Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 4 juin 2017
Grey's Anatomy Star Ellen Pompeo's Modern Barn Summer House Is Cool AF
Designing a home is an arduous process even for big celebrities like Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo. When the actress embarked on a vacation home in Sag Harbor, however, she never expected that it would take many years, multiple people, and a completely revised plan. And Ellen is no fledgling home remodeler, mind you. She's worked on two Mediterranean homes, two modern homes, and a midcentury Malibu beach house. Creating beautiful interiors, "is my hobby and I absolutely love it," she told Architectural Digest in a recent feature.
Eight years and three children after Ellen purchased the property, her dream vacation home was much different, but no less wonderful, than she imagined. Initially, Ellen planned to update an original cabin on the property as a guest house and build a sprawling main house beside it. Before she could break ground, Ellen's attention was divided by the Malibu beach house, a passion project for her. Construction of the big vacation home was put on hold indefinitely, and (after a few design snags), the cabin was transformed into a charming modern barn decorated by Ellen, celebrity interior designer Estee Stanley, and Estee's business partner Brigette Romanek.
The three woman worked around size and configuration challenges to create a fresh, unfussy, and inviting space for Ellen and her family to spend the Summer. "I was looking to do something modern and hip and young, and I wanted to do something you don't see out there - I wanted to do something different," Ellen explained to Architectural Digest. We think she's succeeded. Judge for yourself in the images ahead, then head to ArchitecturalDigest.com for the full story.
12 Brides Went Ombré on Their Wedding Dresses - and the Results Are Stunning
White wedding gowns are traditional and beautiful, but for ladies seeking that unexpected wow factor, they'll want to go ombré. Many brides have worn colored dresses before, but ombré, or dip-dye as Pinterest calls it, is slightly different. Instead of the entire dress being one color, only the bottom portion of it is dyed. The color intensity ranges from light (we dubbed it the watercolor effect) to dark, though blue and pink seem to be among the most popular shades.
Given that color was big on the runway for Fall 2017, designers will be quick to adopt the trends for their bridal collections. In fact, dip-dye dresses are plentiful now. Read on to see women who have worn them IRL in stunning snaps. They might convince you to ditch that white wedding dress for good.
This Mom Asked the Question We've All Been Thinking: "What's the Point of the Half Day?"
Half day!? This ain't Mother's Day Out.
Posted by Whoa Susannah- Susannah B. Lewis, Author on Tuesday, May 23, 2017
In a candid Facebook video that has recently gone viral, parenting blogger and author Susannah B. Lewis hilariously listed her many grievances with end-of-the-school-year half days.
For starters, Susannah said they only really serve as a day for kids to get hyper and promptly head home. "That just means I have to get up at 6:30, drag these kids out of bed, send them to school for three hours to get them hyped up on sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, Pixy Stix, doughnuts, and cupcakes," she said, adding, "Then I have to go get them before the sugar high has even worn off."
Susannah is clearly not alone in her hatred of the half day: her impassioned and hysterical video currently has over four million views and 45,000 shares on Facebook. Watch the remainder of her relatable rant above.
18 Sex-Filled Films to Stream on Netflix
For when you want some good, clean onscreen lovin' that's not porn, I've found an array of sexy films available on Netflix. There are foreign flicks, romantic comedies, period pieces, and everything in between (the sheets) - perfect for solo watching or date night. So hop into bed with one of these steamy movies tonight!
Why Wouldn't You Want to Work Out to These Zumba Routines Using Selena's Hit Songs?
If you're obsessed with Selena (because who isn't?) and Zumba workouts (again, everyone is, too), then we have found the perfect mecca for you! These amazing Zumba routines that'll make you sweat are set to some of Selena's hit songs, like "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Como La Flor." We don't have scientific proof on this yet, but we're pretty sure you'll burn even more calories by singing along and channeling your inner queen of tejano music.
12 Brides Went Ombré on Their Wedding Dresses - and the Results Are Stunning
White wedding gowns are traditional and beautiful, but for ladies seeking that unexpected wow factor, they'll want to go ombré. Many brides have worn colored dresses before, but ombré, or dip-dye as Pinterest calls it, is slightly different. Instead of the entire dress being one color, only the bottom portion of it is dyed. The color intensity ranges from light (we dubbed it the watercolor effect) to dark, though blue and pink seem to be among the most popular shades.
Given that color was big on the runway for Fall 2017, designers will be quick to adopt the trends for their bridal collections. In fact, dip-dye dresses are plentiful now. Read on to see women who have worn them IRL in stunning snaps. They might convince you to ditch that white wedding dress for good.
This Mom Asked the Question We've All Been Thinking: "What's the Point of the Half Day?"
Half day!? This ain't Mother's Day Out.
Posted by Whoa Susannah- Susannah B. Lewis, Author on Tuesday, May 23, 2017
In a candid Facebook video that has recently gone viral, parenting blogger and author Susannah B. Lewis hilariously listed her many grievances with end-of-the-school-year half days.
For starters, Susannah said they only really serve as a day for kids to get hyper and promptly head home. "That just means I have to get up at 6:30, drag these kids out of bed, send them to school for three hours to get them hyped up on sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, Pixy Stix, doughnuts, and cupcakes," she said, adding, "Then I have to go get them before the sugar high has even worn off."
Susannah is clearly not alone in her hatred of the half day: her impassioned and hysterical video currently has over four million views and 45,000 shares on Facebook. Watch the remainder of her relatable rant above.
Why Wouldn't You Want to Work Out to These Zumba Routines Using Selena's Hit Songs?
If you're obsessed with Selena (because who isn't?) and Zumba workouts (again, everyone is, too), then we have found the perfect mecca for you! These amazing Zumba routines that'll make you sweat are set to some of Selena's hit songs, like "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Como La Flor." We don't have scientific proof on this yet, but we're pretty sure you'll burn even more calories by singing along and channeling your inner queen of tejano music.
Add Some Color to Your Summer Style With Rainbow Nail Art
While punchy shades of coral and tomato are more common choices for manicures in Summer, we're making a case for rainbow. For those of us who aren't quite brave enough to sport vibrant strands, we're showing off colorful claws in honor of Pride Month. Fun and festive nail art is an easy way to show support for the LGBTQ community, so we dug up some of the best brilliant nail art ideas on Instagram to inspire you. Don't forget, rainbow is basically a neutral.
