural healing practice.
- Spend at least one day a month this year doing an outdoor activity, like forest bathing or grounding.
- Find a healthy smoothie or salad recipe that you absolutely love, and make it at least once a month.
- Get at least eight hours of sleep a night, especially on weeknights.
- Commit to going on a walk daily, even if it's only five minutes of fresh air outside to clear your head.
How Jon Snow Is More Like Ned Than Any of the Stark Children
It's pretty much universally accepted at this point that Jon Snow isn't really Ned Stark's son on Game of Thrones, but even the bastard apple doesn't always fall far from the tree (even if the apple is actually the nephew of the tree). Over the course of six seasons, we've watched Jon slowly evolve from family outcast to badass leader, and there's no denying how much Ned has inspired the man Jon has become, right down to his fashion sense. While we're waiting for more season seven details, take a look at the stark similarities. (Get it?)
They're both great (but reluctant) leaders.
In season one, Ned initially declines Robert Baratheon's request for Ned to be his Hand to the King. Though Ned is a loyal friend, he's never really desired being in a place of high power. However, his commitment to justice (in this case, investigating the Lannisters and Jon Arryn's death) and doing what's best for Westeros eventually sways him to head to King's Landing. Similarly, Jon has no aspirations of being Lord Commander when he first joins the Night's Watch, but ultimately accepts the position when it's decided by the group that he's the right choice. Jon tries to decline leadership again when Sansa reveals her plan to take back Winterfell; at this point, Jon has already been murdered for his role and has no interest in heading up an army and going into battle. However, like Ned, his commitment to doing the right thing, especially for his family, puts him in charge once again (though really Sansa is pulling a lot the strings here).
They refuse to compromise their morals
There's no denying that the Stark men are honorable, but unfortunately, like his father (and his brother Robb), Jon's rise to power ends in tragedy - and all three men fall due to an inherent difficulty in playing the darker side of the titular game of thrones. As Hand to the King, Ned is basically outplayed by everyone in King's Landing once Robert dies - proving to be no match for Littlefinger and the Lannisters, he ends up with his head on a spike, going to the grave refusing to truly acknowledge Joffrey as the true king (despite his final false confession). Jon gets into hot water with the Night's Watch when he won't turn his back on the wildlings (at the urging of many of his own men) - and pays the price when his men stage a mutiny. In his second life, Jon makes another grave mistake due to emotion - in the Battle of the Bastards, he's unable to stick to the plan to wait for the Bolton army to charge. Once he watches his brother Rickon die, he can't help but run straight for Ramsay (which also leads his army directly into a trap). Thankfully, things have worked out better for Jon than for Ned.
They're not afraid to do what they have to to make sure justice is served
It's clear from the very first episode of Game of Thrones that Jon is heeding his father's advice very carefully. In one of the first scenes of the show, Ned beheads a deserter of the Night's Watch as his sons look on, noting the importance that he do the beheading himself since he's delivering the sentence. Later, Jon follows suit in beheading Janos Slynt, after Slynt fails to acknowledge Jon as Lord Commander, and again in season six when Jon sees that the Night's Watch mutineers are hanged.
The physical similarities
Jon has always had the look of a Stark (moreso than Sansa, for example, who shares more similarities with her mother's side), but he's looked more like Ned than ever since his near death experience. For starters, there's the man bun Jon has been sporting, which harkens back to the Ned Stark mini-ponytail of season one. Then, there's the matter of armor: in season six, Jon has started wearing the Stark armor we previously saw on both Ned and Robb. Completing the look is the new fur cloak that Sansa makes and gifts to Jon after their reunion, which she modeled after the one their father used to wear. (Jon and Ned also share the uncanny ability to beautifully brood, but that's nothing new.)
Try This Healthy Self-Care Challenge
Reduce stress and live a healthier life by practicing self-care. With simple, practical indulgences, you'll find outlets to balance the stresses of your day to day and give yourself the mental strength to take on more challenges this year . And it's not selfish - when you feel better and take better care of yourself, you're able to give more to others, too. Get after bigger and better goals in the coming months by taking care of number one with some much needed TLC.
- Get at least one massage (more if you can!).
- Try a restorative yoga practice.
- Start using and diffusing essential oils; try lavender, eucalyptus, rose, and more.
- Gratitude journal several times throughout the month to remind yourself of what you're grateful for.
- Find an awesome therapist, and commit to regular sessions.
- Spend more time alone, on your own schedule, with no one telling you what to do.
- Plan a vacation with your best friend - even if it's a weekend staycation!
- Try acupuncture, reiki, or another natural healing practice.
- Spend at least one day a month this year doing an outdoor activity, like forest bathing or grounding.
- Find a healthy smoothie or salad recipe that you absolutely love, and make it at least once a month.
- Get at least eight hours of sleep a night, especially on weeknights.
- Commit to going on a walk daily, even if it's only five minutes of fresh air outside to clear your head.
23 Reasons Buffy the Vampire Slayer Is Still Your Role Model
Before Twilight and The Vampire Diaries, it was all about Buffy Summers and her Scooby gang on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sarah Michelle Gellar was the ultimate teen badass, slaying vampires, falling in and out of love with vampires, and talking sassy to boot. In honor of International Women's Day, we're looking back at one of our first heroes and highlighting all her most badass moments in GIFs!
3 Ingenious Cooking Secrets Straight From an Italian Grandmother
Like many Italian cooks, Laura Vitale learned a lot from her Italian grandmother. Laura grew up spending time in the kitchen, cooked her way to the top, and now hosts Cooking Channel's Simply Laura and YouTube's Laura in the Kitchen, where she has more than 2 million subscribers. After speaking about her chili mac and cheese recipe with me, Laura shared some truly invaluable cooking tips that she learned from her Italian grandmother and that every home cook can benefit from. Get a free cooking lesson by remembering these three rules, straight from an unbeatable source.
1. Buy One Cheap Olive Oil and One Nice One
If you cook with olive oil a lot, it's smart to have one cheap bottle and one higher quality, more expensive bottle. "There should be two different kinds of olive oil you keep on hand. This is something I've done my whole life because my mother and my grandmother do," Laura said. "When you have two different kinds of olive oil, a standard olive oil and a more expensive version, that more expensive version can be used to make no-cook sauces that have such potent, fresh flavor," like basil pesto and bruschetta. Save the cheaper olive oil for cooking dishes where the flavor won't be able to shine as much, like kale and white bean soup with Italian sausage.
