Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 5 juin 2017
These emergency room doctors prove laughter is best medicine
Did you hear the one about a group of emergency room doctors who moonlight as singing comedians? No, it’s not a joke.
Jonathan Adler x Clinique Is the Chicest Damn Makeup of Summer 2017
You won't mind leaving your makeup all over your vanity when it's designed by Jonathan Adler! And this Summer, that situation is becoming a reality since the interior designer and brand owner collaborated with Clinique. Adler outfitted Clinique cleansing brushes, makeup brushes, lipsticks, eye shadows, and blushes with his signature geographic patterns. There's also a gorgeous eye shadow palette featuring 13 shimmery and matte shades. The colors throughout the collection feel bright, energetic and to borrow a word from Clinique, happy.
"My collection for Clinique is for women who want to crank up their glamour faction to 11," Adler said in a press release.
Names and hues were inspired by some of his favorite travel spots, including Capri, Palm Beach, and Santorini. The good news: while your trip to one of those gorgeous destinations may not be booked yet, you can snap up this swag now. Keep reading to see every chic product!
What You May Not Have Known About Grace Kelly's Untimely Death
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
Grace Kelly passed away on September 14, 1982, and the details surrounding her death are still just as tragic. The Princess of Monaco was 52 when a stroke caused her to lose control of the wheel and crash her 1971 Rover P6 3500. On a Monday morning, Grace and her daughter Stéphanie, who was 17 at the time, prepared to leave for the palace after spending time at their country home in at Roc Agel. They had tickets for a train to Paris, where Stephanie would start school that Wednesday. After filling the rear seat with dresses and large hat boxes, Grace told her chauffeur that it would be easier if she drove. Even though he tried to persuade her to let him drive, saying that he could come back for the clothes, she insisted the two make the journey without him.
At about 10 am, Grace, with her daughter in the passenger seat, pulled away from Roc Agel and headed down the hill and into La Turbie, a commune in southeastern France. Approximately two miles from La Turbie, Grace missed an especially steep turn, causing the car to crash into a retaining wall and drop more than 100 feet over a cliff. When paramedics arrived, Grace was alive but unconscious and in critical condition. She and Stéphanie were transported to the Monaco Hospital, which has since been renamed the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. A day later, she suffered a second hemorrhage and never regained consciousness. While it has been widely thought that she succumbed to her injuries from the crash, Grace actually died on Tuesday night after her husband Prince Rainier chose to take her off life support.
Image Source: Getty / Michel Dufour
On Saturday, over 400 people, including Cary Grant, Nancy Reagan, and Princess Diana, said farewell to the Hollywood icon, while close to 100 million viewers tuned in on TV. The funeral was held at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco, where Grace had her fairytale wedding to Prince Rainier in 1956. Stéphanie, the youngest of Grace and Rainier's three children, was not present at the funeral as she was still being hospitalized for minor injuries from the accident. After a Requiem Mass, Grace was laid to rest in the Grimaldi family vault.
Prepare to Hyperventilate: Hi-Chew Released an Ice Cream Bar
【新作アイスレビュー】本日から期間限定・コンビニ限定で発売！ハイチュウ好きはお見逃しなく！独自製法、2層構造でハイチュウグレープ味のジューシーな味とやわらか食感を再現！森永製菓『ハイチュウアイスバー グレープ』🔻https://t.co/NASQTyeCON#ハイチュウアイス http://pic.twitter.com/f1AJG7WQbe
- アイスマン福留 (@iceman_ax) May 30, 2017
This Summer, you can now get a grape-flavored Hi-Chew ice cream bar, Rocket News 24 reports. Though they are only available in convenience stores across Japan until July 15, we're going to be on the hunt at various Japanese groceries in America for a chance to try this one-of-a-kind treat. According to the candy manufacturer Morinaga, the sweet-tart, chewy candy (made from real fruit juice) coats a vanilla ice cream bar. Morinaga tweeted that the "two-tier structure demonstrates the succulent taste of Hi-chew grape flavor and soft texture!" Though I can't confirm it yet, I'm envisioning this concept is a riff on mochi ice cream, only better.
Apparently, these bars were available in "family packs" last year, but we somehow missed this glorious news. This year, Morinaga has opted to sell the bars individually, priced at a little over $1. That seems like a reasonable price to pay to subject your taste buds to frozen Hi-Chew heaven.
8 Pieces of Clothing That Will Have Any Baby Looking Like a Mini Selena
Part of the fun of having babies is getting to dress them up in all kinds of outfits and taking a ton of pictures for everyone to see. It's only natural for your little ones to show their (and by their, we mean your) growing love for Selena Quintanilla in cute outfits, right? The answer is yes, and the clothing ahead is just what you need. From onesies to tanks, these Selena-inspired pieces are super cute, taking after a famous line from the movie and even her famous purple jumpsuit. Keep scrolling and get ready to shop.
21 Father's Day Gifts For New and Expectant Dads
If you're celebrating a new dad or dad-to-be on June 18, you'll want to commemorate the occasion with something special. Whether he's rugged and ready for adventure, seeking out the advice of other dads who have been there before, or worried about getting cabin fever during the new baby's first few weeks, we've rounded 9 some super thoughtful ideas for your man of honor. Scroll down and get inspired!
7 Powerful Tributes Inspired by the Recent London Attacks
On June 3, citizens in London were devastated by yet another terrorist attack, this time on the London Bridge and at nearby Borough Market, which left 7 people dead and nearly 50 people injured. It was the third attack in the UK in the past three months, and Britain's prime minister is calling on the United Kingdom to come together to put an end to extremism and terrorism. "Enough is enough," Theresa May said in a speech the following day. "We must come together, we must pull together, and united we will take on and defeat our enemies." The tragedy has since inspired powerful artwork around the world that echos the prime minster's statements. See them all ahead.
What You May Not Have Known About Grace Kelly's Untimely Death
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
Grace Kelly passed away on September 14, 1982, and the details surrounding her death are still just as tragic. The Princess of Monaco was 52 when a stroke caused her to lose control of the wheel and crash her 1971 Rover P6 3500. On a Monday morning, Grace and her daughter Stéphanie, who was 17 at the time, prepared to leave for the palace after spending time at their country home in at Roc Agel. They had tickets for a train to Paris, where Stephanie would start school that Wednesday. After filling the rear seat with dresses and large hat boxes, Grace told her chauffeur that it would be easier if she drove. Even though he tried to persuade her to let him drive, saying that he could come back for the clothes, she insisted the two make the journey without him.
At about 10 am, Grace, with her daughter in the passenger seat, pulled away from Roc Agel and headed down the hill and into La Turbie, a commune in southeastern France. Approximately two miles from La Turbie, Grace missed an especially steep turn, causing the car to crash into a retaining wall and drop more than 100 feet over a cliff. When paramedics arrived, Grace was alive but unconscious and in critical condition. She and Stéphanie were transported to the Monaco Hospital, which has since been renamed the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. A day later, she suffered a second hemorrhage and never regained consciousness. While it has been widely thought that she succumbed to her injuries from the crash, Grace actually died on Tuesday night after her husband Prince Rainier chose to take her off life support.
Image Source: Getty / Michel Dufour
On Saturday, over 400 people, including Cary Grant, Nancy Reagan, and Princess Diana, said farewell to the Hollywood icon, while close to 100 million viewers tuned in on TV. The funeral was held at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Monaco, where Grace had her fairytale wedding to Prince Rainier in 1956. Stéphanie, the youngest of Grace and Rainier's three children, was not present at the funeral as she was still being hospitalized for minor injuries from the accident. After a Requiem Mass, Grace was laid to rest in the Grimaldi family vault.
Jonathan Adler x Clinique Is the Chicest Damn Makeup of Summer 2017
You won't mind leaving your makeup all over your vanity when it's designed by Jonathan Adler! And this Summer, that situation is becoming a reality since the interior designer and brand owner collaborated with Clinique. Adler outfitted Clinique cleansing brushes, makeup brushes, lipsticks, eye shadows, and blushes with his signature geographic patterns. There's also a gorgeous eye shadow palette featuring 13 shimmery and matte shades. The colors throughout the collection feel bright, energetic and to borrow a word from Clinique, happy.
