Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 2 juillet 2017
Why Your Freezer Is Your Best Weight-Loss Tool
Open most people's freezers and you're likely to see a pint of ice cream and some TV dinners. While these foods may be freezer staples, they're not helping you on your quest to lose weight. However, when used right, the freezer is the perfect weight-loss tool; here's how.
22 Elevated Outfit Ideas For Your Denim Shorts
So, you want to wear your go-to denim shorts today? Don't we all. Obviously you know your favorite pair flatters your booty, whether complete with sneakers or sandals. But if you're not headed to the beach or weekend brunch and you still want to give your cutoffs a go, there are plenty of ways to elevate your look.
When you really take things to the next level - finishing your outfit with fancy jewelry, heels, and perhaps a structured tunic top - you might even be able to wear yours to the office this Summer. Read on for a few fresh ideas, and then turn to your wardrobe and pull your shorts out of the drawer. Don't have a go-to style you love? Fix that when you shop for our favorites available now.
Toddler Dies in a Hot Car While Family Attends a Reunion
A toddler was left to die in a hot van in Utah by family members who were attending a family reunion over the weekend. The unnamed 2-year-old was discovered unresponsive by their father upon returning from a religious event with several other adults. It is assumed that the toddler fell asleep in the van on the way to the day's events and was forgotten as the group left the vehicle.
The child's death is believed to be an accident.
This is the 16th hot car death of 2017 so far, according to Kids and Cars, and it's the 12th in Utah since 1996, according to KUTV News. Even if you think this type of accident could never happen to you, please read our tips for preventing this tragedy and hear an expert's opinion as to why these deaths keep happening.
Are Egg Whites Healthier Than Egg Yolks?
Chock-full of protein, eggs are a quick and easy way to get this essential nutrient anytime of the day. From omelets in the morning to quiche at night, you may be shying away from the yolks to save calories and cholesterol. The yolk may contain all the fat, but it also contains most of the vitamins and nutrients. Take a look at the comparison below to see what you may be missing when you only eat the whites.
| 1 egg white | 1 egg yolk | 1 whole egg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 54 | 71 |
| Total fat (g) | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 0 | 211 | 211 |
| Sodium (mg) | 55 | 8 | 70 |
| Carbs (g) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fiber (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sugars (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 0 | 244 | 244 |
| Vitamin B12 (mcg) | 0 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Vitamin D (IU) | 0 | 18.2 | 17.5 |
| Calcium (mg) | 2.3 | 21.9 | 26.5 |
| Folate (mcg) | 1.3 | 24.8 | 23.5 |
| Potassium (g) | 53.8 | 18.5 | 67 |
| Selenium (mcg) | 6.6 | 9.5 | 15.8 |
| Omega-3s (mg) | 0 | 38.8 | 37 |
The yolks are where it's at if you're looking to up your intake of vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as your daily calcium, folate, and omega-3s. If it's cholesterol you're worried about, the recommended limit is about 300 mg a day. That means you could enjoy an egg a day if you wanted to, but it's important to be mindful about how much meat, cheese, and other dairy products you eat during the rest of the day.
Alton Brown's Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Juice a Watermelon
Leave it to Alton Brown to come up with the best hacks for everything in the kitchen, including how to juice a watermelon. Alton's two secret tools - a biscuit cutter and an immersion blender - are key in the process of extracting all the juice in a matter of seconds. After all, Alton despises unitaskers, so it's no surprise that he found a brilliant way to repurpose two common tools you have lying around in the kitchen. Alton shared a one-minute video that illustrates the easy method.
First, tilt the watermelon on its side and use a three-inch biscuit cutter to create a uniform hole in the bottom of the fruit. Use a knife to trace the hole and fully penetrate the skin to remove the cut-out section. Then, put the immersion blender straight into the opening you've created and blend the contents of the watermelon inside. From there, you can pour the juice into cup or pitcher, and you can put it through a sieve to remove any pulp and seeds. Or, as someone mentioned in the comments, "Just add vodka and a straw" (touché). Watch Alton's full video to visualize the process for yourself, and prepare to try this at home the next time you're ready to crack into your fresh watermelon.
Do These 6 Things on Sunday to Lose Weight All Week Long
You know you should be eating right and exercising all week to reach your weight-loss goals, but when you're so rushed between work and family responsibilities, it's tough to have time to make it happen. A little planning goes a long way, so here are some things you can do on Sunday to ensure you stay on a healthy path all week long.
Plan Your Workouts
Don't just think to yourself that you'll squeeze in a run here and a trip to the gym there - plan it out. Sit down with your weekly calendar and jot down every workout just as you would doctor's appointments and meetings. Use this time to call your fitness buddy or trainer to make dates, check out studio schedules to find classes you want to take, and check the week's weather to figure out which days will be best for outdoor workouts.
Hit the Hamper
Nothing puts a damper on a workout more than not being able to find a clean sports bra, so do a couple loads before Monday, making sure you have everything you need, from your running tights to yoga tops to the towel you use to wipe sweat from your brow. Lay out your outfits for each day's workout so you're not running around the house Tuesday morning trying to find your missing sock.
Gather Your Gear
Collect whatever you need to work out - a yoga mat, sneakers, or earbuds - and make sure everything is set so you can easily grab the items throughout the week. Pack your gym bag, and put it by the door or in your car so you won't forget it when you leave for the day. If you exercise at home, put your favorite fitness video in the DVD player and lay out your dumbbells and resistance band. Sunday is also a great time to make a couple new playlists to inspire your kick-ass workouts (if you don't have time, subscribe to our workout playlists on Spotify).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar
Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Sit down and write out a weekly eating plan including all meals and snacks for the week. If you need a little inspiration, check out these healthy recipes. After making out a grocery list to include everything you'll need to whip them up, hit the health food store and stock up for the week. Since produce is best enjoyed within a few days of purchasing, note what fruits and veggies you'll want to pick up halfway through the week.
Make things even easier by prepping in advance: wash, cut, and store veggies to be used in dinner recipes, cut up fruit for smoothies or snacks, and cook up some whole grains and store them in the fridge. Cook some of these make-ahead breakfasts in advance, like a week of overnight oats, or turn on the crockpot to make something you can eat a few nights that week, like these under-400-calorie meals.
Pack It Up
If you'll be away from home during the day, cut down on the temptation to go out to lunch or grab a cookie by packing lunches and snacks from home. Making five salads for the week is easy and healthy, or you can whip up a big pot of soup and freeze small portions in glass containers to grab for lunch. Also set aside 10 snacks for the week (two per day), such as Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, and containers of carrots and hummus, or measure out 100-calorie portions of trail mix, whole-grain crackers, or cereal. It'll probably take about an hour to get it all ready, but it'll end up saving you time during the rest of the week.