2. Freeze Parmesan Rinds to Add to Soup
You might think there's no use for a rind of parmesan cheese once you've grated every last strand, but that's not the case - in fact, you should be cooking with it. Laura notes that parmesan rinds are a crucial component to flavorful soups, saying, "Having a good base for your soup is so important; it's something that my grandma taught me. To make [soup] even better, you throw in a little bit of a wedge of parmigiano reggiano cheese in the pot as it cooks. It releases all that flavor as it cooks. It's not only just for garnish, but hits it at a much deeper level. I keep parmesan rinds in my freezer for times like this - it makes the biggest difference in the world."
3. Treat Time as an Ingredient
The best cooking tip Laura received from her grandmother is to recognize that time is just as important of an ingredient as any other. "Never mistake the difference between what takes a long time to cook and what takes a long time to prepare. One of the most important things when it comes to cooking is time - allowing something to cook for a while and not rushing it. When you're cooking for someone, make sure it comes from the heart; it's a different experience. [My grandmother] says, 'Half the time I don't even want to eat, I just want to cook for people because it makes me feel good.'"
The Best Thing My Mom Taught Me About Cooking
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a house where my mom cooked for our family of six just about every night. My mom is Italian and grew up with seven sisters and two brothers in New York, so her knack for cooking and love of food likely stemmed from sitting down to home-cooked meals with a family of 12 on a regular basis. You could say she knows a thing or two (thousand) about cooking.
Now that I'm an adult and love cooking just as much as she does (I even get paid to write about food!), I'm always trying to master the art of cooking as a 20-something on a budget. I rely on my mom's passed-down knowledge more than I could have imagined, and while she taught me plenty of recipes (everything I know about pasta, I owe it to her) and has answered an embarrassing number of my midcooking-panic questions over the phone, there's one solid piece of cooking advice that has stuck with me the most:
You can make something out of nothing.
As in, you don't need a recipe to cook something, and you don't have to have a full pantry and fridge to get dinner on the table. My mom is the queen of pulling scraps from the fridge and freezer and seemingly magically turning them into a cohesive, family-approved meal. If she had a dollar for every time one of her kids asked her, "What's for dinner?" she'd definitely be a millionaire, and what I didn't know growing up was that a lot of times she didn't even know what was for dinner as she began making dinner. But lo and behold, she'd make it happen. She'd usually aim to combine some type of protein with a starch and a vegetable, even if that meant throwing everything in a dish and baking it in the oven. My dad has lovingly and hilariously named these creations "bakes." "Oooh, what do we have here, a cheesy chicken bake?" he'll say if he peers into the oven and sees a casserole dish filled with various unidentifiable ingredients. And you know what? They were always delicious.
Thanks to my mom's ability to improvise, my family rarely resorted to takeout and instead had much healthier and more budget-friendly dinners, and I think this is a mantra that everyone can benefit from. While sometimes you might quite literally have nothing to work with, there are staples you should always have on hand that make this "no recipe" cooking method a lot easier: eggs (you can put anything in an omelet), chicken (keep it in the freezer and defrost the day you plan to use it), pasta (the ultimate blank-canvas ingredient), and frozen vegetables (no need to always buy fresh at the risk of letting them go bad). Also, save everything (that quarter of an onion will come in handy the next time you sauté garlic or want to add caramelized onions to something).
So now whenever I open my fridge and see a few random jars, some partially wilted spinach, and leftover chicken, I don't think, "time to go out." I think, "what would my mom make?"
Inspiring Quotes From Iconic Women
Source: Paramount Pictures
Girl power is nothing new, and through the years, famous females have shared wise words on everything from relationships to failure to the importance of giving back. We're highlighting some of the most inspiring quotes by iconic women, including thoughtful ideas from Audrey Hepburn, Toni Morrison, Amelia Earhart, and more. Take a look at these perfectly pinnable words, then check out our Pinterest board for extra inspiration!
Front Page Image Source: Paramount Pictures, Getty / PATRICK KOVARIK
This Is Exactly Why Every Kid Wants to "Be Like Mommy"
Valerie Schooling of Valerie & Co. Photographers sees her kids copying her every move and trying to "be like mommy." This inspired her to create a photo series capturing how moms inspire their little ones each and every day.
"We try our very best to set a good example for them, teach them, inspire them, and love them with all our hearts," Valerie told POPSUGAR Moms. "Knowing this, it fills us with so much pride and joy when our little loves notice what we do, play pretend, and like to try to be like mommy!" Valerie worked with a variety of moms, from a lawyer to a pastry chef, to capture and celebrate the unique qualities that these dedicated parents impart on their children just by following their own passions.
"These are just a small sample of the MANY traits, lessons, and qualities these mothers impart to their children! Ultimately, we long for our children to grow up to be loving, to feel they are loved, to feel they are successful, and to feel they are happy," Valerie said. "For us mothers, it's heartwarming and an encouragement when we see our little ones imitate Mom and demonstrate the good things we try model and show them."
Check out the incredible connection between moms and their kids ahead.
How to Raise a Strong, Independent, Bitchy Woman
We're happy to present this article by Laura Lifshitz from one of our favorite sites, YourTango.
I am not a b*tch all the time, sadly. I am a go-getter and I am usually straightforward about how I feel, but I don't assert myself like a b*tch does. Why would I want to be a b*tch, you ask? And what is a b*tch, b*tch? Well, to the outside world, the word "b*tch" has a negative connotation: a nasty woman who tears others down and selfishly only acts in her own interests. A b*tch cares about nobody but herself!
But I've reframed the definition to be positive and I'm recommending - yes, recommending - that you raise your girls to be b*tches. Here's how:
1. A b*tch never diminishes her character.
A b*tch is a female who acts in her own interests and considers others' needs as well, but not to the point of diminishing her own character. There have been times in my life when I have been a dreadful doormat. I said yes to things I didn't want to say yes to, and reluctantly let men walk all over me. A b*tch thinks of others - but not to the point in which her self-esteem and life suffers.
When my daughter told a 40-year-old man to "please move" because it was her turn during a game of basketball, I was impressed with her chutzpah. Was she direct? Yes? Did she hurt him? No! She acted in her own interest in a healthy manner. A b*tch doesn't apologize for taking care of herself.
