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.
jeudi 3 août 2017
This Is the Explosive History Between Tyrion and Ser Davos on Game of Thrones
A peculiar group has been gathering at Dragonstone on Game of Thrones. After dispatching her girl power group in Daenerys's first big move toward taking the Iron Throne, the Mother of Dragons welcomes Jon Snow, King in the North, and his advisor, Ser Davos Seaworth, former right-hand man to Stannis Baratheon, to Dragonstone - which leads to a couple rather cheeky exchanges between Ser Davos and Tyrion Lannister.
"The Onion Knight," says Tyrion to Ser Davos upon meeting on the beach. "We fought on opposite sides at the Battle of Blackwater Bay."
"Unluckily for me," Davos responds.
Later, when Daenerys questions why she needs Jon Snow's help, Davos tells her it's not to win the Iron Throne.
"[You don't need us] to defeat Cersei. You could storm King's Landing tomorrow and the city would fall. Hell, we almost took it and we didn't even have dragons," says Davos.
"Almost," interjects Tyrion (and damn, can Peter Dinklage deliver the simplest of lines in the best way).
If you don't remember what they're referring to, let us take you back to season two, episode nine, "Blackwater."
Like a lot of Game of Thrones seasons, the action of season two climaxes in a terrific battle that takes over almost an entire episode. "Blackwater" sees Stannis Baratheon's forces trying to take King's Landing, led by Ser Davos, only to be thwarted by the Lannister army, largely thanks to Tyrion.
Tyrion's master plan involves sending one lone, unmanned ship out into the bay, which he then lights on fire with an arrow shot from the shore by Bronn. It ignites wildfire, the insane green substance developed by the Alchemists' Guild that burns so hot water cannot put it out. This ship's explosion takes out several of Stannis's ships.
Then when the remaining forces storm the shore, Tyrion leads a group of men through a tunnel and takes the Baratheon fighters from behind. Aided by his father, Tywin Lannister, and his army, Tyrion and the Lannisters successfully defend King's Landing against Stannis and his army.
Tyrion takes a sword to the face during the fight, which is how he got the scars he still sports, while Stannis and Ser Davos narrowly escape back to Dragonstone after the crushing loss.
It's a little curious that Davos would be so flippant about the Battle of Blackwater, since it is where he lost his son, Matthos. But we suppose it did happen five years ago, so perhaps he has moved on - or he does not want to make an enemy of Tyrion Lannister in the face of the North needing Daenerys's dragonglass to fight the White Walkers.
Prince Philip Is Officially Retired! The Royal Attends His Last Public Engagement
Prince Philip is officially on retirement time. The 96-year-old royal attended his last official public engagement on Wednesday when he took part in a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge, which raises funds and awareness for The Royal Marines Charity, at Buckingham Palace. Despite the pouring rain, Philip met with representatives from the organization, veterans, and cadets before receiving the 1664 Global Challenge baton and three cheers from the crowd. The event certainly holds special significance to the prince, who was appointed captain general in succession to Queen Elizabeth II's late father, King George VI, nearly 64 years ago.
Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's last duty in a statement in July, saying, "The Duke of Edinburgh will no longer undertake his own program of public engagements. The Captain General's Parade will bring His Royal Highness's individual program to a conclusion, although he may choose to attend certain events, alongside The Queen, from time to time." The royal first announced his decision to retire in May with full support from the queen. Over the past 70 years, Philip has carried out royal duties on behalf of over 780 organizations.
10 of the Best Shoes For Weightlifting
Wearing running shoes to weight lift is dangerous, but many gym-goers still hit the weight racks entirely unawares. Besides, it can be confusing to find the right sneaker for the right activity - how do you choose the right shoe for pumping iron, and what are you supposed to look for?
"When lifting, look for shoes that provide stability and space for your foot to be as close to barefoot as possible," said personal trainer and injury prevention specialist Liz Letchford, MS, ATC. "Traditional lifting shoes have a slight heel lift to allow a greater range of motion in your lower body lifts, especially if you don't have ideal range of motion in your ankles."
While she notes that the lifted heel is "an acceptable shoe option," she says she prefers "improving my clients' ankle mobility instead of providing a crutch." In these cases, she encourages her clients to find a more neutral shoe without a lift - going back to her point about being as close to barefoot as possible.
The following shoes are "the next best thing to lifting barefoot," as Liz puts it. Check out some of our favorite weightlifting shoes that'll keep you safe and injury-free.
16 Photos of Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal's Adorable Bromance Through the Years
The friendship between Mexican actors Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal goes way, way back - to two or three days after Diego was born and Gael was just over 1-year-old. The pair, whose moms were close friends, had an instant connection that only grew stronger as they starred together in world-renowned Y Tu Mamá También.
From the moment these two hit a red carpet together to promote the 2001 film, it was clear they were basically brothers, teasing each other for the cameras, smiling wide as they joked around, and always hugging in photos. As their careers grow - Gael won a Golden Globe for Mozart in the Jungle in 2016, and Diego starred in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - let's take a look back at how it all started for these two. See their best photos together through the years, then check out another unbreakable friendship.
mercredi 2 août 2017
These Are the Key Game of Thrones Season 7 Filming Locations
The vast world of Game of Thrones is still expanding in season seven. Now that Daenerys is finally back in Westeros, Dragonstone is a major location, but it's far from the only new locale featured this year. While Daenerys and her small council plot to take the Iron Throne from Cersei, the show is busy taking fans to long-talked about (but little seen) places like Oldtown, Highgarden, and Casterly Rock. As always, Northern Ireland remains a center for the show's production, but fans planning a themed vacation should be prepared to visit stunning real-world locations all across Europe to get the full Westeros experience. Read on to discover the wide array of locations used to make Game of Thrones season seven come to life.
The Best Yoga Gear For All of Your Needs - and We Want It
If you've been showing up to your evening Vinyasa class in the same pair of workout tights you've been hanging onto for years, it might be time for an upgrade. Working out in ill-fitting gear is not only a distraction (pulling at the waistline, much?), but it might also actually be a mobility barrier if you're trying to work on flexibility - certain fabric works better than others for yoga. So whether you're a seasoned pro or total newbie, here are our favorite yoga pieces to wear right now.
90 Songs You Need to Listen to Before Going to Lollapalooza This Year
Lollapalooza has come a long way. The music festival began as a nationwide tour in the early '90s for bands like Jane's Addiction and Nine Inch Nails and has managed to morph into one of the most popular annual celebrations of music in the world. This year's lineup is a perfect example of that, featuring an eclectic mix of big names from every genre (Muse, Lorde, Chance the Rapper, Migos, blink-182, The Killers, and Arcade Fire are just the tip of the iceberg, to be honest).
To get you ready for Lolla, which kicks off in Chicago's Grant Park this year on August 3, we've taken the liberty of arranging the perfect pump-up playlist, featuring hits from nearly every act performing at the festival this year.
These Are the Key Game of Thrones Season 7 Filming Locations
The vast world of Game of Thrones is still expanding in season seven. Now that Daenerys is finally back in Westeros, Dragonstone is a major location, but it's far from the only new locale featured this year. While Daenerys and her small council plot to take the Iron Throne from Cersei, the show is busy taking fans to long-talked about (but little seen) places like Oldtown, Highgarden, and Casterly Rock. As always, Northern Ireland remains a center for the show's production, but fans planning a themed vacation should be prepared to visit stunning real-world locations all across Europe to get the full Westeros experience. Read on to discover the wide array of locations used to make Game of Thrones season seven come to life.
George and Charlotte Have Already Visited More Countries Than Most People Do in Their Lifetime
Prince George and Princess Charlotte have only been on this planet for a short amount of time, but they've already traveled to more places than most people have in their lifetime. At just 6 months old, George enjoyed a sunny vacation on the island of Mustique in the Caribbean with parents Kate Middleton and Prince William, and at 16 months old, Charlotte reportedly wrapped up her Summer at Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland with the rest of her family. And not to mention, they are already little pros at royal tours. Take a look at all the countries George and Charlotte have visited - so far.
Prepare to Be Mesmerized by This South Korean Longboard Dancer
When it comes to fitness that doubles as an art form, it's natural to imagine figure skating, ballet, or even gymnastics. But South Korean skater Ko Hyojoo will make you consider her graceful, precise craft - longboard dancing - as something among those same ranks. Sure, longboarding may call to mind visions of southern California skate culture, but Hyojoo's elegant freestyle moves and light-as-air tricks make her look like she's floating, and are totally redefining the longboard scene.
