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
Meghan Markle's Essay About the Stigma Girls Face in India Will Move You
Meghan Markle is an actress on Suits, but she also has a long history of activism and philanthropic work. Meghan recently completed a trip to India with international charity World Vision, and in celebration of International Women's Day on Wednesday, Meghan shed light on the issues and challenges the women and girls who live there face. In a moving essay for Time, Meghan addressed the stigma surrounding menstruation and why it's keeping girls from pursuing an education, saying, "During my time in the field, many girls shared that they feel embarrassed to go to school during their periods, ill equipped with rags instead of pads, unable to participate in sports, and without bathrooms available to care for themselves, they often opt to drop out of school entirely."
In turn, Meghan explained that because of this "their subjection to dangerous work, susceptibility to being victims of violence, and most commonly, being conditioned for early childhood marriage" increases. "As a female in India, the challenge of survival begins at birth, first overcoming female feticide, then being victim to malnourishment, potentially abuse, and lack of access to proper sanitation facilities. Why, if she is able to overcome all of these challenges and finally get to school, should her education and potential to succeed, be sacrificed because of shame surrounding her period?"
"To that I say: we need to push the conversation, mobilize policy making surrounding menstrual health initiatives, support organizations who foster girls' education from the ground up, and within our own homes, we need to rise above our puritanical bashfulness when it comes to talking about menstruation." This, of course, isn't the first time Meghan has opened up about her philanthropic efforts. Back in November, she wrote an incredibly powerful piece for Elle detailing why she takes being a public female figure so seriously. Read Meghan's essay in full on Time.
Meghan Markle's Essay About the Stigma Girls Face in India Will Move You
Meghan Markle is an actress on Suits, but she also has a long history of activism and philanthropic work. Meghan recently completed a trip to India with international charity World Vision, and in celebration of International Women's Day on Wednesday, Meghan shed light on the issues and challenges the women and girls who live there face. In a moving essay for Time, Meghan addressed the stigma surrounding menstruation and why it's keeping girls from pursuing an education, saying, "During my time in the field, many girls shared that they feel embarrassed to go to school during their periods, ill equipped with rags instead of pads, unable to participate in sports, and without bathrooms available to care for themselves, they often opt to drop out of school entirely."
In turn, Meghan explained that because of this "their subjection to dangerous work, susceptibility to being victims of violence, and most commonly, being conditioned for early childhood marriage" increases. "As a female in India, the challenge of survival begins at birth, first overcoming female feticide, then being victim to malnourishment, potentially abuse, and lack of access to proper sanitation facilities. Why, if she is able to overcome all of these challenges and finally get to school, should her education and potential to succeed, be sacrificed because of shame surrounding her period?"
"To that I say: we need to push the conversation, mobilize policy making surrounding menstrual health initiatives, support organizations who foster girls' education from the ground up, and within our own homes, we need to rise above our puritanical bashfulness when it comes to talking about menstruation." This, of course, isn't the first time Meghan has opened up about her philanthropic efforts. Back in November, she wrote an incredibly powerful piece for Elle detailing why she takes being a public female figure so seriously. Read Meghan's essay in full on Time.
What's a Castor Oil Pack and Why Is It Good For You?
Ever since my naturopath introduced me to the wonderful world of castor oil packs, I've been hooked. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine, and naturopathy recommend castor oil packs for the ability to promote healing and reduce inflammation. My naturopath also touts the benefits of these packs because they are said to help improve elimination and circulation, especially of the lymphatic system by stimulating lymph and liver function. I've found them especially helpful during my time of the month to reduce the pain from cramps.
Easy to make, all you need are several layers of flannel and cold-pressed castor oil (a natural oil made from the seeds of the castor oil plant), both of which can be purchased online or from a local health food store. When placed on the affected area, the pack acts as a poultice to draw out impurities and promote healing. Since there are only a few small studies detailing the benefits of castor oil packs, we recommend that you meet with a TCM, Ayurvedic, or naturopath specialist to make sure its the best solution for you.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
Materials:
- Soft, clean, thick material like organic flannel, wool, or cotton
- Castor oil
- Glass bowl
- Hot water bottle or heating pad
- Old clothes that you don't mind getting stained
- Plastic bag
- Large towel
Instructions:
- Put on your older clothes.
- Take your piece of flannel and place it in the bowl. Then pour enough castor oil over it to saturate.
- Get your hot water bottle or heating pad ready.
- Place your towel on a flat surface like a couch, your bed, or the floor. For added protection you can also put down a garbage bag so that your bed or couch won't get stained from any oil that manages to escape the plastic cover.
- Once you lie down, place your saturated flannel over the affected area of your body.
- Cover the pack with plastic.
- Place the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack and let it sit for at least 45-60 minutes. During this time you can rest or read a book.
- When the time is up, remove the pack and clean the area with water and a bit of baking soda.
- You can keep the pack in a plastic bag in a cool place or the refrigerator. I keep mine in a sealed glass jar in one of my kitchen cabinets. Just add another tablespoon of castor oil for the next session.
And if you're a visual leaner, here's a video describing how to make a castor oil pack.
What's a Castor Oil Pack and Why Is It Good For You?
Ever since my naturopath introduced me to the wonderful world of castor oil packs, I've been hooked. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine, and naturopathy recommend castor oil packs for the ability to promote healing and reduce inflammation. My naturopath also touts the benefits of these packs because they are said to help improve elimination and circulation, especially of the lymphatic system by stimulating lymph and liver function. I've found them especially helpful during my time of the month to reduce the pain from cramps.
Easy to make, all you need are several layers of flannel and cold-pressed castor oil (a natural oil made from the seeds of the castor oil plant), both of which can be purchased online or from a local health food store. When placed on the affected area, the pack acts as a poultice to draw out impurities and promote healing. Since there are only a few small studies detailing the benefits of castor oil packs, we recommend that you meet with a TCM, Ayurvedic, or naturopath specialist to make sure its the best solution for you.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
Materials:
- Soft, clean, thick material like organic flannel, wool, or cotton
- Castor oil
- Glass bowl
- Hot water bottle or heating pad
- Old clothes that you don't mind getting stained
- Plastic bag
- Large towel
Instructions:
- Put on your older clothes.
- Take your piece of flannel and place it in the bowl. Then pour enough castor oil over it to saturate.
- Get your hot water bottle or heating pad ready.
- Place your towel on a flat surface like a couch, your bed, or the floor. For added protection you can also put down a garbage bag so that your bed or couch won't get stained from any oil that manages to escape the plastic cover.
- Once you lie down, place your saturated flannel over the affected area of your body.
- Cover the pack with plastic.
- Place the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack and let it sit for at least 45-60 minutes. During this time you can rest or read a book.
- When the time is up, remove the pack and clean the area with water and a bit of baking soda.
- You can keep the pack in a plastic bag in a cool place or the refrigerator. I keep mine in a sealed glass jar in one of my kitchen cabinets. Just add another tablespoon of castor oil for the next session.
And if you're a visual leaner, here's a video describing how to make a castor oil pack.
Here's What's Going Down With Iron Fist's Diversity Controversy
When Game of Thrones alum Finn Jones was cast as the lead in Marvel's Iron Fist series, the news was met with swift criticism. While the character of Danny Rand (aka Iron Fist) is white is the comic books, his story heavily involves martial arts and it would have been an ideal opportunity for Marvel to embrace an Asian actor as a lead. Before Jones was cast, fans started a widely circulated petition asking Marvel to cast an Asian American in Iron Fist. Marvel executives didn't heed the advice, but they've stuck by their decision, calling him the "perfect choice."
