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.
samedi 3 juin 2017
15 Things My Depression Would Definitely Text Me, If It Could
For those suffering from depression, it can often feel like nothing will ever get better and nobody will ever understand. My personal bouts consist of oversleeping, undereating, shutting down at inappropriate times, disconnecting or isolating myself from the people I care about in an effort "not to burden them," and generally being a challenging person to deal with and get through to.
I think about all the ways depression (and its sh*tty second cousin, anxiety) have made a home in me; like a devil on either shoulder, telling me I don't deserve the things I want, the people I love don't love me back, and the roads to healthy relationships and self-confidence will always be closed for construction. But one of the things I can bring to my decades-long odyssey with mental illness (besides, you know, medication and therapy) is a wry, malapropos sense of humor - because sometimes, it really does seem like there is nothing else. That being said, here are some text messages I just know I'd get from my depression if it could fit its grubby little hands around a cell phone (and if I actually gave it my number).
- It's honestly so crazy to me that you have friends. Isn't that crazy to you?
- You realize nobody like, actually likes you, right? Try looking up "tolerate" in the dictionary, hun.
- They "just want you to be happy?" LOL, you don't really believe that, do you?
- Yeah, that dude is WAY out of your league. Cute that you thought he'd be into you, though.
- Don't you think you're being a little too . . . I dunno . . . happy right now? Snap out of it, girl. It's not always about you!
- Isn't Pinterest so inspiring? It's like, all the things you'll never have and don't deserve, but in one handy place. You should check it multiple times a day!
- You really are better off just keeping your head down, getting your work done, and going home. Nobody will notice because nobody cares!
- You really are better off just saying you're tired, turning down the invite, and staying home. Nobody will notice because nobody cares!
- Wait, you tried to explain our relationship to someone?! I bet you cried! Way to go. Have fun looking insane.
- OMG, my vacay was amazing. Looks like you had a fun couple of weeks without me but I'm so glad to be back - aren't you so glad I'm back?
- Did that doctor just call me "severe?" Way harsh, Tai.
- Hey, we have that 11 hours of sleep that we really need to get to. So what the sun's still out? Seems like the sun's problem.
- Um, Anxiety just told me you were awake half the night thinking about how f*cked up your life is and didn't get the 11 hours of sleep we need to function. Care to explain?
- Wait, who told you your life was f*cked up? Not me, I hope.
- Dude, you're so dramatic. You'll be fiiiine. When have I ever lied to you?
16 Times We Wanted to Borrow Kendall Jenner's Airport Outfits
It would be hard to miss Kendall Jenner strolling through the terminals of LAX or JFK. Besides the flashes from paparazzi cameras, we would definitely notice her travel style. She always manages to look put together and cool during flights. So, how does she do it? After careful research, we noticed the model's trick is to wear matching sets. Whether it be a tracksuit or matching her duster coat to her pants, the key is coordination. She does it so effortlessly, you wouldn't even notice until you see all her airport outfits in one place.
No matter what Kendall wears, however, at least one element of her outfit is comfortable - a good rule to abide by when traveling. Ahead are 16 of Kendall's best airport looks plus some styling tips you can steal for your next flight.
Are Steel-Cut Oats That Much Healthier Than Rolled Oats?
Rolled oats sound healthier for you than quick oats because they're less processed, right? So if steel-cut oats are even less processed than rolled oats, they're the healthiest of them all, right? If you're not even sure what the different types of oats are, the explanation below should clear things up.
To shed some light about which oats are better for you, check out the chart comparison below.
| Steel-cut oats | Old-fashioned (rolled) oats | Quick oats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Also called Irish or Scotch oats, these are cut, not rolled. They look like chopped-up rice, take the longest to cook, and have a slightly chewy consistency. | Sometimes called rolled oats, these look like flat little ovals. When processing these oats, the kernels are steamed first, and then rolled to flatten them. They take longer to cook than quick oats but are quicker than steel-cut oats. | Also called instant oats, these oats are precooked, dried, and then rolled. They cook in a few minutes when added to hot water and have a mushy texture. |
| Typical Serving Size | 1/4 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry |
| Calories | 170 | 190 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 3.5 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 0.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Carbs | 29 g | 32 g | 27 g |
| Fiber | 5 g | 5 g | 4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g | 7 g | 5 g |
| Calcium | 2% | 2% | 0% |
| Iron | 10% | 15% | 10% |
Surprised? It looks like they're pretty similar, but one thing that sets them apart is how they compare on the glycemic index. The less-processed steel-cut oats have a much lower glycemic load than higher-processed quick oats. Low-GI foods slow down the rate that glucose (sugar) gets introduced into your body, and in contrast, high-GI foods cause a spike in your blood sugar as well as insulin, causing you to crave more sugary foods when your glucose levels drop. The best option then are the steel-cut oats, with rolled oats a great second choice. They'll keep you feeling fuller longer, which will keep your energy levels up and help you lose weight.
If you're obsessed with this grain, here are some fun tips and recipes to help you enjoy it even more.
- If you love steel-cut oatmeal, try freezing single-size servings.
- For cake-like oatmeal, try this microwaveable banana peanut butter recipe.
- Make these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats to save time in the morning.
- For a grab-and-go snack, make these chocolate almond oatmeal protein bars or these three-ingredient protein balls.
- Spice up your basic bowl of oatmeal with these under-400-calories flavor combinations.
- For a creamy, drinkable form of oatmeal, try this high-protein banana overnight oats smoothie.
Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler's $11.75M Chicago Mansion Has an Indoor Basketball Court and a Movie Theater
After several years, Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler are ready to move out of their stunning suburban mansion outside of Chicago. On May 30, the couple listed their sprawling seven-bedroom property $4.75 million after having bought it in 2014 for $4.25 million, according to Trulia.
In addition to the seven freaking bedrooms, the mansion also boasts 10 bathrooms, a movie theater, indoor basketball court, and wine cellar. At the back of the property, there's also a peaceful wooden walkway that leads to a small private beach on Lake Michigan. All in all, the three-story home amounts to 11,000 square feet.
It's likely that Cavallari and Cutler are hoping to move away from the Chicago area and relocate their family of five. At the close of the 2016 NFL season, Cutler announced his retirement after playing for the Chicago Bears for eight seasons. Now that Cutler is untethered to a team, the family is free to live wherever they please. That being said, Cavallari and Cutler have yet to announce where they'll land next.
In the meantime, see pictures of the gorgeous mansion they got to call home for the past four years.
Don't Waste Your Time Searching - These Are the Best Beach Towels of 2017
Stop taking your bathroom towels to the beach. Invest in a towel you love that can double as perfect background to all your Summer selfies. You've already spent so much time getting beach-body-ready, picking your swimsuit, and shopping a beach tote. Make finding a towel fuss-free by choosing one of these.
15 Adorable Swimsuits You and Your Little Girl Will Love
It takes some serious self-control to walk through the girls' department and not buy every cute swimsuit out there. There are a variety of adorable options this year, and something tells us your daughter might be constantly reminding you that Summer break is around the corner. If you're looking for a fun option that both you and your little girl can agree on, we found some excellent picks for two to 10-year-olds. Take a look at these cute swimsuits.
16 Times We Wanted to Borrow Kendall Jenner's Airport Outfits
It would be hard to miss Kendall Jenner strolling through the terminals of LAX or JFK. Besides the flashes from paparazzi cameras, we would definitely notice her travel style. She always manages to look put together and cool during flights. So, how does she do it? After careful research, we noticed the model's trick is to wear matching sets. Whether it be a tracksuit or matching her duster coat to her pants, the key is coordination. She does it so effortlessly, you wouldn't even notice until you see all her airport outfits in one place.
