Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 1 juillet 2017
You Can Now Get Married at Taco Bell, Because True Romance Does Exist
Taco Bell will soon allow diehard customers to get married in its flagship restaurant in Las Vegas. Come August, the fast-food chain will officially unveil its wedding package . . . and yes, the package will be listed as an actual menu item.
What does the wedding package include? For a mere $600, Taco Bell will basically take care of your entire ceremony and reception. In addition to handling the officiant fees and decor - provided by Flora Pop - Taco Bell will gift the happy couple a sauce-packet bouquet, garter belt, bow tie, Cinnabon Delights cake, 12-pack of tacos, champagne flutes, and special t-shirts.
In a statement, Taco Bell Chief Marketing Officer Marisa Thalberg said the wedding package felt like the natural next step. "From sauce-packet proposals to couples catering their wedding parties and afterparties with Taco Bell, we have known for years that some of our most creative fans have been incorporating Taco Bell into this momentous occasion," she said. "Now, through our new flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, couples can come right in and order a wedding off of our menu."
If it's always been your dream to hold your wedding on Taco Tuesday - which, same! - then you should have entered the Love and Tacos Contest and Happily Ever Crashers Sweepstakes, which began in February. Couples shared photos or videos on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #LoveAndTacosContest, and entered to win a trip to Las Vegas to be Taco Bell's first couple to get married at the flagship. Now Taco Bell has a list of finalists to choose from, and one couple will soon have the first Taco Bell wedding.
For those of you who are curious about what the taco-lovers' wedding will entail, look ahead to see pictures of the unique experience.
Find the Street Style Match For Your Zodiac Sign
Hearing the phrase "what's your sign?" tends to send shivers down our spines (you know why), but when it's in the name of fashion, there's nothing to be afraid of. You may not know it yet, but your obsession with feminine frocks or tailored blazers may be totally out of your control.
Your zodiac sign can actually offer up some uncannily accurate answers as to why you dress the way you do, whether you read your daily horoscope or not. So explore exactly what makes your style unique, whether your sign is earth, fire, air, or water. These 12 street style stars perfectly encapsulate each of the 12 astrological signs, so we can safely say we've finally found your style soul mate. Read on to find out the sartorial secrets that make you, well, you.
This Insane Tostones Burger Will Make You Ditch Regular Buns For Good
There are truly few better feelings than sinking your teeth into a giant, juicy burger . . . but that feeling is approximately 3,000 times more satisfying when the buns of that burger are fried plantains! For South Florida residents and visitors, that heaven-sent combination is a reality, thanks to the folks at Pincho Factory.
This restaurant has quite the crave-inducing menu - we're talkin' quesadilla burgers (woah), cajun french fries, and hot dogs with insane toppings. But by far its most genius items are the burgers and chicken sandwiches that swap regular ol' buns for smashed tostones in all their salty, deep-fried glory. We've seen similar versions of this in Puerto Rican food, and Chicago has its own tasty take on it (the jibarito), which typically includes thinly sliced steak as the main meat. But this is the first time we've seen tostones buns on a cheeseburger, and we think we're in love.
If you're ready to drool all over yourself, read on to catch a glimpse at the picture-perfect tostones burgers and sandwiches at Pincho Factory. We might be DIY-ing this recipe at home in the near future!
33 Easy Black Outfits That Will Speak to Your Soul
While we're not quite at Wednesday Addams's level, we've definitely got a thing for chic black looks. This (non)color always manages to make us look - and feel - fierce, and try as we might to embrace brighter hues, we can't quit going dark.
So we won't. Rather, we'll try to find new ways to rock black, inspired by our favorite fashion bloggers. Here, get some easy outfits you'll want to copy ASAP - at least until they invent something darker.
- Additional reporting by Victoria Messina
President Trump Attacks Morning Joe Hosts on Twitter . . . Yes, Again
President Trump went back on attack mode on Saturday morning when he tweeted about MSNBC's Morning Joe hosts once again. "Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses," Trump wrote. "Too bad!"
Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses. Too bad!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2017
The recent tweets come after both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the President for attacking Morning Joe host Mika Brzezinski, calling her "low I.Q." and talking about her appearance earlier this week. CNN's Don Lemon also took a moment to address Trump's comments on his show, calling it "gross and disgusting", yet still, that hasn't stopped Trump from lashing out on his personal Twitter account. Read on to see how the internet responded to Trump's latest attacks.
what is going on with you? Are you ok Sir?
These words are not very Presidential.
Please stop this.— Michael Kelly (@michaeljkellyjr) July 1, 2017
Donald have U ever heard of the Miranda rights? As in anything U say can+will b used against U U dumb fuck?
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) July 1, 2017
He's a child. Putting others down to make himself feel better. Unacceptable behavior. Not someone to look up to. 🤦♀️ trump is embarrassing
- bye💋 (@AConstantine13) July 1, 2017
Ok! You need to seriously grow up and stand to the honor of tge office you hold! You are the president of the united states! Hello!
- روعة أوجيه (@Rawaak) July 1, 2017
seriously bro. Please stop. You are an example to millions of children. And a leader. Just. Stop.
- Mr. Good (@Heygood4U) July 1, 2017
.... I just had to check this wasn't a parody account. Nope, it's the leader of the USA. How embarrassing.
- Darren Bell (@darren_bell) July 1, 2017
You make Obama look so good. It's amazing.
— Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) July 1, 2017
dear god - stop @realDonaldTrump
— ROSIE (@Rosie) July 1, 2017
A mass shooting in #LittleRock gets no attention this morning, but thankfully Trump had time to call Mika "dumb as a rock."
- J. Michael Kell (@jmichaelkell) July 1, 2017
Are all of your horrible tweets supposed to be examples for Melania to use in her campaign on cyber-bullying?
- Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) July 1, 2017
Indulge Your Chocolate Cravings With 22 Summer-Approved No-Bake Desserts
If you don't want to deal with turning on the oven, satisfy your chocolate cravings with these delicious, healthy, no-bake desserts. Make them for yourself, for a celebration, or for your next party.
This AcroYoga Trick Is Pretty Impressive, but the Real Show Is Behind Them
These two ladies practicing some AcroYoga thought it would be fun to set up a camera to videotape their upside-down tricks. From a backbend to a headstand, we're pretty wowed by their strength and balance, but wait - what's that guy doing in the background?! Against a tree?! Um whaaaat? He's like, "Yeah, you girls are pretty cool with your AcroYoga, but can you do THIS?!" Uh, no. No, we cannot.
If you're itching to try some yoga with a friend and you're just starting out, check out these basic partner yoga poses for some inspiration. Need more of a challenge? Give these amazing partner poses a try.
Starbucks' New Shaken Watermelon Tea Is the Drink Your Summer Needs!
Leave it to Starbucks to release the new iced drink your Summer has been missing . . . but only in Japan. The new Shaken Watermelon and Passion Tea is a blend of watermelon juice and Starbucks's Teavana Passion Tea, which has flavors of hibiscus flowers, papaya, mango, and lemongrass. Each drink is topped with a slice of freeze-dried lime for a burst of citrus, and the watermelon gives the tea a vibrant red hue that makes it look just as irresistible as a slice of juicy watermelon. We don't know about you, but it's pretty difficult for us to think of a more refreshing Starbucks drink out there.
Unfortunately, there's no word of the US getting a version of this watermelon drink, which further proves that the drinks from Starbucks Japan are even better than the ones offered in the US. The limited-edition Shaken Watermelon and Passion Tea is available at Starbucks locations across Japan from June 28 through August 31.
Obama's Former Speechwriter Shares a Story of "10 Most Hopeful Days" Under Him
On June 26, 2015, then President Obama speaks in the Rose Garden after the Supreme Court ruled same sex marriage is constitutional.
Ten days may not feel like enough time for big, sweeping changes to happen during a president's term, but to former President Barack Obama's speechwriter, he remembers a truly remarkable week and a half where he saw it happen. Cody Keenan, who was an Obama speechwriter for 10 years, tweeted a series of stories during 10 days of his time with the president in 2015. The incredible look back will likely leave you feeling nostalgic - and seeing even more differences between Obama and President Donald Trump's tenures.
