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.
mardi 2 mai 2017
Self-Tanning Addicts, Prepare to Freak: Behold, the First-Ever Tanning Sheet Mask
If you're a self-tanning addict like myself, you will praise the tanning gods for St. Tropez's newest innovation: St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask ($9). Like its in-shower self-tanning wash, this product works double duty to hydrate and tan your face.
Modeled after the popular Korean sheet mask trend, this one leaves your skin dewy and hydrated, but also adds a tanned glow. You get to control how deep the color is: leave it on five minutes for a light touch of color, 10 minutes for medium, and 15 for deep. One you apply, wash your hands and let it do its thing.
After giving this a try ahead of a wedding, I can attest that the color looks natural and doesn't make your skin appear too tan (read: orange), and the color leans more olive (in true St. Tropez fashion). After you've removed the mask, use the excess serum to blend your hairline, nose, and jaw, and don't forget to wash your hands afterward!
Like most self=tanning products, the color will last depending on your beauty habits. If you exfoliate frequently or use products that are especially emollient, you might see the color fade faster. But the key is to keep your skin hydrated after the application, even though the mask does a good job of doing so for at least 24 hours afterward.
You can pick up the sheet mask exclusively on Sephora.com on May 22.
Beloved '90s Brand Tony & Tina Is Back - and It's Better Than Ever
One of the most memorable beauty lines of my youth was Tony & Tina. Founded in 1997 by Anthony Gill and Cristina Bornstein, the collection was inspired by alternative medicines, including color therapy, energy healing, aromatherapy, and crystals. The popular range consisted of the most incredible holographic lip glosses (which would be so popular today!), chakra-awakening nail lacquers, loose glitters, and many more products that I used to save up for to buy at my local Sephora. To my great disappointment, the brand disappeared around 2004.
Tony & Tina was ahead of its time: the intersection of health, beauty, and self-care is one that cosmetics companies are capitalizing on right now. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised to learn that after a long break, Tony & Tina is back! According to Bornstein, she'd been trying to resurrect the brand for a while, but the two founders wanted to do it their way.
"We asked ourselves, 'What makes us happy?'" she told me via email. "The answer was bringing healing products and a healing self-care lifestyle to as many people as we can so we can contribute positive energy to our collective consciousness."
Just as its fans have spent the past decade maturing their tastes, so have the founders behind the brand. Bornstein shared that Tony & Tina (2.0, as she called it) is taking the original alternative inspirations behind the brand to the next level.
"During our hiatus, I dove into the healing world and became a certified Eden energy medicine practitioner," she shared. (She's already a reiki master, meditation guide, and a self-care specialist.) Meanwhile, Gill had become a biodynamic agriculturist in New Zealand. "He encouraged me to create a line of hand-crafted, energy-infused products," she said. The timing was perfect, as her clients had started asking her for specific healing treatments.
The revamped Tony & Tina line, which is available at luxe beauty retailer Credo, features small-batch, handcrafted products that are each infused with sound therapy, crystal therapy, energy medicine, reiki, and positive intentions. This includes a delicious multiuse hair, body, and skin care formula called Coconut Bliss ($55) and Healthy Aura sprays ($43), which have a small clear quartz crystal in the bottle.
Along with every beauty product, the brand is also helping its customers along their self-care journeys with tools paired with the purchased item, like video tutorials on how to support and protect your energy and guided meditations. Bornstein creates this content herself and has expanded it to a "self-care moments with Tina" series on the brand's Instagram.
When I asked Bornstein what she thought about the sudden trend of mindfulness and energy healing, considering that she's been ascribing to it for decades, she told me, "There is an energetic transformation taking place on our planet right now. Many people are awakening to their own inner-wisdom and their inner-healer." She added, "Self-care will absolutely change your life, but you must be committed to it . . . it's like working out, except it's an energy workout."
In addition to using Tony & Tina products in conjunction with her tutorials, she recommended deep breathing methods and Eden energy techniques. "Even a smile works," she told me.
If you're reading this and have been patiently awaiting the return of the brand's iconic makeup products (just like me!), you may be in luck. "We would love to bring it all back - we LOVE creating!" Bornstein said. Someday, the founders hope to re-create the original cosmetics lineup with clean, eco-friendly formulas and packaging, as well as an expanded lineup of self-care items, like color therapy sheets.
"The ultimate big dream is to get land in upstate NY and create an eco-healing center with a farm, so we can grow our own herbs and ingredients and teach self-care and many other modalities," she said.
While I look forward to the day I can get a brand-new tube of Aura Lights holographic lip gloss and once again align my chakras with nail polish, I'm enjoying Tony & Tina's newest incarnation and am amped to see how the company continues to evolve. Keep reading to shop a selection of the line's products.
Take the Magical Beauty Trend to the Next Level With the Healing Power of Crystals
I am a skeptic. Chalk it up to being a native New Yorker, extremely neurotic, or a combination of the two, but my entire life, I have refused to buy into concepts that I deem "crunchy granola" or "hippie dippy." But after trying - and enjoying - acupuncture and meditation, I've become more open-minded to alternative therapies, including crystal healing.
My newfound objectivity is perfectly timed, as crystals are having a major moment in the beauty world. I'm not talking rhinestone-encrusted packaging (though I'm always on board with that). No, I'm referring to using actual stones for health and beauty purposes.
I consulted three women who have a strong passion for crystals and their healing properties: celebrity esthetician Ildi Pekar (who has dozens of different crystals adorning her NYC skin atelier), Själ founder and author of the book Elemental Energy Kristin Petrovich, and Karma Bliss founder Devi Brown, who advised me on the best ways to incorporate them into a daily routine.
From the get-go, you should know that there is no scientific explanation for how these stones work. However, Petrovich broke down the concepts of healing therapy. "We are made up of water, tissues, and minerals, our bones have a crystalline structure, and just as we have an electronic exchange with the Earth, we have an electronic exchange with crystals, gemstones, and precious minerals," she said.
"Our bones have a crystalline structure, and just as we have an electronic exchange with the Earth, we have an electronic exchange with crystals."
"They vibrate at a higher frequency, which gravitates toward the weaker cells in our body," she said. This energy is said to work with the body's energy to create a sense of balance. Whether you believe in this or not, many have said to have felt the electric charge of crystals and experienced their properties.
I'll get into types of crystals and their specific benefits later, but when it comes down to actually picking out a stone IRL, all three experts said that shopping for the correct crystal is a very personal process.
"Look for the ones which you are drawn to or resonate with," Petrovich advised. "These are usually the ones that you need the most." She mentioned that the first time she went crystal shopping, the stone she selected caused a slight tingling sensation in her arm. (She believes this isn't coincidence - it was a rose quartz, which encourages love and friendship, and she found it at a time of loneliness in her life.) Pekar agreed, saying, "I believe the crystal will choose you, not you choosing the crystal."
Brown added that you should really take your time during the crystal shopping process. "It doesn't so much matter where you go to buy them," she noted, "but it is important that you try to feel their energy or focus on what energetic properties they have that you are willing to invite into your life." She recommended closing your eyes as you roll a crystal around in your hands.
Once you've purchased it, you must clean it. This is an important step, as you want to purify your crystal of any external energies that it may have absorbed. "Depending on the type, you can soak it for several hours in a salt and spring water mixture," Brown said. Porous crystals and stones like turquoise, opal, and lapis lazuli should be cleansed with an alternative method, such as smudging with sage. Pekar also likes to leave her new crystals out in moonlight or sunlight, which charges them.
Now that you're inspired to go out and buy a crystal, you have multiple options! Petrovich recommends that New Yorkers visit Astro Gallery of Gems and Rock Star, while Brown's brand, Karma Bliss, offers jewelry and accessories that incorporate crystals. Or you can go for the most glamorous route, which is shopping for beauty products that are actually infused with crystals. Considering that crystals' powers are best felt by keeping them with you at all times, it makes sense that a moisturizer or toner would do the trick (they're on your skin all day!). Keep reading to discover which stones you should try and how you can incorporate them into your regimen.