No matter what Kendall wears, however, at least one element of her outfit is comfortable - a good rule to abide by when traveling. Ahead are 16 of Kendall's best airport looks plus some styling tips you can steal for your next flight.
Are Steel-Cut Oats That Much Healthier Than Rolled Oats?
Rolled oats sound healthier for you than quick oats because they're less processed, right? So if steel-cut oats are even less processed than rolled oats, they're the healthiest of them all, right? If you're not even sure what the different types of oats are, the explanation below should clear things up.
To shed some light about which oats are better for you, check out the chart comparison below.
| Steel-cut oats | Old-fashioned (rolled) oats | Quick oats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Also called Irish or Scotch oats, these are cut, not rolled. They look like chopped-up rice, take the longest to cook, and have a slightly chewy consistency. | Sometimes called rolled oats, these look like flat little ovals. When processing these oats, the kernels are steamed first, and then rolled to flatten them. They take longer to cook than quick oats but are quicker than steel-cut oats. | Also called instant oats, these oats are precooked, dried, and then rolled. They cook in a few minutes when added to hot water and have a mushy texture. |
| Typical Serving Size | 1/4 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry | 1/2 cup dry |
| Calories | 170 | 190 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 3 g | 3.5 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g | 0.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Carbs | 29 g | 32 g | 27 g |
| Fiber | 5 g | 5 g | 4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Protein | 7 g | 7 g | 5 g |
| Calcium | 2% | 2% | 0% |
| Iron | 10% | 15% | 10% |
Surprised? It looks like they're pretty similar, but one thing that sets them apart is how they compare on the glycemic index. The less-processed steel-cut oats have a much lower glycemic load than higher-processed quick oats. Low-GI foods slow down the rate that glucose (sugar) gets introduced into your body, and in contrast, high-GI foods cause a spike in your blood sugar as well as insulin, causing you to crave more sugary foods when your glucose levels drop. The best option then are the steel-cut oats, with rolled oats a great second choice. They'll keep you feeling fuller longer, which will keep your energy levels up and help you lose weight.
If you're obsessed with this grain, here are some fun tips and recipes to help you enjoy it even more.
- If you love steel-cut oatmeal, try freezing single-size servings.
- For cake-like oatmeal, try this microwaveable banana peanut butter recipe.
- Make these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats to save time in the morning.
- For a grab-and-go snack, make these chocolate almond oatmeal protein bars or these three-ingredient protein balls.
- Spice up your basic bowl of oatmeal with these under-400-calories flavor combinations.
- For a creamy, drinkable form of oatmeal, try this high-protein banana overnight oats smoothie.
Blink Twice and You'll Mistake These Dubai Bloggers For Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner
The Kardashian and Jenner girls have some of the most recognizable faces in the world, and Sonia and Fyza Ali can most definitely attest to that. The Dubai-based blogger sisters are constantly stopped and asked for photos because of their striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, and seriously, it's scary how much they look alike.
Between their long dark hair, contoured makeup, and love for selfies, it's no surprise that Sonia and Fyza are believed to be the reality stars. While your mind is likely blown over these sisters, Sonia and Fyza don't think they look like Kim and Kylie.
"Our close friends and family are so used to seeing us [that] they have never seen a resemblance," the girls told Emirates Woman. "We find it weird when people approach us saying so because we don't even dress anything like them."
Well, we're going to have to disagree! Keep reading to see photos of Sonia and Fyza and how their hair, makeup, and even freckles compare to the famous sisters.
Blink Twice and You'll Mistake These Dubai Bloggers For Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner
The Kardashian and Jenner girls have some of the most recognizable faces in the world, and Sonia and Fyza Ali can most definitely attest to that. The Dubai-based blogger sisters are constantly stopped and asked for photos because of their striking resemblance to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, and seriously, it's scary how much they look alike.
Between their long dark hair, contoured makeup, and love for selfies, it's no surprise that Sonia and Fyza are believed to be the reality stars. While your mind is likely blown over these sisters, Sonia and Fyza don't think they look like Kim and Kylie.
"Our close friends and family are so used to seeing us [that] they have never seen a resemblance," the girls told Emirates Woman. "We find it weird when people approach us saying so because we don't even dress anything like them."
Well, we're going to have to disagree! Keep reading to see photos of Sonia and Fyza and how their hair, makeup, and even freckles compare to the famous sisters.
Selena Gomez's Already Wearing Fall's Most Popular Boot
With a resurgence of '80s style this season, it looks like Selena Gomez has become a fan. The star took some fashion inspiration from the decade, rocking a pair of white Stuart Weitzman slouchy boots and cuffed Monse boyfriend jeans. As she posed in front of the mirror, Selena showed off her midsection in a knotted black crop tee and wore a pair of retro sunglasses. The star was all dressed up in this casual ensemble for The Weeknd's concert. Though Selena is a '90s baby, we love this particular outfit on her because she didn't have to try hard to look cool. Re-create her outfit ahead by shopping similar pieces.
5 Myths and Truths About Kids' Internet Safety
The rise and ubiquity of the internet has given all parents a whole new category of things to worry about. Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media separates fact from fiction.
If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cyber-corner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there's a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a "techno-panic mindset" that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can't keep our kids safe if we don't know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.
1. Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies.
Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work.
The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully's circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far.
2. Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online.
Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances.
In today's world, where kids as young as 8 are interacting with people online, they need to know the boundary between appropriate and inappropriate conversation. Kids are often pressured by their own friends to talk about sex, so they need to know it's OK to tell peers to back off. Go beyond "stranger danger" and teach them what kind of questions are not OK (for example, not OK: "Are you a boy or a girl?"; "Where do you live?"; "What are you wearing?"; "Do you want to have a private conversation?"). Also, teach kids to not go looking for thrills online. Risky online relationships more frequently evolve in chat rooms when teens willingly seek out or engage in sexual conversation.
3. Myth: Social media alienates kids.
Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships.
Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to the Pew Research Internet Project, that's what the majority is doing. Check out these comforting stats:
- 57 percent of all teens have made new friends online
- 84 percent of boys who play networked games with friends feel more connected when they play online
- 68 percent of teen social media users have had online friends support them through tough or challenging times
And how about the kids who've fought cyberbullying and used the Internet for a social cause? More and more, kids are harnessing the power of the online world -- and busting up a few myths along the way.
4. Myth: It's dangerous to post pictures of your kids online.
Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don't ID your kids, it's pretty safe.
Although it's true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you're smart about how you do it.
- Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts.
- Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Picasa and Flickr that require a log-in to see pics.
- Don't rush your kids into social media. Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you're going to upload photos of them, don't identify them and don't tag them -- that way the photo can't be traced back to them.
5. Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids' online activities.
Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security.
To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids. They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a "parent vs. kid" dynamic that could backfire.
By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material and to manage time limits. But don't think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage.
Selena Gomez's Already Wearing Fall's Most Popular Boot
With a resurgence of '80s style this season, it looks like Selena Gomez has become a fan. The star took some fashion inspiration from the decade, rocking a pair of white Stuart Weitzman slouchy boots and cuffed Monse boyfriend jeans. As she posed in front of the mirror, Selena showed off her midsection in a knotted black crop tee and wore a pair of retro sunglasses. The star was all dressed up in this casual ensemble for The Weeknd's concert. Though Selena is a '90s baby, we love this particular outfit on her because she didn't have to try hard to look cool. Re-create her outfit ahead by shopping similar pieces.
6 of Jennifer Lopez's Hottest and Most Badass Workout Moments
Jennifer Lopez's superfit body isn't just a miracle. The 46-year-old Shades of Blue actress, singer, and mom to 8-year-old twins Max and Emme works hard for her toned physique - and her Instagram proves it.
