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 3 mai 2017
All the Spring Fitness Gear We're Obsessed With For May
This month, we are so frickin' excited to get out and enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps (finally!). Of course we've got some great gear to help us stay energized, inspired, and supported on all our outdoor adventures. Check out our must haves for May!
The Snatched Cast Reveals What Amy Schumer Is Like on Set
When a movie like Snatched features the likes of Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer, you know you have to assemble a supporting cast that can hold their own alongside these two leading ladies. POPSUGAR was lucky enough to sit down with Christopher Meloni, Ike Barinholtz, and Wanda Sykes - the seasoned comedians that help Snatched shine.
Ike dished on some of the best improvised scenes in the movie, while Chris talked about his notorious ability to keep a straight face during the most ridiculous scenes. When the cast gets into a game of "Who's More Likely?" about Amy and Goldie, we find out just how hilarious it is to work behind the scenes with these two incredible women.
See the entire cast in action when Snatched hits theaters on May 12!
You Haven't Lived Until You've Tried Sephora's 15 Bestselling Foundations
So many important factors go into buying (and falling in love with) a particular foundation. For starters, you need a hue that actually matches your unique skin tone. Then, you have to consider how it works with your skin type. You'll have to decide the type of finish and coverage you're seeking. And then there's a bevy of ingredients and skin care benefits to also take into consideration.
Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn't easy - especially if you prefer to shop online for beauty products. But this is why it's important to do research, and thanks to the millions of makeup-lovers who shop and review products on Sephora.com, the most complicated research is done for you.
If you're in the market for a new foundation, we've rounded up the bestselling options from Sephora.com. These top-tier complexion formulas have all been given a prestigious four or more stars by avid foundation-lovers, and include a variety of formulas for all preferences (including full cover, natural, and powder)! Keep reading to check them out.
It Took Gwyneth Paltrow Less Than 1 Second to Name Her Favorite Designer Bag
When we spoke to Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet in NYC, the only accessory she had on was her Frederique Constant smartwatch. Fitting, since the actress and businesswoman was promoting her new collaboration with the brand. "It's the first time I'm wearing it!" she said excitedly, showing off her sleek timepiece. Gwyneth told us she'd use it to jazz up any LBD, describing its special details: "I think this is a black face with some diamonds on it, so that's a nice evening look."
Though she's a natural when it comes to mastering outfits at fancy events, we had to ask about her laid-back yet sophisticated street style - and that's when another major accessory came into play: her handbags."I tend to have Céline bags a lot. I carry them a lot," she said quickly. After a little digging, we discovered that Gwyneth's go-to design is a cobalt-blue luggage tote, but she's got some neutral options too. Read on to see shots of Gwyneth with her Céline, which just might convince you to invest in one (or a similar silhouette).
It Took Gwyneth Paltrow Less Than 1 Second to Name Her Favorite Designer Bag
When we spoke to Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet in NYC, the only accessory she had on was her Frederique Constant smartwatch. Fitting, since the actress and businesswoman was promoting her new collaboration with the brand. "It's the first time I'm wearing it!" she said excitedly, showing off her sleek timepiece. Gwyneth told us she'd use it to jazz up any LBD, describing its special details: "I think this is a black face with some diamonds on it, so that's a nice evening look."
Though she's a natural when it comes to mastering outfits at fancy events, we had to ask about her laid-back yet sophisticated street style - and that's when another major accessory came into play: her handbags."I tend to have Céline bags a lot. I carry them a lot," she said quickly. After a little digging, we discovered that Gwyneth's go-to design is a cobalt-blue luggage tote, but she's got some neutral options too. Read on to see shots of Gwyneth with her Céline, which just might convince you to invest in one (or a similar silhouette).
Yes, the Baby Is Gripping an IUD in This "Mirena Fail" Birth Announcement
Upon giving birth to a nine-pound baby on April 27, a new mom was surprised to find her chosen birth control method hiding among her placenta. In a hysterical birth announcement that has since gone viral, she shared a staged shot of her newborn gripping her IUD. She captioned the photo, "Mirena fail!"
Although intrauterine devices - or IUDs, as they're commonly called - are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancies, Lucy seems to have been a part of that rare 1 percent group. As she noted in one of her hashtags, "The Force was strong with this one."
Lucy's post has since received thousands of shares on Facebook. In a comment, Lucy clarified that her obstetrician was aware of the IUD and had planned on searching for it soon after she gave birth. Thankfully, the obstetrician was able to find it and ultimately contribute to this incredible shot.
A Letter to My Baby on Our First Mother's Day
Dear Baby,
This is my very first Mother's Day. Actually, it's our first Mother's Day. Before you, I would have seized any chance to celebrate me - I loved birthdays, I never minded being the center of attention. I'm a Leo, after all. But I can't take all the credit this time. I wouldn't have this holiday without you, for it's you who made me a mom. Mother's Day isn't about me. It's about you and me. Us.
Before you were ever born, for nine long months, it was me alone who carried you.
The day you came into this world, the moment we met, it was all about you and me, too. Sure, Daddy was there, but it was my arms - prickly and warm from the rush of adrenaline - that held you first. It was my bare chest that you needed to rest upon. It was my heart beating that helped regulate yours.
Your first few weeks, others got to hold you. But it was my body that sustained you. It was my milk that kept you growing, ounce by ounce. Pound by pound. It was still about you and me.
Soon, you started to take a bottle, and others got to feed you. But it was me who spent every waking moment with you. It was me who read you books and played with your toys as you watched, curious. It was me who noticed the slightest of changes - a glance held longer than usual, an arm extended by will and not just reflex. It was you and me.
After a few months, I went back to work, and someone else got to spend those days with you. But it was still me who would be at your side at all hours of the night, whenever you stirred. It was me who would wake up to the softest of rumblings to soothe you. It was me who was there with you at 3 a.m. when the world was dark and everyone else was asleep. You and me.
But then, you began to sleep through the night. After a few evenings, stretches of six hours then eight hours and then 10 hours, you no longer needed me there. And I cried.
I cried because I had to accept that it wasn't always going to be about just you and me. Of course, of course you'd still need me. But, with every passing day, week, month, it became clear that you were gaining independence. That you won't be a baby much longer.
Soon, you won't need me to carry you. You'll start to crawl, then walk, then run. When I'll try to hold you tight, you'll wriggle free, eager to explore the world outside my embrace. Soon, you won't need me to change your diapers. You won't need me to dress you. You'll want to pick out your own clothes. You won't need me to feed you. I haven't yet begun to mash up tiny slices of apple or cut up your chicken into bite-size pieces, but soon even those tasks will pass us by. You won't need me to read to you. You'll be able to sound out the words, and soon comprehend them, on your own. Eventually, you won't need me to listen to your stories, answer your questions, solve your problems. Of course you'll still want me to, I hope, and I'll oblige, but we'll both know you can do it on your own.
I only have so much longer when it's still really just you and me. In no time, your life will be filled with family, friends, classmates, teachers, and confidantes.
So this Mother's Day, our first Mother's Day, I'm not going to sleep in, however much I could use the rest. I'm not going to take Daddy up on his offer of a spa day, however much I could use the break. I'm going to be right here, holding you tight. Just you and me.
Love,
Mommy
Yes, the Baby Is Gripping an IUD in This "Mirena Fail" Birth Announcement
Upon giving birth to a nine-pound baby on April 27, a new mom was surprised to find her chosen birth control method hiding among her placenta. In a hysterical birth announcement that has since gone viral, she shared a staged shot of her newborn gripping her IUD. She captioned the photo, "Mirena fail!"
Although intrauterine devices - or IUDs, as they're commonly called - are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancies, Lucy seems to have been a part of that rare 1 percent group. As she noted in one of her hashtags, "The Force was strong with this one."
