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.
dimanche 7 mai 2017
I'm French - and Everything My Country Stands For Is at Stake in Our Election
Liberty, equality, fraternity. Those are the values France was built on. But today, those values I cherish - those values my ancestors fought so hard for - are being trampled. They seem to have been reduced to meaningless yet powerful words that politicians have taken hostage in a bid to have us believe that they care for our freedom and our rights. And I have never felt so disheartened.
Today, we find ourselves in an undeniably strange and stressful situation. For the first time in decades, two outsiders have gone through the first round of elections, ousting the two political parties that have been governing for what seems like forever. One, neither from the right nor the left, is young, and some would argue inexperienced. Emmanuel Macron has graced numerous tabloid covers with his wife, was part of a government that failed to keep most of its promises, and is the brain behind one of the most contested laws passed in the past five years. We don't know much about him or his policies, and his past as a banker isn't reassuring.
The other is from the far right. Marine Le Pen has been in the political sphere for as long as I can remember and took her father's place as National Front leader in the stated goal of un-demonizing a party that is known for its negationist views. Everybody knows what she stands for, although she very cleverly has managed to blur some lines. "She isn't the monster everybody thinks she is," someone recently told me. "She's not a racist. She just wants us to be safe." But see, closing down the frontiers, evicting illegal immigrants, and imposing a ban on Muslim headscarves is racism, because trust me when I say that the borders will not be closed to my white, Catholic friends who live in other parts of the world. And no, it will not prevent terrorism. What it will do, however, is reinforce this feeling of hatred, threat, and fear that we already have toward the "other" when we should be helping those who are in need.
Although none of the choices we are being given are ideal, the answer lies in this one simple question: would you rather vote for someone who plays on the fears of a nation, is against LGBTQ rights, abortion, and Europe itself, who is a threat to the freedom of the press, and who will not fight for women's rights? Or for someone else?
If anything, these elections have shown me that my country is more divided than ever. The population doesn't trust its representatives and doesn't believe in what they have to offer. Politicians seem completely disconnected from our reality, at war with each other and using us only to gain personal power. The country of love and culture that the whole world used to look at with envy is slowly but surely turning into a country of hatred, violence, and corruption, and some of us - whether we are conscious of it or not - are pushing in that direction. Only a handful of people seem to be concerned by the fact that our democracy is at risk, and that is a problem.
Now, I am by no means a political expert, but I know that the extreme right isn't the answer. France is a free country, and I wish we wouldn't forget about all the sacrifices it took our people to get to where we are now. It is still in our power to prevent history from repeating itself. It is still in our power to make sure future generations will live in a world where love isn't a crime, where the press isn't suppressed, and where our own beliefs are not used as a weapon against us. It is time for us to make the right choice. It is time for us to make our voices heard, even if it is by voting for someone who doesn't represent our values. Refusing to go to the polling station isn't an option when we are so close to destroying everything our country stands for. Anything but the extreme right.
10 Things to Know About 13 Reasons Why's Christian Navarro, aka Tony
Christian Navarro is the up-and-coming actor stealing our hearts right now. The 25-year-old plays the part of Tony in Netflix's hit 13 Reasons Why, and we are in love with him just as much as you are.
Tony might be a very mysterious character on the Selena Gomez-produced show, but we are cracking the door wide open on the man who plays him. With only little Instagram stalking on Christian, we learned everything you need to know about your new crush. Keep scrolling to learn more about this hottie and what he's all about.
The Most Instagram-Worthy Unicorn Birthday Cakes For Kids
Unicorns are making a serious comeback from the '90s, when every piece of clothing and school accessory was coated in the magical creature. However, unicorns are even more beautiful and majestic now than we remember them, and that beauty is translating to the foods inspired by them.
If your little one is obsessed with everything unicorn, you've got to see these gorgeous birthday cakes. They'll thank you when their next birthday rolls around.
Taylor Hill's Wearing the Sexy Red Swimsuit You're Seeing Everywhere
As you're shopping for swimsuits this season, you might want to consider a red one-piece. The classic style has become iconic thanks to Baywatch, but it's also a modern-day celebrity favorite among stars like Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, and Diane Kruger.
The bright, colorful option is versatile - it can be styled with denim shorts, a snapback, or even a pair of red sneakers - so it's about time you own one, too. If you want variations of the red one-piece, try a scalloped design or graphic print. We've rounded up a few of your favorite celebs rocking their go-tos plus shopping options to get you started.
10 Things to Know About 13 Reasons Why's Christian Navarro, aka Tony
Christian Navarro is the up-and-coming actor stealing our hearts right now. The 25-year-old plays the part of Tony in Netflix's hit 13 Reasons Why, and we are in love with him just as much as you are.
Tony might be a very mysterious character on the Selena Gomez-produced show, but we are cracking the door wide open on the man who plays him. With only little Instagram stalking on Christian, we learned everything you need to know about your new crush. Keep scrolling to learn more about this hottie and what he's all about.
The Most Instagram-Worthy Unicorn Birthday Cakes For Kids
Unicorns are making a serious comeback from the '90s, when every piece of clothing and school accessory was coated in the magical creature. However, unicorns are even more beautiful and majestic now than we remember them, and that beauty is translating to the foods inspired by them.
If your little one is obsessed with everything unicorn, you've got to see these gorgeous birthday cakes. They'll thank you when their next birthday rolls around.
The Right Way to Clean Your Dirty Stovetop Without Breaking a Sweat
When's the last time you cleaned your stovetop? Beyond simply wiping it down with a cleaning spray and a paper towel, it's important to deep clean it every once in a while and leave it sparkling. You might not even realize how much grease and grime is coating your stove and burners until you reveal what's underneath. Here's how to properly clean your stove, no matter what type you have. Before you know it, it'll be good as new.
To Remove Caked-On Stains
Soak your stovetop in a strong cleaner, and use a scraper to get up every bit of the stains, being careful not to scrape too hard. You can also soak a cloth in hot water, let it rest over a stain for a few minutes, and scrape up the remaining residue.
To Clean Gas Burner Grates
If you have a gas stove, you should fully remove the grates and soak them in soap and warm water in the sink, scrub them, and rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back on the stove. You can also spray vinegar on burners and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, because vinegar will help break down built-up food. Some grates are even dishwasher safe, but be sure to check your oven's manual to be sure.
To Clean Electric Grates
You can remove an electric burner's coils by gently pulling the burner out to the side. Keep the burners out of the sink and carefully clean them with a soapy sponge without getting any water on the electrical connection. Make sure they're completely dry before reattaching them on the stove.
To Clean Induction Cooktops
If you have an induction stove with a glass ceramic surface, you might want to buy a ceramic stovetop cleaner. Certain materials, like bleach cleaners and dishwashing agents, are bad for induction cooktops. Use a soft cloth and a ceramic-approved cleaner to wipe up stains across the entire surface.
Don't Forget the Knobs
You're touching your stove's knobs on a regular basis, and splatters can frequently dirty them, too. Don't neglect this part of your stove, and be sure to wipe each knob with a soapy sponge on a regular basis. You can even remove the knobs for a deeper clean in warm water and dishwashing liquid.
The Right Way to Clean Your Dirty Stovetop Without Breaking a Sweat
When's the last time you cleaned your stovetop? Beyond simply wiping it down with a cleaning spray and a paper towel, it's important to deep clean it every once in a while and leave it sparkling. You might not even realize how much grease and grime is coating your stove and burners until you reveal what's underneath. Here's how to properly clean your stove, no matter what type you have. Before you know it, it'll be good as new.