"My collection for Clinique is for women who want to crank up their glamour faction to 11," Adler said in a press release.
Names and hues were inspired by some of his favorite travel spots, including Capri, Palm Beach, and Santorini. The good news: while your trip to one of those gorgeous destinations may not be booked yet, you can snap up this swag now. Keep reading to see every chic product!
8 Pieces of Clothing That Will Have Any Baby Looking Like a Mini Selena
Part of the fun of having babies is getting to dress them up in all kinds of outfits and taking a ton of pictures for everyone to see. It's only natural for your little ones to show their (and by their, we mean your) growing love for Selena Quintanilla in cute outfits, right? The answer is yes, and the clothing ahead is just what you need. From onesies to tanks, these Selena-inspired pieces are super cute, taking after a famous line from the movie and even her famous purple jumpsuit. Keep scrolling and get ready to shop.
Prepare to Hyperventilate: Hi-Chew Released an Ice Cream Bar
【新作アイスレビュー】本日から期間限定・コンビニ限定で発売！ハイチュウ好きはお見逃しなく！独自製法、2層構造でハイチュウグレープ味のジューシーな味とやわらか食感を再現！森永製菓『ハイチュウアイスバー グレープ』🔻https://t.co/NASQTyeCON#ハイチュウアイス http://pic.twitter.com/f1AJG7WQbe
- アイスマン福留 (@iceman_ax) May 30, 2017
This Summer, you can now get a grape-flavored Hi-Chew ice cream bar, Rocket News 24 reports. Though they are only available in convenience stores across Japan until July 15, we're going to be on the hunt at various Japanese groceries in America for a chance to try this one-of-a-kind treat. According to the candy manufacturer Morinaga, the sweet-tart, chewy candy (made from real fruit juice) coats a vanilla ice cream bar. Morinaga tweeted that the "two-tier structure demonstrates the succulent taste of Hi-chew grape flavor and soft texture!" Though I can't confirm it yet, I'm envisioning this concept is a riff on mochi ice cream, only better.
Apparently, these bars were available in "family packs" last year, but we somehow missed this glorious news. This year, Morinaga has opted to sell the bars individually, priced at a little over $1. That seems like a reasonable price to pay to subject your taste buds to frozen Hi-Chew heaven.
Revitalize Your Home in Just 48 Hours With Trendy Houseplants on Amazon Prime
If you're looking to bring a touch of the outdoors inside - but without actually, you know, venturing outdoors - take a peek at all the refreshing greenery offered on Amazon Prime. Whether it's an air-purifying plant, an adorable collection of succulents, or something green and soothing for the bedroom, Prime will help you find serenity now (or within two days, anyway).
30 Times a Glimpse of Lauren Conrad's Interior Design Just Wasn't Enough
Ever since Lauren Conrad made up one-third of a dramatic love triangle in Laguna Beach (and later graduated to The Hills), she has been an idol to many of us 20-something females. I know my college roommates and I weren't alone when we gathered in our living room every week to watch the latest situations transpire with Speidi, Brody Jenner, or even Jen Bunney (remember her?). Aside from the drama, we all just really wanted to know: how could someone be so effortlessly beautiful, relatable, and interesting to watch, all at the same time?
These days, while Lauren is unfortunately not on reality TV anymore, there is another way we are all able to share in her flawless style, and that is through photos she shares on her addicting Instagram account. And while many of us automatically associate her with fashion, she applies her chic taste across many channels, including home decor. Read on to see some of the most swoon-worthy interior design posts straight from our girl LC (and yes, we dug down deep!).
Katie Cassidy's Smokin' Hot Bikini Body Could Set Off a Siren
It's no secret that Katie Cassidy loves hitting the beaches of Miami. When she isn't busy filming Arrow, the actress, who plays the villainous Black Siren on the show, makes sure to slip into a sexy two-piece and put her rock-hard body on display. Most recently, Katie showed off her fit frame during her romantic getaway with her fiancé Matthew Rodgers. Keep reading for some of her hottest bikini moments over the years.
Gal Gadot and Chris Hemsworth Both Agree That Wonder Woman Would Kick Thor's Ass
Wonder Woman has been the reigning badass at the box office since exploding into theaters on Friday, setting a record with its $100.5 million domestic opening (not to mention majorly inspiring women everywhere). Everyone from Lupita Nyong'o to Jessica Chastain has been giving the film, as well as director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot, rave reviews, including none other than Thor himself (aka Chris Hemsworth).
While sitting down with Katie Couric for an interview with Yahoo News, Gadot was happy to discuss how the movie has become a symbol of female empowerment and said who she thinks would win in a fight between Thor and Diana Prince (Diana, duh). To ensure everything was fair, she asked Hemsworth what he thought via Couric's Twitter account, and it didn't take long for the Australian actor to reply.
Hey @chrishemsworth -- @GalGadot has something to ask you... #wonderwoman https://t.co/XWrDANhsaT http://pic.twitter.com/wDZDZpIemt
- Katie Couric (@katiecouric) June 2, 2017
I think she'd kick Thor's a**
- Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) June 3, 2017
Although Thor is part of the Marvel universe and Wonder Woman falls under the DC umbrella, both characters are demigods (Thor is a god from Norse mythology, while Diana is the daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta) and would therefore be pretty evenly matched. Then again, anyone who saw Wonder Woman knows that Diana can take a punch (as well as give a ton of her own), so Thor and Mjölnir should count themselves lucky that they're safe and sound in the MCU.
Holy Hazelnut! This Baby's Nutella "Cake Smash" Is Every Human's Dream
Although cake smashes to celebrate a little one's first birthday aren't anything new, the idea of smashing something other than cake (like tacos, for instance) is still pretty fresh. For Giuliana's first birthday, her parents suggested a Nutella smash to their photographer, Benedetta Vallone, and the rest is history.
"I couldn't have been more excited," Vallone told POPSUGAR. "At first Giuliana wasn't into her bucket of Nutella, but slowly and surely she dived into the tasty treat." Because what human wouldn't?
The Pioneer Woman's Magazine Is Finally Out, and It Looks SO Good
It's been months since Ree Drummond announced the launch of The Pioneer Woman magazine, and the first issue is finally here! The Summer issue will be available at Walmart stores nationwide starting June 6 as well as at The Pioneer Woman's mercantile shop in Pawhuska, OK. Based on the cover, we know we can expect easy family dinner recipes, home decor inspiration, a personal and emotional story from Ree about losing her dog Charlie, and fashion advice (including a buyer's guide for cowgirl boots).
Ree shared a photo of the cover of the Summer issue on Instagram, writing, "It was really fun doing this magazine. Swipe right for a peek at one of my favorite spreads," which appears to be a feature about her daughter, Paige. The spread reads, "Ree loves building an outfit around a floral top. What happens when her teenage daughter Paige does the same?"
It's safe to say The Pioneer Woman magazine is not just for people who love to cook Ree Drummond's recipes, and there's something there for everyone who's inspired by her picturesque life on the ranch.
Katie Cassidy's Smokin' Hot Bikini Body Could Set Off a Siren
It's no secret that Katie Cassidy loves hitting the beaches of Miami. When she isn't busy filming Arrow, the actress, who plays the villainous Black Siren on the show, makes sure to slip into a sexy two-piece and put her rock-hard body on display. Most recently, Katie showed off her fit frame during her romantic getaway with her fiancé Matthew Rodgers. Keep reading for some of her hottest bikini moments over the years.
Holy Hazelnut! This Baby's Nutella "Cake Smash" Is Every Human's Dream
Although cake smashes to celebrate a little one's first birthday aren't anything new, the idea of smashing something other than cake (like tacos, for instance) is still pretty fresh. For Giuliana's first birthday, her parents suggested a Nutella smash to their photographer, Benedetta Vallone, and the rest is history.
"I couldn't have been more excited," Vallone told POPSUGAR. "At first Giuliana wasn't into her bucket of Nutella, but slowly and surely she dived into the tasty treat." Because what human wouldn't?
