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.
jeudi 11 mai 2017
Get Ready to Rock the Vote, Because Dwayne Johnson Might Run For President
Dwayne Johnson's giant muscles barely even fit on the cover of GQ's June issue, which hits newsstands nationwide on May 23. We thankfully get to see a lot of Dwayne's biceps, triceps, delts, lats, and so on and so forth in the photo shoot, but his quotes about a future in politics weirdly has us most excited. Dwayne has been asked quite a bit about his political aspirations since The Washington Post published an op-ed about his very viable candidacy for president in June 2016. After the piece came out, Dwayne shared it on Instagram and called it "fun to read," and "interesting," adding that the most important thing we needed from "our current and future leaders" was "strong honest leadership." This, of course, was before the presidential election - and it seems like Dwayne is more serious than ever about landing in the White House.
"A year ago, it started coming up more and more," he told GQ. "There was a real sense of earnestness, which made me go home and think, 'Let me really rethink my answer and make sure I am giving an answer that is truthful and also respectful.'" He added that he "didn't want to be flippant - 'We'll have three days off for a weekend! No taxes!'" When asked pointedly if he may one day "give up his life" as a handsomely paid movie star in order to run for office, he replied, "I think that it's a real possibility." So, who's ready to get in the voting booth?
This Wonder Woman Makeup Line Will Turn You Into an Amazonian Princess
I'm currently sitting in a pool of my own tears because I am unable to easily acquire yet another amazing K-beauty collaboration, this time with my favorite superhero: Wonder Woman.
When the MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman collection came out back in 2011, I was a broke college student, unable to justify spending money on a luxury beauty brand. That's what makes the news of the Missha x Wonder Woman line so heartbreaking . . . it seems my dreams of uniting my passions of makeup and comic book heroes will be impossible to achieve.
That's because this collection wasn't released in the United States. Had I been privy to the knowledge of the Missha line earlier, I might have been able to snag it on eBay or Amazon for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, I missed out, again. The assortment included a plethora of patriotic products including cushion compacts, a huge selection of nail polish, mascaras, two eye shadow palettes, and more. It was a line I would have immediately added to my massive beauty stash, had I only known before it was too late. Luckily, I have the following photos to remember them by.
If you'd like to share in my grief, read on to see the kickass products.
Believe the Hype: Glossier's New SPF Is Seriously Amazing
Glossier has achieved what I had believed to be impossible: created excitement around wearing sunscreen.
SPF has traditionally been a less-than-fun product to wear. It's typically greasy (making it a challenging base for makeup), chalky (not ideal for women of color), and all around dissatisfying to use. And because of these characteristics - and despite the horrifying risks of skin cancer - many women have opted to skip applying it for years. I am one of those women, and I feel guilt every single morning because of it.
But now, I have absolutely no excuses. That's because after a great deal of speculation from its fans, Glossier released its very first SPF, Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ ($34). Just like the rest of the items in the millennial beauty brand's lineup, it was carefully developed - over the course of two years! - and its launch painstakingly planned, resulting in hype from fans around the world even though it's only available in the states. I've been watching redditors on the /r/SkincareAddiction subreddit posting about it for a while, getting excited about the product's prospects and theorizing about the formula. It seems to me that most will be deeply satisfied by Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+, as I am.
Its purpose is two-fold. It features broad spectrum SPF 35 protection with chemical sunscreens to provide defense from UVA/UVB rays. However, it's also loaded with tons of antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin P (flavonoids), broccoli, and aloe leaf extracts to shield your skin from free radicals and pollution.
The benefits are obviously stellar, but it's the formula itself that makes it stand out. It's a completely clear gel that feels silky upon application but absorbs practically immediately, leaving no residue or tint behind. This is great news for women with deeper complexions – no chalkiness to speak of, here! Bonus: that same silky texture lends itself beautifully to layering makeup on top.
As a packaging junkie, I'm also really pleased by the container Glossier chose for Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+. It's a lightweight tube with an airless pump with a completely opaque exterior, so no external factors like air, sunlight, or bacteria can get inside and spoil the formula.
If you are looking for a completely odorless SPF, this formula is not it. Invisible Shield has a subtle citrus aroma that fades as quickly as the product dries, leaving behind a classic (albeit light) sunscreen smell. It's also a little on the pricey side, however, its texture and feel are so satisfying that I doubt its scent will keep you from buying it. I personally plan on using this Glossier launch all Summer long and hope that a full-body formula is in the works!
You can buy Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen+ ($34) now on Glossier's website.
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 . . .
In Memoriam: 24 Stars We've Already Lost This Year
We lost so many famous figures in 2016, and while we're all hoping that this year is a little brighter, a handful of stars have already left us too soon - and it's only May. From Mary Tyler Moore to John Hurt, we're paying our respects to all the celebrities we've said goodbye to in 2017.
In Memoriam: 24 Stars We've Already Lost This Year
We lost so many famous figures in 2016, and while we're all hoping that this year is a little brighter, a handful of stars have already left us too soon - and it's only May. From Mary Tyler Moore to John Hurt, we're paying our respects to all the celebrities we've said goodbye to in 2017.
11 Ways William and Kate Have Changed Since They Got Married
We can't believe it's been six years since Prince William and Kate Middleton walked down the aisle! It seems like just yesterday that we were glued to our screens as the shy groom and his blushing bride said their vows in front of millions of people around the world before walking out into the Spring sunshine as the freshly-minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The couple's lives could not be more different than they were on April 29, 2011, and not just thanks to the addition of the adorable Prince George and Princess Charlotte. We're taking a look at how the royal couple has changed since they tied the knot.
Kate Hudson and Her Man Crash Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's Red Carpet Date Night
Goldie Hawn was surrounded by her loved ones at the LA premiere of her new film, Snatched, on Wednesday evening. Goldie - who was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with Kurt Russell - was her usual bubbly self as she practically floated down the red carpet with her longtime love and daughter Kate Hudson. The trio rocked coordinating outfits, and Goldie and Kate showed off their close bond as they hugged for the cameras. The premiere also brought out Goldie's costar, Amy Schumer, and Kate's boyfriend, Danny Fujikawa.
Goldie recently opened up about her 34-year-long romance with Kurt in an interview with People, saying she felt an instant connection with him on the set of their 1984 romantic war drama, Swing Shift. Even though the two have never officially tied the knot, they're still one of Hollywood's strongest couples, which Goldie credits to family, fun, laughs, and sex. "If you don't nurture that, and remember, you're done," she said.
Kate Hudson and Her Man Crash Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's Red Carpet Date Night
Goldie Hawn was surrounded by her loved ones at the LA premiere of her new film, Snatched, on Wednesday evening. Goldie - who was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with Kurt Russell - was her usual bubbly self as she practically floated down the red carpet with her longtime love and daughter Kate Hudson. The trio rocked coordinating outfits, and Goldie and Kate showed off their close bond as they hugged for the cameras. The premiere also brought out Goldie's costar, Amy Schumer, and Kate's boyfriend, Danny Fujikawa.
Goldie recently opened up about her 34-year-long romance with Kurt in an interview with People, saying she felt an instant connection with him on the set of their 1984 romantic war drama, Swing Shift. Even though the two have never officially tied the knot, they're still one of Hollywood's strongest couples, which Goldie credits to family, fun, laughs, and sex. "If you don't nurture that, and remember, you're done," she said.
This Pearlescent Hair Trend Will Make You Shout "Mother of Pearl!"
These days, pearls aren't just for engagement rings - they're also for inspiring majorly gorgeous beauty looks! Pearl hair has taken over Instagram and dominated Pinterest hairspiration boards, capturing hearts of beauty babes aiming for an under-the-sea hair hue.