The Most Outrageous Feature In Heather Dubrow's New Home (Hint: It's Not the Champagne Doorbell)
When Evite spokeswoman and former Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow revealed that her palatial closet had its own champagne doorbell, more than a few jaws dropped. "My champagne doorbell is one of the greatest things ever" Heather laughingly told us in a recent phone interview.
"When we're building the house I was like, 'Where's my room?' Terry's got this man cave and and I'm like, 'Where am I going?' And I realize it's my closet, and so I made sure that it was really fabulous and comfortable." As for who's on the other end of the doorbell? Heather says it rings in the kitchen, and she wasn't shy about informing her husband, plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow, that when he heard it buzz, he was expected to retrieve her bubbles.
The real shocker, however, is that this over-the-top home customization is not the most fabulous feature in Heather's house. That award goes to Heather's dumbwaiter. That's right, she installed a dumbwaiter in her house that runs from the garage straight into the pantry. "I designed it so that when you pull into the garage, you can park and unload the groceries into the dumbwaiter and hit the button and the dumbwaiter goes into the pantry." How brilliant is that!? And talk about an improvement in daily quality of life!
We wish Heather was taking on design clients so we could have her do our home. Until then, we'll have to satisfy ourselves with pictures of her outrageous mansion.
Add Some Color to Your Summer Style With Rainbow Nail Art
While punchy shades of coral and tomato are more common choices for manicures in Summer, we're making a case for rainbow. For those of us who aren't quite brave enough to sport vibrant strands, we're showing off colorful claws in honor of Pride Month. Fun and festive nail art is an easy way to show support for the LGBTQ community, so we dug up some of the best brilliant nail art ideas on Instagram to inspire you. Don't forget, rainbow is basically a neutral.
3 Things to Help You Have a Tighter and More Toned Tummy
If you're constantly doing crunches to get a six-pack, you may be going about things the wrong way. Along with fat-burning cardio, the best way to lose belly fat is through these three diet changes.
Eat These
Proven to reduce abdominal fat, MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) should be a part of your daily diet, and you can find them in avocado, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and olive oil. Just be mindful of how much you eat since these are also high in calories. Blueberries are also proven to diminish belly fat, so make a point to throw them in your salads and smoothies. Some foods like pineapple contain an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat, making your belly look and feel flatter. High-fiber foods like pears, berries, veggies, beans, and whole grains have the same effect - plus they keep you feeling full longer, just like healthy fats. Feeling full keeps hunger at bay, so you crave less and eat less, reducing your total daily calorie intake which will reduce your overall body fat, including that extra bit around your middle.
Ditch These
Trans fat is a big no-no for your health in general, but also for your belly. It's found in many processed foods like granola bars, crackers, cookies, some peanut butter, and breads. If the list of ingredients includes partially hydrogenated oil, put it back on the shelf. Avoid processed foods, soda, and meats that are high in saturated fat. Try to limit sugar, simple carbs like bagels, and alcohol since these won't fill you up, so you'll end up eating extra calories you don't need. Also, steer clear of foods that personally cause you bloating like dairy products, sweeteners, or bread.
The Trifecta
You don't need to give up carbs and go all crazy with a protein-only diet. Instead, CrossFit competitor Christmas Abbott told us to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat. Including all three in your meals will make you feel more satisfied so you end up consuming smaller portions. Plus, you'll feel fuller longer which helps you consume fewer total calories.
3 Things to Help You Have a Tighter and More Toned Tummy
If you're constantly doing crunches to get a six-pack, you may be going about things the wrong way. Along with fat-burning cardio, the best way to lose belly fat is through these three diet changes.
Eat These
Proven to reduce abdominal fat, MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) should be a part of your daily diet, and you can find them in avocado, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and olive oil. Just be mindful of how much you eat since these are also high in calories. Blueberries are also proven to diminish belly fat, so make a point to throw them in your salads and smoothies. Some foods like pineapple contain an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat, making your belly look and feel flatter. High-fiber foods like pears, berries, veggies, beans, and whole grains have the same effect - plus they keep you feeling full longer, just like healthy fats. Feeling full keeps hunger at bay, so you crave less and eat less, reducing your total daily calorie intake which will reduce your overall body fat, including that extra bit around your middle.
Ditch These
Trans fat is a big no-no for your health in general, but also for your belly. It's found in many processed foods like granola bars, crackers, cookies, some peanut butter, and breads. If the list of ingredients includes partially hydrogenated oil, put it back on the shelf. Avoid processed foods, soda, and meats that are high in saturated fat. Try to limit sugar, simple carbs like bagels, and alcohol since these won't fill you up, so you'll end up eating extra calories you don't need. Also, steer clear of foods that personally cause you bloating like dairy products, sweeteners, or bread.
The Trifecta
You don't need to give up carbs and go all crazy with a protein-only diet. Instead, CrossFit competitor Christmas Abbott told us to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat. Including all three in your meals will make you feel more satisfied so you end up consuming smaller portions. Plus, you'll feel fuller longer which helps you consume fewer total calories.
18 Secrets From Sephora Employees, Including When to Buy Top-Selling Products
Sure, you shop there all the time (heck, you might as well live there), but how much do you really know about the beauty megastore you call your home away from home? We interviewed a handful of Sephora staffers (who alo prefer to keep their last names anonymous) to find out what it's like to work "the stage" - as we learned the main floor is called.
From getting paid (gratis) to attend pro makeup lessons concerns to wearing face uniforms (at least three eye shadow shades!) to helping women with a wide range of beauty (er, and sometimes relationship) concerns, read on as they let us in on the best, worst and weirdest parts of the gig.
1. They get gratis
Some women pay for pro beauty lessons. Sephora employees get rewarded to attend them.
"Each month, we have an hour-long learning session with a Sephora educator to learn about new products and brands coming to the store," says Kasey. "Once completed, we get sign-off to take home our gratis bag for that month. There are times when we receive the products we learned about in the session and others where it's just a bunch of random stuff."
When it comes to the gift of gratis, it especially pays to be a seasonal employee.
"I was originally hired during the holiday season (October through December)," she explains. "We don't have education sessions during that time so we end up getting four gratis bags after our January session. It's like Christmas for us!"
