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.
lundi 8 mai 2017
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Breaking Down All 5 End Credits Scenes
You may have heard the news that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 would have five end credits scenes and thought, "Not possible." Well, it is possible. And Marvel did it. Five different sequences are spread between the credits for the film, meaning, no, you can't run to the bathroom and come back just for the bonus scene at the end. There's a new scene every two minutes, and one of them means something major for the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Here's everything you need to know, in case you want to leave the theater when the movie, you know, ends.
- Kraglin (Sean Gunn) inherits Yondu's magic arrow, but he doesn't yet know how to use it. This first scene is just a funny look at him trying to use his mind to control it and doing pretty poorly.
- Next up, we see Stakar (Sylvester Stallone) reunited with his fellow Ravagers. Yondu's funeral has brought them together, and they're ready to steal some sh*t.
- The third scene is the most significant: The High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) has created something that she believes will help her bring down the Guardians and restore her race to power. As the camera pans to a crazy-looking pod, she mutters, "I think I shall call him Adam." This isn't a character we've encountered in the MCU before, but in the comics, Adam Warlock is actually a defender of the galaxy. It's his dark side, Magnus, who becomes a villain. This is definitely a hint at who we may meet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3!
- Next up, Baby Groot is growing up! He's now Teenage Groot, playing a high-tech video game. Peter, playing the part of his dad, barges into his room and yells at him about how he's sick of tripping over his vines all the time. Hilarious.
- And finally, there's a second cameo from Stan Lee (his first comes midmovie). He's telling tales to a group of galactic observers called The Watchers, confirming a long-circulating rumor that he's a member of the group.
Hailee Steinfeld's Sexy Dress Is an Instant 10 on the Red Carpet
Hailee Steinfeld's sexy dress heated up the red carpet at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards. The star arrived in a purple Fausto Puglisi number and metallic silver heels. As she posed for the cameras, we took note of the design's side cut outs and golden embroidery. These details transformed her mini dress from ordinary to best dressed. The awards show is exactly the right place to debut this flashy look, so read on to zoom in on Hailee's dress.
Take Notes! Amandla Stenberg Demonstrates How to Wear Blue Lipstick
Amandla Stenberg arrived at the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards wearing yet another refreshingly edgy look. The 18-year-old actress that's wise beyond her years rocked blue lipstick reminiscent of the grunge beauty trends that have come to define the '90s.
Apart from her bold lipstick, Amandla kept the rest of her makeup simple with defined eyebrows and minimal eye makeup. In addition, Amandla has continued to maintain her shaved head since cutting it earlier this year for her role in the upcoming movie Where Hands Touch. In an Instagram post about the film and her fresh cut, Amandla wrote, "Feels really good. I feel so aerodynamic now."
To replicate Amandla's look, try the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Moscow ($6) or Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in Heroine ($15). For super sheer and subtle option, try Lipstick Queen's Hello Sailor Lipstick ($25) - the deceptively blue shade will gently guide you out of your comfort zone.
Take Notes! Amandla Stenberg Demonstrates How to Wear Blue Lipstick
Amandla Stenberg arrived at the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards wearing yet another refreshingly edgy look. The 18-year-old actress that's wise beyond her years rocked blue lipstick reminiscent of the grunge beauty trends that have come to define the '90s.
Apart from her bold lipstick, Amandla kept the rest of her makeup simple with defined eyebrows and minimal eye makeup. In addition, Amandla has continued to maintain her shaved head since cutting it earlier this year for her role in the upcoming movie Where Hands Touch. In an Instagram post about the film and her fresh cut, Amandla wrote, "Feels really good. I feel so aerodynamic now."
To replicate Amandla's look, try the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Moscow ($6) or Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in Heroine ($15). For super sheer and subtle option, try Lipstick Queen's Hello Sailor Lipstick ($25) - the deceptively blue shade will gently guide you out of your comfort zone.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Breaking Down All 5 End Credits Scenes
You may have heard the news that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 would have five end credits scenes and thought, "Not possible." Well, it is possible. And Marvel did it. Five different sequences are spread between the credits for the film, meaning, no, you can't run to the bathroom and come back just for the bonus scene at the end. There's a new scene every two minutes, and one of them means something major for the Marvel Cinematic Universe! Here's everything you need to know, in case you want to leave the theater when the movie, you know, ends.
- Kraglin (Sean Gunn) inherits Yondu's magic arrow, but he doesn't yet know how to use it. This first scene is just a funny look at him trying to use his mind to control it and doing pretty poorly.
- Next up, we see Stakar (Sylvester Stallone) reunited with his fellow Ravagers. Yondu's funeral has brought them together, and they're ready to steal some sh*t.
- The third scene is the most significant: The High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) has created something that she believes will help her bring down the Guardians and restore her race to power. As the camera pans to a crazy-looking pod, she mutters, "I think I shall call him Adam." This isn't a character we've encountered in the MCU before, but in the comics, Adam Warlock is actually a defender of the galaxy. It's his dark side, Magnus, who becomes a villain. This is definitely a hint at who we may meet in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3!
- Next up, Baby Groot is growing up! He's now Teenage Groot, playing a high-tech video game. Peter, playing the part of his dad, barges into his room and yells at him about how he's sick of tripping over his vines all the time. Hilarious.
- And finally, there's a second cameo from Stan Lee (his first comes midmovie). He's telling tales to a group of galactic observers called The Watchers, confirming a long-circulating rumor that he's a member of the group.
Things I Learned at Chrissy Teigen's Palette Launch - And No, She Didn't Get "Extensive Plastic Surgery"
Here's the deal: I got to meet my Twitter Queen Chrissy Teigen and help her celebrate the launch of the Becca Cosmetics BeccaxChrissy Glow Face Palette ($46) by getting an early preview and learning about how it all come to fruition. I also learned a few things she absolutely hates when it comes to makeup, because if there's one thing you can bet on from Chrissy, it's that she'll speak her mind.
Chrissy collaborated with makeup artist Mary Phillips (who also works with Jennifer Lopez!) on every part of the palette. She was clear on a few things, namely, she didn't want the whole thing to be too sparkly or overly shimmery. She wanted it to be easy for everyone to use at home and worried that with too much shimmer, people might go crazy and end up looking like a disco ball. The palette, which includes a bronzer, a blush and two highlighters (one rose gold and one apricot), worried her a bit because she felt the blush was too bright. Because the palette leans more bronze, she and Mary worked to sheer out the pigment of the coral blush so it was complementary to the other pieces of the palette.
The palette focuses on warmer tones instead of cool tones, which makes sense: Chrissy has a warm complexion. Mary explained that it isn't too gold, though, and it's definitely not cool or silver, meaning if you're fair complected or have a deeper tone, it will still work for you. You can sheer out everything if you're fair and layer it if you're deep complected.
As for her dislikes, Chrissy was quick to lay down the law on a few trending makeup and beauty looks.
Liner on her lower waterline
The model and author explained that she let's Mary do whatever she wants when it comes to makeup, but the one stipulation is she cannot add anything insider her lower waterline.
Lip masks
"Waste of f*cking money," she said. "Don't get them."
Washing her face before bed
The model told us that she has "never washed her face before bed." She'll "rip off her eyelashes" but doesn't remove her makeup. And yet her skin is still perfect, which could be attributed to her esthetician, Shani Darden. We can only dream of this type of luck.
Insane Instagram highlighing
"I don't want to be a hater, but I am," she said. "I see all the Instagram posts, and I did not want to look like those girls that just look silver. Do you don't have to be a slay queen just because you look like a silver zorbot. That look is done. I'm tired of silver cheekbones and nose. And I'm f*cking over strobing!" Chrissy later added she has no idea what a zorbot is, but you get her drift.
Armpit fat
She probably doesn't hate it, persay, but when asked about the craziest beauty treatment she received, she admitted that she "sucked her armpits" about nine years ago to get rid of fat pockets.
Also, it's been reported that Chrissy underwent "major plastic surgery," and it's simply not true. The statement was largely taken out of context.