To Remove Caked-On Stains
Soak your stovetop in a strong cleaner, and use a scraper to get up every bit of the stains, being careful not to scrape too hard. You can also soak a cloth in hot water, let it rest over a stain for a few minutes, and scrape up the remaining residue.
To Clean Gas Burner Grates
If you have a gas stove, you should fully remove the grates and soak them in soap and warm water in the sink, scrub them, and rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back on the stove. You can also spray vinegar on burners and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, because vinegar will help break down built-up food. Some grates are even dishwasher safe, but be sure to check your oven's manual to be sure.
To Clean Electric Grates
You can remove an electric burner's coils by gently pulling the burner out to the side. Keep the burners out of the sink and carefully clean them with a soapy sponge without getting any water on the electrical connection. Make sure they're completely dry before reattaching them on the stove.
To Clean Induction Cooktops
If you have an induction stove with a glass ceramic surface, you might want to buy a ceramic stovetop cleaner. Certain materials, like bleach cleaners and dishwashing agents, are bad for induction cooktops. Use a soft cloth and a ceramic-approved cleaner to wipe up stains across the entire surface.
Don't Forget the Knobs
You're touching your stove's knobs on a regular basis, and splatters can frequently dirty them, too. Don't neglect this part of your stove, and be sure to wipe each knob with a soapy sponge on a regular basis. You can even remove the knobs for a deeper clean in warm water and dishwashing liquid.
3 Holistic Spa DIY Recipes Featuring Authentic Thai Ingredients
One of the best parts of spending my honeymoon in Thailand was experiencing the spas! Southeast Asia is known for having an amazing spa culture - where you can walk into any place on the street and supposedly get an amazing hour-long massage for just $20. But since it was my honeymoon, I am beauty obsessed, and I knew my dollar would go far, I opted to get my treatments at some of the more upscale spots. (YOLO!)
The most impressive spa I visited during my week in Thailand was the Secret Garden Spa at the Four Seasons Koh Samui. The name totally makes sense: from the front, the spa looks like a one-room shop. But go out the back, and there is a massive jungle terrain with huts. In each hut, treatments are offered. It feels like you're getting massaged in your own little villa.
What also made this experience so cool is that the Secret Garden Spa either grows on site or locally sources Thai ingredients and incorporates them into treatments. These were many of the same ingredients I was eating in authentic Thai food - coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime, ginger, and turmeric. For example, I booked the Kala Coconut Massage, which involves a masseuse using warm coconut oil and a smooth coconut shell on my muscles. My husband got a massage that incorporated Thai spices being sprinkled on his back.
Since Koh Samui isn't the easiest place to get to, the Secret Garden Spa director Stephanie Arveux is sharing ways to make your own Thai spa at home. Here, she sheds light on why three Thai ingredients - coconut, kaffir lime, and ginger - have beauty benefits. She also cooked up three easy DIY recipes you can try.
3 Holistic Spa DIY Recipes Featuring Authentic Thai Ingredients
One of the best parts of spending my honeymoon in Thailand was experiencing the spas! Southeast Asia is known for having an amazing spa culture - where you can walk into any place on the street and supposedly get an amazing hour-long massage for just $20. But since it was my honeymoon, I am beauty obsessed, and I knew my dollar would go far, I opted to get my treatments at some of the more upscale spots. (YOLO!)
The most impressive spa I visited during my week in Thailand was the Secret Garden Spa at the Four Seasons Koh Samui. The name totally makes sense: from the front, the spa looks like a one-room shop. But go out the back, and there is a massive jungle terrain with huts. In each hut, treatments are offered. It feels like you're getting massaged in your own little villa.
What also made this experience so cool is that the Secret Garden Spa either grows on site or locally sources Thai ingredients and incorporates them into treatments. These were many of the same ingredients I was eating in authentic Thai food - coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime, ginger, and turmeric. For example, I booked the Kala Coconut Massage, which involves a masseuse using warm coconut oil and a smooth coconut shell on my muscles. My husband got a massage that incorporated Thai spices being sprinkled on his back.
Since Koh Samui isn't the easiest place to get to, the Secret Garden Spa director Stephanie Arveux is sharing ways to make your own Thai spa at home. Here, she sheds light on why three Thai ingredients - coconut, kaffir lime, and ginger - have beauty benefits. She also cooked up three easy DIY recipes you can try.
20-Minute Workout to Glide Your Way to Flat Abs - All You Need Is a Towel
That hand towel you keep with your workout gear is for more than wiping the sweat off your brow - it can be an amazing fitness tool. That is if you know how to use it. Join us in this 20-minute strength-training session and we will teach you how to use your towel like a glider to challenge your abs and legs. If you're working out on carpeting, grab a paper plate instead, press play, and get ready to slide and glide your way to stronger abs and legs.
3 Limited-Edition Hershey's Candies You Need to Try - and 4 You Should Skip
Hershey's released a lineup of new candy called the Flavors of America collection, and let's just say some states will feel more of a sense of pride than others. While each candy certainly sounded promising, we can confirm not all of them are worth the hype after tasting them all for ourselves. That's not to say that you should skip the entire collection when you spot it in stores, though. A few of the limited-edition state-themed candies are definitely worth trying out in favor the the traditional flavors you've had many times. Ahead, see how each of the seven candies really tastes and which ones you'll want to pick up while you have the chance this Summer.
People Are Using Actually Using 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!
3 Limited-Edition Hershey's Candies You Need to Try - and 4 You Should Skip
Hershey's released a lineup of new candy called the Flavors of America collection, and let's just say some states will feel more of a sense of pride than others. While each candy certainly sounded promising, we can confirm not all of them are worth the hype after tasting them all for ourselves. That's not to say that you should skip the entire collection when you spot it in stores, though. A few of the limited-edition state-themed candies are definitely worth trying out in favor the the traditional flavors you've had many times. Ahead, see how each of the seven candies really tastes and which ones you'll want to pick up while you have the chance this Summer.
20-Minute Workout to Glide Your Way to Flat Abs - All You Need Is a Towel
That hand towel you keep with your workout gear is for more than wiping the sweat off your brow - it can be an amazing fitness tool. That is if you know how to use it. Join us in this 20-minute strength-training session and we will teach you how to use your towel like a glider to challenge your abs and legs. If you're working out on carpeting, grab a paper plate instead, press play, and get ready to slide and glide your way to stronger abs and legs.
People Are Using Actually Using 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!
We’re Calling It Now: Paige McCullers Is A.D. on Pretty Little Liars
Avid Pretty Little Liars fans know that watching the past seven seasons, and now season 7B, has been like being in a relationship. There have been plenty of emotional roller coasters along the way, and just when you think it's over, it keeps you coming back for more. When the Liars got a text from A during the season six finale, it was signed with a new name, A.D., also referred to as "Uber A" throughout the rest of the series. There are plenty of theories on what those initials stand for, but what's even more important is who those initials are attached to - and we have an idea.
Let's start with the basics. We were first introduced to Paige McCullers, played by Lindsey Shaw, in season one, episode 15, when she sets out to become Rosewood High School's swim team captain. Emily Fields, played by Shay Mitchell, had been absent for a brief time, and when she came back, it seemed like the two would remain enemies. But then, Paige comes out as a lesbian and reveals she has feelings for Emily. Long story short, they end up dating, then breaking up, then dating again, and then breaking up . . . again. To say that these two have had their ups and downs is a serious understatement. Through it all, we couldn't help but to be suspicious of Paige and her real intentions in the Liars' lives, but it goes beyond that - we think that she's A.D. Hear us out!
