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
Chris Pine Is a Total Pro at Couples Game Night in This Hilarious SNL Skit
Chris Pine brought his comedic chops when he hosted Saturday Night Live this week. In one skit, the Wonder Woman actor hilariously mocked couples who are always way too damn extra during couples game night (you know who you are!), and we cannot stop laughing at the accuracy. Watch the four-minute sketch above to see just how far Chris Pine and his significant other, played by funny woman Cecily Strong, are willing to go to win at game night. Hint: it includes breaking a glass window!
Cara Delevingne Is Rocking a New Tattoo on the Back of Her Shaved Head
Since mega model Cara Delevingne shaved her head, everyone has been talking about it . . . like how she dyed it silver for the Met Gala. And while that fantasy red carpet moment was awesome, what she did for the MTV Movie and TV Awards is something more wearable.
Cara got a large but fashion-forward "tattoo" designed on the back of her head for the award show. The look was created by hairstylist Mara Roszak, who said on Instagram: "I am in awe of this incredible creature. The beautiful #CaraDelevingne with a little head design drawn by me."
The geometric head tattoo perfectly complements the boho real ink art she has on the back of her neck. It also adds spice to, well, a plain shaved head. A deep, burgundy lip and her signature bold eyebrows pulled together the downtown vibe from the front.
All you need to try this at home is a friend with some artistic skills and longwear, waterproof eyeliner pencil!
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2017 - So Far
One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that it's constantly releasing new products for customers to try, and we're not just talking about the free samples. Shopping at Trader Joe's is never boring thanks to the never-before-seen foods available every month, and 2017 is already off to a fantastic start. We're keeping up with every single new offering from Trader Joe's to let you know which items are worth the purchase and which ones you should skip. Ahead, read up on all the best new Trader Joe's products of the year so far, and add your favorites to your shopping list the next time you head to TJ's.
- Additional reporting by Jamie Mieuli
10 Ways to Actually Ditch Social Media on Vacation
It's the addiction we pull from underneath our pillows in the morning and the same bright screen that we crawl into bed with every night. It's the urge to post photographic evidence of every vibrant acai bowl you encounter (even though you really wanted that croissant that ruins your monochromatic feed). It's the drive that pulls you into heated political discussions on Facebook with Aunt Martha and subsequently ruins Thanksgiving. It's the calling to eagerly peruse Snapchat for new filters - because what is life if you aren't a rabbit in the "pretty filter" on Easter?
We all suffer from this ailment called SMA (social media addiction), and it's seriously time to stop, fly away, disconnect, and create priceless private travel memories.
As a travel blogger, documenting every Insta-worthy moment of a trip comes with the job - but leave that hectic rush to capture travel evidence to the influencers. If you're taking precious vacation days for your long-deserved global escape, don't dare carry Kylie Jenner's latest Snaps with you. Be the one who enjoys the ultimate modern travel luxury: enjoying vacation fully sans social media impulses.
These are the 10 ways even I - as a travel blogger and entrepreneur whose entire business depends on being connected - ditch social media while on vacation.
1. Treat Vacation as Social Detox From Day One
If your job involves looking at a computer screen ad nauseam daily, you need to detox. Rejuvenate yourself mentally by retraining your body. Look at the sunrise in the morning, not the bright screen of your iPhone. Enjoy culinary goodness without needing to justify its nutritional greatness on Instagram. Enjoy adrenaline-inducing moments without sharing it on your Story. Learn to be present for yourself, not the entertainment of others.
2. Set an OOO on Email (Sans "Will Check Emails Infrequently," Which Translates to "I'm Still on My Phone")
You're a boss, I get it - but here is a secret: there is nothing more professionally admirable than someone who works hard, achieves it all, and indulges in an actual vacation. Don't be the person who answers emails before going scuba diving with whale sharks - it's not impressive, and if anything it shows you have no concept of work-life balance.
3. Socially Humblebrag on Your Ability to Disconnect
If you have family, friends, or loyal strangers in 30 other countries who follow your every life move, send a social signal ahead of vacation that you will disconnect to focus on yourself. Social expectations are dropped, and perhaps you just inspired someone to finally do the same.
4. Bring a Real Camera and Leave Your Phone Behind
Leave your smartphone in the hotel room and bring a real camera with you on your adventures. This will encourage you to capture the journey without the immediate need to share it with the world. A camera is an intimate, patient, and wonderful companion to any trip; your smartphone, however, is the needy companion that always has to use the bathroom every five minutes.
5. Include Yoga in Your Vacation
The most effective way to retrain your mind is to connect it once again with your body - that's where Child's Pose comes into play. Yoga is one of the most accessible classes to take anywhere in the world, so plan a couple sessions in your itinerary or master your favorite poses before jetting off.
6. Call (Not Text) a Friend and Let Them Know How Vacation Is Going
The art of phone calls is somewhat lost on our SMS-obsessed generation, but if you are missing your best friend and need to tell them about your adventurous day in paradise, call them instead of allowing them to find out via the same photos you send to the whole world. Remind yourself what it means to do things on a personal level.
7. Appreciate the Beauty in Your OWN Life
It's so easy to get caught up in the lives, feeds, and social media existence of others that you often overlook the beauty of your own present moment. Once you accept that life has no filter and the most valuable experiences are the ones that can't be conveyed on Instagram, that's the moment you'll stop comparing your life to others and realize your vacation is the only one worthy of travel envy.
8. Cherish the Art of Privacy
We broke up with privacy when we signed up for Facebook in high school. Whether you're on vacation for a long weekend or a month-long sabbatical, revisit the art of privacy and cherish travel moments, whether solo or shared, without seeking social acknowledgment ("likes," comments, and shares).
9. Use the 15-Minute Rule
If going cold turkey isn't an option and you know the "no social media at all" rule will end in failure, go by the 15-minute rule. Indulge in one short fix in the a.m. and again in the p.m. Not more, not less.
10. Think of Ways to Scale Back Social Media Post-Vacation
We love social media, and let's face it, our affair with it is for life. Still, before heading home, think of a few ways you can scale it back and dedicate more time to activities on your to-do list - read more, finally try that kickboxing class, or pick up a new language. If we took away 30 minutes of stalking other people's online lives and dedicated it to making our real lives more fabulous, every regular day would be a touch more vacation-like.
Oh Hell Yes: Waffle Oreos Are Here to Make Your Mornings Great!
If you've been patiently waiting for waffle-flavored Oreos, the wait is over. Our favorite (and trusted) new-snack hunter, also known as thejunkfoodaisle on Instagram, uploaded a photo of the limited-edition Waffles and Syrup Oreo, writing, "Limited Edition Waffles & Syrup Oreo! Found at: Shaw's. Word is these may be exclusive to Albertsons owned stores, but let us know where you find them!"
While we're unable to confirm if waffle Oreo cookies are only available in Albertsons-owned supermarkets, it's safe to say we're up for the challenge of locating the syrupy-flavored and creme-filled dessert elsewhere. If you want to get in on the hunt, let us know when you've found waffle-flavored Oreos on a shelf near you. Until then, you'll find us munching on these 15 weird Oreo flavors we simply cannot get enough of.
Suffering From Trump Anxiety Disorder? Impeachara Is the Perfect Solution
Medically induced ignorance is bliss - isn't that the saying? Well, at least that's the goal of Impeachara, a satirical drug that will treat Trump-Induced Anxiety Disorder (TIAD). The hysterical video describes and nails the symptoms of TIAD: irritability and constant arguments with family and friends (including friends of friends on Facebook), to name a couple.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. Enter the hypothetical (miracle?) drug Impeachara that can fool a patient's brain into believing Trump has already been impeached. "Impeachara works on your brain's neurotransmitters and optical receptors, convincing you that Donald Trump has already been impeached," a familiar prescription-ad voice explains.