8 Things You Can Do to Chill the F*ck Out
The world is a big, messy, disorderly, scary, demanding place to live - it's no wonder, really, that 26 percent of Americans polled by NPR said they were living with high stress levels. And if we're being honest here, most of us aren't too good at channeling these tensions into healthy, productive habits . . . which is exactly why stress has that snowball effect, in which it just keeps escalating.
I, too, am an anxious, stressed-out kind of person. Even when things in my life are going well - which is more often than not - my mind finds something to freak out about. Lately, I've been engaging in activities that relieve much of the pressure, and let me tell you, they work. Even if you don't emerge feeling totally relaxed and worry-free, I guarantee that a least a LITTLE stress will have been taken off your plate. Thus, here are 8 things you can do to chill the f*ck out, because we could ALL calm down a bit.
1. Listen to relaxing music while reading a book.
I love reading because it's an amazing escape, but listening to zen music while reading makes for an even better experience. Obviously, it might be a little weird to bury your nose in a Stephen King novel while a breathy pan flute sounds in your headphones, but I promise it works if you're reading romance, YA, poetry, or a lighthearted memoir. My favorite Pandora stations to listen to are Nature Sounds With Music, Piano Magic, Franz Schubert, and Symphonic (yep, I find classical music meditative). You can customize your station to fit what you like to listen to - or what flows best with your book!
2. Color.
If you haven't hopped on the adult coloring book trend yet, you simply must. Coloring takes you back to childhood and proves to be completely therapeutic. I prefer the real-life books, but there are apps for it, too. If you find it a little boring or tedious, try listening to an audiobook while coloring the pages away. Productive and soothing. Plus, you'll want to show off all your pretty pictures when you're done . . . just like when you were a kid.
3. Work out.
It may be cliché, but there's no denying the endless benefits of exercise - relief from stress included. There's nothing like taking out your frustrations, concerns, fears, and doubts on the treadmill. If you're not into the gym, try POPSUGAR's home workouts. They'll take you out of your element and force you to focus on your body rather than whatever you're worried about.
4. Use YouTube to meditate.
When life's rough and I'm feeling overwhelmed, I close my eyes and listen to these guys telling me to float on the clouds, belly-down, and watch the earth from above. It sounds silly, but if you take it seriously, the rewards are basically boundless. I don't claim to be a meditation guru, but it's pretty easy to pull up a video on your phone and imagine whatever the narrator is outlining. You can even learn techniques to meditate literally whenever you need to. Give it a shot! You may surprise yourself.
5. Keep a journal.
On my nightstand is a small blue notebook, in which my short descriptions of the days dwell. Take five minutes a night to jot down your thoughts, feelings, anxieties, or simply how your week's going so far. If that's too much of a commitment, try every other night. You can even keep it around specifically for those difficult moments. There's no right or wrong way to maintain a journal - as long as you're using it when needed.
6. Watch a comedy special.
A good laugh is the quickest way to de-stress. It's so easy to forget why you were upset about that thing that happened at work when Amy Schumer's ranting about her latest wine-infused catastrophe on the screen in front of you. Next time you want to pull out your hair, immerse yourself in the world of stand-up comedy. It's kind of impossible to regret it.
7. Take a bubble bath.
Need to unwind after the craziest Tuesday in the history of Tuesdays? Jump in a hot bath. You can even incorporate any of the above activities into your bathtime, so you're getting double the relaxation. Be sure to add aromatic essential oils to the water to get the full effect. And, yes, you may sip red wine as you bathe.
8. Nap.
Worst comes to worst, take a damn nap. When I was in college, and a humongous stack of homework taunted me from my desk across the dorm room, I napped for a couple hours, woke up, and got that sh*t done. Who can argue with that?
Head on over to our Snapchat today to chill out with our DIY Moon Tide Pool!
Self-Tanning Addicts, Prepare to Freak: Behold, the First-Ever Tanning Sheet Mask
If you're a self-tanning addict like myself, you will praise the tanning gods for St. Tropez's newest innovation: St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Face Sheet Mask ($9). Like its in-shower self-tanning wash, this product works double duty to hydrate and tan your face.
Modeled after the popular Korean sheet mask trend, this one leaves your skin dewy and hydrated, but also adds a tanned glow. You get to control how deep the color is: leave it on five minutes for a light touch of color, 10 minutes for medium, and 15 for deep. One you apply, wash your hands and let it do its thing.
After giving this a try ahead of a wedding, I can attest that the color looks natural and doesn't make your skin appear too tan (read: orange), and the color leans more olive (in true St. Tropez fashion). After you've removed the mask, use the excess serum to blend your hairline, nose, and jaw, and don't forget to wash your hands afterward!
Like most self=tanning products, the color will last depending on your beauty habits. If you exfoliate frequently or use products that are especially emollient, you might see the color fade faster. But the key is to keep your skin hydrated after the application, even though the mask does a good job of doing so for at least 24 hours afterward.
You can pick up the sheet mask exclusively on Sephora.com on May 22.
Michelle Obama Addresses the Melania Trump Gift Meme
One of the most talked about moments on Inauguration Day was a seemingly awkward moment between Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. But, according to Obama, the moment was more about trying to hold back her emotions than anything else.
In case you forgot, on Inauguration Day, when the new first lady and president of the United States arrived at the White House, Trump greeted Obama and handed her a gift. The moment was captured by ABC News and showed Obama's puzzled face as she wondered where to put the gift. The internet was quick to say Obama's face was a reaction to the incoming Trump presidency. But at the American Institute of Architects conference on April 27, Obama revealed what her actual emotions were. The former first lady said she was beginning to realize these were her last moments in the White House - a not-so-easy moment, especially for her daughters, who grew up there.
"So that moment of transition, right before the doors opened and we welcomed in the new family, our kids were leaving out the back door in tears, saying goodbye to people," she said at the event. Obama said she didn't want to have tears in her eyes to avoid any backlash. "I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president," she said, according to Today.
At the conference, Obama told the audience that Sasha and Malia's last night at the White House involved a slumber party with friends. "They had a sleepover, because of course on Inauguration Day, because my girls are so normal, they're like, 'Well, eight girls are gonna be sleeping here because it's our last time, and we want pizza and we want nuggets.' And it's like, really?"
This was Obama's first public speaking appearance since Inauguration Day, and we're glad to see her back in the spotlight.
12 Pieces of Advice From Graduating Seniors That Every Freshman Should Follow
As graduates start their new jobs or try to continue to run away from any semblance of responsibility, many of them are starting to reflect on their college years and what they could've done better. Many college seniors took to sharing their college lessons on the popular social sharing app Yik Yak. Some are about making the most out of internships and classes. Other lessons definitely apply to any part of your life - even if you're an adult. Take a look ahead and while you're reflecting, take a second to read through some advice your mom has definitely shared with you before.
Check out our Snapchat story today to see our list of 10 things you must do before graduating!
The Ultimate Country Music Wedding Playlist
Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding? With a mix of new and classic hits by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and more, we're highlighting the best country songs to play for a fun, memorable reception. With dance options, father/daughter ideas, must-play dance tunes - you'll find a range of song picks to give your party some country flair. Take a look at these 175 songs for your ultimate country wedding playlist, and get more music ideas for your wedding here!
The Trailer for 2017's Most Promising Romantic Comedy Has Arrived
This year's Sundance Film Festival was rife with exciting debuts, but The Big Sick was the talk of the snowy town. Written by Kumail Nanjiana and wife Emily V. Gordon, the story draws from their own experience falling in love before she suddenly faced a mysterious, life-threatening illness. Nanjiani is playing a version of himself in the movie, opposite Zoe Kazan (as Emily) and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents. The buzzy film already made our lists of can't-miss Summer indies and 2017's most promising romantic comedies, but now I'm even more excited. The Big Sick opens in limited release on June 23 before expanding into more theaters on July 14.