The Pioneer Woman's Magazine Is Finally Out, and It Looks SO Good
It's been months since Ree Drummond announced the launch of The Pioneer Woman magazine, and the first issue is finally here! The Summer issue will be available at Walmart stores nationwide starting June 6 as well as at The Pioneer Woman's mercantile shop in Pawhuska, OK. Based on the cover, we know we can expect easy family dinner recipes, home decor inspiration, a personal and emotional story from Ree about losing her dog Charlie, and fashion advice (including a buyer's guide for cowgirl boots).
Ree shared a photo of the cover of the Summer issue on Instagram, writing, "It was really fun doing this magazine. Swipe right for a peek at one of my favorite spreads," which appears to be a feature about her daughter, Paige. The spread reads, "Ree loves building an outfit around a floral top. What happens when her teenage daughter Paige does the same?"
It's safe to say The Pioneer Woman magazine is not just for people who love to cook Ree Drummond's recipes, and there's something there for everyone who's inspired by her picturesque life on the ranch.
Porn Can Be Good For You (and the World) - Here's Why
Porn is a great place to figure out what you like - and more importantly, what you don't like. It can also help encourage body positivity and embrace masturbation (hey, it's healthy!). Can you be a feminist and watch porn? Of course! Here's why porn can actually be good for you.
1. You learn what you like (and share it with a partner).
Watching porn helps you figure what and why things turn you on - or off. If you like something, find more in that category and see if it works for you. If it doesn't, find out who the performers are and see if they do it for you. Find someone or something that gets you hot and bothered and think about why. If you are into a particular porn star, support their work (even if, like me, you're broke AF). Send something you really liked to a partner (or partners). It's a great way to start a conversation about what kinds of sex you're interested in and show them what you want to try. I was seeing this guy for six months. I asked if that was what he was into, and he said he didn't know. A grown man didn't know what kind of porn he was into because he was "in and out in 10 minutes" and "didn't really think about it." So he wasn't able to explain what he wanted or even liked. Watching porn with critical thought could have made this dude's life a little better.
2. It can promote body positivity.
Rule 34 exists for a reason. Representation matters. While the porn industry has massive issues with the line between representation and fetishization, there's always space to see a body that looks like yours having sex. I advocate for critical consumption of all media - especially porn - and that includes looking at bodies that resemble your own. XXX porn fights repressive representations of genitalia. Vaginas are wonderfully diverse in shape, size, and color. Porn, with its close-up shots of labia and clitorises, allows viewers the opportunity to see genitalia that look different from their own or the ones they saw in middle school sex ed classes. And all those lovingly shot blow jobs? You guessed it - a great time to learn that penises can curve left or right, be pink or brown or black and any color in between, and can still get off and get someone else off. Porn normalizes genitalia in its diversity.
Porn proves that anyone interested in having sex (with a consenting adult) can - and can be hot while doing it. Curvy, thin, queer, straight, trans, kinky, and vanilla all engage in sex and prove the viability of representation.
3. It encourages masturbation!
There are a ton of health benefits. "Procrastibation" is a great way to waste time while achieving something. More importantly, it's a great way to figure out what kind of touches you respond to and enjoy. Super into clitoral stimulation? Tell your partner! G-spot or prostate play? Again, let your partner know! Knowing how and what you like is key. Porn is a regular part of masturbation rituals, so go forth, watch porn, and get yourself off.
4. Porn is one of the few industries where women are paid more than men.
A woman about her money is great. There are conflicting reports about exactly how much more they make, but women in porn can make double their male counterparts. I am here for supporting women making their own money. Yes, women in porn can be feminists; no, not all porn is degrading to women and femme people. These figures also represent gender-conforming mainstream porn points of view, and not everyone making porn falls into these categories, but let's celebrate the little victories. I know there is still so much progress needed for gender-nonconforming bodies, but in a world where white women make 74-82 percent of what men are paid and women of color even less, it's important to acknowledge the areas in which we've made progress.
5. You can still be a feminist and watch porn!
I've met too many young women who buy into the idea that all women in porn are being exploited. Yes, exploitation is very real, yes, human trafficking is a huge issue, but many women in porn have chosen to be there. Read their stories, and think about the implications that assumptions lead to. Dare I say, make them real people, with real complicated lives? Better yet, find performers you like on Instagram and Twitter. Find people who jive with your politics, find people who actively identify as feminists, and support their work. Look at the work performers do outside of porn, and consider even thinking about them, their passions, hobbies, and politics after you cum. Walk the feminist talk, liberate your sexuality, and support people doing what they love for a living. That's feminist as hell.
So for all of this, I say we start talking about porn. What we watch, what we like, and why we like it. Honestly, where's the harm in well-informed people who are able to articulate sexual interest and desire? Sounds pretty great to me.
Princess Diana's Most Captivating Moments With Kids
Princess Diana shared numerous sweet moments with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, before her death in August 1997, but she had just as many heartwarming encounters with kids during her royal appearances across the globe. As part of her extensive charity work, the royal, who was a kindergarten teacher before marrying Prince Charles, had no qualms cuddling up to young children as she visited hospitals, schools, and orphanages. She would even get down on their level as they offered her gifts or flowers, much like her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton does when she interacts with her smallest fans. Not only have William and Harry carried on Diana's legacy for helping others, but they also share her love for children.
Cool Off With These Fruit-Filled Popsicles
Admit it, we all scream for ice cream as soon as the temperature starts to rise in the springtime. But when we see how many calories, sugar, and fat are in one serving, that dessert looks a little less sweet. Instead of a scoop of ice cream, why not serve the kids a fresh, fruit-filled popsicle? These frozen treats will instantly cool kids off without giving them an unnecessary sugar rush. The best part - all you need are fruit and a little liquid!
So try your hand at one of these tasty (and, dare we say, beautiful) popsicles that will help you and the kids beat the heat.
10 Natural Wonders in Iceland That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Nordic island of Iceland has become an incredibly popular place to travel in recent years. If you haven't gotten a chance to visit the country's spectacular nature, now is the time. Check out the country's awe-inspiring locations.
Alessandra Ambrosio Is Here With All the Swimwear Inspiration You'll Ever Need
Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio lives in a permanent state of vacation. When she's not posing for famous photographers or walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, she's at the beach or by the pool with family and friends. She even uses the hashtag #foreveronvacation, so you know she takes her time under the sun pretty seriously.
Those should be credentials enough to trust her swimwear choices and want to copy her every look, but to top it off, she also designs bikinis and one-pieces for her line Ále by Alessandra. So scroll ahead to check out all the beachwear Alessandra has been wearing this year - it's sure to be everything you need to hit the sand in style.
Princess Diana's Most Captivating Moments With Kids
Princess Diana shared numerous sweet moments with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, before her death in August 1997, but she had just as many heartwarming encounters with kids during her royal appearances across the globe. As part of her extensive charity work, the royal, who was a kindergarten teacher before marrying Prince Charles, had no qualms cuddling up to young children as she visited hospitals, schools, and orphanages. She would even get down on their level as they offered her gifts or flowers, much like her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton does when she interacts with her smallest fans. Not only have William and Harry carried on Diana's legacy for helping others, but they also share her love for children.
More Men Need to Stand With Planned Parenthood
The following story, "More Men Need to Stand With Planned Parenthood" by Doyin Richards, was originally published on Daddy Doin' Work.
Lately you may have noticed that I've been a lot more political lately. And whenever someone talks about politics on the Internet, some people absolutely love it, others absolutely hate it.
I've been doing this for long enough that I don't really give a sh*t about the hate anymore (and I'm sure I'll get a bunch from this post). I'm here to use my platform to share how I feel I can make the world a better place. And with that, I'm going to talk about something more men should talk about - Planned Parenthood (PP).
I have two young daughters. There is so much about the state of America that scares me to death when it comes to being their dad that I can't list them here for fear of slipping into a deep depression - and access to quality healthcare is definitely one of them.
The narrative that PP is an "abortion mill for those disgusting baby-killing liberals" is just plain dumb. Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion - and whatever your thoughts are about abortion don't change the fact that it is legal here in 'murica. Secondly, a 2014 report shows that only 3 percent of the care PP provided were abortions. It also provides other health services such as cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, family planning, and many other vital services to families who may be unable to afford it otherwise.