From sexy and sweaty selfies to short videos of her workouts with trainer David Kirsch, a quick peek at J Lo's feed will give you all the motivation you need to hit the gym, too - or, you know, at least want to hit the gym. Don't believe us? Keep reading to see her most badass workout moments.
I'm Asian, I Came Out of the Closet, And I Finally Cut My Hair Short
I refused at first. For the first 14 years of my life, I would not allow my hair to be cut shorter than its comforting length of just below my shoulder blades. It wasn't a fashion statement. I usually just pulled it back into a ponytail, since anything more elaborate than that was too feminine for my teenage tomboy sensibilities.
By the time I left for college in New York City, my hair had grown long again. It was dyed bronze and still a little wavy from an old perm that was as shaky as my grip on the closet.
I finally "came out" the Spring of my junior year, four months after having my hair cropped boyishly short, a gendered descriptor I had always anxiously avoided. It was a low-maintenance cut with a straightforward part to the side. Simple. Safe. And I felt like I had made a daunting choice.
It was dyed bronze and still a little wavy from an old perm that was as shaky as my grip on the closet.
I was desperately afraid of being a stereotype. My occasional dresses hid the cargo shorts-wearing skeletons of my childhood. I laughed away the lesbian jokes about going to a women's college. Acting straight allowed me to defy those who made assumptions about me. It didn't matter that they were right all along. In fact, it infuriated me.
When I finally announced my bisexuality to as much of the world as my Facebook privacy settings permitted, I very firmly maintained that it had absolutely nothing to do with my new haircut. But it only took a couple months to get over my own suspiciously specific denial and embrace my queerness in all its stereotypical triumph. I came out with my hair.
A few months later, I decided to come out again. Aesthetically. Whereas my first step into my queerness was cautious and filled with anxiety over how I was read by others, my second step was to accept the person I secretly wanted to be. So, I spouted radical politics, owned an obscene number of faux leather jackets, and became the tomboy of my childhood (sans cargo shorts). And then I got an undercut.
In my relief and rejoicing, I had forgotten that my queer identity came part and parcel with my race.
For a moment, it felt right, both attractive and a defiant statement, but only because I badly wanted it to be. For weeks following, it felt off. The short hairs clipped close to the side of my head stuck out like bristles. My cowlicks wouldn't stay down. It wasn't the feathery fades of the photos I had brought to show the stylist. My hair was too straight, too coarse to stay coiffed. I had forgotten a crucial point.
In my relief and rejoicing, I had forgotten that my queer identity came part and parcel with my race. My hair - the texture of my mother's and grandmothers' and aunts' - is dark, thick, and straight. It's not light, downy, and delicate like the white models who showed up whenever I googled: "women, undercut."
Being Asian and queer complicated things.
When it comes to queer style, androgyny is a desirable challenge to gender normativity. It touts the butch (but not too butch) looks of Halsey, Ruby Rose, Milla Jovovich, and Kristen Stewart.
It's an ongoing journey to feel positive about my queerness, my race, and my hair on top of that.
Androgyny has always been about that hard-edged balance between masculinity and femininity. But when Asian masculinity is desexualized and Asian femininity is infantilized, twists on gender presentation don't quite make the same impact. With my short, flat hair, and my soft racialized features, I felt like a 12-year-old boy. I got carded at bars the same days baristas called me "sir."
It's an ongoing journey to feel positive about my queerness, my race, and my hair on top of that. Even out of the closet, I would often feel awkward and ill-fitted. I tried new haircuts. My hair wasn't fine enough to pull off the pixie cut or flexible enough for a pompadour, and my cowlicks were too tenacious for anything asymmetrical.
It took trial and error and error and error, until I figured out a solution. I found a Japanese hair salon. They knew my texture, the quirks of my part, and the shape of my skull. While they did not share my Taiwanese heritage, they understood the very specific struggles I had with my hair.
Instead of going wild with a clipper, my stylist brought shape to the back of my head with careful trimming. She left the sides and top long to let my cowlicks bear down with their own weight, but added a choppy texture to keep it from flattening. When I stopped bringing in photographs of models I wanted my hair to resemble and instead worked with my stylist to understand the ways my hair grew out, I finally settled into cuts that suited me and my queerness.
I walk the streets happy to confuse strangers with my gender presentation.
There is no one way to look queer. A haircut isn't a requirement for coming out. But the decision to resist against assumptions of gender and femininity and race can be a healing and invigorating aspect of loving and accepting yourself in a world that continues to police beauty.
These days, I walk the streets happy to confuse strangers with my gender presentation. When I feel especially frisky, I style my hair up with some grooming cream, and when frisky is too much work, I wear a hat. Either way, long or short, my hair will always be as queer as me.
19 Chicken and Avocado Recipes So Effing Good You'll Just Lose It
Chicken can be plain, but never when combined with avocado. The simple union makes even only-salt baked chicken taste like a brand-new thing - trust us!
Whether you're looking for a quick salad recipe to spice up your weekday lunch or a party appetizer that'll have everyone asking for more, we have 19 recipes that use avocado to bring poultry to a whole new level.
5 Myths and Truths About Kids' Internet Safety
The rise and ubiquity of the internet has given all parents a whole new category of things to worry about. Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media separates fact from fiction.
If you believe everything you hear about kids online, you might think pedophiles and cyberbullies are around every cyber-corner. Yes, there is bad stuff out there. But the truth is, there's a lot of good, and some experts are arguing against a "techno-panic mindset" that worries parents unnecessarily. The bottom line is that we can't keep our kids safe if we don't know the facts. Here are the five most popular myths about Internet safety -- and the truths that can set your worries free.
1. Myth: Social media turns kids into cyberbullies.
Truth: There are many reasons why a kid might cyberbully, and social media is just a convenient way to do the dirty work.
The reality is that kids who engage in this behavior typically have something else going on that compels them to act out. They might be in crisis -- at home, at school, or otherwise socially. They may also be bullying in person, or they may have an underdeveloped sense of empathy. Awareness of a cyberbully's circumstances -- though not excusing the behavior -- can help parents and educators recognize the warning signs and potentially intervene before it goes too far.
2. Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online.
Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances.
In today's world, where kids as young as 8 are interacting with people online, they need to know the boundary between appropriate and inappropriate conversation. Kids are often pressured by their own friends to talk about sex, so they need to know it's OK to tell peers to back off. Go beyond "stranger danger" and teach them what kind of questions are not OK (for example, not OK: "Are you a boy or a girl?"; "Where do you live?"; "What are you wearing?"; "Do you want to have a private conversation?"). Also, teach kids to not go looking for thrills online. Risky online relationships more frequently evolve in chat rooms when teens willingly seek out or engage in sexual conversation.
3. Myth: Social media alienates kids.
Truth: Most kids say social media strengthens their relationships.
Most kids want to have fun, hang out, and socialize normally online -- and in fact, according to the Pew Research Internet Project, that's what the majority is doing. Check out these comforting stats:
- 57 percent of all teens have made new friends online
- 84 percent of boys who play networked games with friends feel more connected when they play online
- 68 percent of teen social media users have had online friends support them through tough or challenging times
And how about the kids who've fought cyberbullying and used the Internet for a social cause? More and more, kids are harnessing the power of the online world -- and busting up a few myths along the way.
4. Myth: It's dangerous to post pictures of your kids online.
Truth: If you use privacy settings, limit your audience, and don't ID your kids, it's pretty safe.
Although it's true that posting anything online invites some risks, there are ways to limit them if you're smart about how you do it.
