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.
mercredi 7 juin 2017
Beauty Babes Are Creating "Super" Badass Looks With Their Wonder Woman Brushes
From the moment we set eyes on Luxie Beauty's Wonder Woman brush set, we knew that it was a must buy . . . and now that beauty babes are starting to create looks using the "super" tools, we're even more convinced. Sure, the red, blue, and gold looks are the brainchild of each makeup maven, but we're believers that the brushes (which are inspired by Diana's armor from the empowering film) impart an extra dose of heroic skill.
Of course, customers are still receiving their kits in the mail, but the first few makeup looks created with the brushes have taken our breath away. Read on for several stunning Wonder Woman beauty looks created with the Luxie collaboration, and even get tutorials for a couple! When it comes to superhero makeup, count us in.
How to Watch the James Comey Hearing, Even If You Don't Have Cable
Former FBI Director James Comey is set to testify in front of Congress on Thursday, June 8, regarding President Donald Trump and his campaign's alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. While most congressional hearings are relegated to C-Span, this unusually high-profile hearing will air on ABC, NBC, and CBS, starting at 9:45 a.m. ET. If you don't have cable, head over to Twitter, which will be live streaming the event in partnership with Bloomberg. The event is so popular that one bar in Washington DC is offering free drinks if Trump tweets about Comey during the hearing.
Union Pub DC announced the promotion on its Facebook page, writing:
TOMORROW: We open at 9:30AM & buying a round of drinks for the house every time Trump Tweets about Comey during his testimony! This "special" will run til Comey's testimony is over, or 4pm, whichever is earlier. #ThisTown #CapitolHill
Union Pub won't be the only establishment throwing a watch party, either. Four other bars in the DC area will reportedly host watch parties for Comey's testimony before the Senate, opening their doors a bit earlier for attendees to get a good seat (and drink). Check out the list ahead.
Thursday we are opening early for our Comey Hearing Covfefe! http://pic.twitter.com/o7o2XsFzl2
- Shaw's Tavern (@ShawsTavern) June 6, 2017
#ComeyHearing viewing party this Thursday! Opening at 10am with @redapronbutcher breakfast + The Last Word & Drop The Bomb drink specials. http://pic.twitter.com/5BjNvwstw1
- The Partisan (@ThePartisanDC) June 6, 2017
We will open at 9AM on Thursday for #ComeyHearing.
- Capitol Lounge (@CapLounge) June 5, 2017
Duffy's getting in on the Comey watch party action http://pic.twitter.com/HvDT35YMHR
- Tierney Sneed (@Tierney_Megan) June 6, 2017
This Senator's Withering Reaction to Being Manterrupted Is So Very Relatable
Image Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
Senator Kamala Harris was none too pleased when she was manterrupted by Senator Richard Burr - not once, but twice - during an intelligence hearing on surveillance and Russia on June 7. The senator from California, who is a seasoned former prosecutor, was cheered on social media for her refusal to back down and her commitment to asking tough questions during the hearing on Capitol Hill. But as she interrogated Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Burr interrupted and talked over her, accusing her of not giving witnesses adequate opportunity to respond to her inquiries. Watch the moment unfold here:
Watch: The moment when women everywhere agreed with Sen Harris after she was interrupted by Burr who didn't do the same w King & others http://pic.twitter.com/3KPAqwxVQl
- T. R. Ramachandran (@yottapoint) June 7, 2017
Truly, Harris's "nope" face said it all:
The apparent sexism at play in Burr's treatment of Harris was not lost on Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. Harris's fellow Democrat took to Twitter to point out that, when he asked similarly tough questions in the hearing, Burr didn't cut him off.
.@SenKamalaHarris was getting facts onto the record. I was not interrupted by @senatorburr when I asked tough questions. She was. https://t.co/gRJiUGUQny
- Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) June 7, 2017
And Wyden wasn't the only person to point out the mansplain-y, misogynistic treatment Harris faced:
The chauvinism that CA Sen. @KamalaHarris just experienced from colleagues and witnesses in the #SSCI hearing... (attn: @SenFeinstein)
- Jackson Perry (@jacksonrperry) June 7, 2017
@SenatorBurr you're a misogynist. @KamalaHarris does not belong in "her" place. She is a US Senator and represent CA and it's constituents.
- Zoe Boukalik (@ZoeBoukalik) June 7, 2017
@KamalaHarris i have been watching for over 1.5 hours and not once did they reprimand the men that have questioned the weasels. Stay strong.
- Misty Wheels (@exposetrumptard) June 7, 2017
We think it's safe to say that every woman has encountered a Burr in her life, but we're letting Harris's refusal to be deterred serve as a reminder that, no, we don't have to pardon manterruptions. Burrs of the world, take note.
How I Came to Terms With Running
I live a very active lifestyle. Even if I'm not spending my day at the gym or at a fitness class, I'm doing something that gets me up and out the door. As much as I'd love to do some of my workouts in the comfort of my own home, living in the city means squeezing all of my possessions inside a shoebox-sized studio that leaves little room for walking, much less exercising. This lends itself to the next obvious choice of fitness: running.
I used to find myself actually cringing at the thought of going for a run. For some reason, running or jogging was like a form of inexplicable, but necessary, torture - one that I couldn't truly resent because of all the good I knew it did for me, but one I believed I could never love either. So I trod forward, trying to find ways to love (or even like) running. After some trial and error, I discovered a few fun things that encouraged me to lace up my running shoes and go. With these tricks and motivational methods, I even look forward to the occasional run now.
1. Look fabulous
If I go out and get the cutest running shorts and shoes I can find, then half the battle of getting out the door is already won. I want to show off my stylish running garb, and that alone can be motivation enough to at least get started. And no, unfortunately getting dressed and walking around the house does not count as a run.
2. Pick a beautiful running route
There's nothing like a quiet beach run at sunrise or a breezy jog on a path in the woods. If you can, find a place away from your regular walking routes so that your run offers new and interesting views.
3. Make an awesome playlist that motivates you
Nothing gets me more pumped than running to an awesome beat. I like to imagine myself in a movie at the climax - where I'm running toward an attractive guy, he's running toward me, and if we stop running, we'll miss our one shot at true love. Your run doesn't have to be as dramatic, but it's always nice to have good music to block out the world while you work it.
4. Take your dog along
Why not get two things accomplished in one go? Grab the leash and your furry friend, and take a run to your favorite spot.
5. Run with a friend
If you don't have a dog, or your dog dislikes running more than you do, try running with another person. If you do this, go with someone who has similar running skills so that you are pretty evenly matched. Sometimes I prefer running alone so that I don't have to worry about keeping up with someone who is faster or waiting around for someone who is slower. When you feel like going your own pace, go it alone, otherwise try pairing with a motivated friend.
6. Pretend that you are Katniss Everdeen
If you want to get really creative, pretend that you are Katniss Everdeen running for your life from a Hunger Games contestant who wants to eliminate the competition (which, in this case, is you). This is life-and-death, so move it!
7. Think of the nice, cold, guilt-free drink you can have later
Look at it this way: running is great cardio, and the more you do it, the less guilty you have to feel about having what you want to eat or drink later.
8. Have a destination
If I have errands to do close by, I like to run to my destination. I don't really mind showing up at the supermarket a little bit sweaty, so if you live close enough to stores you frequent, then consider running on the way and walking on the way back (assuming you'll have some bags to carry).
9. Walk and run
Accept the fact that running can be difficult, and embrace the (completely understandable) inevitability that you may need to stop and walk at times. I like to run steadily for a certain amount of time, and then power walk in intervals so that I don't get super burnt out. Pretend like you're stretching or changing the song - nobody will know the difference, I promise.
10. Keep trying!
One of the main reasons people hate running is because they don't know exactly how to do it best. Avoid running mistakes that can contribute to your aversion to running.
Daisy Duke Has Nothing on How These 15 It Girls Style Their Denim Shorts
Denim cutoffs have been a wardrobe staple for as long we as can remember. Just like the classic jeans and white t-shirt pairing, celebrities turn to their baby blues when the temperature starts rising. But after years of wearing trusty denim shorts, it can be tough to find fresh and innovative ways to style them. That's why turned to our favorite A-listers for a new dose of outfit inspiration. From Kendall Jenner's off-duty look to Selena Gomez's Western take, you'll have a crop of exciting ideas in no time.