Encourage your girls to speak out when someone is hurting them or treating them badly. Encourage your girls to articulate what they need from you and other people. When they have grown up, you won't be there to speak for them, so teach them to speak for themselves now.
2. A b*tch does not apologize for her feelings.
One day, a strong woman somewhere decided to say how she felt without dumbing it down, softening the blow, or apologizing for her feelings before she opened her mouth. And then she was called a b*tch. I ask each one of you: how great does it really feel to always have to "soften" the blow about your hurt or angry feelings? Do you feel amazing when you have to apologize for your emotions?
It sucks.
It sucks to have to cater to everyone else. Do men do that? Not usually. If being a b*tch means telling people how you feel honestly and being able to stand up for yourself, then sign my daughter up today for the course on "How to Be a B*tch."
I cultivate honesty in my daughter and tell her that if others make her feel bad, she needs to speak up and then ignore them and walk away. I teach her that she doesn't need to be around negative people and that when someone hurts her or makes her angry, she should speak up and say something - even if it's me she's mad at!
Nurture that trait in your little girl: say something and don't be afraid. Most importantly, reconceptualize what it means to be assertive and female. Asserting yourself does not make you a jerk: being an aggressor does. Women are happier and stronger when they can assert themselves in healthy ways and not reduce themselves to passive-aggressive behavior.
3. A b*tch is not a "good girl."
We often tell our daughters to be "good girls." What this typically means is please share, be quiet, avoid making mischief, and be polite. These are all wonderful and good, of course - nobody wants a rude child. But sometimes when we tell our girls to be good and quiet, we're actually saying, "Don't speak up, don't question anything, and do what everyone else wants you to do!"
This is problematic.
Do you want to raise a follower or a leader? Sure, not every person will be a leader, but if you can foster a sense of independence in your girl, you're giving her a leg up in the adult world later in life. Let your child do things for herself. Give her chores. My 4-year-old feeds the dog, sets the table, and puts her dirty laundry in the hamper. I am teaching her that she can own her own actions.
When she's rude to someone, I make her solve the problem. I've had her apologize to a cashier before when she was only 2 years old. When she's with kids and they're acting out or perhaps she's bordering on making a bad choice, I ask her to think about it. I let her learn from her own natural consequences. If she can make a choice that won't hurt anyone, like pick her own clothes or decide an activity for the day, I let her.
And sharing? Sharing is important, but let's be real here: sometimes we don't want to share our stuff - and that's OK. Teaching your kid when to share and when to say, "Sorry, this is my piece of cake," is crucial.
Nourish that independent spirit in your daughter. That quote, "Well–behaved women rarely make history," is right for a reason. Embrace your daughter's right to be a b*tch. She will succeed later on in life.
4. A b*tch can do anything the boys can do.
No b*tch (i.e., a successful, strong woman) believes she just "can't" do something because it's out of her skill set or not for women. When you start to segregate how "this is for girls" and "that is for boys," you essentially tell your daughter there are only certain things fit for her to do. False! The world is your child's oyster. Don't put up walls for her to break down: our society will give her walls to conquer as it is.
There is no such thing as impossible. Let your daughter know this. Even if she wants to do something that's naturally difficult for her, cheer her on and let her figure out how to tackle her own goals and dreams.
A b*tch owns her choices, pushes ahead, and goes for what she wants. Which would you rather be? A doormat whimpering in the corner? Or a b*tch who's eating that cake with a smile?
Who is your daughter?
Face it. Your daughter is who she is, whether that's quiet, bossy, demure, loud, or tough. Accept it and love her for her flaws, no matter what. My daughter is very blunt and doesn't sugarcoat what she thinks. While it sometimes surprises me to hear this little person's two cents served up straight, I admire her and know where I stand with her at all times. She's not like her sensitive Mama and that's fine.
When we accept our children as is - rather than how we imagined them to be - we give them the permission to live authentically, and this should be what we want for our kids. A happy, true life. No one needs to pretend to be someone he or she is not. Allow your girl to be who she is with no apologies necessary.
B*tches know who they are - and not only do they accept that, but they love themselves whether they're crazy as a bedbug or quiet as a mouse. You want your daughter to love herself, not hide out in a corner, hoping no one notices who she is, flaws and all.
I have lived most of my life halfway between a doormat and a b*tch. I have always walked to the beat of my own drum and expressed how I felt, but I've also felt bad for who I was at times, apologized too much, and doubted my own potential. After my divorce, I am becoming more and more of a b*tch, and I'm glad. It is a long time coming.
I refuse to let my daughter spend a day being sorry for who she is, and so should you. Raise your b*tch and raise her proud. We need strong female leaders to find a backdoor and say, "Screw the glass ceiling. I've got my entryway and I found it all by myself."
More great reads from YourTango:
Dear Moms: If Your Kid's Whiny, You Only Have Yourself to Thank
The Life-Changing Lesson My Dad Taught Me After My Divorce
4 Reasons Promising to Love Someone "Forever" Is a Load of Sh*t
NO, Asking to Be "Dominated" Doesn't Make Me Less of a Feminist
5 Stages of "New Person Sex" Every Divorced Woman Goes Through
A Tribute to Stefan Salvatore, the Vampire With a Heart of Gold
In honor of this week's series finale(!) of The Vampire Diaries, we're counting the ways we love Stefan Salvatore. The undead hero, played by Paul Wesley, has had a lot of ups and downs, but that just makes us appreciate him more. If you love TVD just as much as we do, give it up for Wesley and his portrayal of the sexy Stefan, the multidimensional vampire of our dreams.
Inspiring Quotes From Iconic Women
Source: Paramount Pictures
Girl power is nothing new, and through the years, famous females have shared wise words on everything from relationships to failure to the importance of giving back. We're highlighting some of the most inspiring quotes by iconic women, including thoughtful ideas from Audrey Hepburn, Toni Morrison, Amelia Earhart, and more. Take a look at these perfectly pinnable words, then check out our Pinterest board for extra inspiration!