The defining characteristics of this color trend are a supershiny pearlescent effect and cool, multidimensional blond tones, but otherwise the fad is very much up to individual interpretation. Just like pearls themselves range in color, this look ranges from platinum, silvery blonds with a pearly sheen to mother-of-pearl rainbow hues . . . and just like highly prized gems themselves, the color trend is friggin' beautiful.
Kate Reid, renowned colorist and design director for Kevin Murphy's Color.Me, told POPSUGAR that the journey to achieving truly pearlescent hair is not a quick one. "It's a slow process to create pearliest hair well," said Reid. "It's a long-term commitment to have this color, not a quick fix." In order to achieve the trend, Reid suggests bringing your stylist photos of the shades that appeal to you and discussing the process.
"Treat your hair like a silk dress, always handling it delicately."
Because pearl hair requires megalight blond hair without any warmth, walking away from the salon with your ideal pearlescent shade after a single visit isn't likely for most people - but according to Reid, clients should be able to work with colorists to create a maintenance program specifically designed for your hair's needs to maintain and brighten your color. She also says that healthy, well-conditioned hair is a necessity when going pearly. "It reflects light better and creates luminous shine," Reid noted.
And according to Reid, at-home maintenance is just as important as the salon service itself. "Treat your hair like a silk dress, always handling it delicately and following the care steps recommended by the hairdresser," she advised, suggesting a purple color-enhancing shampoo like Kevin Murphy's Blonde Angel to prevent any warmth from appearing in pearl hair. Reid also advised using heat protection when styling, as heat can damage strands and fade color.
So, who can pull off this hair hue? According to the following photos from real Instagram users, just about anybody! Pearl hair especially complements cooler skin tones, observes Reid, but because the hair trend is so varied, it can be executed in a wide range of ways. Read on to see several stunning iterations of pearl hair, then head to your colorist stat to get started on the process.
Fidget Spinners: Best Toy Ever or Total Nuisance?
A toy once praised for its benefits is now being banned in schools throughout the nation.
Truffle Is the Surprising New Ingredient Found in Korean Beauty Skin Care
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.
You may currently associate truffles with being just a savory addition to your pizza or fries, but being edible is not the only reason the fancy fungus will do you good! These delicacies are now being infused in Korean skin care products because of their ability to provide amazing skin benefits.
Surprised? Beyond just your normal dose of skin-benefiting minerals and vitamins, truffles contain an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD), which helps isolate free radicals and prevents them from damaging the skin. Top that off with its ability to help retain moisture, and you'll see smooth and hydrated skin with a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
What also makes truffles so special is their ability to help with sensitive and damaged skin. Truffles are packed with ceramides and vitamin B, which strengthen the skin's barrier and aid with the cells' natural renewal process.
Thanks to the effects of truffle-infused skin care, mainstream Korean beauty brands like Skinfood and Neogen are quickly adopting the truffle ingredient as a star in their skin care lines. Here are a few brands and products to try!
This Impossibly Chic Fragrance Line Is the Best-Kept Secret of Kate Middleton and Other Royals
I love a good secret, but I find beauty secrets particularly invigorating. Celebrity makeup preferences divulged by artists, intel on undetectable lash extensions, and A-list-approved dermatologist recommendations are all facts that I collect and hoard like a magpie. That's why I was completely bowled over when I discovered iconic fragrance brand Krigler - how had I never heard of it before?
Krigler started in 1879 when brand founder Albert Krigler mixed up his first scent, Pleasure Gardenia 79, as a gift for his fiancée. In 1904, he opened his first shop, and by 1931, when the company opened its first American outpost in New York City's Plaza Hotel, it had already become a favorite of celebrities, politicians, and royalty around the world.
For example, John F. Kennedy wore the brand's America One 31, a blue-tinted cologne with notes of vetiver, mandarin, and cedar that smells powerful but not overwhelming. (According to Ben Krigler, the brand's fifth-generation owner and perfumer, fraternities at Ivy League universities provide bottles of this scent to their members on graduation day.) The delicate white floral English Promenade 19 was Audrey Hepburn's favorite fragrance. And Grace Kelly's signature scent, Chateau Krigler 12, is an elegant concoction of rose, mimosa, and lily of the valley. Need even more name dropping? One of its most noteworthy current fans is Kate Middleton (who loves Extraordinaire Camelia 209); the current royals of Monaco are as well.
One of its most noteworthy current fans is Kate Middleton, who loves Extraordinaire Camelia 209.
The brand is still producing new scents to this day, using the same meticulous blending methods and high-quality ingredients that made its products so beloved. This year, Krigler is reintroducing Subtle Orchid 10, a scent originally developed in 1910 that blends the sweet scents of a patisserie with the heady aroma of a flower shop. Vanilla-lovers will covet this one, as a true baker's vanilla anchors other notes of patchouli, coffee, and blossoms.
It was hard to pick a favorite from Krigler's hundreds of legendary perfumes, and I didn't - it picked me. I've never been inclined to wear a male fragrance before and have typically only worn white florals or citrusy scents, which is why I was shocked that I was immediately captivated by Oud For Highness 75. This was originally a bespoke fragrance made for King Hussein of Jordan in 1975. After he passed away, the Jordanian royal family allowed Krigler to add it to its permanent collection.
It's warm, woodsy, and covertly sensual, with a zippy top note of bergamot that opens into lush patchouli, rose, and (of course) oud wood. There's a subtle sweetness from honey with a spicy heat from saffron. It's the kind of fragrance that makes me feel like a grown - but not overly mature - woman who can take on the world, just like royalty.
My new obsession will end up being a pricey one, as a 1.7-ounce bottle will run me back $425. But it seems reasonable to me that being a part of one of the beauty industry's best-kept secrets should come at a cost. Luckily, you can snag samples of Krigler's legendary fragrances for a fraction of the cost of a larger bottle on the brand's website. And, if you're lucky enough to live near The Plaza, I highly recommend you stop into the company's atelier, just like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn did. Beauty shopping doesn't get much chicer than that.
Black Passenger Claims American Airlines Made Her Give Up Her First-Class Seat
American Airlines is under fire for an alleged incident that two passengers say was blatantly racist. The alleged incident occurred on May 2, and the passenger states that while she was asked to move, the white friend she was traveling with was not.
The story begins on May 2 on an American Airlines flight from Kentucky to Charlotte, NC. Rane Baldwin, a black woman, used her credit card and American Airlines traveler status to upgrade her seat and her friend's to first class. However, when they scanned their tickets at the gate, Baldwin was given a new one with a seat at the back of the plane. Further, she says her friend, Janet Novack, a white woman, didn't have to change her seat. Novack took to Twitter to explain the situation. She said that while she understood the need to occasionally move passengers, it was how the staff handled the rest of the situation that she didn't like.
@AmericanAir Which is fine, things happen, it's the reaction by your staff that was completely unacceptable and just got worse from there.
- Janet Novack (@janetnovack_) May 2, 2017
Novack explained that whenever Baldwin asked questions, she was ignored by the staff. However, when Novack asked anything, she was answered. She says Baldwin moved up to the front of the main cabin at one point and Novack joined her. But, Novack claims, the staff was confused as to why Novack would leave her first-class seat and told her she didn't "have to" sit next to Baldwin.
@AmericanAir When he got to us I was informed that I could move, and we didn't HAVE to sit together. Apparently, everyone else could be squished, not us.
- Janet Novack (@janetnovack_) May 2, 2017
Novack says she couldn't believe it, considering she was only sitting in first class thanks to Baldwin.