Hyojoo's Instagram is filled with videos of her longboard routines, and boasts nearly 400K followers at the time of publishing. The up-and-coming longboard dancer is sponsored by Bastl Boards, and has been spotlighted by brands ranging from Vogue Japan to Samsung thanks to her unique style. Check out some of her most stunning videos below, and prepare to be mesmerized; you'll likely experience chills and will definitely want to take a spin on a longboard sometime soon.
1 Thing Cersei Did on Game of Thrones Proves That She's Already the Mad Queen
Warning: the following contains spoilers for season seven of Game of Thrones.
Let's get one thing straight from the get-go: Game of Thrones's Cersei Lannister is an evil maniac. She's hellbent on revenge, not hesitating to kill thousands of people in order to get revenge on a select few. However, when we call her "The Mad Queen," we're not just referring to this level of royal craziness; it's a reference to one of the Iron Throne's former occupants, the famously cruel "Mad King" Aerys II Targaryen.
After blowing the Great Sept of Baelor sky-high in the show's season six finale, fans began drawing comparisons between Cersei and Daenerys Targaryen's father due to her use of wildfire. But it is her revenge against Ellaria Sand in season seven that proves Cersei has transformed into a Mad Queen in her own right. To understand this, we must first journey back to an era before the show's timeline even begins.
Cersei has transformed into a Mad Queen in her own right.
Back when the Mad King Aerys still sat on the throne in King's Landing, Ned Stark's father, Lord Rickard, and older brother, Brandon, journeyed to confront the ruler over the acts of his son, Prince Rhaegar. Rhaegar "kidnapped" Ned's sister Lyanna and swept her away from the family, so Brandon and Rickard demanded that King Aerys intervene. But because of his own madness and cruelty, Aerys decided to take their lives instead.
The History
The dragon king didn't simply perform a basic execution on the two Starks, either - he tortured them both. In the story told in the A Song of Ice and Fire books, he tied a rope around Brandon's neck and set a sword just out of reach, so that the eldest son strangled himself to death while trying to stop the king from roasting Rickard alive with wildfire. The death was brutal and sadistic: as he burned to death inside his plates of armor, Rickard watched his son die trying to save him, and as Brandon choked to death, the last thing he saw was his own father being consumed by wildfire. It is this final, insane act by Aerys that then sparks young Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark to wage war against the king in what comes to be known as Robert's Rebellion.
You can see where this is going, right?
Cersei's Connection to Aerys
When Cersei enacts revenge against Ellaria Sand in the most recent season, she does it in a way that's eerily reminiscent of the Mad King's method. After kissing Ellaria's daughter with poisoned lips, Cersei calmly explains to the Dornish woman that she has shackled her just out of reach from her daughter so that she is forced to watch her die slowly and painfully. However, unlike the Mad King, Cersei takes it a step further by forcing Ellaria to stay alive, watching her little girl's corpse decay, all the while held just out of reach. We wouldn't be surprised if Ellaria maims herself in the struggle to reach and comfort her daughter, which adds to the f*cked-up-ness of the whole situation.
Wild, right? Cersei has officially crossed over into the realm of cruelty and chaos, taking cards directly out of Aerys's book. But will Jaime, who made a name for himself as a kingslayer for killing the mad ruler before Cersei, have the strength to recognize - and put a stop to - his twin sister's descent into madness? Only time will tell.
9 Reasons Summer Might Be a Fit Girl's Biggest Nightmare (But Also Why It's Hilarious)
Whether you're drowning yourself in smoothies because it's too hot to eat oatmeal or escaping to a studio class for a blast of A/C, Summer can be a tough time when you're active. While we love running on the beach and going for a swim, there are definitely some problems that can arise . . . and every yoga class is a hot yoga class, whether you like it or not.
1 Thing Cersei Did on Game of Thrones Proves That She's Already the Mad Queen
Warning: the following contains spoilers for season seven of Game of Thrones.
Let's get one thing straight from the get-go: Game of Thrones's Cersei Lannister is an evil maniac. She's hellbent on revenge, not hesitating to kill thousands of people in order to get revenge on a select few. However, when we call her "The Mad Queen," we're not just referring to this level of royal craziness; it's a reference to one of the Iron Throne's former occupants, the famously cruel "Mad King" Aerys II Targaryen.
After blowing the Great Sept of Baelor sky-high in the show's season six finale, fans began drawing comparisons between Cersei and Daenerys Targaryen's father due to her use of wildfire. But it is her revenge against Ellaria Sand in season seven that proves Cersei has transformed into a Mad Queen in her own right. To understand this, we must first journey back to an era before the show's timeline even begins.
Cersei has transformed into a Mad Queen in her own right.
Back when the Mad King Aerys still sat on the throne in King's Landing, Ned Stark's father, Lord Rickard, and older brother, Brandon, journeyed to confront the ruler over the acts of his son, Prince Rhaegar. Rhaegar "kidnapped" Ned's sister Lyanna and swept her away from the family, so Brandon and Rickard demanded that King Aerys intervene. But because of his own madness and cruelty, Aerys decided to take their lives instead.
The History
The dragon king didn't simply perform a basic execution on the two Starks, either - he tortured them both. In the story told in the A Song of Ice and Fire books, he tied a rope around Brandon's neck and set a sword just out of reach, so that the eldest son strangled himself to death while trying to stop the king from roasting Rickard alive with wildfire. The death was brutal and sadistic: as he burned to death inside his plates of armor, Rickard watched his son die trying to save him, and as Brandon choked to death, the last thing he saw was his own father being consumed by wildfire. It is this final, insane act by Aerys that then sparks young Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark to wage war against the king in what comes to be known as Robert's Rebellion.
You can see where this is going, right?
Cersei's Connection to Aerys
When Cersei enacts revenge against Ellaria Sand in the most recent season, she does it in a way that's eerily reminiscent of the Mad King's method. After kissing Ellaria's daughter with poisoned lips, Cersei calmly explains to the Dornish woman that she has shackled her just out of reach from her daughter so that she is forced to watch her die slowly and painfully. However, unlike the Mad King, Cersei takes it a step further by forcing Ellaria to stay alive, watching her little girl's corpse decay, all the while held just out of reach. We wouldn't be surprised if Ellaria maims herself in the struggle to reach and comfort her daughter, which adds to the f*cked-up-ness of the whole situation.
Wild, right? Cersei has officially crossed over into the realm of cruelty and chaos, taking cards directly out of Aerys's book. But will Jaime, who made a name for himself as a kingslayer for killing the mad ruler before Cersei, have the strength to recognize - and put a stop to - his twin sister's descent into madness? Only time will tell.
Game of Thrones: Here's Where Dragonstone Is Filmed
Game of Thrones season seven sees Daenerys Targaryen return to her ancestral home of Dragonstone, a seaside castle with a winding staircase and a main hall that features a seat of power to rival the Iron Throne in its impressive size and scope.
But is this a real-life location or has it all been created on a sound stage or with CGI? The answer is: all three.
The beaches where Dany's forces land are actually Itzurun Beach in Zumaia and Muriola Beach near Barrika, both areas on the northern coast of Spain, located about 60 miles apart.
#Goodmorning from the Itzurun beach in #Zumaia, a place where you will feel part of #GOT https://t.co/HoKkpuX4Or #VisitSpain @i_Euskadi http://pic.twitter.com/meIQKnI4yv
- Spain in Switzerland (@Spain_in_CH) July 14, 2017
There were also some exteriors shot on Downhill Strand in County Derry, Ireland, which is part of a Game of Thrones filming tour that visitors to Belfast, Ireland, can take.
As for Dragonstone itself, the winding staircase that Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth climb upon arrival at the castle is a real place. The islet is called Gaztelugatxe, which means "castle rock," and the staircase connects it to the mainland on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain.
The real-life Dragonstone stairs setting if you want to visit: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe @GameOfThrones http://pic.twitter.com/a7CRVVQVNO
- James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) July 31, 2017
Unfortunately, at the top of the 241-step trek, you won't find the towering Dragonstone castle, which is purely CGI. The islet merely contains a small church called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which is dedicated to John the Baptist - and according to Euskoguide, it is rumored he even set foot on the island. Further, according to legend, once you make the climb up the staircase, you are to ring the church's bell three times and make a wish. Supposedly your wish will come true and you will be free of evil spirits, according to the Bermeoko tourism site.
Alas, the interiors of Dragonstone are also not a real location - though how cool would that be? But those scenes are filmed on the Game of Thrones sound stages in Belfast, though tourists can also visit those.
Brace Yourself: 7 Pumpkin Foods Are Currently Available at World Market
Lindt Lindor stocked the first pumpkin-flavored item last year. This August, Cost Plus World Market has beat out competitors with its wide selection of pumpkin-flavored coffees, syrups, teas, and more. All are available for purchase online now, if you really need pumpkin season to start today . . . which we do, obviously!
