Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 6 septembre 2017
Why Postapocalyptic Fiction Is More Relevant Now Than Ever Before
It's not what you think. I'm not about to start doomsaying, predicting nuclear war, fallout, or the general crumbling of society and civilization as we know it. I'm not going to tell you to start reading postapocalyptic fiction because, sooner or later, you're going to need to use it as a sort of field guide. So let's all just take a deep breath. It's going to be OK (I hope . . .).
Postapocalyptic fiction is one of those genres that has stood the test of time. I think, perhaps, it's because of the wide range the genre has to offer: you've got fiction as commercial as The Hunger Games to fiction as literary as The Road. But what makes the genre so compelling? What does it have to offer its readers? And why is it more relevant now than ever before?
1. It takes a hard look at government.
Most postapocalyptic fiction deals with government or some sort of ruling organization that has come to power out of dire circumstances. This genre asks hard questions about what type of power the government should have and what role it should play in our lives. And now, during a time of political turmoil and uncertainty, asking the hard questions about our government and those in power is more important than ever.
And what's even crazier is that postapocalyptic fiction is now manifesting itself physically in our strange political climate. Just take a look at these women dressed as handmaids from Margaret Atwood's brilliant and horrifying The Handmaid's Tale. They're not just cosplaying, folks; they're making a political statement about their rights as women and about the decisions made by those in power.
Yes, our current government is, thankfully, not what you'd find in most dystopian postapocalyptic novels, but maybe it's testing the waters; maybe it's a toddler playing with fire. While postapocalyptic fiction provides an exciting story, hopefully it might also make us more aware of the rights we need to hold dear and fight for . . . lest we all forget our glasses, stare into that solar eclipse, and go blind.
2. It's a return to the basics.
This one is pretty simple. In a society that is inundated with technology, everything moving faster with news updates, Twitter updates, status updates, so many voices, and so much going on, sometimes it's nice, even necessary, to slow down and take a break. It's a healthy practice to read about characters who, due to the world ending, are completely without the busyness we know every day. It forces us to ask questions: what would it be like if I didn't have my iPhone? What would I do without access to technology? And, more importantly, what am I allowing to have control over me?
Don't get me wrong, technology is a wonderful and amazing thing, but so is humanity. And in these hurried times, I think postapocalyptic fiction helps us to imagine a different world; it helps us picture a simpler version of ourselves; it asks the question, "What does that version look like?"
3. It's a practice in empathy.
Fiction is magic. You can be transported to different places, times, worlds, but also into different people. You can start to imagine what it might be like being an orphan in feudal Japan; being a Muslim, growing up with jihadist parents; or even being a boy wizard with an evil dark lord hunting you.
Postapocalyptic fiction is no exception. In fact, it may contain a message for our times that is more relevant than ever. In the direst of circumstances - like the end of the world! - we get to see characters making all kinds of decisions: some good, some bad. But, maybe, we start to sympathize with these characters who make dumb or selfish decisions because we've seen what they've had to go through. Again, postapocalyptic fiction forces us to ask hard questions. Are there really evil people or is everyone a victim of their circumstances? And are they forgiven because of their strenuous circumstances? I don't have the answers to these, and postapocalyptic fiction won't spell it out for you either, but at the very least, it might make you think. It might make you want to live vicariously. It might even make you look around and see if maybe you've jumped to conclusions about your grumpy old neighbor who keeps letting his dog drop bombs in your yard.
In its most pious form, fiction is a practice in empathy. And specifically in postapocalyptic fiction - when everything is taken away and the world is stripped bare - we might start to see that we're all the same. And in today's fast-paced society and precarious political environment, I think understanding this might be the one thing that could save us all. Because empathy leads to understanding, understanding leads to forgiveness, and forgiveness leads to love. Yes, it sounds like a bad bumper sticker, but I believe it's true.
The moral of the story: go read more books! And, more specifically, go read more books about the end of the world.
mardi 5 septembre 2017
A Definitive Ranking of the Best Butts on Game of Thrones
We've been through a lot with Game of Thrones. So much, in fact, that we're pretty much irrevocably scarred for life because of all the damage it's done. It's so easy to forget, though, that we've had lots of good times too. We've already ranked the hottest guys on Game of Thrones, but there's one important thing we need to rank: all those butts. With the showstopping season seven finale behind us, there's not much else to cling to. We're remembering (and maybe rating/judging) all the best bare bottoms in Westeros.