I Found the Love of My Life - and I've Never Taken It For Granted
Image Source: Getty / Jason Merritt
Early in my sobriety I decided to go to Greece for potential modeling work. Don't get all excited. It's not like I was doing shoots for GQ. Instead I was modeling for the Sears catalog and did one Dentyne ad, which featured mostly my back and one-fourth of my face. When I got to Greece I was filled with the crazy sense of gratitude. I had always dreamed of going to Greece, but it never seemed like a possibility to me. It was way out of reach, but I thought I was newly sober and my world had been so small it was time to explore it.
It turns out that I wasn't the look that they were into that particular season so I didn't book any work. I had been in Athens for almost three weeks and I decided that maybe it was time to go home but not before I went to Mykonos. I had heard so much about it from friends so I was DYING to go. After an eight-hour ferry ride from Athens, I arrived and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! The beaches, the white houses, the food, the dancing! I was having the time of my life.
Image Courtesy of Brad Goreski
On my last night there, a friend I had met while traveling stopped to talk to someone he had met on the beach. I stood waiting for him to finish when I heard, "Hi. Do you want to try some of my dessert?" It was Gary. I couldn't believe he was talking to me. He was so handsome, so tan, and super funny. He asked if we wanted to go the bar with them and I said yes of course. We ended up at Piero's. Drag queens, muscle boys, models, fashion designers (I met Alexander McQueen on the dance floor here) - it was a feast for the eyes. The evening turned into the morning and the morning into me extending my stay in Mykonos after Gary asked me to and we even tacked on a few days in Santorini. I honestly couldn't believe any of this was happening to me.
I went back to Athens to spend his last night in Greece with him and I was overwhelmed with emotions, to say the least. It had been a week unlike any I could've ever imagined and it was all coming to an end. It was a pretty magical time as no cell phones worked internationally so we were able to be present with one another and really enjoy the experience. I didn't really have any expectations. I thought if it was a Summer romance than I would have the amazing memories, but if it did turn into something more I would be ecstatic. We just fit so well together but there were so many roadblocks in our way. He lived in LA and I lived in Toronto, being the biggest one. He left and went back to LA and I stayed on in Athens. We talked every day on the phone and finally he said, "Come to LA and hang out. Let's see what this is." A day later I was on the plane to LA. Sometimes things just align perfectly and they work out. We have been together ever since. We still talk about how we met all these years later. In July we will celebrate 16 years together. It has been the best 16 years of my life.
Image Courtesy of Brad Goreski
Gary and I have been back to Greece many times since we met. It is a very special place to us. Almost three years ago, Gary and I were vacationing in Mykonos and he proposed to me while we were watching the sunset. I wasn't expecting it at all but it is a day I won't forget. We were both so excited to call our families and tell them. Both of our families love and support us.
I am so grateful that I have that luxury as I know not everybody does. We still have yet to set a date or a location or anything really but will soon. That Summer in Greece will always be one of the most special moments of my life. The moment I met Gary my life changed and it continues to get better and better with every passing year.
20 Pan Dulce Products So Sweet You Won't Be Able to Resist Them
If you can't resist the sweet taste of Mexican conchas or pan dulce and are looking to declare your love in more ways than simply eating them daily, then you'll appreciate all of the products inspired by the treat we've found. You can physically show your love with a throw pillow, shirt, earrings, rings, and even a bath bomb. Keep scrolling and get ready to be in concha heaven.
These Are New 2017 Books Your Kids Need to Have on Their Summer Reading Lists
There have already been so many new book releases for kids and teens in 2017 that it's hard to pick just one to read first. Whether your child is a regular bookworm, they have to pick a few books for Summer reading, or you'd like to take advantage of slow Summer living to get your child to devour a few stories, there's a new book from this year that they'll want to read.
Ahead, the new books of 2017 that your kids of all ages need to have on their Summer reading lists.
Picture Books
Beauty Babes Are Creating "Super" Badass Looks With Their Wonder Woman Brushes
From the moment we set eyes on Luxie Beauty's Wonder Woman brush set, we knew that it was a must buy . . . and now that beauty babes are starting to create looks using the "super" tools, we're even more convinced. Sure, the red, blue, and gold looks are the brainchild of each makeup maven, but we're believers that the brushes (which are inspired by Diana's armor from the empowering film) impart an extra dose of heroic skill.
Of course, customers are still receiving their kits in the mail, but the first few makeup looks created with the brushes have taken our breath away. Read on for several stunning Wonder Woman beauty looks created with the Luxie collaboration, and even get tutorials for a couple! When it comes to superhero makeup, count us in.
How I Came to Terms With Running
I live a very active lifestyle. Even if I'm not spending my day at the gym or at a fitness class, I'm doing something that gets me up and out the door. As much as I'd love to do some of my workouts in the comfort of my own home, living in the city means squeezing all of my possessions inside a shoebox-sized studio that leaves little room for walking, much less exercising. This lends itself to the next obvious choice of fitness: running.
I used to find myself actually cringing at the thought of going for a run. For some reason, running or jogging was like a form of inexplicable, but necessary, torture - one that I couldn't truly resent because of all the good I knew it did for me, but one I believed I could never love either. So I trod forward, trying to find ways to love (or even like) running. After some trial and error, I discovered a few fun things that encouraged me to lace up my running shoes and go. With these tricks and motivational methods, I even look forward to the occasional run now.
1. Look fabulous
If I go out and get the cutest running shorts and shoes I can find, then half the battle of getting out the door is already won. I want to show off my stylish running garb, and that alone can be motivation enough to at least get started. And no, unfortunately getting dressed and walking around the house does not count as a run.
2. Pick a beautiful running route
There's nothing like a quiet beach run at sunrise or a breezy jog on a path in the woods. If you can, find a place away from your regular walking routes so that your run offers new and interesting views.
3. Make an awesome playlist that motivates you
Nothing gets me more pumped than running to an awesome beat. I like to imagine myself in a movie at the climax - where I'm running toward an attractive guy, he's running toward me, and if we stop running, we'll miss our one shot at true love. Your run doesn't have to be as dramatic, but it's always nice to have good music to block out the world while you work it.
4. Take your dog along
Why not get two things accomplished in one go? Grab the leash and your furry friend, and take a run to your favorite spot.
5. Run with a friend
If you don't have a dog, or your dog dislikes running more than you do, try running with another person. If you do this, go with someone who has similar running skills so that you are pretty evenly matched. Sometimes I prefer running alone so that I don't have to worry about keeping up with someone who is faster or waiting around for someone who is slower. When you feel like going your own pace, go it alone, otherwise try pairing with a motivated friend.
6. Pretend that you are Katniss Everdeen
If you want to get really creative, pretend that you are Katniss Everdeen running for your life from a Hunger Games contestant who wants to eliminate the competition (which, in this case, is you). This is life-and-death, so move it!
7. Think of the nice, cold, guilt-free drink you can have later
Look at it this way: running is great cardio, and the more you do it, the less guilty you have to feel about having what you want to eat or drink later.
8. Have a destination
If I have errands to do close by, I like to run to my destination. I don't really mind showing up at the supermarket a little bit sweaty, so if you live close enough to stores you frequent, then consider running on the way and walking on the way back (assuming you'll have some bags to carry).
9. Walk and run
Accept the fact that running can be difficult, and embrace the (completely understandable) inevitability that you may need to stop and walk at times. I like to run steadily for a certain amount of time, and then power walk in intervals so that I don't get super burnt out. Pretend like you're stretching or changing the song - nobody will know the difference, I promise.
10. Keep trying!
One of the main reasons people hate running is because they don't know exactly how to do it best. Avoid running mistakes that can contribute to your aversion to running.
How to Watch the James Comey Hearing, Even If You Don't Have Cable
Former FBI Director James Comey is set to testify in front of Congress on Thursday, June 8, regarding President Donald Trump and his campaign's alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. While most congressional hearings are relegated to C-Span, this unusually high-profile hearing will air on ABC, NBC, and CBS, starting at 9:45 a.m. ET. If you don't have cable, head over to Twitter, which will be live streaming the event in partnership with Bloomberg. The event is so popular that one bar in Washington DC is offering free drinks if Trump tweets about Comey during the hearing.