A year after the original controversy, the show is set to premiere on Netflix on March 17 - but that doesn't mean the diversity issue has disappeared. This week, Jones engaged in a Twitter exchange about the lack of representation on the show, which resulted in Jones quitting Twitter. (Don't worry, he's already back online.) Here's what went down.
March 2: Riz Ahmed Posts a Speech He Gave About Diversity
"Here's the speech I gave at Parliament yesterday hosted by Channel4 about diversity, or as I think we should call it REPRESENTATION," wrote the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor. "Diversity sounds like an optional extra. Representation is fundamental to what expect from our culture. When people don't feel represented, you get extremism, division, and lose out on our full potential. Things can get very ugly very fast. Let's step up, and REPRESENT."
March 5: Jones Retweets Ahmed's Speech, Defends Iron Fist, Quits Twitter
Jones shared the speech with his followers, saying "Representation is important, and here's why." This sparked a response from Asyiqin Haron, the creative lead for Geeks of Color, an online community that aims to celebrate diversity in pop culture. Her tweets are protected, but she responded by asking, "Are you for real?"
He actually wrote her back, pleading in a series of tweets, "Please don't make assumptions on our show before you have seen it. The characterization of Danny Rand may have remained true to its source material but our show incorporates and celebrates actors from all different backgrounds. I will go as far to say that it may be one of the most diverse shows out of the three."
"That's great and all but you do see why Danny Rand being white is problematic right?" she asked.
"There are a lot of characteristics in Danny which are problematic," he responded. "That's the point, rather than shy away from them we inspect them. It makes for a rich, intelligent, thought provoking show."
"I don't doubt it," wrote Haron. "I'm just saying an Asian Danny Rand could've made an even bigger impact but sure."
Shortly before deleting his Twitter account, Jones wrote back to Haron once more: "All of us making this show care about about creating a socially progressive story whilst keeping true to the comic book fan base."
March 6: Jones Releases a Statement, Then Rejoins Twitter
A day after leaving Twitter, Jones released a statement to Deadline explaining his decision:
"There is a huge benefit to engage and help shape conversations on social media, especially when it comes to giving a voice to social matters. My original intention was to amplify a speech made by Riz Ahmed at the House of Commons. It was a very articulate and important speech on representation that I wholly agreed with. After posting I was inundated by people accusing me of not being allowed to share his voice based on an assumption that our show is going to play into the problems of racial inequality on screen. I engaged politely, diplomatically and attempted to bridge the divide. I'm currently in the middle of filming and I need to stay focused on bringing to life this character without judgment, so I decided to remove myself from Twitter for the time being.
I am very proud of the work everyone has done on this series and I'm excited for people to see how we've adapted the story. We have gone to great lengths to represent a diverse cast with an intelligent, socially progressive storyline. I hope people can watch the show before making judgments. In times, as divisive as these, we need to stay unified, compassionate and understanding in our differences."
Jones rejoined Twitter later that day but hasn't commented further on the exchange.
The True Stories Behind the 3 Remarkable Women in Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures is an instant must watch. Based on the nonfiction bestseller of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, the film tells the untold true story of three black female mathematicians who were instrumental in making NASA's first manned orbit around the Earth a success. While helping America propel forward in the space race, they broke down national barriers for both female scientists, as well as people of color. Out of the three outstanding women portrayed, Katherine G. Johnson is the only one still living today. She stated in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the movie was "well done" and "pretty accurate." However, the film is a biographical drama, not a documentary. Take a look to learn more about these incredible women, as well as what was made up for dramatic effect.
11 Things We Already Know About The Vampire Diaries Series Finale
The end is near, you guys. In less than one week, we will have to say goodbye to The Vampire Diaries - forever. It will be hard to let go (who can forget all those shocking moments and sad songs?), but we can't help but feel a little excited for the final chapter. Not only has the cast given us a few tidbits, but Julie Plec has also spilled a whole bunch of details. If you're curious about what's to come, keep scrolling for everything we know about the last episode of TVD.
The Title
The series finale is titled, "I Was Feeling Epic," Lexi's famous line during season one, episode eight. Seeing that she was actually giving advice to Stefan about his love for Elena, we're wondering if that means Stelena could be the end game.
Who Will Be in It?
Nina Dobrev's character, Elena, has been showing up in flashbacks this season, but now the actress, who famously left the show after season six, confirmed that she's officially returning for the finale! She did make a promise to Julie Plec to come back and be part of the goodbye, after all. While it's safe to assume that the rest of the season eight cast will appear, Plec also teased that we will see even more returning faces from past seasons. In fact, David Anders, who played Uncle John on the series, recently teased his return by tweeting that he's heading to Atlanta where the show films.
There Will Be a Flash Forward and Flashback
Plec confirmed that there will be flash forwards and flashbacks in the finale.
Someone Will Die
Entertainment Weekly broke the terrible news that one of the main characters will die in the finale. We know Elena survives (they say she's the one saying goodbye in the cemetery), but who is in the grave?
Damon and Elena Will Come Face-to-Face
Delena fans can rest assured that the two lovers will be reunited in some way or form in the finale.
There Might Be a Klaroline Reunion
Now that Stefan is human, it seems like Klaus and Caroline could end up together. Not only did Plec confirm that the finale would tie into The Originals storyline, but she also teased that there will be some Klaroline action as well.
Bonnie and Kai Will Not Be Endgame
While it seems like some of our favorite ships could be getting a happy ending, Bonnie and Kai will not be one of them. Not only did Plec confirm that Bonkai would not be endgame in the finale, but she also revealed that Kai will not find happiness or peace. Why, Julie Plec? Why?
Katherine Is Coming Back
Not only is Dobrev reprising her role as Elena, but she will also be back as her doppelgänger, Katherine.
The Finale Scene Is at the Salvatore House
Plec confirmed that the final scene of the finale will take place at the Salvatore Boarding House. Take that as you will.
It's Going to Emotionally Wreck Us
Not only did Plec say that the series finale will be sad and beautiful, but she also added that it ranks an 11/10 on the emotional scale. We're not ready!
The Air Date
You can catch all the madness when it airs on March 10.
The First Photo From Jurassic World 2 Is Uncomfortably Cryptic
Hold onto your butts, people, because another Jurassic World is on the way. Although the sequel is still untitled and the release date is over a year away, a few bits and pieces of information about it have made their way to the public - and the first photo is here! By all accounts, it sounds like the film is moving in the right direction (i.e. scarier and more suspenseful). Fingers crossed they let Bryce Dallas Howard put on some sneakers this time around.
The Director
J.A. Bayona, who directed A Monster Calls and The Impossible, will take the reins from Colin Trevorrow. Despite leaving to direct Star Wars: Episode IX, Trevorrow is staying on board to help out as an executive producer. In an interview with Jurassic Outpost, he touched on the collaborative environment he's fostered with Bayona. "I've been here, I'm in the office right now," he said. "I've been here every day since July working closely with J.A., listening to his instincts, and honing the script with Derek [Connolly] to make sure it's something that all of us believe in."
The Cast
So far the only official returning cast members are Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, who played Owen and Claire in Jurassic World. Trevorrow appeared on the Jurassic Cast podcast in September 2015 to discuss his plans for the sequel, which included details of how he sees Owen and Claire evolving throughout the next two films.