From Planned Parenthood's 2013-2014 annual report
In other words, if PP is taken away, thousands of people will suffer and/or die. If you call yourself "pro-life," you can't be OK with that unless you're OK with outing yourself as simply being "pro-birth" (or outing yourself as a damn hypocrite . . . either one works). And just a heads up - if we really want to reduce the abortion rate, we need to provide as much access to family planning services as possible (including education and access to birth control). Nobody in America does that better than PP.
Not to mention, the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) is awful - and that's probably due to the fact that all of the people who helped to design the bill are dudes, but that's another story. If passed, this bill will leave 23 million Americans uninsured. That includes liberals, conservatives, Christians, Muslims, etc. Bottom line - it's just a terrible plan, and a solid amount of Republicans feel that way.
But let's get back to PP for a minute. Defunding this program by no means "makes America great again." America is great when even its lowest income citizens can have access to great healthcare. Mr. Sanders says it best.
Get the facts and understand that PP is far from the big, bad monster that some want you to believe. If you love and care for women and girls, you should want to fight to ensure PP stays alive. I'll be damned if I'm a guy who sits around while a bunch of out-of-touch men decide how women should handle their healthcare needs. Hell, the fact that it's 2017 and I'm actually writing about this is just one of many examples of why the rest of the world continues to laugh at us.
Enough is enough. We need to pressure the Senate to vote against the AHCA and the defunding of Planned Parenthood.
This post is made possible by support from The Mission List. All opinions are my own. Find out how you can put the heat on to help oppose the bill.
Cool Off With These Fruit-Filled Popsicles
Admit it, we all scream for ice cream as soon as the temperature starts to rise in the springtime. But when we see how many calories, sugar, and fat are in one serving, that dessert looks a little less sweet. Instead of a scoop of ice cream, why not serve the kids a fresh, fruit-filled popsicle? These frozen treats will instantly cool kids off without giving them an unnecessary sugar rush. The best part - all you need are fruit and a little liquid!
So try your hand at one of these tasty (and, dare we say, beautiful) popsicles that will help you and the kids beat the heat.
More Men Need to Stand With Planned Parenthood
The following story, "More Men Need to Stand With Planned Parenthood" by Doyin Richards, was originally published on Daddy Doin' Work.
Lately you may have noticed that I've been a lot more political lately. And whenever someone talks about politics on the Internet, some people absolutely love it, others absolutely hate it.
I've been doing this for long enough that I don't really give a sh*t about the hate anymore (and I'm sure I'll get a bunch from this post). I'm here to use my platform to share how I feel I can make the world a better place. And with that, I'm going to talk about something more men should talk about - Planned Parenthood (PP).
I have two young daughters. There is so much about the state of America that scares me to death when it comes to being their dad that I can't list them here for fear of slipping into a deep depression - and access to quality healthcare is definitely one of them.
The narrative that PP is an "abortion mill for those disgusting baby-killing liberals" is just plain dumb. Pro-choice does not equal pro-abortion - and whatever your thoughts are about abortion don't change the fact that it is legal here in 'murica. Secondly, a 2014 report shows that only 3 percent of the care PP provided were abortions. It also provides other health services such as cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, family planning, and many other vital services to families who may be unable to afford it otherwise.
From Planned Parenthood's 2013-2014 annual report
In other words, if PP is taken away, thousands of people will suffer and/or die. If you call yourself "pro-life," you can't be OK with that unless you're OK with outing yourself as simply being "pro-birth" (or outing yourself as a damn hypocrite . . . either one works). And just a heads up - if we really want to reduce the abortion rate, we need to provide as much access to family planning services as possible (including education and access to birth control). Nobody in America does that better than PP.
Not to mention, the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) is awful - and that's probably due to the fact that all of the people who helped to design the bill are dudes, but that's another story. If passed, this bill will leave 23 million Americans uninsured. That includes liberals, conservatives, Christians, Muslims, etc. Bottom line - it's just a terrible plan, and a solid amount of Republicans feel that way.
But let's get back to PP for a minute. Defunding this program by no means "makes America great again." America is great when even its lowest income citizens can have access to great healthcare. Mr. Sanders says it best.
Get the facts and understand that PP is far from the big, bad monster that some want you to believe. If you love and care for women and girls, you should want to fight to ensure PP stays alive. I'll be damned if I'm a guy who sits around while a bunch of out-of-touch men decide how women should handle their healthcare needs. Hell, the fact that it's 2017 and I'm actually writing about this is just one of many examples of why the rest of the world continues to laugh at us.
Enough is enough. We need to pressure the Senate to vote against the AHCA and the defunding of Planned Parenthood.
This post is made possible by support from The Mission List. All opinions are my own. Find out how you can put the heat on to help oppose the bill.
Queen Elizabeth II Did Something at Diana's Funeral That the Public Did Not See Coming
Princess Diana was honored with a public funeral on Sept. 6, 1997, seven days after her tragic death. The event brought in an estimated 2.5 billion viewers, while another three million crowded the streets of London to follow the route of Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to her final resting place at the Spencer family home in Althorp. Diana's two sons, William and Harry, joined the funeral procession at St. James's Palace alongside their father, grandfather, and uncle Earl Spencer. The coffin, accompanied by eight Welsh Guards, passed Buckingham Palace, where members of the royal family waited outside. Queen Elizabeth II was one of them, and as Diana's coffin was carried past her, she made a very rare move: she bowed her head.
The queen's gesture is remarkable for a couple of reasons; first, while it is customary for others to bow (or curtsy) to her majesty, she is not technically required to bow or curtsy to others. She made a solemn, unexpected acknowledgment to her former daughter-in-law's casket that she rarely does for anyone else.
Second, there was a huge amount of drama within the royal family after Diana's death, including the fact that Queen Elizabeth II had insisted that Diana's ceremony be private - she faced "fierce resistance" from Prince Charles, and then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair also agreed that Diana should be laid out at St. James's Palace with a public funeral held at Westminster Abbey. Because the queen was so highly criticized for her silence and "business-as-usual" behavior in the wake of Diana's death, her bowing at the coffin attempted to send a message of compassion, honor, and genuine grief.
Alessandra Ambrosio Is Here With All the Swimwear Inspiration You'll Ever Need
Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio lives in a permanent state of vacation. When she's not posing for famous photographers or walking in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, she's at the beach or by the pool with family and friends. She even uses the hashtag #foreveronvacation, so you know she takes her time under the sun pretty seriously.
Those should be credentials enough to trust her swimwear choices and want to copy her every look, but to top it off, she also designs bikinis and one-pieces for her line Ále by Alessandra. So scroll ahead to check out all the beachwear Alessandra has been wearing this year - it's sure to be everything you need to hit the sand in style.
Queen Elizabeth II Did Something at Diana's Funeral That the Public Did Not See Coming
Princess Diana was honored with a public funeral on Sept. 6, 1997, seven days after her tragic death. The event brought in an estimated 2.5 billion viewers, while another three million crowded the streets of London to follow the route of Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to her final resting place at the Spencer family home in Althorp. Diana's two sons, William and Harry, joined the funeral procession at St. James's Palace alongside their father, grandfather, and uncle Earl Spencer. The coffin, accompanied by eight Welsh Guards, passed Buckingham Palace, where members of the royal family waited outside. Queen Elizabeth II was one of them, and as Diana's coffin was carried past her, she made a very rare move: she bowed her head.
The queen's gesture is remarkable for a couple of reasons; first, while it is customary for others to bow (or curtsy) to her majesty, she is not technically required to bow or curtsy to others. She made a solemn, unexpected acknowledgment to her former daughter-in-law's casket that she rarely does for anyone else.
Second, there was a huge amount of drama within the royal family after Diana's death, including the fact that Queen Elizabeth II had insisted that Diana's ceremony be private - she faced "fierce resistance" from Prince Charles, and then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair also agreed that Diana should be laid out at St. James's Palace with a public funeral held at Westminster Abbey. Because the queen was so highly criticized for her silence and "business-as-usual" behavior in the wake of Diana's death, her bowing at the coffin attempted to send a message of compassion, honor, and genuine grief.
17 Ways to Do National Rosé Day Right
National Rosé Day is on June 12 - get pumped! It doesn't matter if you're celebrating solo or sipping the good stuff with a group of friends - we've got you covered. From a bevy of bottles to a fun pool float to hold them all, scroll through to get started on your National Rosé Day parté.