@AmericanAir Your workers were completely comfortable keeping me in front and sending her to the back of the plane. Literally to the BACK of the plane.
- Janet Novack (@janetnovack_) May 2, 2017
Baldwin has since complained to the airline for the alleged racist encounter. "I've never felt so unimportant my entire life. This flight was the most blatantly racist thing that's ever happened to me," Baldwin told The Root. Novack, on the other hand, felt like she didn't do enough to defend her friend. "To say that I'm still baffled and at a loss for words is a gross understatement. Primarily, I feel guilt. There are a million things that I wish I could go back in time and do to help the situation and stand up for Rane," Novack said to The Root. Baldwin has yet to hear anything from American Airlines; meanwhile, the airline has responded to Novack's tweets.
@janetnovack_ We don't tolerate discrimination of any kind. Please share details and your record locator. We want to look into this quickly.
- American Airlines (@AmericanAir) May 2, 2017
We have reached out to American Airlines for comment but had not yet heard back at press time.
33 Photos of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos's Family That Will Replace Your Morning Coffee
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos may be big names in Hollywood (she has her own star on the Walk of Fame, after all), but when it comes to their personal life, they're just normal parents to their three gorgeous kids: Michael, 19, Lola, 15, and Joaquin, 14. Kelly and Mark, who eloped in Las Vegas in 1996, have never been shy about sharing glimpses of their family on social media over the years. Whether they're celebrating Christmas, bonding on family vacations, or visiting their parents at work, the Consuelos kids seem to have really good heads on their shoulders. And despite them growing up so fast (Michael recently went away to college), the family of five remains as tight as ever.
What It's Like to Be Both Mexican and Jewish
Although you may think that all Latinos are Catholic, this is incorrect. I was born in Mexico City, and, like my parents, I was raised Jewish.
My life in Mexico was pretty simple; I lived in a Jewish bubble. I went to a Jewish day school, had only Jewish friends, and lived in a primarily Jewish neighborhood. While I was aware that I was a minority, it never really affected me. I loved participating in traditionally Mexican events. One of my favorite memories of Mexico is when my mom took me to the cemetery to join the Día de los Muertos festivities. I was amazed at all the unique and beautiful colors, food, and photos that decorated the graves.
I never felt ashamed of being Jewish and only later realized that some Mexicans didn't consider me a "real Mexican." One day, a local vendor walking around Mexico City's Centro Histórico called me a güera (blonde). He was basically calling me a gringa due to my pale skin. It caught me by surprise and probably hurt me more than I could even understand at that time.
My life changed when I moved to Miami when I was 8 years old. I no longer went to a Jewish school, most of my friends weren't Jewish, and the people I met were from all over Latin America. My Latino-Jewish friends understood my background and upbringing perfectly, and most of them were raised with similar experiences. Just like me, they had grown up in Jewish neighborhoods in places like Colombia or Venezuela and moved to Miami seeking a better and safer life. I also had a lot in common with my non-Jewish Latin friends. We bonded over food and culture, as well as our nagging Latino parents.
My first real culture shock occurred when an American-Jewish girl asked me if it was my dad who was Mexican and my mom Jewish, or the other way around. She couldn't fathom both my parents being Jewish and Mexican. Since then, I've probably gotten asked a variation of this question a million times. Even other Jewish people have a hard time understanding my background. People ask me, "If you're a Mexican Jew, then that has to mean you're Sephardic, right?" or "You can't be Ashkenazi, you're from Mexico" or even, "How are you white AND Mexican?"
Judaism includes several ethnic divisions, but Sephardic and Ashkenazi are two of the most common. A Sephardic Jew is someone whose family originates from places like Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and Greece; an Ashkenazi Jew's family originates from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. A lot of people assume that because I'm from a Spanish-speaking country, my ancestors must have come from Spain, but I have no connection to Spain whatsoever. Three out of my four grandparents migrated from Russia, Lithuania, and Poland to Mexico after the Holocaust, making me three-fourths Ashkenazi. I'm also a fourth Sephardic because my paternal grandfather migrated from Turkey to Mexico in the 1900s.
On the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana or schnitzel with salsa verde.Another part of my upbringing that people are intrigued by is what food is served in my house. Sometimes, we eat traditional Mexican food like sopes and taquitos, and other times we eat Jewish food like matzah ball soup and kugel. Every Friday night on the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana (fish patties cooked in a spicy tomato sauce) or schnitzel with salsa verde. The only time my family can't enjoy traditional Mexican dishes is when they don't meet Jewish dietary laws and include food like pork and shellfish, which aren't kosher.
My Mexican-Jewish traditions didn't seem that unique to me until I moved to Boston for college. It was then that I realized I couldn't relate to many American-Jewish traditions. Many of my new American-Jewish friends had gone to Jewish schools, attended a Jewish sleepaway camp every Summer, and joined Jewish youth groups during the school year. I had never stepped foot in a sleepaway camp, and the last Jewish school I had attended was in Mexico.
However, it was the different song and prayer tunes they used in synagogue that really opened my eyes. Songs that I had learned in Mexico and Miami were completely different in Boston. I ultimately realized that these are differences that every foreigner deals with. College introduced me to people from different parts of the world, of different cultures and religions. Although some Latinos viewed me as a faux-Latina due to my religion, others saw beyond that and saw me as one of them.
If there is one thing that being a Mexican Jew has taught me, it is the importance of both my family and my heritage. I may not know what's ahead for me, but I do know this: my kids will be raised in a Spanish-speaking home with chilaquiles for breakfast, baklava for dessert, and Shabbat dinners every Friday night.
What It's Like to Be Both Mexican and Jewish
Although you may think that all Latinos are Catholic, this is incorrect. I was born in Mexico City, and, like my parents, I was raised Jewish.
My life in Mexico was pretty simple; I lived in a Jewish bubble. I went to a Jewish day school, had only Jewish friends, and lived in a primarily Jewish neighborhood. While I was aware that I was a minority, it never really affected me. I loved participating in traditionally Mexican events. One of my favorite memories of Mexico is when my mom took me to the cemetery to join the Día de los Muertos festivities. I was amazed at all the unique and beautiful colors, food, and photos that decorated the graves.
I never felt ashamed of being Jewish and only later realized that some Mexicans didn't consider me a "real Mexican." One day, a local vendor walking around Mexico City's Centro Histórico called me a güera (blonde). He was basically calling me a gringa due to my pale skin. It caught me by surprise and probably hurt me more than I could even understand at that time.
My life changed when I moved to Miami when I was 8 years old. I no longer went to a Jewish school, most of my friends weren't Jewish, and the people I met were from all over Latin America. My Latino-Jewish friends understood my background and upbringing perfectly, and most of them were raised with similar experiences. Just like me, they had grown up in Jewish neighborhoods in places like Colombia or Venezuela and moved to Miami seeking a better and safer life. I also had a lot in common with my non-Jewish Latin friends. We bonded over food and culture, as well as our nagging Latino parents.
My first real culture shock occurred when an American-Jewish girl asked me if it was my dad who was Mexican and my mom Jewish, or the other way around. She couldn't fathom both my parents being Jewish and Mexican. Since then, I've probably gotten asked a variation of this question a million times. Even other Jewish people have a hard time understanding my background. People ask me, "If you're a Mexican Jew, then that has to mean you're Sephardic, right?" or "You can't be Ashkenazi, you're from Mexico" or even, "How are you white AND Mexican?"