Hit the Hay
Once everything is all set, take a nice hot bath, slip on your PJs, and hop into bed early. Unwind with an evening yoga sequence or a calming book, and you're more likely to have a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed for the week 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."
Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson's Romance Is a Lesson in Love For Non-Believers
Natasha Richardson tragically passed away in 2009 from a head injury following a skiing accident, but her romance with husband Liam Neeson is one that continues to inspire people to this day. The two stars tied the knot in 1994 and welcomed two sons, Micheál and Daniel. While they were clearly an adorable couple, the beginning of their love story was actually pretty dramatic. Natasha and Liam first met in 1993 while starring in the Broadway revival of Anna Christie. At the time, Natasha was married to producer Robert Fox, and Liam was known as a Hollywood ladies' man who had been previously linked to stars like Helen Mirren, Julia Roberts, and Brooke Shields.
Their chemistry was undeniable on stage, and a month after closing night, Natasha ended her marriage. "It was not an easy time when I met Liam," she later told the Daily News. "Working with him, what happened between us, and that becoming public knowledge in conjunction with my marriage falling apart, was kind of bad timing. So what can I say? Obviously I fell very much in love with him." She also wasn't phased by his playboy reputation, adding, "I'm pleased that women fall in love with him, because I know why."
But despite their obvious affection for each other, they remained in limbo until the actress decided to take matters into her own hands. Liam sent her a note for her 30th birthday while he was away filming Schindler's List, writing, "You're catching up with me. Lots of love, Oskar," referencing his character. Natasha was bummed by the obvious lack of enthusiasm, and reportedly wrote back, "This is like a letter from a buddy. What is our relationship?" Her response lit a fire under Liam, who later said, "That was when I knew I really loved this person. I thought, 'This is real and genuine and is something that has to be protected.'" Natasha then hopped on a plane to join Liam while he finished filming, and they were married not long after.
All the Times Britney Spears Worked Her Bikini Body, B*tch
Britney Spears has been turning heads for the past couple decades, and we're not just talking about her iconic statements on stage. Whether it's photo shoots, vacationing with her sons, Jayden and Sean, or sexy outings with her former flames, the singer never misses an opportunity to flaunt her famous figure.
In the last few months years, Brit has relaxed in a two-piece while vacationing in Hawaii, danced under a waterfall, and basically wore a bikini while performing on stage at the Billboard Music Awards. Read on to see more of her hottest swimsuit moments, and then check out the ultimate celebrity bikini gallery.
When They're Not Surrounded by Murder, the Riverdale Cast Is Like 1 Big Family IRL
Filming for season two of Riverdale is officially underway, which means the lovable cast is back together again! While we can't get enough of all the drama and the complicated love stories on screen, the actors are pretty much one big, happy family in real life. When they're not filming in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the group is constantly posting pictures of their undeniable bond on social media. Whether they're hitting up fan conventions together or they're just catching a show in NYC, one thing is for sure: we can't get enough of their epic friendship moments. Seriously, we kind of want to guest star on the show just so we can infiltrate ourselves into their inner circle.
13 Books to Read If You Loved 13 Reasons Why
Netflix's hit original series, 13 Reasons Why, follows Clay Jensen, a high school student who is given 13 audiotapes from his best friend, Hannah Baker, that explain why she chose to kill herself. As he listens to the tapes, he uncovers shocking secrets about Hannah and his other classmates. The show, which features Selena Gomez as an executive producer, is based off of Jay Asher's 2007 YA novel of the same name. The narrative delves into complex issues such as bullying, sexual assault, suicide, betrayal, and more. For similar stories, check out these other captivating novels.
Halo Top Ice Cream Is Heaven-Sent and Satan Is Not Too Pleased About It
"NO! You're supposed to feel ASHAMED," says the devil in this hilarious spoof from our favorite healthy ice cream brand, Halo Top.
Feeling guilty over polishing off a pint of ice cream is pretty normal (don't beat yourself up, though!), but with Halo Top, you're eating a low-calorie, high-protein treat that doesn't taste "healthy" . . . i.e., it's sinfully delicious. And the devil is pissed. This hilarious spoof has us reaching for another pint and screaming (internally, of course), "Not today, Satan!"
Check out the second commercial, too, for a quick explanation as to where Segways come from.
Bet You Can't Solve This Viral Math Question Meant For First Graders
Well, folks, the internet is back at it again with the exposing of terrible and impossible test questions meant for little kids. In this episode, we have a math pattern question shared in an online forum, which apparently appeared as a bonus on an exam for first graders in Singapore.
"Study the number pattern. Fill in the missing numbers," the instructions on the question read. Under the text appears a circle split in four with different numbers in each section, smaller circles in between each quarter, and one circle in the middle with the number 3 inside.
Check it out above and see if you can solve it (we couldn't), and if you want a spoiler, find one of the forum's users' explanations below, which makes sense but is a conclusion we never would have been brought to on our own (even with help, our reaction was still "WTF").
What Happened After a Stranger Snapped This Family's Photo Will Give You Chills
After an incredible encounter with complete strangers, Joyce Rhinehart decided to share her story - and it still sends chills straight through her.
After her grandson's tennis lesson, Joyce took her grandson to Rita's Italian Ice for a treat. As they were about to leave, she noticed a sweet family all enjoying ice cream together and she stopped. "Something urged me to ask them if I could take their picture, which they did not hesitate to agree," she shared on Facebook. "I took this picture and then handed my phone to the young daughter and told her to go ahead and text the picture to their cell phone."
On their way home, Joyce explained to her grandson that this isn't the first time she's offered to capture a sweet family moment for complete strangers so that they can have a special memory. Days later, she looked at her phone and noticed a text message from an unsaved number:
Dear madam, you took our picture in front of Rita's on June 8th. My wife has passed away yesterday and this is the last picture we have together as a family. Please accept my deepest gratitude for your kindness, it means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Joyce continued texting the father and learned that his wife had been sick for the past year. "Never underestimate a simple act of random kindness," she wrote. "My heart is heavy for this sweet family that I don't even know and the tremendous gift that was left to them because I listened to my gut that day. I'm in awe!"
The Touching Way Mariska Hargitay Honored Her Late Mom on Her Wedding Day
Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary in August, but they still look like love-struck teenagers. The couple, who first met on the set of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit in 2001, have a picture-perfect family of five and an even sweeter love story. After engaging in a conversation about religion when they first met, their faith brought them even closer as they started attending church together. It didn't take long for Mariska to realize she had found "the one." Peter proposed in 2004, and they tied the knot shortly after in a ceremony with their closest friends and family. Relish in some of the sweetest details about their big day below.