Current supporters of Trump's administration are not encouraged to consume Impeachara, as it might cause "thoughts of suicide or spontaneous bowel movements [and] in rare cases people have developed a skin condition known as Cheetos Face."
Sam Friedlander, a Los Angeles-based director, posted the spoof ad on March 9 and it's since gone viral with over 200,000 views on YouTube. We can't imagine why . . .
Everything I Know About Career Success I Learned From a Bathroom Attendant
Doris is a bathroom attendant at one of my favorite restaurants, and everything I have learned about career success (and, frankly, a lot of what I've learned about life) I have learned from her. She doesn't have a fancy graduate degree, and she doesn't technically run her own business, but she is an eagle among ducks.
The first time I met Doris, she made a point of introducing herself and asking my name. "I've seen you here before," she said. She was warm, motherly, and seemed genuinely pleased when "one of her girls" stopped in to see her.
Doris made me instantly happier. When I got out of the stall, she had one of those fancy monogrammed napkins that you usually see in nice powder rooms waiting for me. It had an N on it. "An N," I thought. "That couldn't possibly be for Nicole," I said. "Oh, yes, Nicole, that is for you to make you feel at home when you are a guest here," she said. I was so confused and so impressed at the same time. Then I looked under the sink, where Doris had an accordion folder with tabs for each letter of the alphabet. Doris had actually made a special folder for napkins with all letters of the alphabet to make sure every one of "her girls" felt special.
I had never seen a setup like hers. Doris thought of everything, from the special Q-tips and napkins to having every flavor of mouthwash. Doris was officially my she-ro, and I wanted to learn more. "Have you always done all this?" I asked her, gesturing around her sink area. Doris told me that when she first started at the job, she hated it. She didn't want to be working in a bathroom, she didn't want to hand towels to mean girls just to barely get an acknowledgment or a tip. "But then," she said, "I changed my attitude. I started putting in extra time and energy into making this my dream job. The more I did, the more my guests responded favorably. Not only did the pride I took in my work turn into happiness, I now wake up in the morning excited to think about the new, fun, personal things I can do. And the more tips I receive, as well. I've even had a few of my guests hire me for their private events. It's been a win-win-win."
I've thought a lot about Doris in the years I've been going to that restaurant. Here are the business lessons she taught me:
- Choose to differentiate yourself. Instead of disappearing into mediocrity, Doris changed her attitude. She stopped complaining. She created a memorable experience. She gained fans, not just customers. No one did this for Doris. Doris decided to do this for Doris.
- Color brightly inside the lines. Pre-"eagle" and post-"eagle," Doris still technically had the same job. She worked for the same restaurant. But she made her job hers; she created a brand built on positivity, and she reaped the rewards.
- It's all about the little things. Doris was thoughtful in every aspect of her job. It didn't cost a lot to go above and beyond the call of duty, to make her personal touches. But that small investment paid her back and then some.
Nicole Lapin is the author of the New York Times instant bestseller Rich B*tch and the star of the nationally syndicated business competition reality show Hatched. She was the youngest anchor ever at CNN before holding the same title at CNBC, anchoring Worldwide Exchange, while contributing financial reports to Today and MSNBC. Lapin has served as a business anchor and special correspondent for Bloomberg Television as well as the money-saving correspondent for The Wendy Williams Show. She is currently Redbook magazine's first-ever money columnist and was named the first-ever female "Money Expert of the Year" in 2015. Lapin is an accredited investment fiduciary and graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University.
Suffering From Trump Anxiety Disorder? Impeachara Is the Perfect Solution
Medically induced ignorance is bliss - isn't that the saying? Well, at least that's the goal of Impeachara, a satirical drug that will treat Trump-Induced Anxiety Disorder (TIAD). The hysterical video describes and nails the symptoms of TIAD: irritability and constant arguments with family and friends (including friends of friends on Facebook), to name a couple.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, however. Enter the hypothetical (miracle?) drug Impeachara that can fool a patient's brain into believing Trump has already been impeached. "Impeachara works on your brain's neurotransmitters and optical receptors, convincing you that Donald Trump has already been impeached," a familiar prescription-ad voice explains.
Current supporters of Trump's administration are not encouraged to consume Impeachara, as it might cause "thoughts of suicide or spontaneous bowel movements [and] in rare cases people have developed a skin condition known as Cheetos Face."
Sam Friedlander, a Los Angeles-based director, posted the spoof ad on March 9 and it's since gone viral with over 200,000 views on YouTube. We can't imagine why . . .
Looking to Escape? 8 Flash Sale Travel Sites With Great Deals
It's a good idea to start planning your trips for the year now, so you can keep your eye out for the best deals and you won't have to resort to paying expensive last-minute prices. If you already have several destinations in mind, check out travel flash sale sites, which can save you hundreds of dollars! Here are a couple to browse through:
Groupon Getaways
Groupon launched a travel deals vector that features new deals all the time. The deals stay live for a certain amount of days or until they run out. The site offers a good mix of national and international travel deals.
Hot recent deal: 43 percent off of an Ireland bed and breakfast vacation with airfare and a rental car. You would save $600 on the trip, so the price is $800 for the whole vacation.
Jetsetter
A luxury travel site that offers deals up to 50 percent off only the most luxurious and exotic hotels around the globe. Each sale lasts about five to seven days. You can pay 10 percent of the trip price to "hold" a trip for three days to decide whether to book it. If you decide not to purchase, the 10 percent becomes Jetsetter credit that never expires.
Hot recent deal:The site recently offered a deal at the V Palm Springs Hotel for $119 a night when rooms usually go for at least $220.
Living Social Escapes
Living Social, Groupon's main competitor, offers different travel packages every week to various locations in the US and around the world. The majority of the picks seem to be US cities.
Hot recent deal: A four-night stay at your choice of 20 different luxury hotels in Mexico for $399. The offer is for two adults and two children, so you'd be saving 56 percent off the original price.
Trip Alertz
Trip Alertz is a part flash sale, part group-buying site, and as more people buy in, the cheaper the deal will become.
Hot recent deal: Get an all-inclusive Jamaica vacation, including airfare, for $729.
Vacationist
This site is more luxury-focused and has the thumbs up from the travel experts of Secret Escapes, who select the offers. You can save up to 70 percent.
Hot recent deal: The chic Ozo Hotel in Amsterdam is offered at $87 a night compared to the regular rates of $162 a night.
Other travel flash sites to check out include Tablet, Voyage Prive, and Rue La La.
Remember, not all of the listed sales are always good deals. You need to do your research on the actual hotel websites and other deal sites to see if you can get an even bigger discount. Always read the fine print before purchasing because these deals usually are only available on specific travel dates and have a number of other limitations.
39 Epic Mother's Day Gifts For Moms Who Love Wine
For all of the mamas who appreciate a nice glass of wine (or who would Rosé all day if they could), treat her to something she'll more than love this Mother's Day. Not only do these hardworking ladies deserve some wine for all of the whining that they put up with, but they'll also love a thoughtful surprise that shows you get it. From hysterical glasses, towels, and tees to personalized gifts dedicated to mommy juice, these are the ultimate Mother's Day gift ideas for any wine-loving mom.
39 Epic Mother's Day Gifts For Moms Who Love Wine
For all of the mamas who appreciate a nice glass of wine (or who would Rosé all day if they could), treat her to something she'll more than love this Mother's Day. Not only do these hardworking ladies deserve some wine for all of the whining that they put up with, but they'll also love a thoughtful surprise that shows you get it. From hysterical glasses, towels, and tees to personalized gifts dedicated to mommy juice, these are the ultimate Mother's Day gift ideas for any wine-loving mom.