Union Pub DC announced the promotion on its Facebook page, writing:
TOMORROW: We open at 9:30AM & buying a round of drinks for the house every time Trump Tweets about Comey during his testimony! This "special" will run til Comey's testimony is over, or 4pm, whichever is earlier. #ThisTown #CapitolHill
Union Pub won't be the only establishment throwing a watch party, either. Four other bars in the DC area will reportedly host watch parties for Comey's testimony before the Senate, opening their doors a bit earlier for attendees to get a good seat (and drink). Check out the list ahead.
Thursday we are opening early for our Comey Hearing Covfefe! http://pic.twitter.com/o7o2XsFzl2
- Shaw's Tavern (@ShawsTavern) June 6, 2017
#ComeyHearing viewing party this Thursday! Opening at 10am with @redapronbutcher breakfast + The Last Word & Drop The Bomb drink specials. http://pic.twitter.com/5BjNvwstw1
- The Partisan (@ThePartisanDC) June 6, 2017
We will open at 9AM on Thursday for #ComeyHearing.
- Capitol Lounge (@CapLounge) June 5, 2017
Duffy's getting in on the Comey watch party action http://pic.twitter.com/HvDT35YMHR
- Tierney Sneed (@Tierney_Megan) June 6, 2017
These Are New 2017 Books Your Kids Need to Have on Their Summer Reading Lists
There have already been so many new book releases for kids and teens in 2017 that it's hard to pick just one to read first. Whether your child is a regular bookworm, they have to pick a few books for Summer reading, or you'd like to take advantage of slow Summer living to get your child to devour a few stories, there's a new book from this year that they'll want to read.
Ahead, the new books of 2017 that your kids of all ages need to have on their Summer reading lists.
Picture Books
8 Stores 20-Somethings Should Shop That Aren't Zara or H&M
If you're in your 20s, you probably pop into Zara or Forever 21 more frequently than you'd care to admit. Although there's nothing wrong with buying from these places, there's a chance you accumulate clothes that you only wear once or never at all (we see you $10 shirt!). If this fashion cycle sounds like you, it's time to expand your list of go-to shops.
We curated a list of lesser-known spots you might have forgotten about, or didn't know existed. The likes of Pixie Market and Mango are on par with some of your favorite fast-fashion retailers in terms of style and shopping selections. If you need more convincing, read up on eight hot spots below worth checking out. You'll find a mix of quality affordable and slightly higher-end items, all of which can become the building blocks to a new wardrobe.
Hands Down, These Are the 14 Best Dry Shampoos on the Market
I'll be honest: When dry shampoo first bursted onto the beauty scene, my initial thought was something along the lines of "WTF?!" I couldn't wrap my head around how I could possibly cleanse my hair with a few quick sprays and no suds or water. But as soon as I tried it out for myself, I immediately understood exactly why there's so much hype around the product. The stuff really works.
Since I hopped on the bandwagon among other beauty mavens, dry shampoo has managed to give my greasy strands a second life the morning after sweaty college parties and during those frigid Winter weeks when I simply can't fathom the idea of wetting my hair.
To date, I've tried a handful of brands (my all-time favorite being Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo!), but I'm always game to switch things up and try new products. So I reached out to my fellow editors to learn about their favorite dry shampoos, and it's safe to say I'm about to spend my entire paycheck on trying out their suggestions.
These heaven-sent hair saviors range from affordable drugstore finds to slightly more expensive options, all promising to salvage your mane in a pinch. Ahead, shop 14 editor-approved dry shampoos you should definitely consider adding to your beauty arsenal.
A Fitness Editor Shares Her Week of Meals and Workouts
Since becoming a fitness writer, I can't tell you how many questions I get about my routine, my food, my favorite products . . . actually, I can tell you. I get one to four questions a day from anyone from family to complete strangers. Most recently, a colleague asked me what my typical week looks like, so I decided to lay it all out.
This is a sample week, spliced together from two different weeks because of the holiday weekend and travel throwing off my usual routine, but this is actually a very accurate (and painfully honest) account of what my days look like on any given week. Some days my nutrition is on point, other days I'm in a downward spiral of processed carbs. I'm a human, OK!
The through line with my food is that I make a lot of cleaner choices, so I don't actually have an issue if I decide to eat half a pint of ice cream or go out to dinner with friends. I also make healthy foods that I LOVE, and I don't force myself to eat things I don't enjoy. I eat often, so I'm never super hungry (that's when I make my worst decisions - food and otherwise), and try to plan ahead as much as possible.
Sunday
Exercise: This past Sunday was a rest day for me in terms of workouts, but I still was a bit active - I headed up to the Muir Woods National Monument (one of my favorite places!) for a brisk early morning trail walk (not sure if you can call it a hike) for a couple miles before heading back to the city.
Note: I've been following the Tone It Up nutrition plan's eight-week challenge, so on Sundays I meal prep to set up for a healthy week. I use this time to make protein muffins for the week, chop and prep veggies, cook quinoa, make chia pudding, etc. I also typically have an apple cider vinegar metabolism drink every morning, but since it's so redundant, I left it out of the food diary.
Food:
M1: Rebbl's Maca Mocha (I'm OBSESSED and you need to try it). There's no coffee in it, just maca!
M2: Small fresh-squeezed OJ from Whole Foods while grocery shopping and a lemon protein muffin that I ate fresh from the oven while meal prepping.
M3: A hefty salad and an Icelandic yogurt (skyr - another obsession of mine).
M4: A cauliflower-acaí smoothie (TBH, it was pretty flavorless . . . I need to work on my recipe).
M5: Quinoa bowl with chicken, wilted kale and garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, and a little truffle salt - holy yumminess.
Monday
Exercise: Mondays and Tuesdays vary for me, but it's usually a studio class of some kind, like Flywheel, SoulCycle, Core40, or yoga. On this particular Monday, I did a 60-minute C2 CorePower Yoga, with my friend Janine teaching. It was sweaty, challenging, yet powerfully relaxing and restorative. Lots of balance work and single-leg poses!
Food:
M1: An iced almond milk latte from Starbucks with a whole lot of cinnamon.
M2: Protein muffin - this week I made lemon chia seed (in lieu of poppy) from the TIU plan and added a little almond extract (great decision, TBH). They're probably my favorite protein muffins to date!
M3: Leftovers from that miraculous quinoa bowl the night before.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs and strawberries
M5: The TIU "tahini tray dinner" with chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes. I prep these in bags with olive oil, tahini, and minced garlic so I can throw it all on a cookie sheet, bake it, and call it a night. For "dessert," I had GT's guava goddess kombucha.
Tuesday
Exercise: I love the slow, low-impact, muscle-shaking burn from Lagree-method Megaformer classes, and there's a Core40 on my train line to work! I do the Core40 Ramped class, which is Megaformer with an extra gravity challenge thanks to the carriage getting a little incline.
Food:
M1: Two coconut Perfect Fit protein pancakes with coconut flakes and a little organic maple syrup.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad (I made it myself! Kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chicken, quinoa, greens, and a little olive oil and salt with a half a lemon squeezed in.).
M4: Icelandic yogurt.
M5: Tahini tray dinner and a little bit of Halo Top's birthday cake flavor ice cream for dessert.
Wednesday
Exercise: Wednesday was a rest day! I don't always use this as my rest day, but that's just how it turned out. Sometimes I go for a run, sometimes I try a new studio or something like boxing, but I gave my body a break on this day.
Food:
M1: Another iced almond milk latte (I'm a creature of habit) and a protein muffin.
M2: A protein smoothie (I went to Barry's Bootcamp across the street, solely for the Fuel Bar).
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad.
M4: Icelandic yogurt (word to the wise, Smári's mango flavor is like mango lassi in a cup).
M5: Crispy tofu nuggets and sautéed zucchini. One of my weeknight staples (so easy to make and so cheap!).
Thursday
Exercise: Thursday is my morning for personal training with my PT, Liz. We do a different workout every week, using weights, kettlebells, battle ropes, sleds, and all sorts of cool gym things I had never used before working with her.
Food:
M1: Two scrambled eggs (I get pasture-raised eggs from Vital Farms; they're expensive but worth it for a variety of reasons I won't get into here) and another iced almond milk latte.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I work dangerously close to Sweetgreen, and I'm obsessed with the Bay Bowl. My trainer told me to trade kale for romaine since romaine is a little easier to digest. I also do no raisins, add a double serving of strawberries, and get extra sprouted almonds.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs.