Tom Cruise Nonchalantly Crashes a Plane Full of Cocaine in the American Made Trailer
You might be used to seeing Tom Cruise pulling off insane stunts for shady government agencies in the Misson: Impossible franchise, but he's going a decidedly sketchier route in American Made. He stars as Barry Seal, a hustler and pilot recruited by the CIA to deliver illegal drugs and weapons, in this "unbelievable true story." From crashing a plane full of cocaine to being held at gunpoint by angry drug dealers, this looks like yet another chance for Cruise to prove why he's such an iconic action star. The movie, directed by Edge of Tomorrow's Doug Liman, hits theaters on Sept. 29 and costars Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons, and Jayma Mays.
A Subtle Form of Slut Shaming You May Not Realize You're Perpetuating
On May 23, the Trump administration put another dollar in its "Swear (that we are trying to f*ck over women) Jar" when it rolled out a new rule. The proposed legislation would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow employers to opt out of providing contraception coverage for employees if they have a "conscience-based" objection. This means that if a company has a religious or moral (or really any) opposition to birth control, it can remove free preventive coverage from the medical insurance plans it offers its employees. Because honestly, who hasn't wanted their boss and their government in their panties?
Under the 2010 ACA, contraceptives are free for women because birth control is considered a necessary component of healthcare coverage. But the Obama administration made an exception to the ACA's coverage, allowing religious nonprofits and closely held for-profit companies with religious objections to deny coverage for some - or all - contraceptive purposes. Trump's new draft rule takes this a step (or rather, a giant leap) further and is much broader in its exemption allowances, which will inevitably affect millions of women around the country. In 2013 alone, the ACA contraception mandate helped 55 million women obtain birth control and saved them $1.4 billion in out-of-pocket healthcare spending. That's $1.4 billion with a capital "B" - money that could then be spent on feeding families, higher education, securing a roof over one's head . . . ya know, the little things.
Anyone can understand that if women are forced to spend, on average, $1,200/year on contraception, making birth control free will aid women in taking control of their physical and financial health. In terms of securing economic freedom and bringing families out of poverty, this is paramount. As women of the 21st century, we should all be on the same page there. But we too often tend to lose our spot in the Why Birth Control Is Necessary book we were all given as fourth-wave feminists.
Whenever the discussion of birth control arises, so does one of justification. We hear our friends and coworkers exclaim that, "This is BS! I'm on the pill, but it's for acne," or, "WTF, don't these Republicans know that a lot of women take the pill for endometriosis?! Like Lena Dunham . . . ," and, "Before birth control I had the worst cramps - I need this covered!" Which are all completely valid and reasonable arguments, but they kind of miss the point.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a whopping 86 percent of women who use birth control use it for pregnancy prevention, aka its intended purpose. And that's awesome. But for some reason, when the topic of the pill comes up, we feel we need to offer up some other explanation besides, "I would like to have sex without having a child before I'm ready or can afford one." But why? Are we trying to appease reproductive-rights foes by offering up medical ailments that can be treated with the pill? Or do we still feel that, in 2017, we cannot be open and honest about the fact that we are sexually active?
As someone who has been guilty of the "acne" disclaimer on more than one occasion, I'm going to proffer that the majority of us, whether subconsciously or not, are still not completely comfortable with announcing that we have sex. We still fear that if we reveal that we use birth control to have sex, and not babies, that we'll be considered sluts - even though we know, as millennial women, that this is an antiquated and erroneous mindset. And yet, we perpetuate the cycle of slut shaming when we continue to use "acne" as an explanation for our BC prescription. Even if the aforementioned, alternative reasons explain your prescription, we still do not need to offer them up as some sort of mechanism to remove the pill's scarlet letter.
Clear skin and cramp-less periods are awesome, but so is having sex without an unplanned pregnancy. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of an explanation for our birth control. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should not require statistics and numbers to justify. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of a reason to demand access to birth control.
Our feminist foremothers didn't fight for our sexual liberation so that we could say we have "acne." We must direct the conversation around birth control by demanding that protected sex is our right and that no other explanation is necessary.
17 Ways to Do National Rosé Day Right
National Rosé Day is on June 12 - get pumped! It doesn't matter if you're celebrating solo or sipping the good stuff with a group of friends - we've got you covered. From a bevy of bottles to a fun pool float to hold them all, scroll through to get started on your National Rosé Day parté.
A Subtle Form of Slut Shaming You May Not Realize You're Perpetuating
On May 23, the Trump administration put another dollar in its "Swear (that we are trying to f*ck over women) Jar" when it rolled out a new rule. The proposed legislation would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow employers to opt out of providing contraception coverage for employees if they have a "conscience-based" objection. This means that if a company has a religious or moral (or really any) opposition to birth control, it can remove free preventive coverage from the medical insurance plans it offers its employees. Because honestly, who hasn't wanted their boss and their government in their panties?
Under the 2010 ACA, contraceptives are free for women because birth control is considered a necessary component of healthcare coverage. But the Obama administration made an exception to the ACA's coverage, allowing religious nonprofits and closely held for-profit companies with religious objections to deny coverage for some - or all - contraceptive purposes. Trump's new draft rule takes this a step (or rather, a giant leap) further and is much broader in its exemption allowances, which will inevitably affect millions of women around the country. In 2013 alone, the ACA contraception mandate helped 55 million women obtain birth control and saved them $1.4 billion in out-of-pocket healthcare spending. That's $1.4 billion with a capital "B" - money that could then be spent on feeding families, higher education, securing a roof over one's head . . . ya know, the little things.
Anyone can understand that if women are forced to spend, on average, $1,200/year on contraception, making birth control free will aid women in taking control of their physical and financial health. In terms of securing economic freedom and bringing families out of poverty, this is paramount. As women of the 21st century, we should all be on the same page there. But we too often tend to lose our spot in the Why Birth Control Is Necessary book we were all given as fourth-wave feminists.
Whenever the discussion of birth control arises, so does one of justification. We hear our friends and coworkers exclaim that, "This is BS! I'm on the pill, but it's for acne," or, "WTF, don't these Republicans know that a lot of women take the pill for endometriosis?! Like Lena Dunham . . . ," and, "Before birth control I had the worst cramps - I need this covered!" Which are all completely valid and reasonable arguments, but they kind of miss the point.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a whopping 86 percent of women who use birth control use it for pregnancy prevention, aka its intended purpose. And that's awesome. But for some reason, when the topic of the pill comes up, we feel we need to offer up some other explanation besides, "I would like to have sex without having a child before I'm ready or can afford one." But why? Are we trying to appease reproductive-rights foes by offering up medical ailments that can be treated with the pill? Or do we still feel that, in 2017, we cannot be open and honest about the fact that we are sexually active?
As someone who has been guilty of the "acne" disclaimer on more than one occasion, I'm going to proffer that the majority of us, whether subconsciously or not, are still not completely comfortable with announcing that we have sex. We still fear that if we reveal that we use birth control to have sex, and not babies, that we'll be considered sluts - even though we know, as millennial women, that this is an antiquated and erroneous mindset. And yet, we perpetuate the cycle of slut shaming when we continue to use "acne" as an explanation for our BC prescription. Even if the aforementioned, alternative reasons explain your prescription, we still do not need to offer them up as some sort of mechanism to remove the pill's scarlet letter.
Clear skin and cramp-less periods are awesome, but so is having sex without an unplanned pregnancy. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of an explanation for our birth control. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should not require statistics and numbers to justify. Wanting to have sex without an unplanned pregnancy should be enough of a reason to demand access to birth control.
Our feminist foremothers didn't fight for our sexual liberation so that we could say we have "acne." We must direct the conversation around birth control by demanding that protected sex is our right and that no other explanation is necessary.
How Old Is the Cast of 13 Reasons Why? An Age Investigation
If you're not already obsessing over 13 Reasons Why, it's time to press "play" on the first episode. Netflix's adaptation of the Jay Asher novel has captured our full attention, thanks in large part to the cast. The main characters (save for the parents) are all in high school; we meet most of them during their sophomore year, then see them as they return to school after the Summer as juniors. The actors, however, are all slightly older than their onscreen counterparts. I wanted to know just how much older, so I did some digging. Here are all the ages I could find - a few of the actors have managed to keep their real ages a secret! (I'm looking at you, Christian Navarro.)