If You Were Destroyed by The Mist, Do NOT Watch the Trailer For the TV Version
It's a banner year for people who love getting the sh*t scared out of them by Stephen King adaptations. While you may be quivering just thinking of the upcoming It remake, I'm terrified by the fact that The Mist is getting rebooted as a TV show. The 2007 movie explored a microcosm of a world that is overrun with a mysterious mist, but the TV show is taking us out of the grocery store and into the street. Morgan Spector, Alyssa Sutherland, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Frances Conroy all star in the show, which is set to premiere on Spike on June 22. Check out the trailers!
"Destruction"
"Official Trailer"
26 Adorable Beauty Products to Pick Up on Your Next Forever 21 Trip
You probably already head to Forever 21 when you want affordable and on-trend clothes, but you might be neglecting one of the best areas of the store: the beauty section. The fast-fashion retailer has been seriously upping its beauty game in recent years, adding sheet masks, K-beauty products, and affordable brands that you already love (like NYX and E.L.F.!) to its selection.
Recently, there have even been rumors of the chain considering opening free-standing beauty stores, solidifying the brand's foray into beauty girls' hearts. Next time you're heading to your favorite store, don't overlook the goodies ahead.
If You Were Destroyed by The Mist, Do NOT Watch the Trailer For the TV Version
It's a banner year for people who love getting the sh*t scared out of them by Stephen King adaptations. While you may be quivering just thinking of the upcoming It remake, I'm terrified by the fact that The Mist is getting rebooted as a TV show. The 2007 movie explored a microcosm of a world that is overrun with a mysterious mist, but the TV show is taking us out of the grocery store and into the street. Morgan Spector, Alyssa Sutherland, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Frances Conroy all star in the show, which is set to premiere on Spike on June 22. Check out the trailers!
"Destruction"
"Official Trailer"
7 Houseplants Even Trendier Than the Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to trendy houseplants, the fiddle leaf fig tree has held a pretty strong monopoly for the last few years. You can't look at an interior designer's portfolio without seeing at least one fiddle leaf fig hanging out by a bright window. The problem is, we're kind of sick of them. They've become the superhero movie of the design world. In other words, we want something new. Plus, they're not the easiest plant to keep alive. Here are a few just-as-stylish alternatives to the fiddle leaf fig and how to care for them.
Why the New Healthcare Bill Is So Unfair to Kids With Special Needs
Hey Congress,
It's me, a mom of a beautiful boy with autism. I just wanted to give you a little reminder: every child has the right to a free and appropriate education. This is the law. However, if you ask me, the law might as well say every child has the right to free and the minimum amount of education, right? Because it seems like that's how you're interpreting it. The American Health Care Act, which passed the House last week, is a major insult to families like mine. That's because it guts $880 billion from the Medicaid fund that helps pay for everything from physical therapy to feeding tubes for special needs kids in public school.
Let me explain my frustration. I had a normal pregnancy, delivery via (C-section - you know, a preexisting condition! - and was blessed with a healthy baby boy; all 9 pounds of him were perfect. He was a great sleeper, eater, and the happiest when staring at his older brother. It was not until he turned 3 that my husband and I knew we were dealing with something more than a speech delay. He was diagnosed with autism a few months before turning 4. (I'll write you more about that another time. For now, it's important to stick with the present.)
My son attends a special needs preschool program that is run through our school district. He gets speech and OT therapies weekly. Don't get me wrong; I'm extremely grateful that I live in a town that has a program and therapies for my son. But to think that that they are enough to meet his needs is insane. We, and most families who have special needs children, have to do private therapies outside of school to continue to meet the needs of our kids. And just another reminder: those needs are constantly changing. The school district budgets are tight, and although our kids get services, sometimes they are done in a group setting or not as often as needed. It's just the reality of the system. For my son, we take him to speech and OT therapies weekly outside of school, plus, once a month take him to see a holistic speech pathologist. She is wonderful but pricey! Luckily, we have health coverage through my husband's employer. However, not all of the therapies are covered by insurance, and copays can really add up! But I often say, are we really going to let something like money stop us from trying something that might make a difference for our child?
It's exhausting, expensive, and overwhelming to be a parent of a child with special needs. But it is nothing compared to what our children are going through. Thank goodness there are programs like Medicare for families to help support and allow our children to receive therapies in and out of school. Oh, but wait - we must remember the American Health Care Act. You know, the healthcare bill that is being touted as a win. Let me remind you again that it's actually a big loss for special needs families. I guess money does make a difference when it comes to helping kids who are by law required to receive an appropriate education. It's a shame. I guess because our kids learn differently, we're screwed! Awesome.
Well, this is one mom who can't stay quiet. Our kids deserve the chance to thrive, regardless of economic status; they need to receive at least the minimum therapy in and out of school. Seriously, it's frustrating. Why do I even need to remind you of all of this? All I want for my child is a chance. He has goals and a bright future. He has come so far but has so much farther to go. But if you cut Medicare funding and the district has to cut jobs and he loses a portion of the therapies he receives and his progress gets stalled, well, then you will be sorry! Please leave our kids out of this mess. Haven't they suffered enough already?
Don't make me send you any more reminders. Just do what is right and protect the law.
Talk to you soon,
Matthew's Mom
Taraji P. Henson Looks Like a Sexy Cyborg at the MTV Movie and TV Awards
Jaws dropped when Taraji P. Henson stepped on the red carpet at the MTV Movie and TV Awards. The Empire actress paired her futuristic frock with a sexy, blunt blond bob that we're praying she decides to make part of her regular look.
She paired her new hair with MAC Viva Glam Lipstick ($17) and Lipglass ($17) in a bright fuchsia shade. Her dewy complexion was made possible with Perfect Blend by Ashunta Sheriff ($40) and long flirty lashes accentuated by Ardell Individual Lashes ($10).
The glamorous and surprisingly wearable look has us clamoring to find our own fuchsia lipstick to rock ASAP.
14 Tattoo Ideas For Parents Wanting to Honor Their Kids
When you have a child, it changes your life forever, and many parents decide to honor that permanence with a tattoo for their little one. From names and dates to blocks and elephants, the sky's the limit when it comes to ink representing your kiddo. Whether you're a new mom or a veteran in the game of parenthood, we rounded up 14 tattoo ideas to inspire you to keep a part of your child with you at all times.
Why the New Healthcare Bill Is So Unfair to Kids With Special Needs
Hey Congress,
It's me, a mom of a beautiful boy with autism. I just wanted to give you a little reminder: every child has the right to a free and appropriate education. This is the law. However, if you ask me, the law might as well say every child has the right to free and the minimum amount of education, right? Because it seems like that's how you're interpreting it. The American Health Care Act, which passed the House last week, is a major insult to families like mine. That's because it guts $880 billion from the Medicaid fund that helps pay for everything from physical therapy to feeding tubes for special needs kids in public school.
Let me explain my frustration. I had a normal pregnancy, delivery via (C-section - you know, a preexisting condition! - and was blessed with a healthy baby boy; all 9 pounds of him were perfect. He was a great sleeper, eater, and the happiest when staring at his older brother. It was not until he turned 3 that my husband and I knew we were dealing with something more than a speech delay. He was diagnosed with autism a few months before turning 4. (I'll write you more about that another time. For now, it's important to stick with the present.)
My son attends a special needs preschool program that is run through our school district. He gets speech and OT therapies weekly. Don't get me wrong; I'm extremely grateful that I live in a town that has a program and therapies for my son. But to think that that they are enough to meet his needs is insane. We, and most families who have special needs children, have to do private therapies outside of school to continue to meet the needs of our kids. And just another reminder: those needs are constantly changing. The school district budgets are tight, and although our kids get services, sometimes they are done in a group setting or not as often as needed. It's just the reality of the system. For my son, we take him to speech and OT therapies weekly outside of school, plus, once a month take him to see a holistic speech pathologist. She is wonderful but pricey! Luckily, we have health coverage through my husband's employer. However, not all of the therapies are covered by insurance, and copays can really add up! But I often say, are we really going to let something like money stop us from trying something that might make a difference for our child?