M5: Made dinner with friends: pistachio-crusted salmon, coconut rice (we made it with brown rice), and a pineapple mango pico I made with some jicama and jalapeño. For dessert, I made a superfood hot cocoa with coconut milk (from a can), lots of cacao powder, manuka honey, and Moon Juice's Brain Dust.
Friday
Exercise: I don't always double up (nor would I recommend it, unless you're in a conditioning program!), but Friday was a double day for me. I love starting Friday with an early a.m. SoulCycle class with Luigi (he's hilarious and inspiring, and he always starts my day off on a good foot). So, 45 minutes of intense cycling was workout one.
I was also shooting my Instagram Story and Snapchat show for POPSUGAR, "You Glow Girl," on Friday, testing all-white activewear (spoiler: it's awesome), so I went to Barry's Bootcamp for a power lunch session (50 minutes of weights and running). Needless to say, I went to bed at 9 p.m. and slept very, very well that night.
Food:
M1: Luigi and I went to Project Juice in the Castro after SoulCycle for a "unicorn parfait" - coconut probiotic yogurt with blue majik layered under a dragon fruit smoothie bowl blend, topped with granola, fruit, and coconut flakes (pictured at the top of this post). YUM. Also a cashew milk coffee.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I didn't get to eat lunch right away because 1) Barry's and 2) was making the Instagram and Snapchat show. I grabbed a protein shake from Barry's immediately after class to refuel and keep my body nourished. I get the Skinny B*** (unfortunate name, excellent shake) with strawberries instead of blueberries. It's also made with vegan protein and BCAAs for recovery!
M4: OK, this is another food I don't really talk about, but I love celery with cream cheese! Is that weird? IDK. I grew up with it. So yeah, I ate celery with cream cheese.
M5: I stopped at Lemonade on my way home and got seared ahi with an edamame salad and soba noodles with kimchi vegetables. AND a strawberry rhubarb lemonade, because why not.
Saturday
Exercise: My weekends have been a little up in the air lately from travel, but this past Saturday I went to Level 2/3 Hot Yoga at Love Story Yoga in San Francisco. It's a shorter class than the Sunday one (70 minutes instead of 90), and while challenging it's still gentle and low-impact, and it helps me wind down.
Food:
M1: Iced tea and sweet coconut toast from Samovar before heading into yoga.
M2: N/A
M3: A bowl of pork, rice, coconut slaw, and beans from Cuban restaurant Media Noche . . . and also a little guava cheesecake ice cream dipped in dark chocolate ("Mi Abuela Favorita").
M4: Literally so many cherry tomatoes and a little ranch for dipping.
M5: I'm not proud of this, but I 100 percent walked to a Walgreens to get Ben & Jerry's Half Baked and Top Ramen. NOW YOU KNOW MY SECRETS.
Does drinking cow's milk help children grow taller?
Children who drink alternative milks seem less likely to grow to the same height at age three as those who drink cow's milk, Toronto researchers have found.
8 Stores 20-Somethings Should Shop That Aren't Zara or H&M
If you're in your 20s, you probably pop into Zara or Forever 21 more frequently than you'd care to admit. Although there's nothing wrong with buying from these places, there's a chance you accumulate clothes that you only wear once or never at all (we see you $10 shirt!). If this fashion cycle sounds like you, it's time to expand your list of go-to shops.
We curated a list of lesser-known spots you might have forgotten about, or didn't know existed. The likes of Pixie Market and Mango are on par with some of your favorite fast-fashion retailers in terms of style and shopping selections. If you need more convincing, read up on eight hot spots below worth checking out. You'll find a mix of quality affordable and slightly higher-end items, all of which can become the building blocks to a new wardrobe.
This Senator's Withering Reaction to Being Manterrupted Is So Very Relatable
Image Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla
Senator Kamala Harris was none too pleased when she was manterrupted by Senator Richard Burr - not once, but twice - during an intelligence hearing on surveillance and Russia on June 7. The senator from California, who is a seasoned former prosecutor, was cheered on social media for her refusal to back down and her commitment to asking tough questions during the hearing on Capitol Hill. But as she interrogated Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Burr interrupted and talked over her, accusing her of not giving witnesses adequate opportunity to respond to her inquiries. Watch the moment unfold here:
Watch: The moment when women everywhere agreed with Sen Harris after she was interrupted by Burr who didn't do the same w King & others http://pic.twitter.com/3KPAqwxVQl
- T. R. Ramachandran (@yottapoint) June 7, 2017
Truly, Harris's "nope" face said it all:
The apparent sexism at play in Burr's treatment of Harris was not lost on Oregon Senator Ron Wyden. Harris's fellow Democrat took to Twitter to point out that, when he asked similarly tough questions in the hearing, Burr didn't cut him off.
.@SenKamalaHarris was getting facts onto the record. I was not interrupted by @senatorburr when I asked tough questions. She was. https://t.co/gRJiUGUQny
- Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) June 7, 2017
And Wyden wasn't the only person to point out the mansplain-y, misogynistic treatment Harris faced:
The chauvinism that CA Sen. @KamalaHarris just experienced from colleagues and witnesses in the #SSCI hearing... (attn: @SenFeinstein)
- Jackson Perry (@jacksonrperry) June 7, 2017
@SenatorBurr you're a misogynist. @KamalaHarris does not belong in "her" place. She is a US Senator and represent CA and it's constituents.
- Zoe Boukalik (@ZoeBoukalik) June 7, 2017
@KamalaHarris i have been watching for over 1.5 hours and not once did they reprimand the men that have questioned the weasels. Stay strong.
- Misty Wheels (@exposetrumptard) June 7, 2017
We think it's safe to say that every woman has encountered a Burr in her life, but we're letting Harris's refusal to be deterred serve as a reminder that, no, we don't have to pardon manterruptions. Burrs of the world, take note.
A Fitness Editor Shares Her Week of Meals and Workouts
Since becoming a fitness writer, I can't tell you how many questions I get about my routine, my food, my favorite products . . . actually, I can tell you. I get one to four questions a day from anyone from family to complete strangers. Most recently, a colleague asked me what my typical week looks like, so I decided to lay it all out.
This is a sample week, spliced together from two different weeks because of the holiday weekend and travel throwing off my usual routine, but this is actually a very accurate (and painfully honest) account of what my days look like on any given week. Some days my nutrition is on point, other days I'm in a downward spiral of processed carbs. I'm a human, OK!
The through line with my food is that I make a lot of cleaner choices, so I don't actually have an issue if I decide to eat half a pint of ice cream or go out to dinner with friends. I also make healthy foods that I LOVE, and I don't force myself to eat things I don't enjoy. I eat often, so I'm never super hungry (that's when I make my worst decisions - food and otherwise), and try to plan ahead as much as possible.
Sunday
Exercise: This past Sunday was a rest day for me in terms of workouts, but I still was a bit active - I headed up to the Muir Woods National Monument (one of my favorite places!) for a brisk early morning trail walk (not sure if you can call it a hike) for a couple miles before heading back to the city.
Note: I've been following the Tone It Up nutrition plan's eight-week challenge, so on Sundays I meal prep to set up for a healthy week. I use this time to make protein muffins for the week, chop and prep veggies, cook quinoa, make chia pudding, etc. I also typically have an apple cider vinegar metabolism drink every morning, but since it's so redundant, I left it out of the food diary.
Food:
M1: Rebbl's Maca Mocha (I'm OBSESSED and you need to try it). There's no coffee in it, just maca!
M2: Small fresh-squeezed OJ from Whole Foods while grocery shopping and a lemon protein muffin that I ate fresh from the oven while meal prepping.
M3: A hefty salad and an Icelandic yogurt (skyr - another obsession of mine).
M4: A cauliflower-acaí smoothie (TBH, it was pretty flavorless . . . I need to work on my recipe).
M5: Quinoa bowl with chicken, wilted kale and garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, edamame, and a little truffle salt - holy yumminess.
Monday
Exercise: Mondays and Tuesdays vary for me, but it's usually a studio class of some kind, like Flywheel, SoulCycle, Core40, or yoga. On this particular Monday, I did a 60-minute C2 CorePower Yoga, with my friend Janine teaching. It was sweaty, challenging, yet powerfully relaxing and restorative. Lots of balance work and single-leg poses!