Front Page Image Source: Paramount Pictures, Getty / PATRICK KOVARIK
How You're Really Supposed to Put On Tights
There are so many more questions than "Should I try fishnets?" that you probably have about tights. Really, every time you slip those babies on, you probably second-guess yourself, wondering if you're using the proper method to roll them up your legs or how they got that tear in the first place. We hear you. That's why we enlisted an expert from DKNY to break down the basics. After all, the brand has one of the most versatile, high-quality hosiery lines in fashion.
We weren't surprised to learn that this pro could provide us with all the answers to burning questions like "When should I throw these away?" or "How can I actually prevent pulls once and for all?" Scroll to read up on the basics, then shop some of the most promising designs to add to your underwear drawer.
How to Clean Your Tights
"Hand washing is the best method. But if you're time pressed, we recommend machine wash in a hosiery bag. Use mild detergents meant for delicates and run on a delicate cycle. Avoid high heat in the dryer, excessive washing, or harsh detergents and fabric softeners, as these could all wear out the fibers of your tights more quickly. After washing, always make sure to hang or lay the tights on a flat surface to dry."
When to Replace Your Tights
"When you notice that the waistband has become too loose or stretched out, the appearance of your tights has pulls or snags, and when the color of your tights has become dull and faded."
How to Prevent Them From Ripping
"The best way is to pay attention to how you put them on. Sit comfortably, gather the legs up with your fingertips and slip over the foot; continue to work up the legs to the waist smoothly and slowly. Make sure your skin and nails are smooth and remove jewelry before handling delicate sheers."
Essentials to Add to Your Collection
"Wear sheers to look beautiful with cosmetic-inspired skin tones. Wear shaping hosiery, control top, and toners to accentuate your curves or when you need some additional smoothing under body-conscious clothing, and try support legwear, which micromassages the legs with graduated compression. Also play with color and texture, like fishnets, depending on your own taste and lifestyle."
1 Pair of Tights to Get Rid of
"Get rid of your 100 percent nylons and replace them with spandex blends. There is no reason to have 100 percent nylon legwear due to today's latest innovative yarn and technology, which delivers a better-than-bare appearance with superior fit and comfort."
The Genius Secret Ingredient Christina Tosi Uses to Get Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
"I do believe I have the most delicious chocolate chip cookie recipe," Christina Tosi, founder and chef of Milk Bar, told me when I asked her what her secret was. "Nonfat milk powder," she said. "Add it to your next batch of chocolate chip cookies, and they will be marvelous."
Tosi, who is well-known for creating some of the most delicious desserts at the famous Milk Bar, said that while her chocolate chip cookie recipe is top notch, it's not something she has on the menu at her stores. Her grandma's recipe for cookies was one she considered to be the best, yet she will never emulate it completely. "My creative philosophy is you can't mess with people's food memories. You have to innovate from those memories," she said.
That's why she opted to add milk powder. How? Add it to the dry ingredients. "One, two, three tablespoons . . . adding that heightens flavors of all other ingredients. You can grab it at a grocery store near the powdered drinks. It's so easy."
Make Tosi's exact chocolate chip cookie recipe, straight out of her second cookbook, Milk Bar Life ($35), and try any of her other decadent desserts at one of the 10 Milk Bar locations.
Get Thee to a McDonald's ASAP to Try These Shamrock Drinks
For St. Patrick's Day, McDonald's has released an entire line of minty-chocolatey Shamrock drinks, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. You probably already know and love the original Shamrock Shake, but if you can shake away from your normal order, these are the four drinks to try!
The Vampire Diaries: Who Is Most Likely to Die in the Finale?
There is ONE episode left of The Vampire Diaries, and we can already tell that the final goodbye is going to be a tough one. Not only are a handful of old cast members returning, but we recently learned that the finale will also feature a major character death. While we definitely know that Elena Gilbert will be one of the attendees at the funeral, the fate of the rest of the characters is still up in the air. Since we love theorizing about the show, we're breaking down the five most likely suspects for that HUGE plot twist. Read at your own risk.
5. Matt
Could Matt's family have even more dark secrets? It's possible that Maxwell hell bell had some lingering magic left in it that could lead to his death. Although, if we're being completely honest here, Matt has managed to stay alive, and human for that matter, for eight seasons, so we don't really think Julie Plec would decide to kill him off now.
4. Caroline
Caroline's death would certainly be the most unexpected. Maybe she decides to take the cure to be human with Stefan and something goes wrong? Although, out of all the characters, Caroline has always been the most content with her vampirism. We can't see her compromising that for a guy, even if it is Stefan Salvatore.
3. Bonnie
Unless Kai breaks his spell, Elena's life is still linked to Bonnie's. And seeing that Nina Dobrev is officially returning for the finale, we can't help but wonder if that means BonBon will meet an untimely demise. Although, the way Plec has talked about how emotional the finale will be, her death seems a bit too on-the-nose.
2. Damon
This death would definitely be a blow to the heart. Not only is the final scene set at the Salvatore house, but Entertainment Weekly did say that Elena would be the last person to say goodbye at the funeral. Perhaps she was having one final moment with her true love? While we can only imagine the water works this scene would cause Delena fans, Plec did confirm that Elena and Damon will come face to face in the finale.
1. Stefan
Ever since Stefan took the cure and become mortal, he has been fixated on making up for his past sins. Could the final key to redemption and making up for turning Damon into a vampire be reuniting him with his true love? Perhaps, instead of Bonnie dying, Stefan finds a way to link his life with Elena's instead. Not only did Paul Wesley admit to tearing up over his final script, but he also revealed that his final scene is with Dobrev. What if the finale teaser is actually Stefan saying his last goodbye?
The Real History Behind Kate Middleton's Royal Jewelry
The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her perfectly crafted sense of style, and that extends to her glittering accessories. A decade ago, Kate Middleton wasn't really one for major sparkle. But access to Queen Elizabeth II's jewelry vault could turn any woman into a bling-lover. Kate has been lucky to wear heritage pieces either as loans or as gifts, including her diamond-encrusted Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II badge.
We've tracked down the history of all the special pieces that Kate has added to her wardrobe. From diamond-encrusted brooches with deep meanings to tricky tiaras, here's a look at the many diamonds the birthday girl has worn - so far.
An Inspiring Letter to Hillary Clinton From a 10-Year-Old Girl
In the days after the 2016 presidential election, many have taken to the internet to share their feelings about the results, including 10-year-old Kaia, who wrote a powerful letter to Hillary Clinton. Our friends at YourTango shared the young girl's inspiring note.