This is what happened: Chrissy brought up that everyone thinks her cheeks are fake. She clarified that they are not, but joked that "everything else is." She did point to her forehead and her mouth area, which I interpreted as meaning she Botox in her forehead and her veneers. This is something she's been very open about in the past. There was no discussion of extensive plastic face or body surgery. In fact, the only plastic surgery brought up was the aforementioned armpit liposuction and her mother's nose job.
Now that's cleared up, I have to saw that I haven't been happier with a palette in a very long time. I want to look dewy and glowy when I apply highlighter, and even with some Becca products, I feel like the highlight isn't as sheer or natural as I'd like it to be. This is a palette you can wear to work, running errands, brunch, a big event, breast feeding your child - doesn't matter what it is, you can wear it and feel natural while doing so.
dimanche 7 mai 2017
How Losing Her Job at Disney Led Natasha Case to a New Career and Sweet Success
When Natasha Case lost her architecture job at Walt Disney Imagineering, she could've never guessed that it would lead her down such a unique and surprisingly sweet career path. Together with Freya Estreller, Case founded an architecturally inspired ice cream sandwich company called Coolhaus, which they first peddled in 2009 at Coachella in an old, beat-up postal van they bought off of Craigslist. The sweet treats made a big impression on the festival crowd, and Case returned to LA to an abundance of viral press, a rapidly growing social media following, and an eager foodie audience. Since then, the small dessert business has grown significantly to include two storefronts in Los Angeles along with nine trucks spread across Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas; and their prepackaged products are offered in over 5,000 grocery stores nationwide.The name Coolhaus is a nod to Case's architecture background, playing on Bauhaus, the modernist design movement of the 1920s and 1930s, and Rem Koolhaas, a famous Dutch architect. The icy treats also have cute pun-filled names, including Frank Behry (sugar cookie with strawberry ice cream), Mintimalism (chocolate chip cookie with mint chip ice cream), and Mies Vanilla Rohe (chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream).
Keep reading to find out how this Coolhaus founder powers her own delicious happy!
Why Are Feminists So Into Vagina Crystals?
As of late, many feminists (myself included) have been drawn to the power of crystal healing, particularly vaginal and womb crystal healing. We're fascinated by the intersectionality of healing, feminism, and vagina confidence found in crystals.
Now, crystals are no new thing. Ask anyone who lives in LA.
The first known use of crystals dates back to the ancient Sumerians. Amulets and beads were being used for cleansing, conjuring, and healing purposes over 30,000 years ago.
While doctors aren't really feeling the whole "power of crystals" thing, they have a unique potential to act as a tool so many of us crave. Ordaining your vagina with crystals is like a thank-you letter to the beautiful, powerful, life-giving vagina.
After all, crystals radiate energy and have been thought to cure a wide range of ailments. When it comes to vagina crystals such as yoni eggs and vaginal wands, they are believed to cleanse the womb space of bad energy. In a sense, you are paying homage to your most precious body part with semiprecious stones. That's pretty effing beautiful, don't you think?
Amid the reclamation of female identity, sexual freedom, and what it means to own a vagina in a political sense, it is natural that these reclamations would permeate into the spiritual realm as well. Within this climate, the ancient power of crystals have come to manifest itself as amethyst dildos, jade eggs, and obsidian butt plugs.
There are many places one can buy crystals, (you can even buy them on Etsy), but Chakrubs makes crystals makes handcrafted wands and yoni eggs that are bespoke and beautiful.
Vanessa Cuccia, founder of Chakrubs, told POPSUGAR, "When I realized that I needed to take my pleasure into my own hands, I also realized that what I desired was more than an orgasm. That was part of it; I wanted deeply to feel pleasure, but I knew I also needed to reconnect to myself. Crystals facilitate our energetic body's natural ability to heal itself from emotional pain, so combining the intentions of crystal and sexual healing?"
So, where did all the vagina crystal find their feminist roots? As it were, vaginal crystals have a deeply feminist foundation. Yoni eggs, Sanskrit for "sacred space" (aka: vagina), are said to have been used for over 2,000 years as a way to cleanse the womb space of bad energy and to heal from sexual traumas. Or, in many cases, to make your vagina young forever and to make sex better.
Holla! Ancient queens and empresses used yoni eggs to improve longevity of a healthy sexual life. Chakrubs reignited crystal popularity by broadening the scope of crystals, offering many more products that offer the same kind of healing energy used in ancient times.
The point is, vagina crystals are a symbol of feminine power and the vitality of female strength. No wonder we love them so much.
Even Gwyneth Paltrow is on board, and girlfriend knows how to pamper her vagina. Did you see those million-dollar sex toys? According to Goop, you can use jade Oona eggs to "cultivate sexual energy, increase orgasm, balance the cycle, stimulate key reflexology around vaginal walls, tighten and tone, prevent uterine prolapse, increase control of the whole perineum and bladder, develop and clear chi pathways in the body, intensify feminine energy, and invigorate our life force."
Personally, I love my Chakrubs. I have an amethyst dildo and a rose yoni egg. I feel like a queen whenever I'm wearing them. It's like you've entered a temple and that temple is your vagina.
I first happened upon them at the Sexual Health Expo in Brooklyn in September of 2016. Chakrubs were spread over a display table, coming in an array of sizes, shapes, and gorgeous stones.
"Chakrubs are made from big chunks of crystals sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, and China and are polished down to our designs. Because of this, they have never been previously owned before they reach you," Cuccia said.
I made it very clear to my own partner that he was not to touch my crystals. Only you can touch your crystals. It's a rule. Your crystals are a part of you. They are meant to bring you into enlightenment and help you strengthen your self-confidence and fierceness.
Clearly, a feminist dream. After this election, Lord knows we could all use some reassurance that our vaginas are the center of the universe and we are goddesses.
Trust me, vagina crystals will give you that feeling. I'd know.
Are these crystals safe for the vagina?
According to Gizmodo, some of these crystals may look hard and impenetrable, but the material could be porous, leading to cases of infections like BV or yeast infections.
Dr. Rebecca Brightman, an ob-gyn with East Side Women's Associates told POPSUGAR that her "feeling is that the vagina cleanses itself and if anything unusual is going on with the vagina, aside from normal vaginal discharge, a woman should see their healthcare provider!"
OK, so she's not having it with the crystal obsession.
Your vagina is a very delicate place with a balanced ecosystem that can be knocked off by a variety of things, even tampons.
"Seventy-five percent of women suffer from yeast infections, but I can't recall really talking about this problem with any of my friends. Eventually a concerned nurse practitioner informed me that yeast infections are caused by an imbalance of pH in the vaginal canal and that tampons can be highly disruptive to vaginal pH," Lauren Schulte of female healthcare brand Flex Company told POPSUGAR. So, if tampons can mess you up, a crystal can too.
In my experience, I've had no issues with crystals. I enjoyed them. If you're worried about the safety, get some crystals and just rest them on your chest. You'll feel more in tune with yourself. I know I did. I felt closer to the earth and to the universe. It was some powerful stuff.
For me, it's more about what they represent than anything else: a celebration of vaginas, your identity, and your agency. I love that message.
As Cuccia said to POPSUGAR, "Chakrubs are a symbol of self-love, and for many, this is not a trend, but lifestyle choice that is sometimes hard to make."
In the end, I guess you'll just have to see for yourself. Bow down to the vagina. It's the vagina's day in the sun.
14 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tulum
Tulum, Mexico, has changed quite a bit since the first time I visited, but it's still one of my favorite places in the world. The town has topped every travel list in recent years, bringing more and more tourists from across the globe, which has led to an increase in hotels, restaurants, and boutique shops, as well as a significant uptick in prices. Everyone is (understandably) obsessed with the Mexican beach town tucked way down the Yucatán Peninsula, and with its culture, delicious cuisine, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water, it's easy to see why. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know before you head to Tulum.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Share a Sweet Kiss After His Polo Match
Meghan Markle basically turned into the heart eyes emoji on Saturday, and it's all thanks to Prince Harry. The Suits actress and activist traveled to the Cowarth Polo Club in Ascot, England, over the weekend to watch her boyfriend of over six months compete in the Audi Polo Challenge, where she couldn't help but flash a huge smile. It marks the first time that Harry (who looked equally smitten, by the way) and Meghan attended a public event together.