The 1 Thing Beyoncé Told Me That I'll Never Forget
"No kissing Beyoncé." Those were the words I heard in my ear from Beyoncé's bodyguard, Julius, right before I stepped up to meet her in 2011. She was promoting her new fragrance launch at Macy's with a meet and greet for customers. I remember that entire day vividly. I had planned in my head what I would say once I finally got over the shock that I was actually speaking to the "Irreplaceable" singer. I even wrote a heartfelt letter to her, but after that polarizing warning, I decided not to give it to her - way to sober my nerves right before I meet my idol, Julius! To put things in context, this surreal moment was a dream five years in the making, and it was finally about to come true.
My obsession with Beyoncé began in 2006. Of course I knew about the Destiny's Child ringleader long before then, but if I'm being honest, I wasn't the biggest fan. Then something happened - something magical. Something that proved to me that the power of music can really heal.
I was a freshman in high school at the time, struggling to adjust to a new environment, all while trying to find myself as a young, black, gay teenager. I had experienced a lot of bullying in junior high school and I feared a repeat. It was a rough transition for me. I isolated myself from my friends and started cutting classes, which caused my grades to drop to an all-time low. I was on the verge of dropping out - and then I discovered "Déjà Vu," a song from Beyonce's sophomore album B'Day. There was something about this project, full of aggressive and confident up-tempo tracks, that made me feel better. I remember playing it over and over because of the feeling it gave me. I wanted to know more about the woman behind the music that was powerful enough to make me happy even in my saddest times.
It was Beyoncé's music that pulled me out of that darkness. Her voice was my beacon of light. Her ferociousness made me feel confident in myself. It was a huge turning point for me. As I got to know more about her, watching her work ethic inspired and motivated me to pursue my goals of becoming a writer, and not to give up. I started going back to class and picking my grades up. And I graduated from high school with amazing honors.
I remember walking over to meet Beyoncé that warm September day at Macy's. My mind was racing, because I wanted to get out everything I felt in my heart in just the few seconds I had. I sat down next to her, and the first thing I said to her was, "You don't know how much you mean to me." I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I told her how much she inspired me. I started shaking, and Beyoncé did what any mom would do - she was pregnant at the time with Blue Ivy! - she reached over and rubbed my shoulder and my hand as I spoke to her, trying to calm me down. I gazed into her honey-brown eyes, and the more I spoke my love for her, I could tell she was listening intently. Before I could burst out into tears, I heard the photographer say "Smile for Beyoncé!" We turned towards the camera, and he took the picture. That was it. My moment, which felt like eternity in my head, only lasted about two minutes. But I wasn't ready to leave just yet.
I extended my arm out, and Beyoncé put her hand into mine. I told her, "I hope you now know how much I appreciate you." Bey smiled and replied, "Aww, you are SO cute!" (I'm pretty sure I died in that moment, but I managed to walk away somehow). I walked outside of Macy's feeling like I was on a cloud, when a reporter from the New York Daily News came up to me and asked me about my experience. I told him everything, and my story about Beyoncé ended up in the newspaper.
Many people love Beyoncé because she's beautiful, or because of her fierceness, or her flawless dance moves - but my admiration to Bey runs deeper than that. Her music pulled me back from the brink of self destruction, and I will forever be thankful. It's not often that people get to meet their idols and I understand how incredibly lucky I am to have spent that short but sweet moment with Queen Bey - the one that I'll always cherish.
Uber's New CEO Was Voted One of the Best CEOs in the Country
It only took Uber three months to find a new CEO to fill the void that was left when embattled former Uber CEO and cofounder Travis Kalanick resigned. Though the company has faced a series of sexual harassment allegations and other sexist behavior, Uber's board of directors chose a man to lead the company and turned down Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (and other candidates). Instead, Uber announced on Aug. 29 that 48-year-old Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will become Uber's new CEO. Here are a few facts about who Khosrowshahi is and the type of company he led at Expedia.
Khosrowshahi is an immigrant of Iran.
Khosrowshahi immigrated to the United States from Iran in 1978 when he was 9 years old. He grew up in Tarrytown, NY, and went to Brown University, where he received a degree in electrical engineering.