Our President is having a cynical morning. So here's a story of the 10 most hopeful days I ever saw in politics, capped off 2 yrs ago today.
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
Keenan begins his story on June 17, 2015, the day of Charleston Church shooting, where nine people died. Obama was asked to deliver the eulogy of the victims. For his speech, Obama wanted to touch upon the idea of "unearned grace."
So 44 said he wanted to talk about the concept of unearned grace. Not something I would have thought of. And we got to work.
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
These 10 days happened at the same time when the Supreme Court delivers its decisions. So, as a speechwriter, Keenan also needed speeches ready for Obama to deliver in case a ruling was announced. On June 25, 2015, Obama appeared in the Rose Garden and spoke about the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act.
"That's when America soars: when we look out for one another. When we take care of each other. When we root for one another's success."
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
At the same time, Obama and his team are still working on his eulogy. However, Obama took to the Rose Garden again on June 26, when the Supreme Court ruled same sex marriage was legal.
"And then sometimes, there are days like this -- when that slow, steady effort is rewarded with justice that arrives like a thunderbolt."
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
Later that day, Obama and his team flew to Charleston, South Carolina to deliver the eulogy. It turns out Obama added the lyrics to Amazing Grace to his speech and said, "You know, if it feels right, I might sing it."
But on the helicopter that morning, he said "You know, if it feels right, I might sing it."
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
Obama did indeed go on to lead the congregation in signing Amazing Grace. He returned that night to the White House lit up in rainbow colors. To Keenan, these "Ten days in America that I think about all the time. It felt like we were breaking free of the past into something new."
And here's the thing: that was only two years ago. The levers of power may have changed, but America is still big, generous, and optimistic.
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
"People of goodwill will...debate the merits of various policies, as our democracy requires. This is a big, raucous place, America."
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
I'll always remember how that week felt. To see so many people engaged in the hard work of citizenship right now reminds me of it every day.
- Cody Keenan (@codykeenan) June 26, 2017
During the same 10-day period this year, Trump has tweeted about the Georgia Election, called out China for its relations with North Korea, held a rally in Iowa where he stated he wouldn't hire poor people to be on his team, and continued to tweet about the Russia investigation. Trump also lied about how many bills he's passed compared to previous presidents and the Senate is continuing to work on its new healthcare bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. What a difference 10 days truly makes.
23 Stylish Ways to Show Your Stars and Stripes
Patriotic gear is a prerequisite for the Fourth of July. That said, you don't have to settle for cutoffs or any cheesy red, white, and blue t-shirts when stars and stripes this chic are on the market. From breezy printed blouses to pretty striped sundresses, these 23 finds will make you the best dressed guest at any backyard BBQ - and beyond.
To the People Who Say My Kids Are Too Young to Remember Disneyland
I've heard this over and over: "Why bother taking a child under the age of 5 years old to Disneyland? They won't even remember it! Why deal with all those crowds and spend all that money on a kid who won't have any memory of their first visit?" I mean, why do anything with your children before they're old enough to remember it, then?
And I saw so many babies there during my trip with my 3.5-year-old and 15-month-old that I know I am not alone in disagreeing with this point of view. Not to mention, I have proof - a photo of myself at 3 years old sitting on my dad's shoulders in front of the Mickey Mouse flowers that brings back so many nostalgic "memories" even 29 years later. Turns out, in addition to wanting to give your kids a magical childhood experience, there are actually so many reasons to take them to Disneyland when they're young.
Shay Mitchell Couldn't Leave the Pretty Little Liars Set Without This 1 Thing of Emily's
After seven seasons full of twists, turns, and more than a few murders, Freeform's Pretty Little Liars is coming to an end. Like the fans who are devastated by the fact Aria, Hannah, Spencer, and Emily won't be on their TV screens anymore, the actresses who play the iconic characters are also having a tough time saying goodbye. Luckily for Shay Mitchell, who's given Emily Fields her all over the past few years, she has a very special piece of her character to hold onto long after the series finale wraps up.
While speaking to People in June, Mitchell revealed that on top of taking home a few of Emily's signature track suits and a bathing suit from her days as a champion swimmer, there was one item in particular that she had to get her hands on before leaving the Pretty Little Liars set for good. "For me, it was just having a couple of tangible items to look back on," the 30-year-old actress explained. "But I think more than anything for me, her swim cap was definitely something I had to take." On top of being a symbol of Emily's passion for the water, it also serves as a very real reminder of the physical demands of playing the character. "[PLL star Lindsey Shaw] and I both took swimming lessons for like three weeks," she added.
Although we might not be able to get our hands on something as cool as a prop from the set, we can replay season seven's incredible soundtrack over and over again until we forget PLL is truly at an end (in fact, it's what we're doing right now!).
5 Steps to Stop Your 5-Year-Old From Begging
Five is a magical age, isn't it? Your kid is more articulate and rational than ever, which means that the unreasonable arguments you had during the toddler years - things like, "YOU CUT MY TOAST THE WRONG WAY, PUT IT BACK TOGETHER!" - are a thing of the past. (Now they argue about things like plaid being a perfectly acceptable complement to polka dots: still frustrating, but at least mostly logical.) They can get themselves a drink, put on their own shoes, poop without assistance (I mean, if you don't mind finding a few skidmarks in their undies), and get dressed by themselves. The self-sufficiency is freeing for both of you.
On the flipside, all this new development has them feeling too grown for their own good sometimes, and they do something that the experts call "testing boundaries" - or, as we parents like to call it, "being completely annoying." They're seeing how far they can get with us, how much they can control, pushing more buttons than an octopus with a laptop. And one of the ways they do this is by begging for things: incessantly, relentlessly, grating mercilessly on every last nerve we've got. Oh, yay.
But we're the parents and they're the 5-year-olds! We're not gonna be manipulated by someone who has been in existence for less time than some of our jeans! And so we're going to assert our parental dominance by nipping that begging in the bud, using this handy five-step guide. It may take all of the steps, or it may take just a couple, but by consistently responding this way, they'll learn that begging does them zero good.
Step one: address.
Sure, you could just ignore them right off the bat, but that's how things escalate. Before their request turns into pestering, acknowledge that you've heard and processed what they're saying. Yes, those cookies look delicious - I wish I could have one myself. This way, they won't get exasperated and whiny because you're not listening.
Step two: explain (ONCE).
It's frustrating for anybody to be told no without understanding why, especially a 5-year-old who asks "Why?" a bazillion times a day like it's his job. After you acknowledge, briefly explain - you don't need a lengthy spiel, just a few words. Yes, those cookies look delicious - I wish I could have one myself. But sorry, it's too close to supper time. Maybe for dessert.
Step three: shut it down.
You've acknowledged their request and given them a clear answer, so no more discussion should be required. But try telling that to a determined kid. This is why we resort to a shutdown phrase: a simple answer we repeat, verbatim, every time they ask again. Something like asked and answered, or we're finished discussing it, or my personal favorite, NOPE.
Step four: ignore.
By this point, it's OK to start pretending you don't hear them. If you've repeated your shutdown phrase a couple times and they're still harping on it (persistent little buggers, aren't they?), further signal disinterest by straight-up ignoring.
Step five: stand your ground.
This is perhaps the hardest step of all, but definitely the one you need to be the most consistent with. Because if you give in to their insistent pestering - even once - you're demonstrating that there's a crack in your armor, that if they bother you enough, you'll cave. It's a battle of wills, and you've got to emerge victorious. I know that when you're tired, and your patience is worn thinner than diet pizza crust, it's tempting to say "FINE!" and give them whatever it takes to stop their nagging. But even though that may offer a temporary relief, it will only exaggerate the problem in the long run and makes them 1,000 percent more likely to do it again. In their minds, it's pretty cut-and-dried: I asked, Mom said no; I begged, Mom said yes; so begging gets me what I want and I must use this method every time from here on out.