The polo match raised money for Harry's charities, Sentebale and WellChild, and boasted A-list guests like Harry's former classmate Eddie Redmayne, Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell, and The Crown actor Matt Smith (who coincidentally plays Harry's grandfather Prince Philip in the Netflix drama). While Meghan cheered Harry on from the stands, she bonded with Mark Dyer, a former Welsh Guards officer and close friend of Harry's who helped set up his Sentebale charity. They then shared a sweet kiss by their car after the match.
Meghan and Harry have been jetting all over the world to be with one another over the last few months, including trips to Canada (where Meghan films Suits) and to Jamaica to celebrate a friend's wedding. The pair will be wedding dates once again in just a few weeks, when they they attend Pippa Middleton's high-profile nuptials. Kate Middleton's sister reportedly has a "no ring, no bring" policy for her ceremony, so Meghan will join Harry at the reception later on that night.
32 Songs to Listen to If You Don't Give a F*ck About Wedding Season
We get it: not everybody wants to get married or plan a wedding of their own, and sometimes even being in the bridal party or just going as a guest can be overwhelming, expensive, and exhausting. With all the wedding season excitement going around this time of year, it's natural to think to yourself, "I don't." Which is where our antiwedding music playlist comes in.
We've rounded up 32 songs about love triangles, enjoying your singledom, and being a runaway bride - basically, music that you would not play during your nuptials. But, if you're feeling particularly petty at your next wedding, just casually request one of these bad boys, go back to the bar, and sip Champagne while you wait for everyone to register the lyrics. Happy wedding season!
Using Ice Cream, Bill Nye Shows How Absurd Gay "Conversion Therapy" Is
Yes, it's 2017, and apparently we still need educational videos on why gay "conversion therapy" is ridiculous, useless, and hurtful. In a clip from Bill Nye Saves the World, Nye uses ice cream to explain gay conversion therapy and why it doesn't make any sense.
The clip starts with a meeting of different ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Vanilla starts the meeting and says, "I feel that I am the most natural of the ice creams." Vanilla then tells the other flavors that they need to change and be just like him: "Everyone should pretend to be vanilla until they no longer have the urge not to be vanilla." Gay conversion therapy works under a similar premise; it's the idea that someone's "gayness" can be changed.
At first, some of the ice creams are distraught until mint chocolate chip asks vanilla if he's ever wanted to be in a Neapolitan. Vanilla resists at first, until it mixes with other flavors and all the ice creams end up happy together.
The video is a nuanced take on what gay "conversion therapy" is, but make no mistake: the practice, as described by the Human Rights Campaign, is "dangerous" and "discredited." Numerous medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have disavowed the practice and list the potential negative effects that come with the therapy as "depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior." Watch the full video above to see why gay conversion therapy needs to end.
32 Songs to Listen to If You Don't Give a F*ck About Wedding Season
We get it: not everybody wants to get married or plan a wedding of their own, and sometimes even being in the bridal party or just going as a guest can be overwhelming, expensive, and exhausting. With all the wedding season excitement going around this time of year, it's natural to think to yourself, "I don't." Which is where our antiwedding music playlist comes in.
We've rounded up 32 songs about love triangles, enjoying your singledom, and being a runaway bride - basically, music that you would not play during your nuptials. But, if you're feeling particularly petty at your next wedding, just casually request one of these bad boys, go back to the bar, and sip Champagne while you wait for everyone to register the lyrics. Happy wedding season!
25 Foolproof Grilling Recipes For Complete Beginners
"Grilling" and "intimidating" don't have to be part of the same sentence. If you're a complete beginner, look no further than these easy grilling recipes anyone can master, from basic grilled shrimp to juicy grilled chicken and grilled vegetables kabobs perfect for an outdoor party. This Summer, crank up the grill and discover a whole list of new recipes you'll want to make every season from here on out.
The ColourPop x Sonya Esman Collection is Here – With Completely New Products
Our drawers are already jammed full of highly-pigmented, beautifully packaged, affordable Colourpop products. Just when we wore we wouldn't spend another dime on makeup, Colourpop announced their collaboration with blogger, Sonya Esman would include two completely new products.
The Colourpop x Sonya Esman collaboration includes three products that are perfect for sexy, smoldering, Summer-time looks. The Gemini by Night Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18) contains four brown and red hues in a variety of finishes, allowing the user to get multiple looks in one palette.
If that wasn't enough to get excited about, the The Perks of Being a Wildflower Mini Stix ($16) set includes the Lippie Primer, and introduces the new Multi Stix, which have a matte, easy to blend formula that can be used on eyes, lips, or cheeks. The last product in the collection is the The Here Comes the Sun Super Shock Face Duo ($16) which has the perfect face powders for a fresh Summer look: a coral blush called Matryoshka, and a champagne highlighter in Summer Bonfire.
We're not surprised that an influencer as effortlessly cool as Sonya Esman created such a wearable, versatile line of products, but we're so glad she did. Read on to see the hot collection.
Roll Out the Red Carpet - the MTV Awards Is Packed With Style
Though we doubt the Met Gala left you pining for celebrity looks, it's just one week later and movie and TV stars are gathering to celebrate their latest projects. So roll out the red carpet and let the stars line up in everything from jumpsuits to flirty dresses. A fun night like this is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to style - just scroll to see what we mean as you track all the arrivals.
Using Ice Cream, Bill Nye Shows How Absurd Gay "Conversion Therapy" Is
Yes, it's 2017, and apparently we still need educational videos on why gay "conversion therapy" is ridiculous, useless, and hurtful. In a clip from Bill Nye Saves the World, Nye uses ice cream to explain gay conversion therapy and why it doesn't make any sense.
The clip starts with a meeting of different ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Vanilla starts the meeting and says, "I feel that I am the most natural of the ice creams." Vanilla then tells the other flavors that they need to change and be just like him: "Everyone should pretend to be vanilla until they no longer have the urge not to be vanilla." Gay conversion therapy works under a similar premise; it's the idea that someone's "gayness" can be changed.
At first, some of the ice creams are distraught until mint chocolate chip asks vanilla if he's ever wanted to be in a Neapolitan. Vanilla resists at first, until it mixes with other flavors and all the ice creams end up happy together.
The video is a nuanced take on what gay "conversion therapy" is, but make no mistake: the practice, as described by the Human Rights Campaign, is "dangerous" and "discredited." Numerous medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, have disavowed the practice and list the potential negative effects that come with the therapy as "depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior." Watch the full video above to see why gay conversion therapy needs to end.
Roll Out the Red Carpet - the MTV Awards Is Packed With Style
Though we doubt the Met Gala left you pining for celebrity looks, it's just one week later and movie and TV stars are gathering to celebrate their latest projects. So roll out the red carpet and let the stars line up in everything from jumpsuits to flirty dresses. A fun night like this is definitely a mixed bag when it comes to style - just scroll to see what we mean as you track all the arrivals.
The ColourPop x Sonya Esman Collection is Here – With Completely New Products
Our drawers are already jammed full of highly-pigmented, beautifully packaged, affordable Colourpop products. Just when we wore we wouldn't spend another dime on makeup, Colourpop announced their collaboration with blogger, Sonya Esman would include two completely new products.
The Colourpop x Sonya Esman collaboration includes three products that are perfect for sexy, smoldering, Summer-time looks. The Gemini by Night Pressed Powder Shadow Palette ($18) contains four brown and red hues in a variety of finishes, allowing the user to get multiple looks in one palette.