OK, Here's What We Know About Rihanna's New Billionaire Boyfriend
After Rihanna was photographed mugging down with a mystery man in a pool in Ibiza this week, eagle-eyed and excited fans on Twitter were buzzing about who the guy could be. Many assumed he was a Spanish athlete or maybe a model, but it turns out that the gentleman Rihanna was packing on the PDA with is actually a Saudi billionaire named Hassan Jameel.
Hassan is 29, just like Rihanna, and is the heir to a huge fortune. He's the deputy president and vice chairman of the family business Abdul Latif Jameel, and since 1955, the company has owned the rights to Toyota distribution in Saudi Arabia. His family is worth nearly $2 billion. On top of that, he's also said to own a soccer league in Saudi Arabia called the Jameel League. In 2016, he was linked to Naomi Campbell after the two were spotted at the British Summer Time music festival in London.
While it's not clear how long Hassan and Rihanna have been dating, it is clear that they have major chemistry. And with all the bullsh*t she's had to deal with lately, we're really glad Rihanna is getting some lovin' from a tall, dark, and handsome hottie. Just one question remains: has anybody checked on Drake?
Tara Lipinski's Romantic Charleston Wedding Looks Like Something Out of a Dream
Tara Lipinski wed Fox Sports producer Todd Kapostasy in a romantic outdoor ceremony in Charleston, SC, on June 24, and the wedding was as beautiful as you'd expect. The 35-year-old former Olympic figure skater was the epitome of a Southern belle in a strapless Reem Acra gown, which featured a 20-foot tulle skirt designed by Laura Basci, while her other half looked dapper in a black tux. Tara was all smiles as she read her vows to Todd and the two exchanged rings. The flower girls walked down the aisle with baskets that were created by Tara's mother, and Tara's close friend and fellow skater Johnny Weir served as one of the groomsmen.
Tara later took to Instagram to share photos from her big day, gushing, "I am officially Mrs Kapostasy! Yesterday was by far the best day of my life. There was one moment during the ceremony where I thought, I can not be any happier than I am in this very moment. His vows will forever be etched in my mind. I am so happy and so in love with you @toddkap!" Tara and Todd first met when she presented him with a trophy at the Sports Emmy Awards in 2015, and the two got engaged that December. Congrats to the newlyweds!
Rascal Flatts Casually Crashes a Wedding to Perform During Couple's First Dance
Imagine having one of your favorite musical acts just pop into your wedding and casually serenade you with one of their hits during your first dance. That's exactly what Rascal Flatts did when they crashed a couple's ceremony at the Sugar Island Barn in Watertown, Wisconsin, on Saturday. A video posted to Facebook shows the country stars performing "Bless the Broken Road" for newlyweds Sara and Brandon McInnis's first song; the couple was apparently planning to have the DJ play it, but who needs a DJ when you can have the actual band instead?
The bride told a local TV station that a family friend secretly asked the band to perform at the wedding while on their way to the Country USA musical festival nearby. While walking in to surprise the couple, Rascal Flatts's lead singer Gary LeVox says in the Facebook video that the group was "in the neighborhood" and thought they'd "swing over." Watch the amazing video above.
38 Times Ashley Graham Was Too Hot For Her Clothes So She Stripped Down to Lingerie
Ashley Graham is a model and body-positivity activist, and thanks to her success with Sports Illustrated, the 29-year-old has become synonymous with adding diversity to the fashion industry. In addition to modeling, Ashley has also designed her own lingerie line in a wide range of sizes with Addition Elle. Today, we're celebrating Ashley's success with a look at her sexiest lingerie moments.
More Than 50 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is not easy, and whoever tells you differently is lying. It takes commitment, hard work, and, for many, a complete lifestyle makeover. But armed with these 56 techniques, losing weight suddenly becomes easier.
If you're looking for quick fixes or a lose-10-pounds-in-10-days kind of promise, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you want an insider's guide on how to lose weight and keep it off for good, keep reading. From basic weight-loss fundamentals to weird tricks proven to melt away that muffin top, you're only 10 pounds away from your new self.
These Photos of a Shirtless Chris Pratt Playing Football Should Be Remembered Forever
If you're currently sitting at your desk in a freezing-cold office and thinking to yourself, "I really need a vacation. I really need some shirtless men. I really need Chris Pratt," then we are here for you. The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 actor has been enjoying some time off in Hawaii this week, and now you can transport yourself right next to him thanks to these glorious new photos. A few days after Chris's wife, Anna Faris, tweeted a shirtless photo of him flexing his arms while appearing to tap into a keg, he enjoyed a game of football in the sand in Honolulu on Sunday. While rocking swimming trunks, a baseball cap, and blue tape on his chest, arm, and leg (sure?), Chris threw around the ball before taking a dip in the crystal blue water. Excuse us while we study every single inch of these photos.
The Top 25 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight
Even if you follow a fitness routine and you often choose healthier foods, you may not be seeing the weight come off the way you hope. While there are plenty of other healthy accomplishments to celebrate on this journey, it can be frustrating to not see results when you step on the scale. Sound familiar? Chances are, one of these reasons is all that's standing in the way of your weight-loss goals.
- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar, Michele Foley, and Leta Shy
After Years of Exercising, This Is the Workout That Changed My Body
When I started working out with a trainer a few months ago, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but if there's one thing I am certain of, a barbell was never part of the equation. Yet here I was, standing in front of one with my trainer off to the side asking me to do deadlifts. I was equal parts perplexed, scared, and thrilled. In all my years of working out, heavy lifting was something I had never done. Like everyone else in my life, I hopped from trendy studio to trendy studio for my workouts, and though there was a weight room at my gym, the idea of picking up a barbell on my own seemed terrifying.
I looked down at the 65-pound steel bar and then looked up at my trainer Austin (a few times in a lame attempt to stall). With no knowledge of or prior exposure to lifting, I was also dealing with the real fear that I would possibly drop this thing, along with myself, in the process. Sensing my fear, he talked me through the steps repeatedly with the right amount of encouragement, until I grabbed the damn thing and remarkably pulled it off - "with ease and perfect form," he would later tell me. I surprised myself; I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Austin added weight to the bar at a quick pace, which I think even surprised him.
Looking back, I am not sure why I stayed away from a barbell for so many years. Sure, I wasn't exposed to it, but I also never allowed myself to even explore the idea. When I heard SoulCycle was coming to my city, I was in the very first class. When the new TRX studio moved in down the block, I couldn't wait to try it! But lifting? Nope. Despite my firm belief that women are strong AF, there was a part of me that thought of lifting as a man's world, or at least the kind of world where you go when you want biceps as big as your head. And if I am being totally honest, huge 'ceps weren't what I was looking for.