Food:
M1: An iced almond milk latte from Starbucks with a whole lot of cinnamon.
M2: Protein muffin - this week I made lemon chia seed (in lieu of poppy) from the TIU plan and added a little almond extract (great decision, TBH). They're probably my favorite protein muffins to date!
M3: Leftovers from that miraculous quinoa bowl the night before.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs and strawberries
M5: The TIU "tahini tray dinner" with chickpeas, cauliflower, broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes. I prep these in bags with olive oil, tahini, and minced garlic so I can throw it all on a cookie sheet, bake it, and call it a night. For "dessert," I had GT's guava goddess kombucha.
Tuesday
Exercise: I love the slow, low-impact, muscle-shaking burn from Lagree-method Megaformer classes, and there's a Core40 on my train line to work! I do the Core40 Ramped class, which is Megaformer with an extra gravity challenge thanks to the carriage getting a little incline.
Food:
M1: Two coconut Perfect Fit protein pancakes with coconut flakes and a little organic maple syrup.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad (I made it myself! Kalamata olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chicken, quinoa, greens, and a little olive oil and salt with a half a lemon squeezed in.).
M4: Icelandic yogurt.
M5: Tahini tray dinner and a little bit of Halo Top's birthday cake flavor ice cream for dessert.
Wednesday
Exercise: Wednesday was a rest day! I don't always use this as my rest day, but that's just how it turned out. Sometimes I go for a run, sometimes I try a new studio or something like boxing, but I gave my body a break on this day.
Food:
M1: Another iced almond milk latte (I'm a creature of habit) and a protein muffin.
M2: A protein smoothie (I went to Barry's Bootcamp across the street, solely for the Fuel Bar).
M3: Greek chicken quinoa salad.
M4: Icelandic yogurt (word to the wise, Smári's mango flavor is like mango lassi in a cup).
M5: Crispy tofu nuggets and sautéed zucchini. One of my weeknight staples (so easy to make and so cheap!).
Thursday
Exercise: Thursday is my morning for personal training with my PT, Liz. We do a different workout every week, using weights, kettlebells, battle ropes, sleds, and all sorts of cool gym things I had never used before working with her.
Food:
M1: Two scrambled eggs (I get pasture-raised eggs from Vital Farms; they're expensive but worth it for a variety of reasons I won't get into here) and another iced almond milk latte.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I work dangerously close to Sweetgreen, and I'm obsessed with the Bay Bowl. My trainer told me to trade kale for romaine since romaine is a little easier to digest. I also do no raisins, add a double serving of strawberries, and get extra sprouted almonds.
M4: Chia pudding with cacao nibs.
M5: Made dinner with friends: pistachio-crusted salmon, coconut rice (we made it with brown rice), and a pineapple mango pico I made with some jicama and jalapeño. For dessert, I made a superfood hot cocoa with coconut milk (from a can), lots of cacao powder, manuka honey, and Moon Juice's Brain Dust.
Friday
Exercise: I don't always double up (nor would I recommend it, unless you're in a conditioning program!), but Friday was a double day for me. I love starting Friday with an early a.m. SoulCycle class with Luigi (he's hilarious and inspiring, and he always starts my day off on a good foot). So, 45 minutes of intense cycling was workout one.
I was also shooting my Instagram Story and Snapchat show for POPSUGAR, "You Glow Girl," on Friday, testing all-white activewear (spoiler: it's awesome), so I went to Barry's Bootcamp for a power lunch session (50 minutes of weights and running). Needless to say, I went to bed at 9 p.m. and slept very, very well that night.
Food:
M1: Luigi and I went to Project Juice in the Castro after SoulCycle for a "unicorn parfait" - coconut probiotic yogurt with blue majik layered under a dragon fruit smoothie bowl blend, topped with granola, fruit, and coconut flakes (pictured at the top of this post). YUM. Also a cashew milk coffee.
M2: Protein muffin.
M3: I didn't get to eat lunch right away because 1) Barry's and 2) was making the Instagram and Snapchat show. I grabbed a protein shake from Barry's immediately after class to refuel and keep my body nourished. I get the Skinny B*** (unfortunate name, excellent shake) with strawberries instead of blueberries. It's also made with vegan protein and BCAAs for recovery!
M4: OK, this is another food I don't really talk about, but I love celery with cream cheese! Is that weird? IDK. I grew up with it. So yeah, I ate celery with cream cheese.
M5: I stopped at Lemonade on my way home and got seared ahi with an edamame salad and soba noodles with kimchi vegetables. AND a strawberry rhubarb lemonade, because why not.
Saturday
Exercise: My weekends have been a little up in the air lately from travel, but this past Saturday I went to Level 2/3 Hot Yoga at Love Story Yoga in San Francisco. It's a shorter class than the Sunday one (70 minutes instead of 90), and while challenging it's still gentle and low-impact, and it helps me wind down.
Food:
M1: Iced tea and sweet coconut toast from Samovar before heading into yoga.
M2: N/A
M3: A bowl of pork, rice, coconut slaw, and beans from Cuban restaurant Media Noche . . . and also a little guava cheesecake ice cream dipped in dark chocolate ("Mi Abuela Favorita").
M4: Literally so many cherry tomatoes and a little ranch for dipping.
M5: I'm not proud of this, but I 100 percent walked to a Walgreens to get Ben & Jerry's Half Baked and Top Ramen. NOW YOU KNOW MY SECRETS.
5 Reasons Every Frequent Traveler Should Invest in Global Entry
I can truthfully say that getting Global Entry is the best thing I have ever done as a traveler. Global Entry is a security clearance that, after an application process and background check, will grant you expedited entry back into the US when you're traveling internationally. When I initially saw the $100 price tag (which is a lot for someone who has to watch every penny), I thought that it couldn't possibly be worth my time or money. But then one of my best friends got it, and because I tend to be a follower sometimes, I decided to join her. I'm so glad I did, because every time I travel, I say a silent thanks to my past self for deciding to go for it. But if you, like past Hedy, are on the fence about Global Entry, let me tell you exactly why you should go for it.
1. It comes with TSA Precheck
This is my favorite aspect of having Global Entry. While the Global Entry aspect of it is primarily for entering the US when returning from international travel, one feature of being cleared by the TSA is also getting TSA Precheck at participating airports and with participating airlines. When I first saw the "participating" language in my Global Entry information, I was afraid that it would be more often than not that I wouldn't be able to use it, but in the year I've had it, I've been able to use Precheck every time I've traveled.
2. You don't have to fill out a customs form
Your Global Entry identification means you don't have to fill out a customs form when you return to the US. You just scan your fingerprints and face at the machine at the airport and you're through. No more digging for a pen you probably forgot to bring along!
3. Going through customs is a breeze
You know how when you get off a long international flight and have to go through customs at the airport and it feels like the trip is never-ending? With Global Entry, you get to bypass the giant line of people and go straight to a machine to clear customs. The first time I used my Global Entry coming back from the UK, I was one of the last people off the plane but the first to clear customs. Keep in mind, though, just because you get through faster, it doesn't mean your checked bag does!
4. The cost isn't actually that bad
I know, I complained about it being $100, but your ID is good for five years, which breaks down to just $20 a year. If you travel a lot, $20 a year for Precheck is worth it in itself.
5. It provides an additional government-issued ID
Government-issued IDs are always handy, and in case you need an extra sometime, your Global Entry card qualifies.
McDonald's Doesn't Sell Ice Cream Sandwiches - But There Is a Hack For That
A culinary visionary recently discovered a method to ordering ice cream sandwiches at McDonald's even though the fast food chain doesn't actually sell the dessert - for whatever unimaginable reason that may be. The workaround is really quite simple: order two cookies, the McFlurry flavor of your choice, and smear the ice cream onto the inside of either cookie.
The creation was unveiled on Twitter with a caption that read, "Got 'creative' with my hunger today." The tweet quickly went viral as people praised the original poster for his ingenuity. Not only that, but people started trying the hack out for themselves to much success. The tweet currently has over 18,000 retweets.
Look ahead to see pictures of the secret menu item that's so secretive, you have to make it yourself.