If that wasn't enough to get excited about, the The Perks of Being a Wildflower Mini Stix ($16) set includes the Lippie Primer, and introduces the new Multi Stix, which have a matte, easy to blend formula that can be used on eyes, lips, or cheeks. The last product in the collection is the The Here Comes the Sun Super Shock Face Duo ($16) which has the perfect face powders for a fresh Summer look: a coral blush called Matryoshka, and a champagne highlighter in Summer Bonfire.
We're not surprised that an influencer as effortlessly cool as Sonya Esman created such a wearable, versatile line of products, but we're so glad she did. Read on to see the hot collection.
American Is Reducing Your Legroom - Find Out How Other Airlines Compare
The last thing any traveler wants is less legroom on their flight. However, American Airlines is reportedly cutting down on the front-to-back space between economy class seats on its upcoming Boeing 737 Max jetliners. Every inch counts when you're trying to stretch out, and these new planes will be cutting out two inches of legroom - from 31 inches to 29 on three rows, and from 31 to 30 on the rest.
The amount of legroom is called a plane's seat pitch - and can vary greatly depending on the airline and on the type of plane you're flying on. Low-fare airlines like Spirit and Frontier typically have lower seat pitches since they are more budget-friendly and basic, but airlines like JetBlue, Virgin, and Southwest boast larger seat pitches (30+ inches of legroom per seat in economy) that passengers love.
United Airlines is expected to follow American in decreasing seat pitch on some of its aircraft. "Fliers will still pay regular economy fares for the 18 seats with two inches less leg room," reported CNN. "Two of those three rows of 29-inch pitch will be in the back of the plane and a third farther forward. These seats won't be part of its new basic economy fares, which sell for less because fliers don't get access to overhead bins, a seat assignment or frequent flier miles."
So, what's a "normal" or "good" amount of legroom? Read on to see what the seat pitch is for each one of these major US airlines.
SNL Mocks the Disappearance of Kellyanne Conway in This Carmen Sandiego Spoof
If you've been wondering why you haven't seen Kellyanne Conway on any cable news show panels lately, you're not the only one. Saturday Night Live returned this week with Wonder Woman actor Chris Pine as the celebrity host, but the biggest highlight of the night was this hilarious "Where in the World Is Kellyanne Conway?" skit. Watch the 2-minute sketch above to see if the show was successful in finding President Trump's current Counselor (played once again by the funny Kate McKinnon).
Don't Get Your Guests Too Stoned and More Tips From Wedding "Budtenders"
Open bars are honestly one of the main reasons people attend weddings - and of course to witness the couple's union or whatever. But as the recreational use of marijuana is becoming legalized across the country, we've seen a number of events that have opted for an open weed bar over serving alcohol, and there's a few benefits there already. You won't have to worry about your uncle (or anybody) getting belligerently hammered and everyone will love the food even if it's complete sh*t. You might have a few sleepy guests, but overall, serving pot over booze sounds like a great option. So, when I attended the Cannabis Wedding Expo in San Francisco and saw a budtending vendor, I had to ask a few questions.
I spoke with Andrew Mieure, founder of elegant event budtending service Top Shelf. What his company provides is everything but the weed, including knowledgeable staff (or budtenders), smoking accessories, and the company's mobile bar. To clarify, Top Shelf Budtending is in no way part of the purchase or distribution of marijuana; the company simply helps facilitate the fun as safely as possible at your event. States like Colorado, California, Oregon, Maine, and Massachusetts have "gifting" laws that allow adults over 21 to "gift" up to an ounce to another adult of age. If a couple wants to offer weed at their wedding, they need to legally purchase it themselves and make sure their venue permits smoking and that the event is private and ticketed/guest-listed. Top Shelf then comes in to help educate your guests and serve them.
"We embrace the social aspect of using cannabis together and really focus on the guest interactions," Andrew said. "Instead of just rolling a joint for them, we get invested in each and every guest's story and love to share ours too!"
But I don't want my guests getting too stoned, especially first-time users.
That's why it's highly recommended you hire services like Top Shelf to prevent that from happening. The company has a robust cannabis social use standard operating procedure that ensures safe sanitation and handling practices, guest education practices, overconsumption protocols, and other aspects that protect guests.
"As far as first-time guests, the key to a safe cannabis experience is asking the right questions, advising the proper serving size, and staying away from erratic consumption methods," Andrew said. "Asking the right questions includes asking the guest what their tolerance is and dialing in a variety and consumption method that would work best for them."
It's also important to note that cannabis affects everybody differently. Those who've never smoked or consumed it should always start at the lowest serving, wait for the effects, and build up from there. New users should also stay from eating edibles for their first experience since they can be seriously potent. "The high lasts two to three times longer than smoking or vaporizing cannabis, and sometimes the high can get more or less intense over time, depending on how the guest processes the edible," Andrew said.
The last thing you want is any of your wedding guests having a bad trip in fetal position.
So weed, alcohol, or both?
"I predict that cannabis bars will be very popular as a stand-alone feature at a wedding or alongside an alcohol bar," Andrew said. "Alcohol is far too ingrained in our culture to be fully replaced." He continued to say that the two can coexist, but that he highly advises guests to choose one or the other, since mixing can result in an unpleasant crossfade. To prevent your party from getting too high and drunk, it might be best to stick to one offering in case your guests decide to get a little too crazy. Top Shelf even crafts cannabis mocktails that don't include any alcohol if you want to keep the social element of drinking. Even if you choose not to have budtenders, there's plenty of elevated and fun ways to safely incorporate weed into your wedding.
Slow Cook Your Way to a Better Morning!
It's no surprise that moms love a great slow cooker meal - the "throw it in and go about your day (or night)" appliance seems like it was custom-made to feed busy families. While a Crock-Pot may conjure up images of soups and casseroles for cold Winter nights, it's also an easy way to whip up a warm breakfast to feed a crowd. With just a little bit of night-before prep work, these nine morning meal ideas will speed up your a.m. routine and send your kids off to school satisfied and ready to start the day!
The Best Reggaeton Songs, Hands Down
When we're ready ready to get hype (and maybe drop it low a few times), we always turn to reggaeton to get us there. You must know that to have a great reggaeton playlist, you have to not only have names like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar but also new artists like Maluma and Nicky Jam. Keep scrolling to see some of the best reggaetons to come out, ever!
The Best Reggaeton Songs, Hands Down
When we're ready ready to get hype (and maybe drop it low a few times), we always turn to reggaeton to get us there. You must know that to have a great reggaeton playlist, you have to not only have names like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar but also new artists like Maluma and Nicky Jam. Keep scrolling to see some of the best reggaetons to come out, ever!
Slow Cook Your Way to a Better Morning!
It's no surprise that moms love a great slow cooker meal - the "throw it in and go about your day (or night)" appliance seems like it was custom-made to feed busy families. While a Crock-Pot may conjure up images of soups and casseroles for cold Winter nights, it's also an easy way to whip up a warm breakfast to feed a crowd. With just a little bit of night-before prep work, these nine morning meal ideas will speed up your a.m. routine and send your kids off to school satisfied and ready to start the day!
23 of Once Upon a Time's Most Memorable Kisses
Once Upon a Time is known for having some pretty epic love stories. While Snow White and Prince Charming will always be a classic fairy-tale couple, we are equally obsessed with the show's more nontraditional romances like the Evil Queen and Robin Hood. As the fan-favorite pair Captain Hook and Emma prepare to make their way down the aisle this Sunday, we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than by reminiscing on the most memorable kisses over the past six seasons. Because as we all know, true love's kiss is the most powerful magic of all.
Ways Self-Love Can Begin With Vagina Confidence
How many of you have felt uncomfortable about the way your vagina smells, your pubic hair, or the state of your labia? I know I have. We are not alone in this.
I've been speaking a lot about vagina confidence on panels and events. Those who have vaginas love to hear about this, I'm realizing. I've decided the topic has a place as centerfold for one of my new classes. I wanted to believe we were over vaginal insecurity but this is decidedly not the case.
In Amy Schumer's new Netflix special, she talks a lot about vaginas - obviously, this isn't particularly surprising given her comedy style, but one of her bits really rang true: she said that on her "best day" her vagina smells like a small barnyard animal. "Best," meaning a day when you're feeling particularly OK with your vagina. These days are few and far between.