The kicker here is that it has has changed my body in a way that I never could have anticipated. I have lost more weight over these last three months than I have in the last few years. I am stronger and faster in just about every other workout in my life. And most recently, during a beach vacation, my partner commented on my butt. It was higher! Perkier! Lifted! Rounded! I went into heavy lifting with the very wrong idea that it would add bulk, yet here I am feeling my absolute best and more confident than I have in a long time. Even more importantly is the understanding that this confidence had less to do with how I look and everything to do with how I feel.
The thrill of doing something new mixed with a real sense of accomplishment has given me an exercise high that I have not felt in a very long time. Instead of being terrified of a barbell, I now give my trainer grief when we aren't lifting. Through this process, I have come face to face with my physicality in a way that has never happened. There's also a real sense of pride from seeing more weight being racked up on the bar and learning what my body is capable of handling. But more than anything, the inner confidence that I have built from this latest step in my fitness journey has helped me in all facets of my life and continues to surprise me on an almost daily basis.
Olivia Munn's Bikini Is the Obvious Swimsuit You Need For the Summer
Olivia Munn is celebrating her birthday in Turks and Caicos, and she packed plenty of swimsuits for the occasion. From a sophisticated green one-piece to a romantic bikini, the actress definitely hit all the style marks. Olivia's pastel pink bikini, complete with olive ties, might not seem obvious at first, but actually, the color combination is right on trend for the season. Pink has practically become a neutral in our wardrobes, and it blends in with a beach look as easily as black, caramel, ivory, or khaki would. Read on to see how the shade lent Olivia an obvious glow on the beach, then shop similar options.
47 Supersexy Pictures of Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale is one of Hollywood's sexiest starlets with hot roles in everything from Underworld to Van Helsing to Total Recall. Aside from the big screen, there's no denying that we've kind of developed a huge style crush on her throughout the years. See all of her hottest photos, from her stunning red carpet shots to her red hot bikini photos.
Serena Williams's Naked Vanity Fair Cover Will Actually Take Your Breath Away
Serena Williams is currently expecting her first child with fiancé Alexis Ohanian, but she's already planning her return to the tennis court. In addition to looking absolutely stunning while posing nearly naked on the cover of Vanity Fair's August issue, the famous tennis player opened up to the magazine about everything from impending motherhood to her career. "I don't think my story is over yet," she told the publication, adding that she's already preparing for her return in January 2018, exactly one year after learning she was pregnant. After feeling ill a week before the Australian Open earlier this year, Serena says that a friend convinced her to take a pregnancy test. Much to her surprise, the result was positive, as were the five tests she took after that.
Even though it was a big shock at first - she planned on winning Wimbledon for the third year in a row - she does have a great support system. Serena reveals that Alexis, who is the cofounder of Reddit, immediately got on a flight when she told him to come to Melbourne without reason. While she'll be the first person to admit she has no clue how to raise a baby, it sounds like she has a great partner to do it with. "I felt like a door had been opened to a person who made me want to be my best self," Alexis said about proposing to Serena. "I find myself just wanting to be better by simply being around her because of the standard she holds."
Despite everything she has going on, Serena still makes sure to clap back at trolls on social media. After slamming a tennis player for racist comments about her unborn baby in April, she fired back at retired tennis legend John McEnroe in June after he said that if she played on the men's circuit, she'd be "like No. 700" in the world. "Dear John, I adore and respect you but please please keep me out of your statements that are not factually based," she said on Twitter. "I've never played anyone ranked 'there' nor do I have time. Respect me and my privacy as I'm trying to have a baby. Good day sir."
6 Times Ireland Baldwin Looked So Much Like Her Mom That You Had to Check Your Vision
Ireland Baldwin is making a name for herself in the fashion world, and the more and more we've seen her out and about, the harder it is to ignore the insane resemblance she bears to her famous mom, Kim Basinger. The 21-year-old, who is the only daughter of Kim and former husband Alec Baldwin, has been gracing the pages of magazines and hitting the red carpet for Hollywood events looking so much like her mother that it's starting to freak us out a little. For reference, just see some of the most striking comparisons.
The Everyday Bathroom Item Sending Thousands of Kids to the Emergency Room
For as long as we can remember, parents have been warned against using cotton swabs to clean their children's ears, but this is still proving to be an issue, sending thousands of kids to the hospital. A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics revealed that from 1990 to 2010, more than 263,000 children had been treated in emergency rooms for cotton-tip-applicator-related ear injuries in the United States.
Although the study was framed around individuals under the age of 18, children under 8 made up about 67 percent of the study and children under 3 retained the highest degree of injury. It's important to point out that the most common diagnosis of these emergency room incidents was "the presence of a foreign body and tympanic membrane perforation," which means that a portion the cotton swab was stuck in the ear canal, causing damage to the eardrum.
If not treated right away, the pushing of a cotton swab in your child's (or your own) ear could result in hearing loss, dizziness, bleeding, and pain, as noted in the study.
This is a horrible and preventable injury that parents need to be reminded about. Even if you're not using the swabs to clean your children's ears, the majority of patients treated in the study had handled the cotton swabs themselves, so please keep them out of reach. Ear wax is normal and your ears are self-cleaning, so the wax will eventually fall out. Please see the doctor if your child has an excessive amount of wax, but do not resort to cleaning with a cotton swab!
11 Shows to Watch If You Think You'll Die Without Pretty Little Liars
This week marks the end of Pretty Little Liars as we know it. Naturally, we're trying to savor every last moment with the Rosewood gang. As avid fans, we're doing our due diligence to make some final guesses, wonder endlessly who "A.D." is, and soak up every last detail about the finale. The sad inevitability, though, is that we're going to need to learn how to let go. And what better way to move on from a TV show than to find another one to rebound with? While you're eating everything and mending your broken heart, it's only natural to turn on another show. Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of series that will specifically soothe the PLL grief that's deep down inside.
Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow Have Officially Been the Couple You Want to Be For 20 Years
Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow are not only one of the funniest couples in Hollywood, but they've also produced two talented daughters who are poised to take over. Leslie and Judd have a tendency to make you envious of their relationship, not just because they are adorable and seem very real and normal, but also because they've now been married for 20 years! The two celebrated the milestone anniversary in June, and have been laughing - and working - together all along. In fact, they met on the set of The Cable Guy, when Leslie was auditioning and Judd was on the project as a producer. "There goes the future Mrs. Apatow," Judd remembered saying about her. "I had a soul connection instantly. I meant it. That's why I remember it." Once you get over how cute that is, spend some time seeing how in sync these two have been ever since then.