If you want to further reinforce the no-begging policy, keep in mind what they've asked for and reward them later, but only long after they've stopped mentioning it: Remember that cookie you wanted? You ate a good dinner, so you may have one now.
Five-year-olds aren't clueless chumps - they're constantly probing, testing, seeing how far they can push, trying to master the fine art of parental manipulation. It's totally normal, but you're doing them (and yourself!) a favor by not indulging their pleading ways. Besides, you've got better things to do than negotiate with a wheedling kid.
. . . Like argue that plaid and polka dots don't match.
The Best Beach Reads For a Summer Getaway
Looking for poolside page-turners you can dive into while you're away on vacation? With a mix of popular classics, romantic novels, thrillers, and modern fiction, we're highlighting a range of options you can tote along on your next vacation. Before you start packing, take a look at these must-have beach reads, plus some of the best books of 2017.
Tone Your Entire Body With This 1 Move
Short on time? Don't skip the strength-training session - get playful with the plank! By doing multitasking variations of this basic move, you can target your arms, back, core, legs, and booty to chisel out a stronger, more toned you.
Whoa - This $400 Machine Is Like a Keurig but For Tea
I'm a tea addict and couldn't help but become intrigued by this Teforia Leaf Tea Infuser ($400), a smart tea-brewing machine that's sort of like a Keurig but for tea. The "intelligent infuser" works exclusively with Teforia's teas. These single-serve pods are scanned on the top of the infuser so the machine knows the exact method of brewing the tea to "unlock each tea's true character and depth of flavor." Teforia worked with tea masters and growers, so every cup is truly perfect. Unlike Keurig, the teas aren't brewed inside the package. Instead, the packets are opened and the loose-leaf tea is added directly to the glass infusion globe, which blooms and steeps the tea with hot water before dripping it into the two-serving carafe. The machine comes with 15 teas, any of which can be replaced via the online tea shop, and they range from $1 to $6 each. While that may be steep for one package, Teforia says its teas can usually be reinfused up to three times.
While I love this concept in theory, I'm a little disappointed that the infuser is limited to the teas sold by Teforia. They currently don't offer my absolute favorite: jasmine pearls. However, if you buy the $999 version (the Teforia Classic), you do have the option of using your own teas. Regardless, I can understand the appeal for tea fanatics who want the convenience of an automatic machine without compromising on the quality of loose-leaf teas. Take a look at the machine up close and marvel at its sleek design and high-tech features.
Michelle Obama Addresses the Melania Trump Gift Meme
One of the most talked about moments on Inauguration Day was a seemingly awkward moment between Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. But, according to Obama, the moment was more about trying to hold back her emotions than anything else.
In case you forgot, on Inauguration Day, when the new first lady and president of the United States arrived at the White House, Trump greeted Obama and handed her a gift. The moment was captured by ABC News and showed Obama's puzzled face as she wondered where to put the gift. The internet was quick to say Obama's face was a reaction to the incoming Trump presidency. But at the American Institute of Architects conference on April 27, Obama revealed what her actual emotions were. The former first lady said she was beginning to realize these were her last moments in the White House - a not-so-easy moment, especially for her daughters, who grew up there.
"So that moment of transition, right before the doors opened and we welcomed in the new family, our kids were leaving out the back door in tears, saying goodbye to people," she said at the event. Obama said she didn't want to have tears in her eyes to avoid any backlash. "I didn't want to have tears in my eyes because people would swear I was crying because of the new president," she said, according to Today.
At the conference, Obama told the audience that Sasha and Malia's last night at the White House involved a slumber party with friends. "They had a sleepover, because of course on Inauguration Day, because my girls are so normal, they're like, 'Well, eight girls are gonna be sleeping here because it's our last time, and we want pizza and we want nuggets.' And it's like, really?"
This was Obama's first public speaking appearance since Inauguration Day, and we're glad to see her back in the spotlight.
11 RBD Songs That Will Bring Out the Rebel in You
RBD was one of the biggest, if not the best, Latinx groups of the 2000s. The band - which spawned from the hit telenovela Rebelde and included Anahí Puente, Alfonso Herrera, Christian Chávez, Christopher von Uckermann, Maite Perroni, and Dulce María - took on a life of its own, earning two Latin Grammy nominations and selling millions of albums worldwide. Sadly, RBD parted ways in 2009, but fortunately each member has managed to remain in the spotlight in their own respective way - and so has their music. Get ready to go back in time and listen to their best songs.
5 Reasons to Put On That Bathing Suit or Heck - a Bikini
I had a baby. Sure, I'm in good shape, but I have my flaws just as much as the next person. Putting on a bikini pre-Mom was tough for me, but I did it, so perhaps I wasn't as nervous as other women. After I had my daughter, I felt more self-conscious. People told me I was ridiculous and that I looked fine, but I didn't believe it. I had my daughter at the end of March, so the first Summer, even though I was back to my prebaby weight, I didn't want anyone to see me in a suit of any kind - I was strategic to say the least. The following Summer I spent sick and pregnant, and the pregnancy did not work out in the end, so a bathing suit wasn't on the table anyway. But then came last Summer.
I was in the best shape ever and recently separated from my ex-husband. I went to look through my Summer clothes, and there I saw them: my beloved old bikinis. I tried them on - hey, why not? I said - and they fit. Some were even a little big. Ah! Look at that, I thought. Maybe it's time to strut my stuff or, more likely, walk timidly on to the beach. The first time I wore a bikini out in public I felt like I had just achieved nirvana. I was unstoppable!
In my brain, "Eye of the Tiger" was playing, and even though none of the people on the beach minus my daughter knew who the heck I was, I imagined each and every person was clapping for me as I made my way through the sand. Of course, at the end of the day, I realized that not one single person cared if I wore nothing on the beach! I was a blip on the sand to these people.
And on that note, I encourage you, "Mom in t-shirt over her bathing suit" or "Mom wearing full-on uniform on beach" or "Mom wearing tankini because she has a few stray stretch marks and if she didn't, would prefer to wear a bikini":
Put that suit on! Wear whatever you want!
Reason 1: No One Cares
No one is waiting at the pool or beach for you to show up. Even your friends don't really care what you look like. You're not a supermodel or a movie star walking on stage. It's not a performance.
No one cares. Wear your suit with pride. I promise you people aren't snapping photos of you to share "People of Walmart" style. They're there to have fun, swim, and catch some rays, not analyze if you have a big butt, small butt, stretch marks, funny breasts, or no breasts!
Reason 2: Have You Seen the Other People on the Beach?
Look, I know I said no one cares, and it's true - no one cares, and no one will write home to their mother or father to talk about the mom with the stretch marks, flabby tummy, or saggy bum who wore a bathing suit today at the community pool. Still, if you've ever gone to a beach or community pool, you've seen some real "winners." And by winners I don't mean the average lady or man . . . I mean people with every single inch of their bodies including their genitals hanging out. I live near the shore, and I have seen bodies I wish I could forget. At the same time, though, I commend someone for saying exactly what I am telling you, which is "screw it!" It would be nice, of course, if they covered their parts better, but there's something admirable about a person who works the beach like a runway even if they're not runway material, because let's face it, how many of us are?
Remember, even if you think you look bad, I guarantee you that there is someone who looks worse. The truth might be cruel, but you all know I'm right!
Reason 3: Teach Your Children Pride and Confidence
Do you think it sends the right message to your kids when Mom's always avoiding the water or sitting down with her shirt on? Or even just jumping in but with the extralarge t-shirt? No. It doesn't. You're essentially saying, "I am not comfortable with my body in such a big way that it impacts my life. It impacts ME having fun!"
And if you're so uncomfortable with your own body, then perhaps your kids think that they should be too. A mom and dad (or mom and mom, or dad and dad) who are comfortable in their own skins and know how to relax shows kids how to be happy with who they are as well.
Wear your suit because 10 years from now when your child enters puberty, do you want him or her to feel ashamed about how his or her body might develop?