When a woman as badass and confident as Amy Schumer manages to make an amphitheater laugh hysterically over how relatable this is, you can bet that it indicates a larger problem: many of us who have them don't feel comfortable when it comes to vaginas.
How could we? We're constantly made to feel self-conscious about the way we smell and look; we're told to douche, cleanse, perfume, trim, and wax until there is nothing left but a mound of pissed-off flesh that constantly needs tending to fit into some messed-up view of what it is to be feminine.
Vagina confidence is the root of confidence for many women. Without knowing with supreme and unwavering certainty that your vagina is AMAZING and perfect, how can you begin to feel good about yourself in other, more trivial ways? How can you feel good about your body when a major part of your body, the major part of your body, makes you feel like crap?
We have got to reclaim our vaginas. We've got to stop putting so much pressure on women to meet some strange idealized standard rather than loving the vagina as nature intended.
Own it to own your confidence
Your vagina is perfect the way it is. All self-love starts with love for your vagina. Polly Rodriguez, CEO of the women's sexual health brand Unbound, told POPSUGAR that "self-love starts with owning what it means to be a woman. Historically, we've been shamed about our bodies - whether it's blood or hair or weight or noises or smells - we're meant to feel like we have to achieve this unrealistic standard of perfection."
Society's standards of "vaginal perfection" are the root of every other kind of ridiculous standard many of us have faced through history. We're told to have tiny waists, huge boobs, perfect skin, and somehow look flawless all the time - while keeping our mouths shut, of course.
Meanwhile, men are told that their natural bodies are fabulous and everything they do is a blessing to the world. No wonder so many women feel terrible about themselves. We're told we're not good enough every single day from the time we're children.
Enough of that nonsense. No more subscribing to this ridiculous BS. You need to own your vagina for what it is and refuse to allow shame to overtake you.
Your vagina is the way it is for a reason
We are told to shave and sculpt and wash our vaginas. We're told we're "unclean" or "gross." Meanwhile, your vagina has certain characteristics for a reason - a really good reason.
Pubic hair protects the vagina from bacteria and provides an extra layer of comfort for your most prized possession. Your vagina is self-cleaning. Douching, washing, or otherwise will throw off the delicate balance of your pH.
Your vagina does not want you to feel like you have to alter it. Your vagina knows how it is supposed to be: "My recommendation is to use a mirror to learn about and explore your own vagina to become more comfortable with it - that way you can identify when something unusual is going on," Lauren Schulte of The Flex Company told POPSUGAR. Get to know your vagina. It loves you.
No one is allowed to tell you anything different. Your self-love begins with loving everything that makes you a powerful, unstoppable person. For some women, our vagina is the heart of this.
Your vagina is a miracle
Instead of focusing on the scent of a vagina and the state of your pubes and subjecting yourself to self-scrutiny about your bits, let's take a hot second to think about what a vagina actually does.
Your vagina is the vessel of LIFE. It has the power to push a child through it. The female body can grow and give birth to a living, breathing human being! That is unbelievable.
"Self-love starts with loving the vessel you were born into as a woman, and arguably the most unique component is the vagina. It brings life into the world and is the source of all beings. What is more powerful than to worship what makes you powerfully unique?" said Rodriguez.
How can we live in a world that shames us for the very thing responsible for life on earth? The next time someone says anything about your vagina or makes an uncouth comment, ask that person where they think they would be if there were no vaginas. Nowhere. They would be nowhere.
Thank your body for being strong enough to do incredible things. Do not look at your vagina as something to primp or fix or change. Embrace it for the beautiful and fabulous piece of human anatomy that it is.
Love yourself, you amazing goddess
All confidence is amplified from the source. If you don't love the very thing that defines your place in this world as a strong, life-giving human being, your overall confidence is in trouble.
"Many women tell me that they hate their period, which means that we are spending 6.25 years of our lives hating our own bodies. If we could turn one week out of every month into a week just as awesome as every other, we'd be practicing a whole lot more self-love," said Schulte.
When you're taking time to self-reflect, searching for self-love and wondering where to begin, start with your vagina. Learning to love your vagina for all its glory will help you figure everything else out along the way.
Sen. Gillibrand and Rep. Jayapal Offer Insider Tips on How to Run For Office
The onslaught of destructive, antiwoman actions coming from the current White House administration only underscores what we already know: we are in desperate need of more female representation in public office, and we can't wait long for it.
So what can you do to help ensure women's voices are amplified and our rights are defended from inside our government? Glad you asked. If you're passionate about your community and determined to effect real change, you're just the woman we've been waiting for - seriously. Make the choice to be defiantly confident in your own leadership potential, and count yourself in: consider running for office.
If entering the world of politics sounds intimidating, don't let that deter you from taking on the challenge. There are so many fabulous organizations and individuals just waiting in the wings to help your campaign succeed. But don't just take it from us! Check out our conversation below with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from Washington's seventh district, and the team at Emily's List (an organization that helps get pro-choice Democratic women elected) on everything women should know about launching a run for office, from how to handle the unique challenges you'll face on the campaign trail to the resources you'll want to tap into in order to win. And then get out there and run!
The Internet Is Losing Its Sh*t Over This Absurd "Lapping Tongues" Sex Toy
The internet is up in arms over a certain sex toy that basically looks like everything but what it's meant to be. Produced by "the sexual happiness people" over at Lovehoney, the Sqweel 2 Oral Sex Simulator ($40) features a battery-powered wheel with 10 rotating silicone tongues that operate at not one but three possible speeds to help you reach that big O.
This one-of-a-kind toy is "out to impress your clitoris in every way possible," according to the official product description, which also mentions a "flicker setting [that] rocks the wheel back and forth to wow you into a powerful orgasmic stupor." Hmm, let's get up close and personal with those artificial "lapping" tongues, shall we?
At first glance, we thought there's no way in hell any sort of "squealing" would be had upon using this thing like the product's name suggests. So we did some digging on the toy's website to see what actual users had to say, and the reviews were pretty mixed. It was rated at three and a half stars, with an array of customers praising the gadget's pleasuring capabilities with glowing reviews, detailed below.
- "Definitely would recommend this product to anyone looking for a great night in!"
- "If one of your favourite things is someone going down on you, this is the toy for you. Just lube yourself up and let the Sqweel do its work, and within minutes (yes minutes) all of your daily stress is left behind."
- "If you're looking for something different and simply mind-blowing, this is a must have!"
- "When I got this toy I was a little nervous of using it as it looked a bit S&M (with the tongues). However, when I plucked up the courage to use it, fireworks started! I wouldn't look back at all now!"
On the flip side, other customers were left disappointed by the device and couldn't help but detail their dissatisfaction with pointed reviews, some of which are below.
- "We weren't impressed with the power or speed of this toy and rarely used it. The idea is great but the build quality and feel of the unit wasn't impressive either. Rather noisy."
- "It just not that strong enough and when you put a little pressure it starts to slow down."
- "The Sqweel wasn't what we expected. Just too loud and didn't do anything for us."
- "Don't get me wrong, it feels good - for about a minute. Then suddenly it feels numb and repetitive. Unfortunately, even with all the lube in the world, it just didn't bring an orgasm."
Though this variety of reviews is undoubtedly helpful, the most entertaining reactions came out on social media, naturally. Twitter user Brandy Jensen recently shared a photo of the strange gizmo, noting how it was definitely designed by a man.
there's no way this sex toy, meant to simulate oral, was designed by a woman http://pic.twitter.com/rCqMu9VCUI
- Brandy Jensen (@BrandyLJensen) May 3, 2017
This spurred a sh*tstorm of hilarious responses comparing the gadget to a variety of nonsexual arbitrary objects. It reminded most users of a various types of boats - paddleboats, steamboats, you name it!