Lucy's post has since received thousands of shares on Facebook. In a comment, Lucy clarified that her obstetrician was aware of the IUD and had planned on searching for it soon after she gave birth. Thankfully, the obstetrician was able to find it and ultimately contribute to this incredible shot.
A Letter to My Baby on Our First Mother's Day
Dear Baby,
This is my very first Mother's Day. Actually, it's our first Mother's Day. Before you, I would have seized any chance to celebrate me - I loved birthdays, I never minded being the center of attention. I'm a Leo, after all. But I can't take all the credit this time. I wouldn't have this holiday without you, for it's you who made me a mom. Mother's Day isn't about me. It's about you and me. Us.
Before you were ever born, for nine long months, it was me alone who carried you.
The day you came into this world, the moment we met, it was all about you and me, too. Sure, Daddy was there, but it was my arms - prickly and warm from the rush of adrenaline - that held you first. It was my bare chest that you needed to rest upon. It was my heart beating that helped regulate yours.
Your first few weeks, others got to hold you. But it was my body that sustained you. It was my milk that kept you growing, ounce by ounce. Pound by pound. It was still about you and me.
Soon, you started to take a bottle, and others got to feed you. But it was me who spent every waking moment with you. It was me who read you books and played with your toys as you watched, curious. It was me who noticed the slightest of changes - a glance held longer than usual, an arm extended by will and not just reflex. It was you and me.
After a few months, I went back to work, and someone else got to spend those days with you. But it was still me who would be at your side at all hours of the night, whenever you stirred. It was me who would wake up to the softest of rumblings to soothe you. It was me who was there with you at 3 a.m. when the world was dark and everyone else was asleep. You and me.
But then, you began to sleep through the night. After a few evenings, stretches of six hours then eight hours and then 10 hours, you no longer needed me there. And I cried.
I cried because I had to accept that it wasn't always going to be about just you and me. Of course, of course you'd still need me. But, with every passing day, week, month, it became clear that you were gaining independence. That you won't be a baby much longer.
Soon, you won't need me to carry you. You'll start to crawl, then walk, then run. When I'll try to hold you tight, you'll wriggle free, eager to explore the world outside my embrace. Soon, you won't need me to change your diapers. You won't need me to dress you. You'll want to pick out your own clothes. You won't need me to feed you. I haven't yet begun to mash up tiny slices of apple or cut up your chicken into bite-size pieces, but soon even those tasks will pass us by. You won't need me to read to you. You'll be able to sound out the words, and soon comprehend them, on your own. Eventually, you won't need me to listen to your stories, answer your questions, solve your problems. Of course you'll still want me to, I hope, and I'll oblige, but we'll both know you can do it on your own.
I only have so much longer when it's still really just you and me. In no time, your life will be filled with family, friends, classmates, teachers, and confidantes.
So this Mother's Day, our first Mother's Day, I'm not going to sleep in, however much I could use the rest. I'm not going to take Daddy up on his offer of a spa day, however much I could use the break. I'm going to be right here, holding you tight. Just you and me.
Love,
Mommy
14 Zumba Videos to Ricky Martin's Songs That'll Have You "Livin' La Vida Loca"
Ricky Martin's music makes anyone want to move just like he does when he's on stage - but perhaps you need a little help to get your hips to move like his. What better way to amp your dance skills, break a sweat, and have fun while at it, than to learn these Zumba dances to Ricky's most popular songs. These videos are easy to follow and perfect if you want to get fit while listening to "Mr. Put It Down" himself.
A Multimillionaire Reveals the Best Thing About Being Crazy-Rich
Let's say you were handed $8 million today, no strings attached. What would you most look forward to about being rich? Buying a nice house or car? Traveling first-class? Quitting your job and enjoying all that unstructured time? According to one multimillionaire app developer on Reddit, none of these things comes close to the biggest satisfaction he gains from being rich: using his fortune to make others happy.
The millionaire, a Redditor named regoapps who says he's in his early 30s, admits that there certainly are aspects of happiness that money can buy. For example, the freedom of not answering to anyone is sugar-sweet. Not having to set an alarm or impress a boss is a huge relief. Additionally, being able to splurge on things that will save you time - for instance, skipping the TSA lines at the airport with Global Entry - is gratifying and makes you feel like you bought back all that personal time.
The best kind of splurging, however, is the kind you do for others. Regoapps sums up the best part of being rich like this:
It sucks to feel like your hands are tied and you can't help others. That's how I used to feel when I saw people struggling financially and I didn't have the money yet to do something about it. Nowadays I have funded other people's kids' college funds, tipped people much more than what I was paying for, custom built an Iron Man suit to cheer up kids at hospitals, helped get clean water to villages that before didn't have access to it, and etc. It feels great to be able to help, especially when I can do it anonymously and just walk away.
When it comes to spending money on others, I just splurge. Spending money on myself doesn't always make me that much happier. But I noticed that when I spend the money on others, they feel very, very happy. And seeing them smile makes me smile, too.
So maybe it's true that money can't buy love - but it can provide that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.
14 Zumba Videos to Ricky Martin's Songs That'll Have You "Livin' La Vida Loca"
Ricky Martin's music makes anyone want to move just like he does when he's on stage - but perhaps you need a little help to get your hips to move like his. What better way to amp your dance skills, break a sweat, and have fun while at it, than to learn these Zumba dances to Ricky's most popular songs. These videos are easy to follow and perfect if you want to get fit while listening to "Mr. Put It Down" himself.
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.
Meet the Growing Cast of Dark Tower, the Latest Stephen King Film Adaptation
It seems like it's been an eternity getting Stephen King's iconic series, The Dark Tower, to the big screen. Finally, though, the film has a release date and a trailer, and even more cast members have been added to the roster. Previously, Stephen King announced the first two stars on his Twitter account. In a cryptic tweet about the project, the horror master said, "It's official: The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed." He also tagged Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, insinuating that they'd been locked into the production. Elba and McConaughey quickly jumped in on the Twitter conversation, thereby confirming their involvement in the film and who exactly they'd play. Keep reading for the full rundown of cast members, and get excited: this is sure to be a wild ride.
"It's Not Too Late For Us": Hillary Clinton on Fighting For Women's Rights
Hillary Clinton is back - and she's reminding women to continue advocating for their rights and to never give up. The former presidential candidate spoke at a gala honoring Planned Parenthood's 100th anniversary and touched upon reproductive rights, walking in the woods, and The Handmaid's Tale.
The gala, which took place on May 2 in New York City, was Clinton's second appearance of the day after first speaking at Women For Women International event. This time, she spoke less about the election and Donald Trump's tweeting habits and more about the progress that's been made in women's reproductive rights. Clinton even alluded to the popular book and TV show The Handmaid's Tale to make a point of how that fictitious reality might not be too far off.
"Now I am not suggesting this dystopian future is around the corner, but this show has prompted important conversations about women's rights and autonomy," she said. "In The Handmaid's Tale, women's rights are gradually, slowly stripped away. As one character says, 'We didn't look up from our phones until it was too late.' It is not too late for us. But we have to encourage the millions of women and men who support Planned Parenthood's mission to keep fighting."
"It's far healthier than screaming into your television set. Resist, insist, persist, enlist."
Clinton, who was there to receive Planned Parenthood's Champion of the Century award, also told the audience her new mantra - and suggested they follow it. "Some of you have heard me say that I have this new mantra that had popped into my head during one of my long walks in the woods," she said. "I highly recommend long walks in the woods. It's far healthier than screaming in your television set. And so, just remember forwards: resist, insist, persist, enlist." You can watch a clip of the two moments ahead.
at Planned Parenthood gala, Hillary Clinton mentions #HandmaidsTale as cautionary: "It's not too late for us." http://pic.twitter.com/acDCBNO122
- Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) May 3, 2017
11 New Books Worth Reading in May
You know what I love about the Spring and Summer seasons? It's suddenly socially appropriate to break out the chick lit (a term I use endearingly). Fall and Winter are for heavy books; when I head to the admittedly shady part of the beach, I like to bring a fun, easy novel with me. Maybe I got it at the airport. Who knows? This May, plenty of new books are being released, and amongst the recipe compilations and self-help guides, there are a handful of truly interesting reads. Here are my picks for the month ahead!