"Owen is going to be in it, Claire is in it, and neither are going to be in the same place we left them in the first movie. And even though Claire is the one who evolves the most over the trilogy, it's her story that mirrors this changing world. Owen has sh*t to deal with. They've both opened Pandora's Box in Jurassic World and both of them are responsible for different elements of it."
The Plot
If you're worried about seeing another dinosaur-chasing-people-around-on-an-island movie, don't be. Trevorrow said that he thinks "the general audience [is] going to be down to explore where else we can go." Does that mean we're going to see another T-Rex on the loose in San Diego, like in The Lost World? Although we'll have to wait and see, we do know one thing: it's going to leave us shaken. "It will be more suspenseful and scary," Trevorrow added. "And that's just the way it's designed, it's the way the story plays out. I knew I wanted Bayona to direct it long before anyone heard that was a possibility so the whole thing was just built around his skillset."
The First Picture
Walking in giant footsteps. #JW2 http://pic.twitter.com/fOZrFXp9md
- Colin Trevorrow (@colintrevorrow) March 8, 2017
Producer Trevorrow shared this sneak peek on Twitter in March.
The Release Date
The film is slated to hit theaters on June 22, 2018.
The Best Food Options For the Whole Family at Walt Disney World
Disney World is overwhelming enough between having to travel there, figure out transportation to the parks, and delegate which rides to go on and attractions to see - having to decide what to eat there just makes things even more stressful - especially if you're bringing a baby. Maybe you have a picky eater who will only touch chicken fingers and mac and cheese, or perhaps your kid has been jonesin' to eat Mickey waffles with Goofy for months.
Whatever your family's needs, use this post as your ultimate guide to any type of dining experience, whether it be at the parks, Downtown Disney, or at one of the hotels or resorts.
Giada De Laurentiis on What It Takes For Female Chefs to Be Successful
A few years ago at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Giada De Laurentiis shared her history and rise to fame. As we celebrate International Women's Day, it seems fitting to remember Giada's stance on the tireless effort required for a woman to be successful in a food industry that is predominately male:
"There's very few women who break through. Just take a look at the roster of who's here at the Food & Wine festival. It takes a lot of skill, determination, perseverance, and hard work. It takes time, and over the years, I've been able to gain respect from the male chefs in my community, but I had to work harder than anybody else to get it. I had to make food that was better than anybody else. I had to make choices that were smarter than everybody else. If you can do all of that, then you can be successful. But really finding what makes you unique is key. I can't say it enough."
Though the quote is from 2014, kickass female chefs are still voicing similar concerns. Recently, after Dominique Crenn was awarded "World's Best Female Chef of 2016," she responded, "Perhaps in a few years, I hope it will just be 'chef' and not 'woman chef.'"
Alton Brown and Bill Nye Are Joining Forces to Make Your Geekiest Dreams Come True
We're beyond excited for the premiere of Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix and for one reason in particular: Alton Brown makes a guest appearance.
In the trailer for Bill Nye's new show, out April 21, we get a glimpse of fellow science geeks Alton and Bill up to something in a laboratory setting. As they toss their heads back in cackles of laughter, mysterious liquids in hand, we can only imagine what they're concocting. If this episode is anything like a hybrid between Alton's Eat Your Science tour and Bill's classic performances, we're in for a wild ride.
This news comes on the heels of Alton Brown's announcement that Good Eats is returning, kind of. The Food Network host is bringing back a show similar to Good Eats but called something different and available only online. In a tease to his fans, Alton mentioned his relationship with Bill Nye - once calling him his "hero" - admitting, "I'm not the Bill Nye of food. He is way smarter and has more bow ties than I do."
Me and my hero. http://pic.twitter.com/V9fe1Jm4p0
- Alton Brown (@altonbrown) April 21, 2015
Whether Alton is the Bill Nye of food or not, there's no denying that the reunion between the two is exciting. We're ready for a lesson in nitrogen, crazy chemical reactions, and whatever other educational recipes these two have up their lab-coat sleeves.
Food nerds, unite! Watch the full trailer below.
The Blogger With the Most "Liked" Outfit at Fashion Week
You can track the street style at Fashion Week all you want, but only Instagram can determine the very best looks. We combed through the feeds of top bloggers who trot the globe to attend shows and uncovered each girl's most "liked" outfit of the month.
You might be surprised to find how many cozy airport outfits are here - obviously fans took notice of Julie Sariñana's luxe outerwear and Shea Marie's furry Fendi coat - but the rest of the girls were admired for their dreamy dresses and tailored pantsuits. The winner, you ask? Chiara Ferragni's seashell dress that she wore for a night out in Milan. Scroll for the full lineup ahead.
People Are Dipping Pizza in Milk, and We Have SO Many Effing Questions
Pizza-lovers, we may have just discovered something even more controversial than the never-ending pineapple topping debate. It looks like foodies everywhere have started dunking their cheesy slices into a glass of milk before taking a bite. Yes, you read that correctly. People are straight up dipping their pizza in milk, and they're using social media to spread the word about the strange eating habit.
Pizza + Milk = a great combination😋😋😋 http://pic.twitter.com/G9LGvTatjF
- zay (@IsaiahDaGawdd) March 3, 2017
Y'all ever dipped pizza in milk, pretty damn good tbh
- evan (@Clueshh) March 6, 2017
People are dipping pizza in milk and I don't know why... 😷 Got any weird eating habits? http://pic.twitter.com/q20kXhG842
- Ruairidh (@HeyItsRu) March 5, 2017
Fuck that pineapple pizza shit, this milk with pizza is the wave🌊 http://pic.twitter.com/Gib442IT99
- Michael 🅱owart (@triptr3y) March 6, 2017
Though some Twitter users somehow seem incredibly into the pizza-milk combo, others are on the same page as us - as in, the only thing that possibly comes to mind is "WTF?"
ppl have been eating pineapple pizza fINE in pEACE now y'all are dunking pizza in milk w peas and shit for rt's, PIZZA HAS DONE NOTHING TO U http://pic.twitter.com/Trjeh1G1Hu
- shellet ✨ (@heyitsshelley) March 6, 2017
I read somewhere that people are WILLINGLY dipping their pizza in milk and I will not sit here quietly while such atrocities are going on
- ramón (@RGKMC_) March 4, 2017
when the first date is going really well and then she dips her pizza in a big glass milk http://pic.twitter.com/Dx9OszMLHc
- Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) March 4, 2017
After recovering from the wave of shock (and nausea) I experienced the first time I saw evidence of this apparent food-consumption trend, a flood of questions entered my brain. I have listed them below, and I'm demanding the answers ASAP.
- Doesn't this make your slice of 'za get cold? I mean, I know there's a cult of cold-pizza devotees out there, but this seems like a very unwelcome form of temperature change.
- Who was the first person to try this out?
- Exactly what was going through their head when they first thought to pair their pizza with milk? (Read: Exactly how many drugs were they on at that moment?)
- What on earth is the benefit of this? Is it possible that it actually tastes somewhat decent?
- Doesn't it make the crust get all soggy? There's nothing worse than soggy crust, am I right?
- For the people who commit this nefarious sin against pizza: is ranch dressing just not good enough for you?
- And is it best dunked with whole, skim, or almond milk? Or, dare I say it, half and half?
- If we tried dipping pineapple pizza in milk, would it cancel out the vileness and taste edible?
- Lastly, how could you betray pizza like this?!
All jokes aside, we're genuinely curious: would you try this crazy-strange eating habit? Take the poll below to let us know!