Paige Randomly Returns to Rosewood 5 Years Later
Paige comes back to PLL on season seven after leaving Rosewood in season five. Emily asks Paige why she returns to interview for the swim team coach spot at Rosewood High, even though with her talent she could have gotten a job at a D-1 college. Paige kind of blows off the question and just says that she's put some applications in but saw that this opportunity came up. In this same episode, Alison DiLaurentis goes to get Noel Kahn's file from the principal's office, only to find it missing with the message, "I warned you b*tches. Do you really want to end up dead?" Although not signed, we can assume it is from A.D. Paige is in Rosewood High for the swim coach interview that day, giving her ample opportunity to grab the file. For Paige to come back after all this time and have a pretty strong presence on the show, something is up.
Paige's New Job Title Literally Spells Out A.D.
Emily ends up snagging the swim coach role at Rosewood High, but Paige isn't left in the dust. She is given the position of Athletic Department Supervisor - aka A.D. Supervisor! When Emily tells Alison about the job, Alison (who is a teacher at Rosewood High) says that it's a new role and asks if it was created especially for Paige. Hmm . . . suspicious.
A.D. Has a Soft Spot For Emily
When Emily oversleeps and misses her Intro to Kinesiology opt-out exam during season seven, A.D. texts Emily saying he or she hacked the computer system and gave her a 92 percent grade but not without saying, "Thank me later, ungrateful b*tch. A.D." Although accompanied by a snarky comment (in true Uber A form), this shows that whoever is behind the madness cares about Emily.
We Catch a Glimpse of A.D.'s Hair
At the end of the season 7B premiere, A.D. hands Jenna Marshall a Braille book. Upon reading it, Jenna says, "endgame." But what you might have missed is that when A.D. hands her the book, the ends of his or her hair - short and brown, like Paige's - are shown at the top of the screen. Could such an obvious hint really have slipped through the editing cracks, or was it purposely placed there? Either way, it got us thinking.
IMDb Listed Paige McCullers as A.D.
Could it be that the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) blew the whole surprise ending to PLL? Believe it. Fans started drawing attention to the (mistake?) listing around the time of the Season 7B premiere in April. A.D. was listed right next to Paige McCullers's name. The movie page no longer says it, but the screenshots don't lie.
As of season 7B, episode 12, Emily and Paige have been working well together at Rosewood High. Sure, there's some tension, since Paige doesn't like Alison and Emily remains close with her, but Emily and Paige still seem to care a lot about each other! For all we know, the two will be together when the finale airs. But if not, just know that we called it - we're so onto you, Paige.
If You Want to Lose Weight, You Should Be Eating More of This
One of the best ways to see weight-loss success? Loading up your plate with protein. In fact, many trainers and nutritionists recommend at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast, which should be within 30 minutes of waking for the best weight-loss success. But not all protein is created equal; when searching for the best way to fuel up, you should always opt for the lean protein options. But what exactly qualifies as a lean protein?
According to the USDA, lean meats contain less than 10 grams of fat and 4.5 grams of saturated fat, as well as less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol, per 3.5-ounce serving. In general, beef cuts like roasts, top loin, top sirloin, and shoulder are the leanest cuts of beef, while cuts like pork loin, tenderloin, center loin, and ham are the leanest cuts of pork. When it comes to choosing poultry, opt for skinless breast meat or turkey cutlets for less-fatty options like thigh meat. For more on how to choose a lean cut of meat, read this list on the leanest cuts of red meat like bison, lamb, and veal.
Many types of seafood are also considered lean even though their fat content may be high. That's because seafood is a great source of unsaturated fats, the "healthy fats" that help keep your heart and brain healthy and fight belly fat as well. When choosing seafood, look for sustainable choices that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, trout, or herring.
Lean protein isn't just about choosing the right cut of meat, however. There are plenty of vegetarian sources that make a prime protein source, like beans, quinoa, tofu, and unsalted nuts. In fact, switching out your meat routine just once a week may help you be healthier by reducing your risk of diseases like cancer. Don't always equate protein with meat; there are many other foods that are sky-high in protein. Use this list of high-protein meats, dairy products, and plant-based foods to help you decide which protein is right for you; be sure to pay attention to the fat content as well.
Zendaya Transforms Into Bruno Mars For a Spot-On Lip Sync Battle Performance
Zendaya is going head to head with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costar Tom Holland on Lip Sync Battle this week, and the 20-year-old actress definitely didn't phone in her performance. For a rendition of the Bruno Mars banger "24K Magic," Zendaya transformed into the singer, complete with curly wig, silk short suit, and gold chain. She also nailed Bruno's smooth dance moves. The full episode will air on Sunday ahead of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, but you should definitely check out this sneak peek now.
Blogger Emily Schuman Reveals Her Number 1 Tip For Closet Organization
After talking to blogger Emily Schuman about her new Cupcakes and Cashmere e-commerce site, a project she boldly took on in addition to running her namesake clothing label, it's clear she's an industry vet. Actually, "blogger" doesn't even begin to describe Emily's career. It's a word that doesn't lend her quite enough credit when you consider the entrepreneur she's become. So when we talked to Emily, we wanted to pick her brain about all of it - from the little things to what it's been like to watch the industry change over the past nine years.
Most importantly, we appreciated Emily's response to the Vogue blogger controversy, and her unwavering perspective that there's a place for everyone. True, the term "blogger" has many different definitions, but in a world where girls gain a tremendous amount of followers just by smiling for the camera and tagging their outfit credits on Instagram, Emily's carries a lot more weight. Scroll to take a few tips from the wise woman behind Cupcakes and Cashmere.
Zendaya Transforms Into Bruno Mars For a Spot-On Lip Sync Battle Performance
Zendaya is going head to head with her Spider-Man: Homecoming costar Tom Holland on Lip Sync Battle this week, and the 20-year-old actress definitely didn't phone in her performance. For a rendition of the Bruno Mars banger "24K Magic," Zendaya transformed into the singer, complete with curly wig, silk short suit, and gold chain. She also nailed Bruno's smooth dance moves. The full episode will air on Sunday ahead of the MTV Movie & TV Awards, but you should definitely check out this sneak peek now.
Blogger Emily Schuman Reveals Her Number 1 Tip For Closet Organization
After talking to blogger Emily Schuman about her new Cupcakes and Cashmere e-commerce site, a project she boldly took on in addition to running her namesake clothing label, it's clear she's an industry vet. Actually, "blogger" doesn't even begin to describe Emily's career. It's a word that doesn't lend her quite enough credit when you consider the entrepreneur she's become. So when we talked to Emily, we wanted to pick her brain about all of it - from the little things to what it's been like to watch the industry change over the past nine years.
Most importantly, we appreciated Emily's response to the Vogue blogger controversy, and her unwavering perspective that there's a place for everyone. True, the term "blogger" has many different definitions, but in a world where girls gain a tremendous amount of followers just by smiling for the camera and tagging their outfit credits on Instagram, Emily's carries a lot more weight. Scroll to take a few tips from the wise woman behind Cupcakes and Cashmere.
We’re Calling It Now: Paige McCullers Is A.D. on Pretty Little Liars
Avid Pretty Little Liars fans know that watching the past seven seasons, and now season 7B, has been like being in a relationship. There have been plenty of emotional roller coasters along the way, and just when you think it's over, it keeps you coming back for more. When the Liars got a text from A during the season six finale, it was signed with a new name, A.D., also referred to as "Uber A" throughout the rest of the series. There are plenty of theories on what those initials stand for, but what's even more important is who those initials are attached to - and we have an idea.