It's exhausting, expensive, and overwhelming to be a parent of a child with special needs. But it is nothing compared to what our children are going through. Thank goodness there are programs like Medicare for families to help support and allow our children to receive therapies in and out of school. Oh, but wait - we must remember the American Health Care Act. You know, the healthcare bill that is being touted as a win. Let me remind you again that it's actually a big loss for special needs families. I guess money does make a difference when it comes to helping kids who are by law required to receive an appropriate education. It's a shame. I guess because our kids learn differently, we're screwed! Awesome.
Well, this is one mom who can't stay quiet. Our kids deserve the chance to thrive, regardless of economic status; they need to receive at least the minimum therapy in and out of school. Seriously, it's frustrating. Why do I even need to remind you of all of this? All I want for my child is a chance. He has goals and a bright future. He has come so far but has so much farther to go. But if you cut Medicare funding and the district has to cut jobs and he loses a portion of the therapies he receives and his progress gets stalled, well, then you will be sorry! Please leave our kids out of this mess. Haven't they suffered enough already?
Don't make me send you any more reminders. Just do what is right and protect the law.
Talk to you soon,
Matthew's Mom
14 Tattoo Ideas For Parents Wanting to Honor Their Kids
When you have a child, it changes your life forever, and many parents decide to honor that permanence with a tattoo for their little one. From names and dates to blocks and elephants, the sky's the limit when it comes to ink representing your kiddo. Whether you're a new mom or a veteran in the game of parenthood, we rounded up 14 tattoo ideas to inspire you to keep a part of your child with you at all times.
These Glamping Tents in Bali Are Pure Paradise - Plus They're Affordable!
Nestled among the rice fields and wildlife of Bali sit the Sandat Glamping Tents, a luxury way to stay in Indonesia. You can choose from many different safari-style tents that seem more like tiny palaces. The spaces start at about $163 a night, which is a great price for this unique experience. Travel bloggers have made this place popular because of its gorgeous views and amazing service. Everywhere you turn, there's an Instagram-worthy opportunity.
If you think this will be a camping-like experience, you're wrong. The site has a restaurant, bar, spa, and yoga center. You're also a short trip from the hustle and bustle of Bali, where you can ride bikes through the city, take cooking classes, or go river rafting. What more could you need? Make sure to check out all the spectacular photos and the video preview ahead. You'll be daydreaming of a vacation instantly.
26 Adorable Beauty Products to Pick Up on Your Next Forever 21 Trip
You probably already head to Forever 21 when you want affordable and on-trend clothes, but you might be neglecting one of the best areas of the store: the beauty section. The fast-fashion retailer has been seriously upping its beauty game in recent years, adding sheet masks, K-beauty products, and affordable brands that you already love (like NYX and E.L.F.!) to its selection.
Recently, there have even been rumors of the chain considering opening free-standing beauty stores, solidifying the brand's foray into beauty girls' hearts. Next time you're heading to your favorite store, don't overlook the goodies ahead.
Emma Watson Was the Belle of the 2017 MTV Movie Awards
In addition giving an empowering speech about winning the gender-neutral award for best actor in a movie, Emma Watson looked gorgeous at the 2017 MTV Movie Awards. (Side note, you can thank Asia Kate Dillion for starting this socially liberal conversation.)
Emma wore her hair slicked back and combed over on top, but the back is what caught our attention. She took a spin on a classic chignon with a sliver of a silver accessory and a looped look.
From the front, her skin glowed like a Disney princess on screen with dark eyeliner and a rose-pink lipstick drawing attention to her features. Keep reading to see more angles of her beautiful look!
15 Color-Changing Mood Rings For Grown-Ass Women
If you were alive in the '90s, you most likely had a mood ring at some point. Even though they weren't always the cutest piece of jewelry (remember those thick color-changing silver bands?), they were so damn cool for some reason. A ring that can detect how I'm feeling right now? Amazing! Well, not exactly since they're heat-sensitive, but they're still awesome nonetheless.
Today's mood rings are definitely more on trend with current styles. Solitaire mood stones have replaced the color-changing bands we've known and loved. They're beautiful, fashionable, and nostalgic! Check out 15 mood rings for adults.
What the F*ck Is Up With Different Types of Salt? Here's a Breakdown
Figuring out which kind of salt to use can be confusing. Kosher, table, flaky sea salt . . . what's up with all the different variations, and do they all do the same thing? The short answer is "no." The truth is that every salt has a different weight and salinity, so it's important to get to know the differences. If a recipe calls for a teaspoon of salt, the resulting dish could vary in saltiness depending on what type you're using. Ahead, get a breakdown of the three most common types of salts used for cooking and baking, and discover what makes them different (and which one you might want to avoid). If you've always wondered which one is best to keep stocked in your pantry, you'll say goodbye to any guessing games.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt, which is made from salt crystals and is not usually iodized, is the go-to salt of cooks and chefs everywhere. It has coarse grains, which make it easy to pick up with your fingers and evenly distribute on food. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is said to be less salty than another popular brand, Morton Kosher Salt, and the space between the grains makes it less likely to oversalt. But no matter which brand you choose, kosher salt is great for seasoning meat, pasta water, and any foods, really, plus baking. It's pure salt with no additives, and it's the one you should always have stocked in your pantry.
Table Salt
On a recent trip to Sonoma, CA, where I shared a meal with the chef from Stonewall Kitchen, I learned an important difference between table salt and kosher salt. Table salt often contains dextrose, which is a sugar made from corn, and it's chemically identical to glucose. In other words, the salt isn't pure - natural salt already contains natural chemicals, but when it's processed into table salt, it likely also contains unwanted additives, such as dextrose and iodine. That's not the only difference you'll notice if you accidentally buy table salt instead of kosher, as I once did. The texture of table salt is super, super fine, and it tends to clump. For that reason, anticaking agents are often added to keep it from sticking together. Some people cook with table salt, but I've been told to avoid it and stick to kosher.
Sea Salt
As its name would suggest, sea salt is evaporated from the sea. Most chefs' go-to sea salt is La Baleine Fine Sea Salt for baking applications (the fine crystals melt and disperse flavor evenly in batters and doughs). Another favorite is Maldon Sea Salt, which has larger, pyramid-shaped flakes perfect for sprinkling on top of finished dishes, including desserts like chocolate chip cookies. Chefs like Hugh Acheson even use Maldon for sautéing vegetables to give them a slight crunchy texture as the salt crystals dissolve slower.
How Triplets Born With a 1 in 500 Trillion-Chance Skull Defect Defied All Odds
Posted by Stony Brook Children's on Monday, May 1, 2017
During a routine visit with their obstetrician, Amy and Mike Howard were overjoyed to find out they were expecting. As the couple processed the news, the sonogram technician detected another baby . . . and another. Within the span of a few minutes, Amy and Mike learned they were expecting triplets. "I was terrified. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the idea, to be honest," Amy candidly explained in an interview with Today.
Upon giving birth to three boys - Hunter, Jackson, and Kaden - Amy and Mike received some more unexpected news: they were all born with craniosynostosis, a rare birth defect wherein the skull is unable to develop properly due to the plates not properly fusing together. They were the first set of triplets to all be born with craniosynostosis. Not only that, the chance of each boy having the same rare condition is one in 500 trillion, according to CBS New York.