- Use privacy settings. Make sure your privacy settings are set so only the closest people in your network can view your posts.
- Limit your audience. Only share posts with close family and friends. Or use photo-sharing sites such as Picasa and Flickr that require a log-in to see pics.
- Don't rush your kids into social media. Obey the rules about keeping kids under 13 off social media. Once your kids have an online profile, they can be tagged in photos, which magnifies their online presence. If you're going to upload photos of them, don't identify them and don't tag them -- that way the photo can't be traced back to them.
5. Myth: Parental controls are the best way to monitor my kids' online activities.
Truth: Focusing on only one Internet safety method lulls you into a false sense of security.
To keep your kids safe online -- and to raise them to be responsible, respectful digital citizens -- it takes more than installing parental controls. For starters, parental controls can be defeated by determined kids. They also often catch too much in their filters, rendering any Internet search useless, and they set up a "parent vs. kid" dynamic that could backfire.
By all means, use parental controls to help prevent exposure to age-inappropriate material and to manage time limits. But don't think they get you off the hook. Continue to discuss responsible, respectful online behavior, set rules and consequences for misbehavior, and train your kid to manage his or her own usage.
6 of Jennifer Lopez's Hottest and Most Badass Workout Moments
Jennifer Lopez's superfit body isn't just a miracle. The 46-year-old Shades of Blue actress, singer, and mom to 8-year-old twins Max and Emme works hard for her toned physique - and her Instagram proves it.
From sexy and sweaty selfies to short videos of her workouts with trainer David Kirsch, a quick peek at J Lo's feed will give you all the motivation you need to hit the gym, too - or, you know, at least want to hit the gym. Don't believe us? Keep reading to see her most badass workout moments.
Will Any Pandora Rides Make You Sick? If You Have to Ask, Then Perhaps
Walt Disney World's newly opened Pandora - The World of Avatar offers two stellar rides at varying levels of excitement and thrill. While the Na'vi River Journey is a tranquil boat ride that's fun for the whole family, Avatar Flight of Passage is decidedly more intense.
The land's advanced 3D thrill ride basically gives explorers the opportunity to ride a banshee through Pandora's many spectacular sights. As with many immersive 3D rides, there are a few jump scares. In all honesty, those few startling moments should be fine, even for nervous riders. The problem with Avatar Flight of Passage, however, is not its scary moments but rather its slightly dizzying aftermath.
When I previewed Pandora prior to its official opening, I was curious to see if the ride would make me sick. While I love thrill rides and dark coasters, I tend to get dizzy on intense 3D rides. For example, I sometimes have a hard time riding the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at Islands of Adventure in Orlando - even though I still totally do it because it's so fun. On Avatar Flight of Passage, I wasn't uncomfortable and I was honestly able to enjoy the ride throughout its duration. When I stepped off, I was slightly unsteady, but I was able to keep it moving seconds later.
To really test it out, I went on the ride again later that same day. That's when I encountered slightly more discomfort. The in-your-face visuals paired with the movement of the vehicle felt more intense the second time. When I stepped off, I immediately decided that I should not - nor would I be able to - ride it a third time. In fact, I probably shouldn't have done it a second time.
If you're prone to motion sickness, I think you'll be OK so long as you know what to expect and perhaps pack some nausea relief medicine, like Dramamine. Now, if dizzying rides have the tendency to really affect you, then I would definitely recommend skipping the ride. It is a really fun ride, but it's not worth ruining the rest of your day at Pandora.
Travel and accommodations were provided by Disney for the purpose of writing this post.
This Bride's Gorgeous, Sheer Wedding Gown Will Give You Major Heart Eyes
We were casually scrolling through Instagram when we spotted Isabel Roth's gorgeous wedding in Puglia, Italy. While the bride's picturesque wedding to Jake Stein was the stuff of dreams, it was her stunning wedding dress that really stole the show.
The gorgeous bride wore a sheer wedding dress by Lebanese designer Reem Acra that featured a high neckline and long, lace sleeves. The bottom of the dress was completely sheer, revealing a figure-hugging nude slip.
If you look closely, you'll notice that there's intricate beading within the floral lace designs. As for the finishing touches, the bride wore a delicate floral crown and matching sheer veil, making her the most luxurious kind of bohemian bride. Have a look at her incredible wedding dress ahead.
19 Chicken and Avocado Recipes So Effing Good You'll Just Lose It
Chicken can be plain, but never when combined with avocado. The simple union makes even only-salt baked chicken taste like a brand-new thing - trust us!
Whether you're looking for a quick salad recipe to spice up your weekday lunch or a party appetizer that'll have everyone asking for more, we have 19 recipes that use avocado to bring poultry to a whole new level.
I'm Asian, I Came Out of the Closet, And I Finally Cut My Hair Short
I refused at first. For the first 14 years of my life, I would not allow my hair to be cut shorter than its comforting length of just below my shoulder blades. It wasn't a fashion statement. I usually just pulled it back into a ponytail, since anything more elaborate than that was too feminine for my teenage tomboy sensibilities.
By the time I left for college in New York City, my hair had grown long again. It was dyed bronze and still a little wavy from an old perm that was as shaky as my grip on the closet.
I finally "came out" the Spring of my junior year, four months after having my hair cropped boyishly short, a gendered descriptor I had always anxiously avoided. It was a low-maintenance cut with a straightforward part to the side. Simple. Safe. And I felt like I had made a daunting choice.
It was dyed bronze and still a little wavy from an old perm that was as shaky as my grip on the closet.
I was desperately afraid of being a stereotype. My occasional dresses hid the cargo shorts-wearing skeletons of my childhood. I laughed away the lesbian jokes about going to a women's college. Acting straight allowed me to defy those who made assumptions about me. It didn't matter that they were right all along. In fact, it infuriated me.
When I finally announced my bisexuality to as much of the world as my Facebook privacy settings permitted, I very firmly maintained that it had absolutely nothing to do with my new haircut. But it only took a couple months to get over my own suspiciously specific denial and embrace my queerness in all its stereotypical triumph. I came out with my hair.
A few months later, I decided to come out again. Aesthetically. Whereas my first step into my queerness was cautious and filled with anxiety over how I was read by others, my second step was to accept the person I secretly wanted to be. So, I spouted radical politics, owned an obscene number of faux leather jackets, and became the tomboy of my childhood (sans cargo shorts). And then I got an undercut.
In my relief and rejoicing, I had forgotten that my queer identity came part and parcel with my race.
For a moment, it felt right, both attractive and a defiant statement, but only because I badly wanted it to be. For weeks following, it felt off. The short hairs clipped close to the side of my head stuck out like bristles. My cowlicks wouldn't stay down. It wasn't the feathery fades of the photos I had brought to show the stylist. My hair was too straight, too coarse to stay coiffed. I had forgotten a crucial point.
In my relief and rejoicing, I had forgotten that my queer identity came part and parcel with my race. My hair - the texture of my mother's and grandmothers' and aunts' - is dark, thick, and straight. It's not light, downy, and delicate like the white models who showed up whenever I googled: "women, undercut."
Being Asian and queer complicated things.
When it comes to queer style, androgyny is a desirable challenge to gender normativity. It touts the butch (but not too butch) looks of Halsey, Ruby Rose, Milla Jovovich, and Kristen Stewart.
It's an ongoing journey to feel positive about my queerness, my race, and my hair on top of that.
Androgyny has always been about that hard-edged balance between masculinity and femininity. But when Asian masculinity is desexualized and Asian femininity is infantilized, twists on gender presentation don't quite make the same impact. With my short, flat hair, and my soft racialized features, I felt like a 12-year-old boy. I got carded at bars the same days baristas called me "sir."