Another staffer Sarah adds: "One of our girls once told me 'I will never have to buy another piece of makeup again because Sephora not only pays for my bills, but feeds my addictions!"
2. Discounts are par for the course
If they don't manage to score what they want in their gratis bags, they can at least do so with a sweet discount.
"We get 20 percent off regular store items and 40 percent off the Sephora collection," says Chioma "Sometimes, we are even able to use our discounts on top of already-discounted items, but only for a limited time."
Discounts can range depending on the brand being purchased and the store in which you work.
Kelsey, who works at Sephora JCPenney, a pop-up Sephora located inside the department store, explains: "Our discount is 20 to 25 percent off almost the entire JCPenney store, including Sephora products, depending on method of payment. SiJCP employees cannot use our discount in freestanding Sephoras, and freestanding employees cannot use their discount at SiJCP."
3. There are exclusive sales
As for Sephora's sales, there are more than meets the consumer eye.
"A couple of months ago, the Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette was on sale for $27, and all of the Sephora employees got it for only $18!," says Chioma.
"We have a once-a-year promotion where you get an extra 35 percent off plus your already existing discount!," adds Sarah.
4. There's a pecking order
As with any job, there's a ranking that determines what you do and where you can go (literally).
"We have our top manager and then our assistant managers, whom are called CELs," says Chioma. "CELs are usually the ones who make sure everything is running smoothly on the black tile (Sephora grounds), while the manager is taking care of things in the office. Managers also have access to certain areas that other Sephora employees are restricted from, such as the stock room and the trash bin room."
5. It's a stage
At some stores, managers are referred to by their staff as directors and assistant managers are labeled cast members.
"It feels like we are performing in a play and acting for our clients. You do get a new name once you get promoted and there are many, many variations for what you could be called!," says Sarah.
6. They're only as good as their last sale
At Sephora, the only thing next to a promotion is bragging rights.
"Our manager gives us an opportunity to shine when it comes to sales, says Chioma. "If we get a $300+ sale from a client that we personally helped, we are featured in the board room with a copy of that sales receipt next to our picture! It's the manager's way of saying 'you're bringing in heavy sales; keep it up!"
In case you were wondering, they're also reading those surveys.
"We are evaluated as a store on our sales and service, so we individually strive to each reach personal goals in sales and service," notes Kasey. "Earning great survey comments from clients that we work with at the beauty studio and making big skin care sales in my particular store, are the top two ways to get recognized by our team leaders for doing a great job."
7. They work in different worlds
If working at a freestanding store, you better be prepared to know your zone.
"In freestanding stores, employees are separated by world (skin care, hair care, makeup, fragrance, and cashier) but, at SiJCP, we get to do a little of everything!," says Kasey.
8. They don't need makeup experience
Good news! According to the pros we spoke to, you don't need to be a former makeup artist to get the gig.
"My hiring experience was based off of how well I interacted with a group of people, how much energy I brought into the room, and how warm, inviting and helpful I came off," says Chioma. "The hiring manager wasn't focused on how much I knew about makeup or how skilled I was at it - that spoke for itself on my face during the interview process. I was actually surprised that I didn't have to put makeup on a model in order to be hired!"
Of course, retail experience and a love of makeup can't hurt.
"Most of us are completely self-taught and come into the job with basic retail experience," adds Kasey. "Some of the girls have gone to hair school and/or work in a salon and therefore have some experience in the industry, but most of us start out as makeup-lovers who want to grow and expand our artistry and knowledge."
9. They have a beauty uniform
While no prior experience is required (it's learned on the job), employees are expected to put their best faces forward.
"When it comes to makeup, the rules are: you must wear some kind of complexion base (such as foundation or face powder), at least three eye shadow shades, a cheek color and a lip color," Chioma explains. "Hair has to be secured so it's not being messed with or in the way, and nails must be manicured and well groomed, but can't be extremely long so they aren't poking clients when we give them makeovers!"
Unlike some other uniforms, this one still allows for some creativity.
"Funky colors and tattoos are encouraged, as we love to have individuals expressing themselves!," says Sarah.
10. They leave the drama for the makeup
There are employees who tend to form closer bonds, but there aren't cliques per se, at least when it comes to Chioma's store.
"Our staff is fairly small since I work in a small town, so we usually have outings and events that we all do together, like go out for pizza and drinks and have holiday parties," says Chioma. "Our staff members get along with one another. If something rather scandalous happens, we discuss it in a mature way so there's no conflict in the future."
That said, you can kiss any secrets goodbye.
"Since our staff is so small, if one person gets super wasted at a college party, everyone finds out about it! It's usually something we laugh about at work the next day," Chioma explains.
11. Weekends and holidays are insane
If you're looking for some one-on-one time, you'll want to stop by on a weekday.
"Working in a mall on a Friday night is always interesting," says Kasey. "Weekends are when we do the most custom makeup appointments for special events, so sometimes it's tough to get walk-ins sat down at the beauty studio for assistance with other concerns. Holiday is so different from the rest of the year for obvious reasons!"
12. There's a list of hot-ticket products
With popular times come in-demand items.
"If you're coming in looking for the newest Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit ($40) or Too Faced Eye Shadow Palette, there's a very high chance that it's sold out. You might not be lucky trying to find Kat Von D's 'Lolita' Lipstick ($21) or Becca's 'Champagne Pop' Highlighter ($38), either," says Chioma.
And that mask that went viral? Forget about it.
"Everyone wants the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask ($34) right now!" notes Kasey. "It flies off the shelves and we get nonstop phone calls asking if we have it in stock. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette ($42) and the Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette ($32) have also been super popular and sell out quickly."
13. They stock up regularly
When it comes to nabbing the latest, the early bird gets the worm.
"The days that we get new shipments in are random, but we usually do restocks before the store opens," explains Chioma. "If you're looking to get first dibs on a new or sold-out product, I would recommend coming in during the morning time."
If you can't swing by in the morning, Kasey suggests giving your local store a ring.
"If you're looking for a specific item, our store can put it on hold or add you to a list so we can call you when we restock something," she says.
14. They get first dibs
Of course, this is one of those instances when it helps to be or know a Sephora employee.