Since the condition can cause damage to the brain later in life, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Dr. David Chesler, recommended that they each have surgery. Of the surgery, Mike told Today, "I was very freaked out. Any time you have to put the baby [in an operating room], it's a little crazy."
Following the successful surgery, Hunter, Jackson, and Kaden had to wear helmets nearly all day for the next six-to-nine months. Fortunately, they recovered incredibly well and their parents are looking forward to having some normalcy. Well, their new version of normalcy, that is. Amy explained, "The babies want to be picked up all at the same time. It is a little bit hectic, especially around bed time."
Jennifer Morrison Confirms She's Leaving Once Upon a Time: "It's Time to Move On"
It's a very sad day for Once Upon a Time fans. On Monday, Jennifer Morrison (who plays lead heroine Emma Swan) announced in a heartfelt Instagram post that she will not be returning as a series regular in the event that the show gets renewed for season seven.
"As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on. Emma Swan is one my favorite characters that I have ever played. My 6 years on ONCE UPON A TIME has changed my life in the most beautiful ways. I am absolutely blown away by the passion and commitment of the Oncer fans. I am so honored to have been a central part of such a special show. I will be forever grateful to Adam, Eddy, and ABC for giving me the gift of playing Emma Swan. As I move on to other creative endeavors, I will continue to attend the fan conventions whenever my professional schedule allows. I always look forward meeting the fans. If ABC Network does in fact order a season 7, I have agreed to appear in one episode, and I will most certainly continue to watch ONCE UPON A TIME. The creativity of the show runners has always inspired me, and I cannot wait to see the ways that they continue to develop and reinvent the show. #Onceuponatime #EmmaSwan#UglyDucklings"
The news comes just a few days before the show's two-hour finale, which will air on Sunday. While some actors like Lana Parrilla, Robert Carlyle, and Colin O'Donoghue are still in negotiations to extend their contracts, showrunners Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis recently confirmed that the next season would take a new direction from a narrative standpoint by "hitting the reset button." We can't help but wonder what this means for the Savior as she preps for the final battle.
25 Mother's Day Gifts She'll Actually Use
Let's be real, Mother's Day gifts often end up sitting in the trash (eventually) or collecting dust in the closet. It's not like Mom doesn't love you or like your gift; she just doesn't quite know what the hell to do with it. So that's why this year, you should skip the cookie jar for something a little more practical. Think about what she uses every day, what she can't live without, and what she's obsessed with. You do know her best; be realistic about what she'll love and what she'll use. Here's 25 gift ideas to help you get started.
How Triplets Born With a 1 in 500 Trillion-Chance Skull Defect Defied All Odds
Posted by Stony Brook Children's on Monday, May 1, 2017
During a routine visit with their obstetrician, Amy and Mike Howard were overjoyed to find out they were expecting. As the couple processed the news, the sonogram technician detected another baby . . . and another. Within the span of a few minutes, Amy and Mike learned they were expecting triplets. "I was terrified. It took me a little bit of time to get used to the idea, to be honest," Amy candidly explained in an interview with Today.
Upon giving birth to three boys - Hunter, Jackson, and Kaden - Amy and Mike received some more unexpected news: they were all born with craniosynostosis, a rare birth defect wherein the skull is unable to develop properly due to the plates not properly fusing together. They were the first set of triplets to all be born with craniosynostosis. Not only that, the chance of each boy having the same rare condition is one in 500 trillion, according to CBS New York.
Since the condition can cause damage to the brain later in life, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Stony Brook Children's Hospital, Dr. David Chesler, recommended that they each have surgery. Of the surgery, Mike told Today, "I was very freaked out. Any time you have to put the baby [in an operating room], it's a little crazy."
Following the successful surgery, Hunter, Jackson, and Kaden had to wear helmets nearly all day for the next six-to-nine months. Fortunately, they recovered incredibly well and their parents are looking forward to having some normalcy. Well, their new version of normalcy, that is. Amy explained, "The babies want to be picked up all at the same time. It is a little bit hectic, especially around bed time."
If Drake Were a Chocolate Cake, This Is What He Would Taste Like
New York's Butter & Scotch bakery combines two of our favorite things (chocolate and Drake!) with this yummy Hotline Bling cake. Described as "one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever had" by POPSUGAR Executive Editor Nancy Einhart, the Drake-inspired cake is said to be "rich and chocolatey, with just a touch of welcome saltiness." Yeah, we're already drooling, too.
That's not all, though. The dark chocolate Hotline Bling cake ($45) is covered in edible gold glitter fitting for the rap king and has "layers of salted caramel" in between. If you're ready to try it for yourself and you happen to be in the NYC area, you can order and pick up the 10-inch cake, which serves up to 22 slices, or the six-inch cake, which serves up to 10 slices. You can also request a personalized message on top, because YOLO. Now excuse us while we treat ourselves to another piece and stare at these 31 photos of Drake looking edible AF.
15 Ways to Show You're Feminist AF All Year Long
When you shop the latest collaborations from your favorite designers in honor of feminism, you won't forget about what you bought. These graphic tops, silk scarves, and patches are more than just wear-it-once souvenirs that we eventually stow away. They're a reminder to stay proud, fierce, fearless females and support one another year round.
In fact, we encourage you to keep all the items ahead in steady rotation, perhaps even more so than your plain, go-to white tee. All of the pieces here are stylish, but a handful of them benefit organizations like Planned Parenthood and Free the Nipple. Before you make your purchase, read up on where the proceeds go. That should give you more than enough of a final nudge to shop.
What the F*ck Is Up With Different Types of Salt? Here's a Breakdown
Figuring out which kind of salt to use can be confusing. Kosher, table, flaky sea salt . . . what's up with all the different variations, and do they all do the same thing? The short answer is "no." The truth is that every salt has a different weight and salinity, so it's important to get to know the differences. If a recipe calls for a teaspoon of salt, the resulting dish could vary in saltiness depending on what type you're using. Ahead, get a breakdown of the three most common types of salts used for cooking and baking, and discover what makes them different (and which one you might want to avoid). If you've always wondered which one is best to keep stocked in your pantry, you'll say goodbye to any guessing games.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt, which is made from salt crystals and is not usually iodized, is the go-to salt of cooks and chefs everywhere. It has coarse grains, which make it easy to pick up with your fingers and evenly distribute on food. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is said to be less salty than another popular brand, Morton Kosher Salt, and the space between the grains makes it less likely to oversalt. But no matter which brand you choose, kosher salt is great for seasoning meat, pasta water, and any foods, really, plus baking. It's pure salt with no additives, and it's the one you should always have stocked in your pantry.
Table Salt
On a recent trip to Sonoma, CA, where I shared a meal with the chef from Stonewall Kitchen, I learned an important difference between table salt and kosher salt. Table salt often contains dextrose, which is a sugar made from corn, and it's chemically identical to glucose. In other words, the salt isn't pure - natural salt already contains natural chemicals, but when it's processed into table salt, it likely also contains unwanted additives, such as dextrose and iodine. That's not the only difference you'll notice if you accidentally buy table salt instead of kosher, as I once did. The texture of table salt is super, super fine, and it tends to clump. For that reason, anticaking agents are often added to keep it from sticking together. Some people cook with table salt, but I've been told to avoid it and stick to kosher.