It's an ongoing journey to feel positive about my queerness, my race, and my hair on top of that. Even out of the closet, I would often feel awkward and ill-fitted. I tried new haircuts. My hair wasn't fine enough to pull off the pixie cut or flexible enough for a pompadour, and my cowlicks were too tenacious for anything asymmetrical.
It took trial and error and error and error, until I figured out a solution. I found a Japanese hair salon. They knew my texture, the quirks of my part, and the shape of my skull. While they did not share my Taiwanese heritage, they understood the very specific struggles I had with my hair.
Instead of going wild with a clipper, my stylist brought shape to the back of my head with careful trimming. She left the sides and top long to let my cowlicks bear down with their own weight, but added a choppy texture to keep it from flattening. When I stopped bringing in photographs of models I wanted my hair to resemble and instead worked with my stylist to understand the ways my hair grew out, I finally settled into cuts that suited me and my queerness.
I walk the streets happy to confuse strangers with my gender presentation.
There is no one way to look queer. A haircut isn't a requirement for coming out. But the decision to resist against assumptions of gender and femininity and race can be a healing and invigorating aspect of loving and accepting yourself in a world that continues to police beauty.
These days, I walk the streets happy to confuse strangers with my gender presentation. When I feel especially frisky, I style my hair up with some grooming cream, and when frisky is too much work, I wear a hat. Either way, long or short, my hair will always be as queer as me.
Let Professional Wedding Guest Pippa Middleton Inspire Your Next Look
The most famous bridesmaid in the world hung up her single-girl pumps and got married on May 20! Pippa Middleton wed hedge-fund manager James Matthews in a gorgeous event in Berkshire, England, bringing an end to her reign as one of the most eligible bachelorettes in the UK. Over the past six years, the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister has been on the guest list of some very fancy-pants society weddings and has worn an eclectic array of ensembles along the way.
Of course she didn't disappoint on her own big day in a stunning Giles Deacon cap-sleeve gown, but let's look back at all the outfits she's worn over the years as an A-list guest.
For $6, Little Caesars New Pizza Has 2 Cheeses and Over 50 Pepperoni
Little Caesars is taking the meaning of "extra cheese and pepperoni" to a whole new level with its newest pizza. The ExtraMostBestest Pizza - yes, that really is the name - has an insane amount of mozzarella cheese, muenster cheese, and pepperoni, and a large costs just $6. Little Caesars said in a statement that the pizza has "the most pepperoni and cheese of any large round standard menu one-topping pepperoni pizza sold by the other three major national pizza chains. The round pizza is topped with even more of the chain's fresh, never-frozen mozzarella and muenster cheese blend and well over 50 pepperoni slices." Basically, every single bite guarantees the perfect pepperoni to cheese ratio, and each slice comes with a serious cheese pull.
You might be used to Little Caesar's iconic $5 Hot-n-Ready pepperoni pizzas, and the ExtraMostBestest is available starting on May 30 as a Hot-n-Ready for a dollar more than the standard. We're not above adding even more cheese and pepperoni to an already-cooked pizza, so we're glad Little Caesars did the work for us.
Let Professional Wedding Guest Pippa Middleton Inspire Your Next Look
The most famous bridesmaid in the world hung up her single-girl pumps and got married on May 20! Pippa Middleton wed hedge-fund manager James Matthews in a gorgeous event in Berkshire, England, bringing an end to her reign as one of the most eligible bachelorettes in the UK. Over the past six years, the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister has been on the guest list of some very fancy-pants society weddings and has worn an eclectic array of ensembles along the way.
Of course she didn't disappoint on her own big day in a stunning Giles Deacon cap-sleeve gown, but let's look back at all the outfits she's worn over the years as an A-list guest.
For $6, Little Caesars New Pizza Has 2 Cheeses and Over 50 Pepperoni
Little Caesars is taking the meaning of "extra cheese and pepperoni" to a whole new level with its newest pizza. The ExtraMostBestest Pizza - yes, that really is the name - has an insane amount of mozzarella cheese, muenster cheese, and pepperoni, and a large costs just $6. Little Caesars said in a statement that the pizza has "the most pepperoni and cheese of any large round standard menu one-topping pepperoni pizza sold by the other three major national pizza chains. The round pizza is topped with even more of the chain's fresh, never-frozen mozzarella and muenster cheese blend and well over 50 pepperoni slices." Basically, every single bite guarantees the perfect pepperoni to cheese ratio, and each slice comes with a serious cheese pull.
You might be used to Little Caesar's iconic $5 Hot-n-Ready pepperoni pizzas, and the ExtraMostBestest is available starting on May 30 as a Hot-n-Ready for a dollar more than the standard. We're not above adding even more cheese and pepperoni to an already-cooked pizza, so we're glad Little Caesars did the work for us.
Why Panera Put Peanut Butter on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich For a Child With Severe Allergies
One family is suing Panera Bread claiming that despite multiple warnings about their daughter's allergy, the little girl was given a meal that could have killed her.
The Boston family claims that their highly allergic 6-year-old daughter was served a grilled cheese sandwich complete with two scoops of peanut butter. In the lawsuit, her parents, John and Elissa Russo, state that their daughter was hospitalized overnight after biting into the sandwich.
According to her mom, the sandwich was ordered online, in which she specifically referenced her daughter's peanut allergy twice within the form. By the time anyone realized the extra ingredient had been added to the sandwich, the child had already bitten into it. They family says that she began to vomit and broke out in hives later that evening.
"Is this somebody doing this on purpose?" John later asked a manager. "Because it's two freakin' tablespoons of peanut butter on this sandwich, and it's a grilled cheese."
The manager reportedly apologized to him but blamed the mistake on a "language" issue. However, this explanation that an employee with limited English could have seen the note about "peanut" as a request to add it to the grilled cheese rather than to keep it away from the meal is "no excuse" to John. It didn't seem reasonable to the father because he looked up "allergy" in Spanish and Portuguese – the language the workers in question spoke – and realized how similar the translation (alergia) is to the English version.
"Panera takes the issue of food allergens, including the reported incident at our franchise bakery-cafe, very seriously," a spokesman said in an email to the Huffington Post. "We have procedures in place across the company to minimize exposure and risk for our guests and associates. We do not comment on pending litigation."
According to John, the family didn't plan to take legal actions until discovering that another child with peanut allergies was also served a grilled cheese with peanut butter after ordering the sandwich online less than a month after his daughter's episode. This child also went into an anaphylactic reaction and was hospitalized. While the two situations happened at different locations, the same franchise group owns both Paneras.
Why Panera Put Peanut Butter on a Grilled Cheese Sandwich For a Child With Severe Allergies
One family is suing Panera Bread claiming that despite multiple warnings about their daughter's allergy, the little girl was given a meal that could have killed her.
The Boston family claims that their highly allergic 6-year-old daughter was served a grilled cheese sandwich complete with two scoops of peanut butter. In the lawsuit, her parents, John and Elissa Russo, state that their daughter was hospitalized overnight after biting into the sandwich.
According to her mom, the sandwich was ordered online, in which she specifically referenced her daughter's peanut allergy twice within the form. By the time anyone realized the extra ingredient had been added to the sandwich, the child had already bitten into it. They family says that she began to vomit and broke out in hives later that evening.
"Is this somebody doing this on purpose?" John later asked a manager. "Because it's two freakin' tablespoons of peanut butter on this sandwich, and it's a grilled cheese."