The Cast of To All the Boys I've Loved Before Is Already Looking Pretty Perfect
If you've read To All the Boys I've Loved Before, the first novel in Jenny Han's bestselling trilogy, then you're probably already obsessed with it. If you haven't, don't worry - you have plenty of time to fall in love with the YA books before they hit the big screen (the first one only recently began production). The story follows Lara Jean Song Covey, a teenager whose secret love letters to her former crushes accidentally get sent out. To avoid admitting her past feelings, she fakes a relationship with one of them, but she quickly realizes she may not be pretending after all.
Details about the movie, including the cast, have been slowly coming in over the past few weeks, and Han has even been sharing adorable set photos on social media. She also expressed her excitement over the fact that her diverse characters, which aren't typically seen as leads in the predominantly white romantic comedy genre, get three movies with its sequels, P.S. I Still Love You and Always and Forever, Lara Jean. "The most important thing for me as the author is seeing an Asian American girl in the starring role, and with this movie, we get to see not one but THREE!" she wrote. "That is truly groundbreaking."
We Would Love to Know What Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's Mom Are Laughing About
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck may be divorcing, but that doesn't mean she also had to break up with his mom. The actress enjoyed some quality time with her soon-to-be former mother-in-law, Christine Anne Boldt, in LA on Tuesday, and it's almost too cute to handle. The mother of three was her usual smiley self as the pair strolled down the sidewalk and shared a few laughs. Aside from chit-chatting like two best girlfriends, Jen also pulled Christine in for a sweet hug. Since Ben has moved on with his girlfriend Lindsay Shookus (whom Jen also reportedly confronted), we would love to know what these two are talking about.
Here's Your First Peek at Fall's New TV Shows!
This is a hugely exciting time for TV addicts: shows have been canceled and renewed left and right , and networks are unveiling their plans for the Fall. Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW have already made some big announcements about the new shows they've greenlit for the 2017 to 2018 season, and we can't wait to sink our teeth into them. Lucy Hale, Adam Scott, Emily VanCamp, and more stars are coming to primetime! See what shows you'll be obsessed with come Fall.
Here's Your First Peek at Fall's New TV Shows!
This is a hugely exciting time for TV addicts: shows have been canceled and renewed left and right , and networks are unveiling their plans for the Fall. Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW have already made some big announcements about the new shows they've greenlit for the 2017 to 2018 season, and we can't wait to sink our teeth into them. Lucy Hale, Adam Scott, Emily VanCamp, and more stars are coming to primetime! See what shows you'll be obsessed with come Fall.
Undeniable Reasons to Upgrade to the New Instant Pot Ultra
I don't technically need a new Instant Pot, I just want one after seeing the Instant Pot Ultra ($150) at Sur La Table. It rivals the Instant Pot Duo80 ($130), a bestselling model that has racked up a near five-star rating from almost 25,000 customers. Like the Duo80, there are about 15 cooking presets so even the most beginner cook can get down to business and pressure-cook eggs, yogurt, grains, meats, and soups. However, the Ultra has one big difference: its sleek digital display screen that is controlled with a silver knob vs. buttons.
So far, fans are raving about the Ultra. It has over 60 reviews with a near perfect score, and many are saying this is their second Instant Pot (so I guess many people can relate to wanting an upgrade). One new owner says she "love[s] the bell-curve [cooking progress indicator] that indicates visually where it is in the cooking process" and others claim the screen allows them to customize easier than ever. People are even using it as a sous-vide cooker for steaks. I'm sold! Let's go. I'm unabashedly Instacarting myself this 13-pound gizmo, because supper's only in a few hours, and I need my new Instant Pot damn near instantly.
The 15 Best Baby Products That Have Rolled Out in 2017
They say necessity is the mother of invention, which explains why there are so many exciting new products introduced into the baby and children category each year. Every parent who's ever struggled with a stroller that didn't fit their exact needs, a sippy cup that just didn't work right, or a pacifier that was dirty more often than not has thought to themselves "there's got to be a better way."
After seeing and touching more than 130 new products at the ABC Kids Expo back in late 2016, we can honestly tell you that yes, there is a better way! Upon reflection, these are the 15 products we couldn't wait to see come on the market that are now available. Which ones will make your life easier?
Hands Down, These Are the 12 Most Instagrammable Sneakers Right Now
Every so often, we come across a pair of sneakers that will completely liven up our outfits (and our social media feeds). While not all of us could get our hands on Nike's faridescent sneakers before they sold out, there are other styles available that are guaranteed to step up your sneaker game. From a pair of glittery sneakers that would make even Cinderella jealous to Tyler, the Creator's collab with Converse, have a look at 12 of the most 'gram-worthy kicks ahead.
Hilary Duff's Hollywood Evolution Proves She Has Always Been a Hollywood It Girl
Hilary Duff has had quite the Hollywood evolution. From her breakout role as a little witch in Casper Meets Wendy to her iconic Disney Channel role on Lizzie McGuire, the 29-year-old has been in the spotlight for most of her life, and she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. When she's not sharing sweet pictures of her son Luca, Hilary is starring in the Sex in the City-esque series Younger. Over the years though, one thing has always remained: she's picture-perfect. See her transformation in her best pictures through the years.
Sephora Just Got Even Chicer - Tom Ford Beauty Is Now Sold There!
One of the most beloved luxury beauty brands just landed at Sephora. Welcome Tom Ford! The fashion-forward line is known for its unisex fragrances, longwear lipsticks, and stunning highlighters. This is the brand you want to be wearing when you say "I do." But even if you don't have a wedding on deck, it's perfect for your 9-to-5, hot dates, and chic soirees. That's because while Tom Ford is trend-forward, the products stay away from Instagram fads like "unicorn" or rainbow beauty. Instead, the color palette is modern and elegant. Keep reading for our top five Summer beauty picks, now available at the beauty mecca.
I Have Worn the Same $3 Liquid Eyeliner For 10 Years, and It Gets Me So Many Compliments
I'm a girl who likes to wear a sharp, inky-black cat eye on the regular. There's something about it that makes me feel both powerful and glamorous, so I have made it my go-to look since my teenage years. Time after time, friends, coworkers, and strangers have asked me the same question: "What eyeliner do you use?" There's nothing that brings me more joy than smugly telling them it's a $3 pick from the drugstore. Yes, I have been religiously swiping Wet n Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner on my lids for 10 years now, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon.
Before you become skeptical, know that I have tried my fair share of liquid liners. I am always curious to see if any high-end or drugstore brands can match the quality of my Wet n Wild pick, but they never do. MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner comes in a small tube with a screw-top handle. The applicator, a flexible spongy brush, is easy to maneuver as I glide it across my skin. The harder you press, the thicker the line becomes, so you have a lot of control over the intensity of your look. The formula itself is smooth and matte. Its raven-black shade makes my blue eyes pop. All it takes is one coat to get a pleasing obsidian-dark effect.
For me, pen-tip applicators and pots with angle brushes don't give me the razor-sharp line I'm looking for. Only MegaLiner provides me with that smooth edge - I won't accept anything less. What can I say, a good cat eye has become a passion. It's time to set down your pricey choice and give my favorite a try. I can confidently promise you that it won't disappoint.
Let's be real, a $3 purchase is not a big risk to take. Even better - it's currently on sale for $2. I keep one in every purse I own. Read on to see close-ups of the liner itself and how it looks once it's applied.
Why Anastasia Beverly Hills Is Giving Refunds on Subculture Palettes
As a follow-up to the Modern Renaissance eye shadow palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills finally released its highly anticipated Subculture Palette ($42) on July 25. Despite the brand's exceptional reputation, however, shoppers quickly realized something was amiss. Upon receiving the palette, many noted the unusual fall-out and lack of pigmentation. Now, the brand's president, Norvina Claudia Soare, is addressing the issue.
On Twitter, Norvina was honest and admitted that it was the first time Anastasia Beverly Hills had used an automatic pressing system in the process of making each eye shadow. Unfortunately, some shadows weren't pressed hard enough, resulting in the fall-out. Norvina added in another tweet, "There are a ton of factors that create a problem, the intention to make things perfect is there but sometimes stuff happens."
As the brand continues to work through the problem, however, Norvina encouraged shoppers to return the product and receive a full refund. In the meantime, she is adamant about fixing the press problem and releasing palettes that she feels fully confident about.