He's a highly rated and praised CEO.
In his time at Expedia, Khosrowshahi made Glassdoor's list of "Highest Rated CEOs" in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He also has a 93 percent rating on Glassdoor as CEO of Expedia.
Expedia recently revealed average pay is equal between men and women.
In June 2016, Expedia showed that "women earn $1 for every $1 paid to men in equivalent roles." The company also boasted that half of its employees in the US are women and that 33 percent of "Expedia's leadership positions" were held by women. It's a stark contrast to Uber under Kalanick, during which the company faced numerous allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination, as well as a less-than-stellar diversity report. In the latest report, Uber reported that women only made up 32.9 percent of its US workforce. The number gets even lower when it comes to leadership positions; only 22 percent of women hold positions.
Khosrowshahi once said he didn't think he was a "particularly good CEO."
Khosrowshahi, who was named a 2013 Ernst and Young Technology Entrepreneur of the Year for the Pacific Northwest, said in a video, "I think for the first year when I was running the company, I wasn't a particularly good CEO." He explained in the interview how an engineer let him know he needed to set the tone for the company. "That really shifted my view of what a CEO has to do. A CEO of a multinational global company can't say what to do; you've got to plant the flag."
He's no fan of President Donald Trump.
When Trump's first iteration of the immigration ban was put in place in January, Khosrowshahi was immediately critical and addressed his concerns in an email to employees. As an immigrant from Iran (a country that was on the travel ban list), Khosrowshahi wrote, "I believe that with this Executive Order, our President has reverted to the short game. The U.S. may be ever so slightly less dangerous as a place to live, but it will certainly be seen as a smaller nation, one that is inward-looking versus forward thinking, reactionary versus visionary." Expedia later joined Washington state's lawsuit against the president over the travel ban.
And as a response to Trump's comments on the events in Charlottesville, VA, in which the president said there was blame on "many sides," Khosrowshahi tweeted:
I keep waiting for the moment when our Prez will rise to the expectations of his office and he fails, repeatedly. https://t.co/WlxTkRfC71
- dara khosrowshahi (@dkhos) August 16, 2017
Uber's board wrote that the company is "fortunate to gain a leader" like Khosrowshahi.
In an email sent to Uber employees on Aug. 29, the board of directors wrote, "We're really fortunate to gain a leader with Dara's experience, talent, and vision. The Board and the Executive Leadership Team are confident that Dara is the best person to lead Uber into the future building world-class products, transforming cities, and adding value to the lives of drivers and riders around the world while continuously improving our culture and making Uber the best place to work."
10 Halloween Costumes That Have Us Really Confused
People get pretty creative to come up with the best Halloween costume, but sometimes creativity can take a wrong turn and actually become a little offensive. There are plenty of slightly weird and not-quite-right Halloween costumes out there (sexy baby, really?), and though we're all up for not taking yourself too seriously, there's a fine line between what's witty and what can be considered inappropriate.
Case in point: to some, costumes that poke fun at typical items in Latinx culture - like a piñata or a Day of the Dead skeleton - can be fine, but to some others, it might be disrespectful. Here are a few costumes you might want to think twice about wearing - and while you're at it, here are a few you should definitely wear.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
How Having a (Much) Younger Sibling Changed My Life
When we were kids, my little sister Madison and I were the M&Ms - my parents' duo of daughters. We were the only kids among friends and family since my parents got married and had the two of us before age 30. As sisters we received a lot of attention, and we liked it that way. So it was quite a surprise when my mom and dad sat us down to let us know that baby number three was on the way; I was 10 years old. To say the least, my sister and I were a little perplexed at the thought of some new baby coming to town and turning our world upside down. Little did I know that this new baby would change my life forever.
As soon as my brother Mac was born, he completely stole my heart. Even at almost 11 years old, I created a bond with this tiny little baby that most people don't get to experience until they are much older. It's been almost 12 years since Mac was born, so I've learned a few things from having a young brother. Here's my case for spread-out siblings:
- You learn about responsibility early on. Having an infant in your life means watching your parents endlessly change diapers, make bottles, and wipe spit-up. Every once in awhile, I was allowed to do those things (under parental supervision), and I learned just how important it was to take care of this little life before I even hit middle school. Needless to say, I was an excellent babysitter.