Judaism includes several ethnic divisions, but Sephardic and Ashkenazi are two of the most common. A Sephardic Jew is someone whose family originates from places like Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and Greece; an Ashkenazi Jew's family originates from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. A lot of people assume that because I'm from a Spanish-speaking country, my ancestors must have come from Spain, but I have no connection to Spain whatsoever. Three out of my four grandparents migrated from Russia, Lithuania, and Poland to Mexico after the Holocaust, making me three-fourths Ashkenazi. I'm also a fourth Sephardic because my paternal grandfather migrated from Turkey to Mexico in the 1900s.
On the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana or schnitzel with salsa verde.Another part of my upbringing that people are intrigued by is what food is served in my house. Sometimes, we eat traditional Mexican food like sopes and taquitos, and other times we eat Jewish food like matzah ball soup and kugel. Every Friday night on the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana (fish patties cooked in a spicy tomato sauce) or schnitzel with salsa verde. The only time my family can't enjoy traditional Mexican dishes is when they don't meet Jewish dietary laws and include food like pork and shellfish, which aren't kosher.
My Mexican-Jewish traditions didn't seem that unique to me until I moved to Boston for college. It was then that I realized I couldn't relate to many American-Jewish traditions. Many of my new American-Jewish friends had gone to Jewish schools, attended a Jewish sleepaway camp every Summer, and joined Jewish youth groups during the school year. I had never stepped foot in a sleepaway camp, and the last Jewish school I had attended was in Mexico.
However, it was the different song and prayer tunes they used in synagogue that really opened my eyes. Songs that I had learned in Mexico and Miami were completely different in Boston. I ultimately realized that these are differences that every foreigner deals with. College introduced me to people from different parts of the world, of different cultures and religions. Although some Latinos viewed me as a faux-Latina due to my religion, others saw beyond that and saw me as one of them.
If there is one thing that being a Mexican Jew has taught me, it is the importance of both my family and my heritage. I may not know what's ahead for me, but I do know this: my kids will be raised in a Spanish-speaking home with chilaquiles for breakfast, baklava for dessert, and Shabbat dinners every Friday night.
Cold Stone's Limited-Edition Wonder Woman Flavor Has Gold Glitter!
Ahead of the release of the new Wonder Woman movie, Cold Stone Creamery is releasing a fierce new flavor. The promotional flavor is called Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream, and the new Creation is called the Wonder Woman Berry Bold, which has the Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream plus chocolate shavings, raspberries, and gold glitter. And that's not all. The ice cream shop is also releasing a new cupcake called Triple Berry Wonder, which has layers of moist Red Velvet Cake and Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream, topped with chocolate frosting, gold glitter, and a Wonder Woman logoed Chocolate Medallion.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Warner Bros. for this empowering and adventurous new movie," said Kate Unger, senior vice president of marketing for Cold Stone Creamery. "Customers are going to love our superpremium ice cream and enjoy our new Wonder Woman-inspired Creation. The bold flavor of our Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream gives it a powerful chocolaty taste that goes perfectly with Raspberries and Chocolate Shavings. Then we add Gold Glitter to give it some glam!"
Get this epic new ice cream while you can. It's in stores from May 10 through June 13.
Cold Stone's Limited-Edition Wonder Woman Flavor Has Gold Glitter!
Ahead of the release of the new Wonder Woman movie, Cold Stone Creamery is releasing a fierce new flavor. The promotional flavor is called Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream, and the new Creation is called the Wonder Woman Berry Bold, which has the Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream plus chocolate shavings, raspberries, and gold glitter. And that's not all. The ice cream shop is also releasing a new cupcake called Triple Berry Wonder, which has layers of moist Red Velvet Cake and Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream, topped with chocolate frosting, gold glitter, and a Wonder Woman logoed Chocolate Medallion.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with Warner Bros. for this empowering and adventurous new movie," said Kate Unger, senior vice president of marketing for Cold Stone Creamery. "Customers are going to love our superpremium ice cream and enjoy our new Wonder Woman-inspired Creation. The bold flavor of our Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream gives it a powerful chocolaty taste that goes perfectly with Raspberries and Chocolate Shavings. Then we add Gold Glitter to give it some glam!"
Get this epic new ice cream while you can. It's in stores from May 10 through June 13.
Meet Dr. Kari, the Woman Behind Hollywood’s Goddess Locs
Meagan Good, Kelis, and Tyra Banks have all rocked her Goddess Locs on red carpets, but find out why.
Meet Dr. Kari, the Woman Behind Hollywood’s Goddess Locs
Meagan Good, Kelis, and Tyra Banks have all rocked her Goddess Locs on red carpets, but find out why.
The Lasso of Truth Will Make You Admit You Love These Wonder Woman Makeup Looks
Wonder Woman is the ultimate fierce, feminist icon. She kicks just as much ass as the boys in the Justice League and looks awesome while doing it. It's no wonder that the character has such a loyal fan base, making her a favorite for cosplayers and Halloween devotees everywhere.
We can barely contain our excitement over the new Wonder Woman film coming out on June 2, so we thought we'd celebrate with some badass Wonder Woman looks to tide us over until the movie premieres. Read on to see the the super makeup in action. Bonus points if you try these makeup ideas for opening night.
Is Forever 21 Opening a Beauty Boutique? All Signs Point to "Yes"
In recent years, Forever 21 has noticeably expanded its beauty section, as well as its own cosmetics line. Not only has the retail giant has taken in widely known brands like NYX and Sun Bum, but it's also appealed to millennial shoppers with its impressive K-beauty selections. Now, Forever 21 is reportedly considering opening a chain of standalone beauty boutiques.
According to market sources who spoke with WWD, Forever 21 is in the early stages of planning a beauty boutique chain called Riley Rose. Much like its parent retailer, Riley Rose will likely have a bubbly Instagram-friendly aesthetic tailored for younger shoppers. It's also been reported that Forever 21 will open 10 Riley Rose locations nationwide by the holidays. If it ends up being successful, they might then open an additional 10 stores by the Spring of 2018.
The exciting news comes shortly after the rumor that Anthropologie would be opening a freestanding beauty boutique. In a statement to WWD, an Anthropologie spokesperson clarified that the store will be expanding its beauty range, however, it does not have existing plans for a beauty store. Forever 21 has yet to officially address the report. Stay tuned for updates on Riley Rose as they become available.
You'll Have a Hard Time Not Obsessing Over Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's Gorgeous Family
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer are coming up on 39 years of marriage in September, and much like their romance, we love getting glimpses of their sweet family life. Meryl and Don have four children together: daughters Louisa, Grace, and Mamie and son Henry. Both Grace and Mamie are actresses, while Louisa is a model and Henry is a musician. In 2006, Meryl opened up about the importance of family, telling Parade magazine, "I think I was wired for family. You know how they say people are wired for religion, or wired for this or that? I always knew I would like to, if I could find the right person, have a family." Take a look at the brood's best moments.
The Heartbreaking Thing Prince William Told Diana After She Lost Her Title in the Divorce
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana ended their marriage in 1996, their oldest son, Prince William, was just 14 years old. At the time, he was a student at Eton College studying biology, art history, and geography and playing soccer and water polo. He hadn't yet begun his official royal duties or military career. For all intents and purposes, he was a normal teenager - besides, you know, the whole being king one day thing - and most normal teenagers are pretty bummed about their parents splitting up. But as second in line to the British throne, William recognized his (future) power and made a promise to his mother that is both incredibly adorable and incredibly heartbreaking.
Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her royal title ensued. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those that had it, including her own children. William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Tragically, Diana was killed in a car crash just a little over a year after William made his touching vow to her. In the decades after her death, both he and his brother, Harry, have opened up about their mother, sharing stories about their time with her as well as honoring her impact, both with the charities they support and the traditions she's passed on to them.