If you purchase and don't like it, yes go ahead & return it. I don't have any info about future palettes to share now but I will once I do
- norvina (@norvina1) August 2, 2017
If you received a faulty palette, Norvina recommends contacting customer service as they are aware of the faulty palettes and can assist shoppers in returning the product. Regarding the entire fiasco, Norvina is ultimately urging everyone to have "a little patience."
Here's What Barack Obama Has Been Up to Since He Walked Out of the White House - and Our Lives
Barack Obama officially left the White House on Jan. 20, and he did so faster than we could say, "Don't go!" Since his departure, Barack has been fulfilling his passion for adventure and settled into permanent vacation mode (really, though, can you blame him?). While many of us are still longing for his return, the sad truth is that Barack is gone and off living his best life.
The Flash: How the Team Will Deal With Barry's Absence Next Season
The Flash left us completely wrecked over that heartbreaking season three finale, but thankfully, more episodes are coming our way. While some actors will not be returning to Central City next season, you can expect a lot of heroes (and villains) to pop up in their place. Plus, for all you die-hard DC Comics fans, there is another epic crossover in store! Brush up on all the details below, because season four will be here in a flash.
There's a Time Jump
During an interview with ComicBook, Candice Patton revealed that next season picks up six months after the season-three finale. "S.T.A.R. Labs is trying to keep it together without Barry, so Kid Flash is kind of taking up a lot of the slack," she said. "It's hard not having him around."
Sadly, Tom Felton Is Not Returning
After joining the show as a regular during the third season, the Harry Potter alum will not be reprising his role as Julian Albert. Guess Caitlin Snow and Julian, better known by fans as Snowbert, just weren't meant to be.
Expect a Lot of Fresh Faces in Central City
Even though Felton won't be returning, there are quite a few new characters in store next season. Hartley Sawyer (Saving the Human Race) has landed a recurring role as the Elongated Man, Kim Engelbrecht (Dominion) will be playing the Mechanic, and Danny Trejo (Sons of Anarchy) has signed on to play the role of Breacher.
There's a New Villain in Town
The 100 alum Neil Sandilands has signed on as DC Comics villain Clifford Devoe, aka the Thinker. "This year, with three speedsters in a row that we did, we wanted to change it up," executive producer Todd Helbing said at Comic-Con. "The way we're explaining it is the fastest man alive versus the fastest mind alive."
This Season Will Have Less Darkness, Thank Goodness
After countless bleak battles (and a few deaths) for Team Flash over the past three seasons, it seems like there is finally a glimmer of light this time around. "A big thing this year is we're really trying to lighten the tone a little bit," Helbing said at Comic-Con. "Last year it got pretty dark and we want to get back to the jokes."
Iris Will Step Up as a Leader
"Iris is devastated that he's gone into the Speed Force and they didn't really have a discussion about it," Patton said about her character during Comic-Con. "We pick up season four, Iris has focused her energy on being the leader of Team Flash. She steps up and leads the team, which is really, really cool."
Don't Worry, Barry Will Get Out of the Speed Force
While season three ends with Barry sacrificing himself and returning to the speed force, we have a feeling he won't be there very long. In fact, Patton revealed that Iris will play a vital role in his escape. "Yeah, to a degree," she said. "I'd say so. Yes, she does. She's boss lady in Team Flash now, so she's an active participant in getting her man out of the Speed Force." Hopefully that means the West-Allen wedding is back on track!
Your Favorite Superheros Are Teaming Up Again
The CW has set a four-way superhero crossover with The Flash, Supergirl, Arrow, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on November 27 and 28. Fingers crossed it will be another musical episode.
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
The Flash returns Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
The 3 Things Prince Philip Gave Up For Queen Elizabeth II Prove Just How Strong His Love Is
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II are coming up on 70 years of marriage in November, and while that's a huge feat in itself, the journey to get there hasn't been all that easy for him. Philip - who is Elizabeth's third cousin - was originally born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, but when he and Elizabeth decided to tie the knot in November 1947, he had to renounce both of his Greek and Danish titles on the morning of his wedding. As a result, Elizabeth's father, King George VI, made him the Duke of Edinburgh. Philip also switched to Anglicanism from Greek Orthodoxy to win the British public's favor and prove his allegiance to Elizabeth.
When the king's health began to worsen in 1951, Philip abandoned his naval career to support Elizabeth and assume his royal duties. Philip had just acquired the title of commander of the Royal Navy at the time. "I don't know how difficult it was, it was naturally disappointing," he said in a May 2011 interview with ITV. "I had just been promoted to commander and the fact was that the most interesting part of my naval career was just starting."
Elizabeth eventually returned Philip's royal status in 1957 when she gave him the title of a Prince of the United Kingdom, and for his 90th birthday in June 2011, Elizabeth made Philip the head of the Royal Navy, giving him the title and office of Lord High Admiral of the Navy, a position Elizabeth held since 1964. Now if that isn't love, we don't know what is.
Your Favorite '90s Pink Cartoon Cat Now Has Her Own Fancy Face Mask
If you pine for the simpler days when you were a kid and your beauty routine consisted of Smacker's Lip Gloss and a Hot Tools Crimper, you'll adore this Peter Thomas Roth Hello Kitty Rose Repair Gel Mask ($52). The lil' pink critter of your youth (who practically put millennial pink on the map, NBD) is now the face of a brand's new launch. Except now, she's all grown-up.
But this product is no nostalgia-laced gimmick. If Hello Kitty grew up to be a feline chemist, this is what she'd make. This gel mask consists of a blend of plant stem cells and rose extracts. That formula elicits cooling properties that leave skin looking refreshed and invigorated.
This rose-scented mask harvests the flower's hydrating and plumping benefits, which means that it will make you look younger. It might not make you look as youthful as you did when you first fell in love with Kitty as a child (because that would be weird), but its vitamins A- and C-packed formula will probably reduce your fine lines and wrinkles.
We're living in an era of badass superhero makeup collaborations, but it's nice to see a humbler hero get her due. Unfortunately, unlike Kitty's 43-year reign as the oldest baby cat in existence, this Gel Mask won't be around forever. It's limited edition, and super trendy, so don't be a lazy furball - lock this purchase down now.
The 1 Item GOT's Nathalie Emmanuel Always Stocks in Her Kitchen
Stars: they're just like us! They even have an affinity for the same things we do, like tea! Game of Thrones' Nathalie Emmanuel, whom you might know as Missandei, is a Brit through and through, and her healthy dedication to tea is evidence of that. Not only does the actress straight-up refer to herself as a tea drinker in her Instagram bio, but she also frequently shares photos of herself - and sometimes her costars - sipping a fresh cuppa. As a fellow tea-lover, I find myself commonly settling down for the evening the same way Nathalie does, with my favorite cup of tea, and if you're anything like us, I'm sure you can relate. Keep reading for a glimpse at Nathalie's love affair with her favorite drink, including the time she really went for it and drank her tea from a bowl because she didn't have a mug handy. Now that's dedication.
These Photos of Jason Momoa With Long and Lucious Hair Should Be Respected at All Times
POPSUGAR is usually a very happy and calm place, but once every so often, us editors get into a very serious and important debate: is Jason Momoa hotter with longer or shorter hair? While some of us have remained adamant that his short hair is a lot sexier, others (me) have held onto the belief that his long and beautiful locks could save the world. The Aquaman actor, who is currently rocking some serious beach waves, has worn his hair in many different ways over the years. From dreadlocks to bedhead to putting it all up in a pretty little man bun, there is not one photo of Jason's mane we don't love.
The Flash: How the Team Will Deal With Barry's Absence Next Season
The Flash left us completely wrecked over that heartbreaking season three finale, but thankfully, more episodes are coming our way. While some actors will not be returning to Central City next season, you can expect a lot of heroes (and villains) to pop up in their place. Plus, for all you die-hard DC Comics fans, there is another epic crossover in store! Brush up on all the details below, because season four will be here in a flash.
There's a Time Jump
During an interview with ComicBook, Candice Patton revealed that next season picks up six months after the season-three finale. "S.T.A.R. Labs is trying to keep it together without Barry, so Kid Flash is kind of taking up a lot of the slack," she said. "It's hard not having him around."
Sadly, Tom Felton Is Not Returning
After joining the show as a regular during the third season, the Harry Potter alum will not be reprising his role as Julian Albert. Guess Caitlin Snow and Julian, better known by fans as Snowbert, just weren't meant to be.
Expect a Lot of Fresh Faces in Central City
Even though Felton won't be returning, there are quite a few new characters in store next season. Hartley Sawyer (Saving the Human Race) has landed a recurring role as the Elongated Man, Kim Engelbrecht (Dominion) will be playing the Mechanic, and Danny Trejo (Sons of Anarchy) has signed on to play the role of Breacher.