- You watch a child grow up. I remember the first time Mac crawled, walked, and said my name. I remember how excited my family was when we discovered how fast of a reader he was in kindergarten. I'll never forget telling him bedtime stories before he went to sleep at night, and I especially won't forget when he told me about his first "girlfriend" last year when he started middle school. I'm watching this kid grow up into a man - well, more like a prepubescent tween - but you get the picture. It's cool to think about the entirety of his life and how far he has come. I have been able to experience that.
- You stay in the know. Most 20-somethings don't know what the heck Minecraft is. I didn't, either, until my hip, tech-savvy brother told me about the video game. And that's not the first thing he's told me about. I work in a trend-driven editorial environment, and my brother still manages to find out things before me. Good thing he has no problem telling me that I actually don't know about anything cool at all.
- You teach your sibling life lessons. From a young age, my brother watched my sister and me overcome personal challenges, go to high school, and, worst of all, get our hearts broken. Nothing makes Mac more upset than a mean guy who hurts a girl's feelings. We joke that Mac is going to be the best husband ever when he grows up, but he really will be. Watching his sisters go through life's tribulations has taught him how he should act when he gets older.
- You create an incredible bond. I have no shame in telling people that one of my best friends is an 11-year-old boy. Now that I don't live with my family anymore, I feel this incredible guilt if I go too long without seeing my siblings. When the three of us are together, it's pretty much the best time ever. Even though Mac and I are aged so far apart, we have this assurance of trust and understanding between us. He looks up to me and knows he can tell me everything; I look to him for comic relief and a really good hug when I arrive back home.
So if that doesn't convince you that siblings with big age gaps are a good thing, I don't know what will. All I can say is that my family wouldn't be the same without Mac. In fact, our family without him is unimaginable. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for turning the M&Ms into the Three Musketeers.
What to Know About the Crippling Phobia That's Plaguing American Horror Story: Cult
This season, American Horror Story is ramping up to new levels of terror to scare its loyal audience. With the premiere of AHS: Cult, we're introduced to the dark, postelection world. While much of it seems to be rooted in the troubling realities surrounding the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, it wouldn't be American Horror Story without a few added elements. In this case, we're talking about clowns. We're also talking about tiny holes and home invasion, but let's stick to the clowns for the time being. With the return of Twisty from Freak Show and all the other clown-laden teasers for season seven, it's clear that the show is playing off one of the world's oldest fears.
It's not just that clowns are set to appear in Cult. Sarah Paulson's character, Ally, actually suffers from what is known as coulrophobia; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, it's an "extreme or irrational fear of clowns." Ally's debilitating mental reaction to clowns is clear very early on in the first episode. While it's true that AHS's clowns are more of a metaphor for American paranoia and anarchy, the inclusion of the impish circus creatures stretches back for centuries. Yep, clowns have been feared for pretty much as long as they've existed.
According to the Smithsonian, clowns appear in some cultures stretching back as far as 2500 BCE. While their initial purpose was to inspire laughter and joy, they "have always had a dark side." David Kiser, who at the time was director of talent for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, noted that clowns are meant to "reflect a fun-house mirror back at society," meaning some of our most hedonistic and manic tendencies were amplified and laid bare before us . . . in a comedic way. Even so, this aspect of "clownery," if you will, represents an "impish spirit." So, even though clowns come from a origin of entertainment, there's always been a blurry line between laughter and terror.
It's not just the dark origins that make clowns scary, though. There's actually psychological evidence behind the terror. According to psychologist Rami Nader, we feel like we can't trust them. "They have these large, artificial, painted-on expressions, which you know don't actually represent how that clown is feeling because nobody can be happy all the time. And yet, the clown has a big happy smiling face . . . in essence, you sort of know that it's lying to you." According to psychologist Frank McAndrew, it's also the mischievous history of clown behavior that puts us on edge. Their tendencies to pull pranks and throw pies and turn unsuspecting individuals into victims creates a general mistrust and unease.
Then, of course, there are the terrifying iterations of clowns that have appeared in horror movies and scary stories over the years. Consider, for instance Stephen King's It: having a monster like Pennywise certainly isn't doing the clowns of the world any favors. So just know, while you're gripping your couch and trying to white-knuckle your way through all the clowns in American Horror Story: Cult, there's a logical reason you (and Ally) are so scared.