Severus Snape Is Kind of an Assh*le (Dodges Tomatoes)
Snape was . . . a huge assh*le. He was cunning, and brilliant, and dynamic, and he was a HUGE assh*le. I love him, yes. He is one of my favorite characters in the Harry Potter series. But I also have never quite understood the ease with which we all went from hating Snape to raising him up on a pedestal that he simply doesn't belong on. Here's the thing: no one belongs on one, Snape least of all.
Severus Snape teaches us the ultimate lesson: that just because we've done bad things, it's never too late to seek and find redemption and forgiveness. His unwavering love for Lily is a testament to the power of the sentiment, to the mountains it can move, and to the lasting effect it can have on one person, and on the world as a whole.
But Snape was also a bully. He was cruel to Harry. He spent most of his childhood and adolescence on a dark path that culminated in his initiation as a Death Eater. Part of why he lost Lily's friendship in the first place is because he sought the company of future Death Eaters at Hogwarts.
In the epic Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Prince's Tale chapter, so much about Snape's past is revealed, and not all of it is pretty. This conversation from Lily and Snape's days at Hogwarts showed their friendship unraveling.
". . . thought we were supposed to be friends?" Snape was saying, "Best friends?"
"We are, Sev, but I don't like some of the people you're hanging round with! I'm sorry, but I detest Avery and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev, he's creepy! D'you know what he tried to do to Mary MacDonald the other day?" Lily had reached a pillar and leaned against it, looking up into the thin, sallow face.
"That was nothing," said Snape. "It was a laugh, that's all -"
"It was Dark Magic, and if you think that's funny -"
Harry kept his distance this time . . . He watched as Lily joined the group and went to Snape's defense. Distantly he heard Snape shout at her in his humiliation and his fury, the unforgivable word: "Mudblood."
This moment still makes my stomach turn. Yes, Snape was hurt, and yes we all say and do things that we don't mean in that state. But his deep-seated disrespect for "lesser" people wasn't present only in his moments of frustration; it showed in the countless choices he made as he grew up, and in who he chose to cultivate relationships with - as in, future Death Eaters and Voldemort himself.
He took out his hatred for a grown man (who was long dead) on his son - an 11-year-old boy who was completely innocent. Neville Longbottom's boggart was Snape, for god's sake. He laughed in Hermione's face when she was cursed and openly belittled her intelligence for years. He constantly allied himself with the likes of Slytherin students like Malfoy whose sole purpose was to make others miserable. He sat idly by while Voldemort murdered Professor Burbage for the crime of teaching Muggle Studies. You can't tell me that we can blame all of this on the mere fact that he had it out for James Potter. Nor can you convince me that all of this was to maintain the guise that Snape was indeed still loyal to Voldemort. No, Snape wasn't a terrible person, but he certainly had darkness within him, and without someone like Lily Potter to keep it in check, that fire was fueled further. Snape's hatred of James and his friends coupled with his utterly unrequited love for Lily twisted him into something that, in many ways, was terrible. Even when he knew that Lily's entire family - a baby included - was targeted by Voldemort, he thought only of Lily, and in turn, only of himself:
"You disgust me," said Dumbledore, and Harry had never heard so much contempt in his voice. Snape seemed to shrink a little, "You do not care, then, about the deaths of her husband and child? They can die, as long as you have what you want?"
Snape said nothing, but merely looked up at Dumbledore.
"Hide them all, then," he croaked. "Keep her - them - safe. Please."
And so Dumbledore did keep Harry safe. And so Snape used his love for Lily as a reason for protecting Harry, and he put everything he had into doing just that. His devotion to this promise is incredibly admirable, and it is this service to her memory that often paints him as a martyr of sorts among fans. But this doesn't mean he was kind. It doesn't mean he did what he did happily, because Harry was, after all, James Potter's son. He begrudgingly, and yes, bravely, upheld his bargain to Dumbledore and to the woman he loved. More than anything, Snape was very brave.
"Karkaroff intends to flee if the Mark burns."
"Does he?" said Dumbledore softly, as Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies came giggling in from the grounds. "And are you tempted to join him?"
"No," said Snape, his black eyes on Fleur's and Roger's retreating figures. "I am not such a coward."
"No," agreed Dumbledore. "You are a braver man by far than Igor Karkaroff. You know, I sometimes think we Sort too soon . . . "
The idea that Hogwarts Sorts too soon is important, because I really believe that a lot of who Snape became is due to where he came from and who he fell in with in Slytherin. Maybe if he'd been in Gryffindor with Lily's goodness to guide him, everything would have been different. But he wasn't, and who he was is due in large part to this. Maybe he never really had the chance to foster the part of him that could love the way he loved Lily. Maybe, like Tom Riddle, Snape is yet another character who proves that had someone given them love they so desperately needed (and deserved), something else entirely would have come to pass.
Whatever his reasons for protecting Harry were, he didn't waver in his task once he agreed to it. Above everything, I think this is what I admire most about him. He did whatever it took to keep Lily's son alive. And in the end, I do believe he cared for Harry. Somewhere along the way, Snape was able to throw off the cloak of cold hatred he had wrapped himself in years before and objectively see that Harry wasn't so much like James after all, at least not in the ways he always expected to find, and therefore saw. The moment I realized that it wasn't only about Lily anymore was when he found out Dumbledore's devastating plan.
"I have spied for you and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter's son safe. Now you tell me you have been raising him like a pig for slaughter -"
"But this is touching, Severus," said Dumbledore seriously. "Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?"
"For him?" shouted Snape. "Expecto Patronum!"
From the tip of his wand burst the silver doe. She landed on the office floor, bounded once across the office, and soared out of the window. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.
"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape.
Stubborn until the bitter end, Snape still couldn't bring himself to admit that what he did was for anyone but Lily. And maybe that's true. Maybe his motives were selfish, and maybe he's an overall sh*tty guy whose attempt at fulfilling a promise in honor of the memory of a woman he loved just happened to, by default, have wonderful results. I don't think so. But maybe it doesn't really matter why he did what he did.
No, I don't think Snape was a great person, but I certainly think Snape did great things. Snape is one of my favorite characters because he was so imperfect. His motives were never pure, he was majorly flawed, he was born and raised in darkness and could have clung to it - and in many ways did. But somewhere deep down he realized - I think in part because of his relationship with Dumbledore - what it truly meant to fight on the side of good. Despite everything he'd been through in his rather bleak life, he was capable of a love so deep, it literally changed the tide of a war. He played his part in saving Harry's life, and in turn, he played his part in saving the wizarding world from something far more terrible than the decades-old grudge of a sad and lonely man.
I think we romanticize Snape, we raise him up on that pedestal - one he can't ever live up to because the stains of his past will always be a part of him. But I love Snape, stains and all, because he epitomizes what these books stand for. The strength of bravery, the reality of failure and the hope of forgiveness, the importance of perseverance, the beauty of unwavering loyalty, the reassurance that light can and will drive out the darkness. And most of all, the monumental power of love. Always, love.
The Ultimate Country Music Wedding Playlist
Hoping to bring some honky-tonk personality to your wedding? With a mix of new and classic hits by Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, and more, we're highlighting the best country songs to play for a fun, memorable reception. With dance options, father/daughter ideas, must-play dance tunes - you'll find a range of song picks to give your party some country flair. Take a look at these 175 songs for your ultimate country wedding playlist, and get more music ideas for your wedding here!
This Congressman Seems Confused About What "Pre-Existing Conditions" Are
Republicans in Congress are committed to dismantling the Affordable Care Act, particularly the clause that requires individual state insurance exchanges to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Despite the fact that part of his job is to understand what a pre-existing condition is, GOP House Representative Mo Brooks demonstrated he either has no idea what constitutes pre-existing or he is simply heartless.
A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical condition that a person had before seeking insurance; conditions could range from cancer to a condition a patient was born with, like asthma. Presently, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions at the same cost as their peers without pre-existing conditions.
Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper about President Donald Trump's second attempt to pass another healthcare plan, Mo Brooks suggested people with pre-existing conditions had control over their health. "My understanding is that (the new bill) will allow insurance companies to require people who have higher healthcare costs to contribute more to the insurance pool," Brooks said. "That helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives, they're healthy, they've done the things to keep their bodies healthy. And right now, those are the people - who've done things the right way - that are seeing their costs skyrocketing."
What Brooks originally implied is that people who don't have pre-existing conditions are "healthy" people who "lead good lives," which ostensibly stipulates some level of control. Of course people who live healthier lives often have less medical problems, but that does not exempt, say, a nonsmoker from having asthma or a child from getting leukemia.
Following his seemingly ignorant gaffe, Brooks tried to walk back his statement. "Now, in fairness, a lot of these people with pre-existing conditions, they have those conditions through no fault of their own. I think our society, under those circumstances, needs to help," Brooks said. "The challenge, though, is that it's a tough balancing act between the higher cost of these mandates, which denies people coverage because they can't afford their health insurance policies . . . and having enough coverage to help those people truly in need."
Brooks, a Freedom Caucus member from Alabama, is a proponent of scrapping protections for pre-existing coverage. One of the main reasons Trump's first healthcare plan didn't pass was because the Freedom Caucus objected to the mandate's inclusion in his proposal. However the new GOP healthcare plan does not include a provision for health insurance companies to provide coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions. Instead, the proposal essentially allows states to decide whether they want to keep the rule.
Congressional Republicans do not have enough support to pass the new proposal. At least 21 House Republicans are in the "no" camp, and if two more break with the party, the bill will not pass.
The Trailer for 2017's Most Promising Romantic Comedy Has Arrived
This year's Sundance Film Festival was rife with exciting debuts, but The Big Sick was the talk of the snowy town. Written by Kumail Nanjiana and wife Emily V. Gordon, the story draws from their own experience falling in love before she suddenly faced a mysterious, life-threatening illness. Nanjiani is playing a version of himself in the movie, opposite Zoe Kazan (as Emily) and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents. The buzzy film already made our lists of can't-miss Summer indies and 2017's most promising romantic comedies, but now I'm even more excited. The Big Sick opens in limited release on June 23 before expanding into more theaters on July 14.
You Can Actually Visit the Titanic Wreckage in a Mini Submarine
On April 14, 1912, 105 years ago, RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean just two hours after hitting an iceberg. We've watched Hollywood's reenactment on screen featuring Jack and Rose, and now, you can see the famous shipwreck for yourself up close. A new and unique experience called Dive the Titanic will offer nine passengers a trip of a lifetime.
The eight-day excursion is set for May 2018 (with dates scheduled through the year), starting in Newfoundland, Canada, where the lucky group will then be flown out to a yacht near the site. Once aboard, they'll learn all about the Titanic's history through lectures and sessions. Assuming that weather permits, they'll then take a mini submarine three miles down deep sea to the wreckage that's been seen by fewer people than have reached the peak of Mount Everest. Passengers will even get a chance to see where the famous grand staircase once was.
Now, before you start marking your calendar for next year, you'll want to know the hefty price first. The cost per person is a whopping $105,129. Considering the opportunity, we should've known that it wouldn't come cheap. We can still add it to our bucket lists, though!
Why 13 Reasons Why Should Be Shown in Schools Despite the Backlash
A debate has erupted in the wake of 13 Reasons Why's remarkable success. Netflix's series, based on the book by Jay Asher, shows the events leading up to the suicide of a teenager named Hannah. More notably, though, it shows the devastating aftermath. While parents should be aware of all the disturbing events within the series before they chose to let their kids see it, there's a rising faction of viewers who have been so struck by the way the series portrays bullying and suicide who think it should be mandatory viewing for students.
It's a controversial stance, given how much backlash Netflix is getting for the graphic suicide scene. (If you haven't seen the series, Hannah slices her wrists in a bathtub.) Australian mental heath group Headspace is speaking out against the series, warning that it "exposes viewers to risky suicide content." Netflix has responded by agreeing to update its trigger warnings, but Headspace's biggest point is that even showing kids a series like this will make them think of suicide more.
Michelle Mousa, a sixth grade CORE teacher at Sequoia Middle School in Pleasant Hill, CA, echoed the sentiment. Mousa said the show has ripped through her campus "like a tornado," and when asked whether kids would benefit from seeing the show in school, she said, "My first reaction is why would we give it more energy? It's snowballed. But again, this point of view is powerful because it's not really about one particular bully. It's about the broken society that allows this kind of mean-spirited world to continue."
Mousa mentioned that her school is considering other ways to address 13 Reasons Why with the students (via an assembly or a note in the school bulletin warning parents to watch it with their children), but is concerned about the bigger picture: "We have a televised bulletin that is put on every day by the students, and they do PSAs on antibullying all the time. Oftentimes the educators feel that we're inundated with antibullying campaigns, but yet why aren't we talking about random acts of kindness, or being positive?"
Star Kate Walsh recently put her two cents in, telling The Huffington Post, "I really do think it should be mandatory in schools to watch this and talk about it and have education around it. Unfortunately, a lot of kids' lives were lost before schools started having conversations and awareness, and communities started having dialogue about it. As long as anything is shrouded in shame or secrecy, nothing good can come from it."
Whether it's the graphic suicide or the realistic depictions of rape within the show, something seems to have hit a chord with younger viewers - but just what are they taking away from it? Are freshman drawing parallels to their own lives and reaching out to peers who may be in need? Or are youths who are struggling with depression seeing this as a glamorous way to end their lives? Even if the answer is "both," is it worth attempting to get through to bullies and potential rapists at the risk of pushing suicidal teens over the edge?
We spoke with ProtectHer founder Alexis Jones, who goes into high school locker rooms to educate teen athletes about sexual assault, and she thinks that because the show is so well written and acted it has a better chance to get through to kids than any presentation ever could. "Because it's fiction, it allows us to talk about the issues through these characters," she said. "It's exponentially more powerful than coming in with a PowerPoint. That is not nearly as effective as watching a show, getting invested in characters, and then talking about the different aspects. It gives us these individuals to point to and to say, 'If you're ever feeling like Hannah felt, let's make sure you get help because look at how many people cared about Hannah.' It gives us the context to talk about suicide and sexual assault."
That last part? It's the most vital takeaway from this whole debate. Whether parents choose to show the series to their kids or teachers gain permission to show it to students, it needs to be more than a screening. "The most important part of showing this in school would be the discussion," said Haley Roberts, a licensed baccalaureate social worker. "There needs to be a discussion about what is going on in each episode, because each episode has so many major themes." Roberts went on to say possible discussion topics should be signs and symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, bullying (and its cowardly cousin, cyberbullying), and effective communication between teens and parents - all of which are themes woven into the show itself. As Mousa put it, "It's the kind of thing that needs to be paused, and talked about, because there are a lot of scenes that are disturbing."
The teacher, the activist, and the social worker all said the same thing: this isn't a show kids (particularly young ones) should watch on their own. This is a show to be watched and talked about in an educational way. It's a show that parents can use as a tool to talk to their kids. It's emotional, it's disturbing, and it may be flat-out necessary for kids to realize how their actions affect others - as long as an adult is helping them come to that conclusion.
This Congressman Seems Confused About What "Pre-Existing Conditions" Are
Republicans in Congress are committed to dismantling the Affordable Care Act, particularly the clause that requires individual state insurance exchanges to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Despite the fact that part of his job is to understand what a pre-existing condition is, GOP House Representative Mo Brooks demonstrated he either has no idea what constitutes pre-existing or he is simply heartless.
A pre-existing condition is defined as a medical condition that a person had before seeking insurance; conditions could range from cancer to a condition a patient was born with, like asthma. Presently, the Affordable Care Act requires health insurance companies to provide coverage for people with pre-existing conditions at the same cost as their peers without pre-existing conditions.
Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper about President Donald Trump's second attempt to pass another healthcare plan, Mo Brooks suggested people with pre-existing conditions had control over their health. "My understanding is that (the new bill) will allow insurance companies to require people who have higher healthcare costs to contribute more to the insurance pool," Brooks said. "That helps offset all these costs, thereby reducing the cost to those people who lead good lives, they're healthy, they've done the things to keep their bodies healthy. And right now, those are the people - who've done things the right way - that are seeing their costs skyrocketing."
What Brooks originally implied is that people who don't have pre-existing conditions are "healthy" people who "lead good lives," which ostensibly stipulates some level of control. Of course people who live healthier lives often have less medical problems, but that does not exempt, say, a nonsmoker from having asthma or a child from getting leukemia.
Following his seemingly ignorant gaffe, Brooks tried to walk back his statement. "Now, in fairness, a lot of these people with pre-existing conditions, they have those conditions through no fault of their own. I think our society, under those circumstances, needs to help," Brooks said. "The challenge, though, is that it's a tough balancing act between the higher cost of these mandates, which denies people coverage because they can't afford their health insurance policies . . . and having enough coverage to help those people truly in need."
Brooks, a Freedom Caucus member from Alabama, is a proponent of scrapping protections for pre-existing coverage. One of the main reasons Trump's first healthcare plan didn't pass was because the Freedom Caucus objected to the mandate's inclusion in his proposal. However the new GOP healthcare plan does not include a provision for health insurance companies to provide coverage for patients with pre-existing conditions. Instead, the proposal essentially allows states to decide whether they want to keep the rule.
Congressional Republicans do not have enough support to pass the new proposal. At least 21 House Republicans are in the "no" camp, and if two more break with the party, the bill will not pass.
The Real Met Gala Party Takes Place in the Bathroom
The Met Gala red carpet may see lots of action, but the real party takes place in the bathroom. Stars technically aren't supposed to take photos inside the event, but on Monday, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters gathered with a group for one giant mirror selfie in the bathroom. She wasn't the only one snapping pictures outside the stalls, though. Designer Prabal Gurung captured a few Instagram moments, including a video of the crowd mingling and smoking. Meanwhile, Paris Jackson sat on the floor alongside Bella Hadid and Ruby Rose, and Rita Ora shared pictures of Dakota Johnson and Rami Malek. Keep reading for a look at all the bathroom pictures from fashion's big night, then check out the must-see Instagram snaps plus pictures that will make you feel like you were there.
Why 13 Reasons Why Should Be Shown in Schools Despite the Backlash
A debate has erupted in the wake of 13 Reasons Why's remarkable success. Netflix's series, based on the book by Jay Asher, shows the events leading up to the suicide of a teenager named Hannah. More notably, though, it shows the devastating aftermath. While parents should be aware of all the disturbing events within the series before they chose to let their kids see it, there's a rising faction of viewers who have been so struck by the way the series portrays bullying and suicide who think it should be mandatory viewing for students.
It's a controversial stance, given how much backlash Netflix is getting for the graphic suicide scene. (If you haven't seen the series, Hannah slices her wrists in a bathtub.) Australian mental heath group Headspace is speaking out against the series, warning that it "exposes viewers to risky suicide content." Netflix has responded by agreeing to update its trigger warnings, but Headspace's biggest point is that even showing kids a series like this will make them think of suicide more.
Michelle Mousa, a sixth grade CORE teacher at Sequoia Middle School in Pleasant Hill, CA, echoed the sentiment. Mousa said the show has ripped through her campus "like a tornado," and when asked whether kids would benefit from seeing the show in school, she said, "My first reaction is why would we give it more energy? It's snowballed. But again, this point of view is powerful because it's not really about one particular bully. It's about the broken society that allows this kind of mean-spirited world to continue."
Mousa mentioned that her school is considering other ways to address 13 Reasons Why with the students (via an assembly or a note in the school bulletin warning parents to watch it with their children), but is concerned about the bigger picture: "We have a televised bulletin that is put on every day by the students, and they do PSAs on antibullying all the time. Oftentimes the educators feel that we're inundated with antibullying campaigns, but yet why aren't we talking about random acts of kindness, or being positive?"
Star Kate Walsh recently put her two cents in, telling The Huffington Post, "I really do think it should be mandatory in schools to watch this and talk about it and have education around it. Unfortunately, a lot of kids' lives were lost before schools started having conversations and awareness, and communities started having dialogue about it. As long as anything is shrouded in shame or secrecy, nothing good can come from it."
Whether it's the graphic suicide or the realistic depictions of rape within the show, something seems to have hit a chord with younger viewers - but just what are they taking away from it? Are freshman drawing parallels to their own lives and reaching out to peers who may be in need? Or are youths who are struggling with depression seeing this as a glamorous way to end their lives? Even if the answer is "both," is it worth attempting to get through to bullies and potential rapists at the risk of pushing suicidal teens over the edge?
We spoke with ProtectHer founder Alexis Jones, who goes into high school locker rooms to educate teen athletes about sexual assault, and she thinks that because the show is so well written and acted it has a better chance to get through to kids than any presentation ever could. "Because it's fiction, it allows us to talk about the issues through these characters," she said. "It's exponentially more powerful than coming in with a PowerPoint. That is not nearly as effective as watching a show, getting invested in characters, and then talking about the different aspects. It gives us these individuals to point to and to say, 'If you're ever feeling like Hannah felt, let's make sure you get help because look at how many people cared about Hannah.' It gives us the context to talk about suicide and sexual assault."
That last part? It's the most vital takeaway from this whole debate. Whether parents choose to show the series to their kids or teachers gain permission to show it to students, it needs to be more than a screening. "The most important part of showing this in school would be the discussion," said Haley Roberts, a licensed baccalaureate social worker. "There needs to be a discussion about what is going on in each episode, because each episode has so many major themes." Roberts went on to say possible discussion topics should be signs and symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, bullying (and its cowardly cousin, cyberbullying), and effective communication between teens and parents - all of which are themes woven into the show itself. As Mousa put it, "It's the kind of thing that needs to be paused, and talked about, because there are a lot of scenes that are disturbing."
The teacher, the activist, and the social worker all said the same thing: this isn't a show kids (particularly young ones) should watch on their own. This is a show to be watched and talked about in an educational way. It's a show that parents can use as a tool to talk to their kids. It's emotional, it's disturbing, and it may be flat-out necessary for kids to realize how their actions affect others - as long as an adult is helping them come to that conclusion.
Shaun White Talks to Jimmy Kimmel About the Heart Condition He Shares With His Son
Jimmy Kimmel started his show on Monday night on a very serious and heartbreaking note when he revealed that his son William, who was born on April 21, suffers from a heart condition. The host got visibly upset as he choked back tears while talking about how Billy had to get his first of likely three open-heart surgeries shortly after he was born. While the entire thing has been terrifying for Jimmy and his wife, Molly, who are also parents to daughter Jane, he found comfort in professional snowboarder Shaun White. The athlete, who suffers from the same condition as little Billy, traveled all the way down to LA from Mammoth Mountain to talk to Jimmy about what living with the condition has been like for him, and that there is no reason to think Billy won't have a normal life. After Shaun revealed that he's been able to be so athletic because his parents didn't put too many limitations on him as a kid, Jimmy admitted that he's starting to look at his son's condition differently.
Here’s How to Get a Full-Body Workout at the Gym Using Just a Rowing Machine
Regardless of where you live, the scene at the gym can be fairly predictable, (certainly in the evening): lines of athletes waiting to get on the treadmills and ellipticals, with a sprinkling of people using the upright and recumbent bikes. It can be frustrating to walk into the cardio room and see it overflowing, especially if you're looking to get your heart rate up and are strapped for time. By using one of the most underused machines at the gym, however, you can outsmart everyone and log a great sweat session.
Up ahead, we'll show you everything you need to get an A+ workout using the rowing machine. Consider this plan your new body coach.