There's a New Villain in Town
The 100 alum Neil Sandilands has signed on as DC Comics villain Clifford Devoe, aka the Thinker. "This year, with three speedsters in a row that we did, we wanted to change it up," executive producer Todd Helbing said at Comic-Con. "The way we're explaining it is the fastest man alive versus the fastest mind alive."
This Season Will Have Less Darkness, Thank Goodness
After countless bleak battles (and a few deaths) for Team Flash over the past three seasons, it seems like there is finally a glimmer of light this time around. "A big thing this year is we're really trying to lighten the tone a little bit," Helbing said at Comic-Con. "Last year it got pretty dark and we want to get back to the jokes."
Iris Will Step Up as a Leader
"Iris is devastated that he's gone into the Speed Force and they didn't really have a discussion about it," Patton said about her character during Comic-Con. "We pick up season four, Iris has focused her energy on being the leader of Team Flash. She steps up and leads the team, which is really, really cool."
Don't Worry, Barry Will Get Out of the Speed Force
While season three ends with Barry sacrificing himself and returning to the speed force, we have a feeling he won't be there very long. In fact, Patton revealed that Iris will play a vital role in his escape. "Yeah, to a degree," she said. "I'd say so. Yes, she does. She's boss lady in Team Flash now, so she's an active participant in getting her man out of the Speed Force." Hopefully that means the West-Allen wedding is back on track!
Your Favorite Superheros Are Teaming Up Again
The CW has set a four-way superhero crossover with The Flash, Supergirl, Arrow, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on November 27 and 28. Fingers crossed it will be another musical episode.
The Trailer
The Premiere Date
The Flash returns Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.
Brie vs. Camembert: What's the Difference?
While both brie and camembert are cow's milk cheeses, are soft-ripening, and have a white, flowery rind, the two aren't interchangeable. So the next time you are at the store and must choose between brie or camembert, here's what you need to know.
- Production: During the cheese-making process, cream is added to brie, but in camembert, it is not; as a result, brie is 60 percent milk fat, while camembert is only 45 percent. In addition, camembert uses stronger lactic starters that are inoculated into the cheese mold five times, contributing to a stronger-flavored cheese. Brie's lactic starters are only put into the cheese mold once, therefore the cheese is milder.
- Outer appearance: The diameters of brie and camembert cheese molds are different. (Notice the Saint André brie to the left appears taller and smaller than the flat, round Ile de France camembert to the right. The camembert cheese mold has a specific size and weight of 250 grams.
- Inner appearance: Brie tends to have a whitish inside, while camembert has a deeper yellowish color. A very ripe camembert will have runny insides; most versions of brie in America, however, are stabilized, meaning the cheese's center will have a firm texture that will never turn runny.
- Smell and taste: Brie has a light, buttery scent and flavor with a salty finish. Camembert can be on the funkier side and smell earthy and barnyard-y like mushrooms or hay, with an intensely savory, umami flavor.
- Affinage: Brie is made to be consumed immediately. While Americans tend to eat cheeses on the younger side, in France, most will practice affinage, or the art of ripening cheese, and will wait for six or eight weeks before cutting into a wheel of gooey, ripened camembert.
Which do you prefer: brie or camembert?
Plus-Size Outfit Ideas For When You Say "I Have Nothing to Wear"
If you're a curvy woman in need of some serious outfit inspiration, you've come to the right place. We've searched high and low for the most fashionable ladies out there - from street style stars to Instagram influencers - all in an effort to help you get dressed for Fall.
Finding "something to wear" is a struggle everyone can relate to, more so if you're plus-size and the shopping options are limited. No worries, though, because after taking a look ahead, you'll come away with specific tips and strategies to maximize your wardrobe. Prepare to look good and feel good, and shop the best denim to work as your foundation, too.
A Pregnant Mom Got Help Soothing Her Crying Baby on a Flight From This Unexpected Stranger
When a pregnant mom boarded a plane with her toddler son, she probably knew it was going to be a difficult flight. What she didn't know was that she'd find support in one of the unlikeliest of places: a complete stranger.
Instead of zoning out a crying child like so many passengers try to do, one man got up and helped. And Angela Byrd, another passenger, captured the moment on camera.
"On a flight back to Georgia, this man, who was a stranger to this woman, offered to help her because she was pregnant and alone on the flight and her son was upset and fussy," Byrd wrote in a post on the Everything Georgia Facebook page earlier this week.
So, what connected this man to this woman?
"He told her that he was a dad," she wrote. "He wanted to help her so she could rest. He walked the aisle most of the flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta comforting this woman's son as if he was his own. I was in tears . . . because it showed me today that there are still good people out there in a world full of turmoil."
This post was originally published on Sept. 8, 2016.
Let's Not Forget All the Messed Up Sh*t Melisandre Did on Game of Thrones
Let's have a chat about the Red Woman, shall we? It's no secret that Melisandre has become one of the most pivotal characters on Game of Thrones. In just the past two seasons, she's revealed herself to be centuries old, resurrected Jon Snow, and now, she's helped Daenerys and Jon Snow meet. But for all the good ol' Melly's doing to help Westeros, we can't forget that she's done a lot of messed up sh*t in previous seasons. Need a bit of a memory refresher? Let's review.
Background
Melisandre was born in Asshai, a city far, far away from Westeros, past the Dothraki Sea, on the eastern end of the continent called Essos. As a young girl, she was a slave who was eventually sold to a red temple in her city. This is where she learned High Valyrian and eventually went on to become a Red Priestess for R'hllor, the Lord of Light.
Devotion to the Lord of Light
As a Red Priestess, Melisandre believes wholeheartedly in the religion of R'hllor. It's all about the marriage of light and darkness, but most importantly, it's the foundation for the prophecy of Azor Ahai, which predicts the resurrection of the greatest hero in Westerosi history. All of Melisandre's actions are influenced by her belief in the Lord of Light and her personal quest to find Azor Ahai, the "Prince That Was Promised." This is how Melisandre lands at Dragonstone in season two, pledging her allegiance to Stannis Baratheon.
In Service of Stannis Baratheon
If you've read up on the prophecy of Azor Ahai, you'll know that the "Prince That Was Promised" will be reborn "amidst salt and smoke." Melisandre believes Dragonstone is the location described in this prophecy. Since Stannis has his hold on it in the first season of Game of Thrones, Melisandre believes he is the prophesied hero.
Melisandre does a lot of crazy sh*t in service of Stannis. It's all in accordance with the Lord of Light, and it's all, as she believes, to help Stannis achieve his destiny. She sleeps with Stannis and gives birth to a demon shadow baby that murders his brother, Renly Baratheon, who also wants to lay claim to the throne. She promises victory, but Stannis faces many defeats. She also tries to sacrifice Gendry, but Ser Davos sets him free.
Eventually, Melisandre follows Stannis as he heads to the North to defend the Night's Watch against the Wildlings. While there, he prepares to take Winterfell from the Boltons. Melisandre promises victory if Stannis sacrifices his daughter, Shireen, to the Lord of Light. He agrees, but still endures another crushing defeat despite Shireen's death (his wife, Selyne, takes her own life afterward). As Stannis's faith in the Lord of Light dwindles (along with Melisandre's faith, for that matter), the Red Priestess flees to Castle Black. Stannis eventually meets his death at the hands of Brienne of Tarth (who is getting revenge on behalf of Renly, whom she originally served).
The Ties to Jon Snow
Melisandre already has her eye on Jon Snow, even before the death of Stannis. But after everything with the Baratheons falls apart, Melisandre is completely shattered. Her faith is restored, though, when she successfully resurrects Jon Snow using a spell. After this, she seems to believe that Jon Snow is the "Prince That Was Promised." She hangs around at Castle Black until Ser Davos discovers that it was her who burned Stannis's daughter Shireen alive. When she admits to the murder and cannot conjure any sort of further justification, Jon Snow banishes her from the North. She rides south, back to Dragonstone, where Daenerys has taken the throne once more.
Daenerys and Her Departure
Melisandre meets with Daenerys and tells her about the prophecy she's pledged herself to. It's Missandei who corrects her, revealing that the translation from High Valyrian suggests that it's the "Prince or Princess That Was Promised." This could mean that Daenerys is the prophesied hero. Either way, Melisandre strongly recommends Daenerys and Jon Snow meet, claiming it's her duty to merge ice and fire. When they do, Melisandre doesn't stick around to see it. Given her rocky history with Ser Davos and Jon Snow, she flees before things get dramatic. (Not before she makes a crazy prophecy about her death - and Varys's death! - and promises to return, of course.)