Will the New Royal Baby Be Called Alice?
No sooner had news broken of the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy, than people were speculating as to the name the third royal baby may be given. Bookies are already offering odds on some of the most popular royal names, and you may be able to make a tidy little profit if William and Kate stray from the norm.
Right now, William Hill is touting Alice as the likely choice for the new arrival, with odds of 8/1. That's closely followed by Elizabeth and James, both at 10/1, and Arthur, Phillip, and Victoria, at 12/1. Other popular choices include those that pay homage to other members of the family, including Diana, Henry, Charles, Margaret, and Edward.
Over at Betfair, Arthur, Henry, Alice, and Victoria are all at 10/1, though Betfair's Katie Bayliss is also calling out Alice as one to keep an eye on. "Alice could be one to watch out for if the child is a girl, as when Kate was pregnant with Charlotte, Alice was heavily backed by punters and went from 50/1 into the 5/2 favorite at one stage."
Those choosing to bet on the Queen and Prince Phillip's names can get odds of 16/1, while an outside bet on Carole or Camilla could net you $130 on a $1 bet!
31 Halloween Party Ideas Kids Will Love
Hosting a kid-friendly Halloween bash? Look no further for some spook-tacular ideas that will appeal to children of all ages and their parents. While candy and other sweets (we've got you covered more than 100 party-ready Halloween treat ideas) are a must, if you want to make your event truly memorable, it's time to think beyond the candy bowl. From cute ways to turn your home into a not-so-scary haunted house to games featuring monsters, mummies, and more, the following 31 ideas are sure to take your party from "boo" to boo-tiful! Get ready to impress all the little witches, superheroes, and princesses in your life!
This Woman Memorized Every Single Detail in the 2018 Ikea Catalog - Literally
There's loving Ikea . . . and then there's memorizing its entire catalog. And we mean every. single. detail. Even those tiny background elements most of us never notice. Yanjaa Wintersoul, aka the "human Ikea catalog," memorized all 328 pages of the 2018 Ikea catalog in just one week. She can tell you everything from exactly what artwork is hanging on the wall in a specific image to what page a certain model can be found on. It's pretty nuts.
Ikea called in experts to test the 20-year-old's incredible skills in the video above, and she did not disappoint. Want more? You can quiz her yourself during a Facebook Live session Sept. 6 on the official IKEA Singapore/Malaysian Facebook page. Learn more about Yanjaa below, and then take your own turn scouring the 2018 Ikea catalog.
We'll Bet You Can't Watch the Trailer For the New Insidious Movie Without Screaming
If you've lived your life up until now without a paralyzing fear of house keys, I suggest you don't watch the new trailer for Insidious: The Last Key. The latest installment in the terrifying horror franchise moves on with Lin Shaye's Dr. Elise Rainier character, who now faces a threat even worse than the demons who plagued the Lambert family in James Wan's original 2010 film: a nightmarish force is now lurking within her own home. Be sure to get plenty of rest before the movie hits theaters Jan. 5, 2018, because you'll probably never sleep again after watching it.
The Grisly Facts of the Menendez Brothers' Murder Case, Nearly 28 Years Later
This year marks 28 years since Erik and Lyle Menendez brutally murdered their mother and father in the family's Southern California home, putting the wheels in motion for one of the most infamous trials of the 20th century. ABC drudged up the disturbing case for a primetime special, Truth and Lies: The Menéndez Brothers - American Sons, American Murderers, back in January, Lifetime revived the story in June with the movie Menendez: Blood Brothers, and this month comes Law & Order True Crime - The Menendez Murders. On the off-chance that you're not familiar with the case, here's a brief overview of the very complicated crime.
Who Are the Menendez Brothers?
Joseph Lyle and Erik Galen, born in 1968 and 1970 respectively, were children of privilege. Their father José worked his way up the corporate ladder to become the CEO of the (now defunct) film studio LIVE Entertainment. Their mother, Mary Louise "Kitty" Andersen, was a stay-at-home mother. The family lived in Chicago and New Jersey before relocating to the affluent suburb of Calabasas, CA, in 1987. Lyle got into Princeton, but was suspended after being accused of plagiarism. Both boys - who were unusually close - were bred to be tennis pros, and their father pushed them to be the best.