The manager reportedly apologized to him but blamed the mistake on a "language" issue. However, this explanation that an employee with limited English could have seen the note about "peanut" as a request to add it to the grilled cheese rather than to keep it away from the meal is "no excuse" to John. It didn't seem reasonable to the father because he looked up "allergy" in Spanish and Portuguese – the language the workers in question spoke – and realized how similar the translation (alergia) is to the English version.
"Panera takes the issue of food allergens, including the reported incident at our franchise bakery-cafe, very seriously," a spokesman said in an email to the Huffington Post. "We have procedures in place across the company to minimize exposure and risk for our guests and associates. We do not comment on pending litigation."
According to John, the family didn't plan to take legal actions until discovering that another child with peanut allergies was also served a grilled cheese with peanut butter after ordering the sandwich online less than a month after his daughter's episode. This child also went into an anaphylactic reaction and was hospitalized. While the two situations happened at different locations, the same franchise group owns both Paneras.
The Unexpected Option Brides Are Choosing For Their Bridesmaids
With brides opting for unique engagement rings over flashy, expensive ones, there's been a sort of bridal revolution happening this season. Remember when Solange Knowles donned that amazing bridal jumpsuit with a cape during her wedding to music video director Alan Ferguson? Well, it seems like Solange was ahead of her time because brides everywhere have taken a cue from the style star, this time when choosing an outfit for their bridesmaids.
This wedding season, prepare to see a whole slew of bridesmaids in beautiful jumpsuits. We can totally see the appeal of this trend since choosing a bridesmaid gown (especially one that everyone likes) usually results in an argument. So, why not save yourself the hassle by opting for a silhouette everyone can feel comfortable in? The best part about the bridesmaid jumpsuit is that it allows you and your best girlfriends to truly dance the night away. Have a look at some of the prettiest bridesmaid jumpsuits that will convince you to choose this unexpected look for your big day.
The 1 Word You Need to Remember During a Job Interview
There's one type of interview question that can trip up even the most polished of candidates. It's called a behavioral based question, and it starts with the phrase, "Tell me about a time when . . ."
Some examples of behavioral based questions include:
Tell me about a time when . . .
. . . you went above and beyond the call of duty to get a job done.
. . . you had to work on a project under a tight deadline.
. . . you had to act with very little planning.
. . . you tried to accomplish something but failed.
. . . you delegated a project effectively.
Suddenly your mind is blank, your palms are sweaty, and you might even experience a fight-or-flight response as you nervously assess your exit options. In this situation, take a deep breath and recall one word: STAR. At an event hosted by New York Women in Communications, panelist Laura Burkart of Superfly advised attendees to review behavioral based questions before an interview and prepare some answers using this acronym:
S = Situation
Describe the relevant circumstances of the situation.
T = Task
Define the challenge that was presented to you.
A = Action
Give specific examples of your role in the situation and what actions you took.
R = Result
Explain the outcome of the situation (if possible, use quantities) and specify what you learned or achieved.
This is a great opportunity to make your past work for you. If you have some well-worded (and well-practiced) stories ready to go, you'll rock the interview and turn into their star candidate.
The Harry Potter Fan Theory That J.K. Rowling Finds "Strangely Upsetting"
While J.K. Rowling typically entertains - or just doesn't acknowledge - circulating Harry Potter fan theories, she has some pretty strong feelings about one involving Dumbledore and horcruxes.
One of the YouTube vloggers behind SuperCarlinBrothers, Jonathan Carlin, fleshed out a theory that Professor Dumbledore's animal companion, Fawkes, was actually a horcrux - implying that the greatest wizard of all time dabbled in dark magic.
Per Rowling's universe, horcruxes are created to attain immortality. However, they also involve murdering someone else in order to make one. This theory posits that though Dumbledore didn't deliberately murder anyone, he did still harbor guilt over the death of his sister, which he ultimately blamed himself for. Since Dumbledore pinned his sister's murder on his own neglect, he theoretically had a chance to perform dark magic and create a horcrux. You can watch a video about the theory below.
Though Carlin makes a strong case for this theory, Rowling straight up denied it when it was brought to her attention on Twitter - and even went so far as to call it "upsetting."
The idea that anybody believes this is strangely upsetting to me. https://t.co/G4RlSB9kEI
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 4, 2016
As other people on Twitter noted, Dumbledore didn't fear death and therefore did not desire immortality. His incomparable goodness also makes it really hard to believe that he would do something so evil in nature. Luckily, we can all let out a sigh of relief and thank Rowling for at least acknowledging this troubling one.
I Love It When My Spouse Says This to Me . . .
We all want to be told that we are loved - but not everyone wants to be told that in the exact same way! Does your spouse or partner speak your love language? For these people I spoke to, their spouses had something to say that just gets right into their very hearts and souls.
These 28 phrases, whether sexy, sensual, sweet, or kind, really make these married hearts go aflutter!
What does your spouse say that makes you feel so loved?
- "I'll give the kids a bath tonight."
- "Take all the time you need."
- "Good job!"
- "You amaze me!"
- "Go take a nap - I've got this."
- "Everything would fall apart without you."
- "I thought about you a lot today."
- "Meow!"
- Calling a spouse a pet name - that was also a popular response from the couples I spoke to.
- "I will make dinner - you sit and relax!"
- "I love you to the moon and back!"
- "I missed you today."
- "It's family time."
- "Go take a bubble bath while I watch the kids."
- "You are such a great mother."
- "I'm proud of you."
- "Hey baby."
- "You did a great job."
- "Thank you for dinner."
- "You don't have to work hard to look pretty."
- "You and me. Me and you. The four of us."
- "I'm grateful I'm married to you."
- "I'm grateful for all your hard work."
- "You are the glue that holds this family together."
- "I love you - be careful," one spouse says to the other before driving.
- "Don't put any makeup on your face. You don't need it when you look like you do."
- "Walk away sloowly . . . ," a spouse says to see his lady's sexy figure.
- "We have a good life."
The Unexpected Option Brides Are Choosing For Their Bridesmaids
With brides opting for unique engagement rings over flashy, expensive ones, there's been a sort of bridal revolution happening this season. Remember when Solange Knowles donned that amazing bridal jumpsuit with a cape during her wedding to music video director Alan Ferguson? Well, it seems like Solange was ahead of her time because brides everywhere have taken a cue from the style star, this time when choosing an outfit for their bridesmaids.
This wedding season, prepare to see a whole slew of bridesmaids in beautiful jumpsuits. We can totally see the appeal of this trend since choosing a bridesmaid gown (especially one that everyone likes) usually results in an argument. So, why not save yourself the hassle by opting for a silhouette everyone can feel comfortable in? The best part about the bridesmaid jumpsuit is that it allows you and your best girlfriends to truly dance the night away. Have a look at some of the prettiest bridesmaid jumpsuits that will convince you to choose this unexpected look for your big day.
How Queen Elizabeth II Really Feels If You Don't Bow or Curtsy at Her
Queen Elizabeth II is used to people catering to her every move (she is a royal, after all). In addition to men literally bowing at her feet, women also curtsy, and this includes members of her own family. Yep, everyone from her own son to her grandchildren show the small sign of respect for her whenever she enters a room. But what if people who meet her don't know the standard etiquette rules? Or they get nervous and do something else? Or they just don't feel like bowing for another human being because, let's face it, it's not 1852? Well, if you decide not to greet Her Royal Highness with the traditional gesture, it turns out that she's actually pretty chill about it.