This Strange Yet Genius Hack Ensures You Can Take a Shower and Keep Your Cat Eye
It's a pretty common dilemma we all face at one point or another: It's Friday evening and you rush home after work to freshen up before happy hour. You take one look in the mirror and realize dry shampoo just won't do the trick and that you desperately need to wash your greasy hair. But that means you run the risk of totally botching your makeup in the shower, and you don't possibly have enough time to perfect your cat eye again before dashing off for your discounted margarita. So what's a gal to do?
One genius girl has the perfect solution: wear goggles in the shower! Lauren, a 22-year-old student who lives in Texas, made the internet simultaneously LOL and say "why didn't I think of that sooner?" when she shared her no-brainer makeup hack online. In her first picture, she donned a pair of swimming goggles and captioned it "when u have to wash your hair but ur makeup is fly af," while the second snapshot captured her post-shower with her flawless makeup perfectly intact sans smudges and smears. Genius!
When she posted her hack on Tumblr, it went totally viral, amassing more than 90,000 notes to date, which means nearly 100,000 people either liked or reblogged her images. She told Buzzfeed News how she got mixed reviews from other Tumblr users (some praised her creativity while others said she should've just used dry shampoo in the first place). Regardless, we give Lauren an A+ for innovation, and we'll definitely be trying this trick in the near future.
McDonald's Doesn't Sell Ice Cream Sandwiches - But There Is a Hack For That
A culinary visionary recently discovered a method to ordering ice cream sandwiches at McDonald's even though the fast food chain doesn't actually sell the dessert - for whatever unimaginable reason that may be. The workaround is really quite simple: order two cookies, the McFlurry flavor of your choice, and smear the ice cream onto the inside of either cookie.
The creation was unveiled on Twitter with a caption that read, "Got 'creative' with my hunger today." The tweet quickly went viral as people praised the original poster for his ingenuity. Not only that, but people started trying the hack out for themselves to much success. The tweet currently has over 18,000 retweets.
Look ahead to see pictures of the secret menu item that's so secretive, you have to make it yourself.
This Map Shows the Exact Path of This Year's Total Solar Eclipse
Image Source: Flickr user gsfc
If you're already counting down the days until you get to see the biggest solar eclipse of your lifetime on Aug. 21, then you'll want to check out this detailed map immediately. The total eclipse will be viewable in areas from coast to coast in the US, and the map below outlines the path of the moon's umbral shadow, in which the sun will be completely hidden by the moon. Already geeking out? Check out the best places to watch the eclipse, then scope out NASA's downloadable eclipse maps and dive into an interactive map where you can find detailed information state by state.
The Amazing Way My Workouts Improved After I Started Meditating
Like so many fitness breakthroughs, this one started with a New Year's resolution. After reading countless articles about the benefits of mindfulness and even hearing some firsthand accounts from friends who had adopted the practice, I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain from making meditation a daily habit.
I set a goal to meditate for at least 10 minutes a day and got started with Headspace, an app that guides the user through an introductory 10-day series before offering a full library of guided meditation tracks. One of the first practices from the app was to count my breaths as a way to keep focused on the simple act of breathing. In for one, out for two, in for three, out for four, and so on until I reached 10, then start back at one. Even as I progressed past the 10-day introduction and into experimenting with meditating without the app, I continued to find the act of counting my breaths for 10 counts at a time to be a helpful practice.
While I wasn't sure I was doing it "right" - or even exactly what that meant - I found myself returning to the act of counting my breaths throughout the day as a way to shrug off stress or simply remind myself to stop breathing so shallowly, a longtime bad habit.
I even found myself trying out the breath counting while I ran, and that's where things got interesting. Although I've been running since high school and even ran my first marathon last year, running has never come easily for me. I'm perpetually slow, often discouraged, and usually desperately counting down the minutes until each run is over. My head is often filled with negative self-talk while I run, doubting that I'll be able to finish, berating myself for being so slow, thumbing through the index of excuses that would justify stopping early. The new focus on my breathing while I ran distracted me from a lot of that.
In for one, out for two. In for three, out for four. Right foot, left foot. Forcing myself to count my breaths while I ran took up just enough mental space that there wasn't much room left for all that negative self-talk. I began linking thoughts or words to my inhales and exhales, repeating the words "gratitude" or "strength" on the inhale and "doubt" or "blame" on the exhale, imagining filling and emptying myself of the respective virtues. It didn't make the run noticeably easier, necessarily, but it felt so much more productive. The effort I exerted with my body was matched by a mental effort to stay focused, stay positive, stay present. That balancing of physical and mental effort made me feel a bit like a superhero, like I was firing on all cylinders and reaching my full potential.
I finished my "meditation runs" feeling winded and sore like I did after any run, but I also finished feeling strong and grateful. I began using the breathing mantras and breath counting in other workouts too - yoga, strength training, even steep incline treadmill sprints in bootcamp class. Maybe the focus on my breath was forcing me to breathe deeper and subsequently better oxygenate my body, or maybe the mantras were a form of self brainwashing; all I knew was that this new mindfulness in my workouts made me feel really good. Not about my pace (which was still painfully slow, for the record) or my reps or my jean size or a number on the scale, but about myself.
When people ask me how my resolution to meditate regularly is going, I'm not sure I can tell them that I'm doing it "right," but I can confidently say it's working.
This Map Shows the Exact Path of This Year's Total Solar Eclipse
Image Source: Flickr user gsfc
If you're already counting down the days until you get to see the biggest solar eclipse of your lifetime on Aug. 21, then you'll want to check out this detailed map immediately. The total eclipse will be viewable in areas from coast to coast in the US, and the map below outlines the path of the moon's umbral shadow, in which the sun will be completely hidden by the moon. Already geeking out? Check out the best places to watch the eclipse, then scope out NASA's downloadable eclipse maps and dive into an interactive map where you can find detailed information state by state.
The Amazing Way My Workouts Improved After I Started Meditating
Like so many fitness breakthroughs, this one started with a New Year's resolution. After reading countless articles about the benefits of mindfulness and even hearing some firsthand accounts from friends who had adopted the practice, I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain from making meditation a daily habit.
I set a goal to meditate for at least 10 minutes a day and got started with Headspace, an app that guides the user through an introductory 10-day series before offering a full library of guided meditation tracks. One of the first practices from the app was to count my breaths as a way to keep focused on the simple act of breathing. In for one, out for two, in for three, out for four, and so on until I reached 10, then start back at one. Even as I progressed past the 10-day introduction and into experimenting with meditating without the app, I continued to find the act of counting my breaths for 10 counts at a time to be a helpful practice.
While I wasn't sure I was doing it "right" - or even exactly what that meant - I found myself returning to the act of counting my breaths throughout the day as a way to shrug off stress or simply remind myself to stop breathing so shallowly, a longtime bad habit.
I even found myself trying out the breath counting while I ran, and that's where things got interesting. Although I've been running since high school and even ran my first marathon last year, running has never come easily for me. I'm perpetually slow, often discouraged, and usually desperately counting down the minutes until each run is over. My head is often filled with negative self-talk while I run, doubting that I'll be able to finish, berating myself for being so slow, thumbing through the index of excuses that would justify stopping early. The new focus on my breathing while I ran distracted me from a lot of that.
In for one, out for two. In for three, out for four. Right foot, left foot. Forcing myself to count my breaths while I ran took up just enough mental space that there wasn't much room left for all that negative self-talk. I began linking thoughts or words to my inhales and exhales, repeating the words "gratitude" or "strength" on the inhale and "doubt" or "blame" on the exhale, imagining filling and emptying myself of the respective virtues. It didn't make the run noticeably easier, necessarily, but it felt so much more productive. The effort I exerted with my body was matched by a mental effort to stay focused, stay positive, stay present. That balancing of physical and mental effort made me feel a bit like a superhero, like I was firing on all cylinders and reaching my full potential.
I finished my "meditation runs" feeling winded and sore like I did after any run, but I also finished feeling strong and grateful. I began using the breathing mantras and breath counting in other workouts too - yoga, strength training, even steep incline treadmill sprints in bootcamp class. Maybe the focus on my breath was forcing me to breathe deeper and subsequently better oxygenate my body, or maybe the mantras were a form of self brainwashing; all I knew was that this new mindfulness in my workouts made me feel really good. Not about my pace (which was still painfully slow, for the record) or my reps or my jean size or a number on the scale, but about myself.