Let's start with the basics. We were first introduced to Paige McCullers, played by Lindsey Shaw, in season one, episode 15, when she sets out to become Rosewood High School's swim team captain. Emily Fields, played by Shay Mitchell, had been absent for a brief time, and when she came back, it seemed like the two would remain enemies. But then, Paige comes out as a lesbian and reveals she has feelings for Emily. Long story short, they end up dating, then breaking up, then dating again, and then breaking up . . . again. To say that these two have had their ups and downs is a serious understatement. Through it all, we couldn't help but to be suspicious of Paige and her real intentions in the Liars' lives, but it goes beyond that - we think that she's A.D. Hear us out!
Paige Randomly Returns to Rosewood 5 Years Later
Paige comes back to PLL on season seven after leaving Rosewood in season five. Emily asks Paige why she returns to interview for the swim team coach spot at Rosewood High, even though with her talent she could have gotten a job at a D-1 college. Paige kind of blows off the question and just says that she's put some applications in but saw that this opportunity came up. In this same episode, Alison DiLaurentis goes to get Noel Kahn's file from the principal's office, only to find it missing with the message, "I warned you b*tches. Do you really want to end up dead?" Although not signed, we can assume it is from A.D. Paige is in Rosewood High for the swim coach interview that day, giving her ample opportunity to grab the file. For Paige to come back after all this time and have a pretty strong presence on the show, something is up.
Paige's New Job Title Literally Spells Out A.D.
Emily ends up snagging the swim coach role at Rosewood High, but Paige isn't left in the dust. She is given the position of Athletic Department Supervisor - aka A.D. Supervisor! When Emily tells Alison about the job, Alison (who is a teacher at Rosewood High) says that it's a new role and asks if it was created especially for Paige. Hmm . . . suspicious.
A.D. Has a Soft Spot For Emily
When Emily oversleeps and misses her Intro to Kinesiology opt-out exam during season seven, A.D. texts Emily saying he or she hacked the computer system and gave her a 92 percent grade but not without saying, "Thank me later, ungrateful b*tch. A.D." Although accompanied by a snarky comment (in true Uber A form), this shows that whoever is behind the madness cares about Emily.
We Catch a Glimpse of A.D.'s Hair
At the end of the season 7B premiere, A.D. hands Jenna Marshall a Braille book. Upon reading it, Jenna says, "endgame." But what you might have missed is that when A.D. hands her the book, the ends of his or her hair - short and brown, like Paige's - are shown at the top of the screen. Could such an obvious hint really have slipped through the editing cracks, or was it purposely placed there? Either way, it got us thinking.
IMDb Listed Paige McCullers as A.D.
Could it be that the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) blew the whole surprise ending to PLL? Believe it. Fans started drawing attention to the (mistake?) listing around the time of the Season 7B premiere in April. A.D. was listed right next to Paige McCullers's name. The movie page no longer says it, but the screenshots don't lie.
As of season 7B, episode 12, Emily and Paige have been working well together at Rosewood High. Sure, there's some tension, since Paige doesn't like Alison and Emily remains close with her, but Emily and Paige still seem to care a lot about each other! For all we know, the two will be together when the finale airs. But if not, just know that we called it - we're so onto you, Paige.
The USPS Is Releasing These Insanely Cool Stamps You'll Actually Want to Collect
Get yourself a pen pal because you're going to want to snatch up these collectible stamps from the US Postal Service. The USPS is releasing a commemorative stamp that changes into the upcoming solar eclipse on Aug. 21 simply by pressing your finger on it.
The stamp, which will be released on June 20, uses thermochromic ink to change the image of the solar eclipse into the moon. Both the photo of the moon and the solar eclipse was taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak, from a previous solar eclipse seen on March 29, 2006 from Jalu, Libya.
If you want to save the stamp as part of a collection, the USPS will also sell a special envelope to hold it. Using the stamps for normal mail? You don't need the envelope, but you should keep the stamp out of direct sunlight, advises the USPS.
The USPS Is Releasing These Insanely Cool Stamps You'll Actually Want to Collect
Get yourself a pen pal because you're going to want to snatch up these collectible stamps from the US Postal Service. The USPS is releasing a commemorative stamp that changes into the upcoming solar eclipse on Aug. 21 simply by pressing your finger on it.
The stamp, which will be released on June 20, uses thermochromic ink to change the image of the solar eclipse into the moon. Both the photo of the moon and the solar eclipse was taken by astrophysicist Fred Espenak, from a previous solar eclipse seen on March 29, 2006 from Jalu, Libya.
If you want to save the stamp as part of a collection, the USPS will also sell a special envelope to hold it. Using the stamps for normal mail? You don't need the envelope, but you should keep the stamp out of direct sunlight, advises the USPS.
If You Want to Lose Weight, You Should Be Eating More of This
One of the best ways to see weight-loss success? Loading up your plate with protein. In fact, many trainers and nutritionists recommend at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast, which should be within 30 minutes of waking for the best weight-loss success. But not all protein is created equal; when searching for the best way to fuel up, you should always opt for the lean protein options. But what exactly qualifies as a lean protein?
According to the USDA, lean meats contain less than 10 grams of fat and 4.5 grams of saturated fat, as well as less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol, per 3.5-ounce serving. In general, beef cuts like roasts, top loin, top sirloin, and shoulder are the leanest cuts of beef, while cuts like pork loin, tenderloin, center loin, and ham are the leanest cuts of pork. When it comes to choosing poultry, opt for skinless breast meat or turkey cutlets for less-fatty options like thigh meat. For more on how to choose a lean cut of meat, read this list on the leanest cuts of red meat like bison, lamb, and veal.
Many types of seafood are also considered lean even though their fat content may be high. That's because seafood is a great source of unsaturated fats, the "healthy fats" that help keep your heart and brain healthy and fight belly fat as well. When choosing seafood, look for sustainable choices that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, trout, or herring.
Lean protein isn't just about choosing the right cut of meat, however. There are plenty of vegetarian sources that make a prime protein source, like beans, quinoa, tofu, and unsalted nuts. In fact, switching out your meat routine just once a week may help you be healthier by reducing your risk of diseases like cancer. Don't always equate protein with meat; there are many other foods that are sky-high in protein. Use this list of high-protein meats, dairy products, and plant-based foods to help you decide which protein is right for you; be sure to pay attention to the fat content as well.
Namaste Your Money: 5 Spiritual Practices That Can Help With Your Finances
As of late, there has been an awakening where more people are open to trying spiritual practices in order to improve their lives. Whether it's meditation, yoga, saying affirmations, or just believing in the law of attraction, spirituality is not as taboo as it once was. But when it comes to your finances, can we use these same principles to help us manage money better? I say yes! The following are five spiritual practices that can help you with your finances.
1. Make Peace With Your Money
Deepak Chopra says in his book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, "Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask yourself if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future." This is important to apply to your money because your upbringing can affect how you deal with your finances. Do you have a scarcity mentality that is making you a money hoarder or has your money history made you a shopaholic? Whatever your money personality is, you must make peace with it and let go of any habits that are not contributing to your journey towards financial freedom. Take a moment to write down the money messages that you've heard coming up, reflect on what you've done right so far with your money, and identify the places where you have opportunities to improve. No matter the mistakes you have made, make peace with them. Forgive yourself for what was, accept what is, and begin to move in the right direction today. Letting go of the past is the best first step to creating a brighter financial future, and brighter future in general.