22 Beloved Shows That Are Ending in 2017
While it would be lovely if all our favorite shows lasted until the end of time (just kidding, remember the last season of Lost?), all good things must come to an end. In this case, some of our favorite TV shows are already scheduled to finish up in 2017. Not quite canceled but not quite renewed, these shows were given a gift from the network gods: a forewarning of their inevitable demise. So that you can plan out your emotions accordingly, here's a list of the shows that we know are airing their final episode in 2017. As you read, please hum the lyrics to Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)." Thank you.
7 Best Swimming Holes in the US
If you're looking for a Summer experience that's more unique than heading to the pool, we've got you covered. America is covered with swimming holes that are great to dive into. Check out our favorite spots in the US and jump in!
4 Astonishingly Simple Secrets to a Happy Relationship
We can find happiness in all kinds of places, but there's perhaps nothing as special as being truly elated in the relationship with your significant other. Here we're breaking down the most important secrets to a happy partnership, according to studies that know what they're talking about. You might have heard some of these tips before, but it's time you get concrete examples of how to carry them out. Because no matter if you just got together or you've been married for five years, everyone could use a little guidance.
1. Communicate Better
We all know this, but what you might not know is that even the smallest things make a big difference.
- Couples who make important decisions or argue not through texting but by actually talking are better off. Who woulda thought?
- People in successful relationships just talk to each other a whole lot, i.e. five hours more a week than those in less happy relationships.
- It's OK to get mad at each other (duh) but those who are honest about their feelings from the start of a relationship are better off long-term.
- Happy couples try to defuse tension and fights by showing humor or affection or compromising. Unhappy couples? They criticize, roll their eyes, and name call. Not good.
2. Don't Be Boring
Happiness leads to more happiness, after all.
- Laugh with each other! That's what happy couples do, and it's among the top three reasons for relationship success. Here's an idea: go to comedy shows together, see funny movies, or host game nights.
- Pairs who have positive interactions every day are more likely to win at life. Examples? Cooking together; giving a compliment; showing you care by leaving a nice note.
- Reliving memories together when you both shared laughter is good for your companionship. So simple but so effective.
- So is sharing a new experience together, be it big (taking a trip) or small (taking a walk around the neighborhood). Hooray!
3. Support Each Other
The lesson: we all want to feel celebrated, but especially from our partners.
- Get ready to pop some Champagne. Significant others who are proud of the other's achievements and cheer one another on are happier than those who are less enthusiastic about big news.
- And those who not only congratulate ("Good job, honey!") but also ask questions and relive the experience with their S.O. are happier, too.
4. Knock the Boots
How many times have you said, "Maybe tomorrow night"? Stop that right now! (This playlist will help.)
- Is this a surprise? Having sex once a week as opposed to once a month increases relationship happiness.
- The happiest couples, though, have sex two to three times a week. Va va voom!
How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen - No Chemicals Required
When it comes to pests and critters, the last thing any of us wants is to find unwanted guests taking up residence in the kitchen. While there are certainly more harmful pests, there's something particularly icky about ants - especially when they're in close proximity to where you store, prepare, and eat your food. They can get into your food containers and pantry, and one ant soon turns into a whole colony. If you find yourself waging war against these tiny but mighty creatures, try some of these creative yet simple (and effective!) ways to keep them away.
Draw a Chalk Line
If you have a door in your kitchen that leads directly to the outside of your home, this could be where the ants are coming from. To stop them dead (but not literally) in their tracks, draw a chalk line on the ground on the exterior side of the door. Ants dislike calcium carbonate, so it's an excellent repellent and they won't go over the line and into your kitchen.
Sprinkle Flour or Cinnamon
Similarly to chalk, ants are repelled by flour and cinnamon, and these are great options if you don't want to use any chemicals in and around your kitchen. While this can be a little on the messy side, sprinkling some flour or cinnamon in and around your pantry, or even along your windowsills, can help deter ants from eating the rest of your pantry goods.
Use Citrus
Repel ants and make your home smell like a tropical paradise! By harnessing the power of citrus fruits like lemons, you can keep ants at bay. Lemon juice is particularly useful around windows and doors, and a quick squeeze on the thresholds and window sills can prevent them from coming inside. You can also put a couple of lemon peels outside your kitchen door to prevent them from coming in.
Herbs as a Defense
Ants love sugar, and from the biggest container to the smallest spill, they can smell it from miles away. This means your pantry and kitchen cupboards can become a hotbed for a new ant colony, even if you leave the smallest trace of a sugary substance. Herbs like sage and bay leaves can help deter ants from getting into your sugary treats, and you can put the herbs directly in your sugar container or next to your honey to keep ants away.
Diatomaceous Earth
If you're looking for a natural insecticide that doesn't contain chemicals, look no further than diatomaceous earth (DE). DE kills insects like ants, bed bugs, and cockroaches by entering their outer skeletons and dehydrating their bodies - it's not pleasant, but it works! To avoid inhaling any yourself, just use a small amount and sprinkle it anywhere you suspect ants may be getting into your kitchen. It can be toxic, so follow the directions on the label.
Stamp Out Their Trail
When ants enter your home, they leave a scented trail behind them for other ants to follow. That's why you usually see ants in groups, and rarely a lone wolf. If you've noticed an ant coming into your kitchen, clean the area with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This won't kill the ants that are already in your house, but it will get rid of their smell so more ants can't follow.
Seal the Cracks
If you have ants in your kitchen, it's pretty likely that they're not just coming through open doors or windows, but through cracks and holes around them. Caulk does wonders for keeping critters out of your home, so try to find and fill as many holes in these areas as you can. You can do this easily by yourself, and keep the caulk at hand for any future cracks or holes that appear.
Kick Up Your Cleaning Routine
If you have a pretty consistent ant problem, it's possible that you're just not cleaning your kitchen as often or as carefully as you should. Make sure you're keeping your counters and floors free of crumbs, and wipe up sticky messes as soon as they happen. Keep cupboards, drawers, and even your fridge as clean as possible. If there's a sticky or sweet mess anywhere in your kitchen, ants are bound to find it.
Meghan Markle Reveals Her 3 Biggest Style Crushes to the World
Every fashion girl has a style crush, and Meghan Markle's no exception. The actress is a master of polished looks and we trust she knows a good outfit when she sees it. So when Good Housekeeping asked her to name several style icons she loves, Meghan was armed with names.
"I always say Gwyneth Paltrow, but it's changing. As I'm taking more risks personally, I am responding to other people who take a little bit more fashion risks," she said. "I love how Miranda Kerr dresses - a bit more playful. And my friend Olivia Palermo - I mean, she's everyone's style crush."
We definitely agree with Meghan on all accounts, especially the latter, as Olivia's taught us plenty of style lessons over the years. But the connection between all four women is obvious: they're all sophisticated and iconic. So, it makes sense they've dressed in similar outfits before. Scroll to see the comparisons, and keep an eye on Meghan. As she gets more involved in royal affairs (she's dating Prince Harry, in case you haven't heard), we expect to see her wardrobe become increasingly refined.
1 Mom's Journey to Becoming SuperMom
I am not a SuperMom. Sure, I've played her once or twice on Facebook (Why yes, those are organic muffins, made while my child played with homemade finger paints, after I folded eight loads of laundry and cleaned the bathrooms using eco-friendly ingredients from my own refrigerator!), but she still - for me, at least - remains an elusive character many of us love to hate and long to be.