No, you don't.
Reason 4: T-Shirts in the Water Stink
Every time I've worn a t-shirt in the water, I end up walking out colder and more soaked. Plus, my t-shirts get ruined that way. It's just not as comfortable, and if your bathing suit fits that terribly that a t-shirt sounds like a better alternative, here's a suggestion: find a better-fitting suit. If that means going up a size or down a size, do it and don't care. Size is just a number - body confidence is worth more dollars than a million-dollar check.
Reason 5: Someone Else Will Find You Sexy
At least one person will find you sexy in that suit, and letting this person see you is worth that funny "Should I be doing this?" feeling. Your partner, or whomever, will find you an attractive catch in your suit with your hair wet and a smile on your face. It's sexy when people just don't care about what others think. It's sexy when people have fun without inhibition or fears that "someone's going to think my butt looks gross."
Even if you think you'd be better off invisible, I guarantee someone else finds you the apple of his or her eye. Shine on, beauty!
So pick out your favorite suit, whether it's a one-piece, two–piece, or whatever! Make sure your breasts and all the lady parts are comfortable and that you feel as good as you can or, preferably, amazing in your suit. If you need the support for the "girls," get sized and search for an underwire top. And if you're like me and one size on top and the other on bottom, invest in a good separates bikini.
When you're done, assure yourself that you're beautiful as you are, and then head out there and enjoy the good old days of Summer!
33 Photos of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos's Family That Will Replace Your Morning Coffee
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos may be big names in Hollywood (she has her own star on the Walk of Fame, after all), but when it comes to their personal life, they're just normal parents to their three gorgeous kids: Michael, 19, Lola, 15, and Joaquin, 14. Kelly and Mark, who eloped in Las Vegas in 1996, have never been shy about sharing glimpses of their family on social media over the years. Whether they're celebrating Christmas, bonding on family vacations, or visiting their parents at work, the Consuelos kids seem to have really good heads on their shoulders. And despite them growing up so fast (Michael recently went away to college), the family of five remains as tight as ever.
Step Aside Celebrities, This Dog Wins at Offering Hair Inspiration
My dog's ear is like the perfect picture to show your hairdresser if you want beachy waves and caramel highlights http://pic.twitter.com/vSuoDqKQ8u
- Kerbie Gibbs (@kerbiegibbs) June 24, 2017
Hair inspiration is everywhere, from our favorite celebrities, to mythical creatures, but I bet you never thought you'd be looking to your furry friend for your next color? Well, take a seat people because the time has arrived. Man's best friend is rocking balayage-esque beach waves that we can only dream of.
Twitter user Kerbie Gibbs shared a snap of her dog with the caption: "my dog's ear is like the perfect picture to show your hairdresser if you want beachy waves and caramel highlights," and we couldn't agree more. If you didn't know the close up was a dog, you wouldn't think twice about taking this to your hairdresser to get switch up your Summer hue.
The best part about this thread is that other dog-lovers are sharing snaps of their pets, some with the intention to show the hair colors, but mostly just so everyone can share their beloved dog pictures. Because when you have a pup, you know the feeling of just having to share a snap of your furry bestie!
15 Outfits to Wear When You're Ready to Party It Up in Miami
The lure of Miami's beaches and nightlife tends to make even the best travelers overpack. We get it, you want to bring all the swimsuits, denim shorts, cute dresses, and more bikinis . . . but you don't really need five different outfits for every day you are there. The strategy then is to plan your outfits beforehand. And hopefully, you'll be able to fit everything into a carry-on. To do this, we drew inspiration from our favorite bloggers who always look ready to fly out at a moment's notice. They've got that Miami dress code down, and now, so will you.
I Added These 4 Things to My Salad and Now I'm Not Hungry Till Dinner
I was feeling proud of being so prepared, making five mason jar salads on Sunday, but as soon as I finished my last forkful of veggies at lunch on Monday, I was starving an hour later. Then I'd end up eating a huge snack that was as big as a second lunch. No wonder I wasn't losing weight!
A jar full of carrots, peppers, celery, and baby kale just doesn't cut it. Even though I added beans to my salad for protein, I realized I needed healthy fats and carbs to satiate me for the afternoon. I started adding these four toppings to my salads, and now I'm full and happy until dinner:
1/4 cup whole grains (like quinoa): 56 calories, 9.9 grams carbs, 1.3 grams fiber, 2 grams protein
1/4 avocado: 57 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, 2.3 grams fiber, .7 grams protein
1/4 cup fruit (like 3 strawberries): 12 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, .8 grams fiber, .3 grams protein
1 tablespoon nuts (like salted sunflower seeds): 46 calories, 1.9 grams carbs, .7 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein
The quinoa makes it feel like more of a meal, the avocado adds a creaminess that makes my salad more delicious, the sunflower seeds add a wonderful crunchy texture, and the fruit adds just enough sweetness that I don't crave a treat after lunch.
The Reason That Actress in GLOW Reminds You of Kate Nash Is Because She's Kate Nash
If you've gotten to the seventh episode of Netflix's latest breakout hit, GLOW, then you'll likely find yourself hearing a very familiar voice. Rhonda, the bubbly, big-banged British member of the show's all-female wrestling group, comes up with a rap to hype up the crowd during the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling's first match with a live studio audience. "GLOW, GLOW, that's the name, women's wrestling is our game," she chants (sorry, "speak-sings") in the middle of the ring. "If we play rough, please don't blame us, our style is wild, and you know you can't tame us!" If Rhonda's voice gives you a major case of déjà-vu in that scene, might I ask if you're a fan of the 2007 song "Foundations"? Or "Merry Happy"? Because Rhonda is actually played by British singer-songwriter Kate Nash!
Since charming the music scene with her debut album in 2007, Made of Bricks (which went platinum . . . NBD), Nash has gone on to win a BRIT Award and release three more albums and a handful of EPs. Though the 29-year-old still tours the UK with her all-girl band, she's also been dipping her toes into the acting world more and more over the years. She's popped up in the films Greetings from Tim Buckley, Powder Room, and Syrup, and she also scored a role in the TV miniseries The Devil You Know. GLOW has yet to be renewed for a second season, but here's hoping that if it is, we get to see more of Nash's musical side.
A Comprehensive Guide to Every Shoe Kanye West Made Famous
Kanye West's most famous rap lyric may be "I made that b*tch famous," but it's his line of shoes that has been shattering records and starting trends since it debuted. Some of his biggest supporters include his wife, Kim Kardashian; her entire family; and a slew of other celebrities, making his shoes some of the most sought-after merchandise in the world.
Recently, there has been a ton of buzz about his Calabasas x Adidas capsule collection, inspired by the Los Angeles neighborhood he and Kim live in. Like most all of his collections, this one, which included the highly anticipated Yeezy Powerphase sneakers, sold out in less than five minutes.
While you may not be able to get your hands on a pair of Powerphases, you can feast your eyes on some of his most sought-after styles while you try to get on that massive wait list. From Yeezy Boosts to lucite heels, here's a comprehensive guide to every shoe Kanye made famous.
Don Lemon Slams President Trump's "Gross and Disgusting" Tweets About Mika Brzezinski
CNN host Don Lemon did not mince words when addressing President Trump's recent Twitter attack on MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski. Right at the opening of his show, Lemon told his producers to "kill the music" before launching into a scathing rant about Trump. "What the President did today was just flat out gross and disgusting," he said with regards to Trump calling Mika "low I.Q." and talking about her "bleeding badly from a face-lift" when she visited the Mar-a-Lago for New Years Eve.
"The President should be ashamed of himself. But he's not," Lemon went on to say. "He apparently thinks he is proving what a tough guy he is. But he's actually embarrassing himself, his party, and America." Lemon also pointed out how Trump's administration and Republicans who support him continue to "enable" his behavior. "How many times will you look the other way? How can you look at yourselves in the mirror? How can you?" he asked.
"Donald Trump does this because you won't hold him accountable. Mark my words. He'll do it again. He can't help himself," Lemon declared.Watch Don Lemon's full monologue in the clip above.