The Definitive List of Fashion's Biggest Stars, Game Changers, and Innovators Is Here
The annual list of CFDA Award nominees was released following a reception in NYC. It's the rundown of the industry's biggest stars and rising talents. Some names have appeared for seasons, like Marc Jacobs and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; but that doesn't mean newcomers don't stand a chance. In fact, the 2016 womenswear designer of the year spotlighted the husband and wife duo behind Brock Collection, who quickly became the brand to watch at Fall 2017 Fashion Week and beyond and ended up on the list again this year, a sure sign of the kind of clout the award carries.
So who else got a nod? This year's roster includes honoree Kenneth Cole, a recipient for the first-ever Swarovski Award for Positive Change, for his commitment to civic service. You'll also find the buzzy designer behind Balenciaga and Vetements, Demna Gvasalia, being honored with the international award. See the complete list of nominations and honorees below, and be sure to tune in tonight to see who ends up in the winners' circle at the 2017 CFDA Awards.
Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
- Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra
- Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
- Marc Jacobs
- Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
- Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Menswear Designer of the Year Award
- Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
- Robert Geller
- Tim Coppens
- Thom Browne
- Todd Snyder
Accessory Designer of the Year Award
- Stuart Vevers for Coach
- Irene Neuwirth
- Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel
- Paul Andrew
- Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent
- Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock for Brock Collection
- Gabriela Hearst, Laura Kim, and Fernando Garcia for Monse
- Virgil Abloh for Off-White
- Sander Lak for Sies Marjan
Swarovski Award for Positive Change
- Presented to Kenneth Cole
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
- Presented to Rick Owens
The Founder's Award
- Presented to Pat McGrath
International Award
- Demna Gvasalia for Vetements and Balenciaga
Board of Directors' Tribute
- Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem, and Janelle Monáe
Fashion Icon Award
- Posthumously presented to Franca Sozzani
You Will Cry Laughing at This Mom's Instructions to Her Husband For Watching the Kids
"I'm writing this to you out of love, not fear," starts Meghan Maza Oeser in a letter to her husband that outlines instructions for watching their kids while she's away. "I wanted to go over a few things with you before you embark on this weekend alone . . . with the others." In the letter, Oeser details everything from meal preferences to which sippy cup is acceptable for bedtime, and the way she describes her children's antics will make you fall off your chair laughing.
"Upon arriving home after work, things won't seem so bad. The others will hug, jump, and for the most part, be pretty excited to see you. This will be short lived . . . I promise." Oeser continues by disguising horror stories as directives that will help her husband "survive" the weekend:
Dinner will suck. Bailey will want pizza, while Harper will ask for hot dogs. Quinn will cry when you say the word hot dog, and will insist on mac n cheese (not the orange kind or the white kind, but the purple kind). We'll be fresh out of the purple kind, so she'll ask for toast. You'll already have started making mac n cheese for Penny, but since she heard Quinn ask for toast, she'll also want that toast.
You'll want to sit down and relax after dinner, but I'm warning you against this. It will get quiet...REAL quiet. This is when you'll realize that the threenager has fallen asleep somewhere. Do NOT let the threenager fall asleep. You're basically f*cked if this happens.
Pajamas. F*CK pajamas. Don't even ATTEMPT anything but a nightgown for Penny. And if you cannot find a nightgown for Penny, keep f*cking looking. She'll ask for her Minnie Mouse nightgown, but once you put it on, she'll scream in agony because the sleeves are CLEARLY ripping her f*cking arms off. Just find her Elsa one. Chances are, it's dirty as sh*t, but so what . . .
Quinn, Harper, and Bailey will go down seamlessly. Just wait. As they lie in their beds, they'll then realize that their tiny mouths are on God damned fire . . . They will come down one by one every god damned five minutes for water. Don't let ANYONE use Quinn's pink Elsa cup. If she sees this, she will lose her holy sh*t.
Breakfast. . . . Penny might want cereal, or she'll go for toast. Whatever you do LET HER PICK HER SPOON. Chances are, Quinn will have the ULTIMATE spoon, and Penny will convince you that you've left her with the sh*ttiest spoon in the bunch. Sometimes I'll give her a fork, and then flip her off.
Oeser ends her hilarious note with a few more good lucks, a subtle jab at him, and a simple, yet incredible, "Kisses." Read the whole incredible thing above.
Redefining Pride: How the Dyke March Makes Room For Anger
When news of the Pulse shooting broke around this time last year, I spent my entire morning reading the stories of the people we lost. And crying. I couldn't stop crying. Coming into my queerness in relative comfort and safety, it's easy for me to be cynical about Pride (with a corporate, colonized, capital "P"). I came out at a women's college in New York City, to parents who had evolved to be accepting, if a little unsure. The LGBTQIA+ community was cautiously beginning to thrive after decades of struggle I never had to experience. Pride was becoming so common, it almost felt cheap.
My first Summer out of the closet, I went to the New York City Pride Parade. It was a bright and brilliant experience, full of joy and friends and boundless energy. I went again the year after, but the event had lost a bit of its luster. I suddenly noticed how companies with dubious labor practices - or a history of discriminating against trans employees - were parading their "gay friendly" policies, as if it absolved them of any other obligation to do better or be better. I saw the NYPD walking with banners held high. Behind them followed the brown and black bodies they still committed violence against, when the news cameras were turned away. I knew there was pride on those streets. But it was a hollow pride. A pride that struggled to reconcile how a man could finally bring his boyfriend to parties at his insurance company, while, in the same breath, his company could deny coverage to folks living with HIV because that's what they'd call a "preexisting condition."
The next year, I did not go.
I was visiting my family in California when Pulse happened. There was no one in that straight, suburban neighborhood who saw Pulse as anything but another shooting, and I felt deeply alone. I wanted to be with friends, strangers, anyone who understood how my heart was breaking. How, despite the perceived banality of my personal battles, the certainty of my right and my community's right to live a full and honest life has always been - and continues to be - painfully tenuous.
The Pride parade was less than two weeks away, and in a few days I was going home. Once there, I would hold vigil at Stonewall Inn in an effort to find a way, any way to cope and process the loss I felt. But Pride didn't feel right. I couldn't bring myself to go. That's when the notification popped onto my feed: an invite to the 24th Annual New York City Dyke March.
I knew about the Dyke March. It was founded as a protest and not a parade. It does not seek a permit, it does not look for sponsors, it does not ask for permission. Allies are requested to remain on the sidewalk and are welcome to cheer and bear witness, but not to take up space. For a couple hours and about as many miles, we claimed the right to fill up all that space with the sheer audacity of our existence. I realized just how deeply I needed to feel invincible. I wanted to declare my right to live, unconditionally, unapologetically.
The day of the Dyke March, I met up with a few friends in front of the Bryant Park library. The march was already underway, but it stretched for blocks as far as the eye could see, and we quickly slipped in to join the chanting crowd. I could feel the energy of the marchers in my bones. There was anger and an edge, but there was also joy.
Young mothers (with babies dressed in slogan-bearing onesies bouncing on their hips) pounded the pavement beside old-school butches, radiant with their graying undercuts and fading tattoos. A plump, bespectacled auntie motored next to the marching band on her mobility scooter, rainbow flag jauntily streaming behind her. Trans activist groups raised defiant signs into the air, daring the spectators hanging out of windows to deny them their justice. A sign here reminded us that "Black Lives Matter. White Silence Kills." Another asked Olivia Benson to marry her. A flock of queens crowed out a very heretical rewrite of "God Save the Queen" from the steps of a street-side church. Young, anxious-looking college students, fresh out of the closet, cried and laughed and sang along.
We all carried our tragedies - Pulse, yes, but also heartbreaks and breakdowns and broken families. We laid them bare on the streets as an offering, maybe, or some kind of proof that we are still here. We had so many reasons to be afraid. And yet we marched. I don't want to forget the terrifying joy that comes of being proud in the face of that fear.