You have fought for us and now it is our turn to fight for you.
Dear Hillary Clinton,
Thank you for standing up for me and for all women and girls. Through this election and in the past you have been an inspiration. You have clearly shown that girls can be anything and do anything. You have proven to me that men are not stronger than women. Thank you for showing me the way.
I think it's awesome that when you were my age, you wanted to become an astronaut when you grew up - I do, too! And even when NASA said that girls couldn't be astronauts, you worked harder and harder and never gave up. Even though you never became an astronaut, you did so many incredible things.
I cried when I found out you lost the election, but I want you to know that you inspired me more because you lost. You inspired me to work hard, to do my best, and to stand up for what is right.
Two of my favorite quotes that you said were that we are stronger together and there should be justice for ALL! Because I know that "all" means the gay and lesbian people, and the brown and white people, and the people not born here in America. It is true we should unite as one.
Thank you for inspiring me to work even harder. Thank you for showing me that there is more work for girls like me to do. I won't let this election bring me down. Instead of being an astronaut, maybe I will be a world leader and inspiration just like you.
So please, don't worry - I will finish what you started. There are so many girls like me ready to speak out and fight. You have fought for us and now it is our turn to fight for you.
It's not over yet. We're only just getting started.
With love and respect,
Kaia James
Related Links:
What I Will Tell My Daughter If Donald Trump Wins The Election
I Just Had To Explain Donald Trump's 'P***y' Comments To My Sons
10 Parenting Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How To Fix Them!)
Watch Little Girls Yell F*ck in the Name of Feminism
Nope, your ears aren't playing tricks on you. The t-shirt company FCKH8 brought in little girls from 6-13 years old to discuss gender inequality. Set against a pink backdrop, these girls dressed like princesses discuss feminism, unequal pay, and sexual abuse.
Among the messages of female empowerment are major F-bombs being dropped by these tiny princesses - they certainly grabbed our attention.
Why Women Are Wearing Red on International Women's Day
If you've checked your Instagram today, you've probably noticed all the red outfits or a simple red square. You might even think that is the official color for International Women's Day (FYI, it's today!). While you are close, the real origin of "wear red" comes from the Day Without a Woman movement.
Launched by the same organizers of the Women's March on Washington, this new campaign is encouraging women across the world to strike for equity, justice, and human rights on March 8 (coinciding with International Women's Day). In solidarity, the initiative asks women to wear red.
Why red? Well, it is bold, prominent, and a power woman color. The hue serves as a call to action on this important day, which many in the fashion community have already answered. Even Hillary Clinton was on board, wearing a red pantsuit on Tuesday. Scroll on to see all the red outfits so far, then style your own outfit with a girl-power item.
This Is Us Might Have Revealed How Jack Dies, and It's Absolutely Crushing
If you've been keeping up with This Is Us, then you already know that Jack Pearson isn't alive in present day. While there have been numerous theories about how he dies - alcoholism, a plane crash, heart attack - Tuesday night's episode finally gave us some crucial details. Even though the show's creator, Dan Fogelman, has said that fans won't find out exactly what happened for quite some time, the latest episode strongly implies that Jack will die in a crash.
It all starts when Rebecca decides to go on tour with her ex boyfriend, deepening the cracks in her once seemingly perfect marriage. Jack shows up to the house late and he gets in another argument with her right before she leaves. After having an awkward goodbye at their doorstep, Kate gives her dad a knowing look and he rushes outside to make things right. Only problem is, he's too late. Rebecca has already driven away.
Later than night, Jack takes the Big Three to a friend's party, and that's when things get really emotional. After Randall and Kevin exit the car, Kate stays behind to question her father about the state of his marriage. Even though he assures her that she has nothing to worry about, she urges him to not sit at home all sad while they're gone. So, instead of moping around, he decides to attend an office after party at a nearby bar, where he, once again, breaks his vow to stay sober. However, when a co-worker tries to flirt with him, he realizes where his true affections lie - with his wife.
After denying her advances, he makes his way outside to make a phone call to his daughter. As the moment flashes on the screen, we jump forward in time to Kate as she finally opens to Toby about her dad. The reason she doesn't talk about his death? Because it's her fault. "I'm the reason that he's dead," she says. Back in 1996, Jack tells his daughter that she was right, and that he's going to fix things with her mom. He hangs up the phone, and that's when it happens: he loses his balance, fumbles with his keys, and proceeds to get in the car - drunk.
Even though everything seems to be in line for the finale, we may not get all the answers right away. Honestly, with all the show's tragic twists this season, we wouldn't be surprised if the final scene is just Rebecca getting a phone call that Jack's car has crashed. The theory certainly makes a lot of sense, and tying it to Rebecca's tour would be even more tragic.
Every Single Important Detail About Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: The Force Awakens blew everyone away when it hit theaters in December 2015. For most fans, though, Episode VIII feels like it's a lifetime away - even though we have less than a year to wait! Since new details are trickling out slowly but surely, take a look at the information we already have about the next big installment, including the title, the cast, and some tidbits about the first real footage.
49 of the Most Iconic Celebrity Couples of the '90s
Sure, the 2000s gave us high-profile pairs like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and of course, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez - but there really was no better time to follow iconic celebrity couples than the '90s. From Brad and Gwyneth to Bruce and Demi, scroll through for a romantic walk down memory lane. Winona forever!
3 Ways to Revive Leftover Rice
Even 12 hours of refrigeration will dehydrate rice, leaving it tough, dry, and sticky. There are a few quick methods of reviving it, so it tastes almost as fluffy and light as the day it was made. No matter what your method of preparation, oil and a little liquid are the keys to helping rice retain its moisture and clump-free texture.
- Reheat it in the microwave: For every cup of rice, add a few tablespoons of broth or water. Cover the bowl of rice with plastic wrap or another bowl to create a steaming effect as it reheats.
- Stir-fry it: In a large wok or sauté pan, heat canola or peanut oil on high. Make a fried rice, breaking up the lumps of rice with a wooden spoon so the oil coats the granules evenly.
- Stove-top steam it: In a sauce pan, add the rice with a few tablespoons of butter and a splash of broth or water. Cover the pan and steam the rice on a low flame. Stir occasionally until the rice is heated thoroughly.