@BrandyLJensen ah instead of getting motorboated, you get paddleboated
- leon (@leyawn) May 3, 2017
@BrandyLJensen That better be called 'The Riverboat' http://pic.twitter.com/K6HWOADIw0
- Patrick Delaney (@patrickfdelaney) May 3, 2017
@BrandyLJensen Lol what kind of Mark Twain steamboat-fetish ass man made this
- Jake Cole (@notjustmovies) May 3, 2017
Others commented on how it may actual be a repurposed version of those handheld fans you most definitely used during Summer visits to the theme park when you were younger.
@BrandyLJensen That's not even an invention, they just cut the top off one of those handheld fans
- Rock Strongo (@greatopinionman) May 3, 2017
And just like they say in those late-night infomercials, "But wait, there's more!" Someone went so far as to bring innocent kittens into the picture.
@BrandyLJensen Kitten Drinks Milk From Saucer Simulator 2017
- joana de skammeren (@_drrs) May 3, 2017
@BrandyLJensen Cat lick simulator
- James 🎸☮ (@Smileyjim68) May 3, 2017
And a popular children's toy even made a cameo as a potential source of inspiration.
@BrandyLJensen Can see where he got the inspo http://pic.twitter.com/GDfTfcapXo
- Willus (@williamlewis17) May 3, 2017
We're not sure where the inventor's head was at with this one, but we can definitely all agree it's a pretty strange lookin' piece of work.
@BrandyLJensen This looks familiar http://pic.twitter.com/kW0n2qI7vO
- Jill Pantozzi ♿ (@JillPantozzi) May 3, 2017
5 Innovative Korean Sheet Masks That Solve Different Skin Concerns
Charlotte Cho is the editor in chief of K-beauty content site The Klog, which is dedicated to covering the innovative and fascinating world - and products - of South Korea. We are delighted to share her insights as a contributing editor on POPSUGAR Beauty.
Let's face it: while sheet masking is often a part of the nightly regimen in Korea to add extra moisture to skin, not everyone is looking for intensely hydrated skin. But there are more sheet mask options than just moisture-building ones!
From oily skin to large pores and sensitized skin, there are so many innovative sheet mask options emerging from Seoul that will satisfy your specific skin goals. Let me break down the five different sheet masks that you never knew existed and when you should use them!
14 Useful Products That Will Make You Say "I Need This in My Life!"
We always see awesome products online and on TV that make us say, "I need that!" and then we go about our lives, forgetting all about them. But many of them would actually be amazingly useful to have, like a sweater wash that unshrinks your shrunken clothes - seriously, it exists! Ahead are more products that you've probably never even heard of but definitely need. Check out 14 must haves that are completely life-changing.
Vichy Is the French Pharmacy Brand You Should Know
Whenever I travel to France, I seek out excuses to go into the "green cross" pharmacies that beckon on just about every block, their shelves lined with chic but simply packaged products from brands that are so very French: Klorane, La Roche-Posay, and Avène, to name a few.
The brand that has recently seduced me is Vichy Laboratories - partly because I love the products, but also because I love a brand with a great history, which Vichy has. Lucky for you, the products are easy to find stateside, but to really appreciate them, you'll want to take a virtual visit to France.
I recently traveled to Vichy on a trip with the brand and went in with a skeptical attitude toward this magical water. But after experiencing the thermal springs up close and learning about the process used to create the products, I became a genuine fan.
Vichy, France, is a sleepy town in the center of the country, and since the 17th century, it has attracted visitors from all of Europe to its healing thermal hot springs. For centuries, people have come to soak in pools filled with Vichy mineralizing water, which originates in the volcanic region of Auvergne. Under Napoleon III, Vichy became the first spa resort in Europe.
Vichy mineralizing water contains 15 minerals and is an ingredient in every single one of the line's quenching skin care products. The brand was founded in 1931 by a doctor who observed that Vichy mineralizing water had scar-healing benefits on his patients. Today, doctors in Vichy, France, can "prescribe" the water as treatment for their patients, who visit the so-called Hall of Sources to drink water from various local springs. I had a chance to visit the Hall and drink the Vichy Kool-Aid waters; some of the water really does taste like medicine (aka a sulfur punch in the mouth) while other springs produce water that's refreshing in the traditional sense.
Whether you buy into the idea of "healing water" or not doesn't really matter. The skin-quenching properties of the products are obvious when you use them. Here are seven of the Vichy products I recommend and why.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Vichy Laboratories for the purpose of writing this story.
Sen. Gillibrand and Rep. Jayapal Offer Insider Tips on How to Run For Office
The onslaught of destructive, antiwoman actions coming from the current White House administration only underscores what we already know: we are in desperate need of more female representation in public office, and we can't wait long for it.
So what can you do to help ensure women's voices are amplified and our rights are defended from inside our government? Glad you asked. If you're passionate about your community and determined to effect real change, you're just the woman we've been waiting for - seriously. Make the choice to be defiantly confident in your own leadership potential, and count yourself in: consider running for office.
If entering the world of politics sounds intimidating, don't let that deter you from taking on the challenge. There are so many fabulous organizations and individuals just waiting in the wings to help your campaign succeed. But don't just take it from us! Check out our conversation below with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal from Washington's seventh district, and the team at Emily's List (an organization that helps get pro-choice Democratic women elected) on everything women should know about launching a run for office, from how to handle the unique challenges you'll face on the campaign trail to the resources you'll want to tap into in order to win. And then get out there and run!
You Can Actually Visit the Titanic Wreckage in a Mini Submarine
On April 14, 1912, 105 years ago, RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean just two hours after hitting an iceberg. We've watched Hollywood's reenactment on screen featuring Jack and Rose, and now, you can see the famous shipwreck for yourself up close. A new and unique experience called Dive the Titanic will offer nine passengers a trip of a lifetime.
The eight-day excursion is set for May 2018 (with dates scheduled through the year), starting in Newfoundland, Canada, where the lucky group will then be flown out to a yacht near the site. Once aboard, they'll learn all about the Titanic's history through lectures and sessions. Assuming that weather permits, they'll then take a mini submarine three miles down deep sea to the wreckage that's been seen by fewer people than have reached the peak of Mount Everest. Passengers will even get a chance to see where the famous grand staircase once was.
Now, before you start marking your calendar for next year, you'll want to know the hefty price first. The cost per person is a whopping $105,129. Considering the opportunity, we should've known that it wouldn't come cheap. We can still add it to our bucket lists, though!
There's a "Big Rubber Dong" in These Photos - Can You Find It?
Where's Waldo? fans: I'm sorry. In fact, entire world: I'm sorry. But it must be known that an Instagram account exists that allows braves souls to search elaborate photos in hopes of discovering a hidden item. Unfortunately, it's not a nerdy-looking guy in glasses and a red-and-white-striped shirt. It's a dildo. A "subtle dildo," in fact. In each image on the Subtle Dildo account hides a plastic penis-like sex toy for followers to find, sort of like I Spy but much weirder. Sometimes it's pretty easy to spot the fleshy bit of erect plastic, but other times it takes long enough to spot the dildo that you find yourself questioning what you're doing with your life and why finding a self-proclaimed "big rubber dong" is so important. Good luck, and godspeed. Unfortunately the account hasn't been updated in a while, but we can only dream (or have nightmares) about its return. In the meantime, if you're stumped, checked the comments on each image - users can help you find what you're looking for!
7 Reasons I Wish I Hadn't Taken My Husband's Last Name
The wedding is over, the tan from your honeymoon has faded, and the Instagram pictures of you in your wedding gown move further down your feed. You're beginning to settle into newlywed life. Whether you made the decision to keep your maiden name or change it to your husband's last name, the choice is a very personal one, despite public debate on the topic. Of course, this entire discussion is fairly new - historically, a woman taking her husband's last name upon marriage wasn't even up for discussion.
As someone born in the '80s and married in her '30s, I felt a little opposed to tradition. While my now-husband and I were dating, throughout the months of being engaged, the thought never crossed my mind about my surname. My maiden name was one I have had for 32 years, and I never thought much about it. After we were married, I thought about my husband's last name; I liked his name better than mine because 1) phonetically it was easier to pronounce and 2) because of the nuances of having different names if we ended up having children together. Plus, I wanted to honor my husband so, simple enough, I would change my name.