2. Visualize Your Abundance
The law of attraction teaches us that if we want to reach our goals, then visualization is where we should begin. By visualizing your dreams, you teach your brain to tap into the inner resources that you need to make them a reality. It allows you to see your dreams in your mind's eye in order to accept and believe that you deserve them, and it allows you to stay positive, which will help you to stay on track to be successful in the long run. Visualizing your abundance can help you with your finances in the same way. When you can see yourself with enough money to comfortably reach all of your obligations, then it allows your brain to tap into your inner resources to make that real. When you can see your money goals achieved in your mind's eye, you can begin to feel the way you would when they actually come to fruition, which will help you attract those outcomes faster. Also, visualizing your abundance will keep you in a positive space with your money, which will eventually attract more money to you.
3. Set Your Money Intentions
In the spiritual world, your intention is everything. If you want to manifest goodness in your life, then you first have to be intentional. As Bryant McGill once said, "Every journey begins with the first step of articulating the intention, and then becoming the intention." What you intend for your money will have an impact on how you choose to use your money. Do you want to save more? Do you want to start a new business? Do you want to get out of debt? All of these are intentions that need to be set before you can begin making a money goal a reality. Once your intentions are set, the subsequent actions that you must take become easier to figure out.
4. Show Gratitude For Your Money
The Hawaiian Huna tradition has seven principles of life, and the third principle, "Makia," says, "Energy flows where attention goes." Whether good or bad, whatever you focus on the most is what you will continue to see in your life. By showing gratitude, you are telling whatever you are praising that, yes, you want more of it. Bless your money! Show it gratitude! Every penny, nickel, and dime of it. Don't take what you have for granted and appreciate that you have it, even if you would prefer more. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." Apply that to your money and you will begin to notice an increasingly positive flow. Even if we look at this from a practical perspective, showing gratitude for your money will also guide where you spend your money. Those who are grateful for things will be more likely to take care of them and not be wasteful, which in turn will help you save more money.
5. Treat Other People's Money as You Want Yours to Be Treated
The Law of Karma says, "For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction." Simply put, that means what goes around comes around. If you put out negative energy in thought, word, or action, that negative energy will come back to you. As it relates to your money, you must realize that when you are borrowing money, whether it's from a person or a bank, you are being trusted with these funds and there is an expectation that you will honor your word. Just like you would want your money returned to you if you lent it out, this is what others are expecting as well. As you do right with others, this same energy will come back to you.
There are other spiritual laws that can apply to your money such as giving to receive, which can be activated by sharing your wealth or the Law of Allowance, which says that you should be open to allowing others to treat you.
Luvleen Sidhu is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at BankMobile, a completely digital bank, offering an entirely fee-free checking account, aimed at helping the underbanked, millennials and middle-income Americans have an affordable, effortless and financially empowering banking experience.
Is This $120M LA Mansion Where Beyoncé and Jay Z's Twins Will Grow Up?
Beyoncé and Jay Z have been house hunting for an over-the-top LA estate for several years to no avail, but with the birth of their twins on the horizon, the pressure is on to find the perfect home and fast. Page Six is reporting that Queen Bey and J have found a potential hive: an ultramodern 30,000-square-foot, eight-bedroom, 11-bath Bel Air compound. The breathtaking property was built by famous architect Paul McClean and includes luxuries beyond imagination, including a circular staircase made from a single piece of wood and upholstered in leather and limestone floors.
Not only is this mansion big enough for the growing family, but its gated neighborhood and hilltop location will provide the superstars with much-needed privacy. The Carters can enjoy the stunning views and warm California weather by opening up automated floor-to-ceiling glass panels with the push of a button for access to more than 10,000 square feet of outdoor living space. The kids will enjoy swimming in any one of the four swimming pools, shooting hoops in the private basketball court, and running around the property's two-acre lot. There's a 15-car garage for their many luxury vehicles and total of six buildings containing a media screening room, staff quarters, and a spa/fitness studio. While there's no recording studio yet, there's plenty of room to install one.
The only question now is if their reported $120 million offer will be enough to seal the deal since the home was listed at $135 million. The power couple lost out on an over-the-top modern $70 million LA abode because they were outbid by Minecraft creator Markus Persson in 2014 and went on to lose a glitzy $50 million Beverly Hills mansion to Tom Ford in 2016. Fingers crossed this royal family of music has finally found its castle!
This Dad's Viral Disney Photo Captures How Magical Coparenting Can Be
Photographer Joe Hawkey captures tons of photos for clients, but his most recent photo of his own family at Disney World is going viral for all the right reasons. The dad - who is raising his 7-year-old daughter, Maddie, with the help of her mom, Tiffany Bankert, and both of their partners, Maddie's stepparents - isn't afraid to share with the world what successful coparenting can look like.
In the family photo, each of Maddie's parents can be seen wearing a shirt with their relation to Maddie on the front and "#co-parenting" written on the back, while Maddie's shirt says her name with "#bestdayever" on the back. Joe says Disney World is Maddie's favorite place and that "she was beyond thrilled to have everyone there." Maddie had no idea that her mom and stepdad were going to surprise her at Disney, and Joe added, "It made it that much more magical."
However, things weren't always completely magical between Maddie's parents. After things didn't work out between Joe and Tiffany, there was some tension, but when Maddie's stepparents, Luke and Brianna, each came into the picture, things started improving and the group was able to successfully coparent. When asked the best part about coparenting, Joe told POPSUGAR that it's "all of us able to understand the love we have for the same child. We all want her to succeed in life. She is our number one priority."
9 White Button-Downs That Are Anything but Boring
Crisp, clean, and classic are just some of the adjectives people use when describing a white button-down shirt. When it comes to wardrobe essentials, a white button-down is always somewhere toward the top of the list, right next to the little black dress and a tailored blazer. A button-down is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own because it's easy to dress up or down.
But not all button-downs have to look the same. There are so many variations of the classic silhouette, each one completely different than the next. Whoever thinks white button-downs are solely reserved for the office obviously hasn't seen the trendy options ahead. From off-the-shoulder silhouettes to bell sleeves, these nine white button-downs feature the freshest details.
15 Zumba Videos to Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" That'll Have You Sweating Pasito a Pasito
"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (and the remix featuring Justin Bieber) has easily become everyone's favorite song. And since you're already listening to it on repeat all day long, and probably creating your own dance moves in front of the mirror, why not workout to it, Zumba style?
We collected the most popular dance workout videos to the hit, and we're here to tell you the choreographies are fun and perfect for anyone who doesn't want to be bored while paving the way to getting toned. Keep scrolling to start moving more than just "despacito."
This Dad's Viral Disney Photo Captures How Magical Coparenting Can Be
Photographer Joe Hawkey captures tons of photos for clients, but his most recent photo of his own family at Disney World is going viral for all the right reasons. The dad - who is raising his 7-year-old daughter, Maddie, with the help of her mom, Tiffany Bankert, and both of their partners, Maddie's stepparents - isn't afraid to share with the world what successful coparenting can look like.
In the family photo, each of Maddie's parents can be seen wearing a shirt with their relation to Maddie on the front and "#co-parenting" written on the back, while Maddie's shirt says her name with "#bestdayever" on the back. Joe says Disney World is Maddie's favorite place and that "she was beyond thrilled to have everyone there." Maddie had no idea that her mom and stepdad were going to surprise her at Disney, and Joe added, "It made it that much more magical."