Dickie Arbiter, one of the queen's most senior former courtiers who spent 12 years at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House as a press secretary, revealed back in 2014 that while many still happily abide by the old tradition, it is "not necessary" and she is "very relaxed" about it. "There is this sort of myth that comes from the annals of time that says whenever a member of the royal family went past, you did a curtsy or bow," he said. "But there is no hard and fast rule, and if you can't do it or don't feel comfortable doing it or don't want to do it that's fine; it doesn't mean you hold the queen in any less respect and you won't be sent to the Tower." Another royal source added, "People do tend to bow or curtsy to the queen, and that's just good manners, but it's true that no one is obliged to do it." The monarchy's official website also makes it clear that it's not required, but outlines a few options for anyone who chooses "to observe the traditional forms."
How Queen Elizabeth II Really Feels If You Don't Bow or Curtsy at Her
Queen Elizabeth II is used to people catering to her every move (she is a royal, after all). In addition to men literally bowing at her feet, women also curtsy, and this includes members of her own family. Yep, everyone from her own son to her grandchildren show the small sign of respect for her whenever she enters a room. But what if people who meet her don't know the standard etiquette rules? Or they get nervous and do something else? Or they just don't feel like bowing for another human being because, let's face it, it's not 1852? Well, if you decide not to greet Her Royal Highness with the traditional gesture, it turns out that she's actually pretty chill about it.
Dickie Arbiter, one of the queen's most senior former courtiers who spent 12 years at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House as a press secretary, revealed back in 2014 that while many still happily abide by the old tradition, it is "not necessary" and she is "very relaxed" about it. "There is this sort of myth that comes from the annals of time that says whenever a member of the royal family went past, you did a curtsy or bow," he said. "But there is no hard and fast rule, and if you can't do it or don't feel comfortable doing it or don't want to do it that's fine; it doesn't mean you hold the queen in any less respect and you won't be sent to the Tower." Another royal source added, "People do tend to bow or curtsy to the queen, and that's just good manners, but it's true that no one is obliged to do it." The monarchy's official website also makes it clear that it's not required, but outlines a few options for anyone who chooses "to observe the traditional forms."
This Optical Illusion Quiz Determines What Type of Thinker You Are
If you have things to do, it's best not to go on PlayBuzz - a black hole of quizzes and games. And this quiz by user Samantha Jones that's quickly rising on its charts tests your optical perception through a series of illusions. After being shown an image, you choose which of the two objects you see first; your results supposedly reveal the kind of thinker you are. Based on the hundreds of comments, it looks like this quiz is as addicting as the rest of them.
Harry Potter Fans, You'll Love the Theme of These 20th Anniversary Book Covers!
Any Harry Potter fan worth her Floo powder knows that you can never have too many editions of the series. So here's another one to add to your bookshelf! In honor of Harry Potter's 20th anniversary, Bloomsbury is releasing special-edition hardcover and paperback books - and fans are going to flip off their brooms when they see them. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released in the UK on June 26, 1997 - and yes, we're feeling about as old as Dumbledore right now - and the inaugural book of the series is getting a refresh with four Hogwarts House-themed covers in paperback and hardcover versions.
According to Pottermore, the books will feature unique crests designed by award-winning illustrator Levi Pinfold that represent the four Hogwarts Houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. While the paperback editions come in solid colors, we love that the black hardcovers feature colored pages reminiscent of the House scarves.
See the gorgeous covers now, and preorder your Hogwarts House edition here!
Banana Boat Sunscreen under fire as Health Canada gets more claims it caused burns
Health Canada received 26 complaints about bad reactions to Banana Boat sunscreen in May. At least 14 of them involve claims using the sunscreen resulted in burned or blistered skin.
Medical marijuana shortages hit some patients as demand surges
Legally registered medical cannabis patients report supply shortages of certain products, as licensed producers try to accelerate production to meet increasing demand.
Queen Elizabeth II's Reaction to Watching The Crown Is Probably Not What You'd Think
If you've been keeping tabs on Queen Elizabeth II, then you're likely well aware that she's not your average 91-year-old - she drives her own car, uses Twitter, and oh, yeah, binges Netflix like the rest of us. Although there's no word on what she thought about 13 Reasons Why, there's one show she surprisingly is a big fan of: The Crown. Netflix's original series is a lavish look into the early days of Queen Elizabeth II's rise to power and her first years of marriage to Prince Philip, and despite a few factual errors throughout season one, the real-life queen has reportedly given it her blessing.
According to The Daily Express, Her Majesty began watching the show after her son and daughter-in-law Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, recommended it to her. "Edward and Sophie love The Crown," a senior royal source revealed. "It has been a longstanding arrangement that they drive to Windsor at the weekend to join the queen for an informal supper while watching TV or a film. They have a Netflix account and urged her to watch it with them. Happily, she really liked it, although obviously there were some depictions of events that she found too heavily dramatized."
The series, which stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith as Elizabeth and Philip, doesn't shy away from deeply personal issues the couple had to overcome, as well as the scandalous affair Princess Margaret (played by Vanessa Kirby) had with a divorced man. Fortunately the high production values and dedication to honestly telling the story has earned the show rave reviews from both critics and members of the royal family alike. Princess Eugenie recently called the music in the show "wonderful" and remarked that "the story is beautiful, and you feel very proud to watch it." Lucky for them, season two is on the way.
The 6 Sports Bras You Need For All of Your Workouts
If you're a fitness junkie, then you know that not all sports bras are cut from the same cloth. Some are made for low-impact movements, like yoga and Pilates, and other styles are better suited for the hard stuff, like HIIT. Whatever your workout routine looks like, we've identified six sports bras that will help you get the most out of your training.
Queen Elizabeth II's Reaction to Watching The Crown Is Probably Not What You'd Think
If you've been keeping tabs on Queen Elizabeth II, then you're likely well aware that she's not your average 91-year-old - she drives her own car, uses Twitter, and oh, yeah, binges Netflix like the rest of us. Although there's no word on what she thought about 13 Reasons Why, there's one show she surprisingly is a big fan of: The Crown. Netflix's original series is a lavish look into the early days of Queen Elizabeth II's rise to power and her first years of marriage to Prince Philip, and despite a few factual errors throughout season one, the real-life queen has reportedly given it her blessing.
According to The Daily Express, Her Majesty began watching the show after her son and daughter-in-law Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, recommended it to her. "Edward and Sophie love The Crown," a senior royal source revealed. "It has been a longstanding arrangement that they drive to Windsor at the weekend to join the queen for an informal supper while watching TV or a film. They have a Netflix account and urged her to watch it with them. Happily, she really liked it, although obviously there were some depictions of events that she found too heavily dramatized."
The series, which stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith as Elizabeth and Philip, doesn't shy away from deeply personal issues the couple had to overcome, as well as the scandalous affair Princess Margaret (played by Vanessa Kirby) had with a divorced man. Fortunately the high production values and dedication to honestly telling the story has earned the show rave reviews from both critics and members of the royal family alike. Princess Eugenie recently called the music in the show "wonderful" and remarked that "the story is beautiful, and you feel very proud to watch it." Lucky for them, season two is on the way.
Manchester Bombing First Responders Get a Surprise Visit From Prince William
Prince William stood in solidarity with Manchester on Friday after a terror attack killed 22 people and injured more than 100 others at Ariana Grande's concert on May 22. The royal made a surprise trip to the Greater Manchester Police headquarters to thank the officers for their service. During his visit, he heard heroic stories from the first responders, including 47-year-old police officer Michael Buckley, who was off duty and waiting to meet his daughter Stephanie after the concert. After struggling to get in touch with her by phone, they were eventually reunited the next morning in a nearby hotel. "She ran to me but I couldn't hold her because I was covered in blood. I told her I have got other peoples' blood all over me," he told People.