Emma Watson Tied a T-Shirt Around Her Oscar de la Renta Dress
Emma Watson took on the green carpet challenge back in 2015, committing to wearing only ethically made clothing. Back then, she and her stylist Sarah Slutsky would break down each element of her outfit, from dainty jewels to pumps, detailing where every item came from on Instagram. But Emma's taking things one step further as she promotes Beauty and the Beast on the film's press tour, which started in Paris.
Emma created a new account called @the_press_tour, where she'll be sharing sketches of her looks, all-angle videos, and lengthy captions that credit the team who crafted her pieces. Many of the designers she's tapping, like Stella McCartney, have been on board with using recycled materials for years. Emma's dresses and jumpsuits are "verified green" by Eco-Age, a company that promotes sustainability through core principles that include matters of pollution, labor work, and fabric resourcing.
Scroll to get a look at everything Emma's worn so far - including these Oscar de la Renta trousers that took her from the premiere red carpet to The Ellen DeGeneres Show along with an ethically made Oscar de la Renta mini that she tied a t-shirt around - then hold out for her next ensemble, which will cater to both her smart standards and sophisticated sense of style.
Venus Williams on What Makes a Strong Woman: "Living Your Dream"
Image Source: Getty / PETER PARKS
Venus Williams seems to have conquered a little bit of everything. She's a veritable tennis master, a skilled clothing designer, a talented interior designer, and savvy business owner. But though her résumé is stacked, there are two things Venus still wants to accomplish: continuing to empower women and giving back.
Early in her tennis career, Venus picked up on the disparity between the prize payouts for men and women, and in the early 2000s, after making her distinct mark in the sport, she decided to do something about it. "The world is a place where every opportunity is available, being strong and resilient is really what has taken women so far in these last number of years," she told me while we were discussing Brawny's Strength Has No Gender Campaign. In 2005, Venus won the singles title at Wimbledon. In 2006, she spoke out about the pay gap at Wimbledon. In 2007, Wimbledon leveled the playing field.
As part of Brawny's Strength Has No Gender campaign, Venus is taking that opportunity to sing the praises of other women and build female empowerment. "We're highlighting women who are amazing, like Vernice Armour, who is the first African American female naval aviator," she said, before continuing on with a nod to inspirations closer to home. Venus said she credits her mom, Oracene Price, for raising her to be resilient. "She taught us to be leaders and to be confident and to be strong," she said.
Image Source: Getty / Scott Barbour
It goes without saying that Venus also gets inspiration and empowerment from the other women in her family: all her sisters, including fellow tennis star Serena. "Look at all the barriers she's broken down," Venus said of her sister. And it's true: between the two of them they've created huge waves in not only tennis, but in the world, and they congratulate each other along the way each time. At the end of this year's Australian Open, where Serena edged out Venus to take the win, Venus said in her post-match interview, "Serena Williams, that's my little sister guys!" And Serena fired right back, thanking Venus for inspiring her to be the best player she can be.
"By living your dream you set an example and you empower other women to live their dreams as well."
Venus spends each day being thankful for where she is and wants to pay it forward as her next mission. "I've had the opportunity to be a part of a lot of different amazing causes and charities, so that will be my main focus outside tennis and business," she said of what she wants to focus on next.
As for that female empowerment that's always on her mind and being a strong woman, Venus said living your dream is where it all starts: "I feel like standing up for what you believe in - I feel that it's helping women around you, and I think it's living your dream, because by living your dream you set an example and you empower other women to live their dreams as well," she said.
12 Baby Groot Moments That Make You Want to Squish His Twiggy Little Face
There are so many reasons to look forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - cough, Chris Pratt's abs, cough - but the biggest one of all is the return of Baby Groot. We first met the lil' nugget in Guardians of the Galaxy, when Big Groot gets "killed" but just starts growing all over again as a root. We're not the only ones who are obsessed; parents have been dressing kids up as Baby Groot, and there's even a way to make your own version! Here are 12 moments that have made us love the plant, and make sure you've caught his appearances in the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 trailers.
10 Memorable Carrie Bradshaw Quotes to Live By
There's a reason so many people consider themselves "a Carrie." Carrie Bradshaw's lines on life, love, and friendship may include a cliché or five, but more often than not, her words are refreshingly relatable, offering sharp insights into what's important. Although the HBO show went off the air more than a decade ago, there are plenty of reasons why Sex and the City is still important, both for its pop-culture impact and for its timeless portrayal of what it means to be a confident woman and a thoughtful friend. In honor of International Women's Day, let's look back at Carrie's iconic role and 10 of her most memorable quotes on love and life.
Venus Williams on What Makes a Strong Woman: "Living Your Dream"
Image Source: Getty / PETER PARKS
Venus Williams seems to have conquered a little bit of everything. She's a veritable tennis master, a skilled clothing designer, a talented interior designer, and savvy business owner. But though her résumé is stacked, there are two things Venus still wants to accomplish: continuing to empower women and giving back.
Early in her tennis career, Venus picked up on the disparity between the prize payouts for men and women, and in the early 2000s, after making her distinct mark in the sport, she decided to do something about it. "The world is a place where every opportunity is available, being strong and resilient is really what has taken women so far in these last number of years," she told me while we were discussing Brawny's Strength Has No Gender Campaign. In 2005, Venus won the singles title at Wimbledon. In 2006, she spoke out about the pay gap at Wimbledon. In 2007, Wimbledon leveled the playing field.
As part of Brawny's Strength Has No Gender campaign, Venus is taking that opportunity to sing the praises of other women and build female empowerment. "We're highlighting women who are amazing, like Vernice Armour, who is the first African American female naval aviator," she said, before continuing on with a nod to inspirations closer to home. Venus said she credits her mom, Oracene Price, for raising her to be resilient. "She taught us to be leaders and to be confident and to be strong," she said.
Image Source: Getty / Scott Barbour
It goes without saying that Venus also gets inspiration and empowerment from the other women in her family: all her sisters, including fellow tennis star Serena. "Look at all the barriers she's broken down," Venus said of her sister. And it's true: between the two of them they've created huge waves in not only tennis, but in the world, and they congratulate each other along the way each time. At the end of this year's Australian Open, where Serena edged out Venus to take the win, Venus said in her post-match interview, "Serena Williams, that's my little sister guys!" And Serena fired right back, thanking Venus for inspiring her to be the best player she can be.
"By living your dream you set an example and you empower other women to live their dreams as well."
Venus spends each day being thankful for where she is and wants to pay it forward as her next mission. "I've had the opportunity to be a part of a lot of different amazing causes and charities, so that will be my main focus outside tennis and business," she said of what she wants to focus on next.
As for that female empowerment that's always on her mind and being a strong woman, Venus said living your dream is where it all starts: "I feel like standing up for what you believe in - I feel that it's helping women around you, and I think it's living your dream, because by living your dream you set an example and you empower other women to live their dreams as well," she said.
Wedding Cakes That Channel Your Inner Disney Princess
These wedding cakes prove that any bride can channel her inner Disney princess in a classy, grown-up way. Taking characters, castles, and key themes from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Frozen, these Disney princess wedding cakes are a dreamy way to celebrate your "happily ever after."
Source: Jessica Frey Photography, White Rabbit Photo Boutique, Nadia Meli, Cardin Creative Photography
Emilia Clarke's Essay About Feminism Is One of the Most Powerful Things You'll Read Today
Daenerys Targaryen is easily the fiercest badass on Game of Thrones, but so is the woman who plays her. In celebration of International Women's Day on Wednesday, Emilia Clarke penned a powerful essay about feminism for The Huffington Post UK. In the moving piece, the 30-year-old actress touches on gender equality, her feminist upbringing, and how we can all change the world with kindness. She also explained why she doesn't have to justify her nude scenes on Game of Thrones, saying, "If you've watched Game of Thrones then, spoiler, you will have seen me in the nude. There are plenty of ways in which people want me to respond to questions about this fact. And plenty of reasons why I do not feel the need to justify myself." Check out a few excerpts of her essay below.