However, things weren't always completely magical between Maddie's parents. After things didn't work out between Joe and Tiffany, there was some tension, but when Maddie's stepparents, Luke and Brianna, each came into the picture, things started improving and the group was able to successfully coparent. When asked the best part about coparenting, Joe told POPSUGAR that it's "all of us able to understand the love we have for the same child. We all want her to succeed in life. She is our number one priority."
More Proof That Obama Isn't Even a Little Bit Done With Politics
Former President Barack Obama has made it clear that he's most definitely still invested in politics - both here and abroad. On Thursday, May 4, Obama officially endorsed French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron, the centrist candidate running against far-right leader Marine Le Pen. This comes just one day after the final debate between Macron and Le Pen.
"I have admired the campaign that Emmanuel Macron has run," Obama said in a Facebook video posted on Macron's official page. "He has stood up for liberal values, he put forward a vision for the important role that France plays in Europe and around the world. And he is committed to a better future for the French people. He appeals to people's hopes and not their fears."
The current presidential election in France shares some striking similarities to the 2016 election in the United States, with Le Pen sharing many of the same far-right views on issues like immigration as President Donald Trump. While it's uncommon for a former United States president to endorse a candidate in an international election, it speaks volumes that Obama has publicly spoken out against Le Pen.
"I'm not planning to get involved in many elections now that I don't have to run for office again, but the French election is very important to the future of France and to the values that we care so much about," Obama said. "Because of how important this election is, I also want you to know that I am supporting Emmanuel Macron to lead you forward."
Although President Trump said he was not officially endorsing a candidate in the French election, he has spoken about supporting Le Pen more broadly, telling the Associated Press she is "strongest on borders, and she's the strongest on what's been going on in France."
Le Pen's views are strongly anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim. She comes from a powerful family - her father was a former leader of the far-right National Front party she heads - and has made it clear that if elected, she would attempt to pull France out of the European Union, seek to ban Muslim women from wearing headscarves in public, and end free education for children of undocumented immigrants.
The final runoff vote is on Sunday.
15 Zumba Videos to Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" That'll Have You Sweating Pasito a Pasito
"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee (and the remix featuring Justin Bieber) has easily become everyone's favorite song. And since you're already listening to it on repeat all day long, and probably creating your own dance moves in front of the mirror, why not workout to it, Zumba style?
We collected the most popular dance workout videos to the hit, and we're here to tell you the choreographies are fun and perfect for anyone who doesn't want to be bored while paving the way to getting toned. Keep scrolling to start moving more than just "despacito."
9 Girl Groups You Definitely Wanted to Be a Part of in the '90s
The '90s were an exceptional time for girl groups. Young women frequently banded together to create songs about female empowerment and the importance of all-female friendships. Who could forget the beloved Spice Girls or the crazy, sexy, cool style of TLC? Whether you wanted to be a part of Destiny's Child or the Dixie Chicks, there was something for everyone during the '90s era. Reminisce about nine fierce girl groups that you and your childhood posse swore you were a part of with these throwback photos.
9 White Button-Downs That Are Anything but Boring
Crisp, clean, and classic are just some of the adjectives people use when describing a white button-down shirt. When it comes to wardrobe essentials, a white button-down is always somewhere toward the top of the list, right next to the little black dress and a tailored blazer. A button-down is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own because it's easy to dress up or down.
But not all button-downs have to look the same. There are so many variations of the classic silhouette, each one completely different than the next. Whoever thinks white button-downs are solely reserved for the office obviously hasn't seen the trendy options ahead. From off-the-shoulder silhouettes to bell sleeves, these nine white button-downs feature the freshest details.
9 Girl Groups You Definitely Wanted to Be a Part of in the '90s
The '90s were an exceptional time for girl groups. Young women frequently banded together to create songs about female empowerment and the importance of all-female friendships. Who could forget the beloved Spice Girls or the crazy, sexy, cool style of TLC? Whether you wanted to be a part of Destiny's Child or the Dixie Chicks, there was something for everyone during the '90s era. Reminisce about nine fierce girl groups that you and your childhood posse swore you were a part of with these throwback photos.
Alessandra Ambrosio Wore the 1 Monokini You Need to Show Off Your Curves
If you're after the monokini trend, look no further than Alessandra Ambrosio's display of chicness while vacationing with her girlfriends in Saint-Tropez. Back in the Summer, the Brazilian Victoria's Secret Angel posted an Instagram video featuring a peek at the Henna Blues Monokini One-Piece ($180) from her Ále by Alessandra swimwear collection.
Although we're understandably in awe of the fact that she's partying by a hot tub on a boat (seriously), we need a moment to take in how perfect the swimsuit she's wearing actually is. Adorned with a fun paisley pattern and edgy cutouts, the purple-hued suit is one that will never go out of style and always flatter your figure. Press play above to see it in action. Then, check out even more similar styles.
These 19 Recipes Would Be Whole30-Approved, If Desserts Were Whole30-Approved
Don't call the Whole30 police! We know what you're going to say. Desserts on a Whole30 diet are not allowed, even if they're made with Whole-30-approved ingredients. It kind of defeats the purpose of embracing the idea of eating simple, clean, whole foods. Eating baked goods can be a real trigger for people and might prevent them from changing the eating habits they're trying so hard to change!
But going cold turkey and ditching all the yummy foods you used to eat can be unbearable, especially if this is your first time trying Whole30. Sometimes you just need to eat a frickin' brownie or you'll fall off the Whole30 wagon completely! So if indulging every once in a while on these desserts made with Whole-30-approved ingredients keeps you eating Whole30 99 percent of the time, it sounds like a win to us!
Bella Hadid's Hip Cleavage Is the New Thighbrow
Oh, the fashion trends the world's sexiest models and stars dream up. From the Kardashian family's "lampshading" to the "thighbrow" they create by striking a pose in their swimsuits, there is no end to the little tweaks they make to their clothes, all to turn heads. Bella Hadid's got a new trick she's been employing, slipping into high-leg bodysuits and tugging her track pants down below her hip bone to create a makeshift cutout.
The sliver of skin is what we're calling "hip cleavage," and it seems Kylie Jenner is on board, too. She was spotted rocking the look with a bikini underwear set and sweats months ago. Of course, it's not difficult to create a leisure outfit like this one if you're into the style. Just scroll to get inspired, then shop baggy trousers and tight-fitting bodysuits to coordinate on your own.
These 19 Recipes Would Be Whole30-Approved, If Desserts Were Whole30-Approved
Don't call the Whole30 police! We know what you're going to say. Desserts on a Whole30 diet are not allowed, even if they're made with Whole-30-approved ingredients. It kind of defeats the purpose of embracing the idea of eating simple, clean, whole foods. Eating baked goods can be a real trigger for people and might prevent them from changing the eating habits they're trying so hard to change!
But going cold turkey and ditching all the yummy foods you used to eat can be unbearable, especially if this is your first time trying Whole30. Sometimes you just need to eat a frickin' brownie or you'll fall off the Whole30 wagon completely! So if indulging every once in a while on these desserts made with Whole-30-approved ingredients keeps you eating Whole30 99 percent of the time, it sounds like a win to us!
Bella Hadid's Hip Cleavage Is the New Thighbrow
Oh, the fashion trends the world's sexiest models and stars dream up. From the Kardashian family's "lampshading" to the "thighbrow" they create by striking a pose in their swimsuits, there is no end to the little tweaks they make to their clothes, all to turn heads. Bella Hadid's got a new trick she's been employing, slipping into high-leg bodysuits and tugging her track pants down below her hip bone to create a makeshift cutout.