Melisandre is heading to Volantis, but it's clear we haven't seen the last of her. And we have a feeling that, when she returns, things are going to get very real, very fast.
Troian Bellisario on How Her Eating Disorder Is Like Sobriety: "This Is a Journey"
"I really wanted to suggest to people that, just like sobriety or just like dealing with a lot of other physical illnesses or mental illnesses, this is a journey that I know I will be dealing with for the rest of my life," says Troian Bellisario, actress, writer, and producer. We're discussing her film, Feed, in which she plays Olivia, a young woman who has lost her twin brother and copes with the grief by developing an eating disorder. Throughout the film, her twin, played by Tom Felton, appears as the driving force behind why she acts out.
Troian wrote and produced the film, directed by Tommy Bertelsen, based off of her own experience with an eating disorder. The actress, known to her fans as Spencer Hastings for the past seven years, isn't new to dark or serious content. (Pretty Little Liars wasn't exactly a walk in the park.) But now, venturing into film, she's able to connect more with the characters she portrays.
"For me, creating this film and speaking out about my experience publicly was really just to inspire people. I think this is often a mental illness that there's a lot of misunderstanding around," said Troian. "That's not to say that there are not issues with body dysmorphia or with obsessions with weight or anything, but I wanted to create a story that could also convey that there are multiple different reasons that people could be behaving this way and could be struggling with this."
According to the National Eating Disorder Association, 30 million people in the United States have an eating disorder at one point in their life - 20 million women and 10 million men - and often it's assumed that the reason behind the disorder is weight loss. For Troian, it was much more than superficial element.
"For me, there was a lot that was about wanting to have control. But also, it's still a process today that I'm learning to move through. That was why I recently made that post on Instagram because I was like, 'Oh wow, I'm experiencing a lot of these same themes coming up where I want to have control over this,' or 'I want to have control over my body and reaction to what's about to happen, about letting go of this story and putting it out into the world with the release tomorrow.' I think the important thing is to have a conversation about it," she said.
Troian wants to be clear: she might not be in the midst of her disorder presently, but it's not something that magically leaves your life. The ending of Feed captures that sentiment. "This is a journey that I know I will be dealing with for the rest of my life. I know many other people are still going to deal with it for the rest of their lives. That doesn't mean that you don't have other wonderful experiences and you don't reach a level of health that's much, much better, but it's always a part of you. I didn't want it to be so cut and dry that it was like, 'Oh, I had an eating disorder,' or 'This character had an eating disorder, and now she's better.'"
In fact, Troian dealt with her disorder while filming Pretty Little Liars, which meant focusing on communication and discussing how she felt. "There were moments that I can look back and remember on the show that I felt like I was really struggling and was not doing well. Then there are other moments where my life sort of took on a momentum of its own and I felt like I got back on a healthy track and I was . . . . The big thing for me was being in constant treatment and constant therapy," said Troian. "It's really important for me, particularly in going back and enacting this role in Feed. It was really important that I be in constant communication with my therapist and be really open with everything that I was going through with my family and friends so that I couldn't hide. I couldn't dissolve back into the character and take on those actions and behaviors and then let my disease take the wheel again."
Watch Troian's interview and learn about her relationship with Tom Felton, how she feels about a Pretty Little Liars movie, and her upcoming role in Where'd You Go, Bernadette? with Cate Blanchett. If you are struggling or want to learn more about eating disorders, NEDA is here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out for help.
To My 12 Remaining Embryos
The following story, "To My 12 Remaining Embryos" by Desiree Fortin, was originally published on Our Journey to Parenthood Blog.
To my 12 remaining embryos,
The day we learned there were 14 of you we instantly knew our story of hope wasn't just for us. You have been frozen now for almost three years. Sometimes my infertility feels like a distant memory and other times the pain and anguish of an empty womb floods my heart like it was just yesterday. My body went through a lot just in hopes that God would give me one of you. So when the Doctor called to tell us there were 14 of you, we were in shock.
I have been thinking about you a lot lately.
I don't really know if we will be going back for another round of IVF. Your siblings are triplets and it is kind of a lot right now. And if we decided to have another baby and had the opportunity to bring one of you into this world, it wouldn't be for a few more years and we know we could only take one of you. I wish we could take all of you, but I know deep in my heart that God didn't make you so I could keep all of you just for myself.
I grieve giving you to her. You won't be mine anymore.
It saddens me because I honestly can't bare the thought of someone else raising you. And truthfully, it is hard for me to accept that someone else will be your Mom. She will feel you grow in her womb and share in your first moments. She will be the one to hold you when you are sad, help you when you are sick, keep you safe when you are scared. She will be the one you depend on, the one you cry for, the one you make all your memories with. She will love you with a special kind of love a Mother has for her child. She will know you. She will watch you take your first steps, hear your first words. She will be the one to watch you grow up, graduate from school, and one day get married and have children of your own. I can feel the jealousy in my heart just thinking about her sharing those moments with you. I grieve not knowing you like she will know you. I grieve not being able to look deep into those beautiful eyes of yours and tell you how much I love you. I grieve giving you to her. You won't be mine anymore.
However, the truth is, as much as I call you mine, or even one day hers, you are God's perfectly made little snowflakes. And I have to trust in what God told me in the very beginning: "You are hope, hope for many." Deep in my heart I know that your Mama will love you like I love you. And even though it is hard for me to fully comprehend that right now, I know, one day, He will prepare my heart for her to be your Mom, but I will always be connected to you. I will be a part of you. I will always be loving you.
Sincerely,
Your first Mom.
Let's Not Forget All the Messed Up Sh*t Melisandre Did on Game of Thrones
Let's have a chat about the Red Woman, shall we? It's no secret that Melisandre has become one of the most pivotal characters on Game of Thrones. In just the past two seasons, she's revealed herself to be centuries old, resurrected Jon Snow, and now, she's helped Daenerys and Jon Snow meet. But for all the good ol' Melly's doing to help Westeros, we can't forget that she's done a lot of messed up sh*t in previous seasons. Need a bit of a memory refresher? Let's review.
Background
Melisandre was born in Asshai, a city far, far away from Westeros, past the Dothraki Sea, on the eastern end of the continent called Essos. As a young girl, she was a slave who was eventually sold to a red temple in her city. This is where she learned High Valyrian and eventually went on to become a Red Priestess for R'hllor, the Lord of Light.
Devotion to the Lord of Light
As a Red Priestess, Melisandre believes wholeheartedly in the religion of R'hllor. It's all about the marriage of light and darkness, but most importantly, it's the foundation for the prophecy of Azor Ahai, which predicts the resurrection of the greatest hero in Westerosi history. All of Melisandre's actions are influenced by her belief in the Lord of Light and her personal quest to find Azor Ahai, the "Prince That Was Promised." This is how Melisandre lands at Dragonstone in season two, pledging her allegiance to Stannis Baratheon.
In Service of Stannis Baratheon
If you've read up on the prophecy of Azor Ahai, you'll know that the "Prince That Was Promised" will be reborn "amidst salt and smoke." Melisandre believes Dragonstone is the location described in this prophecy. Since Stannis has his hold on it in the first season of Game of Thrones, Melisandre believes he is the prophesied hero.
Melisandre does a lot of crazy sh*t in service of Stannis. It's all in accordance with the Lord of Light, and it's all, as she believes, to help Stannis achieve his destiny. She sleeps with Stannis and gives birth to a demon shadow baby that murders his brother, Renly Baratheon, who also wants to lay claim to the throne. She promises victory, but Stannis faces many defeats. She also tries to sacrifice Gendry, but Ser Davos sets him free.
Eventually, Melisandre follows Stannis as he heads to the North to defend the Night's Watch against the Wildlings. While there, he prepares to take Winterfell from the Boltons. Melisandre promises victory if Stannis sacrifices his daughter, Shireen, to the Lord of Light. He agrees, but still endures another crushing defeat despite Shireen's death (his wife, Selyne, takes her own life afterward). As Stannis's faith in the Lord of Light dwindles (along with Melisandre's faith, for that matter), the Red Priestess flees to Castle Black. Stannis eventually meets his death at the hands of Brienne of Tarth (who is getting revenge on behalf of Renly, whom she originally served).
The Ties to Jon Snow
Melisandre already has her eye on Jon Snow, even before the death of Stannis. But after everything with the Baratheons falls apart, Melisandre is completely shattered. Her faith is restored, though, when she successfully resurrects Jon Snow using a spell. After this, she seems to believe that Jon Snow is the "Prince That Was Promised." She hangs around at Castle Black until Ser Davos discovers that it was her who burned Stannis's daughter Shireen alive. When she admits to the murder and cannot conjure any sort of further justification, Jon Snow banishes her from the North. She rides south, back to Dragonstone, where Daenerys has taken the throne once more.