Sea Salt
As its name would suggest, sea salt is evaporated from the sea. Most chefs' go-to sea salt is La Baleine Fine Sea Salt for baking applications (the fine crystals melt and disperse flavor evenly in batters and doughs). Another favorite is Maldon Sea Salt, which has larger, pyramid-shaped flakes perfect for sprinkling on top of finished dishes, including desserts like chocolate chip cookies. Chefs like Hugh Acheson even use Maldon for sautéing vegetables to give them a slight crunchy texture as the salt crystals dissolve slower.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie Have Had It With Winter, Strip Down in Greece
Kit Harington (aka Jon Snow) has clearly had enough of Winter because he recently whisked girlfriend Rose Leslie away for a sunny vacation in Santorini, Greece. On Thursday, the Game of Thrones actor was spotted taking a quick dip in his hotel pool before toweling off and heading out for a day of sightseeing with Rose on a pair of ATVs. The two looked adorable in their matching helmets and sunglasses and appeared to be making the most of their time on the beautiful island.
Kit and Rose have been keeping a low profile as of late, though they did attend the Olivier Awards in London last month (the place where they made their romance red carpet official in 2015). Kit is currently busy filming BBC's new drama Gunpowder and recently wrapped up filming for Game of Thrones' seventh season (which premieres on July 17), while Rose plays the lead role in The Good Wife's spinoff, The Good Fight, so it makes sense that they'd want to take a break and spend some quality time together.
Soaking Up the Sun Has Never Been So Stylish With These Cute Round Beach Towels
We've already picked out our go-to Summer bathing suit styles, and we've been working hard at those beach-ready bodies, but now, we've found the one thing our Summer repertoires have been missing: stylish round towels. Gone are the days of digging through our linen closets for plain, old towels, because not only are round towels perfectly shaped, but they are also adorably Instagrammable.
Coming in trendy patterns like hamburger or pizza print, there are no limits to what your beach towel can achieve. Keep reading to see some of our favorite round towel picks for the Summer, and make sure you order yours ASAP.
The Way They Were: Demi Lovato and BF Guilherme Vasconcelos Call It Quits
Demi Lovato finally confirmed her relationship with MMA fighter Guilherme "Bomba" Vasconcelos during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in February, but now the couple have called it quits, according to People.
Guilherme, who is a Brazilian martial arts expert, might be tough in the rink (as is Demi; have you seen her boxing moves?), but on Intagram he melted over his talented girlfriend, posting sweet photos together going all the way back to 2016, when the couple first started dating on and off. With heart emoji captions and sweet cuddles, Demi and Guilherme showed us their intense but short-lived relationship. Scroll ahead to see the way they were.
14 Chic Beauty Vanities For Absolute Decor Minimalists
Every beauty-lover deserves a space to leisurely apply their makeup, unwind, and call their happy place. Whether you're dreaming of a glamorous white number or you favor a wooden bohemian vibe, there are stylish vanities out there for makeup mavens of all styles.
We've scoured Instagram for the chicest vanities that will inspire you to create the beauty battle station of your dreams. But these are not over-the-top beauty corners; these are organized sections - perfect for the minimalist. (We bet these folks read the KonMari method.)
Read on to see the glamorous makeup stations!
The Good and the Bad of Alien: Covenant’s Attempt at LGBT Inclusion
If you were holding your breath for gays in space in 2017, you might want to hold it a bit longer. Previously, there had been murmurs of the inclusion of a gay couple in Alien: Covenant, which hits theaters this month. People first took notice when the couple in question appeared in a prologue sequence back in February. This could have been a big deal, right?!
Having seen the film, I can tell you the amount of gayness therein is negligible, so much so that you might even miss it if you don't know where to look. You might say this is a pretty small step for LGBTQ man, and that it's assuredly not a giant leap for LGBTQ mankind. And yet, while the small moments in themselves may have been kind of a letdown, there are some aspects of them that mark a different kind of improvement.
Before we really dig into Alien: Covenant's own "exclusively gay moment," I want to begin with the bottom line: the LGBTQ community desperately needs more representation in TV and film. There are approximately 9 million people who identify as LGBTQ in the United States, yet there is a noted dearth of principle characters who openly identify in this way. Yes, we've made progress on this front; there are LGBTQ characters on TV. Emily Fields is a lesbian on Pretty Little Liars. HBO's Looking managed to shed light on what it's like to be a gay man in San Francisco. Transparent has marked remarkable progress for the transgender community, both by employing transgender actors, writers, and more behind the scenes and with the brazen insights into and portrayals of transgender issues on the show. The CW's Riverdale, though guilty of queerbaiting, does have a gay character who has a boyfriend. Even on ABC, we've seen some of the trials of navigating a relationship between two gay men on How to Get Away With Murder.
We still need gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in lead roles on major networks. And we need a lot of them.
For all this inclusion, though, there are still flaws in the system. When an LGBTQ-identifying character appears in the cast of a show, their storylines are often the first to be pushed aside and forgotten. Riverdale's Kevin and Pretty Little Liars' Emily are prime examples of LGBTQ characters whose relationships (or, in Kevin's case, entire storylines) disappear into the background. They tend to get less screen time than their castmates. Some of the biggest LGBTQ shows are on smaller or premium networks; we still need more and more of that primetime coverage. We still need gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in lead roles on major networks. And we need a lot of them.
When it comes to films, it seems we have an even longer way to go. You can see glimmers of progress, sure. After all, Moonlight is the story of a gay black man growing up and coming to terms with his sexuality in Miami, and it won best picture at the Oscars this year. That's a remarkable, incredible, historic win. The problem is that it took until 2017 to carve out this space in history for the LGBTQ community. When it comes to more commercialized films, that's where everything turns into a real hot mess.
The most recent disaster came from Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast. In the months leading up to the film, Disney revealed that LeFou would be the first openly gay Disney character ever, and that we would get an "exclusively gay moment" before the end of the film. In reality, LeFou never openly expresses his sexuality at all, and the film leans heavily on implication and stereotypes rather than delivering on its promise. And then there was the Power Rangers reboot, where we heard tell of a lesbian yellow ranger, only for the topic to come up one time, in one scene, for one small moment.
Admittedly, Alien: Covenant's gay inclusion is even smaller. The 15-person crew actually contains a gay couple, Lope and Hallett (Demián Bichir and Nathaniel Dean). In a very early and stressful sequence, one of the alien creatures terrorizes the crew and wipes out a good half-dozen of them. Among the initial casualties is Hallett. We catch a glimpse of Hallett's lifeless body before we pan up to a visibly upset Lope. And that's about it. It's not unfair to call this entirely insignificant. Sure, some other gay moments may have been added in and cut later, but it doesn't matter. We got what we got. In an ideal situation, we would have had this couple's sexuality much more explicitly demonstrated, even beyond their PDA in the prologue. After all, other heterosexual couples in the film make a pretty big show of their heterosexual love. Which is totally fine, by the way, but couldn't we hope to see the same from two gay men?
What I did appreciate, though, was that the cast and filmmakers didn't sensationalize the inclusion. It's kind of nice to have a subtler nod as opposed to like, "Hey, look at this gay character who just lost his gay husband. Did we mention he's gay?!" It's true, we want our LGBTQ characters to be more than just LGBTQ. We don't want this trait to define them; we want it to be just one aspect of the complex and beautiful people they are. In this sense, Alien: Covenant kind of succeeds. It's just that the writers needed to amplify that subtlety into something audiences might actually notice.
It's also worthwhile to give credit to the cast and crew for not blowing the moment out of proportion. Sure, there may have been press about the inclusion of the character, but there was no huge explosive, viral news item in which those involved all seemed to be high-fiving and patting themselves on the back. This film doesn't do a lot for the LGBTQ community. I just find it refreshing that they didn't act like it does, either.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie Have Had It With Winter, Strip Down in Greece
Kit Harington (aka Jon Snow) has clearly had enough of Winter because he recently whisked girlfriend Rose Leslie away for a sunny vacation in Santorini, Greece. On Thursday, the Game of Thrones actor was spotted taking a quick dip in his hotel pool before toweling off and heading out for a day of sightseeing with Rose on a pair of ATVs. The two looked adorable in their matching helmets and sunglasses and appeared to be making the most of their time on the beautiful island.