"My life has been shaped by a true sense of equality; it was never an overt 'for crying out loud Emilia is just as capable as her brother!' it was simply etched into every action, choice, and behavior of my family."
"It was a recognized matter of fact that I, as a woman, was no different to my brother. Just as my mum was no different from my father in their careers, therefore I was raised in an equal earning, equally managed household that showed me anything a man could do, a woman could and should do too."
"So I grew up with a voice, but it was not a shared voice of a generation, and it was only much later I realized what an incredible, feminist start to life I had been given."
"In the last few months we have all witnessed a major shift in the way women are collectively making their voices heard. The Women's March on 21 January gathered more than five million people throughout the world - giving us all the lead to see what we can do to make this a change that's here to stay. "
"Now I don't know about you, but there are days where I feel like a guilty feminist. What am I actually doing every day to stand up for women's rights? My personal experiences, and my understanding of the bigger issues of inequality, aren't enough. What can I take part in, against hate and oppression, to ensure that the women's movement continues, and strengthens and grows?"
"As my best friend would put it, I am a girl-boss, and I am in an industry where if I speak out against inequality I have a platform, and might be lucky enough to have a chance of being heard."
Read Emilia's essay in full on The Huffington Post UK.
Quadriplegic Manitoba politician wants presumed consent for organ donation
A Manitoba politician left paralyzed from the neck down by a highway collision is pushing for a law that would make all people in the province an organ donor unless they opted out.
Emilia Clarke's Essay About Feminism Is One of the Most Powerful Things You'll Read Today
Daenerys Targaryen is easily the fiercest badass on Game of Thrones, but so is the woman who plays her. In celebration of International Women's Day on Wednesday, Emilia Clarke penned a powerful essay about feminism for The Huffington Post UK. In the moving piece, the 30-year-old actress touches on gender equality, her feminist upbringing, and how we can all change the world with kindness. She also explained why she doesn't have to justify her nude scenes on Game of Thrones, saying, "If you've watched Game of Thrones then, spoiler, you will have seen me in the nude. There are plenty of ways in which people want me to respond to questions about this fact. And plenty of reasons why I do not feel the need to justify myself." Check out a few excerpts of her essay below.
"My life has been shaped by a true sense of equality; it was never an overt 'for crying out loud Emilia is just as capable as her brother!' it was simply etched into every action, choice, and behavior of my family."
"It was a recognized matter of fact that I, as a woman, was no different to my brother. Just as my mum was no different from my father in their careers, therefore I was raised in an equal earning, equally managed household that showed me anything a man could do, a woman could and should do too."
"So I grew up with a voice, but it was not a shared voice of a generation, and it was only much later I realized what an incredible, feminist start to life I had been given."
"In the last few months we have all witnessed a major shift in the way women are collectively making their voices heard. The Women's March on 21 January gathered more than five million people throughout the world - giving us all the lead to see what we can do to make this a change that's here to stay. "
"Now I don't know about you, but there are days where I feel like a guilty feminist. What am I actually doing every day to stand up for women's rights? My personal experiences, and my understanding of the bigger issues of inequality, aren't enough. What can I take part in, against hate and oppression, to ensure that the women's movement continues, and strengthens and grows?"
"As my best friend would put it, I am a girl-boss, and I am in an industry where if I speak out against inequality I have a platform, and might be lucky enough to have a chance of being heard."
Read Emilia's essay in full on The Huffington Post UK.
Quadriplegic Manitoba politician wants presumed consent for organ donation
A Manitoba politician left paralyzed from the neck down by a highway collision is pushing for a law that would make all people in the province an organ donor unless they opted out.
12 Things You Must Know About the Drop-Dead Gorgeous Oscar Isaac
Is it hot in here, or is it just Oscar Isaac? The Guatemalan-born Star Wars star has been making moves in the industry since 2005, but his role in blockbuster hit thrust him into the global spotlight - and we don't mind one bit.
With friends like Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar is the rotation of favorite celebs and a total It dude. But if perhaps you've been living under a rock and don't know much about your favorite Hollywood actor (yes, we're deciding for you), it's time for a little "Oscar 101." Keep scrolling to discover 12 things you need to know about the hunky actor.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Why You May Want to Avoid Dunkin' Donuts' New Salted Whipped Cream
In case you missed it, Dunkin' Donuts just released a brand-new drink: the Sweet & Salted Cold Brew. Reviews on release day were somewhat mixed, with many saying the whipped cream was straight-up salty. I finally got my hands on this drink to try it for myself, and here is what I can tell you. The whipped cream is indeed salty. Tasting it on its own, you get all salt and really no sweet. If you let the whipped cream settle a bit, it'll sink into the coffee but not really affect the flavor. Going off a suggestion that someone provided about stirring the whipped cream into the drink, I tried that and found it didn't change much. By doing that, the coffee took on a bit of the creaminess from the whipped cream but didn't pick up any of the saltiness, so in my opinion, that was good. I'm a fan of the salty and sweet combination, but on this one, I didn't feel like I got much sweet. Maybe if I had presweetened my cold brew, it would have been better - but I'll save that for another day.
25 Empowering Books Every Strong, Badass Latina Boss Lady Should Read
We are strong Latinas, hear us roar! Some of the most inspiring insight into empowerment, womanhood, and strength comes from the pages of authors like Esmeralda Santiago, Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, and many, many more. Whether the authors are Latina, black, white, purple, yellow, or somewhere in between, these 25 reads by female authors will have you feeling proud to be a woman and Latina - and maybe even push you to finally lean in. Keep scrolling to see our picks, then check out 10 powerful quotes you'll want to Pin immediately.
18 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Quotes You've Used at the Office
Getting through a hectic work day can sometimes feel like a battle with the undead. No one understands that struggle better than Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This month marks 15 years since the series went off the air, yet the sci-fi drama still has an active legion of fans who will forever love the show. We're taking a look back at some of Buffy's most memorable quotes that you may or may not have used at your workplace. Read them here, then be sure to check out all the reasons Buffy is still your role model.
19 Memorable Movies About Female Friendship
The female friendship movie is a totally different animal than the romantic comedy, and yet they often get lumped together under one big "chick flick" banner. While Hollywood goes heavy on the bromances, it's the movies about girlfriends (girl-mances? lady-mances?) that we return to again and again. In honor of International Women's Day, here are 19 of our favorite movies about female friendship.
- Additional reporting by Kate Emswiler and Kimra McPherson
Why 1 Dad Wants to Be the "Umbrella" in His Daughter's Life
Although Nevaeh Sotelo is only in high school, this teen from Texas has already lived one of the hardest days of her life: coming out.
Before the 15-year-old told her family that she was lesbian, she didn't know how her family would react, but quickly learned that her dad will always be one of her biggest supporters, her news didn't change that. Although it's been over a year since Nev shared her sexuality with her dad, Robert recently surprised her with an incredible gesture to reaffirm his unwavering love.
The proud father bought his daughter a rainbow umbrella, which was fitting not only because it says, "Be you, be true, be awesome," or because of it's meaningful colors. "I bought it for her because I know at her age it's hard to be accepted in this cruel world we live in and not one moment do I want my daughter to forget that her dad loves her no matter what," Robert told Buzzfeed. "I want her to know on those stormy and rainy days as she's holding up that umbrella that I am there to protect her just like the umbrella is there to protect her from the rain."