Daenerys and Her Departure
Melisandre meets with Daenerys and tells her about the prophecy she's pledged herself to. It's Missandei who corrects her, revealing that the translation from High Valyrian suggests that it's the "Prince or Princess That Was Promised." This could mean that Daenerys is the prophesied hero. Either way, Melisandre strongly recommends Daenerys and Jon Snow meet, claiming it's her duty to merge ice and fire. When they do, Melisandre doesn't stick around to see it. Given her rocky history with Ser Davos and Jon Snow, she flees before things get dramatic. (Not before she makes a crazy prophecy about her death - and Varys's death! - and promises to return, of course.)
Melisandre is heading to Volantis, but it's clear we haven't seen the last of her. And we have a feeling that, when she returns, things are going to get very real, very fast.
Kate Moss's Master Bath Is Inspired by Dusk - and It's Spectacular
Supermodel Kate Moss invited Architectural Digest into her London home for its September issue, revealing that her eclectic interiors are as inimitable as the icon herself. "I love mixing old and new things, all different eras," Kate told the magazine, joking that she went beyond being hands-on with interior designer Katie Grove, becoming a downright control freak.
The pièce de résistance in Kate's abode is from de Gournay, a bespoke wallpaper house that specializes in breathtaking custom hand-painted panels. It designed a brand-new floral pattern called Anemones in Light for Kate's bathroom based on her favorite time of day: dusk. In it, silver-hued flowers, which are said to symbolize luck, are reminiscent of the light reflected by a Summer moon. Beyond the showstopping wallpaper (which is becoming part of de Gournay's permanent collection), the film-noir-style bathroom features a clawfoot tub, a vintage crystal chandelier, embroidered silver drapes, and even a fireplace! It's safe to say the bathroom is more luxurious than most people's entire homes combined.
De Gournay was so taken with the way the wallpaper looked in Kate's bathroom that it reprised it as a variation, creating a daybreak version for her hallway. Kate summarizes the softly psychedelic design as "the feeling of when the sun is just coming up at a [music] festival, and you have that glowy light." Check out her one-of-a-kind home for yourself in the images ahead, then visit Architectural Digest for the full feature.
Cedella Marley's 13 Tips For Safely Cooking With Marijuana
Cedella Marley, wellness guru and daughter of reggae legend Bob Marley, recently published a collection of recipes containing cannabis. The cookbook, Cooking With Herb, also contains a list of tips on how to consume these dishes responsibly and how to moderate a high in case you overdo it.
- Edibles take thirty minutes to two hours to be fully absorbed into your body. Be patient - you can always eat a little more, but you'll have to wait many hours for the psychotropic effects of THC to chill if you ingest too much.
- Always know how much THC your Herb has in it before making CannaButter, CannaOil, a CannaSpice Blend, or CannaVanilla Extract. If your source does not know the breakdown of the Herb, it's time to find a new one (or grow your own if your state allows it!)
- It's better to underdose than overdo it. My recipes are based on 15% THC Herb. Strains with a higher THC level should be used more conservatively. You can always make the next batch of CannaButter, CannaOil, CannaSpice Blend, or CannaVanilla Extract stronger (or simply use more butter or oil in the recipe) if the first time around your high is too mild.
- Set up a comfy spot before you begin, especially if you're inviting people who have never tried Herb-enhanced food before.
- Put on some sweet reggae music. Environment plays a huge factor in the enjoyment of your experience.
- Be thoughtful when combining alcohol and Herb. Alcohol can compound the good and bad psychological effects of Herb. That said, it does take thirty minutes to two hours for the Herb to kick in, so starting the evening with a glass of wine or a cocktail is usually just fine.
- Always label food made with Herb, including how much represents a single portion and how much THC that portion contains (you can also pre-portion items like popcorn into single-serving cups). If hosting an uplifted dinner party, be sure to mix non-Herb-infused dishes into your menu so everyone can feel well fed and satisfied without overindulging on the enhanced dishes.
- Never drive after eating food infused with Herb. Ever.
- Remember that edibles are more intense when consumed on an empty stomach.
- Herb-enhanced food is for adults only. Ensure that children do not have easy access to Herb-infused products.
- Have orange juice and an electrolyte beverage like Gatorade handy in case anyone overdoes it. Increasing your blood sugar level can help moderate a high. Some also say a lemon slice under the tongue helps.
- Clear your schedule for twelve hours after you plan on eating Herb-infused food - just in case.
- FullJoy yourself and be open to all possibilities.
This Nifty Gadget Brings Sonic's Legendary "Nugget Ice" to Your Kitchen
Everyone has that one random thing they're oddly passionate about. For some, it's three-ply toilet paper or gel pens. But my strange obsession? A damn good cube of ice. Yes, you read that correctly. The perfect bite-size piece of frozen H2O is what really gets me goin', and I have zero shame because I know I'm not the only one out there who may or may not have considered starting an Iceaholics Anonymous group.
If you share the same dedication to ice, chances are you're probably familiar with the kind that is served at Sonic Drive-In. Aptly dubbed "nugget ice," it's the soft type that easily crunches without nearly breaking one of your teeth and absorbs the flavor of whatever beverage you're sipping. People love Sonic's ice so freakin' much that the chain even sells it in 10-pound bags for diehard ice-chewers to purchase on the go. But now you don't have to haul yourself to the drive-up eatery when the sudden craving hits, because you can make these morsels of frozen perfection in the comfort of your own home with the Opal Nugget Ice Maker.
This nifty kitchen gadget can produce one pound of glorious nugget ice per hour, so it definitely has the ability to grant you party-hosting stardom. At nearly 11 inches wide and slightly more than 17 inches tall, it's compact enough to fit on your countertop. If you want "the good ice" at your fingertips, you'll have to drop $500 to purchase your own Opal online - a worthy investment, in my opinion. I can honestly say I've never wanted to spontaneously purchase something so much in my entire life.
Keep reading to get an up-close look at this handy machine. Cheers to fueling the nugget-ice obsession!
After Waving to the Same Kids Every Week, 2 Garbage Men Received a Heartbreaking Note
Thursdays were a very special day for the Evenson family because it was the day the garbage men came, but once their 3-year-old daughter Rosie was diagnosed with cancer, their schedules inevitably changed. Over the last year or so, Angie Evenson's three daughters gathered by the window every Thursday and waited for the garbage men to come by to wave hello, and Brandon Olsen and Taylor Fritz eagerly waved back to the girls.
But in November of last year, the men received a note from the family that broke their hearts. The note explained that Rosie had been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, and though some of her treatments had been scheduled on Thursdays, the family hadn't forgotten about them.
Olsen was so upset when he read the letter that he knew he had to do something to help. With three children of his own, he couldn't help but sympathize with the Evenson family. "This family forever changed my life - I read the note and was in tears," Olsen told Today. "Being a father, it's scary to think, 'What if it were me in that situation?'"
Olsen and Fritz approached their boss at Hometown Sanitation and asked if they could offer the family one of the employee benefits they receive - free trash pick-up service for a year - and the company delivered a letter to the Evenson family, seen below.
"Please accept our gift of free garbage service for you through the end of 2017," the note read. "We know that expenses will add up as you make trips for this needed treatment, and hope that not having this one bill to deal with helps, even if just a little. As parents ourselves, we can only imagine what this is like for you. We want to wish you the best of luck as you fight on and battle through. Best wishes for a successful treatment and recovery. Stay strong, fight hard, stick together."
The letter and kind gift are helping the Evenson family smile and be thankful during such a hard time. The family has started a GoFundMe page to further help with Rosie's treatment expenses.
42 Things That Bran Could've Talked to Sansa About Instead of . . . That
The following contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season seven.
One of the most anticipated reunions on Game of Thrones finally came to fruition in season seven's third episode. However, the special moment between Sansa Stark and her long-lost brother, Bran, quickly soured in viewers' eyes for several reasons, not the least of which was the way Bran behaves upon finally seeing Sansa for the first time in years. Suddenly taking on an affectation of blankness that he hasn't displayed at all thus far, Bran can't even be bother to return Sansa's emotional embrace.
You know . . . this whole "emotionless robot" situation.
Anyway, the most bizarre part about the Stark siblings' reunion at Winterfell is their conversation beneath the family weirwood tree. Presumably in an effort to prove his greenseer powers to Sansa, unfeeling drone Bran decides to describe a memorable evening that he was not present for. Specifically, the most traumatic night of Sansa's life, when she is married to and subsequently raped by the sadistic Ramsay Bolton.