Adele Pens Emotional Letter to Fans After Canceling Her Final 2 Tour Dates
Adele has been ordered to take a vocal rest. The "Someone Like You" singer announced her vocal cords are damaged after performing 121 shows on her worldwide Adele Live tour. Adele also confirmed that she is canceling her last two show dates at the Wembley Stadium in London. "To say that I am heartbroken would be a complete understatement," Adele wrote in an emotional letter to her fans.
"I'm so desperate [..] I even considered miming, just to be in front of you and be with you," she admitted. "But I've never done it. I can not in a million years do that to you. It wouldn't be the real me up there," she declared.
This news comes after Adele recently hinted that she might not ever tour again. The singer also had to cancel her 2011 tour to undergo emergency throat surgery. She ended her heartfelt letter apologizing to fans who already booked trips and made plans to see her. "I'm sorry. I love you. I'm so sorry, please forgive me x." Read Adele's full announcement ahead.
http://pic.twitter.com/nMB7xcK7BD
- Adele (@Adele) June 30, 2017
9 Store-Bought Frozen Onion Rings, Ranked
The perfect crispy, crowd-pleasing treat for any outdoor cookout, nothing screams Summer side dish like onion rings. They're a little crunchy on the outside, a little sweet on the inside, and available not only at your favorite restaurants but in the frozen aisle of your favorite grocery store, too. To make sure you get your hands on the best bag for the best summer meal, we've ranked nine major store-bought frozen onion rings from worst to best.
Meet the Princess Who Dresses Better Than Kate Middleton
If you thought Kate Middleton had quite the fashion-forward wardrobe, perhaps you haven't been following the outfit choices of another royal: Princess Mary of Denmark. The polished dresser beat out the Duchess of Cambridge as most stylish royal in a recent poll conducted by Hello! magazine. Out of 30,000 readers, a whopping 30 percent were team Mary, a number that immediately sparked our interest.
So we went back into the archives and found plenty of Mary's chicest looks, which, truth be told, may be a bit more daring than those seen on Kate. Read on to see them all as we hold out hope for Kate this year.
1 Woman Nervously Confronts "Cruel" Kids at Target – and Then Their Mom Showed Up
If you're a parent who has a fear of confrontation, let Mary Katherine Backstorm be your inspiration!
The Southern mom was in the checkout line at Target when she noticed a young boy and girl - roughly 11 or 12 years old - in front of her, snickering at the cashier, who had clearly suffered a "very devastating accident and cranial reconstructive surgery." He had staples in his head and a drooping eyelid, and Backstorm noticed that the kids "were getting their cell phones out and trying to take pictures of him with Snapchat filters" to text to their friends.
"I'm just not very confident sometimes in my adulthood . . . that I can be an adult in situations like this," Backstorm said in a Facebook video, admitting that often these kids intimidate her.
Today, however, the self-proclaimed "super-nonconfrontational" mom, heart racing, set her cart aside and approached the two kids and told them they were being "very cruel" to that man.
"In that moment I realized, 'Yes, yes, I'm an adult,'" she said. "'I can do this. I can take control of the situation and teach them a lesson.'"
The kids apologized, but Backstorm didn't let things end there.
She asked them how they were getting home, and they said their mom was picking them up. She decided to wait with them so she could let her know what happened.
And to her surprise, what "started out just awful" ended in a way that gave her hope.
Although it's better to watch the video to hear Backstorm retell what happened when she confronted the other mom, her final message is one worth repeating:
I just wanted to say to the lady whose kid just acted like a complete butthole in Target that you're a really good mom. Kids can be buttholes some time. If my kids are ever in Target being buttholes or bullies or making fun of people, I hope you do the same thing. It's hard to hear criticisms from other parents or hear your kids are acting contrary to how you know you've raised them, but that's part of them growing up. We all need to be keeping an eye on each other and each other's kids.
16 Chrissy Teigen Swimsuit Photos That Are So Hot, You May Need to Call the Fire Department
As a Sports Illustrated model, Chrissy Teigen knows a thing or two about working a swimsuit. Whether she's doing a photo shoot or enjoying a vacation with husband John Legend or simply hanging out poolside, the 31-year-old never misses the opportunity to show off her incredible body (can you blame her?). Sit down, grab a cold drink, and take a look at Chrissy's sexiest swimsuit moments.
Work Your Entire Body With This Burpees-Before-Breakfast Workout
Want to feel your heart thumping, your lungs huffing and puffing, and your muscles burning? Then roll out of bed and start this burpee circuit workout designed to burn calories and totally tone your arms, core, and legs - all before breakfast. It involves three dynamic variations of burpees that you repeat five times (or 10 or more if you want a more intense workout). It just might get you so energized, you can pass on your usual cup of coffee. Well, almost.
Before starting this workout, grab a set of five- to 10-pound dumbbells.
How to Save Hundreds of BBQ Calories
Doing a little grilling? With tons of burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and beer around, you don't want to go overboard on the calories. To avoid packing on the pounds this weekend, here are some ways to add a healthy spin to your barbecue.
- Bring a healthy dish: If you're invited to a barbecue, bring along your own healthy dish so you know you'll have something good to munch on. Wow your friends and family with one of these vegan side dishes or healthy burgers.
- Go for homemade guacamole instead of creamy dips: Avocados offer the healthy fats your body needs, which is a much better option than the saturated fats found in dairy-based dips. If you're worried about calories, then whip up some homemade low-cal salsa, and throw in some fresh pineapple and mango for added vitamins.
- Grill up some veggies: Use a grill basket, corn holders, or skewers, and choose a variety of veggies to grill to make these vegetarian dishes or to serve along with grilled lean meat. Load up your plate to fill you up and to help prevent you from overeating high-calorie dishes.
- Don't always choose beef: Veggie burgers made with whole grains, legumes, and vegetables and hot dogs made of tofu are delicious low-calorie and low-cholesterol options. If you're a meat eater at heart, then go for burgers, hot dogs, or sausages made from turkey, chicken, or salmon.
- Choose your buns wisely: Most are made with enriched flour, so you may have to check a bunch of labels before finding ones made with real whole-wheat four.
- Make substitutions: When it comes to recipes as well as the fixings on your burgers, find healthier substitutions. Choose raw tomato or salsa instead of ketchup, and try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for potato salad recipes.
- Go easy on the brewskis: Save calories by enjoying one of these lower-calorie beers, and for the rest of the evening, go for ice water, unsweetened iced tea, or chilled seltzer water flavored with lemon.
- Get moving: After your meal, step away from the food to avoid noshing out of boredom, and do something active like playing volleyball, badminton, or a round of bocce ball.
Everyone Should Just Cancel Their Quinceañera Now, Because This Harry Potter-Themed One Wins
This 15-year-old's Harry Potter-themed quinceañera knocked it out of the quidditch field. Tania Meza, took the magical theme very seriously, converting the venue for her birthday party (celebrated in December 2016) into the Great Hall at Hogwarts, complete with a wand at every dinner setting and champagne glasses topped with a golden snitch. Guests arrived the venue to see a sign for Platform 9 3/4. The walls were decorated with customized posters for each of the Harry Potter movies featuring Tania as the star instead of Hermione.
The teen, obviously a big fan of the franchise based on the books by J.K Rowling, went all out with her quince's court, too. The guys were dressed in Hogwarts house robes, featuring a few Gryffindors and even a couple of Slytherins. You can feel the magic of the celebration in the video above.
Lea Michele Just Showed Off Summer's Biggest Swimsuit Trend
On more than one occasion, Lea Michele has proved that she's more than just a Scream Queen, she's a bikini queen, too. But her Instagram post is proving that she has great taste when it comes to one-pieces as well. While on vacation, Lea wore a high-cut one-piece from Aerie ($40) that had a message we can all get behind. Her teal one-piece says "Vacay All Day" on the front, and aren't we all dreaming of going on vacation all the time? Of course, if the suit doesn't speak to you, one-pieces with cheeky messages are shaping up to be the style of the season, and there are plenty others to choose from.