"We get first dibs on all of the newest products and having the inside scoop on the upcoming collaborations and collections that are coming to the store in the future," says Chioma. "There's a special release coming in the Fall that I'm not allowed to say anything about yet, but it's going to be phenomenal!"
Sometimes, they luck out and get items before anyone is supposed to.
"We get early access to products if they're delivered early, and we're allowed to put products on hold for ourselves to make sure hot-ticket items don't sell out," adds Kasey, noting there are sometimes restrictions.
15. Their clientele ranges significantly
If you're looking for consistency, you might want to look elsewhere because, as Kasey puts it, no day at Sephora is the same.
"I have put lip gloss on a 4-year-old, helped a 95-year-old woman find the perfect retinol serum, built a first makeup collection for an upcoming drag queen, helped YouTube beauty gurus find the next products for their videos, and everything in between," explains Kasey.
16. They know you better than you think
Even though there's a wide range of clients and interests, there are some requests that come up over and over again.
"Some questions I get asked frequently are 'Can you help me find a foundation that won't make me look cakey?' or the classic 'I know nothing about makeup and I have an event this weekend - can you teach me everything?," says Chioma.
This includes regularly playing matchmaker.
"Our top request is probably to help clients match foundations," notes Kasey. "We also have people who come in and ask for online-only brands (like Kylie Cosmetics, Morphe and Jeffree Star)."
17. They're expected to get personal
Then again, there are always surprises.
"I once helped a woman who'd developed facial hair from a medication she was on color-correct and conceal her 5 o'clock shadow," says Kasey. "She was so embarrassed, but we are a judgment-free zone and I was so happy to help her to move past her insecurities."
Some customers hold nothing back.
"I think the weirdest thing that I've been asked at work is 'what's a good lipstick that won't smudge or rub off when I get intimate with my boyfriend?' In case you're wondering, I recommended Kat Von D's Liquid Lipsticks," Chioma offers.
18. They absolutely love what they do
All in all, they wouldn't have it any other way.
"The best part of the job is making women feel as loved and special as they can. The love you give out is only a fraction of the love you get back from your clients!" says Sarah.
After all, they're making a difference.
"It sounds corny, but we literally change lives! Making clients feel beautiful and getting to know them and seeing them come back is such a rewarding feeling! It makes it all worthwhile," adds Kasey.
Why This Photo of a Little Girl Standing on a Toilet Will Keep You Up at Night
"I took this picture because initially I thought it was funny." That's how Michigan mom Stacey Wehrman Feeley began a Facebook post, centered on an image of her young daughter standing on their bathroom toilet.
But the instant her child told her what she was actually doing, Feeley broke down in tears.
"She was practicing for a lockdown drill at her preschool and what you should do if you are stuck in a bathroom," she wrote. "At that moment, all innocence of what I thought my three-year-old possessed was gone."
Feeley decided to post the powerful image with an accompanying message begging for more gun control and changes to the nation's current laws. It has more than 7,000 reactions and has been shared more than 10,000 times since she posted it last week.
Below, read an excerpt from her post, and click the image above to see it in its entirety:
Politicians - take a look. This is your child, your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and future generations to come. They will live their lives and grow up in this world based on your decisions. They are barely 3 and they will hide in bathroom stalls standing on top of toilet seats. I do not know what will be harder for them? Trying to remain quiet for an extended amount of time or trying to keep their balance without letting a foot slip below the stall door?
Pink's Daughter Delivered a Harsh Burn About One of Her Most Iconic Songs
Pink is an insanely successful singer and an incredibly talented performer (seriously, have you seen her trapeze routines?!), but there is one place where her star power holds zero weight: at home. Pink (real name Alecia Moore) has been married to Carey Hart since 2006, and the pair share two kids, daughter Willow and son Jameson. But while we're all used to blasting Pink's songs in the car and dancing to them during nights out, it turns out that Willow is her harshest critic. "The other day, I picked up her friend, who started singing 'Raise Your Glass,'" she recently told Us Weekly. "My daughter rolled her eyes and said, 'That's not even one of the good ones!'"
Pink also opened up to the magazine about how much her life has changed since becoming a mom of two. "I honestly can't believe how responsible I am," she continued. "All of a sudden I'm a soccer mom and doing the damn thing. No one would have guessed this for me. Honestly, I didn't realize that you could enjoy it so much." One of her favorite perks? Embarrassing her kids. She revealed that during one of Willow's recent T-ball games, "I was screaming my head off. I made my baby cry!"
2 Simple Email Hacks That Will Make You a Better Employee
If you're searching for easy ways to grow in your career, look no further than your inbox. No, really, with a few small tweaks and the right perspective, your work email can actually become one of your best job resources. A couple years ago, I created two email folders that have helped me become a better employee.
"Review"
In a folder labeled "Review," I file away any correspondence that includes details I might want to mention during my next review. Think: positive feedback from peers, projects with impressive stats, larger presentations, plus difficult situations that were well-handled.
"Learn From This"
On the flip side, I also have an email folder that's quite literally labeled "Learn From This." That's where I keep tactful, smartly written emails from my superiors that serve as an example of how best to communicate. The folder also includes creative presentations, fun projects, and cleverly formatted reports put together by my co-workers, and I regularly refer back to the emails when I'm trying to develop a new process or initiative.
Looking for more ways to further your career? Check out books every career gal should read plus how to prepare for your performance review.
Fall Deeper in Love With Yourself After Reading These Body-Positive Quotes
The inner dialogue you have with your body should be positive! Give yourself a compliment, show your body some love, and if you're having an off-day, here are some quotes to inspire some ever-so-important body positivity.
Pink's Daughter Delivered a Harsh Burn About One of Her Most Iconic Songs
Pink is an insanely successful singer and an incredibly talented performer (seriously, have you seen her trapeze routines?!), but there is one place where her star power holds zero weight: at home. Pink (real name Alecia Moore) has been married to Carey Hart since 2006, and the pair share two kids, daughter Willow and son Jameson. But while we're all used to blasting Pink's songs in the car and dancing to them during nights out, it turns out that Willow is her harshest critic. "The other day, I picked up her friend, who started singing 'Raise Your Glass,'" she recently told Us Weekly. "My daughter rolled her eyes and said, 'That's not even one of the good ones!'"