Bran could choose any memory to prove his abilities, but intentionally focuses on Sansa's most traumatic life experience.
Aside from the creepy factor of Bran implicitly letting Sansa know that he has "watched" her while she is repeatedly sexually abused, he adds another unsettling element by blankly complimenting how beautiful his sister looked on her wedding night. Not to mention the unnecessary cruelty of reopening the wounds inflicted by the Boltons, which Sansa is just beginning to put behind her. Bran could choose any memory to prove his abilities - their crazy aunt Lysa Arryn getting pushed out the "Moon Door" at the Eyrie, how Joffrey looked when he was dying, or one of Sansa's conversations with Littlefinger - but intentionally focuses on her most traumatic life experience.
We've taken the liberty of choosing several things that Bran could have - and SHOULD have - spoken to Sansa about instead. Hopefully by the time Arya returns to Winterfell, he'll have gained back some of his social skills and takes a hint from this list.
42 Things Bran SHOULD Have Talked to Sansa About
- "Hey! Did you realize that Jon is actually our cousin and that mom treated him like garbage for no reason?"
- "Yeah, long story, but Dad isn't actually his dad."
- "Aunt Lyanna is his mom, and it turns out that he's actually Rhaegar Targaryen's son!"
- "So that blonde wannabe queen that he's talking to right now is actually his aunt. Crazy, right?"
- "PS, you could cut the sexual tension in the throne room at Dragonstone with a knife right now. Still not as weird as Jaime and Cersei, though."
- "Jaime is the one who pushed me out of that tower, by the way. It's because I caught him boning his twin sister."
- "Returning to the topic of Mom, want to hear about how she literally grabbed a knife with her bare hands when somebody sent an assassin to kill me back when I was comatose?"
- "Oh yeah, SOMEONE SENT AN ASSASSIN TO KILL ME."
- "By the way, there's this cool thing that Arya does now where she literally slices the faces off of dead people and wears them as masks."
- "She's alive, BTW, and she's like two days away."
- "Just a warning, if you call her Arya, she might have a cryptic response like 'a girl has no name' or something. It's a long story."
- "Oh, and her direwolf is alive and in the Riverlands right now!"
- "Speaking of direwolves, you know what happened to Summer? RIP, old friend."
- "And you don't even want to hear about what they did to Robb's wolf."
- "It's OK though, Arya toooooootally f*cked up the people responsible for that. Her revenge for the Red Wedding was sick, dude."
- "She legit fed Walder Frey his own kids in pie form."
- ". . . Do you think we need a family therapist?"
- "On the topic of therapy, you should stop talking to Littlefinger. He's straight-up the reason that dad's dead right now."
- "Oh my god, alsooooo . . . Dad didn't defeat Ser Arthur Dayne at the Tower of Joy. Meera's dad came up behind him and stabbed his neck; it was gnarly."
- "Meera used to have a brother, by the way. I watched that dude die Beyond the Wall."
- "You know who else I watched die? Hodor."
- "About that whole Hodor thing, by the way . . . totally my bad, I definitely screwed with his brain."
- "On the bright side, I learned that I can control people's bodies with my warg powers."
- "I could also transition my consciousness to Summer, which was tight. I make a good wolf, big sis."
- "Long story short, 'Hodor' is Hodor-speak for 'hold the door.' Again, totally my bad."
- "Holy crap, I just remembered! Have you heard from Uncle Benjen lately?"
- " . . . cuz I have, and he's like, super dead. But also alive. Ya know what? It's complicated."
- "So about this whole Great War thing - we need to make it our priority."
- "I've seen you and Jon arguing about it in front of the entire audience chamber, and guys . . . not a good look. Next time, hash it out in private!"
- "But seriously, the Night's King is on his way, and since he's already touched me he will probably be here sooner than we all think."
- "Also, in case you've been wondering about how Theon is faring - and seriously, screw that guy for how he treated me and Rickon - he's gone off the deep end. Literally."
- "He and his sister were on this boat fighting for Jon's aunt Daenerys, and he just flipped a switch and jumped overboard."
- "It was pretty scary and sad, but also . . . f*ck that guy. He pretended to burn me and Rickon alive."
- "Glad he helped you escape that sadistic bastard Ramsay, though. Guess I'll give him props for that."
- "Sorry about everything that happened to you, but that's as far as I'm going to go with this topic of conversation."
- "Oh, about Rickon - whatever happened to him? I forgot to check in on him during my many mental voyages across time and space, because I (like everyone else) kinda just forgot he existed."
- "Ohhhhhh, he died? That's . . . unfortunate."
- "Welp, anyway! Do you mind having the staff move all of my stuff into this tree?"
- "Oh yeah, no need to prepare chambers for me. I'm gonna be living here."
- " . . . among the roots, duh sis. I'm the Three-Eyed Raven now, which means I basically have to plug my brain into this tree Avatar-style."
- "Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have mentioned this. Can you just send me another manservant to carry me around and do my bidding? I accidentally got the last one torn apart by frozen zombies."
- "Thanks, sis. See you at dinner!"
44 Islands That Should Be at the Top of Your Travel Bucket List
Get your bathing suits ready, everybody, because these beautiful beaches are just waiting for you to come visit. Whether it's a wooded scene in Canada or a tropical oasis off the coast of Africa, we have islands all across the world, and each one is absolutely stunning. Pack your bags, and let's get going!
Babies Born With Down Syndrome 3 Days in a Row Share an Epic Birthday Cake Smash
Back in June, photographer Nicole Starr had the pleasure of working with a nonprofit, Julia's Way, to capture 10 babies with Down syndrome in a photo shoot that celebrates breastfeeding, which is where three little ladies, Catherine, Mae, and Harper had the chance to meet. The girls, who all happen to be born three days in a row and each had major heart surgery at Boston Children's Hospital within a few months of being born, just celebrated their first birthdays - and sat for an adorable cake smash photo shoot with Nicole to celebrate.
"Meet our 'Three of Hearts,'" Nicole wrote in a post to her business's Facebook. "When we discovered that these heart warriors were all turning one the same week, we knew we had to do something special to celebrate!" The girls were photographed with individual birthday cakes in different colored tutus with - fittingly - heart garlands hanging all around.
"This was my first time doing a cake smash with three babies at once," Nicole told POPSUGAR. "You never know how a baby will react to their cake smash or to being in a photography studio, so I was prepared for three meltdowns! We lucked out, and the birthday girls were calm and happy almost the entire time. It was so incredible to watch them together, and each baby approached the cake in her own unique way. Harper (green tutu) really got into it and covered herself in frosting! Catherine (purple tutu) was much more hesitant and delicate, and Mae (pink tutu) was all smiles and kept leaning toward her cake, rocking her body back and forth like she was going to face plant because she was so eager to get a taste of that frosting!"
Although we can't get over how cute these photos turned out, Nicole explained what it was like to be behind the lens during the shoot that produced such sweet snaps.
I loved just stepping back and taking in the whole celebratory scene with their mothers looking on because it really was a miracle that all three babies were in that room together. It's truly been such an honor to work with so many families in the Down syndrome community, and I am excited to see what's ahead for Julia's Way! This organization just formed a few short months ago, and it's surreal to see how much they've accomplished already in terms of advocacy, education, and inspiration for parents of children with Down syndrome.
Ahead, see Cate, Mae, and Harper tear into their birthday cakes!
The Heartbreaking Way This Teacher Discovered 5 Students' Biggest Secrets
When Elle Deal decided to try a new exercise with her fifth grade students, the Friday activity turned into something incredibly heartbreaking.
The elementary school teacher asked her kids to write a short blurb, titled, "I wish my teacher would know . . . " and their answers left a major impact on her. Elle shared a few of the heartbreaking (and anonymous) statements on Facebook as a reminder to everyone to "leave this life a little better than how we found it."
"Kid 1: I wish my teacher would know, my dad is in jail and I haven't seen him in years.
Kid 2: I wish my teacher would know, I don't always eat dinner because my mom works and I don't know how to work the stove.
Kid 3: I wish my teacher would know, my sister sleeps in the same bed as me and sometimes she wets the bed and that's why I smell funny.
Kid 4: I wish my teacher would know that I don't always have sneakers for gym class because my brothers and I share one pair.
Kid 5: I wish my teacher would know I like coming to school because it's quiet here, not like my house with all the yelling."
This simple activity reinforced Elle's desire to spend her life hopefully making a difference for others. "We spend so much time talking and judging what we think we know . . . we need to ask more questions and spend more time listening," she wrote. "We also need to shift our mindset and see things from other people's perspective, give more than we get, and live to serve."
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