The Murders
On the night of Aug. 20, 1989, José and Kitty were relaxing in their den, watching the James Bond flick The Spy Who Loved Me. Lyle and Erik ambushed them from behind, shooting José in the back of the head and crippling Kitty with a gunshot wound to the leg when she tried to run. They shot her so many times that her face was unrecognizable by the time police arrived on the scene. Because of their father's alleged ties to organized crime, the brothers tried to make it look like a mob hit by shooting out their parents' kneecaps. After the deed was done, they went to the movies and met up with some friends to provide an alibi. Later that night, Lyle called the police, screaming that someone had killed his parents.
The Aftermath
While investigators initially had no reason to suspect Erik and Lyle, the brothers started exhibiting strange behavior for people whose parents had been recently murdered. Lyle went on a spending spree, buying a Porsche and a buffalo wings restaurant in New Jersey. Erik went to Israel to compete in tennis tournaments. They went on extravagant trips together, racking up over half a million dollars in purchases in the months after their parents' deaths. Unable to take the guilt, Erik confessed to the murder in a session with his psychiatrist. The psychiatrist's girlfriend overheard the conversation, and went to the police when the relationship fell apart. The brothers were arrested in March of 1990.
The Trial
In the courtroom, Lyle and Erik showed little remorse for what they'd done. A damning piece from the LA Times detailed, "The brothers, appearing at a series of evidentiary hearings in recent weeks, have appeared at ease, smiling at their girlfriends and relatives who show up for support." However, as more and more evidence began to pile up, the unbelievable truth came out. They had gotten the idea to kill their parents from the movie The Billionaire Boys Club. Erik had even written a screenplay with his friend; the movie was about a rich kid who murders his parents to inherit their fortune. The brothers searched for a pitiable motive, alleging that their father molested them. The juries (one for Lyle and one for Erik) failed to agree on a verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
While the first trial was highly publicized thanks to the new channel CourtTV (aka TruTV), the second trial gained far less attention. Another reason the Menendez brothers fell out of the public eye? America had moved onto another high-profile murder case: that of O.J. Simpson, who had been accused of killing Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. While the public had lost much of their initial interest in the brothers, Erik and Lyle were convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1996. Their appeals have been denied, and they have no chance of parole.
Lyle Menendez is currently serving his time at the Mule Creek State Prison in California, while Erik is residing 200 miles away in a cell in the Pleasant Valley State Prison.
Law & Order True Crime - The Menendez Murders premieres on Sept. 26.
7 Things You Never Knew About Chick-fil-A, Straight From an Employee
When you think of Chick-fil-A, the first thing that comes to mind is how all locations are closed on Sundays, and of course that drool-worthy sauce, but there are a lot of things we don't know about the fast-food joint. One employee just revealed tons of secrets about what it's like to work at Chick-fil-A in a Reddit AMA, and we're impressed. During the "Ask Me Anything" conversation, this teenage employee dished where the delicious chicken comes from, their thoughts on the chain being anti-LGBTQ, and why they always say "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome." Read on for all of the Chick-fil-A insider secrets, straight from someone who knows best.
How "fresh" is the chicken?
It seems like fast-food chains are constantly competing with each other and saying that another chain's food comes frozen, but this employee is setting the record straight about Chick-fil-A's chicken. When asked if the chicken comes prebreaded and is frozen on site, the employee shut that down. "The chicken is FRESH and hand-breaded then fried on site," they said. "We're not lying to you."
The company has changed its anti-LGBTQ ways.
It's no secret that Chick-fil-A has been against LGBTQ rights and has even donated to anti-LGBTQ causes in the past, but this employee is explaining how the chain has changed and why it doesn't bother the employee at all. "As of late, they've actually made a turnaround and stopped donating to anti-LGBTQ corporations and apologized to the community," the employee said. "It's all about keeping a good name. I'm transgender and I know a gay guy who works there. I feel fine."
About that employee discount . . .
The employee said, "We get a free meal for 5 1/2 hours of work." This employee's favorite meal? "I'm a fan of the #1 (Just the chicken sandwich)," the employee shared. "CFA sauce and the mayonnaise they have is soooo tasty! Everything about the sandwich is perfect from the toasty buttery bun to the pickles. My location also serves mac and cheese and it's the bomb!!"