How to Make Your Sex Life as Hot as It Used to Be, According to an Expert
If you and your partner are no longer sneaking quickies in the bathroom, don't panic. Once the honeymoon period dies down, things in the sex department are bound to simmer down, too. According to love and relationship expert Dr. Pepper Schwartz, couples' sex lives begin to cool off about a year into getting serious. "Data seems to show that you get about a year when you're married or living together where you can't keep your hands off each other," Dr. Schwartz said. "It's going to go down naturally - there's a certain habituation factor of all relationships, but it shouldn't fall off a cliff."
Though every couple is different and a specific time frame can't hold true to all pairs, losing that spark can be largely preventable. The intense attraction you once had for each other in the early stages will inevitably decrease, but Dr. Schwartz highly suggests one thing: innovation. This means switching up the way you dress, the lingerie you wear, the place you normally vacation, or the room you always have sex in.
This means switching up the way you dress, the lingerie you wear, the place you normally vacation, or the room you always have sex in.
"Every now and then, change it up. And the other thing is to make sure you say the kinds of things to each other that warm each other's heart," she said. "'I'm so glad I married you.' 'When I see you at the door, I just get so excited all over again.' I mean things that are real, not the cheesy things, but say them when you mean them. These are the kinds of things that put energy and emotion back into a connection."
There isn't a specific number determining how often a couple should have sex in order to be considered happy. Dr. Schwartz made a good point in our conversation that these sort of healthy sex statistics are averaged from a couple's highs and lows. While it provides a baseline, it doesn't accurately reflect you both as individuals because everyone's "normal" is different. As long as both partners in the relationship mutually feel connected and loved, the number of times you have sex a week, for example, has no significance.
Now, if it's not a matter of keeping things exciting to reignite your sexual desire, the problem may be outside of your relationship. There are various causes for a woman's libido to decrease, including hormonal changes from pregnancy, stress, and anxiety. In fact, Dr. Schwartz found that 40 percent of all women experience some sort of sexual trouble in their lives, starting as soon as they recognize their sexuality for some. While it can be a temporary phase, these issues could be due to female sexual dysfunction (FSD) if they persist past six months and cause personal distress. The four types of FSD include: arousal problems, orgasmic problems, desire problems, and sexual pain disorder. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is also a term that refers to your absence of sexual desire that causes you emotional distress. You want it, and know you should want it, but your body simply doesn't.
Among the 2,501 US women (ages 21-49) who took the online Harry Poll survey and are premenopause, 49 percent "at least sometimes" had trouble with arousal during sexual activity. Forty-six percent of those women had difficulty reaching orgasm, yet only four percent of them sought professional help about it. Rather than being proactive about discovering the root of the problem, more women keep it to themselves because they're ashamed or embarrassed or don't think it's a cause for concern. But that misconception can negatively affect other areas in your life, including your self-esteem, self-worth, relationship, and overall health and happiness.
"One myth that I think women believe that really strikes me as really dangerous to a lot of partnerships is - some of research I did - was when women have a bad sex life they tend to say 'my relationship is OK, it's just my sex life.' But when men have a bad sex life, they say the relationship is bad, too." While sex shouldn't be the entirety of the relationship, it does play an instrumental role and can be a reflection of the relationship itself.
"That connection that you have when you have an orgasm, the connection that you have when you're wanted and you want someone. This is a whole-body response. It's not like our sexuality is walled off in a box and has no connection to our overall health. It's part of the functioning of our body," Dr. Schwartz said. "Trust me your sex life is important to your physical and emotional health."
If you are experiencing problems in your sex life, have an open conversation with your partner so that they're not left in the dark. If the problems appear to be outside the relationship, speak to a health professional. For more resources, check out Findmyspark.com.
You'll Have a Hard Time Not Obsessing Over Meryl Streep and Don Gummer's Gorgeous Family
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer are coming up on 39 years of marriage in September, and much like their romance, we love getting glimpses of their sweet family life. Meryl and Don have four children together: daughters Louisa, Grace, and Mamie and son Henry. Both Grace and Mamie are actresses, while Louisa is a model and Henry is a musician. In 2006, Meryl opened up about the importance of family, telling Parade magazine, "I think I was wired for family. You know how they say people are wired for religion, or wired for this or that? I always knew I would like to, if I could find the right person, have a family." Take a look at the brood's best moments.
The Heartbreaking Thing Prince William Told Diana After She Lost Her Title in the Divorce
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana ended their marriage in 1996, their oldest son, Prince William, was just 14 years old. At the time, he was a student at Eton College studying biology, art history, and geography and playing soccer and water polo. He hadn't yet begun his official royal duties or military career. For all intents and purposes, he was a normal teenager - besides, you know, the whole being king one day thing - and most normal teenagers are pretty bummed about their parents splitting up. But as second in line to the British throne, William recognized his (future) power and made a promise to his mother that is both incredibly adorable and incredibly heartbreaking.
Charles and Diana's divorce was finalized in August 1996, but some drama surrounding her royal title ensued. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wanted to let Diana keep the style of her royal highness, but Charles was "adamant" that she give it up - instead, she was given the title Diana, Princess of Wales. The loss of the honorific separated Diana from the rest of the family in such a way that she had to curtsy to those that had it, including her own children. William is said to have comforted his mother after the loss of her title by saying, "Don't worry, Mummy, I will give it back to you one day when I am king."
Tragically, Diana was killed in a car crash just a little over a year after William made his touching vow to her. In the decades after her death, both he and his brother, Harry, have opened up about their mother, sharing stories about their time with her as well as honoring her impact, both with the charities they support and the traditions she's passed on to them.
This Is Why Alessandra Ambrosio's Street Style Is Always So Damn Good
We've never seen a street style look Alessandra Ambrosio has worn that we didn't immediately want, but we're still surprised to see the Brazilian model upping her game year after year. Just when we think she's the most stylish she's ever been, bam, she walks out in an even better outfit.
So far this year, she has shown us athleisure can be sexy in a revealing top, reinforced the power of Winter pastels in a gorgeous maxi dress, and demonstrated that going back to basics with a white sweater and jeans is never a bad idea. Scroll ahead to see those looks and more, and feel totally inspired!
Fidget Spinners: Best Toy Ever or Total Nuisance?
A toy once praised for its benefits is now being banned in schools throughout the nation.
Usher Paddleboarding in Hawaii Is You Trying to Get Through the Week
Usher jetted off to Hawaii this week to enjoy a tropical vacation with a few friends. Besides the whole "he's a successful and rich celebrity" thing, we can actually totally relate to these photos. The "Crash" singer, who married Grace Miguel in 2015, whipped off his tank top and revealed his sexy abs (and, er, bulge) before hitting the water to do a little paddleboarding on Tuesday. While he tried his best, the father of two couldn't make it work and hilariously crashed into the water. In other words, us trying to get through the week.
This Is Why Alessandra Ambrosio's Street Style Is Always So Damn Good
We've never seen a street style look Alessandra Ambrosio has worn that we didn't immediately want, but we're still surprised to see the Brazilian model upping her game year after year. Just when we think she's the most stylish she's ever been, bam, she walks out in an even better outfit.
So far this year, she has shown us athleisure can be sexy in a revealing top, reinforced the power of Winter pastels in a gorgeous maxi dress, and demonstrated that going back to basics with a white sweater and jeans is never a bad idea. Scroll ahead to see those looks and more, and feel totally inspired!