Pink also opened up to the magazine about how much her life has changed since becoming a mom of two. "I honestly can't believe how responsible I am," she continued. "All of a sudden I'm a soccer mom and doing the damn thing. No one would have guessed this for me. Honestly, I didn't realize that you could enjoy it so much." One of her favorite perks? Embarrassing her kids. She revealed that during one of Willow's recent T-ball games, "I was screaming my head off. I made my baby cry!"
Fall Deeper in Love With Yourself After Reading These Body-Positive Quotes
The inner dialogue you have with your body should be positive! Give yourself a compliment, show your body some love, and if you're having an off-day, here are some quotes to inspire some ever-so-important body positivity.
Set Yourself Up For Weight-Loss Success: 20+ Ways to Meal Prep
Sunday is definitely not a day of rest in my house. It's the day I plan out meals for the week, hit the grocery store, and prep food ahead of time. It takes probably three hours or more, but it totally sets me up to have a healthy and stress-free week. Here are some ideas broken down by meal. If this sounds overwhelming, even just picking a few to do will make a huge difference.
Set Yourself Up For Weight-Loss Success: 20+ Ways to Meal Prep
Sunday is definitely not a day of rest in my house. It's the day I plan out meals for the week, hit the grocery store, and prep food ahead of time. It takes probably three hours or more, but it totally sets me up to have a healthy and stress-free week. Here are some ideas broken down by meal. If this sounds overwhelming, even just picking a few to do will make a huge difference.
Why My Divorce Made Me Happier
Divorce can be extremely difficult, but as the process is finalized it can be extremely peaceful . . . or at the least, even in the midst of the stress and strain, it can be a positive event. For many people, the toughest part is in the first two stages: the first is when you are deciding whether to divorce or not. The decision to divorce can be harder than the divorce itself, as you're filled with anxiety and sadness. The second stage is the separation process in which both parties begin to cut ties.
Divorce shouldn't be considered trivial or an easy way out of a marriage, because more times than not it takes immense bravery to divorce and move forward with your life. But once you're over the tough part, there are so many reasons divorce can bring you happiness.
1. No More Doubt
That period when we were deciding whether to divorce or not was so hard. It was full of anxiety, sadness, confusion, and pain. I can't express enough how difficult that period was for me and, I am sure, my ex. Making the decision to divorce was hard because we had invested years together and had a child. My divorce made me happier and, I am sure, him as well, simply because the decision was made and we could move forward.
2. Knowing What to Look For
My ex and I are very different, and as time went on, those differences became more apparent. My divorce made me happier because I knew I could make the right choice for me in terms of picking a partner whose values best reflected mine. I don't think I understood before I got married how important it would be to have both significant common ground and a matching worldview in my lifetime partner.
3. Reconnecting With Myself
Typically, as people start to retreat from a marriage, the criticism is at an all-time high. There were things about me that my ex didn't like or didn't appreciate, yet they weren't things I could change in the long run. Being single and reconnecting with who I am and what I am made me much happier. Honestly, I needed to build my self-esteem, and that's exactly what these past three years single have done.
4. On My Own Terms
When you have two people with vastly different worldviews and opinions, it's natural for both parties to feel as if "they just can't be themselves." My divorce allowed us to be ourselves. I'm able to live life on my terms and create a world that best suits my sensibilities, beliefs, and strengths.
5. A Learning Experience
It sounds very Zen, and while I am not Buddhist, divorce was a great teacher. It was a wicked and cruel teacher at times, but it taught me so much about myself that perhaps I would have never learned had I stayed married. No one wants stress and grief, but these lessons led me to become a better, happier, less anxious, and calmer person. Our lessons can really make us stronger, if we pay attention to the things we are supposed to be learning.
6. Stronger Parent-Child Relationship
Often, parents who have been divorced say that they end up having better relationships with their kids after divorce because of shared custody time. In that shared time, you've got to make the most of it. For a variety of reasons, the divorce created a strong relationship between my daughter and me. Of course, when I look back to my stay-at-home mom days, I fondly cherish the intense time home I had with her day in and day out, but spending so much time with my daughter on my own has really helped us to develop a special relationship. Now I can be myself around her without that judgment.
7. Not Lonely, Just Alone
Being lonely in a partnership is hard; being alone is not. Sure, a partner would be great, but being alone has many benefits. The most important part is I am alone on my terms, not lonely outside of my terms.
Divorce has had some real zingers and valleys. To say it hasn't would be a lie. However, I truly feel happy. I feel like I have grown as a person and will be an amazing partner when the right person comes along. I'm ready now!
The Top 10 Things to Do at Disney's Brand-New World of Avatar
Pandora - The World of Avatar is neatly nestled within Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park, and yet the compact land can still feel a little overwhelming. For starters, there are two incredibly advanced rides. Then, there are souvenir shops, colossal trees, colorful menu items, and insane plants literally everywhere you turn.
With all the activities to do and sights to see at Pandora, it's important to go in with a plan. In fact, compounded with the reportedly massive crowds, you might not have any other choice! We previewed Pandora prior to its official opening on May 27, and we have the scoop on the top things to do, eat, or buy.
Princess Diana Wanted to Be This Before Becoming a Princess
Princess Diana is known for her fascinating life as a British royal, but she led an equally interesting life before marrying Prince Charles. Diana grew up in an affluent household in Norfolk, England. Her father's family, the Spencers, were closely allied with the British royal family, while her maternal grandmother, Ruth Roche, was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. After being homeschooled by her governess, Gertrude Allen, she began her formal education at Silfield Private School in Gayton, Norfolk, before moving to an all-girls boarding school when she was nine. In 1973, she joined her sisters at West Heath Girls' School, and although she didn't excel in academics (she failed her O-levels twice), she was a talented athlete.
Aside from swimming and diving, Diana was incredibly passionate about ballet, even going as far as to study it in school. Even though her height made her too tall to become a professional ballerina, her love for the art continued well into her days as a royal. She would often attend various performances in London and was a big supporter of the English National Ballet until her death in August 1997. It's clear to see where Prince William and Harry get their sporty side.
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.