According to her dad, he instantly knew that he needed to buy this umbrella for Nev because it "represents who my daughter is: a kind and loving individual who expresses herself no matter who is looking and because she is aware of who she is, and so am I."
While Nev doesn't take for granted how her dad works to show her his love each and everyday "with small gestures like these," she just wishes that other kids had the same acceptance and support from their parents. "My dad is a strong believer in equality, as am I," Nev said. "He knows that everyone should be treated with the same respect no matter your gender, sexuality, race, or anything in between."
1 Mom's Fears For Her 4-Year-Old Transgender Child
When Rachel Anne Bradbury and her husband had to take their 4-year-old to a public restroom, she knew that a conversation she's been dreading having with her child could potentially come up. Once he looked up at her and said, "Mommy, I want a penis," she knew her time had "run out" and that her child had made realizations sooner than she hoped he would about his own body compared to others people's.
"Some boys have vaginas," she told him, not for the first time. "I know, Mommy, but all my friends that are boys have penises and Daddy have a penis, and I want a penis like them," her 4-year-old, Robin - whose name has been changed - responded.
This conversation has led Bradbury to worry about her child's future, for when he has to go into a public restroom on his own, because he's already "beginning to express feelings of dejection surrounding gender dysphoria." In a post that was originally shared in the private Pantsuit Nation Facebook group, Bradbury shared a bit more about Robin and the challenges she's faced in parenting him.
When Robin was about 2, he started telling me he was a boy. Not that he wanted to BE a boy, or that he FELT LIKE a boy, but, simply, that he WAS a boy. He wanted to buy clothes from the boy's department - he refused to wear anything that reminded him of something a girl would wear - he had specific colors he wanted (blue), specific shoes (Lightning McQueen). All of his stuffed animals were boys. He loves Legos, cars, trucks, trains, and "boy superheroes," as he says. These things, I know, do not make Robin a boy. They just make him Robin.
So none of these preferences are what led me to the position of accepting my child's truth. What brought me to support him was pretty simple, actually: I have always known I am female. I've never questioned it. Robin was telling me that . . . he knew he was a boy. Who am I to say he's wrong? Who am I to tell a 2-and-a-half-year-old, a 3-year-old, and now a 4-year-old that I know his being better than he does?
When I informed my parents months ago that their grandchild requested that they refer to him as their grandson, and not their granddaughter, they were initially accepting. My mother apologized for continuing to purchase princess nightgowns that Robin was refusing to wear. She said she would "try to be a better grandparent" by ceasing to resist Robin's wishes. Then, not 24 hours later, my parents consulted a doctor on their own, an old friend of theirs, asking how a 4-year-old could possibly know about gender. And, with incredible ignorance and devastating finality, this respected physician told my parents that my 4-year-old has fallen victim to a fad.
In spite of my parents continuing to tell Robin he's "such a pretty girl," my son does not usually get upset. He just quietly corrects them: "I'm a pretty boy." . . . Let me be clear: My parents are amazing people. They are not the bad guys. They'd walk through fire for their grandchildren - ALL of their grandchildren. They are just a couple of people who, like so many, have a hard time processing these things. They'll love Robin, come what may. But it might take them a while to figure it all out. . . .
I, myself, spend a great deal of time worried that I'm not doing the right thing. But I'm trying to be a good parent, listening to my child and trusting him. If Robin comes to me and says she's a girl, I'll let Robin take the lead on that as well. Most often, Robin doesn't talk about it at all. He is just himself. When Robin started correcting my pronouns, however, I started earnestly trying to change them - but not before that. I'm just doing my best, here, and like so many parents, I'm hoping I'm not messing things up too badly.
Following the Supreme Court's refusal on March 6 to hear the case of transgender high school student, Gavin Grimm, who is fighting to use the bathroom of his choice, Bradbury started feeling understandably fearful for Robin for the first time. If her own family was having some difficulties accepting Robin's truths, how could she not see a future of difficulties for her child when the government is also failing to protect him?
"I understand that things are complicated in government. Politicians and constituents must both be petted, cajoled, encouraged, manipulated, used, appeased. Many pieces are at play, certainly," Bradbury ends her thoughtful post. "But what is that to a little boy? He knows nothing about politics. He just wants to be himself, to be Robin, in a world that seems intent on making that extremely difficult."
Bradbury shared with POPSUGAR Moms her hopes in sharing Robin's story with others: "When people read my story, I want them to see Robin as a child, a wonderful 4-year-old person with hopes, dreams, and silliness, a person who doesn't yet know how difficult it is for the world to accept him, a world that he accepts with unbiased innocence each and every day."
The Walking Dead: Why Michonne's Life Is Probably About to Get Worse
When we first met Michonne on The Walking Dead, she had shut off her feelings and seemed more comfortable being alone. Since then, she's found her niche as a friend to people like Daryl and Carol, a lover and confidante to Rick, a surrogate mom to Carl, and the resident ass-kicker of the undead.
While she comes from a similar background as her character in the comics, the TV version of Michonne has taken on a much different trajectory. In the books, she loses two daughters to the zombie apocalypse; on the show, she loses a son, in addition to her boyfriend and friend. The most obvious change is her relationship with Rick. In the comics, they form a close friendship because of similar losses, but their relationship has remained platonic (though it's hinted that Michonne might have feelings for Rick). Instead, Michonne forms a significant romantic bond with Tyreese - before he becomes a zombie.
She also has an interesting relationship with King Ezekiel, albeit somewhat one-sided. While we hardly see them together on screen, the comics show them developing a strong trust with one another, eventually sleeping together one night. Despite Ezekiel's hopes for something more, Michonne clarifies that it meant nothing but could potentially lead to something else in the future.
After defeating Negan and finding some peace with Ezekiel at The Kingdom, she heads off on her own as chronicled in the interactive mini-series, The Walking Dead: Michonne. The three-episode series centers on her adventures on a boat and her eventual landing in a community called Monroe. When she returns, Rick asks her why she left and she explains that she abandoned her daughters during the outbreak therefore would never be able to start a new life living with such regret.
Heeding Rick's advice to get it together, Michonne returns home only to find that Carl has been kidnapped by a group called The Whisperers. They've also beheaded Ezekiel, leaving her distraught and seeking revenge. As a result, she gathers troops from the Hilltop in Alexandra to prepare for a war with this new threat, a war she eventually wins. However, the victors soon find themselves surrounded by walkers yet again.
That's all we know so far, and it'll be interesting to see how much of that makes it into the series!
39 Times You Perfectly Understood Mindy Lahiri
If you're in need of advice, there's no better person to consult than The Mindy Project's Ms. Mindy Lahiri. Thanks to her relatable one-liners and some seriously real talk, Dr. Lahiri makes the perfect dream BFF. She's smart, successful, and hilarious, and she's never afraid to tell it like it is. Even better? She's played by our Hollywood girl-crush Mindy Kaling, who brings so much charm to the character that even in her most unflattering, out-there moments, you still think, "Yep, I love her." She also happens to be the show's creator, which makes her all the more impressive. In honor of International Women's Day, we're putting the spotlight on one of our all-time favorite women. Take a look at all the GIF-worthy moments when you perfectly understood Mindy Lahiri.