Check out her amazing one-piece and shop similar versions below.
In a Supremely Woke Move, the Oxford English Dictionary Adds "Woke" to Its New Words
The Oxford English Dictionary just announced that it will be officially adding the adjectival definition of "woke" to reflect modern usage. The dictionary now defines the adjective as "alert to racial or social discrimination and injustice; frequently in stay woke."
Though the word is now associated with socio-political movements like Black Lives Matter, the Head of US Dictionaries said the word was used in a similar way over 50 years ago. Katherine Connor Martin explained that the original use of the word was also associated with being aware or well informed. She added: "The earliest citation for woke, adj. in the figurative sense comes from a 1962 article by the African-American novelist William Melvin Kelley in The New York Times, entitled 'If you're woke, you dig it,' which describes how white beatniks were appropriating black slang."
In recent years, the word has become more ubiquitous and is used to describe people with the aforementioned awareness of "discrimination and injustice." In her article, Martin referenced Erykah Badu's use of the word in her song "Master Teacher," as well as its rampant use on social media.
Over 600 additional words were added to the dictionary this month. In addition to "woke," another timely word that stands out is "post-truth." The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word as "relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping political debate or public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief."
Prepare to Lose All Self-Control When You See These 15 Summer Dresses From ASOS
When I want a unique yet affordable dress, the first place I look is ASOS. The UK-based online retailer has a massive selection of items you truly can't find anywhere else. This Summer, its array of styles is beyond impressive. We put together a list of our favorite options for you to scoop up. It's time to get your shop on.
44 Creative Family Dinner Conversation Starters to Get Kids Engaged
Family dinners are arguably the most important part of your child's day. But what your kid eats during this time isn't the only aspect that parents need to consider. Quality conversations are just as important as the healthy meals you work hard to provide. It might be time for a change if you find that your family is stuck in a rut of daily dinners that go something like this:
"How was your day?"
"Fine."
"Did you learn anything new?"
"Not really."
Help your family unit reconnect each night by getting creative with what questions you ask and opting for fresh ways to spark meaningful and imaginative conversations. Here are 44 fun ideas to try at your next meal to get those chats flowing.
- What was the craziest dream you had this week?
- Who were you able to help today?
- Does anyone have a hard time following directions?
- What was the hardest topic to understand today?
- Which one of your teachers would you want to have every year?
- Which classmates don't you know well but wish you knew better?
- What's your teacher's best motto?
- If you could have three careers when you grow up, what would they be?
- Whose lunch were you jealous of today?
- What is your favorite holiday?
- What was the bravest thing you did today?
- If aliens invited you to come for a ride on their spaceship, which planet would you want to visit?
- What was your favorite part of lunch?
- If you had to go to the moon with a classmate, who would you take and why?
- What games do you like the most and the least at recess?
- If you could trade places with any book character, who would you choose?
- What were the nicest and the meanest things you saw happen today?
- What could you do to brighten a classmate's day tomorrow?
- What made you smile the most?
- Which celebrity would you want to invite for dinner?
- What were you the most excited about learning?
- What was your biggest stressor?
- If you could invent something tomorrow, what would it be?
- What's the one superpower you wish you had? Why?
- If we could travel anywhere in the world, where would you want to visit first?
- What do you wish your teacher knew about you?
- What age are you most looking forward to being?
- Which family member would you want to explore the moon with?
- Who is the one kid you wish was in a different class?
- If you could be any color crayon, which would you be?
- What activity haven't you tried before but you'd like to give a shot?
- What's on your bucket list this school year?
- If you could rewrite the ending to any book, which one would it be?
- Who did you try to make smile today and how?
- What is going to be your biggest challenge this week?
- If you could only eat one breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a month, which meals would you pick?
- Which of your friends has the coolest parent?
- If you could trade places with a classmate, who would you pick?
- What would you do if you won the lottery?
- If you could change one of the house rules, which would it be?
- What quality do your friends like about you the most?
- If you could have a different name, which would you pick?
- What are four words you would use to describe each family member?
- What is your favorite family memory?
Melania Trump's Fourth of July Look Is Definitely All American
After wearing a number of notable sheath dresses to welcome leaders such as South Korea's president and India's prime minister to the White House, Melania Trump boarded Air Force One to embrace the long weekend with her family.
The Trumps touched down in New Jersey to pay a visit to the Trump golf club in Bedminster. Melania slipped into an appropriate gingham Altuzarra skirt for the occasion, which was both on trend for the season and a subtle homage to the American flag. Read on to see how the first lady styled her piece with a white button-down, Christian Louboutin pumps, and structured sunglasses, then shop it for yourself.
47 Photos of Shakira's Abs That Are Quite Honestly Upsetting
If we had Shakira's rock-hard abs, we would only wear crop tops and revealing outfits, too. The core on that woman gets us every time. We literally can't keep our eyes off of them - specially when she belly dances! Things that go through our heads: How? Why? But, seriously, how?
And let us just remind you that Shakira is a mom to two boys, Milan and Sasha. She puts in the work, though. Based on her Instagram, Shakira's favorite ways to exercise are, of course, dancing and playing tennis with her friends and family.
After being mesmerized by her abs in these 45+ photos ahead, you'll surely be inspired to work on your own (here's an amazing workout for that).
Why Fans of Orange Is the New Black Will Fall Head Over Heels in Love With GLOW
GLOW hit Netflix with a flashy, hairspray-scented bang on June 23, but if you're still on the fence about watching, give me just a few minutes of your time. First of all, let me just say that watching the fictional show about a real-life women's wrestling program from the '80s won't take up much of your day, since each episode only clocks in at around 30 minutes. Not only that, but GLOW will likely remind you a hell of a lot of one of Netflix's other fiercely funny and feminist TV shows: Orange Is the New Black. Despite your opinions on sequined leotards, here's why you should give GLOW a chance.
What Going to the Beach Really Looks Like With Little Kids
My family and I just returned from two glorious weeks at the beach. Because we live in the Midwest, our Summer beach vacations take place on Lake Michigan, which, in my humble opinion, is just as beautiful as any ocean, with the added benefit of being unsalted. Wonderful weather meant we spent the majority of each day covered in sand, and while I so appreciate being at a spot that entertains my kids (ages 2 and 5) for multiple hours with minimal whining, getting there was no picnic, despite the fact that my babes require one almost immediately upon arrival. Here are the many steps of getting to the beach with little kids.
- After breakfast, start trying to motivate the troops to put on their swimsuits, find their flip flops, and gather their sand toys. Apparently, this morning's episode of PJ Masks is way more important.
- While the little ones are glued to the TV, begin gathering beach chairs, umbrellas, toys, water wings, rafts, and towels into a wagon. Fill a cooler with sippy cups, water, back-up juice boxes, and various snacks.
- Ask kids to find swimsuits and flip flops yet again. Oh, sh*t, they found their iPads instead. Take the time to put on my most flattering one-piece swimsuit and pack a beach bag with extra swim diapers, regular diapers and wipes, hats, a change of clothes for the little guy, a cover-up for the 5-year-old fashionista, a book I've been trying to read for a month, three types of sunscreen, goggles, various plastic cars for my auto-obsessed toddler, and 12,000 other odds and ends the tiny terrors might request.
- Pull the screens out of their sticky fingers and finally get them into their swimsuits. Realize that we're not going to make it to the beach until lunchtime. Go back and add sandwiches, fruit, more snacks, and beer (hey, it's almost noon) to cooler.
- Force children to endure a thorough sun-screening session. The 5-year-old complies; the 2-year-old acts as if he's being smothered in hot acid. Chase him around yard until 80 percent of his body is covered in sunscreen or I'm too tired to care, whichever comes first.
- Survey amount of gear we've collected for today's beach trip and decide walking the two blocks to the beach with it all is too much. Load everything in the car.