I became a mom in the 21st century but was born in the early 1970s, not long after the burning-bra feminist movement took hold and long before the internet claimed our complete focus. My parents were hippies, complete with long hair and flower-child clothing and the requisite marijuana patch tucked between the sunflower and vegetable gardens. My mother admits her generation of parents had it easiest: outside your immediate circle, no one was watching (and more importantly, critiquing) how you mothered. Peanut butter sandwiches were a school lunch staple, and backyard birthday parties the norm with simple cakes and canned lemonade and homemade piñatas and real film cameras for pictures.
Now, with everything so easily shareable with a click, we have Facebook to offer exhaustive (and opinionated) parenting advice, Twitter to keep us abreast of every risk facing our children in real time, and Pinterest to make us realize that the seven-layer rainbow cake we made for our child's seventh birthday is now passé and not that impressive.
By the time we had our daughter in 2008, the world had changed completely. We had lived through 9/11 and the United States had its first black president and we had the convenience of the World Wide Web literally at our fingertips. Smartphones were tucked in every new mom's nursing bra, or in the pocket of a chic diaper bag, and social media sites - like Facebook - made it easy to share everything from your child's first steps to viral "what should we name our baby?" posts. It was impossible not to feel like you were failing in some area of your life on a daily basis, which was altogether a new and unwelcome feeling for me.
Before our daughter, I would have never believed the chaos a seven-pound, brand-new human could wreak on our lives.
Before our daughter, I would have never believed the chaos a seven-pound, brand-new human could wreak on our lives. How I would go from someone who could put in a full day at work, exercise, cook dinner leisurely with a glass of wine while having an uninterrupted conversation with her husband . . . to someone who poured the carton of egg whites on her cereal rather than milk, who thought success was taking a shower, who cried multiple times a day - sometimes for good reasons (breastfeeding woes), sometimes not (when Brad Carlton was killed off The Young & the Restless). I was confused how I went from SuperPerson to a, well, less-than-super-feeling mom.
And so - armed with social media and determination and desperation - I decided to give the SuperMom thing a try. We went to library time and music classes, all before she could sit up on her own. I published a post on my blog every day for the first year of her life. I became a baby-wearing expert, owning no fewer than six wraps I could whip across both our bodies so we could go forth and be productive, together. I designed a list of what I called "one-minute tasks" - things I could accomplish in 60 seconds or less (unload half the dishwasher, make a grocery list, return an email, fold a dozen laundered onesies, eat a banana) - so I had to-dos to check off. I tried my hand at homemade baby food, pureeing organic chicken breasts and sweet potato and only gagging a few times. I put her in the playpen so I could do lunges and crunches and push-ups beside her. I was doing it! Look at me go!
Then I went back to work, and the wheels fell off the bus (no longer going round and round, round and round, round and round). Gone were the baby-wearing trips and homemade food and minute tasks and exercise. Also gone was my ability to be as productive at work as I had been before - when you have to choose between an important client call and one from the daycare saying your daughter has a fever, there's only one you can reschedule. It was one of the most stressed-out times in my life, and no one was happy.
But the internet told me I could push through these dark days (our social identities are wily, lying types). There was proof in my social streams that other moms had figured it out. They could pack artist-worthy lunches into puzzle-like bento boxes and go to yoga and write homemade thank-you cards and squeeze in a bit of work and prepare a dinner full of antioxidant-rich veggies from their bountiful backyard garden, all while reading the classics with their three children before bed. If they could do it, so could I. Right?
So I became that mom who, for Valentine's Day, chopped up dozens of unused crayon pieces to melt into rainbow-colored heart-shaped crayon molds to hand out to her class. The next year we made birdseed feeders (also heart shaped), which was messy and took enough time that I swore that was the end of my crafting for elementary school V-Day gifts. I'd pack her in the running stroller with snacks and jog around the neighborhood. We created DIY birthday cards using potato stampers and paint and a lot of patience. I perfected a low-sugar banana muffin recipe that had both avocado and zucchini hidden inside. I took carefully positioned photos for Instagram that showcased the Frozen-themed Elsa cake complete with homemade blue sugar "ice" shards, but hid the three destroyed attempts it took to make it presentable. I was doing it! Look at me go!
Now, if you're a mom, you've already figured out where this is going, right? The bottom line is that the organic pureed chicken (I still gag when I think of it), the seven-layer rainbow and Elsa cakes, the Valentine's Day crayons, the countless Insta photos showcasing a SuperMom existence that was mostly for show . . . none of it really mattered, in the end. I'm now well into my 40s, my daughter is nearly 9 and wise - she regularly asks me not to post photos on social media - and I just celebrated my 10-year anniversary with Facebook, so I've learned a thing or two.
Mostly that I was never a SuperMom because of how many things I could check off at the end of a given day, or because I was Pinterest worthy - one time, for that damn Elsa cake - or because Instagram has some gorgeous, life-smoothing filters, but because however messy life was (is), my daughter is thriving. Moments of perfection are lovely - we need them to remind us that sometimes we CAN do it all - but it's the imperfections that make us relatable, good mothers. Our kids are going to be just fine as long as we can do three things: love them, listen to them, and be present for them. No one needs Pinterest for that.
Right now my daughter is still young enough (both in size and desire) to snuggle into my lap early in morning when we wake up, and though I don't fit the social media criteria for SuperMom (and never will), I know I'm Super in her book. Look at me go! I'm doing it!
Karma Brown is an award-winning journalist and international bestselling author of Come Away With Me and The Choices We Make. When she's not mulling plot lines, she can be found running with her husband, coloring (outside the lines) with her daughter, and perfecting her banana bread recipe. Karma lives just outside of Toronto with her family. Her third novel In This Moment, hits shelves on May 30, 2017.
"It's Not Too Late For Us": Hillary Clinton on Fighting For Women's Rights
Hillary Clinton is back - and she's reminding women to continue advocating for their rights and to never give up. The former presidential candidate spoke at a gala honoring Planned Parenthood's 100th anniversary and touched upon reproductive rights, walking in the woods, and The Handmaid's Tale.
The gala, which took place on May 2 in New York City, was Clinton's second appearance of the day after first speaking at Women For Women International event. This time, she spoke less about the election and Donald Trump's tweeting habits and more about the progress that's been made in women's reproductive rights. Clinton even alluded to the popular book and TV show The Handmaid's Tale to make a point of how that fictitious reality might not be too far off.
"Now I am not suggesting this dystopian future is around the corner, but this show has prompted important conversations about women's rights and autonomy," she said. "In The Handmaid's Tale, women's rights are gradually, slowly stripped away. As one character says, 'We didn't look up from our phones until it was too late.' It is not too late for us. But we have to encourage the millions of women and men who support Planned Parenthood's mission to keep fighting."
"It's far healthier than screaming into your television set. Resist, insist, persist, enlist."
Clinton, who was there to receive Planned Parenthood's Champion of the Century award, also told the audience her new mantra - and suggested they follow it. "Some of you have heard me say that I have this new mantra that had popped into my head during one of my long walks in the woods," she said. "I highly recommend long walks in the woods. It's far healthier than screaming in your television set. And so, just remember forwards: resist, insist, persist, enlist." You can watch a clip of the two moments ahead.
at Planned Parenthood gala, Hillary Clinton mentions #HandmaidsTale as cautionary: "It's not too late for us." http://pic.twitter.com/acDCBNO122
- Ashley Lee (@cashleelee) May 3, 2017
Meet the Growing Cast of Dark Tower, the Latest Stephen King Film Adaptation
It seems like it's been an eternity getting Stephen King's iconic series, The Dark Tower, to the big screen. Finally, though, the film has a release date and a trailer, and even more cast members have been added to the roster. Previously, Stephen King announced the first two stars on his Twitter account. In a cryptic tweet about the project, the horror master said, "It's official: The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed." He also tagged Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba, insinuating that they'd been locked into the production. Elba and McConaughey quickly jumped in on the Twitter conversation, thereby confirming their involvement in the film and who exactly they'd play. Keep reading for the full rundown of cast members, and get excited: this is sure to be a wild ride.