Freddie Prinze Jr. Reveals the Secret to His 14-Year Marriage to Sarah Michelle Gellar
Image Source: Getty / Vincent Sandoval
Freddie Prinze Jr. is many things - he's an actor, a husband, a father - but did you know that he's also an amazing cook? After releasing his cookbook, Back to the Kitchen, in 2016, Freddie is partnering with Palmolive to create messy recipes - aka "messipes" - to make mealtimes more memorable with your loved ones. And his passion for food certainly runs in the family. Not only is wife Sarah Michelle Gellar an avid baker, but he also spent a huge portion of his childhood in the kitchen with his mom. "We would spend time in front of the stove together," he tells POPSUGAR, adding that she would often tell him stories about his late father, Freddie Prinze, who died nearly one year after he was born. Not only did she teach him how to cook miso soup from scratch, but he also learned some important life lessons. He recalls one specific moment when he got turned down by a girl he liked in high school. "She said, 'Son, girls your age don't want to date nice boys, and you're a nice boy. They want to date jerks.' Only she didn't say the word 'jerk.' She said, 'So, if you want to date these girls, you're gonna have to work real hard to be a jerk, and I don't want you to do that.'"
It's those same fond memories he hopes to share with his own children - Charlotte, 7, and Rocky, 4, - one day. Even though he'll be the first to admit to his kids that he's not perfect (what parent is though?), to them, he's like a superhero. "Even with all those flaws, they still think I'm a Jedi master," he says. No matter how corny it may sound, he reveals that every day feels like Father's Day, which is in part due to the fact that he didn't grow up with his own father. "When you don't have a dad, it's all you think about," he says. "You start fantasizing things that you wish you could get. So, Father's Day is a great day at my house, but it's more about the kids. Like for my birthday, we go to Disneyland because I want to see the kids. Whatever the kids want to do, we'll do."
Image Source: Getty / Handout
Freddie definitely has a great partner to raise his children with. He and Sarah first met on the set of I Know What You Did Last Summer and started dating three years later. Since tying the knot in 2002, the two have made us melt with their sweet family moments and enduring love. So, what exactly is the key to their 14-year marriage? The simple answer is laughter. "In Hollywood, and in life, a lot of pretty people get married when they're really young," Freddie says. While he admits it's important to be attracted to the person you're with, it's also vital to have that laughter and connection with each other. "Sarah and I like different things, but she respects me and she loves me, and 17 years later, she still makes me laugh at dinner or when we're watching TV and see something stupid," he says. "That's our secret and that's what works for us. When I'm 60 years old, she'll still be making me laugh, so we'll still be together."
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.
Chris Cornell's Brother Shares Photos of the First and Last Times They Were Ever Together
Chris Cornell's death was a tragic shock to many, from close pal Brad Pitt to his brother, Peter. The latter opened up about how devastating the past few weeks have been on Facebook, sharing a pair of photos of the first time he and Chris were ever together (just after Peter was born), as well as the last. "It's been difficult to put words together," Peter captioned the pictures. "My heart is broken. Chris was always just my brother. We just 'were.' No pretense. No dog and pony show. We didn't have to get deep all the time. Sometimes we only needed to just be in the same room and just be present. That was enough."
The Soundgarden frontman, 52, was found unresponsive with a band around his neck in the bathroom of his hotel room at the MGM Grand in Detroit, and his death was later ruled a suicide. His wife, Vicky, opened up about what a great family man he was soon afterwards, saying, "Chris's death is a loss that escapes words and has created an emptiness in my heart that will never be filled. As everyone who knew him commented, Chris was a devoted father and husband. He was my best friend. His world revolved around his family first and of course, his music, second."
Peter echoed Vicky's words in the rest of his post, noting the importance of music in his brother's life. "It wasn't until this week, it really hit me how he belonged to the world. That he is an icon and a legend," he said. "Chris protected us when we needed him to. His one of a kind-ness surrounded us like a suit of armor. He was a warrior and a wizard. A howling wolf and a trusted mentor . . . I will never wrap my head around his passing. I've been in shock since I heard the news. I can't and won't let him go." Read Peter's message in full above.
This Beloved Lush Product Is Back in Stock Thanks to Your Demands
Some spread awareness to save the bees; Lush fans worked hard this Spring to #SaveScrubee! Not the same thing - making sure bees are preserved is a very important global cause - but we still support beauty fans fighting to bring back a limited-edition product. (And for the record, Lush has frequently called for the protection of bee populations.)
Here's what happened: For Mother's Day, Lush launched this adorable Scrubee bar ($8). The buzzy bar was an instant hit. It offers rock star ingredients: exfoliating ground almonds with coconut shell pieces married with hydrating honey, cocoa, and shea butter. It's the perfect duo for soft, cleansed skin.
Scrubee fans campaigned on Twitter and Instagram to make sure the bar became a mainstay product in Lush's offering, and it was just announced that their bathing dreams are coming true. Lush confirmed that it will launch at the end of July!
"Our fans like to keep us on our toes," says Brandi Halls, Lush's Director of Brand Communications, said in a press release. "We were so blown away by their demand to #SaveScrubee that we had to do right by them. Scrubee has officially been saved and is part of our year-round lineup."
See? You do have power on social media, people! Congrats to all of the Scrubee lovers out there.
All the Sexy Shirtless Selfies William Levy Has Shared With Us - You Can Thank Us Later
William Levy is not one to shy away from the camera when he's not wearing a shirt. In fact, he welcomes it, taking shirtless selfies and sharing the photos of his impressive muscles and shimmery eyes with his fans on his Instagram account. And, you know, we're not mad about it at all - not one little bit. Why would we be when the Cuban-American actor's chiseled muscles are basically a work of art? He has even mastered the barely there selfie where without showing much skin, and he still manages to show us he's totally fit. Don't believe us? We present to you all the shirtless pictures William has shared with us, without commentary, because they really don't need it.
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.
How Kylie Jenner Reacted to Rihanna's Makeup Line - According to the Internet
As soon as news broke about Rihanna's hotly anticipated makeup line, Fenty Beauty, we've been keeping our eyes peeled for any details on when it hits shelves. On May 31, the singer finally put our curiosity to rest and confirmed on social media that the line will launch this Fall (*cue excessive cheering and tears of joy*). But it seems like not everyone's sharing our same excitement about Bad Gal RiRi's upcoming line.
Some have been speculating that one person in particular - Kylie Jenner - is probably not too thrilled to have another celebrity makeup mogul burst onto the scene to steal her spotlight. Many witty Twitter users are taking to social media to share what they believe Jenner really thinks about Fenty Beauty, and their predictions are pretty darn hilarious.