William also visited the Manchester Cathedral to sign a book of condolences for the victims and their families, writing, "Manchester's strength and togetherness is an example to the world. My thoughts are with all those affected." The royal family has been very hands on following the attack. In addition to encouraging hope and expressing their gratitude for the people's display of "strength, decency, and community," Queen Elizabeth II also took some time off from her royal duties to meet with the young victims at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
You'll Barely Recognize Khloe Kardashian - and Her Nose - in These Makeup-Free Snaps
Image Source: Snapchat user khloekardashian
Seeing celebrities without makeup is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for us, and we now know what one member of the famously contour-savvy Kardashian clan looks like when she's not all dolled up.
After documenting an intense workout with her personal trainer, Khloé Kardashian sat down for a quick postshower Snapchat session with a fresh face and slicked-back wet hair. In her selfie videos, it looks like she wasn't wearing any makeup (besides what appears to be a bit of eyebrow product and some understated false lashes). We can't help but notice how her nose looks different than usual when she doesn't have any makeup on. The reality star looks gorgeous with or without makeup on (#SkinGoals), but these snaps are a testament to her superior contouring skills.
Here's another makeup-free Snapchat shot of Khloé.
Image Source: Snapchat user khloekardashian
And here's what she looks like all dolled up from the same angle.
Image Source: Getty / Angela Weiss / AFP
Selena Gomez's New $2.25 Million Home Has a Massive Pool Perfect For Instagram Selfies
Selena Gomez is moving on. After putting her Texas mansion on the real estate market earlier this year, the 24-year-old singer and actress purchased a 3,188-square-foot house in Studio City, CA, that will serve as her new abode. The four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1951 and includes a massive pool, so we can (probably) expect to see more sexy bikini selfies from the "Bad Liar" singer this Summer. Read on to see photos of Gomez's new digs ahead.
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews Work Up a Sweat on Their Honeymoon in Australia
After an idyllic, fairy-tale wedding in the UK on May 20, Pippa Middleton and her new husband, James Matthews, jetted off to French Polynesia for an idyllic, fairy-tale honeymoon. Over the weekend, the couple was spotted on the beach in Tetiaroa, a chain of islands in French Polynesia that is basically paradise; they walked along the sand with books in hand, and Pippa showed off her toned physique in a bright blue bikini as they did some stand-up paddleboarding together. Pippa also slipped into a classic bridal white two-piece as she and James held hands during a sunny stroll. On Wednesday, the pair continued their adventures in Australia by boarding a seaplane in Sydney Harbor. They then finished off the week by going for a jog with a personal trainer in Sydney.
Pippa and James tied the knot on May 20 at St. Mark's Englefield in Berkshire, before treating guests to an evening reception at Carole and Michael Middleton's home in Bucklebury. The guest list included Pippa's older sister, Kate, who arrived with Prince William and tended to a group of young flower girls and page boys that included her own two kids, Princess Charlotte and Prince George. While we didn't get a glimpse of Prince Harry and his girlfriend, Meghan Markle, at the event, the couple reportedly met up before the reception - but due to Pippa's strict seating plan, they didn't get to sit together.
There Are So Many Transgender Stories to Tell - and I'm Hell-Bent on Telling Them
Before I moved to NYC, a good friend of mine lent me one final word of advice: "If there is anything - anything at all - you can do in this world besides acting, do that instead." Film and television are industries notorious for churning out iconic silver-screen legends and spitting out the rest who couldn't make the cut. Actors routinely face rejection and criticism in the audition room and are constantly compared to their contemporaries, from their skills to their looks. The stakes feel even higher when you find yourself grouped into a niche typecast. That is to say, you are easily lumped with other actors who fit a particular descriptor - blond, tattooed, old, or in my case, transgender.
As a transgender actress, opportunity comes on a double-edged sword. If a film or show is seeking transgender talent, you have a considerably better chance of getting the audition than the majority of cis actors out there. However, the roles available to transgender artists, while certainly growing and improving, are often limited to archaic stereotypes and unsavory characters. It was not until my fourth or fifth audition as a downtrodden, junkie, crossdressing prostitute that I fully understood the gravity of my friend's earlier advice.
Typecasting, frustrating and limiting as it can be, has also allowed me to meet just about every other trans actress working on the East Coast, because we all end up at the same casting calls. There is comfort in being able to confide in other women who not just relate but empathize and experience the exact same struggles. It is a tight and fiercely supportive community to be a part of, because each of us knows that our only chance to make change in this competitive and cut-throat world is if we speak as a unified whole. Progress is an often slow and uphill battle, but just in the past year alone we have seen amazing trans-positive and trans-collaborated works like Her Story and Transparent rise to recognition. It is deeply affirming to see girls like myself making headway, but there is still so much work to be done.
It was about this time last year I felt particularly defeated about my career and seriously considered abandoning acting, the city, and the dream I followed so far from Missouri. I questioned my strength to face another stereotype or demoralizing role and doubted my ability to bring face and change for my community. I was beside myself, but then, all golden bright and shiny, there was the 2016 Emmys. When Jeffrey Tambor was awarded for best actor in a comedy series for Transparent, he took his place on stage to say:
"To you people out there - you producers and you network owners and you agents and you creative sparks . . . Please give transgender talent a chance."
My heart shook.
"Give them auditions, give them their story. Do that . . . We have work to do. I love you."
It was as though Hollywood embodied was speaking directly to me and every other transgender actor and creative alike, validating our work and our fight. It felt, at the very least, that we mattered, and our talent was worth celebrating.
Later, Laverne Cox, dressed and glowing like the award show itself, carried Tambor's call-to-action in her own words while presenting another award.
"Give trans talent a shot. I would not be here today if somebody didn't give me a chance."
I was in absolute hysterics, sobbing and laughing all at once. I cheered at my television and cried into my boyfriend's arm. If only in this short moment on a single television award broadcast, I knew the world was listening. I was proud to be one of those people Mr. Tambor was advocating for and in love with my identity as a transgender woman. I'm not sure if the universe was listening or if God was watching, but everything I needed to know was given to me in that moment, and I knew I was far from giving up my dreams.
You Might Not Recognize These Stars in Their Yearbook Pictures
Before they became household names, plenty of today's biggest stars posed for potentially awkward yearbook photos like the rest of us. While Gwyneth Paltrow and Meryl Streep had looks dramatically different from what we've grown to expect from them, Zac Efron and Ashton Kutcher merely appear like mini versions of themselves. Read on to see all the epic flashbacks, and then learn even more about your favorite stars with their birth names and real ages.
Source: Pacific Coast News Online, Seth Poppel/Yearbook Library
It Might Be Spring, but You'll Want to Shop Selena Gomez's Sexy Swimsuits
You might think of celebrities on perma-vacations like Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima when you're looking for swimsuit inspiration, but we're telling you right now that Selena Gomez's beach style is the most versatile of them all.
The singer, who, after a short hiatus, made an emotional return to the spotlight at the end of 2016 with her acceptance speech at the American Music Awards, chooses both sexy bikinis and practical one-pieces that flatter her curves and still manage to be comfortable. So if you're headed to a warm location this Spring or simply want to stock up for the Summer - it's never too early - look ahead for lots of inspiration from Selena.
It Might Be Spring, but You'll Want to Shop Selena Gomez's Sexy Swimsuits
You might think of celebrities on perma-vacations like Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima when you're looking for swimsuit inspiration, but we're telling you right now that Selena Gomez's beach style is the most versatile of them all.
The singer, who, after a short hiatus, made an emotional return to the spotlight at the end of 2016 with her acceptance speech at the American Music Awards, chooses both sexy bikinis and practical one-pieces that flatter her curves and still manage to be comfortable. So if you're headed to a warm location this Spring or simply want to stock up for the Summer - it's never too early - look ahead for lots of inspiration from Selena.
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