Those we lost at Pulse were stolen in the midst of their joy. And no matter how angry and exhausted and heartbroken and powerless I feel, I never want to let that joy go. It's a costly joy that can thrive despite knowing all that we have to lose. It's a precious pride that allows us to resist and fight and, above all, live. Yes, sometimes pride is rainbow flags, and glitter, and revelers dancing on floats. But sometimes it's also moments of silence, raised voices, raised fists, and holding your partner's hand on the street. And that kind of pride? There's nothing common about it.
We're Getting a Wonder Woman Sequel, Praise the Gods
To say Wonder Woman is crushing the box office right now would be an understatement. Words like "obliterating" or "demolishing" are more apt, given the film's record-setting $103.1 million domestic opening and its badass, empowering message. Everyone from Lupita Nyong'o to Chris Hemsworth has been raving about director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot, and now it seems the Hollywood gods have answered all of our prayers: Wonder Woman is getting a sequel! Barely any details have been released just yet, but thanks to The Hollywood Reporter's revelation that Gadot and Jenkins are officially contracted for a second film, it's definitely in the works. Here's what we know so far:
The Story
Wonder Woman begins on Diana Prince's home island of Themyscira and later moves to a Europe torn apart by World War I. For the sequel, Jenkins wants to bring the superhero across the pond. "The story will take place in the U.S., which I think is right," the director told Entertainment Weekly in a recent interview. "She's Wonder Woman. She's got to come to America. It's time." She also told THR that the sequel will be in modern times, which suggests it'll happen sometime after the events of Justice League.
The Cast
Although Chris Pine likely won't return as Steve Trevor, leading lady Gadot will definitely be back to kick some ass. As far as other characters are concerned, making the story set in present day opens up the possibility of a few cameos from other DC characters (even if Wonder Woman only bothers with a single, subtle Justice League Easter egg).
The Director
Like Gadot, Jenkins is contractually obligated to return for the second installment of Wonder Woman. We can't imagine a better person for the job.
The Release Date
Settle in, you guys, because this is going to be a hell of a long wait. Before Warner Bros. can begin working on a sequel for Diana, it has to release Justice League (part one debuts on Nov. 17, 2017, part two on June 14, 2019), as well as finish The Flash and Aquaman (due out March 16, 2018, and Dec. 21, 2018, respectively). If all goes according to plan, the Wonder Woman sequel would likely hit theaters in 2019 (maybe to compete with Captain Marvel?) or possibly even 2020.
The Definitive List of Fashion's Biggest Stars, Game Changers, and Innovators Is Here
The annual list of CFDA Award nominees was released following a reception in NYC. It's the rundown of the industry's biggest stars and rising talents. Some names have appeared for seasons, like Marc Jacobs and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; but that doesn't mean newcomers don't stand a chance. In fact, the 2016 womenswear designer of the year spotlighted the husband and wife duo behind Brock Collection, who quickly became the brand to watch at Fall 2017 Fashion Week and beyond and ended up on the list again this year, a sure sign of the kind of clout the award carries.
So who else got a nod? This year's roster includes honoree Kenneth Cole, a recipient for the first-ever Swarovski Award for Positive Change, for his commitment to civic service. You'll also find the buzzy designer behind Balenciaga and Vetements, Demna Gvasalia, being honored with the international award. See the complete list of nominations and honorees below, and be sure to tune in tonight to see who ends up in the winners' circle at the 2017 CFDA Awards.
Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
- Joseph Altuzarra for Altuzarra
- Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
- Marc Jacobs
- Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler
- Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Menswear Designer of the Year Award
- Raf Simons for Calvin Klein
- Robert Geller
- Tim Coppens
- Thom Browne
- Todd Snyder
Accessory Designer of the Year Award
- Stuart Vevers for Coach
- Irene Neuwirth
- Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel for Mansur Gavriel
- Paul Andrew
- Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row
Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent
- Laura Vassar Brock and Kristopher Brock for Brock Collection
- Gabriela Hearst, Laura Kim, and Fernando Garcia for Monse
- Virgil Abloh for Off-White
- Sander Lak for Sies Marjan
Swarovski Award for Positive Change
- Presented to Kenneth Cole
Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
- Presented to Rick Owens
The Founder's Award
- Presented to Pat McGrath
International Award
- Demna Gvasalia for Vetements and Balenciaga
Board of Directors' Tribute
- Cecile Richards, Gloria Steinem, and Janelle Monáe
Fashion Icon Award
- Posthumously presented to Franca Sozzani
A Backyard Shed Becomes a Mini Dream Home
Yearning for a workspace that wouldn't cramp her home's floor plan, Homepolish designer Paige Morse set her eyes on two ramshackle sheds in her own backyard. Knowing she'd have to start from scratch, she hired a contractor to push the sheds together, strip them down to the studs, and add wall planks. Bathed in a modern color scheme of crisp white and elegant ebony, Paige decided to take it a step further by installing a kitchenette and a vintage tub! The result is a backyard fantasy cottage that anyone would be tempted to move into. Keep reading to see the spot-on styling and clever design decisions that really make it shine.
Source: Cody Ulrich via Homepolish
The Surprising Stat of People Who Regret a Tattoo, Plus Cringe-Worthy Stories to Match
A random day two years ago, I spontaneously decided that I was going to get a tattoo after work. I had never even thought of a potential design until just hours before, but thank god, I still love it to this day. Unfortunately, a shocking number of people didn't have the same luck as I did, and according to a survey conducted by Advanced Dermatology, 78 percent of respondents admitted to regretting at least one piece of ink.
One of the biggest reasons? Age. Almost half of participants reported they were the under the age of 20 when they got their questionable tattoo. Seventy-five percent also didn't plan enough beforehand and took the plunge as soon as a few hours (like me) to a few weeks. The most regrettable design based on data was found to be tribal designs, with hearts and roses close behind.
When I asked POPSUGAR employees to share their own tattoo horror stories, they backed up these statistics a little too well. Check out what and why my colleagues regret getting inked on their bodies.
- "My friend Lily and I got the word 'promise' tattooed on our pinky fingers. One of my more regrettable life decisions for sure - right up there with seeing a dentist in Mumbai and that other time I decided to get bangs. We got the tattoos in high school, after a long night of drinking at a very questionable Thai restaurant. I also woke up with a stray cat in my bed that morning and I named her Cleopatra. I guess in an inebriated stupor, you think getting pinky promise tattoos is just so unwittingly clever . . . I spent the next day icing my hand and Yelping laser removal doctors in the greater LA area. Oh, did I mention it was in Comic Sans?"
- "Yes, I regret mine immensely! I got it while studying abroad in London, I spent a weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland, and got it done on a whim. The tattoo artist (to be polite) screwed it up and a part of it isn't even. Needless to say, I've lived with two small teardrops ever since . . . Why teardrops, I have no idea, you'll have to ask my 20-year-old self!"
- "I feel zero connection to the dragon tattoo on my lower back. First, let me say that it's not exactly a 'tramp stamp' because it's not even on my lower back. It's more mid-to-low back, which is even crappier. There are also two stars surrounding the dragon, which look like they belong to the barbwire family. I don't regret it. I just don't feel anything for it. I never have. It was a spontaneous decision I made in high school while walking on Venice Boardwalk. That part I like. That I used to be spontaneous."
- "I thought I really wanted an infinity sign tattoo, and I still completely value my state of mind and reasons for getting it. But I hated it the moment I got it. First of all, it was ugly and not at all like the simple design I imagined in my mind. Second, it was on my wrist, which meant that everyone always wanted to hear the story. Key takeaway: Don't just waltz into a cheap, beachside tattoo parlor without a solid plan. I always think that if I had waited even six months, I would have gotten a better design somewhere else on my body and would still have it and love it to this day. Instead, 10 years later, I am still in the long process of getting it removed."