Some imagined Kylie was just straight-up not pleased when she heard about the launch.
Kylie Jenner when she saw Rihanna posted about Fenty x Beauty http://pic.twitter.com/m0UcbxusKK
- Rihanna's lips (@badgal4rihanna) May 31, 2017
@KylieJenner and @rihanna become beauty rivals. Here's Kylie's reaction when she heard about Riri's new Fenty Beauty makeup line #salty http://pic.twitter.com/VlB5WY9C9r
- Maria Rios (@mriosesc) June 2, 2017
Others thought she probably started searching for a new job - as a fast-food restaurant employee.
kylie jenner when fenty beauty launches http://pic.twitter.com/bQVjd0e9U1
- sean (@lanadeIfenty) May 31, 2017
Many predicted she had an over-the-top meltdown about the situation.
Actual footage of Kylie Jenner when she heard Rihanna was launching Fenty Beauty http://pic.twitter.com/josMDV556k
- Luke (@HausOfLukee) June 1, 2017
kylie when she saw rihanna's post about fenty beauty http://pic.twitter.com/9tkePQFL0v
- dani (@runwayrih) May 31, 2017
And one genius Twitter user couldn't help but bring up that patented ugly-cry that all members of the Kardashian-Jenner clan apparently do.
Kylie Jenner's reaction after Rihanna posted a pic about FENTY BEAUTY ! http://pic.twitter.com/9lECZ59jC1
- Rihanna (@VFT6Anti) May 31, 2017
So, how do you think Kylie reacted IRL?
20 Songs From the 2000s That You'll Never Get Over
Music and food are two things that don't fail at bringing together all Latinos. If there's a plate of ceviche or tostones around, we all gather around the table. If there's music pumping through speakers, we all flock to dance, bop our heads, or even fist pump. There's no way a song like Enrique Iglesias's "Heroe" or any Aventura tune will come on the radio without everyone loudly singing every lyric. And though plenty of current songs have this effect on us all, there's no time like the 2000s. See our list of songs from that decade that you can't help but sing along to, then check out these TV shows that bring on all the nostalgia.
For Me, Marching in Pride Isn't an Option - It's a Responsibility
Growing up, I was always the "weird kid" at school. I wore (mostly) girls' clothes, because I preferred girls' clothes. I was obsessive about dressing like the Spice Girls, which meant bell-bottoms, tube tops, and platform shoes. I had shaggy hair and my nails were always painted. As I grew older, and thanks in part to years of bullying, I became self-conscious about not fitting in. The older I got, the meaner my peers got, and eventually I broke. I was sick of getting sh*t for being different, so I laid to rest all of the quirks and queer tendencies and worked on blending in. I wore my older brother's clothes: baggy pants from PacSun, boxers, AirWalk skate shoes. Everything four sizes too big. It felt heavy. It became drag for me, a part to play to survive from grades five through nine.
But still, underneath all those layers, I was always queer.
In the Spring of my freshman year in high school, sitting in rehearsals for Urinetown: The Musical, I fell in love with a guy for the first time. His name was Will; he had the voice of an angel and helped me come out. At that point, I was the only out gay kid in my grade, but he made me feel less alone in school.
I tried not to make the coming-out process into a big deal. My mom and dad knew, as they've said, from the time I "came out of the womb, jazz hand first." Instead of telling people in school, I simply changed my Facebook info. I enjoyed hearing whispers in the hallway about it, an undercurrent of gossip from my peers. Instead of verbal confirmation, I used clothing and mannerisms attached to stereotypes of how I thought gay people were meant to act and dress. Overnight, I became as G-A-Y as possible. It was liberating. In an instant, I realized I could be anything I wanted, and for the rest of those very formative years, I wore many different hats. Assimilated and tried on different facets of queer culture, working through things to find my authenticity. Not even 24 hours after graduating high school, I got the f*ck out of Atlanta and moved to New York.
I saw it as an opportunity for all facets of the LGBTQ+ community to come together, allies in tow, and march in support of each other, our ancestors, our future.The first time I went to Gay Pride was by accident. I was rehearsing a play at a small, run-down theater on Christopher Street. I stepped out on one of my breaks and found myself in the middle of the parade. I took those breaks as opportunities to observe, from the sidelines, the wonder that is Pride, in all of its messy, beautiful glory. I saw it as an opportunity for all facets of the LGBTQ+ community to come together, allies in tow, and march in support of each other, our ancestors, our future.
I continued, after that Summer, to participate in Pride from afar. I didn't feel driven to fully immerse myself in it. However, post-Trump America has emboldened me to get involved in new ways. It's become clear that our rights aren't guaranteed. In general, I've started to remove myself from the sidelines and immerse myself in my community, engaging with all facets as much as possible to try to understand how I can best improve intersectionality and support those who are more marginalized than myself. I am more aware of my privilege as a cis-passing, white, queer person who gets to create art as a profession; that I've been granted rights that others fought for me to have and lived very comfortably as a queer person up until this point. Now, I feel a responsibility to fight to keep the rights I inherited and, more importantly, do my best to support other members of the LGBTQ+ community who haven't had it as easy.
That's what my Pride really boils down to: this fight. Our rights. Unabashed pride in ourselves and all the diverse facets of our community.
They're Friends?! 22 Celebrity Pals That Might Surprise You
There are tons of famous friendships that we all know about, from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, but you might be surprised at some of these little-known celebrity duos. Scroll through to see the high-profile pals that might make you scratch your head. And if you want to see more surprising relationships, check out stars that you didn't know were twins and the celebrities that are godparents for their famous friends.
The #BlackHairChallenge Highlights the Beauty and Versatility of Black Hair
You've probably noticed the #BlackHairChallenge taking over your social media feeds, but the empowering message behind the now-viral hashtag is also significant. Twitter user @melaninmamis created the social media challenge to encourage people of color to share photos of themselves rocking various hairstyles. Many black people used the hashtag as an opportunity to show off their natural hair, which is, frustratingly, still deemed "inappropriate" or "distracting" in some work spaces and in school settings. Others uploaded photos of their buzzed haircuts or their stylish braids to showcase the beauty and versatility of black hair. Keep reading to see a few examples of the #BlackHairChallenge that prove why this hashtag is so poignant.