21 Kickass Female Chefs Who Are Changing the Food Industry
By now, it's no secret that restaurant kitchens tend to be a male-dominated space. Between harrowing sexism and societal pressures, choosing to be a female chef in an industry that many consider to be run by men is no easy move - and actually succeeding at it? That can prove even harder.
But pioneers like Julia Child paved the way for modern revolutionaries, like these 21 kickass female chefs. No longer are women hitting the glass ceiling that was once sous chefs or pastry positions - and if they hit it, they aren't stopping. They are shattering through it, hopefully once and for all.
Best of all, they're doing it with style. From nose-to-tail animal cooking to fanciful, sugary concoctions, the cooking done by these women is not only done just as well as men do, but women can do it with their own signature spin. Read on to discover 21 names that should be on your radar - these female chefs are serving up some serious changes to the culinary industry as we know it.
How to Talk to Girls About Their Bodies at Every Age
How your daughter views her body can have a lasting impact on both her physical and emotional health. Starting from when your little girl is a tot, she starts absorbing messages regarding body image and self-worth. As her parent, what you say and do matters, especially when it comes to talking about physical appearance and weight, even when it isn't directed at her. This means that it's important to realize how you can help (or harm) your little girl at every step of her development.
According to research from the Center For Disease Control and National Association of Eating Disorders, this is a topic that parents of girls should consider at every age and not just immediately before or after puberty. At just 6 years old, girls start showing concern for their weight or appearance, and by the time kids hit elementary school, half of them are worried about their weight or becoming fat.
While every child is different, check out these helpful tips for how to talk to your daughter about her body depending on her age.
11 Times Elena From One Day at a Time Was Our Hero
Elena from Netflix's One Day at a Time is one woke young woman who isn't afraid to speak her truth. In the first season of the series, the 15-year-old, played by Isabella Gomez, had so many relatable moments - not only because she was so open about her life as a lesbian Latina, but because she certainly didn't believe you need to be asked your opinion before giving it.
If you don't already adore Elena, the moments ahead where Elena was the queen of #keepingitreal will make you itch for season two.
4 Bloody Details About the Sharp Objects TV Show
There are plenty of book-to-TV adaptations on the horizon in 2017, but perhaps one of the most exciting entries is Sharp Objects. Based on the novel by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, the new show has already involved Flynn herself, signed a talented cast, and landed an esteemed network. Curious to know how far along the project is? We've got all the details below.
1. The Story
There's no word on how closely the series will follow the novel. Seeing as author Gillian Flynn will executive produce and even write a few episodes, though, it's safe to assume they'll have a lot in common. In the book, Camille Preaker is an emotionally unstable journalist who has just finished a brief stay in a psychiatric hospital. She gets an assignment to cover a string of murders in her hometown.
2. The Network
The project has been snagged by HBO, which is pretty exciting news. After all, the network has proven it can handle a big mystery novel with its adaptation of Big Little Lies, which is already getting favorable reviews. (It has a 75 on Metacritic and 88% on RottenTomatoes.) Suffice it to say, Sharp Objects is in good hands.
3. The Cast
Amy Adams has been cast as Camille, the main character who returns to her hometown. This month Patricia Clarkson was added to the cast as Camille's mother Adora, who is serves as an antagonistic force to her daughter.
4. The Premiere
Unfortunately, there's only bad news on this front. There's no premiere date in sight, and the timeline isn't giving us any hope either. After all, the adaptation was announced in 2014, and Adams was cast in April 2016. Things are moving slow. But hey, who knows? Maybe it'll pick up steam in the coming months!
What It's Like to Attend Your First Fashion Week
For my 19th birthday, my uncle surprised me with a ticket to Erin Fetherston's Fall 2008 show. This happened at the height of my obsession with fashion magazines and I vividly remember taking photos outside of the Bryant Park tents to document my New York Fashion Week arrival. I had no shame as a high schooler! As the outfits came down the runway, my uncle, who worked in Fetherston's showroom, explained the techniques and the time it took to create the dresses, tops, and pants. I listened and watched the show in awe. Here I was witnessing a designer's creations firsthand instead of just reading about it. To me, that was the most exciting part - getting that behind-the-scenes glimpse. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the collection and everything that goes into it.
Fast-forward years later to my first New York Fashion Week as an assistant fashion editor. Though I still had that same feeling of naivete and pure joy as I did years ago, this time around I came at NYFW as a member of the industry. I was eager for shows like Christian Siriano (who I've followed since Project Runway) and Marchesa (my future pick for a wedding dress) because of what I had already seen and read. To experience their collections in person was just icing on the cake, and with several shows on my list, the only thing left to do was plan my outfits.
Admittedly, that part was what I was most worried about. After seeing seasons of amazing street style, my wardrobe options felt a little lackluster. Luckily, I didn't have to go far in search of some inspiration. (I had just finished our 31-day styling hacks challenge and that kept my creative juices flowing.) With my outfits planned, I felt ready for the shows and to report back everything I had witnessed.
Read on to see what Fashion Week was really like, from someone who just went. Spoiler alert: it really was the best seven days of my whole month.
15 Reasons to Work Out That Have Nothing to Do With Weight Loss
Look, we all know that exercise can help you lose weight. We know it can build muscle. We know you get stronger, leaner, more toned . . . but did you know that exercise can clear your skin? Prevent osteoporosis? Improve your sex life?
Adding consistent workouts (of any kind!) into your daily routine can truly revolutionize your life. Here are some of the incredible, life-extending benefits you'll reap from physical fitness.
-
Grow your brain: Exercise stimulates neural and mental development, even in aging brains. Studies show increased gray matter and sharpened motor skills after learning a new workout, as training your body can simultaneously train your mind. - Sharpen memory: That same study - the one with the gray matter - reported on hippocampal neurogenesis, meaning the memory center of your brain (hippocampus) is making new cells and thus improved. Having trouble remembering a few things? Hit the gym!
- Treat depression: Exercise, combined with meditation, has proven to be an effective treatment for depression, with similar results to antidepressants. New neural cell growth stimulated by exercise counteracts the suppression of said growth brought on by depression.
- Boost your mood: The endorphins released from exercise will give you a surge of energy and a healthy mood-boost. You'll be feeling all the happy feels in no time.
- Sleep better: Working out at the end of the day can send you into a sound slumber. Research has found that if you're struggling with insomnia and restlessness, exercise could be the cure.
- Have more energy: In addition to reaping the benefits of better, more-restful sleep, studies show that exercise itself can boost energy and fight fatigue.
- Have a healthy outlet for stress: For many people, pounding the pavement for a run, jumping in the pool and going for a swim, or hitting the studio and taking a dance class is a natural release for general stress. It can even take the place of destructive emotional stress-eating.
- Have better sex: Speaking of stress relief . . . the mood boost and de-stressing from exercise will improve your drive, and your increased strength will improve stamina.
- Strengthen your heart: Your cardiovascular system will reap the benefits of routine fitness. You'll have a lowered, healthier blood pressure, better blood flow (so, healthier cells!), and a more regulated temperature. You'll also be better able to flush toxins out of the body thanks to increased circulation.
- Lower cholesterol: One of the benefits of weight management and a stronger heart is lowered cholesterol, meaning less chance of heart attack.
- Get better skin: The increased blood flow from your healthy heart will help "flush cellular debris" and can even clear up acne and eczema. The relieved stress should help give your visage a nice glow, too.
- Boost your immune system: Studies have shown that moderate exercise improves immune function; just make sure to take your rest days, because too much intense exercise can actually be detrimental to your health.
- Live longer: The fountain of youth? It's exercise, of course! A study showed an association between weight lifting and living longer.