1 Mom's Journey to Becoming SuperMom
I am not a SuperMom. Sure, I've played her once or twice on Facebook (Why yes, those are organic muffins, made while my child played with homemade finger paints, after I folded eight loads of laundry and cleaned the bathrooms using eco-friendly ingredients from my own refrigerator!), but she still - for me, at least - remains an elusive character many of us love to hate and long to be.
I became a mom in the 21st century but was born in the early 1970s, not long after the burning-bra feminist movement took hold and long before the internet claimed our complete focus. My parents were hippies, complete with long hair and flower-child clothing and the requisite marijuana patch tucked between the sunflower and vegetable gardens. My mother admits her generation of parents had it easiest: outside your immediate circle, no one was watching (and more importantly, critiquing) how you mothered. Peanut butter sandwiches were a school lunch staple, and backyard birthday parties the norm with simple cakes and canned lemonade and homemade piñatas and real film cameras for pictures.
Now, with everything so easily shareable with a click, we have Facebook to offer exhaustive (and opinionated) parenting advice, Twitter to keep us abreast of every risk facing our children in real time, and Pinterest to make us realize that the seven-layer rainbow cake we made for our child's seventh birthday is now passé and not that impressive.
By the time we had our daughter in 2008, the world had changed completely. We had lived through 9/11 and the United States had its first black president and we had the convenience of the World Wide Web literally at our fingertips. Smartphones were tucked in every new mom's nursing bra, or in the pocket of a chic diaper bag, and social media sites - like Facebook - made it easy to share everything from your child's first steps to viral "what should we name our baby?" posts. It was impossible not to feel like you were failing in some area of your life on a daily basis, which was altogether a new and unwelcome feeling for me.
Before our daughter, I would have never believed the chaos a seven-pound, brand-new human could wreak on our lives.
Before our daughter, I would have never believed the chaos a seven-pound, brand-new human could wreak on our lives. How I would go from someone who could put in a full day at work, exercise, cook dinner leisurely with a glass of wine while having an uninterrupted conversation with her husband . . . to someone who poured the carton of egg whites on her cereal rather than milk, who thought success was taking a shower, who cried multiple times a day - sometimes for good reasons (breastfeeding woes), sometimes not (when Brad Carlton was killed off The Young & the Restless). I was confused how I went from SuperPerson to a, well, less-than-super-feeling mom.
And so - armed with social media and determination and desperation - I decided to give the SuperMom thing a try. We went to library time and music classes, all before she could sit up on her own. I published a post on my blog every day for the first year of her life. I became a baby-wearing expert, owning no fewer than six wraps I could whip across both our bodies so we could go forth and be productive, together. I designed a list of what I called "one-minute tasks" - things I could accomplish in 60 seconds or less (unload half the dishwasher, make a grocery list, return an email, fold a dozen laundered onesies, eat a banana) - so I had to-dos to check off. I tried my hand at homemade baby food, pureeing organic chicken breasts and sweet potato and only gagging a few times. I put her in the playpen so I could do lunges and crunches and push-ups beside her. I was doing it! Look at me go!
Then I went back to work, and the wheels fell off the bus (no longer going round and round, round and round, round and round). Gone were the baby-wearing trips and homemade food and minute tasks and exercise. Also gone was my ability to be as productive at work as I had been before - when you have to choose between an important client call and one from the daycare saying your daughter has a fever, there's only one you can reschedule. It was one of the most stressed-out times in my life, and no one was happy.
But the internet told me I could push through these dark days (our social identities are wily, lying types). There was proof in my social streams that other moms had figured it out. They could pack artist-worthy lunches into puzzle-like bento boxes and go to yoga and write homemade thank-you cards and squeeze in a bit of work and prepare a dinner full of antioxidant-rich veggies from their bountiful backyard garden, all while reading the classics with their three children before bed. If they could do it, so could I. Right?
So I became that mom who, for Valentine's Day, chopped up dozens of unused crayon pieces to melt into rainbow-colored heart-shaped crayon molds to hand out to her class. The next year we made birdseed feeders (also heart shaped), which was messy and took enough time that I swore that was the end of my crafting for elementary school V-Day gifts. I'd pack her in the running stroller with snacks and jog around the neighborhood. We created DIY birthday cards using potato stampers and paint and a lot of patience. I perfected a low-sugar banana muffin recipe that had both avocado and zucchini hidden inside. I took carefully positioned photos for Instagram that showcased the Frozen-themed Elsa cake complete with homemade blue sugar "ice" shards, but hid the three destroyed attempts it took to make it presentable. I was doing it! Look at me go!
Now, if you're a mom, you've already figured out where this is going, right? The bottom line is that the organic pureed chicken (I still gag when I think of it), the seven-layer rainbow and Elsa cakes, the Valentine's Day crayons, the countless Insta photos showcasing a SuperMom existence that was mostly for show . . . none of it really mattered, in the end. I'm now well into my 40s, my daughter is nearly 9 and wise - she regularly asks me not to post photos on social media - and I just celebrated my 10-year anniversary with Facebook, so I've learned a thing or two.
Mostly that I was never a SuperMom because of how many things I could check off at the end of a given day, or because I was Pinterest worthy - one time, for that damn Elsa cake - or because Instagram has some gorgeous, life-smoothing filters, but because however messy life was (is), my daughter is thriving. Moments of perfection are lovely - we need them to remind us that sometimes we CAN do it all - but it's the imperfections that make us relatable, good mothers. Our kids are going to be just fine as long as we can do three things: love them, listen to them, and be present for them. No one needs Pinterest for that.
Right now my daughter is still young enough (both in size and desire) to snuggle into my lap early in morning when we wake up, and though I don't fit the social media criteria for SuperMom (and never will), I know I'm Super in her book. Look at me go! I'm doing it!
Karma Brown is an award-winning journalist and international bestselling author of Come Away With Me and The Choices We Make. When she's not mulling plot lines, she can be found running with her husband, coloring (outside the lines) with her daughter, and perfecting her banana bread recipe. Karma lives just outside of Toronto with her family. Her third novel In This Moment, hits shelves on May 30, 2017.
Christian and Ana Are All Over Each Other in the Fifty Shades Freed Teaser
Are you aware that we're going to see fifty shades freed in less than a year? http://pic.twitter.com/p1qBTIQLon
- ️️ (@dornanblessing) May 2, 2017
If you stayed to the end of Fifty Shades Darker, you were treated to a little something extra: a sneak peek at Fifty Shades Freed. The second and third movies in the sultry franchise were filmed back-to-back, so while we have to wait until February 2018 to see the final film, it's basically already finished. We already know about the cast and plot of FSF, but nothing can prepare you for these clips of Christian and Ana's honeymoon. Take a look, and catch up on all the Fifty Shades Freed details!
Melania Trump "Liked" a Tweet Implying She Hates Her Husband and We're Confused
As the first lady, Melania Trump should remember that every move she makes is documented, and quite often turned into a meme - whether it's her eyebrow-raising official White House portrait or the reaction to her giving Michelle Obama a Tiffany & Co. box on Inauguration Day; we see it all. But Trump's most recent behavior is more concerning than it is humorous.
The first lady may be using the official FLOTUS Twitter account, but back on her personal pre-FLOTUS account, someone "liked" a tweet that implied she does not like her husband. First spotted by Gizmodo reporter William Turton, the tweet read, "Seems the only #Wall @realDonaldTrump's built is the one between him and @FLOTUS," seen below.