The Real Met Gala Party Takes Place in the Bathroom
The Met Gala red carpet may see lots of action, but the real party takes place in the bathroom. Stars technically aren't supposed to take photos inside the event, but on Monday, the Kardashian-Jenner sisters gathered with a group for one giant mirror selfie in the bathroom. She wasn't the only one snapping pictures outside the stalls, though. Designer Prabal Gurung captured a few Instagram moments, including a video of the crowd mingling and smoking. Meanwhile, Paris Jackson sat on the floor alongside Bella Hadid and Ruby Rose, and Rita Ora shared pictures of Dakota Johnson and Rami Malek. Keep reading for a look at all the bathroom pictures from fashion's big night, then check out the must-see Instagram snaps plus pictures that will make you feel like you were there.
Shaun White Talks to Jimmy Kimmel About the Heart Condition He Shares With His Son
Jimmy Kimmel started his show on Monday night on a very serious and heartbreaking note when he revealed that his son William, who was born on April 21, suffers from a heart condition. The host got visibly upset as he choked back tears while talking about how Billy had to get his first of likely three open-heart surgeries shortly after he was born. While the entire thing has been terrifying for Jimmy and his wife, Molly, who are also parents to daughter Jane, he found comfort in professional snowboarder Shaun White. The athlete, who suffers from the same condition as little Billy, traveled all the way down to LA from Mammoth Mountain to talk to Jimmy about what living with the condition has been like for him, and that there is no reason to think Billy won't have a normal life. After Shaun revealed that he's been able to be so athletic because his parents didn't put too many limitations on him as a kid, Jimmy admitted that he's starting to look at his son's condition differently.
Is It Hot in Here or Is It Just Rami Malek at the Met Gala?
Rami Malek was red hot at this year's Met Gala. The Mr. Robot star showed up at fashion's biggest night out wearing a custom Dior Homme tuxedo with a black floral corsage to match his jet-black shoes. While red seemed to be a popular color on the red carpet, we think it's safe to say Rami Malek rocked it best for the fellas. Allow yourself to quench your Rami Malek thirst with more photos of his sharp Met Gala look ahead.
Jennifer Lopez Reveals the Top Secret to Her Always-Amazing Style
Jennifer Lopez can never do wrong with her fashion choices and know she's opening up about how she chooses all those looks we obsesses over. The star, who looked like a million bucks, spoke with Vogue's André Leon Talley on her way into the event about how she chooses her outfits.
"It always has to be interesting and sexy," she said in the video interview. Well, consider J Lo's goal accomplished, because we couldn't pick any two more perfect words to describe her 2017 style. Watch the video above to see what else she had to say - and get a glimpse at her date, Alex Rodriguez.
Jennifer Lopez Reveals the Top Secret to Her Always-Amazing Style
Jennifer Lopez can never do wrong with her fashion choices and know she's opening up about how she chooses all those looks we obsesses over. The star, who looked like a million bucks, spoke with Vogue's André Leon Talley on her way into the event about how she chooses her outfits.
"It always has to be interesting and sexy," she said in the video interview. Well, consider J Lo's goal accomplished, because we couldn't pick any two more perfect words to describe her 2017 style. Watch the video above to see what else she had to say - and get a glimpse at her date, Alex Rodriguez.
12 Cheap and Cool Airbnb Rentals in the US - All Under $100!
From big-city living to cabins tucked in the mountains, these unique Airbnb finds are some of the cheapest and coolest rentals in the US. Some are luxurious, a few are off the grid, but all are less than $100 per night, making them budget-friendly destinations for Summer travel. Click through to find a fun place to stay during your next vacation.
- Additional reporting by Sarah Lipoff
Here's What Happens When You Quit Drinking
Our friends at YourTango gave up drinking, and this is what they learned.
It changed everything.
Since a young age, my mother has warned me of the dangers of alcohol. But, not in the same way that other parents might've, but in the weary way that you do when you know your child has been genetically cursed with the drinking gene on both her paternal and maternal side.
I've recently watched my father struggle with alcohol after decades of not drinking due to his father.
I spent my childhood watching my aunt battle her addiction with alcohol and drugs, and yet I went away to college and decided I could handle it. Although looking back, that was a lie. I went from being a sleepy drunk to a sloppy one. First, it was throwing up and then it was making an ass of myself while blacked out.
But, it wasn't until my past birthday that I decided to step back from inside the bottle after putting myself in one too many bad situations.
I've passed out in CVSes and Colombian clubs, woken up in a drunken stupor to find a $100 Uber bill and ran around hotel rooms ass naked.
But, the bottom line was when I couldn't remember having sex because I was so f*cked up. Despite being positive I was a willing participant, the only actual telling sight of sex was my achy vagina the next morning. After that, I decided it was time to put the bottle down for now before I was forced to do it later.
(The decision was further confirmed by a friend reminding me how I'd slipped into bed with her and her boyfriend, while still in the buck).
Truthfully, after nearly 100 days of consistent sobriety, I'm still trying to figure out if alcohol is something I could be able to enjoy leisurely since my problem was binge drinking as opposed to needing and wanting it every second of the day.
I knew how to have a glass of wine or just one beer when I was at home but when I turned up, it wasn't for play - it could actually be really scary.
The point is I'm still working out some of the details of this no-booze thing, but here's what I have discovered has happened since I stopped drinking.
1. I socialize less.
During the past couple of months, I've cut back on going out and not for the fear of being around booze but because I can't stand the pressure coming from so many directions. And, when I try to give a half-ass explanation simply stating it's to get healthy, I almost always end up just having to give an uncomfortable explanation of the previous actions that led to this decision (not in detail, of course).
2. But I socialize more.
Before you judge me for the contradiction, hear me out! Often times I would drink in social settings to get comfortable with a certain group of people or in a certain atmosphere. For instance, I only like dancing when I drink. So, I drink. But, without a boozy buffer, I've been forced to be social, strike up conversations, and bring the party on my own introverted merits. And while it's sometimes awkward at least I can recall the conversations now.
3. I lost weight.
It's no secret that alcohol isn't the best for your diet. You start to put on weight if you drink too much - and that was me. Mimosas (and screwdrivers) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday - well - that's definitely not a recipe for weight loss. So, without it, I've fast-tracked the loss of my little pouch and said goodbye to my wine-induced FOPA.
4. I became more productive.
This one is really to the point. When you don't spend your days in bed mending your hangover just to prepare for another night of drinking, and thus another hangover you get sh*t done.
5. I saved money.
Drinks start to add up. I was drinking for brunch, joining monthly wine clubs, and still buying. I don't get paid enough for that madness.
6. I saved my life ... maybe.
With all the crazy stunts that I was pulling under the influence, it's really a lucky miracle that I wasn't kidnapped, assaulted, or worse.
My grandfather's life ended in a bottle and that's a fate I'm trying to spare myself from.
More from our friends at YourTango:
Think Extroverts Win in the Workplace? Think Again
The following post was originally featured on Fairygodboss.
Imagine, for a moment, an introvert and an extrovert. Now, imagine that both the introvert and extrovert are salespeople for a living. Knowing nothing else about them, who would you guess is the better salesperson?
You're far from alone if you guessed that the extrovert is the more gifted salesperson. However, that's just flat-out wrong. According to research done by University of Pennsylvania Professor Adam Grant, there is no statistically significant relationship between sales income earned and extroverted personality types.
That said, the introverted salespeople Grant studied didn't fare much better. In fact, Grant concludes a third personality type - the ambivert - is best suited to being successful at sales.
What is an ambivert?
Ambiverts are a personality type that is neither very extroverted nor very introverted. If asked, "How do you feel when you're around other people? Drained, or energized?" an ambivert would answer, "It depends."
Ambiverts fall in the middle of a personality continuum. Most extroverts and introverts themselves are not at the far reaches of either side of the continuum. However, ambiverts fall very much in the middle and are defined as people who are "moderately comfortable with groups and social interaction, but also relish time alone, away from a crowd."