When people ask me how my resolution to meditate regularly is going, I'm not sure I can tell them that I'm doing it "right," but I can confidently say it's working.
Mona Is Not "Uber A" on Pretty Little Liars - She May Be Our Last Hero
This week's episode of Pretty Little Liars gave us a shocking conclusion. After weeks and weeks of trying to puzzle out the identity of the show's final "Uber A," we seemingly got our biggest hint yet. In the final moments, we find out Mona has a pretty advanced lair set up in her apartment. She's got pictures of all the liars, police case files, suspicious shovels, snaps of the big board game, and more. Upon first glance, it's easy to assume that Mona never quite let go of her evil ways and that she scooped up the game after Charlotte DiLaurentis's murder. But, listen, we're not buying it. This is exactly what we're meant to think, but if you look back, there's a lot of evidence to the contrary. In fact, Mona might be our last great hero. Let's get into it.
Before we go into Mona's possible true motives, let me explain why we shouldn't believe what we're seeing. Throughout the history of PLL, there have been a lot of moments where we thought we knew what was going on, but we really didn't. Case in point: the "Ezra is 'A'" reveal in season four. It was all set up. We see him wearing a shady outfit, and he has a massive lair all set up. In the episodes that follow, we see all his sneaky and creepy activity. Eventually, though, we find out he's not "A" at all. He's just doing extensive research and trying to write a book about the whole ordeal. The point is that anytime we're being spoon fed something this big, we should take it with a grain of salt. Mona is a red herring. If we're being led to believe that she's "Uber A," it's very likely the opposite is true. And that brings me to my next point.
By now, it should be clear that Mona only wants to help the girls. In her lair, we see the shovels the girls used to bury Dr. Rollins. This is the very crime Mona helps cover up (by getting Lucas's windshield replaced). This must be part of her attempts to further bury the evidence, pun intended. Elsewhere on her mysterious cork board, we see pictures of the game and multiple pictures of the biggest suspects. This is because Mona's trying to figure everything out. She's trying to uncover exactly how the "Liars Lament" board game works, and she's trying to figure out who "Uber A" is. She's always been one step ahead of the liars, so why should she stop now?
And that's basically our big theory: Mona is the final hero of the show. With only three episodes left, it must be the answer. Mona will figure out the identity of "Uber A" before the liars. And once she does, she'll do what she can to save them and redeem herself from the evil she's done in the past. With a looming death toll in the series finale, we're worried this means Mona might not make it out alive. Cross your fingers, friends. This is going to be a dark ride.
The 1 Car Seat Rule Even the Most Safety-Conscious Parent Doesn't Know
Most newer car and car seat models use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), but even the most safety-conscious of parents may be misusing the simple car seat installation method. The LATCH system attaches the car seat to the vehicle through anchor points installed in the car and connectors on the car seat, which makes for easy installation and can eliminate potential errors resulting from installing a car seat with a seat belt. However, many parents don't know that the 65-pound weight limit for using the LATCH system includes the weight of your child as well as the weight of the car seat itself (most average between 20-25 pounds).
We spoke with Sarah Tilton, Britax's Child Passenger Safety Technician and Chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, who confirmed LATCH weight limit guidelines for us. "Very often we see a misuse with LATCH systems as families don't know that they have a total weight capacity," she told POPSUGAR. "Your car seat plus your child cannot weight more than 65 pounds. There's a label on the side of every car seat manufactured since 2014 that tells you what that child's weight capacity is for lower anchors."
Kate Koch-Sundquist, mom and Parent.co editor, is a self-proclaimed "car-seat safety fanatic," but even she was unaware of this common and dangerous mistake.
If there's one thing I'm crazy about, it's my kids' safety. That's why I was surprised – no, shocked – to discover that a car seat safety rule exists that I didn't know about. As a result, I was unknowingly putting my son in an unsafe position. . . . At 45 pounds, my 5-year-old is still in a five-point harness car seat, which he will probably be in until he gets his driver's license. (Is there a rule about driving from a car seat?) Up until today, his car seat was secured using the LATCH system. I had never even noticed the sticker on the side which specifies that the LATCH system is for use up to 40 pounds only. I guess I'm not perfect after all.
If you, too, find you're making this error - or want to avoid doing so in the future - be sure to check the sticker on your child's car seat to find the maximum weight limit for installing that car seat with LATCH. Once your child has reached capacity, consult your vehicle owner's manual and car seat user guide to ensure you're correctly installing your child's seat using a seat belt and tether.
Traveling With a Newborn? Here Are Your Packing Essentials
Traveling with a newborn has its fair share of complications, but if you pack well, you can save yourself a headache or two. My son was just a few days shy of 3 months when my husband and I brought him from San Francisco to Chicago, and I felt pretty close to panicked in those weeks leading up to our trip. I had a vision of myself pacing up and down the airplane aisle with a screaming baby, and oh my god, what if I forgot to pack extra clothes? How would I handle airport security? What if our flight was diverted? As usual, I turned to list-making to cope with the anxiety, and that simple preparation helped me feel a bit more relaxed going into the experience.
Obviously, babies of different ages have different needs - traveling with a toddler is an entirely different ball game! - but I found the general checklists below to be incredibly helpful as I readied myself for a long flight with a newborn. As far as the baggage logistics, we decided to lessen the load we'd be lugging around the airport by checking some of the larger items and carrying on a small bag of essentials. And since we knew we'd be staying with family, we ordered extra wipes and diapers to be shipped directly to the house ahead of time.
Bookmark the lists below as you prepare for your next vacation, then check out tips for flying with a baby and more family travel hacks.
Gate-Check Items
- Stroller and stroller bag
- Car seat
Carry-On Essentials
- Wrap carrier
- Breast pump and accessories
- Bottles
- Travel-size bottle wash
- Nursing covers (2)
- Nursing pads
- Changing pad(s)
- Diapers
- Ziploc bags for dirty diapers/clothes
- Baby wipes
- Antibacterial wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Onesies (2-3)
- Hats (2)
- Blankets (3)
- Burp cloths (2)
- Toys, books, and teethers
- Extra shirt for mom
- Nursing pads
Items to Check or Carry On
- Daytime outfits
- Pajamas
- Hats
- Newborn mittens
- Swaddles
- Blankets
- Burp cloths
- Bath towel(s)
- Baby nail file
- Thermometer
- Portable sound machine
- Extra wipes and diapers
The 1 Car Seat Rule Even the Most Safety-Conscious Parent Doesn't Know
Most newer car and car seat models use the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), but even the most safety-conscious of parents may be misusing the simple car seat installation method. The LATCH system attaches the car seat to the vehicle through anchor points installed in the car and connectors on the car seat, which makes for easy installation and can eliminate potential errors resulting from installing a car seat with a seat belt. However, many parents don't know that the 65-pound weight limit for using the LATCH system includes the weight of your child as well as the weight of the car seat itself (most average between 20-25 pounds).
We spoke with Sarah Tilton, Britax's Child Passenger Safety Technician and Chair of the National Child Passenger Safety Board, who confirmed LATCH weight limit guidelines for us. "Very often we see a misuse with LATCH systems as families don't know that they have a total weight capacity," she told POPSUGAR. "Your car seat plus your child cannot weight more than 65 pounds. There's a label on the side of every car seat manufactured since 2014 that tells you what that child's weight capacity is for lower anchors."
Kate Koch-Sundquist, mom and Parent.co editor, is a self-proclaimed "car-seat safety fanatic," but even she was unaware of this common and dangerous mistake.
If there's one thing I'm crazy about, it's my kids' safety. That's why I was surprised – no, shocked – to discover that a car seat safety rule exists that I didn't know about. As a result, I was unknowingly putting my son in an unsafe position. . . . At 45 pounds, my 5-year-old is still in a five-point harness car seat, which he will probably be in until he gets his driver's license. (Is there a rule about driving from a car seat?) Up until today, his car seat was secured using the LATCH system. I had never even noticed the sticker on the side which specifies that the LATCH system is for use up to 40 pounds only. I guess I'm not perfect after all.
If you, too, find you're making this error - or want to avoid doing so in the future - be sure to check the sticker on your child's car seat to find the maximum weight limit for installing that car seat with LATCH. Once your child has reached capacity, consult your vehicle owner's manual and car seat user guide to ensure you're correctly installing your child's seat using a seat belt and tether.