Oh...my god http://pic.twitter.com/Mg959tOiBv
- William Turton (@WilliamTurton) May 3, 2017
While many were quick to assume this was Melania's subtle way of saying she's not happy in her marriage, we can't assume she did this "liking" herself. First of all, she hasn't tweeted from this account since November, and if she did feel this way, we don't think Twitter would be her first choice of ways to express her emotions.
A spokesperson told the New York Post that the first lady was unaware this happened on her account. "The First Lady wasn't aware of this until I brought it to her attention," spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. The "like" on the inflammatory tweet is now gone as well.
Grisham said she doesn't know if Melania's account had be hacked or if someone on her team "liked" the tweet. "Who knows . . . it isn't her primary account these days."
What do you think?
Meghan Markle Reveals Her 3 Biggest Style Crushes to the World
Every fashion girl has a style crush, and Meghan Markle's no exception. The actress is a master of polished looks and we trust she knows a good outfit when she sees it. So when Good Housekeeping asked her to name several style icons she loves, Meghan was armed with names.
"I always say Gwyneth Paltrow, but it's changing. As I'm taking more risks personally, I am responding to other people who take a little bit more fashion risks," she said. "I love how Miranda Kerr dresses - a bit more playful. And my friend Olivia Palermo - I mean, she's everyone's style crush."
We definitely agree with Meghan on all accounts, especially the latter, as Olivia's taught us plenty of style lessons over the years. But the connection between all four women is obvious: they're all sophisticated and iconic. So, it makes sense they've dressed in similar outfits before. Scroll to see the comparisons, and keep an eye on Meghan. As she gets more involved in royal affairs (she's dating Prince Harry, in case you haven't heard), we expect to see her wardrobe become increasingly refined.
Steak 'n Shake Just Released a KitKat Milkshake You Need in Your Life
If you've never thought to combine a KitKat and a vanilla milkshake, don't worry: Steak 'n Shake thought of that genius idea for you. The burger joint just launched the KitKat Milkshake, a hand-scooped shake blended with a generous helping of the famous crispy, milk chocolate wafers. The new milkshake is one of Steak 'n Shake's limited-edition Summer menu items, which also include the Bacon 'n Cheese Triple Xtreme Steakburger and Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake, a hand-scooped milkshake blended with strawberries and cheesecake pieces, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
To give you even more of an excuse to try one of the new milkshakes ASAP, you can take advantage of Steak 'n Shake's Half Price Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and get the milkshakes half off.
Melania Trump "Liked" a Tweet Implying She Hates Her Husband and We're Confused
As the first lady, Melania Trump should remember that every move she makes is documented, and quite often turned into a meme - whether it's her eyebrow-raising official White House portrait or the reaction to her giving Michelle Obama a Tiffany & Co. box on Inauguration Day; we see it all. But Trump's most recent behavior is more concerning than it is humorous.
The first lady may be using the official FLOTUS Twitter account, but back on her personal pre-FLOTUS account, someone "liked" a tweet that implied she does not like her husband. First spotted by Gizmodo reporter William Turton, the tweet read, "Seems the only #Wall @realDonaldTrump's built is the one between him and @FLOTUS," seen below.
Oh...my god http://pic.twitter.com/Mg959tOiBv
- William Turton (@WilliamTurton) May 3, 2017
While many were quick to assume this was Melania's subtle way of saying she's not happy in her marriage, we can't assume she did this "liking" herself. First of all, she hasn't tweeted from this account since November, and if she did feel this way, we don't think Twitter would be her first choice of ways to express her emotions.
A spokesperson told the New York Post that the first lady was unaware this happened on her account. "The First Lady wasn't aware of this until I brought it to her attention," spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. The "like" on the inflammatory tweet is now gone as well.
Grisham said she doesn't know if Melania's account had be hacked or if someone on her team "liked" the tweet. "Who knows . . . it isn't her primary account these days."
What do you think?
Christian and Ana Are All Over Each Other in the Fifty Shades Freed Teaser
Are you aware that we're going to see fifty shades freed in less than a year? http://pic.twitter.com/p1qBTIQLon
- ️️ (@dornanblessing) May 2, 2017
If you stayed to the end of Fifty Shades Darker, you were treated to a little something extra: a sneak peek at Fifty Shades Freed. The second and third movies in the sultry franchise were filmed back-to-back, so while we have to wait until February 2018 to see the final film, it's basically already finished. We already know about the cast and plot of FSF, but nothing can prepare you for these clips of Christian and Ana's honeymoon. Take a look, and catch up on all the Fifty Shades Freed details!
Did You Catch Those Sneaky Stephen King Easter Eggs in The Dark Tower Trailer?
After seven long years of waiting, the official trailer for The Dark Tower has finally arrived. In addition to giving us an excuse to stare longingly at Idris Elba than is typically appropriate, the first look at the highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 fantasy thriller also features two major Easter eggs die-hard fans of the horror novelist will recognize.
To give you some context, the film follows a young boy named Jake (Tom Taylor) who's been having visions of two men from another world: Gunslinger Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) and The Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). Roland is a John Wayne-esque warrior from a desolate place in Mid-World called Gilead, where the apocalypse has already ravaged everything in sight. The Man in Black, who readers of The Stand might know better as Randall Flagg, is an evil, interdimensional sorcerer (of sorts) hell-bent on destroying everything he touches. The tower is a mythical hub for the multiverse - it basically functions as an axle, while all the possible worlds are wheels - and is the key to all space and time, which Roland wants to use to go back and undo the fall of Gilead. He needs Jake's help to reach the tower before Randall and the Crimson King (Randall's master).
In the trailer, we see Jake at an appointment with a psychiatrist shortly before he opens the portal that delivers him to Roland, when the office building begins shaking from one of the mysterious earthquakes that have been plaguing NYC. As the camera zooms in on the psychiatrist's rattling desk, we're given the first clue from director Nikolaj Arcel that more than one King universe is at play here: sitting on the desk is a black and white photograph of the Overlook Hotel from The Shining.
It's an interesting connection to make since Jake has a psychic ability similar to The Shining's young hero, Danny Torrance. It's his power to "shine" that helps him to later open the portal to Mid-World and set the story in motion. The photo of The Overlook isn't the only reference to another King story, either. After Jake travels to Mid-World in the trailer, there's a shot of him exploring the ruins of Gilead. He makes his way through a wooded area to a dilapidated amusement park sign, which reads "Pennywise House of . . ."
It's an obvious call back to one of King's most infamous monsters, Pennywise the Dancing Clown from IT. A metal hand clutching some balloons is also half-buried next to the sign, and you can just make out the striped tip of a clown hat jutting out of the earth nearby (we all know how Pennywise prefers to remain underground). In IT, it's revealed that the shape-shifting evil being comes from "outside." It's a reference to the space between the levels in the Dark Tower (called the Todash Darkness) which houses incomprehensible evil. While Roland and Jake won't face off against Pennywise in this movie, both the IT and The Shining Easter eggs serve as a reminder of the importance of other worlds in The Dark Tower universe.
Steak 'n Shake Just Released a KitKat Milkshake You Need in Your Life
If you've never thought to combine a KitKat and a vanilla milkshake, don't worry: Steak 'n Shake thought of that genius idea for you. The burger joint just launched the KitKat Milkshake, a hand-scooped shake blended with a generous helping of the famous crispy, milk chocolate wafers. The new milkshake is one of Steak 'n Shake's limited-edition Summer menu items, which also include the Bacon 'n Cheese Triple Xtreme Steakburger and Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake, a hand-scooped milkshake blended with strawberries and cheesecake pieces, and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
To give you even more of an excuse to try one of the new milkshakes ASAP, you can take advantage of Steak 'n Shake's Half Price Happy Hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and get the milkshakes half off.