49 of the Most Iconic Celebrity Couples of the '90s
Sure, the 2000s gave us high-profile pairs like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and of course, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez - but there really was no better time to follow iconic celebrity couples than the '90s. From Brad and Gwyneth to Bruce and Demi, scroll through for a romantic walk down memory lane. Winona forever!
TV Scorecard: Which Shows Have Been Renewed or Cancelled in 2017?
Image Source: The CW
It has begun! The exciting, sometimes heartbreaking, time of the year when TV shows are either given the green light for a new season or axed forever - until the reboot eventually gets underway in 2036. The CW announced a bushel of renewals in January, including a 13th season of Supernatural, plus Freeform just announced that The Fosters will be back for another season. Take a look to see what fates have been decided, and if the show you're looking for isn't on this list yet, check our 2016 scorecard.
What's Been Renewed
NBC
- This Is Us: NBC has greenlit the show for seasons two and three.
- The Good Place: We will be getting season two of Bell's comedy.
- Superstore: The comedy will return for a third season.
ABC
- Grey's Anatomy: Season 14 is on the way.
- Scandal: Olivia Pope and company will return for season seven.
- How to Get Away With Murder: Shonda Rhimes's TGIT will stay intact another year!
- The Middle: The family comedy has been renewed for season nine.
Fox
- The Mick: Kaitlin Olson will be back with a second season of the comedy.
- Lethal Weapon: Fox has renewed the action-packed drama for round two.
- Empire: The hip-hop drama has been renewed for a fourth season.
- So You Think You Can Dance: Fox's competitive dance show is coming back for season 14.
- Lucifer: The drama is getting a third season.
The CW
- Riverdale: The Archie reboot was granted a second season.
- Supergirl: The DC show was handed an early season three renewal.
- The Flash: The speedster will return for a fourth season.
- Arrow: Oliver and his merry band of vigilantes will come back for season six.
- DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Season three is on the way.
- Jane the Virgin: Jane will return for season four.
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: The Golden Globe-winner is coming back for season three.
- Supernatural: And finally, the Winchester brothers will be back for a 13th round.
Netflix
- Stranger Things: The megahit will return on Halloween.
- The OA: The sci-fi show will return for season two.
- Love: Judd Apatow's romantic comedy series has scored a third season.
Showtime
- The Affair: The sexy series is coming back for a fourth season.
Freeform
- The Fosters: The show has been picked up for a fifth season.
FX
- American Horror Story: The popular show has been renewed through season nine.
- Taboo: FX and BBC have ordered a second season of Tom Hardy's dark drama.
HBO
- Westworld: HBO's breakout hit has been renewed for a second season.
- Divorce: Sarah Jessica Parker's NYC-set series will be back for season two.
- Insecure: HBO has also renewed Issa Rae's comedy for season two.
- Ballers: Dwayne Johnson's show will return for season three this Summer.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm: Larry David has agreed to do a ninth season.
Amazon
- Mozart in the Jungle: Amazon has renewed its critical hit for season four.
- Red Oaks: On the day day, Amazon announced that Red Oaks's third season will be its last.
What's Been Cancelled
Image Source: Everett Collection
CBS
- Doubt: CBS has pulled Katherine Heigl's legal drama after just two episodes.
Disney Channel
- Girl Meets World: The reboot was the first show of 2017 to get a cancellation slip.
IFC
- Portlandia: IFC announced that the show will end in 2018 with season eight.
OWN
- Love Thy Neighbor: OWN has cancelled the Tyler Perry-produced show.
- For Better or Worse: This show, also from Perry, is ending with its current season.
Hilarious Reactions to "Family Friendly" Movie Theater With a Jungle Gym
We have to admit, our reactions to seeing that there's a movie theater in Mexico that has jungle gyms in some of its "family friendly" screen rooms were a bit mixed. At first it's like: "A movie theater with a playground in it? Cool, now I can actually watch the movie while my kids play." And then we were like: "Well, actually, this sounds like a nightmare of epic losing-your-kid-in-Disney and visiting-the-ER proportions. So hell no, thank you very much."
As it turns out, the Twitter community is also experiencing mixed reactions to this news. Scroll through to see some of the honest and hysterical responses, and let us know: is this your parenting dream . . . or nightmare?
Power Through Your Next Workout With the Queens of Pop
Looking for the perfect pumped-up, girl-powered jams to get you through a workout? Get excited, because we've put together over two hours of hits, from Destiny's Child and Spice Girls to Rihanna and Selena Gomez. If you're into upbeat pop music and thrive off of songs like "Roar" by Katy Perry, then this is going to be your new favorite workout soundtrack. Download the free Spotify app to listen. If this mix isn't your speed or your style, check out all of our workout playlists to find something that suits your taste.
1 Makeup Artist's Viral Clapback to Haters Who Accused Her of Charging Too Much
At just 18 years old, Mikala Walker has already built her very own business around doing makeup. What started as a free favor for her friends quickly blossomed into a full-on side hustle, as she now does proms and the occasional bridal event.
As her skills and experience grew over the years, so did the prices she charged her clients - and rightfully so! Whereas she initially charged $20 for a full face, Mikala now prices her services at $75.
Take one look at her Instagram, and you'll instantly see that her impressive talent makes her services worth every darn penny. But alas, some trolls in the depths of the internet seem to think otherwise. When the 18-year-old used Twitter to advertise a deal she was offering for prom makeup, she got quite a few mixed responses.
Now accepting Prom Makeup Appointments! EMAIL me for bookings! mikalamwalker@gmail.com 💅🏻 http://pic.twitter.com/HCHcADtvOa
- mikala (@mikalawalker) February 22, 2017
Many people accused her of charging too much money, with one user calling the price "pretty ridiculous for the quality of [her] work" and another labeling it as "total bs." But instead of letting the haters get the best of her, Mikala responded in a subtly sassy get oh-so-fitting way: by crunching some numbers to show her followers exactly how expensive all of her makeup products really are. She tweeted a list of the various items she uses, along with a photo of her calculator showing the whopping total: $635!
The fact that people complain about my price of $75 for full face but don't realize the actual cost behind it 🙂 http://pic.twitter.com/tZHBRMMYSw
- mikala (@mikalawalker) March 2, 2017
Tons of her followers and other makeup artists quickly responded to support Mikala for firing back at the haters.