But why would an ambivert perform better in a sales environment? Professor Grant hypothesizes:
"Whereas extroverts may seek stimulation and social attention at the expense of listening carefully to customers' concerns, ambiverts are likely to be more flexible in the ways in which they engage with customers, drawing from a wider repertoire of behavioral options to find the appropriate balance between selling and serving."
Under this theory, being an ambivert means you can take a balanced approach to listening to people and conveying your own point of view - both of which may be important to closing a sale, despite the stereotype that salespeople must be aggressive and primarily only interested in accomplishing their agenda.
Do ambiverts do better in the workplace than introverts or extroverts?
Is Grant's research relevant to job roles beyond sales? It stands to reason that it may be.
In the work context, most of have to sell ourselves to someone else, at least some of the time. For example, most of us want a pay raise and promotion every couple of years (if not more frequently). In fact, the commonly dished career advice to "build a brand" is basically premised upon the idea that you are essentially selling yourself to other people all the time.
Whether you're a teacher, research scientist, lawyer or executive, we all have people we need to like us if we're going to get the best assignments at work - or just get paid more next year.
Not an ambivert? Don't despair! Now that you know ambiverts may have a natural advantage at accomplishing their goals, you can work to counteract your natural tendencies. Even if you're not 100 percent comfortable with everything you do, you still have the ability to behave as if you're not as introverted or extroverted as you naturally may be.
Kim Kardashian Looked Classic Vogue Chic at the Met Gala
One way to make a statement in a sea of avant-garde fashion and beauty looks: go with what you know. And for Kim Kardashian, that's classic sexy - sleek hair, center part, smoky eye, contoured cheek, and nude lip. You can likely picture it in your sleep.
For the 2017 Met Gala, Kim brought her best beauty self to the red carpet.
Her hairstylist Michael Silva for Toni & Guy confirmed our observation. "Kim's look was inspired by both her classic Kim K look and a combination of Rei Kawakubo and the Commes des Garcons aesthetic," he told POPSUGAR via email. "Rei was very well know for her hard and soft approach to design. With Kim's dress being so feminine and ethereal we decided to keep the hair strong and graphic. We liked that juxtaposition."
To DIY Kim's sleek strands, Silva advised applying a tiny dab of leave-in conditioner (he used this one from Toni & Guy) to wet hair. Use a flat brush and blow-dry hair downward, staying close to the scalp. Go over it with a flat iron in sections, and mist each part lightly with hair spray. Try Toni & Guy Classic Medium Hold Hairspray.
And what's it like to get ready with a beauty girl like Kim? "It is always so much fun," he enthused. "I've been fortunate enough to have worked with her for a long time. It's like being with a friend getting ready for a night out - only it's the Met Gala, the biggest night out!"
Her longtime makeup artist (of nine years!) Mario Dedivanovic confirmed she really is that fun to get glam with. "She's a dream to work with! Aside from being drop dead gorgeous she is incredibly sweet," he told POPSUGAR via email.
Dedivanovic described her makeup as polished, clean, and matte. "Kim has a very relaxed and clean vibe right now and that's exactly what we were feeling for tonight's Met Gala," he added. "Her gown was clean and all white so we wanted a look to compliment that.
That said, they did add in a nuanced nod to the Comme des Garcons theme. "Classic Kim is a bit more dewy with bronzed/shimmer eyes," he explained. "This look was matte and using white matte shadow on the eyes. Something she doesn't do very often."
The exact shade was Chanel Ombre Première Longwear Powder Eyeshadow in Sable, which Dedivanovic applied "not too close to the inner corner." Adding, "I kept it more on the outside, with very little on the lower lashline."
His key for copying the style at home is to look "very lashy," he confirmed. He used Chanel Le Volume Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.
Also, copy her signature nude lip by prepping your pout with what Kim used: Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25 in Untinted topped with Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in Libre.
See Every Sweet Piece of Too Faced's I Want Kandee Collection (With Swatches!)
Too Faced Cofounder and Chief Creative Officer Jerrod Blandino recently took to Instagram to share one of his enticing "sneaky peeks." The reveal, a 15-pan eye shadow palette, was a first look at the brand's new I Want Kandee collaboration in part with influencer Kandee Johnson. But the tantalizing tease was just a small slice of the upcoming collection - and we were one of the first people to get an exclusive look!
Together Too Faced and Kandee designed eight brand-new products that launch on Sept. 3 exclusively at Ulta. The delectable collection features the aforementioned Candy Eyes palette, but the sweetness doesn't stop there.
Fans of Kandee and Too Faced can also snag the new Candy Black Licorice Eyeliner, Candy Glow Highlighting Stick, Banana Pudding Brightening Face Powder, and not one but, four fresh Melted Matte Liquid Lipsticks - all curated by Kandee.
Hear that? That's the sound of our makeup bags having a full on sugar rush. And in true Too Faced fashion, each of the products smells good enough to eat (seriously, everything smells like vanilla ice cream).
We got to catch up with the duo at a press event for the launch. There, the pair shared that the collection stemmed from a routine phone call. "Kandee is one of my best friends, and she called me and said that she had wonderful ideas and recipes that could help women get their desired looks without intimidation" Jerrod shared.
As they brainstormed, Kandee revealed that she wanted to deliver a collection of her very own go-to products. "Everything I get asked the most about were the colors I wanted to create," she said. So the BFFs paired their unique expertise and passion for makeup to curate the new range.
Kandee also revealed that designing user-friendly products for women of all ages and complexions was a huge priority, and it's reflected in the fun, functional collection. "No matter your skin tone or age, these shouldn't be intimidating" she said.
Though you'll have to wait until September to get your Kandee fix, you can still get excited for the new products now. Ahead we've broken down the details of the fresh treats so you can get your taste buds makeup bag ready.
25 Times We Wanted The Rock to Babysit Our Kids
When we heard the news that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is expecting a baby, we were thrilled but not at all surprised. It's clear he's been prepping for his role as dad for awhile now. And his Instagram feed is proof. From too-cute videos of him secretly helping a little girl "pull an airplane" all by herself to sweet snaps of his pint-size fans, we'd long been wondering: what's his babysitting rate?
Seriously, this guy is a triple threat: he can wrestle and he can act, but he's a true natural when it comes to kids. From playing patty-cake between takes of an action scene to cleaning up after a lazy Santa Claus, he is the ultimate family man - one we hope won't mind us calling Papa Rock from here on out.
Although we've resigned ourselves to the fact that he won't likely start a career in babysitting (being a Hollywood heavyweight and a doting dad is a lot of work!), we hope he'll reconsider. Now, some adorably convincing reasons.
Is It Hot in Here or Is It Just Rami Malek at the Met Gala?
Rami Malek was red hot at this year's Met Gala. The Mr. Robot star showed up at fashion's biggest night out wearing a custom Dior Homme tuxedo with a black floral corsage to match his jet-black shoes. While red seemed to be a popular color on the red carpet, we think it's safe to say Rami Malek rocked it best for the fellas. Allow yourself to quench your Rami Malek thirst with more photos of his sharp Met Gala look ahead.
Here's What Happens When You Quit Drinking
Our friends at YourTango gave up drinking, and this is what they learned.
It changed everything.
Since a young age, my mother has warned me of the dangers of alcohol. But, not in the same way that other parents might've, but in the weary way that you do when you know your child has been genetically cursed with the drinking gene on both her paternal and maternal side.
I've recently watched my father struggle with alcohol after decades of not drinking due to his father.
I spent my childhood watching my aunt battle her addiction with alcohol and drugs, and yet I went away to college and decided I could handle it. Although looking back, that was a lie. I went from being a sleepy drunk to a sloppy one. First, it was throwing up and then it was making an ass of myself while blacked out.
But, it wasn't until my past birthday that I decided to step back from inside the bottle after putting myself in one too many bad situations.
I've passed out in CVSes and Colombian clubs, woken up in a drunken stupor to find a $100 Uber bill and ran around hotel rooms ass naked.