The sliver of skin is what we're calling "hip cleavage," and it seems Kylie Jenner is on board, too. She was spotted rocking the look with a bikini underwear set and sweats months ago. Of course, it's not difficult to create a leisure outfit like this one if you're into the style. Just scroll to get inspired, then shop baggy trousers and tight-fitting bodysuits to coordinate on your own.
What a Month of Superitchy, Horrible Skin Taught Me
The following post originally appeared on Medium.
Imagine being addicted to something and not even knowing it. That's what happened to me. And it's not even a somewhat glamorous addiction. I'm addicted to cream. Not whipped cream - the cream that you put on your skin. A steroid cream. Probably the lamest form of drug you can be addicted to.
When I was around 5, I was diagnosed with eczema - a skin condition where you get dry, itchy red patches on your body. It appeared on my hands, arms, back and legs.
The doctor said eczema was genetic and that they didn't really know why people got it. I was told that it was incurable. I would have eczema for the rest of my life. So they prescribed steroid cream as the solution.
Oh yes, the cream worked - I'd put it on and the eczema would go away. But it would always come back. And when it did, I'd just put on more cream. But the eczema would come back. Cream. Eczema. Cream. More Eczema. More Cream. Etc. This cycle went on for 16 more lovely years until one month ago, when I decided to stop using all steroid creams.
What made me decide to do this? Well, a couple months ago I was reading The Art of Seeing by Aldous Huxley. Huxley used unconventional methods to heal his eyesight. There was a quote about eyeglasses that stuck in my head:
"Suppose that crippled eyes could be transformed into crippled legs. What a heart-rending parade we would witness on a busy street! Nearly every other person would go limping by. Many would be on crutches and some on wheel chairs." - Matthew Luckiesh
True. Lots of people wear glasses. Lots of people with eczema use steroid cream. But not a lot of people walk around on crutches and never fix their broken leg. And that's when it occurred to me: my skin was broken, and the cream was a crutch! Why should I keep using the crutch when I could just heal my skin for good?
As I typed "how to heal eczema" into Google, I realized that I'd never actually done my own research before. I'd put 100 percent of my faith into what the doctor told me, and took her word as truth. (I don't think she had any evil intent. I think she was just doing what she thought was right - without realizing the damage.) Now I am not a doctor, and I'm not saying not to trust doctors, I just wish I had done my own research earlier.
I found something called topical steroid addiction. This is what I know so far - the steroids suppress your adrenal glands and make them lazy. The adrenal gland is responsible for producing cortisol, your body's natural anti-inflammatory. But when you start using steroid creams (cortisol creams), the glands stop doing their job because the steroids are doing it for them! Your body starts relying on the cream, and when you stop using it, the adrenal gland realizes it hasn't made cortisol for years . . . so your body cries out for the cream. It's explained very well in this video.
I found hundreds of stories of people just like me, who were using steroid cream for a long time . . . but no one was ever cured by it. In fact, it only made the eczema get worse and worse. People would get prescribed stronger and stronger steroids, and when it didn't help, some people even started taking oral steroids. But as I read these stories of people quitting the cream, I felt quite hopeful. I saw pictures of people fully healed and never having to use a drop of cream again.
At the same time, the journey to get there looked absolutely terrifying. Red, peeling, burning faces. People taking time off work and school. Being bedridden for months. Going through withdrawal took most people around 6-12 months. Some, even years.
Even though it looked scary, I knew I couldn't go on using the cream. I wanted to be cured, not on crutches. So I quit the cream. I went into what's called topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). And yeah, it is freaking painful; it's a total shock to your body. For the first three weeks, my arms burned bright red. They felt hot to the touch. It got so itchy I just wanted to rip my skin off. It's so depressing waking up, feeling ugly and disgusting, and seeing dead skin everywhere. I started everyday feeling like a crusty mummy coming out of the tomb after a million years. I avoided mirrors and I didn't go farther than five minutes from my house for three weeks.
I did try and go to doctors again. I told them about topical steroid withdrawal and about the red skin syndrome that follows . . . and they wrote me another prescription for steroid cream and said see you later. One doctor even told me to try oral steroids. None of the doctors would really listen.
I kept looking to the internet for answers. Since sleep was almost impossible, I started using night time as research time.
I've been hunting down every source on TSW I could find. I joined Facebook groups with people going through the same thing. Turns out there is a lot of us. Many people have similar stories, and many have it way, way worse than me. Even little babies are going through it. YEAH. BABIES. It breaks my heart to see all these people suffering, especially because this pain is preventable with just a little bit of research and caution.
What I didn't realize for so long is that eczema is only the tip of the iceberg. It's just a symptom of a much larger underlying problem.
Eczema was my body's way of firing off a warning sign saying "Something's wrong! Help!" But I just kept covering up that sign with more and more cream, because that's what I was told to do. I was just treating the symptom without curing the cause.
As it turns out, there is a huge link between your skin health and gut health.
It didn't even cross my mind that I might have issues with my digestion. But it does explain why I fart so much. So as I started to swim deeper down the iceberg, I discovered that the problem with my skin had to do with basically everything, including soaps and detergents I used, stress levels, and how much I exercised, but especially what I was eating.
Throughout this whole thing - there has been one especially inspirational dude I found named Rob Stuart. He used to have eczema too, and actually cured himself through diet and lifestyle changes. He explains how a whole food, vegan diet is the best for the body, skin, and digestion. It's not too big a transition, since I've been mostly vegetarian for about a year.
I don't believe in going too extreme any one way or another, so I took changing my diet slowly. I cut down a lot on eating meat, but I was still eating lots of cheese, eggs, and ice cream. I love ice cream. I never thought that dairy could be bad for my skin. My boyfriend is lactose intolerant and a while ago, he suggested for me to try cutting dairy out, because he used to have skin issues too when he ate dairy. This was even before I discovered steroid withdrawal and my gut issues . . . but now it all links together.
So to fix my skin and my gut, I've cut all animal products out, and trying to stay away from processed foods and refined sugars. I'm experimenting with what foods set my skin off - so far I'm not sure about nuts, tomatoes, and grapes. There are also foods high in histamines, which make you itch. There's a lot of information out there, but to really find out, I think I'm just going to have to slowly experiment on myself.
Two years ago I was the worst cook in the world. (Once I put a whole broccoli in the microwave and covered it with soy sauce for dinner.) I used to be terrified of cooking with more than two ingredients. Now I am cooking for myself almost every day, even using more than two ingredients. For anyone who's going to change their diet, I would definitely recommend an app called cronometer. It helps you make sure you're getting enough calories, proteins, & vitamins.
Even though going through steroid withdrawal is so painful and annoying, I'm glad it's happening. It's made me wake up. It got me to do research and question things, rather than believing everything I'm told. The fact that I thought eczema was incurable and genetic made me think that steroid creams were my only option. I never knew that diet had a connection with skin health. In school and on the TV, all I heard was that milk is a good source of calcium, and that it isn't a meal without meat. That meat = protein. The only source of protein. The meat and dairy industries have worked hard to get those messages in my head from a young age. They don't want people knowing the health consequences.
I didn't care what I was putting in my body. I just ate whatever, and my skin ate whatever. I didn't read labels on soaps or shampoos, or think about what the steroid creams were actually doing inside my body. I didn't think that not getting enough exercise would have an impact on my skin either. Turns out, everything is connected. The body, the mind, the environment.
The way you think about a problem affects the way you will treat it, and your surroundings change what options you think are available. When you walk into a grocery store and 60 percent of the store is dedicated to animal products, you assume it must be OK. When you go into the body care aisle or whatever and see all these products with a million chemicals in them, you assume they should be fine. Because it doesn't look like there are other options. But there are, you just have to look a bit deeper to see them. With the help of my mom I started making my own lotions, so I know exactly what is in them and can see how my skin reacts directly after.