Power Through Your Next Workout With the Queens of Pop
Looking for the perfect pumped-up, girl-powered jams to get you through a workout? Get excited, because we've put together over two hours of hits, from Destiny's Child and Spice Girls to Rihanna and Selena Gomez. If you're into upbeat pop music and thrive off of songs like "Roar" by Katy Perry, then this is going to be your new favorite workout soundtrack. Download the free Spotify app to listen. If this mix isn't your speed or your style, check out all of our workout playlists to find something that suits your taste.
The 1 Pantry Staple Every Cook Needs, According to the World's Best Female Chef
Image Source: Getty / Amanda Edwards
In 2016, Dominique Crenn earned the incredibly impressive title of the world's best female chef. The renowned French chef is owner of two restaurants in San Francisco, Atelier Crenn and Petit Crenn, and she's known for her "poetic culinaria" style of cooking - her menus are written as poems. As elevated as her recipes are, at the end of the day, she really just wants to eat a "nice grilled cheese sandwich." Dominique teamed up with LG Signature, a new line of innovative appliances, and she chatted with me on the phone about what's in her fridge, what it's like earning such a prestigious title, and more. You can watch Dominique's episode of Chef's Table on Netflix to get to know her even better.
On Being Crowned the World's Best Female Chef
"Well it's a very interesting conversation and for me it's kind of a platform to continue that dialogue. Perhaps in a few years, I hope it will just be 'chef' and not 'woman chef.' It's a conversation to have, and it's also to show the world that we are great cooks, but it's not just about me; it's about my team and the people that have helped me be where I am today. It's definitely a conversation that we keep continuing to have to kind of eliminate this world of female against male."
On the 1 Essential Pantry Staple Every Cook Needs
"Salt. Sea salt, fleur de sel - any salt. I grew up in France, and I was using a lot of Brittany Sea Salt. But any sea salt, for sure.
On Her Go-To Method For Scrambling Eggs
"It's all about temperature for me because I really start it very, very low, and I don't really turn up the heat, and I cook very low with a spatula. You kind of bring back the egg in the middle and you keep cooking it on the side and bring it back to the middle. No dairy. I can finish with a little bit of butter or cheese, but usually I won't. The way that I cook it makes the eggs so kind of airy and buttery without any butter. It's not overcooked on the pan, which I think a lot of people make that mistake that they cook eggs in a high-heat pan, and it's just killing the egg."
Image Source: Getty / Bernstein Associates
On What's in Her Fridge
"I love to cook a nice grilled cheese sandwich. You have to do butter - good butter. I know we say the French butter is the best. I love tomatoes, avocado, cornichons for sure. You have to have the best bread in the world, which is the brioche that I make at Atelier Crenn.
On What It Takes to Make It in the Culinary World - and in Life
"Determination. Determination is the number one thing you need to have. You can have passion, you can have communication, but determination. You have to be determined. Determination in life can get you anywhere, not just in a food world. You have to be confident and you have to have determination to be able to get into this world."
The Street Style at Paris Fashion Week Delivers Endless Outfit Inspiration
As a finale to Fashion Month, the last street style looks in Paris are the best yet. If the fashion crowd is weary from almost four weeks on the road, you wouldn't know it. With each stop, they've supplied inventive styling, delivered on luxury bags and heels, and certainly inspired a few - or a maybe a hundred - new outfit ideas along the way. While we don't like to play favorites, the fashion at Paris Fashion Week is often the most memorable - there's a no-holds-barred approach to dressing for the shows, and it's evident with every ensemble on the street. Read on to catch a glimpse.
This Explains What Your Closet Will Look Like This Year
We're not exactly mind readers, but thanks to the designers' Spring '17 runways, we can paint a pretty clear picture of the coming months in fashion. These looks set the pace for a new season, and it's going to look a little different from the style world as you know it.
Prepare for bolder prints, more frills, and some serious wardrobe disruption. While minimalism has ruled, 2017 is poised to bring some big change to our closets. Read on for the big takeaways - or jump to learn more about the trends you want below.
This Mother-Daughter Duo Bonds Over Disney Princess Dress-Up
In 2014, Camillia Courts took a photo of her 5-year-old daughter, Layla, in her new Elsa costume. What started as a cute photo has turned into a magical phenomenon . . . and a great way to make mother-daughter memories!
9 Iconic First Lady Gowns Worth Talking About
Traveling to Washington DC two days after what will surely be the most important election of my lifetime was scary. I'm not going to lie. I heard rallies outside my hotel room all night and passed angry mobs holding signs outside the Trump hotel. But during the day, while Barack Obama met with President-elect Donald Trump inside the White House, the streets were quiet.
I traveled with a small group of editors to the first ladies inaugural dress exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum, and it was only there, in that small, dimly lit room, that I could feel myself starting to relax. The first sign was a poster on the wall that featured a Q&A series: "How will the first ladies collection change when a woman is elected president?" Using the term "when," not "if," instilled hope. Then I veered off, where a short film of Michelle Obama donating her Jason Wu gown to the museum was playing.
So Much More Than a Dress
"This gown is one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day. At the end of the day today is about much more than this gown. It's also about how with enough focus and determination someone in this room can be the next Jason Wu. Someone can be the next Barack Obama . . . Something you create today can help teach the next generation in a way that nothing else can," Michelle said at the podium.
Her dress was absolutely one of the most intricate on display, what with its Swarovski crystal embellishments and impeccably organized beading. But these dresses I was admiring, some of which dated back to the 1800s, were not made to make the first ladies feel pretty. Each one signified a new beginning.
"Inaugurations are times of optimism . . . In addition to attending ceremonies and balls, incoming first ladies announce the agendas and special projects they intend to pursue. Some projects are ambitious. Some are traditional. Some may be controversial," read a sign on the wall.
Just like the fashion choices they make. And it's true: every first lady was scrutinized for her style, even if she wasn't viewed as an icon. But it was the choices she made in that suit, the momentous speech she gave in that ballgown, that we'll remember. If a floor-sweeping dress is one way to preserve these memories, why not learn everything we can about it? Why not try to understand why Michelle wore white or Lady Bird Johnson chose a simple yellow sheath?