Did You Catch Those Sneaky Stephen King Easter Eggs in The Dark Tower Trailer?
After seven long years of waiting, the official trailer for The Dark Tower has finally arrived. In addition to giving us an excuse to stare longingly at Idris Elba than is typically appropriate, the first look at the highly anticipated film adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 fantasy thriller also features two major Easter eggs die-hard fans of the horror novelist will recognize.
To give you some context, the film follows a young boy named Jake (Tom Taylor) who's been having visions of two men from another world: Gunslinger Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) and The Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). Roland is a John Wayne-esque warrior from a desolate place in Mid-World called Gilead, where the apocalypse has already ravaged everything in sight. The Man in Black, who readers of The Stand might know better as Randall Flagg, is an evil, interdimensional sorcerer (of sorts) hell-bent on destroying everything he touches. The tower is a mythical hub for the multiverse - it basically functions as an axle, while all the possible worlds are wheels - and is the key to all space and time, which Roland wants to use to go back and undo the fall of Gilead. He needs Jake's help to reach the tower before Randall and the Crimson King (Randall's master).
In the trailer, we see Jake at an appointment with a psychiatrist shortly before he opens the portal that delivers him to Roland, when the office building begins shaking from one of the mysterious earthquakes that have been plaguing NYC. As the camera zooms in on the psychiatrist's rattling desk, we're given the first clue from director Nikolaj Arcel that more than one King universe is at play here: sitting on the desk is a black and white photograph of the Overlook Hotel from The Shining.
It's an interesting connection to make since Jake has a psychic ability similar to The Shining's young hero, Danny Torrance. It's his power to "shine" that helps him to later open the portal to Mid-World and set the story in motion. The photo of The Overlook isn't the only reference to another King story, either. After Jake travels to Mid-World in the trailer, there's a shot of him exploring the ruins of Gilead. He makes his way through a wooded area to a dilapidated amusement park sign, which reads "Pennywise House of . . ."
It's an obvious call back to one of King's most infamous monsters, Pennywise the Dancing Clown from IT. A metal hand clutching some balloons is also half-buried next to the sign, and you can just make out the striped tip of a clown hat jutting out of the earth nearby (we all know how Pennywise prefers to remain underground). In IT, it's revealed that the shape-shifting evil being comes from "outside." It's a reference to the space between the levels in the Dark Tower (called the Todash Darkness) which houses incomprehensible evil. While Roland and Jake won't face off against Pennywise in this movie, both the IT and The Shining Easter eggs serve as a reminder of the importance of other worlds in The Dark Tower universe.
People Are Using Actually Little Flowers as Eyeliner
Today's WTF-but-I-kind-of-LOVE-it beauty trend hails from MAC artist Ellie Costello (@makeupisart_x) who is giving the idea of botanical beauty a literal life. On her Instagram, she's been sharing images of her floral eyeliner art, which Seventeen has dubbed terrarium eyes ("a living garden on your face!"). She has adhered everything from roses to gipsofila and forget me nots on her lids. She even used pink petals and made them faux lashes! It's avant garde and takes Spring beauty to the next level. Keep reading to see some of our favorite looks!
The Justice Department Is Prosecuting an Activist For Laughing at Jeff Sessions
Forewarning to would-be activists venturing to protest Attorney General Jeff Sessions: laughing could be used against you in court. Desiree A. Fairooz, a member of the social justice NGO Code Pink, was convicted of two charges on May 3 stemming from an incident during Jeff Sessions's Senate confirmation hearing.
Another protester escorted out of Sessions hearing. Her original offense appeared to be simply laughing. http://pic.twitter.com/p6lWzBVFRW
- Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) January 10, 2017
Fairooz, 61, was charged with disorderly conduct and demonstrating on Capitol grounds; according to the New York Times, she was found guilty of both counts by a Virginia jury on Wednesday morning. Facing up to 12 months in prison, Fairooz's lawyer, Samuel Bogash, said discussion of an appeal was premature but that he would seek post-trial motions to aside the verdict.
The Justice Department also brought charges against two other Code Pink activists who were present at Sessions's hearing. Tighe Barry and Lenny Bianchi were dressed as Ku Klux Klan members, an allusion to Sessions's history of racial discrimination accusations, and charged with disorderly conduct as well as demonstrating. Barry and Bianchi were acquitted on the disorderly conduct charge but convicted of demonstrating on Capitol grounds.
Fairooz, who was dressed as a pink Lady Liberty, shared her description of the Jan. 10 hearing and ensuing arrest to reporters on Wednesday. Explaining her outburst, Fairooz said the laugh occurred right after Alabama Senator Richard Shelby asserted that Sessions had a long history of treating all Americans equally.
"I just couldn't hold it. It was spontaneous," Fairooz said. "It was an immediate rejection of what I considered an outright lie or pure ignorance."
Following the giggle, Fairooz was taken into custody despite not intending to disrupt the hearing. "None of us planned to get arrested," Fairooz added. "We just wanted to be a visible symbol of dissent."
Read All About It! Our 50 All-Time Favorite Children's Books
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
If there's one thing that we can't get enough of around here, it's books for our kids. Reading is something that resonates with us as editors, as parents, and as the kids we once were ourselves. When it came time to cultivate a list of the all-time best children's books, we polled our co-workers to ensure a list that's comprehensive, including everything from old classics to newfound favorites.
Did your family's most beloved books make our list?
The Justice Department Is Prosecuting an Activist For Laughing at Jeff Sessions
Forewarning to would-be activists venturing to protest Attorney General Jeff Sessions: laughing could be used against you in court. Desiree A. Fairooz, a member of the social justice NGO Code Pink, was convicted of two charges on May 3 stemming from an incident during Jeff Sessions's Senate confirmation hearing.
Another protester escorted out of Sessions hearing. Her original offense appeared to be simply laughing. http://pic.twitter.com/p6lWzBVFRW
- Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) January 10, 2017
Fairooz, 61, was charged with disorderly conduct and demonstrating on Capitol grounds; according to the New York Times, she was found guilty of both counts by a Virginia jury on Wednesday morning. Facing up to 12 months in prison, Fairooz's lawyer, Samuel Bogash, said discussion of an appeal was premature but that he would seek post-trial motions to aside the verdict.
The Justice Department also brought charges against two other Code Pink activists who were present at Sessions's hearing. Tighe Barry and Lenny Bianchi were dressed as Ku Klux Klan members, an allusion to Sessions's history of racial discrimination accusations, and charged with disorderly conduct as well as demonstrating. Barry and Bianchi were acquitted on the disorderly conduct charge but convicted of demonstrating on Capitol grounds.
Fairooz, who was dressed as a pink Lady Liberty, shared her description of the Jan. 10 hearing and ensuing arrest to reporters on Wednesday. Explaining her outburst, Fairooz said the laugh occurred right after Alabama Senator Richard Shelby asserted that Sessions had a long history of treating all Americans equally.
"I just couldn't hold it. It was spontaneous," Fairooz said. "It was an immediate rejection of what I considered an outright lie or pure ignorance."
Following the giggle, Fairooz was taken into custody despite not intending to disrupt the hearing. "None of us planned to get arrested," Fairooz added. "We just wanted to be a visible symbol of dissent."
Read All About It! Our 50 All-Time Favorite Children's Books
POPSUGAR has joined Thrive Global in celebration of Screen-Free Week, May 1-7, 2017. Check out our Digital Detox Challenge and inspiration for offline activities like this post.
If there's one thing that we can't get enough of around here, it's books for our kids. Reading is something that resonates with us as editors, as parents, and as the kids we once were ourselves. When it came time to cultivate a list of the all-time best children's books, we polled our co-workers to ensure a list that's comprehensive, including everything from old classics to newfound favorites.
Did your family's most beloved books make our list?