- Arrive at the beach! Hand children shovels to entertain themselves while the adults set up the umbrellas, chairs, mats, and towels; find a shady spot for the cooler; and wipe the sweat from their brows caused by carting such a massive amount of stuff across the hot sand.
- Kids immediately decide they are starving, thirsty, and sand- and sun-adverse. Serve them the first of many snacks on a towel, under an umbrella, while they try to remember that the beach really is more fun than Disney Junior.
- Yay, they remembered! Everyone's having fun at the beach! Mom might even get 10 pages of my book read while the little guy buries his sister in the sand! Pray that everyone stays happy for at least three to four hours before we have to pack up, cart, and unload everything in reverse. Sure, nothing beats a day at the beach, but getting there? Well, that can really beat you up.
No American Flag Tees Here - This Is How the Style Set Does July 4
Instead of reaching for that American flag bikini, our editors are looking to some inspired street style to put together something festive but not cheesy. Scroll to soak up the inspiration just in time for your Fourth of July BBQ, beach day, or rooftop party. Then, keep on reading for even more on-theme outfits and shop pieces to help you get the look.
You'll Never Look at Figs the Same Way After Learning This Fact
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
I was recently perusing a farmers market and eyeing a basket of fresh figs. My friend looked at them and said, "I used to love figs, but I can't eat them anymore after learning how they're made." I was confused. I said, "What do you mean? It's just a fruit," and she gave me a look that said "see for yourself." So I did. And now I can't unsee the process either.
Figs, which are technically inverted flowers, require a special pollination process, and fig wasps play an important role in it. Figs and wasps have a longstanding mutual relationship in nature (they depend on each other, which sounds kind of sweet - yay science!). As explained in a BBC article about fig pollination, "Figs depend on wasps to make their seeds and distribute their pollen. In turn, the fig tree acts as a womb where the fig wasps can reproduce." This is where your reaction might become less "aww" and more "eww."
Source: Flickr user Jnzl's Photos
Pregnant female fig wasps carry pollen and enter male figs through a tiny opening at the bottom of the fig. The opening is so small that most wasps lose their wings and antennae as they make their way in. The fig wasp lays her fertilized eggs into flowers that are inside of the figs; she also fertilizes some of the fig flowers with her fig pollen. Once the female wasp is done with that, she usually dies inside the fig. Then, all the baby wasps start to grow. The male wasps mate with the female ones, the male wasps die inside (they're born without wings), and the female ones manage to escape, flying out to start the process all over again.
Here's the important part: humans don't eat male figs, only female ones. But this process of fig wasps entering figs occurs in female figs as well because there's no way for a female fig wasp to know if the fig she is entering is male or female. Female fig wasps are unable to lay their eggs inside female figs, so no new fig wasps are born, but they typically die inside the female figs, too. Are you lost yet? A video from PBS's Gross Science series offers a clear illustration of how this intriguing process works if you want to visualize it. Serious wasp-haters may want to avert their eyes.
The bottom line is, are we really eating dead wasps when we eat figs?! Not exactly. Luckily, a large percentage of figs sold in the US are self-pollinating. But another video about figs by HowStuffWorks claims that, "Most figs we eat contain at least one dead wasp" that has been broken down into protein inside the fruit. And to be clear, the crunchy bits inside of figs are not dead wasps - they are definitely seeds. Does this mean I'll never want to make a fig recipe again, like roasted figs with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar? Probably not. But will I possibly get a little squeamish if I bite into a particularly . . . crunchy fig? Probably.
It's Time Americans Got Serious About Taking Their Vacation
Do you feel like you're the only one who can do your job? Are you stressed and need a vacation but can't take one because you don't have the time or money? You're not alone. Due to various obstacles, more than a third of Americans didn't take a single day off in 2016. This sad reality is bad for US companies, bad for the overall economy, and bad for workers - especially women. American Vacation By the (Depressing) Numbers Each year, American are surveyed about their vacation habits by Skift, a travel industry publication. In 2016, it found that 34.2 percent of respondents didn't take any vacation. While it was a slight improvement from the 41 percent of people who took no time off in 2015, it's still a shocking statistic. Think about it: one in three of us takes no time off. And more than half of respondents who did took fewer than five days. That's one working week, or less than two percent of an entire year. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women."
It wasn't always this way. In 1973, one in two families took at least two and a half weeks off annually, according to William D. Chalmers, the author of America's Vacation Deficit Disorder: Who Stole Your Vacation? Between 1976 and 2000, Americans took an average 20.3 vacation days each year. Coinciding with the rise of the internet in the new millennium, that number dropped to 16 days from 2001-2013, representing a "lost week." Today, Chalmers notes that American workers give back about $70 billion worth in vacation days a year when they forfeit unused accrued time off. That's as if the average worker wrote a check to their company for about $525 each year. Then there are the workers (one in four) who don't even have access to vacation benefits, since US law doesn't require employers to provide paid time off.
The Skift survey also found a gender disparity. Women were more likely than men to take no vacation. "Among people who took no vacation days, nearly 60 percent were women," explained Skift's executive editor, Dennis Schaal. Yet among people who took more than 20 days off per year, the majority were also women - 56 percent. When it comes to paid time off, it's either feast or famine for women in America. And perhaps many of these women are taking long periods of vacation to make up for a lack of paid family leave or because they are largely responsible for caring for older children, too.
Why Women Suffer More BurnoutConsidering women are less likely than men to take any vacation, it's not surprising professional women burn out at a rate faster than their male counterparts. A Fast Company article on millennial women burnout went viral in 2016, revealing just how many women could relate. In the piece, writer Kelly Clay cites statistics that show many women head for burnout by age 30. Clay points to a McKinsey study that found women make up 53 percent of entry-level jobs but only 37 percent of midmanagement roles and 26 percent of vice president or senior manager roles. Somewhere along the line, they're dropping out. Only 11 percent of women in the study said they chose to leave the workplace to have a family, so it's not just because they're having children. An additional study from the University of Kansas found similar results. It looked at attrition rates of journalists and found that women reported higher levels of overload and intention to leave the field.
Clay blames burnout on the unrealistically high expectations of both female workers and employers in general, as well as the "always on" nature of work in our modern society. She noted that much of these expectations are self-imposed, like the idea that we should never really disconnect at night or while on vacation. Employers reinforce the message that this is what is expected to succeed. To illustrate the point, Clay quotes a former Google employee, Jenny Blake, who burned out after trying to balance her job with writing a book on the side:
"We are in unprecedented times in terms of the global, always-on organization. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline not to check email at night or first thing in the morning, and not all office cultures (or managers) endorse or demonstrate that restraint themselves. Work comes in at all hours, and it can be hard to create boundaries that keep it contained and allow for proper rest and renewal.
For younger women in particular, it can be hard to say no, especially in competitive jobs or industries where there would be a (perceived) line out the door for their replacement."
This always-on mentality isn't getting us ahead at work. As Clay points out, it may be holding women back from getting promotions and achieving career goals. Truly disconnecting on a vacation is one way to counteract burnout. When you take a vacation, you give your mind a chance to be creative and refresh. "Studies show that you need at least six consecutive days to get the full and lasting effect of even taking a vacation," Chalmers explained. And he warns that short weekends away may actually cause more stress and anxiety than they relieve. "Like fast food, there are a lot of calories but no nutrients."
Long hours and little leisure also lead to poor health. John de Graaf, the author of Take Back Your Time: Fighting Overwork and Time Poverty in America, explains that women are at a higher risk for some of the negative physical effects. "Long stretches without vacation time increase men's risk of a heart attack by a third and women's by a half." In addition, women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.
Women who don't take regular vacations are two to eight times more likely to suffer from depression than women who do.Chalmers imagines a different world where everyone you know takes two weeks of uninterrupted Summer vacation - every Summer - just like they did in the 1970s. "Some packed the kids in the car and drove to a National Park, some went across country, and some went to their family cottages with family and friends. But everybody did it." There are many reasons to make this fantasy a reality. Chalmers notes that among people who take vacation, 65 percent come back feeling rested, rejuvenated, and reconnected with their families; 77 percent believe that their overall health improves after a vacation getaway; and over 80 percent report having a more positive outlook. Overwhelmingly, travelers say they feel less stressed, more energized, and more connected to loved ones. It also has intangible benefits, like making us more interesting, engaging people and better storytellers, he says. And of course, travel helps broaden our understanding of the world and leads to more empathy.