The Legacy, The Future
As I traveled around the exhibit, reading about each gown and the woman who wore it, I passed a very young girl staring up at a picture of Michelle and Barack Obama on Inauguration Day. "Who's that?" her mother asked her, pointing up at a glowing Michelle. "It's the president! They're both presidents!" she screamed.
The first female president will not be sworn in on January 20. In fact, the Smithsonian Museum will make space for one more dress as Melania Trump accepts her role as FLOTUS. But until then, let's consider the takeaways I learned about the first ladies who stood before her.
Each of the facts ahead is proof that these strong women, from Lady Bird Johnson and Jackie Kennedy to Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, were compassionate. They thought of function first, then fashion. They embraced the spotlight, not because of what they were wearing, but because of the confidence they felt when wearing it. All of the women I learned about were leaders. They had what it takes to lead a nation, and one day, a lady as determined as them will. When you're finished reading, I think you'll agree.
This Season's Front Row in Paris Looked Extra Good
Fashion Month wrapped up in Paris with incredible shows like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The latter drew in familiar faces from Hollywood - Michelle Williams and Sophie Turner - who turned up in outfits meant for the front row. In general, this season's Paris Fashion Week regulars looked better than ever and provided us with enough outfit inspo until the next show. Take some time to fully reminisce over who wore what ahead, just in case you missed any of the looks.
These Beautiful C-Section Birth Photos Are Nothing Short of Amazing
Jessica Bender is a photographer who specializes in maternity, newborn, children, and family shoots, but she was recently given a very special opportunity to photograph a C-section birth. During a maternity shoot, mama-to-be Felicia commented on that amazing photo shoot, and said to Bender that if she were to have a C-section delivery, she wanted her there to take photos.
Well, it happened, and "Little Man L" was finally born after 72 hours - yes, you read that right! - via C-section. Bender captured the entire thing, and Felicia said that the photos make her feel like she was more present during the birth.
Bender commented in her blog post about the session, "Feeling disconnected is something that I commonly hear from moms who deliver via c-section, so it was really special to hear that the images helped Felicia feel more present in the delivery of her baby boy." These photos are absolutely breathtaking, and there is no doubt in our minds that Felicia and her family will cherish these beautiful snaps forever.
See Little Man L's entrance into the world - and a sneak peek at his adorable newborn shoot - in the photos below.
Before I Could Teach My Daughter to Love Her Body, I Had to Come to Terms With Mine
Five years ago, I was embarrassed to try on clothes at one of those open fitting rooms that exist at discount department stores. I shuddered with embarrassment at just the thought of getting undressed in front of other women. Not that there was anything wrong with my body. I was just young and self-conscious at the thought of others peering my way during a quick change of my shirt, or god forbid they see the sight of my heinie sticking out the side of my lace Hanky Panky thong. I was frightened to get a full body check at the dermatologist's office and nervous at the thought of the doctor, another female, peering at my private parts on her search for mysterious bumps. Going to the gynecologist and baring it all certainly wasn't my cup of tea either, but whose is it?
I heard that with age, one becomes more comfortable baring his or her body parts in front of others. For the most part, the only ones you see baring it all in gym locker rooms are older women with droopy body parts. I didn't think I would so easily lose my sense of humility, but after giving birth and having my lower half exposed in front of countless doctors and nurses - and then baring my upper half to breastfeed - all modesty flew out the window.
Alas, just seven months after giving birth to a healthy baby girl, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My body image completely shifted over the next few months - making me laugh at the younger self-conscious woman that I once was, who is no longer a part of who I am today. After countless breast exams, mammograms, sonograms, biopsies, surgery, and radiation, I was unenthusiastically exposed week after week for months at a time. I had a tumor the size of a grape - and a small amount of healthy tissue around it - cut out by a surgeon. The pathology report showed that all of the cancerous cells were removed, but I had to undergo seven weeks of radiation in order to ensure that no stray cancerous cells remained.
Each morning I arrived at radiation, grabbed a medical gown, went into a dressing room, took off my shirt and bra, and put on the gown. I was greeted by the technicians - two males about my age - laid on a table, and took my arm out of my gown on the side where the tumor was removed, exposing my breast. At first I felt a little self-conscious being so exposed, but it became routine after time - as though the technicians weren't looking at my breast at all, and that they weren't even men. I also laughed to myself when I was greeted by a handsome and well-dressed late-30-something doctor in my second week of radiation who checked my breast for skin irritation and other issues every week after that. There's nothing like showing your war-torn breast to a stranger - let alone a good-looking man about your age.
I definitely feel more comfortable having my body parts - which once were more "private" to me - checked out by female medical professionals. That being said, I'm starting to think of these parts just like any other part of me, say my mouth, my ears, or my feet.
I remember when I was younger, my mother told me that I shouldn't be embarrassed by my body. She explained to me that the human body is beautiful and natural. Her perspective didn't resonate with me until after I gave birth, and following my diagnosis, after being poked, prodded, and exposed for all to see. These experiences made me realize that the body parts I had before childbirth, surgery, and radiation were beautiful and natural - and that my body is just as beautiful following these experiences that changed it. As my daughter grows up, I'm going to make sure she knows how precious her body is, and I will make sure that she feels comfortable in it. I will try to instill that same self-assurance that my mom tried to instill in me.
33 Amazing Avocado Recipes
In California, we've been getting some awesomely delicious avocados lately. Chalk it up to avocado season, which runs from Spring to Fall. Even if you don't live in the Golden State, chances are that green fruit you're savoring is from here anyway. Ninety percent of the nation's crop comes out of California. From sandwiches and salads to salsas and other tropical-tinged flavor combinations, avocado is surprisingly versatile. Here are 33 of our favorite ways to enjoy it.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry, Emily Bibb, and Hilary White
Samuel L. Jackson Curses His Way Through the Internet's Most Burning Questions
After hearing the name Samuel L. Jackson, "giddy" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind ("motherf*cker" is probably higher on the list). Well, while sitting down with Wired recently, the Kong: Skull Island actor agreed to participate in their "The Web's Most Searched Questions" segment, and he's positively delightful. Since he's appeared in over 100 films after beginning his acting career in the early '70s, the internet is practically bursting with questions about him. He happily answers everything from "How did Samuel L. Jackson die?" to "What did Samuel L. Jackson engrave on his lightsaber?" (spoiler alert: something hilarious). Check out his f-bomb-filled Q&A session above!
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