If You Love Mansur Gavriel, You Won't Be Able to Resist These Bags
If you're a minimalist, then you probably already love the sleek texture and simple shape of a Mansur Gavriel bag, but just because you prefer clean lines over busy prints or embellishments doesn't mean you don't want your accessories to make a statement. If you're seeking a fresh new label to follow, look no further than Building Block. Based in LA, the company aims to promote functionality in accessories by "omitting the excessive."
The satchels come in all shapes and sizes, and the colorways change from season to season, the newest designs being clear PVC discs you can swing by your side and decorate with a tassel or two. Follow the brand on Instagram, and you'll immediately appreciate the laid-back, one-and-done approach to street style these bags bring to the world. Scroll to get inspired, then shop our favorite selections from the site.
Government has to stop looking for cheap way to address doctor shortage, says GP
Finding a doctor can be hard in many communities across Canada. In B.C. about 15 per cent of the population don't have a family physician.
The Man Suing Chip Gaines Speaks: "There Was a Sense of Betrayal and Frustration"
On April 27, two former Magnolia Real Estate partners filed a lawsuit against Chip Gaines for fraud allegations. According to John L. Lewis and Richard L. Clark, the Fixer Upper star bought them out of the company for $2,500 without disclosing that HGTV had just picked up a show that heavily promotes the Magnolia brand - a show that has since gone on to be hugely successful, no less.
The following day, Gaines indirectly addressed the controversy. On Twitter, he wrote, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Now, one of the men suing Gaines has spoken about the lawsuit in a new interview with People.
Lewis explained that he had been friends with Gaines for over a decade prior to this alleged incident. Lewis said, "There was a sense of betrayal and frustration. Once I had sold him my interest in the company and his show began to flourish, I never heard from him again." Adding, "I knew and understood at that point that he had gotten all he could out of our relationship and was done with it." Gaines responded to this particular claim in another tweet, shown below.
Fyi: Ive had the same cell # 15 yrs.. same email for 20 yrs. No one called or emailed? 4 years later "friends" reach out via lawsuit.. humm
- Chip Gaines (@chippergaines) April 29, 2017
Meanwhile, Lewis is arguing that he and Clark had reached out to Gaines prior to the lawsuit. "We were doing everything we could in an attempt to resolve this matter privately. We waited as long as we could before having to file this lawsuit," he said. Adding, "But as of today, [Gaines] has failed to take responsibility for any of the allegations outlined in our petition."
Gaines's lawyer, Jordan Mayfield, did confirm that Gaines had learned about these allegations in 2016, prior to the lawsuit. On the other hand, Mayfield said the claims are "meritless" and criticized the suspicious timing. Mayfield said, "The fact is that for over three years Chip heard nothing from Mr. Lewis or Mr. Clark about these issues. The first time he did hear from them was in the form of a demand letter from a lawyer threatening a lawsuit."
Ultimately, Lewis seems to be most upset about the loss of the friendship. He told People, "We had been friends for over a decade up until I sold him my interest in the company. I'll hug it out if he's willing to."
Priyanka Chopra Clapped Back at Her Met Gala Dress Haters in the Best Way
Celebrity fashion choices are often the subject of memes, and at this year's Comme des Garcon-themed Met Gala, the internet did not hold back. One gown that got the creative juices flowing (ours included), was Priyanka Chopra's custom Ralph Lauren gown.
The trench-coat dress featured a long train that went on for what seemed like miles, serving as prime meme material. The actress responded to haters in the classiest way she could, rounding up her favorite memes of the night on her Instagram account. From one that spoofs the movie Tomb Raider to another that virtually places Priyanka in the midst of a family picnic, have a look at the hysterical snaps below.
30 Playdates For Grown-Ups
Did you know that playfulness may be the key to attracting a mate? According to a study, three traits stood out as topping participants' lists of traits they sought in a mate: "sense of humor," "fun-loving," and "playful." But you don't need a study to tell you that it's good for your relationship when you and your significant other are laughing while enjoying a game night in or getting physical while playing an outdoor sport together. If you're stuck in a humdrum dating rut, we've got 30 playful date ideas to get those friendly competition juices flowing and bring that spark back into your love life.
If You Love Mansur Gavriel, You Won't Be Able to Resist These Bags
If you're a minimalist, then you probably already love the sleek texture and simple shape of a Mansur Gavriel bag, but just because you prefer clean lines over busy prints or embellishments doesn't mean you don't want your accessories to make a statement. If you're seeking a fresh new label to follow, look no further than Building Block. Based in LA, the company aims to promote functionality in accessories by "omitting the excessive."
The satchels come in all shapes and sizes, and the colorways change from season to season, the newest designs being clear PVC discs you can swing by your side and decorate with a tassel or two. Follow the brand on Instagram, and you'll immediately appreciate the laid-back, one-and-done approach to street style these bags bring to the world. Scroll to get inspired, then shop our favorite selections from the site.
Priyanka Chopra Clapped Back at Her Met Gala Dress Haters in the Best Way
Celebrity fashion choices are often the subject of memes, and at this year's Comme des Garcon-themed Met Gala, the internet did not hold back. One gown that got the creative juices flowing (ours included), was Priyanka Chopra's custom Ralph Lauren gown.
The trench-coat dress featured a long train that went on for what seemed like miles, serving as prime meme material. The actress responded to haters in the classiest way she could, rounding up her favorite memes of the night on her Instagram account. From one that spoofs the movie Tomb Raider to another that virtually places Priyanka in the midst of a family picnic, have a look at the hysterical snaps below.
David Beckham's "Dinner of Choice" Will Have You Screaming "What the F?"
We never thought we'd see the day where we were actually questioning David Beckham's level of sexiness, but his most recent choice of dinner has us a little perplexed, to say the least. On May 2, Beckham celebrated his 42nd birthday alongside his adorable family, but it's not his Benjamin Button aging tactics that are raising eyebrows; it's his "dinner of choice" and the bizarre combination of foods.
Beckham shared a photo of his plate on Instagram, pictured below.
Image Source: Instagram user davidbeckham
We totally get it: it's his birthday and he can eat whatever he wants, but the visual of all the foods mashed up on the plate together has us feeling things about DB we never thought were possible. Let's break it down. According to Business Insider, Beckham's plate is filled with gammon (ham), a fried egg, coleslaw, two pineapple rings, mushy peas, baked beans, and potato wedges - quite the interesting combination.
When we think of Beckham's washboard abs and perfectly toned athletic physique, we assumed he preferred a protein-heavy meal or a huge rack of ribs for his birthday cheat dinner, so this array of mushy peas and pineapple rings definitely took us by surprise. Whatever floats your boat, Becks (and he definitely redeemed himself with this delicious-looking dessert below)!
Image Source: Instagram user davidbeckham
Bombay Sapphire gin recalled in at least 5 provinces for containing too much alcohol
Liquor authorities in at least five provinces are recalling a brand of gin that may contain almost twice as much alcohol as claimed on the bottle.
Everything I Learned About Swimwear Shopping as a Size 14
Swimwear shopping is up there with buying a new pair of jeans when it comes to soul-destroying shopping excursions. No matter your size, trying to find the perfect fit and the style that makes you feel your best can be a losing battle. I think this is why I've become absolutely obsessed with bikinis: despite having 101 body hang-ups, I know the right ones are out there! I'm a UK size 14 (that's me in the picture above), so while I can buy a bikini from pretty much any shop I walk into, very few of them have really been designed for my body type. I spent my fair share of holidays feeling pretty uncomfortable in my hastily bought, ill-fitting high street bikinis. But over the years, I've gotten to know my body, tried things outside of my comfort zone, and learned which brands work best for a curvier figure. It took me a while to realize that we all experience this bikini freak-out. I'm not special in struggling to find a style that works. So for all my fellow curvy ladies looking for a way to feel a bit more confident on the beach, here are my top tips!
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.
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