Why Selena's Dad Initially Didn't Approve of Her Romance With Chris Perez
Image Source: Everett Collection
It's been over two decades since Selena Quintanilla tragically died, but her family and husband Chris Perez have worked hard to keep her memory alive. As depicted in the 1997 biographical film, Selena and Chris first met in 1990 when the musician joined Selena's band as a guitarist. The two secretly began dating and eloped in April 1992. While Selena's family eventually found out about their relationship, one person who didn't initially approve of their romance was Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla. According to Chris, "the main reason for that was it kind of hurt his pride and his ego to find out that he was the last to know," adding, "The worst thing he said to me was that I was like a cancer to his family. His family knew about us being together and was supportive; when he said that it was like, 'C'mon!'"
Selena and Chris had been married for three years when the singer was murdered by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, in 1995. Since her passing, Chris wrote a book titled To Selena, With Love, in which he talks about their marriage, Selena's death, and her legacy. He also shared a photo of their marriage certificate on Facebook back in April 2017, writing, "It's hard to believe that today marks 25 years since Selena and I decided that the only way to be together...was to run away and get married (at 20 and 22 years old) in secret. What a rollercoaster ride THAT day was."
Image Source: Getty / Rodrigo Varela
samedi 1 juillet 2017
Where You Can See the Pretty Little Liars Stars Next
Now that Pretty Little Liars has left our lives, we're going to have to figure out how to fill the void. The most obvious move is to self-medicate with snacks while you dive headfirst into a another TV show. For this reason, we've curated plenty of PLL-adjacent shows for you to binge-watch. But what if that's not enough? What if you really want to cling to the stars themselves? Luckily, almost all of the PLL alumni have plenty of new and exciting projects on their rosters. If you're looking to follow your faves into the great Hollywood beyond, we're here to tell you exactly where to find them.
22 Decadent Treats That Are Actually Healthy
Even though we all have the best intentions of eating healthily at holiday gatherings, we all know one of the most fun parts of the season is baking creative and yummy desserts, whether it's a fun batch of cookies or various rich and creamy treats. Luckily, you don't always have to sacrifice health for flavor and decadence. We've rounded up 22 delicious treats, many of them vegan, for you to have your pick from. Enjoy!
The Best Gifts For 8-Year-Olds
From cool science kits and remote-controlled planes to an updated version of the classic game of Simon, the 8-year-old on your list is ready for some fun. We've rounded up our favorite finds for these tots who teeter on the edge of little-kid play and big-kid happenings. Check it out!
18 Bachata Songs That You Need on Your Party Playlist
When faced with the question, "what are your favorite bachata songs?" we were a little worried. How could we narrow down the list when there are just so many? But creating this fun playlist full of hits really helped us figure out one thing: when it comes to bachata, you can never go wrong. No matter what the mix of songs ends up being, you'll be up on your feet dancing in mere seconds. Seriously, try to resist the urge to hit the dance floor as you scroll through these songs.
14 of the Best (and Booziest!) Alcoholic Candies From Sugarfina
What's that saying about having your liquor and eating it in a gummy, too? Just kidding, that's not a phrase, but Sugarfina has made that possible with its array of alcohol-infused candy. The trendy candy boutique based in Southern California is known for its viral Rosé gummy bears and inventive Casamigos Tequila candy collection, plus many more boozy candies that will instantly make any party more fun.
Some of Sugarfina's candies that list alcohol in the ingredients are actually nonalcoholic (for example, the Rosé's alcoholic content is cooked out), while others do in fact contain a percentage of alcohol and require you to be at least 21 years old to purchase them. We're talking tequila-shot-filled chocolate, Jamaican rum truffles, limoncello white chocolate bites, and more. Ahead, we've outlined 14 of the best booze-infused offerings from Sugarina, both nonalcoholic and 21-and-up only. If a girls' night or dinner party is calling your name and you want to bring something special to the table, skip the predictable cocktails and opt for these sweet treats that feature your favorite alcoholic flavors (and that might get you buzzed) instead. Or, you know, have both.
A Workout to Help You Build Strong and Shapely Legs
Grab your short shorts, your Daisy Dukes, your hot pants - whatever you choose to call them. You're going to want to show off your shapely gams after doing this workout. Each of these four exercises tones a different part of your legs, making this workout quick and efficient. We suggest using dumbbells between five and 10 pounds for this fitness quickie.
Directions: Warm up with three minutes of cardio - running in place, jumping jacks, and butt kickers. Then perform this four-exercise circuit three times. Stretch your quads and hamstrings to cool down.
20-Minute Ab and Butt Workout Guaranteed to Leave You Sore Tomorrow
It's time to get specific and target a couple of body parts that rarely see the sun: the abs and glutes. This workout only takes about 20 minutes from warmup to cooldown, so it should be a breeze to fit into your day. In the first circuit, we recommend using 10-pound weights, but these moves will still be effective with lighter weights or no weights at all.
3 Easy Steps to Turn Off Your Location in Snapchat's Snap Map
Snapchat's newest feature, Snap Map, is worrying parents and raising privacy concerns for many other users of the app. Snap Map lets you share your location with specific friends - or everyone you're friends with - on Snapchat. However, the feature is so precise, many worry that it could lead to potentially dangerous situations or simply don't like the idea that their contacts can essentially track their location at any given time. Though sharing your location on Snap Map is turned off by default, it's easy to switch it off if you turned it on.
You can completely turn off your location on Snap Map and enable "Ghost Mode," in which no one can see your location. However, if you do submit a snap to the "Our Story" feature, there's the potential that it'll be accepted and people could know where you are. Looking to share your location with only your best friends? You can turn off Ghost Mode and select which friends can see your location.
To be clear: if you turn on your location for Snap Map, your location will only update if the app is open. Close the app and it'll leave your location and Actionmoji in the last place where you were located. And if you don't open the app for a few hours, your location and Actionmoji will disappear completely from Snap Map.
It's worth noting that if you're concerned about this feature, you might also want to check your settings on Apple's Find My Friends app and Google Maps. Google Maps recently unveiled a location-sharing tool that's similar to Snap Map. However, like Find My Friends, you can set how long you want your location to be shared.
Ahead, see how to enable Ghost Mode on Snapchat. If you're even a little concerned, you should definitely turn off the feature.
Viola Davis Prayed For a Husband and Was Blessed With a Real Winner
Viola Davis took home the SAG Award for best supporting actress on Sunday night, and the phenomenal Fences and How to Get Away With Murder star had her biggest fan by her side: her husband, Julius Tennon. Viola and Julius, a theater veteran and TV actor, met on the set of City of Angels in 1999, just weeks after Viola prayed for a husband. "I was the loneliest woman in the world, and someone said, 'You should just pray for a husband,'" she told Page Six. "I said I wanted a big black man from the South who looked like a football player, who already had children, who maybe had been married before. Three and a half weeks later, I met my husband." The couple tied the knot in 2003 and recently renewed their vows with a star-studded second wedding ceremony; they share a daughter, Genesis, who they adopted as a newborn in 2011, as well as Julius's two sons from a previous relationship.