But, the bottom line was when I couldn't remember having sex because I was so f*cked up. Despite being positive I was a willing participant, the only actual telling sight of sex was my achy vagina the next morning. After that, I decided it was time to put the bottle down for now before I was forced to do it later.
(The decision was further confirmed by a friend reminding me how I'd slipped into bed with her and her boyfriend, while still in the buck).
Truthfully, after nearly 100 days of consistent sobriety, I'm still trying to figure out if alcohol is something I could be able to enjoy leisurely since my problem was binge drinking as opposed to needing and wanting it every second of the day.
I knew how to have a glass of wine or just one beer when I was at home but when I turned up, it wasn't for play - it could actually be really scary.
The point is I'm still working out some of the details of this no-booze thing, but here's what I have discovered has happened since I stopped drinking.
1. I socialize less.
During the past couple of months, I've cut back on going out and not for the fear of being around booze but because I can't stand the pressure coming from so many directions. And, when I try to give a half-ass explanation simply stating it's to get healthy, I almost always end up just having to give an uncomfortable explanation of the previous actions that led to this decision (not in detail, of course).
2. But I socialize more.
Before you judge me for the contradiction, hear me out! Often times I would drink in social settings to get comfortable with a certain group of people or in a certain atmosphere. For instance, I only like dancing when I drink. So, I drink. But, without a boozy buffer, I've been forced to be social, strike up conversations, and bring the party on my own introverted merits. And while it's sometimes awkward at least I can recall the conversations now.
3. I lost weight.
It's no secret that alcohol isn't the best for your diet. You start to put on weight if you drink too much - and that was me. Mimosas (and screwdrivers) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday - well - that's definitely not a recipe for weight loss. So, without it, I've fast-tracked the loss of my little pouch and said goodbye to my wine-induced FOPA.
4. I became more productive.
This one is really to the point. When you don't spend your days in bed mending your hangover just to prepare for another night of drinking, and thus another hangover you get sh*t done.
5. I saved money.
Drinks start to add up. I was drinking for brunch, joining monthly wine clubs, and still buying. I don't get paid enough for that madness.
6. I saved my life ... maybe.
With all the crazy stunts that I was pulling under the influence, it's really a lucky miracle that I wasn't kidnapped, assaulted, or worse.
My grandfather's life ended in a bottle and that's a fate I'm trying to spare myself from.
More from our friends at YourTango:
25 Times We Wanted The Rock to Babysit Our Kids
When we heard the news that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is expecting a baby, we were thrilled but not at all surprised. It's clear he's been prepping for his role as dad for awhile now. And his Instagram feed is proof. From too-cute videos of him secretly helping a little girl "pull an airplane" all by herself to sweet snaps of his pint-size fans, we'd long been wondering: what's his babysitting rate?
Seriously, this guy is a triple threat: he can wrestle and he can act, but he's a true natural when it comes to kids. From playing patty-cake between takes of an action scene to cleaning up after a lazy Santa Claus, he is the ultimate family man - one we hope won't mind us calling Papa Rock from here on out.
Although we've resigned ourselves to the fact that he won't likely start a career in babysitting (being a Hollywood heavyweight and a doting dad is a lot of work!), we hope he'll reconsider. Now, some adorably convincing reasons.
5 Reasons We're Freaking the Eff Out Over the Dragons Love Tacos Sequel
Hey, Mom! Did you know that dragons love tacos?
If you answered with an emphatic, "OBVIOUSLY," you are going to want to keep reading. (And if you don't know what on earth I'm talking about, YOU ARE MISSING OUT so keep reading, too.)
After five long years, the smoking-hot picture book Dragons Love Tacos is getting a sequel. That's right: there's more to the New York Times bestselling story about how to plan the ultimate taco party for dragon friends . . . while avoiding the spicy salsa, of course.
Here's what you need to know about Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel (penned by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri) in advance of its release on May 2:
1. The premise is even more disastrous than the original.
Breaking news, according to the publisher: "It has just been discovered that there are no more tacos left anywhere in the world. This is a huge problem because, as you know, dragons love tacos." Oh, we know.
2. There's time travel.
Apparently, these legendary beasts figure out a way to travel back in time to before tacos went extinct in the hopes of grabbing lots of tacos (pantloads of tacos, perhaps?) to bring back to present day.
3. Spicy salsa returns to give dragons the tummy troubles (and you know what happens when dragons get the tummy troubles).
We aren't sure as of yet how salsa made with spicy jalapeño peppers will affect our protagonists in this installment, but if it's anything like last time, when the party-hosting kid didn't read the fine print on his jar of "totally mild salsa," these dragons will puff smoke from their ears, snort sparks from their noses, and breathe fire on your house.
4. Dragons love . . . diapers?!
Advance readings of the book reveal a bit of a twist (spoiler alert) involving their time-machine device. Because it's difficult to calibrate, the do-gooding dragons venture to a host of alternate realities - including a universe in which dragons love diapers ("that's not right") and one in which tacos chow down on dragons ("weird, but closer!"). It even mistakenly sends them back to the scene of the fateful taco party we all know and love. Parents, keep your eyes peeled: on some of these journeys through space and time, some recognizable historical figures make appearances.
5. It'll read just like the comforting sound of a good friend's laughter.
The zany companion to Dragons Love Tacos promises to be as gut-bustlingly ridiculous and yes-I'll-gladly-read-it-again-and-again entertaining as the first. And full of tacos. Beef tacos and chicken tacos, and really big gigantic tacos and . . . you get the idea.
Taco drop.
Full House Star Lori Loughlin's $35M Home Will Take Your Breath Away
If Lori Loughlin's Holmby Hills, CA, home looks like it's straight out of the pages of a design magazine, that's because it is. Trulia reports that the Full House star just listed the breathtaking six-bedroom, nine-bath estate that was featured in Elle Decor last year for a whopping $35 million. But one look inside, and it's easy to see how the property can command such a high price.
Lori and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli (he founded and later sold the eponymous Target brand), have a penchant for flipping houses. They've been busy artfully renovating the mansion down to the last painstaking detail since purchasing it for a mere $14 million two years ago.
The sprawling, light-filled home is now equipped with every state-of-the-art update and luxury material imaginable. The master suite has dreamy his and her closets and bathrooms, while the outdoor space includes not just the usual pool and spa combo but also several patios for entertaining and an open-air bar with a massive, mirror-covered island - we've never seen anything like it! For staying in shape, there's a gym, and for staying pampered, there's a private staff room.
We love the Tanners' San Francisco Victorian, but it's hard to deny that this mansion is quite an upgrade. Check it out for yourself ahead.
Zoom In on All the Gorgeous Manicures From the Met Gala
Beaded gowns, rhinestone-encrusted minaudières, baubles and bling - in our eyes, they all pale in comparison to the glittering beauty of a freshly lacquered nail. Due to all the incredible manicures, the red carpets of 2017 award season have us mesmerized. Read on to see some of the most fabulous fingers so far.
Ed Sheeran's Musical Game of Thrones Cameo Is Already Our Most Anticipated Season 7 Moment
We have lots of information about Game of Thrones season seven, but perhaps the most exciting news of all came when we learned that Ed Sheeran would guest star on an upcoming episode. Yes, that Ed Sheeran; the Ed Sheeran who broke your heart with "Supermarket Flowers" and may or may not have hit Justin Bieber in the face. So . . . who will he play? That's complicated. Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss love tossing musicians into the show, but they usually only get bit parts. Members of Sigur Rós, Mastodon, and Coldplay have all popped up, but their appearances are less than memorable. This led us to believe that Sheeran will be little more than a background actor . . . until Sheeran mentioned during an interview that he sings to Arya in his scene. Seeing as Maisie Williams is a huge fan, we're already excited for her. He talks about his part in the video below.
Here's @edsheeran video 2/5... 👋
Lines from his @GameOfThrones part & the film he is working on 🎥🎸 http://pic.twitter.com/uBc4qL5CDc- Tom Green (@thisistomgreen) April 27, 2017
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