Traveling With a Newborn? Here Are Your Packing Essentials
Traveling with a newborn has its fair share of complications, but if you pack well, you can save yourself a headache or two. My son was just a few days shy of 3 months when my husband and I brought him from San Francisco to Chicago, and I felt pretty close to panicked in those weeks leading up to our trip. I had a vision of myself pacing up and down the airplane aisle with a screaming baby, and oh my god, what if I forgot to pack extra clothes? How would I handle airport security? What if our flight was diverted? As usual, I turned to list-making to cope with the anxiety, and that simple preparation helped me feel a bit more relaxed going into the experience.
Obviously, babies of different ages have different needs - traveling with a toddler is an entirely different ball game! - but I found the general checklists below to be incredibly helpful as I readied myself for a long flight with a newborn. As far as the baggage logistics, we decided to lessen the load we'd be lugging around the airport by checking some of the larger items and carrying on a small bag of essentials. And since we knew we'd be staying with family, we ordered extra wipes and diapers to be shipped directly to the house ahead of time.
Bookmark the lists below as you prepare for your next vacation, then check out tips for flying with a baby and more family travel hacks.
Gate-Check Items
- Stroller and stroller bag
- Car seat
Carry-On Essentials
- Wrap carrier
- Breast pump and accessories
- Bottles
- Travel-size bottle wash
- Nursing covers (2)
- Nursing pads
- Changing pad(s)
- Diapers
- Ziploc bags for dirty diapers/clothes
- Baby wipes
- Antibacterial wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Onesies (2-3)
- Hats (2)
- Blankets (3)
- Burp cloths (2)
- Toys, books, and teethers
- Extra shirt for mom
- Nursing pads
Items to Check or Carry On
- Daytime outfits
- Pajamas
- Hats
- Newborn mittens
- Swaddles
- Blankets
- Burp cloths
- Bath towel(s)
- Baby nail file
- Thermometer
- Portable sound machine
- Extra wipes and diapers
Mona Is Not "Uber A" on Pretty Little Liars - She May Be Our Last Hero
This week's episode of Pretty Little Liars gave us a shocking conclusion. After weeks and weeks of trying to puzzle out the identity of the show's final "Uber A," we seemingly got our biggest hint yet. In the final moments, we find out Mona has a pretty advanced lair set up in her apartment. She's got pictures of all the liars, police case files, suspicious shovels, snaps of the big board game, and more. Upon first glance, it's easy to assume that Mona never quite let go of her evil ways and that she scooped up the game after Charlotte DiLaurentis's murder. But, listen, we're not buying it. This is exactly what we're meant to think, but if you look back, there's a lot of evidence to the contrary. In fact, Mona might be our last great hero. Let's get into it.
Before we go into Mona's possible true motives, let me explain why we shouldn't believe what we're seeing. Throughout the history of PLL, there have been a lot of moments where we thought we knew what was going on, but we really didn't. Case in point: the "Ezra is 'A'" reveal in season four. It was all set up. We see him wearing a shady outfit, and he has a massive lair all set up. In the episodes that follow, we see all his sneaky and creepy activity. Eventually, though, we find out he's not "A" at all. He's just doing extensive research and trying to write a book about the whole ordeal. The point is that anytime we're being spoon fed something this big, we should take it with a grain of salt. Mona is a red herring. If we're being led to believe that she's "Uber A," it's very likely the opposite is true. And that brings me to my next point.
By now, it should be clear that Mona only wants to help the girls. In her lair, we see the shovels the girls used to bury Dr. Rollins. This is the very crime Mona helps cover up (by getting Lucas's windshield replaced). This must be part of her attempts to further bury the evidence, pun intended. Elsewhere on her mysterious cork board, we see pictures of the game and multiple pictures of the biggest suspects. This is because Mona's trying to figure everything out. She's trying to uncover exactly how the "Liars Lament" board game works, and she's trying to figure out who "Uber A" is. She's always been one step ahead of the liars, so why should she stop now?
And that's basically our big theory: Mona is the final hero of the show. With only three episodes left, it must be the answer. Mona will figure out the identity of "Uber A" before the liars. And once she does, she'll do what she can to save them and redeem herself from the evil she's done in the past. With a looming death toll in the series finale, we're worried this means Mona might not make it out alive. Cross your fingers, friends. This is going to be a dark ride.
3 Smart Tips For Anyone Feeling Out of Place at Work
Have you ever excitedly accepted a job offer only to spend your first few months (or longer) at the new office feeling uneasy or out of place? The experience is called belonging uncertainty - and you're not alone.
When employees feel insecure in their work environment, it affects their confidence and productivity, as they expend mental energy trying to figure out whether or not they belong. Paradigm, a consulting agency focusing on workplace diversity and inclusion, is currently studying belonging uncertainty, specifically as it pertains to women in tech roles, since tech has long been a male-dominated industry in which female tech professionals understandably experience these feelings.
For companies seeking to foster a sense of inclusion, it helps to create a sense of "ambient belonging" - subtle cues in the physical environment that send a message of valuing and celebrating diverse perspectives. This can take the form of wall art, design selections, or even the snacks available in the break room. For example, "consider the names of conference rooms in your office: if they're named after people, how many of these people are men? How many are white? Are they named after sci-fi movies, computer games, or sports teams?" Even small efforts to be more inclusive can go a long way.
But what if you experience belonging uncertainty as an employee? What can you do to combat these feelings? For advice, we turned to Lauren Aguilar, a partner at Paradigm and one of the world's foremost scientific experts on diversity and inclusion. Here's what she suggests:
Know that you're not alone.
Research shows that a lot of people experience belonging uncertainty, especially when they start new jobs or a new role. It takes time, but these worries do dissipate.
Connect with others when you're struggling.
Often we try to bear challenges alone, working late into the night trying to figure things out on our own so that others don't see our struggle. However, this just piles on more work and more stress, while the isolation leads to more belonging uncertainty. Instead, ask a trusted co-worker for advice. And if you're brand new and you don't know anyone yet, asking for advice is a great strategy to build your network.
Embrace a growth mindset.
This is the belief that skills and talent can grow and develop over time and are built up through practice and effort. Learn to love your mistakes and shortfalls rather than taking them as evidence you don't belong. Research has shown that people who see mistakes, dead-ends, and confusion as opportunities to learn, make the most progress in their work and feel more secure in their belonging.
This Is the Summer Top You're Seeing All Over Instagram
Before you say, "I don't need another off-the-shoulder top," you'll want to check out Instagram's most popular shirt. The fashion crowd's quickly scooping up the Fernanda Top from Related Apparel for their #OOTD snaps, and we can see the wide appeal for this striped design.
The scrunched material adds an interesting texture to outfits, while the cropped fit gives off sexy-casual vibes for Summer. The more we look at it, the more we like it. Our favorite way to wear the top would be with jeans and slides, but as you'll find below, it's incredibly versatile - some bloggers are even styling it with a swimsuit.
Much like the trendy Culta Gaia bag (that also had its Instagram moment), the Fernanda Top is the It item you need right now. Scroll to shop the piece and similar versions ahead.
How a Mom Used Her Earrings to Prove That She Was Invisible After Giving Birth
Like many new moms, Anastasia Aligiannis noticed that things changed after giving birth to her baby boy. She felt like she had become completely invisible and to prove her point, she took out one of her earrings.
It took seven months before anyone noticed that she was only wearing one earring, despite being surrounded by family and friends. "All those social interactions, and no one ever looked me square in the face and noticed," she shared on Facebook. "It sort of cemented to me that as a very busy mom of then two children under two who 'just stayed at home' or 'didn't work.' I had almost become invisible not just to society, but to my family and friends, and really maybe even to myself."
Anastasia explained that even conversations over the phone followed a similar pattern: people asking how her children and husband are but never following up with asking about her. "I guess people figured if the people it was my responsibility to care for were OK, then I must be," she wrote.
Although many new moms can relate and may even smile in recognition, Anastasia made it clear that the point of her post wasn't to be funny but instead to send a message. "If today you are feeling overwhelmed, invisible or like you don't matter, you do. You are so important and are probably the cog that keeps everything running smoothly," she wrote. "Keep up the good work, and if no one else says it to you this week, know that you are invaluable in the work you do and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed."
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