I didn't really think about how the new name would affect me, but most importantly, how it would make me feel. The road to making a name change was one of the most frustrating, time-consuming, and irritating processes with an outcome that simply didn't match the workload. I never thought that a name would take such a prominent role in my life without much more meaning than something people refer to you as. Now, almost three years later, new name or not, I am who I always was - and that's exactly the point. Here's why I wish I hadn't taken his name.
Note: This is not an attack on anybody's decision to change your name. Whether you give your name up or not, I don't care, and I am not trying to convince you one way or the other. I am just sharing a personal decision and thoughts to open a discussion.
- Marrying someone does not mean I want to become him.
I married my husband because I love and respect him and because he would be a great life partner. Our balance as two completely separate individuals makes us an incredible team, so why is it that my last name had to be the same as his? Our vast differences make us stronger. And one of those differences, inconsequential as it may seem, is our names. - My name is my identity.
My surname has been mine for the past 32 years and I've battled countless obstacles and celebrated so many life achievements with that name. I grew into a confident adult, lived in a foreign country, started a company; I built a life and a reputation I am proud of. My life is no less than my husband's - so why is the woman's name the one that is disposable? Not to say that those accomplishments and life goals are now meaningless because my name is different, but I feel that the name change was cleared the slate and my life "started over" as a new Mrs. - My husband didn't even care if I changed my name or not.
One of the best parts about my husband is that he does not sweat the small stuff. He never pressured me to change my name and would have never been bothered if I never changed it. When I brought up the topic, he offered to take my surname, like reverse tradition. So changing my name to honor someone who did not care either way makes it all the less worthwhile. - It's a paperwork nightmare.
If you enjoy filling out forms, waiting in never-ending lines, and spending countless hours going around to different government offices, then you are golden. But for the majority of people (even with those presumed "easy" name-change services), from driver's licenses to passports to titles, it is needless work. Oh, and the hassle of dealing with little things like transferring miles and points over, what a headache. Phone calls to credit card companies, insurance brokers, and even utility bills can get really daunting - the list feels neve- ending! And I can't tell you how many forms of ID I brought around for months to prove my old self and then my new self. - Learning a new signature.
Let's be honest, signatures can resemble a series of squiggles, but learning to scribble a new last name can feel really awkward. The hand moves slightly slower after your first name is signed and it almost feels like you completely forget how to write at all. Give it some time, a new squiggle will form. I'm still figuring how to keep all my new signatures the same. - My surname will die with this generation.
My siblings and cousins are all female and if we played this according to only tradition, the surname would die with me and my sister. My parents immigrated to this country and their life struggles and everything they gave up to give me a great life lives in that surname, something I so easily gave up. - The reference of "Mrs. New Name."
A lot of people revel in the sound of their "Mrs. New Name." For me, I simply was confused. I knew the name, but I couldn't get it through my head that they were referring to me. I think I even turned around a few times thinking people were referring to someone behind me. The adjustment period is probably similar to that of calling your husband "your husband" vs. fiancé or boyfriend - plus the term "Mrs" just aged me 10+ years.
Chiara Ferragni's New Engagement Ring Shines Brighter Than Her YSL Minidress
For blogger and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni's 30th birthday, she invited all of her friends to Venice. They were wearing customized Alberta Ferretti sweaters that read "Chiara." But if that's not enough of a statement, Chiara celebrated her special night in a shimmering Saint Laurent minidress, which was later embellished by a brand new ring from her new fiance Federico. Scroll for a quick snap of the gorgeous sparkler that shines brighter than the most luminous dress at the party.
A Boudoir Shoot Transformed This Woman's Self-Confidence After Her Abusive Relationship
Many women shoot boudoir photo sessions as a gift for their significant others, but this 26-year-old decided to take the photos for herself. After getting out of two consecutive abusive relationships - one mentally damaging, the other emotionally and physically - she began to believe the horrible things about herself that were fed to her by former partners. She shared that she didn't always have the ideal body type, and growing up in Southern California didn't make body confidence come easy. She had previously tried therapy before for family reasons and her own body image, but unfortunately, it didn't have the lasting impact she needed.
She had seen all the loving comments on the works of photographer Alyssa Michelle, who specializes in intimate portraits for women, and wondered what it would be like to be the one getting photographed. "I trolled the page for a year or so and thought 'one day, one day' and then finally in September 2016, I had had enough of the lies I was hearing from myself and from past people and thought 'No, I refuse to turn 26 in March without erasing this BS,'" she said. So she finally took the leap and booked a session with Alyssa.
Many thoughts flooded her head leading up to the day, from what would everyone think of her stretch marks to what if people didn't think she was pretty or small enough. "But because of the need for the truth of myself, I dug really deep to find the confidence to eventually not care what other people think," she said. "I was doing this for me and that's all that mattered at the end of it."
The shoot ended up being a positive and eye-opening experience from start to end. She looked and felt incredible and was surprised at how empowered she felt through it all. "I didn't know I was capable of looking that way," she said. "And as the girls reminded me, even if I'm not made up every day like I am for the shoot, that's still me. That girl in those photos is still me and is in me every day. I'm sexy, fierce, sassy, playful, lioness, powerful."
She recommends all women try a boudoir shoot for themselves for a boost of confidence and promises you won't have any regrets. She left the shoot feeling completely transformed and doesn't plan on ever looking back.
"EVERYTHING CHANGED," she said. "I have so much confidence in myself now, I strut instead of stroll, I check myself out instead of judge myself. I talk to myself in such a positive way now and can't believe someone could ever tell me that I am any other than the gorgeous sexy woman that I am. F the haters."
See her gorgeous photos!
10 Things BFFs Actually Talk About (When They're Alone)
When it comes to best friends, nothing is off limits. I mean, nothing. If you can't call your best friend from the toilet to tell her about some guy you're obsessed with, is she really your BFF? It's time to reconsider. We have listed all the things besties are actually talking about behind closed doors. It's time to keep it real.
Beyoncé's Best Maternity Style Moves, According to Her Stylist
dThe first thing I thought about Zerina Akers, Beyoncé's personal stylist, is that she's genuine. I had never heard someone speak so passionately about a partnership with a brand. But Zerina - who also works with Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, and Chloe x Halle for red carpet events - is seriously excited about her new Dove campaign for the brand's invisible dry spray antiperspirant, which leaves zero white marks on clothes. "Whether we're on a shoot or on set, or I'm just trying to get someone out the door and onto the carpet, it's awesome and completely useful," Zerina told me enthusiastically.
She was just as excited to share her biggest fashion tips, both for expecting moms (aka celebrity client Beyoncé Knowles) and everyday women who just want to feel confident in their clothes. Zerina revealed everything from the perfect date-night outfit to the ultimate going-out maternity shoe, and, most importantly, breaks down Beyoncé's best pregnancy looks to date. Scroll to become enlightened by one of the coolest, most down-to-earth Hollywood stylists.
3 Important Tips to Keep in Mind When Exchanging Foreign Currency
Valid passport? Check. Cash? Wait! Before you leave the country for your trip, make sure you familiarize yourself with foreign currency exchange. There are things you should and shouldn't do before and during your vacation that will help make things go as smoothly as possible.
1. Notify your bank of your travel plans.
Make your life easy and give your bank a heads up of where you'll be traveling and for how long. It'll add a travel notification to your account, which will prevent your card from being frozen for fraud protection. Many banks allow you to do this online when you sign into your account.
2. Check what your debit and credit cards' international fees are.
Contact your bank and find out how much it charges for international ATM withdrawals and transactions. Chase Bank, for example, charges $5 per non-Chase ATM withdrawal in addition to a three percent exchange rate. It also charges three percent of the dollar equivalent for all transactions. And for credit card purchases, Chase charges a three percent transaction fee. Some banks do offer credit cards without any international fees.