NBA Players Get Called Overweight Pineapple Heads in "Mean Tweets"
Jimmy Kimmel unleashed his latest round of "Mean Tweets" on Thursday night, and this time it's all about the NBA. Some of the biggest names in basketball, including James Harden, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O'Neal, read some brutal tweets about themselves on social media. While some got teased about their appearance (one user said James Harden always looks like "he's just about to lead the Israelites through the Red Sea"), others were called out for their skills on the court. Of course, real-life teddy bear Shaquille O'Neal stole the spotlight with a seriously funny reaction to his burn.
10 Immigrant Women Who Changed the Course of US History
As the war on immigration rages all around, the resistance is doubling down: judges nationwide have blocked the latest travel ban and a growing number of sanctuary cities have filed lawsuits over the Trump administration's threats to withhold federal funding. In times of political uncertainty, taking stock of our history may be our best hope for gaining the perspective necessary to move forward. After all, history is the story of everyday people and movements over time.
Consider America's original inhabitants, who crossed the Bering Strait tens of thousands of years ago, followed by the first wave of European settlers in 1500 and the violent, forced migration of African slaves starting in the 1600s. Later, in the 1890s, a new generation of people entered America, starting with Annie Moore, a young Irish woman who was the first of many immigrants processed at Ellis Island. Immigration is our shared history; moving to new lands that promise greater opportunity is human nature.
Here we reflect on 10 immigrant women who helped shape America's history and culture. If you thought images from the recent Day Without Immigrants protest were haunting, consider how different your life might be without Hedy Lamarr's inventions or Dr. Elizabeth Stern's research.
Brett Eldredge Is Country Music's Hottest Eligible Bachelor
Are you ready to meet your new country boyfriend? With his third studio album on the horizon, 31-year-old singer-songwriter Brett Eldredge is no newbie, but his star is rising, and fast. When we say he's "one to watch," we mean that quite literally. He's got the looks department down with those come-hither baby blues, a sculpted body (we don't hate his beach pics), a bit of scruff, and an easy smile, but scroll through his Instagram (or Twitter or Snapchat) and it's easy to see why he has such a loyal social following - it's the sweet photos with his mom; hilarious videos of his ridiculous shenanigans; adorable photos and videos of him cuddling his dog, Edgar; and home videos of him serenading the camera (aka "bedhead jams") that prove he's the total package.
I spoke with Brett about his new album, what he's looking for in a girlfriend, his complicated relationship with social media, and, of course, the love of his life - Edgar. Keep reading for the interview, and we dare you not to crush hard for this budding heartthrob.
Celebrate Fourth of July With These 13 Cute Decor Items From Target
Hosting a Fourth of July party? Make your house look the part with fun, patriotic decor. Target has some great finds that are festive without being tacky. Even better - everything is affordable. You'll want to leave these pillows, trays, rugs, and more out all Summer long. Take a look at our favorite picks and score a few products for yourself before July rolls around.
The Adorable Reason Hugh Jackman Ignored His Wife For a Week When They First Met
It's clear to anyone that Hugh Jackman is extremely smitten with his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, and it's been like that since the moment they met. The Logan star first fell for the actress while working one of his first acting jobs on the Australian TV show Correlli. "She was the star and I had this major crush on her," he told Ellen DeGeneres in 2016. "Everyone did. The whole crew had a crush on her and I was so embarrassed by that."
Hugh was so starstruck, he went on to reveal, that he actually didn't talk to her for a week. But after some awkward silences, she confronted him at a dinner party with the rest of the cast. "She said, 'What's the matter, have I annoyed you? You're not talking to me anymore. What have I done wrong?'" he explained to the host. "I said, 'Oh, look, I've got a crush on you, I'll get over it.' And she went, 'Oh, really,' and I was like, 'Oh, this is bad.' And she goes, 'Yeah, I got one on you, too.' And I'm like, 'Oh, great!' So that was it." Twenty-one years and two kids later, the couple are still going strong.
The Adorable Reason Hugh Jackman Ignored His Wife For a Week When They First Met
It's clear to anyone that Hugh Jackman is extremely smitten with his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, and it's been like that since the moment they met. The Logan star first fell for the actress while working one of his first acting jobs on the Australian TV show Correlli. "She was the star and I had this major crush on her," he told Ellen DeGeneres in 2016. "Everyone did. The whole crew had a crush on her and I was so embarrassed by that."
Hugh was so starstruck, he went on to reveal, that he actually didn't talk to her for a week. But after some awkward silences, she confronted him at a dinner party with the rest of the cast. "She said, 'What's the matter, have I annoyed you? You're not talking to me anymore. What have I done wrong?'" he explained to the host. "I said, 'Oh, look, I've got a crush on you, I'll get over it.' And she went, 'Oh, really,' and I was like, 'Oh, this is bad.' And she goes, 'Yeah, I got one on you, too.' And I'm like, 'Oh, great!' So that was it." Twenty-one years and two kids later, the couple are still going strong.
The Other Man Involved in Princess Diana and Prince Charles's Love Square
Princess Diana's tumultuous 11-year marriage to Prince Charles was plagued with scandals, including rumors of infidelity and paternity questions. While Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles was hardly a secret, there was a fourth person involved in his and Diana's love square: James Hewitt. Diana carried on an affair with James behind Charles's back in the late '80s. He was initially hired to teach Diana, William, and Harry horseback riding, and in a 1995 tell-all interview, Diana confessed to their five-year relationship. Diana claimed to have loved him, but the couple ended up breaking things off when James was deployed to serve in the Gulf War.
Diana passed away in a tragic car accident in August 1997, and James caused another scandal when he tried to sell her love letters after her death. James made headlines again in 2011 when he admitted to contemplating suicide following their affair. At around the same time, rumors began swirling that James was Prince Harry's biological father (it's worth noting that James and Diana didn't even meet until 1986 - two years after Harry was born). While James has always denied the claims, he was recently asked point-blank about the rumor during an interview with Australia's Sunday Night, to which he replied, "No, I'm not. It sells papers . . . It's worse for [Harry] probably, poor chap." Diana and Charles separated in late 1992, but it wasn't until August 1996 that their divorce was finalized.
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