Kit and Rose have been keeping a low profile as of late, though they did attend the Olivier Awards in London last month (the place where they made their romance red carpet official in 2015). Kit is currently busy filming BBC's new drama Gunpowder and recently wrapped up filming for Game of Thrones' seventh season (which premieres on July 17), while Rose plays the lead role in The Good Wife's spinoff, The Good Fight, so it makes sense that they'd want to take a break and spend some quality time together.
The Good and the Bad of Alien: Covenant’s Attempt at LGBT Inclusion
If you were holding your breath for gays in space in 2017, you might want to hold it a bit longer. Previously, there had been murmurs of the inclusion of a gay couple in Alien: Covenant, which hits theaters this month. People first took notice when the couple in question appeared in a prologue sequence back in February. This could have been a big deal, right?!
Having seen the film, I can tell you the amount of gayness therein is negligible, so much so that you might even miss it if you don't know where to look. You might say this is a pretty small step for LGBTQ man, and that it's assuredly not a giant leap for LGBTQ mankind. And yet, while the small moments in themselves may have been kind of a letdown, there are some aspects of them that mark a different kind of improvement.
Before we really dig into Alien: Covenant's own "exclusively gay moment," I want to begin with the bottom line: the LGBTQ community desperately needs more representation in TV and film. There are approximately 9 million people who identify as LGBTQ in the United States, yet there is a noted dearth of principle characters who openly identify in this way. Yes, we've made progress on this front; there are LGBTQ characters on TV. Emily Fields is a lesbian on Pretty Little Liars. HBO's Looking managed to shed light on what it's like to be a gay man in San Francisco. Transparent has marked remarkable progress for the transgender community, both by employing transgender actors, writers, and more behind the scenes and with the brazen insights into and portrayals of transgender issues on the show. The CW's Riverdale, though guilty of queerbaiting, does have a gay character who has a boyfriend. Even on ABC, we've seen some of the trials of navigating a relationship between two gay men on How to Get Away With Murder.
We still need gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in lead roles on major networks. And we need a lot of them.
For all this inclusion, though, there are still flaws in the system. When an LGBTQ-identifying character appears in the cast of a show, their storylines are often the first to be pushed aside and forgotten. Riverdale's Kevin and Pretty Little Liars' Emily are prime examples of LGBTQ characters whose relationships (or, in Kevin's case, entire storylines) disappear into the background. They tend to get less screen time than their castmates. Some of the biggest LGBTQ shows are on smaller or premium networks; we still need more and more of that primetime coverage. We still need gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in lead roles on major networks. And we need a lot of them.
When it comes to films, it seems we have an even longer way to go. You can see glimmers of progress, sure. After all, Moonlight is the story of a gay black man growing up and coming to terms with his sexuality in Miami, and it won best picture at the Oscars this year. That's a remarkable, incredible, historic win. The problem is that it took until 2017 to carve out this space in history for the LGBTQ community. When it comes to more commercialized films, that's where everything turns into a real hot mess.
The most recent disaster came from Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast. In the months leading up to the film, Disney revealed that LeFou would be the first openly gay Disney character ever, and that we would get an "exclusively gay moment" before the end of the film. In reality, LeFou never openly expresses his sexuality at all, and the film leans heavily on implication and stereotypes rather than delivering on its promise. And then there was the Power Rangers reboot, where we heard tell of a lesbian yellow ranger, only for the topic to come up one time, in one scene, for one small moment.
Admittedly, Alien: Covenant's gay inclusion is even smaller. The 15-person crew actually contains a gay couple, Lope and Hallett (Demián Bichir and Nathaniel Dean). In a very early and stressful sequence, one of the alien creatures terrorizes the crew and wipes out a good half-dozen of them. Among the initial casualties is Hallett. We catch a glimpse of Hallett's lifeless body before we pan up to a visibly upset Lope. And that's about it. It's not unfair to call this entirely insignificant. Sure, some other gay moments may have been added in and cut later, but it doesn't matter. We got what we got. In an ideal situation, we would have had this couple's sexuality much more explicitly demonstrated, even beyond their PDA in the prologue. After all, other heterosexual couples in the film make a pretty big show of their heterosexual love. Which is totally fine, by the way, but couldn't we hope to see the same from two gay men?
What I did appreciate, though, was that the cast and filmmakers didn't sensationalize the inclusion. It's kind of nice to have a subtler nod as opposed to like, "Hey, look at this gay character who just lost his gay husband. Did we mention he's gay?!" It's true, we want our LGBTQ characters to be more than just LGBTQ. We don't want this trait to define them; we want it to be just one aspect of the complex and beautiful people they are. In this sense, Alien: Covenant kind of succeeds. It's just that the writers needed to amplify that subtlety into something audiences might actually notice.
It's also worthwhile to give credit to the cast and crew for not blowing the moment out of proportion. Sure, there may have been press about the inclusion of the character, but there was no huge explosive, viral news item in which those involved all seemed to be high-fiving and patting themselves on the back. This film doesn't do a lot for the LGBTQ community. I just find it refreshing that they didn't act like it does, either.
14 Chic Beauty Vanities For Absolute Decor Minimalists
Every beauty-lover deserves a space to leisurely apply their makeup, unwind, and call their happy place. Whether you're dreaming of a glamorous white number or you favor a wooden bohemian vibe, there are stylish vanities out there for makeup mavens of all styles.
We've scoured Instagram for the chicest vanities that will inspire you to create the beauty battle station of your dreams. But these are not over-the-top beauty corners; these are organized sections - perfect for the minimalist. (We bet these folks read the KonMari method.)
Read on to see the glamorous makeup stations!
The Way They Were: Demi Lovato and BF Guilherme Vasconcelos Call It Quits
Demi Lovato finally confirmed her relationship with MMA fighter Guilherme "Bomba" Vasconcelos during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in February, but now the couple have called it quits, according to People.
Guilherme, who is a Brazilian martial arts expert, might be tough in the rink (as is Demi; have you seen her boxing moves?), but on Intagram he melted over his talented girlfriend, posting sweet photos together going all the way back to 2016, when the couple first started dating on and off. With heart emoji captions and sweet cuddles, Demi and Guilherme showed us their intense but short-lived relationship. Scroll ahead to see the way they were.
Disallowing Your Tween to Sit in the Front Seat Isn't About Privilege, It's About Their Bone Structure
It's a teenage right of passage to finally be allowed to sit in the front seat of Mom or Dad's car, but many parents give this right to their tweens early, allowing children under the age of 13 to have ultimate control of the radio within close proximity to the three most dangerous parts of the car - the windshield, dashboard, and air bags.
While all tweens want to sit in the front seat, this isn't just another rule for them to follow "because you said so." It's an actual medical recommendation that no child under the age of 13 sit in the front because the strongest bones in their bodies - the hip bone and breast bone - are still not fully developed.
Front seat belts are designed to sit low on an adult's hips and across their breast bone, helping to keep them from being ejected from the car, and to slow the speed in which they come to a complete stop - but that impact takes its toll, and an underdeveloped tween could be seriously hurt in the event of a crash. Even if your tween is the same size as their older sibling, a teenage friend, or even you, the inside of their body just isn't there yet.
Here are some things you can do to make sure your children are safe in the car:
- Infants and toddlers up to age 2 should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the manufacturer's height and weight requirement to turn it forward.
- Toddlers and preschoolers should be restrained in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the max weight and height based on the car seat manufacturer.
- School-age children should be in a booster seat that positions their seatbelt properly until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly - typically when they're about 4'9" in height.
- Children under 13 who have reached the 4'9" mark should be properly restrained in the rear seats with both parts of the seatbelt secured - none of that behind-the-shoulder business!