3. Don't exchange your money at the airport.
Airport exchange rates aren't the best, and you'll get more for your dollar if you withdraw from an ATM. Locate an ATM in the airport as soon as you land or at a local grocery store or bank. If you can't find an ATM and need cash for your taxi or bus, go ahead and exchange your money at the airport's currency kiosk - but only a small amount! Another thing to note is that your destination airport typically has better rates than your home airport, so wait to do business until you land.
Overall, avoid frequent withdrawals and unnecessary purchases to limit international fees, and be sure to always keep some cash on you. Happy traveling!
The 8 Dramatic Stages of Telling My Latina Mom About My Tattoos
I had been wanting a tattoo of a heart on my wrist since I was a teenager, so on Feb. 14, 2015 (I didn't realize it was Valentine's Day), while I was away in college, I decided I was going to take the plunge. It cost me $20, and five minutes later I was officially "branded," as my mom would say, for the rest of my life.
My mom didn't see my tattoo until a month later when I was home for Spring break, but when she did, she practically fainted and then went in for the kill. The Dominican slayer in her came out instantly, because she was pissed - and I mean, pissed.
Eventually, she got over it, and when she spotted my second tattoo years later (a small elephant I got on a whim while on vacation in Thailand.), it wasn't as bad. Though she did call me a heathen - I'd like to point out, both of them are smaller than the size of a quarter.
If your mom is Latinx and you love getting inked, you probably relate to my struggle. There's a reason memes and videos of Latinx telling their moms about their tattoos are popular. If that's the case, keep scrolling for eight dramatic things that happen when you tell your mom you got a tattoo.
Beyoncé's Best Maternity Style Moves, According to Her Stylist
dThe first thing I thought about Zerina Akers, Beyoncé's personal stylist, is that she's genuine. I had never heard someone speak so passionately about a partnership with a brand. But Zerina - who also works with Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, and Chloe x Halle for red carpet events - is seriously excited about her new Dove campaign for the brand's invisible dry spray antiperspirant, which leaves zero white marks on clothes. "Whether we're on a shoot or on set, or I'm just trying to get someone out the door and onto the carpet, it's awesome and completely useful," Zerina told me enthusiastically.
She was just as excited to share her biggest fashion tips, both for expecting moms (aka celebrity client Beyoncé Knowles) and everyday women who just want to feel confident in their clothes. Zerina revealed everything from the perfect date-night outfit to the ultimate going-out maternity shoe, and, most importantly, breaks down Beyoncé's best pregnancy looks to date. Scroll to become enlightened by one of the coolest, most down-to-earth Hollywood stylists.
13 Celebrity Couples Who Said "I Do" on National Television
When it comes to celebrity weddings, there is no such thing as too over the top. In fact, some famous pairs even go as far as to televise their nuptials. Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding was reportedly watched by 2 billion people worldwide, while others, like Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro and La La and Carmelo Anthony, dedicated an entire series to their big day. Here's every celebrity couple who said "I do" on national television.
What Will the Game of Thrones Spinoff Be About? We Have Some Ideas
When you have a show like Game of Thrones that has met such monumental success, it means the moment the end of the show is in sight people will start talking about a spinoff. There's already been confirmation from HBO that a spinoff (or FOUR) is coming, so don't worry - it's going to happen. Now all that's left to reveal is what the new series will be about. As Melisandre would probably say if Westeros had internet, "The night is dark and full of theories."
1. A Prequel Series
It's not exactly a spinoff, but this option seems likely (it's the one idea that's already been brought up by HBO) and no surprise - a prequel to season one of Game of Thrones would have a ton of material to work with. It would also likely include events that have been referenced on the show, like Robert Baratheon's rebellion and Jaime Lannister killing the Mad King. It would also be an opportunity to both bring back characters we know (like Ned and Catelyn Stark) and introduce some we've only heard about, like Rhaegar Targaryen, the guy who started it all by falling for Lyanna Stark.
This show wouldn't necessarily have a happy ending - we know how the Rebellion ends. Lyanna Stark dies, Rhaegar dies, and poor baby Jon Snow is doomed to a life of shame as a bastard. Then again, is that any less depressing than how Game of Thrones usually goes? Eh, we'd love it all anyway.
2. A Sequel Series
The specific events of this spinoff option are a bit harder to predict, since technically we don't know how Game of Thrones will end, but let's face it: does it seem likely that EVERY detail will be nicely wrapped up? Perhaps a sequel will follow the new king (or queen) of the Seven Kingdoms and the fallout from whatever events lead them there. Or perhaps there will be even more questions raised by seasons seven and eight of Game of Thrones that could open up possibilities for a sequel. Only time will tell.
3. Very Early Westeros History
Thanks to Bran Stark, we've gotten some references in the show to what went on in Westeros way back in the day - before Robert's Rebellion, before anyone we know on the show was born, and before their great-great-grandparents were even born. The Children of the Forest, the First Men, and the beginning of the White Walkers are all part of the early history of Westeros, and those stories would be enough for their own whole show. Sure, there would probably be fewer elaborate costumes and grand cities, but it would be interesting to know more about how the wheels were set in motion to build the world of Game of Thrones that we know.
4. The Tales of Dunk and Egg
With all the hype around George R.R. Martin working on The Winds of Winter, you might be surprised to learn that A Song of Ice and Fire isn't the author's only Westeros-related work. His series The Tales of Dunk and Egg is set decades before A Game of Thrones and centers on a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. Egg is just a nickname, though - this squire later becomes none other than King Aegon V Targaryen, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and the younger brother of Aemon Targaryen. Game of Thrones fans already know the name Aemon Targaryen; when Jon Snow meets him at the Wall, he is known as Maester Aemon. There are already multiple books in this series and it isn't finished yet, so there's plenty of material to work with for a spinoff.
5. A House-Centric Spinoff
Want to know more about Valyria, that dilapidated Targaryen city that Tyrion and Jorah sailed through on their way to Meereen in season five? Or what Jaime and Cersei's mother, Joanna, was like? Or what it was like for the three wildly different Baratheon brothers - Robert, Renly and Stannis - to grow up together? A spinoff centered on the history, relationships, and, of course, scandals of one specific house could give more backstory to people and places we've only gotten hints about in Game of Thrones.
6. A Character-Centric Spinoff
It would be fun to follow one character after the events of the Game of Thrones series finale. Where does Arya Stark fit into the future of Westeros? Or Brienne of Tarth? Or the great (and frankly underused) Podrick Payne? This kind of spinoff could even focus on a very minor character's adventures during the series. Who wouldn't want to know more about how Lyanna Mormont comes to be the biggest tiny badass in Westeros? And everyone's favorite Baratheon bastard Gendry is returning this season; we need more details about what he's been up to all this time, right?
13 Habits of Highly Effective (and Sane) Stay-at-Home Moms
Staying at home with your children can be one of the best gifts you can get, and give, but it's easy to lose sight of how wonderful an experience it can be. Instead of falling into the complaining trap, adopt a few of these habits that highly effective (and sane) stay-at-home moms put into practice every day.
These Hacks Will Forever Change the Way You Drink Wine
Wine expertise isn't earned by accidentally picking that nice Rosé at the supermarket. Wine is a very difficult subject to master - a realization that can be exaggerated when interacting with a wine expert (or sommelier, as they're called). They do an excellent job of pointing you toward wines you might like, accompanied with hints of bruised self-esteem. Thankfully, sommelier and host Whitney Adams serves up drinking knowledge with little fuss and buckets of accessibility. On her YouTube channel, Adams provides weekly, nonsober insight, ranging from wine basics (like how to read a wine label) to more obscure drinking subjects (like the Jura region in France).
Adams is a wealth of wine information and wants to help us drink wine better. "I myself am a lazy b*tch and I think a lot of my viewers are too," she says. "People like when wine doesn't seem so scary. I try to make it a little more approachable and everyday, because wine should be enjoyed with ease." To help us drink better, I spoke with Adams about ways to hack wine drinking. As Adams says, these tips are guaranteed to give "maximum results with minimal effort." I like that.
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