NSFW: Please Enjoy This Video of Gordon Ramsay's Completely Bare Butt
Well, this is certainly a side of Gordon Ramsay we've never seen before. In a new episode of Hotel Hell, Gordon Ramsay goes completely nude in front of the camera and gives the audience a very, very clear view of his butt. Clearly the chef was proud to show off his toned body - as he should be - as he gets out of bed in his boxers, strips down in the bathroom, gets in the shower, and rubs his butt against the shower door for all to see. Yes, really. Since we know you're wondering, you'll find these NSFW clips at the beginning of the video, which Gordon shared on his official YouTube channel, and the bit lasts until about the 22-second mark. After that, it's back to business to help a struggling hotel.
These days, we're used to Gordon critiquing fans' food on Twitter and sharing his strong opinions about airplane food. But this stripped-down perspective of Gordon was a pleasant surprise. Commenters could not contain their feelings and shared their first reactions, such as "I bet that ass is seasoned to perfection," "I am imagining his daughter watching this and dying inside," and "Came for the butt. So cute." Just in case you're dying to see it again, scroll to see two priceless GIFs from Gordon's revealing video.
Please enjoy this GIF of Gordon stripping down before getting in the shower . . .
. . . and this one of Gordon rubbing his butt cheeks against the shower door.
NSFW: Please Enjoy This Video of Gordon Ramsay's Completely Bare Butt
Well, this is certainly a side of Gordon Ramsay we've never seen before. In a new episode of Hotel Hell, Gordon Ramsay goes completely nude in front of the camera and gives the audience a very, very clear view of his butt. Clearly the chef was proud to show off his toned body - as he should be - as he gets out of bed in his boxers, strips down in the bathroom, gets in the shower, and rubs his butt against the shower door for all to see. Yes, really. Since we know you're wondering, you'll find these NSFW clips at the beginning of the video, which Gordon shared on his official YouTube channel, and the bit lasts until about the 22-second mark. After that, it's back to business to help a struggling hotel.
These days, we're used to Gordon critiquing fans' food on Twitter and sharing his strong opinions about airplane food. But this stripped-down perspective of Gordon was a pleasant surprise. Commenters could not contain their feelings and shared their first reactions, such as "I bet that ass is seasoned to perfection," "I am imagining his daughter watching this and dying inside," and "Came for the butt. So cute." Just in case you're dying to see it again, scroll to see two priceless GIFs from Gordon's revealing video.
Please enjoy this GIF of Gordon stripping down before getting in the shower . . .
. . . and this one of Gordon rubbing his butt cheeks against the shower door.
7 Celeb Moms Who've Opened Up About Postpartum Depression
"Like a lot of women, I too struggled with postpartum depression after my first baby was born," Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote in a powerful Instagram post. The mother of two is one of many celebrity moms who've bravely spoken out about their struggles with postpartum depression.
7 Celeb Moms Who've Opened Up About Postpartum Depression
"Like a lot of women, I too struggled with postpartum depression after my first baby was born," Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote in a powerful Instagram post. The mother of two is one of many celebrity moms who've bravely spoken out about their struggles with postpartum depression.
Forgot a Mother's Day Gift? Don't Panic, Amazon Prime Can Help (For Free!)
So Mother's Day crept up on you . . . again. Understandable. Instead of scrambling to send a last-minute gift that will probably get there several days late, Amazon Prime Now is here to save the day. The service, which Amazon Prime members in certain US cities are eligible to use, is promising two-hour fresh flower delivery on May 13 and May 14, the day before Mother's Day and on the actual holiday itself. The best part? It's free!
If you don't already have Amazon Prime, now is the perfect time to sign up!
1 of Your Favorite Beauty Influencers Just Revealed a Collaboration With Colourpop
If you use Instagram as inspiration for a poppin' highlight, there's no doubt that you already follow Karen Sarahi Gonzalez, aka @iluvsarahii. Shimmery cheekbones, a plush vibrant pucker, and a crisply defined cat eye are all part of the glamorous beauty influencer's signature look, and it now seems possible that we'll be able to re-create them all: she's collaborating with Colourpop Cosmetics on a new collection.
"It's been soo hard to keep this in but I am so excited to announce my collaboration with @colourpopcosmetics," she revealed in a post on Instagram, which showed the cover of a pressed powder palette. "I've been working on this for months and been having so much fun creating and designing everything." According to Gonzalez, this compact is just one of many items to come. The collaboration officially launches on May 24 at 10 a.m. Pacific time. Stay tuned for more updates on this collection as they become available.
Sally Yates Will Not Pardon the Manterruption
When it comes to standing up to the Trump administration, Sally Yates is proof that not all superheroes wear capes.
Sally Yates Will Not Pardon the Manterruption
When it comes to standing up to the Trump administration, Sally Yates is proof that not all superheroes wear capes.
I Wrote a Romance Novel on a Train and Here’s What I Learned
Image Source: StockSnap / Denys Argyriou
Of all the strange and wonderful things I've done in my life, writing a romance novel on a train ranks chief among them.
In late January, I found myself sitting in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train, whizzing through the snow-blanketed Sierra Nevadas, sipping a cold beer and working on the final chapter of my romance novel, Constant Craving. I'd been one of 24 people chosen for the Amtrak Writers Residency, a program for creative professionals.
Most of the people chosen were literary fiction writers, playwrights, and poets. I think I was one of the only, if not the only, genre fiction writer. The purpose of the residency was to give artists a unique place to write; it was originally suggested by novelist Alexander Chee, who said in an interview that his favorite place to write was on a train.
When I was chosen for the program in the Summer of 2016, I was a bit incredulous. Me, a romance writer and reporter? I wasn't writing deep think pieces - in my day job, I write about tragedies, disasters, and alligator attacks in Florida. In my fiction life, I write about . . . well, sexytimes.
But I was chosen, and Amtrak did want me to ride the rails and write whatever I wanted, be it fiction or nonfiction.
So the gist of the program was this: I would ride around the country on a train for two weeks and follow my muse. Pretty sweet, right? I picked a somewhat circular route around the country to coincide with a writing conference in New York, overstuffed my little rolling suitcase, and asked my readers for their favorite snack recipes.
Off I went.
From my home state of Florida I headed to New York, then Chicago, west to San Francisco, south to Los Angeles, and then over to New Orleans. I stopped in each of those cities. I had dinner with writers in New York, pizza with my dad in Oakland, high tea with my critique partner in Chicago, and brunch with a friend in Los Angeles. Truly the stuff memories are made of.
There was also lots of alone time, something I craved.
During one of the few pockets of internet access (more on that later) I posted a photo to Instagram of the beer and the snow and my computer.
"This is also vacation," I wrote.
I turned to my computer and revised and rewrote a couple of pages, then paused to stare out the window at the incredible view. That's when it hit me: what was I doing, staring at a screen when immeasurable beauty was all around me? Why wasn't I acting like I was on vacation?
The train glided through sun-dappled valleys and forests covered in sparkling snow. As a Florida girl, I was captivated by the scenery. I closed my laptop.
An hour slipped by, then two. The light shifted to that golden, diffuse hue that only the West Coast can offer, and I allowed my mind to go blank.
I didn't get more writing done that day.
Although I was there to write, I ended up learning an invaluable lesson and accepted it for several days of the trip.
I did nothing.
For a chunk of my trip - from Reno to New Orleans - I was just an observer, and it felt amazing.
Doing nothing allowed me to eventually finish my novel soon after I returned from the train trip. Doing nothing gave me ideas for new novels. Doing nothing but move through the country in a giant metal car, through dusty Texas towns and past the shimmering Pacific Ocean, refilled my creative well.