- Keep your bones strong: By exercising consistently, you'll maintain solid bone density, which can prevent osteoporosis.
- Feel less pain: A 2014 study showed that aerobic training increased pain tolerance. More gainz, less painz.
15 Reasons to Work Out That Have Nothing to Do With Weight Loss
Look, we all know that exercise can help you lose weight. We know it can build muscle. We know you get stronger, leaner, more toned . . . but did you know that exercise can clear your skin? Prevent osteoporosis? Improve your sex life?
Adding consistent workouts (of any kind!) into your daily routine can truly revolutionize your life. Here are some of the incredible, life-extending benefits you'll reap from physical fitness.
-
Grow your brain: Exercise stimulates neural and mental development, even in aging brains. Studies show increased gray matter and sharpened motor skills after learning a new workout, as training your body can simultaneously train your mind. - Sharpen memory: That same study - the one with the gray matter - reported on hippocampal neurogenesis, meaning the memory center of your brain (hippocampus) is making new cells and thus improved. Having trouble remembering a few things? Hit the gym!
- Treat depression: Exercise, combined with meditation, has proven to be an effective treatment for depression, with similar results to antidepressants. New neural cell growth stimulated by exercise counteracts the suppression of said growth brought on by depression.
- Boost your mood: The endorphins released from exercise will give you a surge of energy and a healthy mood-boost. You'll be feeling all the happy feels in no time.
- Sleep better: Working out at the end of the day can send you into a sound slumber. Research has found that if you're struggling with insomnia and restlessness, exercise could be the cure.
- Have more energy: In addition to reaping the benefits of better, more-restful sleep, studies show that exercise itself can boost energy and fight fatigue.
- Have a healthy outlet for stress: For many people, pounding the pavement for a run, jumping in the pool and going for a swim, or hitting the studio and taking a dance class is a natural release for general stress. It can even take the place of destructive emotional stress-eating.
- Have better sex: Speaking of stress relief . . . the mood boost and de-stressing from exercise will improve your drive, and your increased strength will improve stamina.
- Strengthen your heart: Your cardiovascular system will reap the benefits of routine fitness. You'll have a lowered, healthier blood pressure, better blood flow (so, healthier cells!), and a more regulated temperature. You'll also be better able to flush toxins out of the body thanks to increased circulation.
- Lower cholesterol: One of the benefits of weight management and a stronger heart is lowered cholesterol, meaning less chance of heart attack.
- Get better skin: The increased blood flow from your healthy heart will help "flush cellular debris" and can even clear up acne and eczema. The relieved stress should help give your visage a nice glow, too.
- Boost your immune system: Studies have shown that moderate exercise improves immune function; just make sure to take your rest days, because too much intense exercise can actually be detrimental to your health.
- Live longer: The fountain of youth? It's exercise, of course! A study showed an association between weight lifting and living longer.
- Keep your bones strong: By exercising consistently, you'll maintain solid bone density, which can prevent osteoporosis.
- Feel less pain: A 2014 study showed that aerobic training increased pain tolerance. More gainz, less painz.
Rough Night: Scarlett Johansson and Her Friends Accidentally Kill a Male Stripper
The trailer for Rough Night has everything: a killer group of actresses (Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoë Kravitz), comic misadventures, and . . . a dead male stripper? Yes, a dead male stripper. Johansson stars as Jess, who rounds up her college pals for one last weekend of glittery penis headband-wearing, cocaine-fueled freedom in Miami, but it ends up going hilariously wrong (because of course it does). Could this be the all-female answer to The Hangover? We'll have to wait and see when it hits theaters on June 16.
16 Meredith and Cristina Moments That Will Make You Think of Your Person
When it comes to Grey's Anatomy, it's hard not to get tangled in the complicated web of relationships that stretches across the show's entire history. We've seen some pretty epic romances in our time - there was the sheer magic of Derek and Meredith, and the ups and downs of Callie and Arizona - but that's really just the tip of the iceberg. While it's fun to swoon over all the lovers, we thought we'd pay homage to a different kind of Grey's relationship: the best friendship of Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang and the way they really embodied our BFF goals. We're celebrating female friendships on TV in honor of International Women's Day, so check out all the reasons Meredith and Cristina were so great together.
13 Interesting Facts About Goldie Hawn That Every Fan Should Know
We all know Goldie Hawn for her infectious laugh, her unapologetic sense of humor, and her résumé stacked with iconic film roles, but there's a lot about the Hollywood family matriarch and Academy Award winner that you might not be aware of. From the career she might have had to why it took her and longtime partner Kurt Russell so long to get together, we've rounded up all the nuggets of trivia any Goldie fan should know.
- She almost ditched acting to be a country singer. Can you imagine a world where instead of filming movies like Overboard and Private Benjamin, Goldie was belting it out onstage at the Grand Ole Opry? In 1972, she recorded a country LP for Warner Brothers called Goldie, with the lead single titled "Pitta Patta." Although she had the help of country icons Dolly Parton and Buck Owens on the album, she ended up picking Hollywood over Nashville.
- "Goldie" is a family name. Yes, Goldie is her real name. The unusual moniker is a nod to her mother's aunt, which she discussed during her Inside the Actors Studio appearance in 2008.
- Her middle name is less unique. Her full name is Goldie Jeanne Hawn.
- She practically came out of the womb dancing. Goldie's love of dance started early thanks to the ballet and tap dance lessons she was enrolled in at 3 years old. By the time she turned 10, she scored a spot in the chorus of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo production of The Nutcracker.
- She dropped out of college. The future superstar majored in drama at American University, but it soon became clear that a traditional education wasn't for her. In a video for Oprah's Master Class series, Goldie revealed that her parents never minded her getting bad grades, because "they knew, basically, what my vocation was going to be early on."
- Her first onstage role was as Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In 1961 she got the role of Juliet in the Virginia Shakespeare Company's production of the legendary tragedy.
- She opened her own ballet school. By 1964, she was running and teaching in her own ballet academy in her hometown of Washington DC.
- Her aunt's nickname for her was "GoGo." While chatting with Hoda and Kathie Lee in 2014, she revealed that her grandchildren call her "GoGo," a nickname her aunt originally gave her (they call grandpa Kurt Russell "GoGee").
- "GoGo" coincidentally got her big break as a go-go dancer. The actress was originally hired as a go-go dancer on sketch comedy show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In after dancing "in a cage, and on a pedestal" for a while in NYC. The job then eventually led her to more comedic roles in Hollywood.
- Her first husband was also a dancer. In 1969 Goldie married Gus Trikonis, who was one of the Sharks in West Side Story. They split in 1976.
- The start of her relationship with Kurt Russell was pure luck. The two first met on the set of The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band in 1968 when she was 21 and he was just 16, so nothing romantic happened. Luckily their paths crossed again when they played love interests in 1984's Swing Shift, and it didn't take long for a relationship to spark.
- She founded a charity dedicated to enriching childhood education. Goldie created The Hawn Foundation to help improve the academic lives of young kids after being "moved by statistics about the increases in school violence and bullying, youth depression, and suicide."
- She practices meditation. Although she identifies as Jewish, she owes her sunny disposition to meditation. "It's not the idea of a particular religion that's important," she told Prevention. "It's the development of a spiritual life."
Rose Desserts: A Blossoming Trend That's Easy on the Eye
Weddings, bridal and baby showers, and just about any festivity deserves a bouquet of rose desserts. Whether topped with a crafty rose design or flavored with rose petals and rose water, these desserts will add a dreamy touch to the table.
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