They have quickly become one of our favorite Hollywood couples to watch. The way Julius looks at Viola warms our hearts, and they seem to not just love each other to pieces, but really respect and value each other, too. They also dial their red carpet appearances up a notch by color-coordinating their outfits, which is just adorable. So far in 2017, Viola has made history by becoming the first black actress to be nominated for three Oscars and the first black actress to win five SAG Awards. She also took home a best supporting actress Academy Award, making her just the seventh black woman to do so. But Julius, while obviously thrilled for his wife, is no slouch; he was admitted to the University of Tulsa on a full football scholarship and the first African American to graduate from its theater department. He's also starred on the small screen in Criminal Minds and ER and works with Viola as a copartner on their production company, JuVee Productions. We're taking a look at the cutest photos from Julius and Viola's 16-year relationship - look through to see them all now (seriously, how cute are their matching outfits?).
How to Make a No-Bake Watermelon Cake, in Pictures
I don't even have a vent in my kitchen, so the thought of baking on a scorching Summer day is completely out of the question. Thankfully, there are ways to skirt around the oven issue, like with this no-bake watermelon cake. The catch is, there is no cake! A miniwatermelon, whipped cream, slivered almonds, and berries are all you need to create this Pinterest-worthy dessert for 12.
Why You Need to Be Eating Fat If You Want to Lose Weight
The secret to dropping pounds, reducing your risk of heart disease, and feeling better overall may just be filling your plate with fats. While eating more fat doesn't mean drowning your veggies in butter, it does mean focusing on two types of "good" fats: MUFAs, or monounsaturated fats, and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fats), which include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Why are good fats so, well, good for you? For one, unsaturated fats contain disease-fighting antioxidants like vitamin E, and have been shown to help lower bad cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are important for keeping many of our body functions, like our immune system and heart, in top shape. If you're trying to drop pounds here's another important reasons to embrace good fats: MUFAS have been shown to help burn away belly fat.
While MUFAs and PUFAs reign supreme, a little bit of saturated fat in your diet may not be as bad as previously thought. Recent studies have suggested that saturated fats in foods like milk, cheese, and meat may not be as harmful as previously thought, after a analysis found no correlation between a high saturated fat diet and an increased risk of heart disease. Coconut oil, a plant-based saturated fat, has actually been shown to raise levels of the "good" cholesterol, HDL, in recent studies. Current guidelines still suggest limiting your saturated and trans fats intake, however, so it's up to you to make educated decisions about how much you should eat.
That said, eating more fat isn't a bad thing, as long as it's done in moderation. Remember that fats, whether good or bad, are still high in calories, so be sure to keep this in mind when you plan your diet; current dietary guidelines suggest that for a 2000-calorie diet the daily intake of fat, including healthy fats, should be no more than 65 grams. Registered dietitian Julie Upton recommends replacing "low-quality carbs or other foods rich in saturated fats" with foods high in MUFAs and PUFAs to help accommodate the extra calories. Check out our list of some of the best sources of unsaturated fats below, and keep these numbers in mind while you adjust to adding more fat to your diet.
| Food | Portion | Calories | Total Fat (grams) | PUFAs (grams) | MUFAs (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds | 1 ounce (23 almonds) | 171 | 15.6 | 3.8 | 9.8 |
| Avocados | 1/4 avocado | 80.5 | 7.4 | .9 | 4.9 |
| Canola oil | 1 tbsp. | 124 | 14 | 4.1 | 8.3 |
| Chia seeds | 1 ounce | 137 | 8.6 | 0.6 | 6.5 |
| Dark chocolate | 1 square | 27 | 1.9 | 0.05 | 0.6 |
| Flaxseed | 1 tbsp. ground | 37 | 3 | 2 | 0.5 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 14 | 1.4 | 9.8 |
| Peanut oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 13.5 | 4.3 | 6.2 |
| Pistachios | 1 ounce (49 kernels) | 158 | 12.6 | 3.8 | 6.6 |
| Safflower oil | 1 tbsp. | 120 | 13.6 | 2 | 10.1 |
| Salmon | 3 ounces cooked | 175 | 10.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Soybean oil | 1 tbsp. | 119 | 14 | 7.8 | 3.1 |
| Trout | 1 fillet | 109 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| Walnuts | 1 ounce (14 halves) | 173 | 17 | 9.8 | 4.2 |
Every Mouthwatering Treat at This Latin Bakery Basically Fell From the Heavens
Are you hungry right now, dear reader? If your answer was "no," that's about to change as soon as you catch a glimpse of the delectable treats whipped up by pastry chef Daniela Copenhaver. A native Mexican now living in San Diego, Daniela is the creative genius behind online bakery Daniela's Kitchen. To date, she has mastered the art of transforming traditional Latino treats into completely new creations, such as her fresas con crema cupcakes or her "ChamangoLoco" drip cake. And let's not forget her legendary vaso de elote cupcakes. Man, do these sound incredible!
Her flavorful desserts landed her on Food Network's Spring Baking Championship, where she wowed the judges (and pleased their taste buds), placing third in the contest. You just have to see her desserts to believe how mouthwatering they are, so get scrolling and prepare for your stomach to grumble.
Oh Heck Yes: Christian Louboutin Releases Even More "Nude" Heels For Every Skin Tone
It doesn't take rocket science to figure out that the term "nude" isn't universal, and yet fashion designers still market their items with this descriptor even if they only really match a small portion of the skin-color spectrum. When Christian Louboutin realized this fact, he launched the innovative Nudes Collection in 2013 with four shoes that catered to women of varying skin tones. In the years following, the designer has continued building on the collection, and the latest Spring 2017 additions are finally here.
Image Source: Christian Louboutin / Sofia and Mauro
The collection now includes two more versatile sandal options: Cherrysandal, a platform shoe with a block heel and ankle strap, and Christeriva, a stiletto with ribbons that wrap around the ankle. Both are available in seven different shades and have the iconic red bottom, as per usual.
Ready to find a chic nude heel that perfectly suits your complexion? Read on to see these two new shoes in all seven shades, and you probably won't be able to resist adding the perfect match to your online shopping cart. Credit cards at the ready!