Here are three things I learned while writing (and not writing) my novel on an Amtrak train.
It's healthy to occasionally reflect on how hard you work.
Since 2014, I've juggled both my journalism job and my fiction. During the day, I write news, then I come home, make dinner, walk the dogs, and spend an hour with my husband - and after all that, I write a thousand words of fiction. Every night. My particular superpower is focus, and I often overlook and ignore that I've accomplished a lot. Often I concentrate on what more I need to do: the next news article, the next milestone for my books sales, the next manuscript.
Being on the train and disconnected from my daily routine forced me to reflect on how far I've come. I think as women, we don't give ourselves enough credit for what we've achieved. We're often too busy planning for the next achievement. The trip was a reminder that I must celebrate the past achievements, too.
Always trust your gut.
In late 2014, after I wrote my first novel, I began another. It was about a newspaper publisher who is trying to save her dying family business. It's gone through various rewrites and revisions in over a two-and-a-half-year period. There were several points during that time that I could have tossed the manuscript in a virtual trunk - God knows I wanted to. An earlier version was rejected by some publishers, a judge in a contest hated one chapter, one editor questioned whether any romance fans would want to read about a female newspaper publisher. But I loved the book and the story. Now that it's finished, I think it's the best thing I've written and I'm going to trust in that feeling because I think readers will love it, too.
Sometimes, you need to do exactly what others tell you not to do, especially when it comes to following your creative muse.
The world will be OK without you for a while.
In my day job, I'm a journalist with the Associated Press in Florida. My days are busy, covering strange news, terrible natural disasters, and horrific tragedies. In 2016 I wrote little bit of everything: Hillary Clinton and female voters, the death of Fidel Castro, the Pulse nightclub shooting. I'm also an indie romance author, which means I tackle all aspects of publishing myself: the writing, hiring of editors and cover designers, and marketing. Plus, I'm married with two dogs. So, I'm always doing something. I'm always writing or reading or frantically checking my to-do list.
Going on the train and writing fiction meant I could focus on, well, me. I didn't travel with anyone, and while I've traveled alone around the world, I haven't in a few years. Relying only on myself to haul my luggage and get from one place to the next forced me to live in the moment.
Another bonus: for large swaths of the country, there was no WiFi or cell service. If I wanted to sleep late and not read the day's news, I could. If I wanted to day drink and not check my Amazon book sales, nobody cared. If I felt like staring out the window for hours, there was nothing to distract me.
I did all of those things and it felt decadent at first. Part of me was a little worried everything would fall apart while I slacked off. Guess what? Nothing happened. My job as a journalist was waiting when I returned. My fiction sales marched on without me. My husband and the dogs didn't starve to death.
I'm not saying to ignore all responsibilities forever, but unplugging and slacking can be good for one's soul. Essential, even.
Since returning home from my train journey, I've found myself longing for that unplugged solitude, and I've been researching trips. The train from Seattle to San Francisco might be just the thing I need.
You can check out Tamara Lush's work on her website at www.tamaralush.com or connect with her on Twitter @tamaralush.
Sally Yates Will Not Pardon the Manterruption
When it comes to standing up to the Trump administration, Sally Yates is proof that not all superheroes wear capes.
The 1 Popular Beauty Product That Could Be Ruining Your Skin
In recent years, oil cleansing has surged in popularity, with many acting as if it is the holy grail of skin care techniques. To be fair, washing one's face with oil can have incredible benefits, including a hydrated complexion, a reduction in (or total disappearance of) blemishes, and a lit-from-within glow. But according to Kazumi Toyama, global SK-II senior manager of technical marketing and scientific communications, cleansing oil is not necessarily the cure-all method many believe it to be.
"Cleansing oil is very good at removing lots of oil," she explained. "But it's not so good for the skin." Kazumi found that in her research of Japanese consumers, women were not properly using this type of cleanser and were completely stripping their complexions of all natural oils. "The way they are using the cleansing oil, it's like, 'Oh, no, no, no.' It dries out the skin."
That's because the very mechanism that makes this type of cleanser so effective also makes it potentially harmful. Think back to your high school chemistry class. Do you remember learning about solubility, or "like dissolves like"? Oil and water do not mix (think of a bottle of salad dressing), but two kinds of oil will easily mix, which is what happens when you're applying cleansing oil to your face.
The specially designed product dissolves sebum and then emulsifies so it's easy to remove with water. However, if your face feels dry and tight after oil cleansing, you've overdone it. Not only will removing all that moisture from your skin dry it out (duh!), but it will also make your complexion look dull, sallow, and wrinkly, and can even cause breakouts.
If you're a new convert to oil cleansing, let your skin be your guide. A formula specially designed for this, like SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil ($70) (vs. DIY with carrier and essential oils), should not leave you with a sensitive or stripped sensation. Use three pumps of product to start with and massage it into dry skin using circular motions. You will see the texture transform from an oil to a milk - after it's fully emulsified, rinse your face with water. At this point, your complexion should feel soft and dewy, never squeaky clean (if your face feels a bit tight, use less next time you cleanse).
It's essential that you finish your cleansing ritual by adding additional "good" hydration to your skin via an essence or moisturizer. This will ensure that your complexion doesn't dry out or retaliate by overproducing sebum. Shop the best cleansing oils for your skin type here, then learn about why you should try an essence.
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by SK-II for the purpose of writing this story.
Trump's Firing of FBI Director James Comey Is Terrifying - No Matter Your Politics
Image Source: Getty / Zach Gibson
You might almost think Hillary Clinton has found an ally in the White House. In a bitterly ironic twist of fate, President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey on May 9, claiming the reason was that Comey acted unprofessionally by disclosing the bureau's investigation into Clinton's emails back in October. You read that correctly: the man who once suggested Comey's assessment of Clinton was not harsh enough is now firing him for revealing the bureau's investigation into her emails.
CNN's Jeffrey Toobin offered an apt analysis of Comey's firing shortly after the news broke. "This is the kind of thing that goes on in non-democracies. When there is an investigation that reaches near the president of the United States, or the leader of a non-democracy, they fire the people who are in charge of the investigation," Toobin asserted. "I've not seen anything like this since October 20, 1973, when President [Richard] Nixon fired Archibald Cox, the Watergate special prosecutor. This is something that is not within the American political tradition."
Toobin on Trump firing Comey: "This is not normal. This is not politics as usual." https://t.co/W5F3OFUkWg https://t.co/kzMG9RVH1G
- The Situation Room (@CNNSitRoom) May 9, 2017
Toobin's point identifies the central issue with Comey's firing: as the head of the FBI, Comey was responsible for the ongoing investigation into Trump's association with Russian operatives. It is particularly disconcerting given that the executive branch is legally supposed to be to completely separate from the judicial branch; Trump's firing of Comey is an apparent rejection of this purported division and latently motivated by political discord.
Even former Clinton staffers expressed concern over Comey's firing, despite the fact that the former Democratic presidential hopeful has maintained that Comey influenced the election in some capacity. Clinton's former campaign manager, Robby Mook, said Comey's removal "terrified him."
Twilight zone. I was as disappointed and frustrated as anyone at how the email investigation was handled. But this terrifies me.
- Robby Mook (@RobbyMook) May 9, 2017
As Toobin also reiterated, "This is not normal. This is not politics as usual. This is something that is completely outside how American law is supposed to work."