The US economy would also benefit from the return of lost vacation time. Chalmers notes the lack of time off costs the economy more than $1 trillion a year in side effects. "It comes in the form of on-the-job issues like taking more sick days, being unmotivated, low morale, depression, absenteeism, presenteeism, job turnover, and lost productivity, and of course all the associated healthcare and mental care costs." While time off would increase overall output, it would also be a boon to the US travel sector, potentially creating new jobs.
What's Causing This Crisis? Vacation is a win-win. So why are so many Americans working nonstop without meaningful time off? Chalmers blames multiple factors. For many, it's concerns about job security. "The thinking goes like this: 'If I took a vacation, I don't think they could get along without me. Or, if I took a vacation, I don't want them to know that they could get along without me,'" he explains. Others just can't afford it. They have the time but not the money, which Chalmers calls the "great travel paradox." And then there are those who have the money but no time, due to work, family, or pet obligations. There is a cultural disdain for leisure. American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy.Trying to understand the big-picture factors at play, Chalmers identifies a few major societal changes since the height of America's vacation era of the 1970s. Middle-class incomes have stagnated or declined, leaving today's workers with less disposable income. Meanwhile, the average cost of a vacation has risen. There's also been a decline in union membership, making it harder for workers to negotiate time-off benefits. And technology makes it difficult for us to disconnect. Finally, Chalmers thinks American values have changed. The fact that we spend 98 percent of our time working shows that we value it over leisure. And many of us now compare our lifestyles to the rich and famous, rather than our middle-class neighbors, adding pressure to always make more money.
De Graaf agrees there is a "cultural disdain for leisure." He points out how American culture constantly praises "hard work" and being busy. Workers who take little time off are considered more dedicated. But considering productivity goes down when people are overworked, it's simply a myth that people who don't take vacation are better workers.
How America Stacks Up to the Rest of the Word - Hint: It's Not GoodAmerica's lack of legal protection for vacation also leads to the stigma against it. Leisure is considered a luxury, not a right. If you take too much time off, you're lazy or not serious about your job. But we're one of the few countries who see it that way. "Only five countries, including the US, do not require that workers receive some paid vacation time," de Graaf explained. More than 20 years ago, the European Union established a legal right to at least 20 days of paid vacation a year. In Australia and New Zealand, workers have the same protection, while Canada and Japan mandate at least 10 days. Some countries even require employers to pay workers an added stipend to fund vacation. In Austria, for example, your employer will pay you a "13th month" salary during your month-long vacation, and the government will tax it at a lower rate. These countries have decided that leisure time off is valuable to the citizens and companies and are willing to support it with public policy.
Because there is no right to paid time off, many American workers get zero vacation. Employers voluntarily give private-sector workers an average of 10 days of paid time off and six paid holidays, which is less than the minimum required in most developed countries. And of course, many don't even take it.
You Can Do Something About ItConsidering the state of American politics right now, the creation of a new federal right to vacation doesn't seem likely. We can't even get paid time off for new parents. But you can still change the sad state of vacation by overcoming your own biases against taking it. There are promising signs that Americans are at least starting to discuss prioritizing downtime. Business leaders like Arianna Huffington, who published The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life One Night at a Time in 2016 and started a new well-being company called Thrive Global, are speaking up about how overwork is hurting our health, creativity, and overall success. And earlier this year, The New York Times declared sleep "the new status symbol." This growing appreciation for more work-life balance could create space for the average American to begin claiming their time off.
"Sometimes the barriers to taking time off are real, and sometimes not. It's important to know the difference," de Graaf explained. "If employers set an example by taking time off and encouraging it, workers need not fear taking it and should take it." On the other hand, he concedes, some employers may not see the value of vacation time. "In this case, it's important to meet with HR personnel and talk with them about why time off will be good for you and the company." And like Chalmers, de Graaf recognizes that in some cases, the cost of travel gets in the way. "Vacations need not be expensive. Consider camping or a road trip closer to home."
If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. If you're a manager, you should set an example by taking your own time off and praising employees who do. Also do your best to not contact employees while they're out. ("Liking" their Instagram photos doesn't count.) De Graaf has these other simple but effective tips for office leaders: Ask employees to share photos from their vacations at lunch time. Crosstrain employees so they can fill in for others who are gone. And encourage employees to schedule vacations well in advance, so airfares and hotels are cheaper and the team has more time to prepare. By prioritizing real time away from the office, you'll have a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace - a place you can look forward to returning to after a vacation.
Commit to Getting Fit With This 2-Week Video Workout Plan
Give us 30 minutes a day for 14 days straight, and by the end of this two-week video workout plan, you'll feel stronger, more energized, and more toned. Each week of the plan involves five days of workouts that include a mix of cardio, strength training, Pilates, or yoga. The other two days are active rest days, where you can do foam rolling or stretching or find another way to move for 30 minutes such as taking your dog for a walk or going for a leisurely bike ride.
Underneath each workout it will tell you what equipment is needed, if any, so all you have to do is press play and follow along. Have fun getting sweaty and strong!
This Handy Infographic Has Festival Beauty Down to a Science
Music festivals have become just as much of a Summer staple as fireworks and ice cream trucks. But for the beauty obsessed, they might cause a rise in anxiety levels. No showers or mirrors, sleeping outside (if at all), and spending long days under the hot sun don't exactly lend themselves to a successful beauty routine. Luckily, Beauty Flash came up with a handy-dandy little chart to save the day. If you're heading to Lollapalooza in August, be sure to take and peek for some pretty important information, like how to keep perfume on longer, straighten your hair with no power cord, and glitter like the High Priestess of Music Festivals herself, Vanessa Hudgens.
Rise and Shine! Starbucks Is Giving Away Free Iced Espresso Drinks This Week
Starbucks is giving people a reason to make the official summertime switch to iced coffee - ahem, not that we needed one - with a new promotion. Starting on June 27, the chain will give consumers who purchase a grande iced espresso beverage an additional iced espresso beverage for free.
If you don't typically order espresso-based coffee, Starbucks compiled a list of some strong options available under the promotion: Iced Caffè Americano, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, Iced Soy Latte, and the Starbucks Doubleshot on Ice.
The nearly week-long promotion is available at participating locations nationwide from 2-5 p.m. local time through July 2. To ensure that your usual Starbucks is participating, you might want to consider calling ahead.
When You See This Saudi Arabian Princess's Outfits, You'll Never Forget Her
Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia isn't just any royal. She is a mother of three, runs a fashion business called D'NA, nurtures emerging designers (past talents include Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou, and Erdem), and was the former editor in chief of Vogue Arabia.
To top off her boss résumé, the princess has also earned her stripes as a street style star to watch at Fashion Week, often wearing her trademark poufy skirts. Her style is refined, like that of any royal, but she's also one of the most fashion-forward of the ladies, often wearing bold prints and silhouettes you wouldn't see on Kate Middleton or even Queen Rania. With an eye for style - she was a fashion editor after all - and the wardrobe to match, it's time Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz lands on your radar.
Scroll on for her best outfit tricks and tips, because once you set eyes on these looks, you'll never forget them.
The Best New Trader Joe's Products From 2017 - So Far
One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that it's constantly releasing new products for customers to try, and we're not just talking about the free samples. Shopping at Trader Joe's is never boring thanks to the never-before-seen foods available every month, and 2017 is already off to a fantastic start. We're keeping up with every single new offering from Trader Joe's to let you know which items are worth the purchase and which ones you should skip. Ahead, read up on all the best new Trader Joe's products of the year so far, and add your favorites to your shopping list the next time you head to TJ's.
- Additional reporting by Jamie Mieuli
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