Caroline Wozniacki Gets Real About Her Body: "I Look Good in My Own Way"
Image Source: Dewey Nicks / ESPN
Every year, athletes strip down for ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue and we get to see what goes on under the uniforms. The highly anticipated magazine features athletes from all different sports of all shapes and sizes, and the latest cover star did not disappoint. Following the sculpted photos from Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Báez's cover came tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The 26-year-old Danish star recently recovered from a scary ankle injury, and now, she's opening up about how she pushed herself back to a healthy lifestyle.
As the former number one player in the world, Wozniacki has done it all, and when she was younger, she would "just kill it in the gym until I couldn't stand anymore." But as many of us can agree with, she explained, "the older I've gotten, I'm so much better at listening to my body. If you push yourself too much, it's going to be worse."
Image Source: Eric Lutzens / ESPN
On the cover, a naked Wozniacki follows through on a powerful serve, putting every muscle in her body on full display while holding her two favorite accessories: a tennis ball and her racket. While it's obvious she looks incredible, Wozniacki explained why she didn't worry about baring it all on the cover.
"I've realized that I can't spend time stressing about something I don't have and just embrace what I do have," she said about her body. "It's so in to have curves now. It's in to be looking healthy. If I don't look like a supermodel on the runway, that's OK because I look good in my own way."
She added, "I rarely stand on a scale, to be honest. When I stop playing, I'm not going to obsess so much about my weight. It's going to be more about a healthy lifestyle. It's more about how I feel."
The Body Issue will hit newsstands on July 7 with Wozniacki and other athletes like Isaiah Thomas, Ezekiel Elliott, and more.
The Weightlifting Technique That Will Change Your Body
Ever plan to go to the gym and stop dead in your tracks because you just don't know what to do? Maybe your goals are too broad? Maybe you're expecting too much? How can you really lose weight, gain lean muscle, and build your dream body with just one simple workout plan that doesn't require you move into the gym for the next year? Clearly, you're expecting too much from your efforts, right? Wrong! There is a way to reshape your body by losing fat and gaining muscle without spending countless hours in the gym. What do you have to do? Lift heavy weights to create lean muscle and lift light weights to promote fat loss. The best part? You can be in and out of the gym in less than 30 minutes each day. Here's how!
The heavy and light strength-training plan combines a couple of the most fundamental principles of lifting weights. The intention is to do an exercise for four sets with a heavy weight and low reps (up to six) and then another exercise that targets the same muscle for four more sets with higher reps (up to 12), but with a lighter weight. According to personal trainer Brian Pankau, CPT, you need to take "two to three minutes of rest between heavy [sets], and 45 to 60 seconds between lighter sets."
How does this plan work? When you lift heavy weights your muscles fatigue and ultimately grow (you won't look like a bodybuilder - we promise). From there, you work the same muscles with lighter weights to totally exhaust them, which burns more calories, creates a leaner body composition, and increases endurance. Muscles grow, body fat decreases, and you're only doing two exercises per body part. According to Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, with this plan, "you'll burn more calories, shed fat, add more strength, and feel more energetic in daily life."
As a result of this significant caloric depletion, certified personal trainer and owner of HitchFit.com Micah Lacerte cautions that, "Nutrition will play a big role in what sort of results someone will get performing this plan, but if they are on [the proper type of diet], then this style of training will be excellent for building lean muscle." You have to make the effort to eat six small meals each day that all include some form of protein - with specific care to ensure you're getting protein before and after you work out.
While this plan can definitely work, it may not be for everyone. Pankau believes that while "fat loss is going to occur, [it may] not be fast enough for somebody with too much excess fat, so this plan is great for light and medium builds, but not really meant for heavier-set people."
What does this mean for you? For tight and toned triceps, a good combo would be overhead triceps extensions with a heavy weight and triceps kickbacks with lighter weights. For leaner, more sculpted legs, do leg presses with a heavy weight, and lunges with light dumbbells at your sides, or no added weights at all! For stronger, tighter biceps, heavy hammer curls and light preacher curls. The key is to do two moves per body part, one heavy, one light as described above. This will exhaust your muscles, promoting growth while leaning out your body. If you're in average shape, you can look way above average in less time. If you're in good shape, you may want to move to a beachfront property soon. Enjoy!
The 20 Best Whole Foods Snacks For People on the Go
I feel like I spend far more of my time running around than actually sitting down relaxing, and for someone who loves a good snack, it limits my options for easy things I can grab and throw in my purse. Thankfully, Whole Foods has a whole host of options for busy people, including a lot for snacking. Whether you're looking for something salty or sweet (or maybe a little of both), I have full confidence you'll find something at Whole Foods. Bonus: it'll probably be pretty good for you, too!
Eat Seasonally With These Easy Summer Dinners
It's not too difficult to dress up warm-weather produce. The flavors of ripe corn, tomatoes, and leafy greens are divine on their own, so they don't need much jazzing up. These dinner recipes are a great use of the flourishing items in farmers market stands. They are fairly simple, making them perfect for weeknights.
- Additional reporting by Leo Danzig
Why 1997 Will Eternally Rule as an Amazing Year in Music
It's hard to believe that we were bopping our heads 20 years ago to songs like "I'll Be Missing You," "The Freshmen," and "Coco Jamboo," to name a few (shout out if you remember the last one well, like I do). It was a magical year for the music industry, in that 1997 was still a time where every single genre was invited to the table and brought back for seconds and thirds. Make sure you're hungry, because we're about to serve you some delicious throwback jams that will leave you full - and jonesing for that old CD player you left at your parents' house years ago.
In the mid-'90s, we saw a huge decline in what is considered "pop" music as the grunge and hip-hop scene made its way to the top of the charts and left the pop princes and princesses in the dust. A year before, in 1996, a little-known girl group named The Spice Girls came blasting on the scene with their first hit: "Wannabe." It led to a huge pop explosion all over the world and gave many boys and girls the option to figure out which Spice Girl they were (I was Ginger, of course). This led them to have a monster year in 1997, with hits like "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1," while on the flipside of things, we saw the boy band phenomenon make its way back into the scene with five guys from Orlando, FL, and a trio from Tulsa, OK.
They, of course, were The Backstreet Boys and Hanson, respectively. Was there anyone who didn't listen to or know the song "MMMBop"? Seriously, it was everywhere, and there was a massive cohesion of screams from girls for these three dudes who were an actual band. On the other hand, you had The Backstreet Boys just coming into play with the hit "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," further elevating the screams as we found a spanking-new edition of New Kids on The Block. It was these artists that parlayed success for others in the years to come, notably names like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, *NSYNC, and many more.