It's been a month now, and since paying attention to what I'm putting in my body (both food and products), my skin has already improved so much. It's not perfect, I'm still eating processed foods like pasta, noodles, and soy sauce - but like I said I'm just doing the best I can for now. Amazingly, I had a full night's sleep last night. I know I'm not fully healed yet and that this is just the beginning, but at least I finally feel more in control of what goes on in my body.
All I wish is that someone had told me sooner to do my own research, rather than putting 100 percent of my trust into someone else. To look deeper and work on treating the root cause, rather than covering up the symptoms. I hope that anyone reading this who's suffering from eczema or any other skin problems will dig deeper. I know there's a lot of contradictory information out there - but when you start asking the right questions, you will find the answers.
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.
7 Models Reveal Their Go-To Dry Shampoos For Looking Fresh Off Duty
Washing your hair every day? Ain't nobody got time for that. Especially models, who are constantly galivanting around the city for casting calls, fittings, photo shoots, and fashion shows. Their hair still needs to be fab, though, as looking good is literally part of their job description. That's where the ol' dry shampoo comes in handy.
For recommendations on the best products, we went backstage at NYFW and asked models with gorgeous hair what they were using in between shampoo days. Model or not, we can all relate to not having time for a proper shampoo and blow dry but still wanting our hair to look – and smell – amazing. Here's what they shared with us.
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.
12 Little-Known Facts About The Great British Bake Off
If you haven't watched an episode of the UK's Great British Bake Off, then I just don't understand what you're doing with your free time. The reality baking competition is hugely popular in the UK and is gaining traction in the US thanks to airing on PBS under the name Great British Baking Show. Led by presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and under the scrutiny of judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, British bakers create breathtaking masterpieces each week in a kitchen set up in a tent. Yes, they bake in a tent outdoors. Granted, it's a pretty fancy tent, but I've seen my fair share of bakers have issues with their bakes simply because of the weather.
Lucky for all of us, the show is available on Netflix here in the US, so you can get a taste for it yourself. If you're even slightly intrigued, keep reading for 12 fun facts about the show that I'm pretty sure will convince you to give it a try.
- Staff bake a Victoria sponge cake in every oven every day before filming. They do this to ensure the ovens are in perfect working condition.
- Professional chefs need not apply for the show. Entry is restricted to only amateur bakers.
- All the dish washing is done by hand, but not by the contestants. Because a dishwasher would be too loud to run while filming, the show employs extra staff just to wash dishes.
- Bakers buy all their own ingredients, which can get pretty pricey for them.
- Bakers are told to flag down a cameraman any time they want to put something into or take something out of the oven so it can be filmed. Those moments are crucial!
- Paul wasn't the showrunners' first choice to be a judge on the show, and it was Mel and Sue who recommended Mary as the other judge.
- It takes 10 weeks to film the show, but it's typically only filmed two days a week. While often it's shot on weekends, allowing the bakers to keep up their typical lives during the week, that's not always the case. Filming also takes up to 16 hours a day!
- Bakers find out what they need to bake for the show beforehand. They have time to prep and practice and get their recipes approved by the show.
- The application process is extensive. It starts with a multiple-page application form, followed by a phone interview, then followed by bringing a couple bakes to London and having an in-person interview. If you've made it this far, you then have to do a technical bake on camera and bring along a bake from home. If you make it through all that, you have to see a psychologist to be sure you can handle the stress of filming.
- There's little animosity between bakers. The show actually encourages them to be friends.
- Producers are on standby in case a baker gets stuck or needs a little help. The show really wants its bakers to succeed!
- Someone is on standby at a nearby store in case a baker forgets an ingredient. Unlike many American cooking shows, where if you don't have all your ingredients you just have to deal with it, GBBO makes sure its bakers have everything they need to achieve their bakes.
These Murals Dedicated to Selena Are Serious Works of Art
Selena passed away 22 years ago, but her legendary talent still lives today. One way people show their love for the late Tejana singer is by painting murals, some of which are so beautiful that they will take your breath away the moment. Check out 13 of these murals from around the US that show of Selena's spirit and beauty - warning: after seeing these, you might want to book a trip just to take a picture in front of them.
12 Little-Known Facts About The Great British Bake Off
If you haven't watched an episode of the UK's Great British Bake Off, then I just don't understand what you're doing with your free time. The reality baking competition is hugely popular in the UK and is gaining traction in the US thanks to airing on PBS under the name Great British Baking Show. Led by presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and under the scrutiny of judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, British bakers create breathtaking masterpieces each week in a kitchen set up in a tent. Yes, they bake in a tent outdoors. Granted, it's a pretty fancy tent, but I've seen my fair share of bakers have issues with their bakes simply because of the weather.
Lucky for all of us, the show is available on Netflix here in the US, so you can get a taste for it yourself. If you're even slightly intrigued, keep reading for 12 fun facts about the show that I'm pretty sure will convince you to give it a try.
- Staff bake a Victoria sponge cake in every oven every day before filming. They do this to ensure the ovens are in perfect working condition.
- Professional chefs need not apply for the show. Entry is restricted to only amateur bakers.
- All the dish washing is done by hand, but not by the contestants. Because a dishwasher would be too loud to run while filming, the show employs extra staff just to wash dishes.
- Bakers buy all their own ingredients, which can get pretty pricey for them.
- Bakers are told to flag down a cameraman any time they want to put something into or take something out of the oven so it can be filmed. Those moments are crucial!
- Paul wasn't the showrunners' first choice to be a judge on the show, and it was Mel and Sue who recommended Mary as the other judge.
- It takes 10 weeks to film the show, but it's typically only filmed two days a week. While often it's shot on weekends, allowing the bakers to keep up their typical lives during the week, that's not always the case. Filming also takes up to 16 hours a day!
- Bakers find out what they need to bake for the show beforehand. They have time to prep and practice and get their recipes approved by the show.
- The application process is extensive. It starts with a multiple-page application form, followed by a phone interview, then followed by bringing a couple bakes to London and having an in-person interview. If you've made it this far, you then have to do a technical bake on camera and bring along a bake from home. If you make it through all that, you have to see a psychologist to be sure you can handle the stress of filming.
- There's little animosity between bakers. The show actually encourages them to be friends.
- Producers are on standby in case a baker gets stuck or needs a little help. The show really wants its bakers to succeed!
- Someone is on standby at a nearby store in case a baker forgets an ingredient. Unlike many American cooking shows, where if you don't have all your ingredients you just have to deal with it, GBBO makes sure its bakers have everything they need to achieve their bakes.
Riverdale's Archie Sounds VERY Different in Real Life
Riverdale is one of our newest obsessions for many reasons: the juicy drama, the talented cast, and yes, the extremely attractive KJ Apa (Archie Andrews). The 19-year-old actor (can you believe he's only 19?!) is an all-American type of guy on the show. His character is an athlete, a musician, and, after going through puberty the Summer before the show begins, is a huge hit with the ladies of Riverdale High School. While he nails his cute American accent on the show, he actually sounds completely different in real life.
KJ, who has formed a cute bromance with costar Cole Sprouse who plays Jughead Jones (he's also real hot, fyi), was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. His father is actually Samoan and is a Matai (chief) of his village in Samoa. Hearing KJ talk in his regular accent is slightly jarring if you're a fan of The CW show, but we definitely aren't complaining.
Articles