Women With Clear Skin Always Eat These 6 Foods - and Avoid These 2
We've gone to great lengths to discuss how what you eat effects your skin. Be it for a supple, glowing, or overall healthy looking palette, you can be sure we've catered our grocery lists to it. And yet, every so often, an acne outbreak still rears its head. Sure, you could reach for one of many superior spot treatments, but the frustration of having to face an unsightly pimple in the first place is . . . well, frustrating.
If you're like us (and we're betting you are), you've studied every acne face map on the web to no avail. Worry not. We tapped Dr. Helen Knagg, PhD., vice president of research and development at Nu Skin, for answers. "Skin is your body's largest organ. Just like any of your other organs, its health is dependent on what is taken into the body to provide it with the needed nutrients to function properly."
With 20 years of experience in skin care (including a background in skin and hair biology, biochemisty, and pharmacology), we'd all be smart to heed her clear skin advice.
Shape-Up Session: Cardio and Strength Training in One Killer Workout
We mix cardio bursts into your strength training. It's a 1:1 ratio to keep your heart rate up. The cardio portion is jumping rope, but don't worry, you won't have to do all those minutes back to back. The jumping is mixed with targeted strength-training moves. Don't have a jump rope? Fake it. Seriously, you might feel a little silly, but jumping in place for a minute is killer (and easier than dodging a rotating rope).
Check out the workout below, scroll down to learn the details of the strength-training moves, then print the workout, and get at it!
Directions: Perform each exercise for a minute. Do this workout twice through, taking a minute break between each 15-minute set if needed.
Details on how to do each move below.
Gate Swing
- From standing, jump softly into a wide squat. Push your knees open to deepen the inner-thigh stretch, holding the position for a moment.
- Push off your knees for extra leverage, and jump your legs together.
- Immediately jump your legs back out to a wide squat, and continue to repeat.
Alternating Curtsy Lunge
- Start from standing and step your left leg behind you and to the right so your thighs cross, bending both knees as if you were curtsying.
- Return to standing, and switch sides.
Single-Leg Toe Touch
- Stand on your left foot with your right knee up. Reach down to touch the floor with your right hand; extend your right leg behind you for balance.
- Press into the left heel to focus the work in your butt as you return to standing, bringing the knee up.
- Repeat for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
Push-Up and Rotate
- Begin in a plank position, and do a push-up.
- At the top of the push-up, reach the right hand toward the ceiling, rotating into a side plank on your left hand.
- Return to the center, perform another push-up, and rotate onto the right hand, reaching the left hand toward the ceiling.
Chair Squat
- Begin in a narrow stance, and bend your knees, coming into a squat while reaching your arms overhead and keeping your chest up.
- Press into your heels to return to standing while lowering your arms.
Seated Russian Twist
- Sit on the ground with your knees bent, pull your abs to your spine, and lean back a few inches while lifting your feet off the floor. Be sure to keep your back straight.
- Reach your arms out in front of you, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left, repeating for one minute. Lower your heels to the ground if you need to.
Sumo Squat With Side Bend
- Start in a very wide stance and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your knees are just over your ankles. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide.
- Bend to the right, bringing your right elbow toward your right knee. Maintain the squat, and side bend to the left.
- Continue alternating sides, while holding the squat.
Shape-Up Session: Cardio and Strength Training in One Killer Workout
We mix cardio bursts into your strength training. It's a 1:1 ratio to keep your heart rate up. The cardio portion is jumping rope, but don't worry, you won't have to do all those minutes back to back. The jumping is mixed with targeted strength-training moves. Don't have a jump rope? Fake it. Seriously, you might feel a little silly, but jumping in place for a minute is killer (and easier than dodging a rotating rope).
Check out the workout below, scroll down to learn the details of the strength-training moves, then print the workout, and get at it!
Directions: Perform each exercise for a minute. Do this workout twice through, taking a minute break between each 15-minute set if needed.
Details on how to do each move below.
Gate Swing
- From standing, jump softly into a wide squat. Push your knees open to deepen the inner-thigh stretch, holding the position for a moment.
- Push off your knees for extra leverage, and jump your legs together.
- Immediately jump your legs back out to a wide squat, and continue to repeat.
Alternating Curtsy Lunge
- Start from standing and step your left leg behind you and to the right so your thighs cross, bending both knees as if you were curtsying.
- Return to standing, and switch sides.
Single-Leg Toe Touch
- Stand on your left foot with your right knee up. Reach down to touch the floor with your right hand; extend your right leg behind you for balance.
- Press into the left heel to focus the work in your butt as you return to standing, bringing the knee up.
- Repeat for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
Push-Up and Rotate
- Begin in a plank position, and do a push-up.
- At the top of the push-up, reach the right hand toward the ceiling, rotating into a side plank on your left hand.
- Return to the center, perform another push-up, and rotate onto the right hand, reaching the left hand toward the ceiling.
Chair Squat
- Begin in a narrow stance, and bend your knees, coming into a squat while reaching your arms overhead and keeping your chest up.
- Press into your heels to return to standing while lowering your arms.
Seated Russian Twist
- Sit on the ground with your knees bent, pull your abs to your spine, and lean back a few inches while lifting your feet off the floor. Be sure to keep your back straight.
- Reach your arms out in front of you, and twist your torso to the right, then to the left, repeating for one minute. Lower your heels to the ground if you need to.
Sumo Squat With Side Bend
- Start in a very wide stance and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor and your knees are just over your ankles. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows wide.
- Bend to the right, bringing your right elbow toward your right knee. Maintain the squat, and side bend to the left.
- Continue alternating sides, while holding the squat.
20 Songs That'll Get Everyone on the Dance Floor at Your Next Party
We like to party - we're sure we're not alone here - and that's why we know that for a get-together to be successful, good music is in order. To save you from agonizing over the perfect playlist, we've compiled 20 songs that could be the soundtrack of every one of your many upcoming Spring and Summer celebrations (including your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, filled with delicious food and fun cocktails).
The number one thing all of these Latin tunes have in common is how from the first beat they'll make you want to get up and dance. There's some Pitbull, Thalia, and 3BallMTY in here, so you can trust us when we say it will live up to your expectations.
At-Home Cardio - No Running Required!
You don't need any equipment to get your cardio on. Heck, you don't even need to run to get your heart rate up. With this workout, you can burn major calories in your living room with 20 minutes of cardio.
We provide modifications for all the exercises, so if you're new to working out, we've got you covered. Or you can modify this workout by going through the series once for a heart-thumping 10-minute workout - just don't skip the cooldown. If you're following the 2-Week Tone-Up Plan, challenge yourself to do the 10-exercise series twice (by replaying the workout before the cooldown). Now, grab a bottle of water, press play, and get ready to sweat.
We made a printable version of this workout, too! Just in case you want to take it to the gym.
Pin For Later
On Anna: Heroine Sport
On Dre: Ultracor and Kira Grace
On Kaycee: Manduka and Lululemon
Shoes: Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
At-Home Cardio - No Running Required!
You don't need any equipment to get your cardio on. Heck, you don't even need to run to get your heart rate up. With this workout, you can burn major calories in your living room with 20 minutes of cardio.
We provide modifications for all the exercises, so if you're new to working out, we've got you covered. Or you can modify this workout by going through the series once for a heart-thumping 10-minute workout - just don't skip the cooldown. If you're following the 2-Week Tone-Up Plan, challenge yourself to do the 10-exercise series twice (by replaying the workout before the cooldown). Now, grab a bottle of water, press play, and get ready to sweat.
We made a printable version of this workout, too! Just in case you want to take it to the gym.
Pin For Later
On Anna: Heroine Sport
On Dre: Ultracor and Kira Grace
On Kaycee: Manduka and Lululemon
Shoes: Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
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