Sure, pop made a comeback, and you can't deny the female spirit that was in the air during this glorious year. The dominance of women throughout 1997 was huge in genres that spanned everything from country (LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain) to pop rock and folk (Jewel, Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow) and all the way to hip-hop (Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim). Was I the only one who would listen to Jewel's "You Were Meant For Me" on a cloudy day, sipping on some coffee? Or belting "How Do I Live?" by LeAnn Rimes in my room with a fake microphone? Granted, I was 11 at the time and maybe I'm being a bit melodramatic, but come on! These songs rock and are reminiscent of a great time in music when popping in Celine Dion's "Falling Into You" made for a pretty memorable Saturday afternoon. Oh, and Celine did kind of release that song from that movie with the ship and Jack and Rose. Not sure if ANYONE remembers that, though.
That year - and McLachlan - also brought us The Lilith Fair, which celebrated women in music and did so for years to come. Want some real nostalgia? The main lineup for the original Lilith Fair included women who made a massive dent in 1997, including Meredith Brooks and her blunt as hell track "B*tch"; Fiona Apple, who was feeling like a "Criminal"; Paula Cole, who was wondering "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?"; and Shawn Colvin, who pondered when "Sunny Came Home." The female singer-songwriters were powerful in 1997, and the reflection on it 20 years later is still as strong as ever.
Regarding other women in music, R&B was smooth as butter in the '90s, especially in 1997. We all fawned over Tyson Beckford in Toni Braxton's video for her smash hit "Un-Break My Heart" and jammed with Mariah Carey on the drippingly perfect "Honey." We felt the soul with Erykah Badu's "On and On" and Janet Jackson's remake of Joni Mitchell's "Got 'Til It's Gone," and got down and dirty with the guys on Usher's "You Make Me Wanna," Dru Hill's "In My Bed," and LSG's "My Body." The feels were all over the place for R&B. Whether you wanted to tap your feet, slow dance with your partner, or dance the night away, this genre had you covered.
Remember when dance music was called . . . dance? That year gave us so much life in the world of dance, where Daft Punk took us "Around the World," Gina G gave us "Ooh Ahh Just a Little Bit," Crush scolded our boyfriends with "Jellyhead," and The Prodigy both freaked us out and made us dance the night away with "Breathe." Oh, and please let's not forget Aqua's "Barbie Girl." Or maybe we should? Kidding, how can we ever forget a track like this that equally made us dance/annoyed the heck out of us after a while?
If there was a king of rap in 1997, it was no doubt Puff Daddy (. . . & The Family). There was truthfully no bigger act that year than this group of rappers that included Puff Daddy, Mase, and of course the legendary Notorious B.I.G. Whether you were cruising down the highway to Biggie's "Hypnotize," getting inspired by Puff & Mase's "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," or repeatedly singing "bad, bad, bad, bad boy" on Mase's "Feel So Good," this group capitalized on rap and hip-hop that year and were triumphant in doing so.
They weren't the only ones to eat at the rap and hip-hop table, though, as we were introduced to so many amazing new talents, including Missy Elliott, who served up some garbage bag couture in the video for "The Rain," and Busta Rhymes in "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See." Big Pun convinced us he was "Still Not a Player," Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz took the 6 train to "Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)," and we saw the return of Will Smith with his signature shades for "Men in Black."
Rock music is a genre that is today fighting for its place in the industry, but it dominated the heck out of the '90s, especially '97. It was a sweet year for rock music, where the hits were endless and unique to boot. Who ever thought that combining "Sex and Candy" could actually work (besides Marcy Playground)? The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" is memorable in so many ways, including its lead singer walking into everybody and everyone throughout the duration of its music video. We were introduced to Matchbox 20 with "Push," Third Eye Blind with "Semi-Charmed Life," and The Wallflowers with "One Headlight," while legends continued to churn out rock smashes like The Foo Fighters's "Everlong" and Garbage's "#1 Crush." And yes, the world of rock gave us Chumbawamba and their song "Tubthumping," where for the longest time I thought they were singing "I get no town" instead of "I get knocked down." Granted, now I know the song is about getting drunk, but hey, it was a more innocent time for me.
Country music in 1997 was an equal playing field for both men and women, and sometimes they even joined forces to make a huge hit. Case in point: married couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw with their classic "It's Your Love" and Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks's hit "In Another's Eyes." Shania Twain reminded us that "Love Gets Me Every Time," Pam Tillis thought that "All the Good Ones Are Gone," and Deana Carter asked "How Do I Get There?"
We were also brought a year of reflective and somewhat melancholy hits with a message, including songs about ones who tragically passed, including Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997" for Princess Diana and "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy and The Family for The Notorious B.I.G. In a similar sentiment, you saw a ton of uplifting songs make their way to the radio and our heads, like R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" and Eric Clapton's "Change the World."
So, did all of this fill you up? For more nostalgia, check out the Spotify playlist of some of my favorite songs from the year while reminding yourselves that this was when Rachel and Ross were on a break.
So, Can You Get Laser Hair Removal During the Summer?
The minute you strip down to shorts, a bikini, or a sleeveless dress, you may be thinking, "Sh*t, I need to get laser hair removal on my legs or underarms" - or wherever you have unwanted body hair. However, getting laser hair removal during the warmer months is typically not recommended since sun exposure and even self-tanner can mess with the laser's ability to take down your strands. The ideal combination for successful laser hair removal is light skin and dark hairs. And the tanner the skin, the more likely the treatment is to cause side effects like hyperpigmentation.
"A person should not get laser hair removal during the Summer because skin gets exposed to the sun and is more prone to hypo and hyper pigmentation," confirmed Christian Karavolas, the owner of Romeo and Juliette laser spa in NYC. "After laser, skin may become sensitive, and with sun exposure, pigmentation may occur. People with sensitive skin and those who are medications that can cause photo sensitivity should absolutely avoid laser in the Summer months."
He added that the best time to get laser hair removal is during the Winter, because unless you're always bronzed from a tropical vacation (lucky you!), then the skin is typically at its lightest. "More energy can be applied without causing any issues to the skin," he said.
OK, but what if your wedding is soon or there's another reason you have to get certain hair off ASAP? "If you want to get laser hair removal, make sure you are not tanned for at least three weeks prior to laser hair removal," he noted. "Find a facility that uses lasers that are suitable for dark skin (Nd:YAG wavelength)."
You can also take care of areas you're doing laser on during the Summer. For example, wear shorts over your bikini line if you're lasering your crotch. Of course, Karavolas said you always apply sunblock generously on any treated area that is exposed to the sun. (But you should do that anyways!)
In general, underarms and bikini lines are the safest areas to treat during the warmer months since they're the easiest to keep out of the sunlight. "Facial hair and arms should be avoided or treated with caution, as they are the areas that are mostly exposed to the sun," Karavolas said.
Now that you're informed, tan and get laser during the Summer at your own risk!
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