- Children 13 years of age and older, and taller than 4'9", may sit in the front seat if properly secured.
While most of these recommendations are based more on size rather than age, that front seat rule is completely in relation to your kiddo's birthday. So keep tweens safe and out of the front seat - they'll whine about it for a few more years, but it'll be worth the headache.
Disallowing Your Tween to Sit in the Front Seat Isn't About Privilege, It's About Their Bone Structure
It's a teenage right of passage to finally be allowed to sit in the front seat of Mom or Dad's car, but many parents give this right to their tweens early, allowing children under the age of 13 to have ultimate control of the radio within close proximity to the three most dangerous parts of the car - the windshield, dashboard, and air bags.
While all tweens want to sit in the front seat, this isn't just another rule for them to follow "because you said so." It's an actual medical recommendation that no child under the age of 13 sit in the front because the strongest bones in their bodies - the hip bone and breast bone - are still not fully developed.
Front seat belts are designed to sit low on an adult's hips and across their breast bone, helping to keep them from being ejected from the car, and to slow the speed in which they come to a complete stop - but that impact takes its toll, and an underdeveloped tween could be seriously hurt in the event of a crash. Even if your tween is the same size as their older sibling, a teenage friend, or even you, the inside of their body just isn't there yet.
Here are some things you can do to make sure your children are safe in the car:
- Infants and toddlers up to age 2 should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the manufacturer's height and weight requirement to turn it forward.
- Toddlers and preschoolers should be restrained in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the max weight and height based on the car seat manufacturer.
- School-age children should be in a booster seat that positions their seatbelt properly until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly - typically when they're about 4'9" in height.
- Children under 13 who have reached the 4'9" mark should be properly restrained in the rear seats with both parts of the seatbelt secured - none of that behind-the-shoulder business!
- Children 13 years of age and older, and taller than 4'9", may sit in the front seat if properly secured.
While most of these recommendations are based more on size rather than age, that front seat rule is completely in relation to your kiddo's birthday. So keep tweens safe and out of the front seat - they'll whine about it for a few more years, but it'll be worth the headache.
29 Telenovelas to Add to Your Netflix Queue Right Now
Gone are the days when you had to remember to put a blank tape in your VHS player to record your nightly novelas. Now you can DVR them and, even better, stream some of your favorites on Netflix - with English subtitles.
Whether you're in the mood for an oldie but goodie (Thalia's María la del Barrio, perhaps?) or a relatively recent drama (the ever popular El Hotel de los Secretos), Netflix has a surprising amount of Spanish-language TV at your binge-watching disposal.
Ready to set up camp? Prepare your queue, and keep scrolling for a list of shows you should add ASAP.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
The Royals Have a Long History of Memorable Bridesmaid Dresses
When Princess Charlotte accompanies her aunt Pippa Middleton down the aisle on May 20, she will be joining a long list of royal bridesmaids that includes her mother, Kate; grandmother Princess Diana; and great-grandmother the queen. In the past century, some fashions have changed forever - goodbye, 1970s frumpy aprons and skull caps - while voluminous skirts and flower crowns have remained remarkably similar, but what will the little princess wear? While we wait, we've rounded up all the royal bridesmaid dresses from through the years - from alarmingly flammable-looking fabrics to exquisite Vera Wang, opera gloves to bonnets and floral hoops to peachy pouffes . . .
Tom Daley's Ethereal Wedding Looks Like It Belongs in a Fairy Tale
Tom Daley tied the knot with his longtime love, Dustin Lance Black, in an stunning ceremony at the Bovey Castle Hotel in Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, over the weekend. And now, thanks to the couple's photographer, Andy Mac, you can get a peek at the intimate nuptials. The couple, who got engaged back in October 2015, wore Burberry suits and wed in front of 120 of their closest friends and family. The reception also included a special performance by the London Gay Men's Chorus. The nearly 23-year-old Olympic diver later gushed about the big day day on Instagram, writing, "👬❤️🎉 Truly unforgettable 🎉 ❤️👬," alongside a photo of him and the 42-year-old Oscar-winning screenwriter watching a fireworks display.
Tom first began dating Dustin in the Summer of 2013, shortly before he came out as bisexual on YouTube. "My life changed massively when I met someone, and they make me feel so happy, so safe, and everything just feels great," he said in the video. "That someone is a guy. It did take me by surprise a little bit." Congrats to the newlyweds!
The Royals Have a Long History of Memorable Bridesmaid Dresses
When Princess Charlotte accompanies her aunt Pippa Middleton down the aisle on May 20, she will be joining a long list of royal bridesmaids that includes her mother, Kate; grandmother Princess Diana; and great-grandmother the queen. In the past century, some fashions have changed forever - goodbye, 1970s frumpy aprons and skull caps - while voluminous skirts and flower crowns have remained remarkably similar, but what will the little princess wear? While we wait, we've rounded up all the royal bridesmaid dresses from through the years - from alarmingly flammable-looking fabrics to exquisite Vera Wang, opera gloves to bonnets and floral hoops to peachy pouffes . . .
This Viral Tweet Sums Up the Scary Future of American Health Care
On May 4, the House successfully voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, with the American Health Care Act (AHCA). While many Republicans celebrated the highly controversial bill, many liberals took to their social media accounts to contest the scary reality that if the bill is passed into law, it would potentially prevent people with preexisting conditions from affording health care.
Lon Harris, editor in chief of Insider newsletter, summed up the fears of many when he questioned if Americans might soon have to seek out financial help using GoFundMe campaigns to pay for their medical expenses. "So how long until GoFundMe is our nation's leading health care provider?" he asked in a now-viral tweet, which quickly racked up over 25,000 retweets and 53,000 "likes."
So how long until GoFundMe is our nation's leading health care provider?
- Lon Harris (@Lons) May 4, 2017
While it looks unlikely that the AHCA will successfully pass the Senate in its current form, it's evident from the amount of reactions to Harris's tongue-in-cheek tweet that many Americans - both Democrats and Republicans - are feeling passionate, and rightfully so, about future their healthcare coverage.
29 Telenovelas to Add to Your Netflix Queue Right Now
Gone are the days when you had to remember to put a blank tape in your VHS player to record your nightly novelas. Now you can DVR them and, even better, stream some of your favorites on Netflix - with English subtitles.
Whether you're in the mood for an oldie but goodie (Thalia's María la del Barrio, perhaps?) or a relatively recent drama (the ever popular El Hotel de los Secretos), Netflix has a surprising amount of Spanish-language TV at your binge-watching disposal.
Ready to set up camp? Prepare your queue, and keep scrolling for a list of shows you should add ASAP.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
Tom Daley's Ethereal Wedding Looks Like It Belongs in a Fairy Tale
Tom Daley tied the knot with his longtime love, Dustin Lance Black, in an stunning ceremony at the Bovey Castle Hotel in Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England, over the weekend. And now, thanks to the couple's photographer, Andy Mac, you can get a peek at the intimate nuptials. The couple, who got engaged back in October 2015, wore Burberry suits and wed in front of 120 of their closest friends and family. The reception also included a special performance by the London Gay Men's Chorus. The nearly 23-year-old Olympic diver later gushed about the big day day on Instagram, writing, "👬❤️🎉 Truly unforgettable 🎉 ❤️👬," alongside a photo of him and the 42-year-old Oscar-winning screenwriter watching a fireworks display.
Tom first began dating Dustin in the Summer of 2013, shortly before he came out as bisexual on YouTube. "My life changed massively when I met someone, and they make me feel so happy, so safe, and everything just feels great," he said in the video. "That someone is a guy. It did take me by surprise a little bit." Congrats to the newlyweds!
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