- "I have many tattoos but only regret one of them. I got my first tattoo when I turned 18 and insisted the artist use my drawing of a flower and only use black ink. The artist was first starting out and it was just a terrible tattoo, really dark and heavy. At the time I had no idea who my artist was, he was fairly new to his career. Fast forward to many years later, I'm in a shop watching a friend get tattooed by a very well known artist (he's been on tattoo shows on TLC etc.). I chat him up and tell him that I have this awful tattoo I got when I was young. He asks to see it and immediately names the place where it was done and proclaims that he remembers doing this (it was one of his first)!!! He agrees it's terrible and offers to cover it up. We decided on a design (more flowers) and I reluctantly agree - it's much larger than I had anticipated, but he says it will have to be like this because of what I'm covering up. He does his thing but apparently took the liberty of adding in some background design not on the original sketch. Needless to say I hate it (it's my only full-color tattoo) and will probably get it removed once and for all. He's supertalented, I have just had bad luck with him."
- "Tramp stamp. Was too young to even get one legally (I used my older sister's ID). Walked into a shop with a friend and on a whim said, 'let's get tattoos today!' Picked a tribal design that meant absolutely nothing to me (yes, just picked one, haha) and that was that. Almost 20 years later and I'm almost done with all of my laser tattoo removal sessions!!! It'll be like it never happened."
- "OK, so I have a nine-legged octopus. It was my first tattoo, I got it when I was 21 and first moved to SF. You know, if you don't count the legs, it looked great on paper. Plus, my tattoo artist was a junkie, and that is never a good combination. So, I gave him a bunch of comps to look at; it was kind of an amalgam of a bunch of different pics. I was at a party months later. Months! When I found out, my friend, who always f*cks around, counted the legs by tapping my back shoulder, and said, 'nine legs, your octopus has nine legs.' I didn't believe him obvs, as he's always f*cking around like that but something in his tone . . . I ran to the bathroom and counted them myself. Yup . . . I have a 'novem-pus' on my back. Can't say I regret it, I love the story too much."
All the Times Jennifer Lopez Showed Alex Rodriguez Definetely Has Her Love
From all the times we've seen them appear in public, spend joint time with their families, pose for cameras on the red carpet, and share Instagram photos together, you'd think Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have been together for years. No, it's only been weeks since the new couple first started what seems to be a strong and deep relationship.
The couple, who had first met years ago but reconnected after J Lo made the first move, are smitten with each other, rarely spending time apart. Scroll ahead to see their best (and most fashionable) moments so far.
We Love How This Hamilton Wedding Was Inspired by Alexander and Eliza's Love
Fans of Hamilton: An American Musical will appreciate every thought-out detail of this wedding. Ever After Vintage Weddings and a team of incredible vendors brought the beloved musical to life with a styled 18th-century wedding with modern touches. The event designer quickly became a fan after listening to the soundtrack on a loop, and Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's love struck a chord with her particularly. The shoot was then born based on inspiration from the characters' marriage!
Since the Hamilton-Schuyler wedding took place at the Schuyler Mansion in the blue parlor room, they wanted to find a venue that would uphold both similar elegance and historical feel. Luxmore Grande Estate did the job perfectly, and even though it was built in the 21st century, it features stained-glass windows and a Brunswick bar that actually dates back to the 1800s.
Alexander and Eliza weren't the only ones who attended their wedding. The Schuyler sisters, Angelica and Peggy; General George Washington, Alex's "right hand man"; and his friend John Laurens came as guests. Marquis de Layfette and Hercules Mulligan were also there in spirit. In addition to the stylish yet historically relevant furniture rentals, many small details from the musical titles were incorporated throughout the shoot. These touches included a custom "Right Hand Man" tie clip, "Young, Scrappy, and Hungry" spoon, as well as stationary suites that read "Wait For It" and "History Is Happening Here."
Eliza wore a hummingbird blue tulle gown with a delicate lace top and half corset/open back, while her girls dressed in their signature colors from the show. As the intellect, Angelica brought Common Sense by Thomas Paine as a wedding gift. Guests received matchbox favors, which were chosen because it's rumored that Eliza burned all letters she wrote to Alexander out of anger.
"If you are not familiar with the story of Alexander and Eliza's love, Alexander made a lot of mistakes, though Eliza chose to stay and she chose to repair their marriage," Ever After Vintage Weddings said. "Then once he was gone, she continued to tell his story and to keep his legacy alive, because she loved him that much even through all of his imperfections."
This styled wedding did a great job highlighting the couple's love. See the beautiful photos!
Redefining Pride: How the Dyke March Makes Room For Anger
When news of the Pulse shooting broke around this time last year, I spent my entire morning reading the stories of the people we lost. And crying. I couldn't stop crying. Coming into my queerness in relative comfort and safety, it's easy for me to be cynical about Pride (with a corporate, colonized, capital "P"). I came out at a women's college in New York City, to parents who had evolved to be accepting, if a little unsure. The LGBTQIA+ community was cautiously beginning to thrive after decades of struggle I never had to experience. Pride was becoming so common, it almost felt cheap.
My first Summer out of the closet, I went to the New York City Pride Parade. It was a bright and brilliant experience, full of joy and friends and boundless energy. I went again the year after, but the event had lost a bit of its luster. I suddenly noticed how companies with dubious labor practices - or a history of discriminating against trans employees - were parading their "gay friendly" policies, as if it absolved them of any other obligation to do better or be better. I saw the NYPD walking with banners held high. Behind them followed the brown and black bodies they still committed violence against, when the news cameras were turned away. I knew there was pride on those streets. But it was a hollow pride. A pride that struggled to reconcile how a man could finally bring his boyfriend to parties at his insurance company, while, in the same breath, his company could deny coverage to folks living with HIV because that's what they'd call a "preexisting condition."
The next year, I did not go.
I was visiting my family in California when Pulse happened. There was no one in that straight, suburban neighborhood who saw Pulse as anything but another shooting, and I felt deeply alone. I wanted to be with friends, strangers, anyone who understood how my heart was breaking. How, despite the perceived banality of my personal battles, the certainty of my right and my community's right to live a full and honest life has always been - and continues to be - painfully tenuous.
The Pride parade was less than two weeks away, and in a few days I was going home. Once there, I would hold vigil at Stonewall Inn in an effort to find a way, any way to cope and process the loss I felt. But Pride didn't feel right. I couldn't bring myself to go. That's when the notification popped onto my feed: an invite to the 24th Annual New York City Dyke March.
I knew about the Dyke March. It was founded as a protest and not a parade. It does not seek a permit, it does not look for sponsors, it does not ask for permission. Allies are requested to remain on the sidewalk and are welcome to cheer and bear witness, but not to take up space. For a couple hours and about as many miles, we claimed the right to fill up all that space with the sheer audacity of our existence. I realized just how deeply I needed to feel invincible. I wanted to declare my right to live, unconditionally, unapologetically.
The day of the Dyke March, I met up with a few friends in front of the Bryant Park library. The march was already underway, but it stretched for blocks as far as the eye could see, and we quickly slipped in to join the chanting crowd. I could feel the energy of the marchers in my bones. There was anger and an edge, but there was also joy.
Young mothers (with babies dressed in slogan-bearing onesies bouncing on their hips) pounded the pavement beside old-school butches, radiant with their graying undercuts and fading tattoos. A plump, bespectacled auntie motored next to the marching band on her mobility scooter, rainbow flag jauntily streaming behind her. Trans activist groups raised defiant signs into the air, daring the spectators hanging out of windows to deny them their justice. A sign here reminded us that "Black Lives Matter. White Silence Kills." Another asked Olivia Benson to marry her. A flock of queens crowed out a very heretical rewrite of "God Save the Queen" from the steps of a street-side church. Young, anxious-looking college students, fresh out of the closet, cried and laughed and sang along.
We all carried our tragedies - Pulse, yes, but also heartbreaks and breakdowns and broken families. We laid them bare on the streets as an offering, maybe, or some kind of proof that we are still here. We had so many reasons to be afraid. And yet we marched. I don't want to forget the terrifying joy that comes of being proud in the face of that fear.
Those we lost at Pulse were stolen in the midst of their joy. And no matter how angry and exhausted and heartbroken and powerless I feel, I never want to let that joy go. It's a costly joy that can thrive despite knowing all that we have to lose. It's a precious pride that allows us to resist and fight and, above all, live. Yes, sometimes pride is rainbow flags, and glitter, and revelers dancing on floats. But sometimes it's also moments of silence, raised voices, raised fists, and holding your partner's hand on the street. And that kind of pride? There's nothing common about it.
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