There's a reason they always say, "My pleasure."
Anyone who's been to Chick-fil-A can recognize within seconds that the employees don't say "you're welcome" and instead say "my pleasure." WHY?! "It's a courtesy thing," the employee said. "'You're welcome' seems too indifferent and we're told to use elevated language. Besides, we could get in trouble if we don't say it. Also, did you know that saying 'my pleasure' is not mentioned in the official training at all? It's a learned behavior."
The fries are highly ranked, but here's the truth behind them.
One Reddit user asked the employee how he or she feels about the fries and the fact that the crisped-to-perfection waffle fries just won the number one spot on The Ringer's best fast-food items list. "I'm very proud," the employee shared. "We don't make them in house though, they come in a box. Honestly, I think the Wendy's fries are better." OUCH!
The employees are legitimately trained to be super friendly.
When someone asked if friendliness was part of training because they "get diabetes every time I go to the local one because everyone is super sweet," the employee said yes! "We are literally told in training and reminded constantly to be 'aggressively courteous' there are literal steps on how to do it," the employee shared. "I won't tell you those steps so the sweetness remains genuine."
Fun fact: you can order Oreo pieces in any drink you want!
Yup! The employee shared that a big pet peeve is "people who order too quickly and then they MUMBLE. Also, if you have a huge milkshake order please please please call ahead!" But the most important thing here: "you can order Oreo pieces in whatever beverage you want."
Ronda Rousey's Softer Side Always Seems to Come Out Around Travis Browne
Ronda Rousey may have a tough-girl persona, but it seems to melt away whenever she's around her husband, MMA fighter Travis Browne. The two athletes first began dating in 2015 and recently tied the knot in a romantic beach ceremony in Hawaii. While they initially tried keeping their romance under wraps, Travis eventually confirmed their relationship on The MMA Hour, saying, "She's my woman and I am her man." Travis also couldn't help gushing about Ronda, calling her a "sweetheart" and "one of the hardest-working athletes that I've ever seen." Celebrate their nuptials with a look at some of their sweetest moments.
8 Kate Middleton Hairstyles Perfect For All of Your Summer Affairs
Sure, the Kob (that's "Kate Lob") is Summer's most regal haircut, but let's not forget how Kate Middleton delivers breathtaking hair every damn day of her life. Seriously, her stylist deserves a knighthood. Kate wears everything from blowouts to buns with equal grace. In fact, she's a wizard when it comes to reinventing her tried-and-true look over and over again.
Just like the queen's Crown Jewels, the princess has a few style gems of her own. For one, we've noticed that she favors low buns and ponies. Sometimes it's for the practical reason of needing to wear a hat, but we also love how it elongates her neck and helps her perfect princess posture (not that she needs any assistance in that area, but those who hunch over computers all day sure do). The low look also seems quite innocuous from the front, which makes for a fun pop of surprise when the Duchess of Cambridge turns around and shows off an intricate braid.
So while we may only be the princesses of our own minds, we can still adopt some of a real royal's best looks. It's safe to say that Kate has a hairstyle for every occasion, since a big part of her job is going to events. Read on for how to get your own attainable princess hair.
Tone Your Entire Body With This 1 Move
Short on time? Don't skip the strength-training session - get playful with the plank! By doing multitasking variations of this basic move, you can target your arms, back, core, legs, and booty to chisel out a stronger, more toned you.
American Horror Story Is Bringing Back Something We Sorely Missed in Season 6
Watch it begin. Witness the opening credits for #AHSCult. http://pic.twitter.com/7X3Cy9W7DV
- AmericanHorrorStory (@AHSFX) August 21, 2017
One of the most devastating parts of American Horror Story's sixth season was the utter lack of opening credits sequence. For years, it's been one of the most exciting parts of a new season roll-out. Luckily for all of us, FX has already released the clip for Cult, and it sure is wild. In just one minute, there's a whole lot of blood, bees, and clowns. Oh, and brief references to Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and all that other political mumbo-jumbo. Get your hands dirty with the clip above, then be sure to soak yourself in the teasers, the characters, and the posters.
This CrossFit Workout May Sound Insane, but It's Totally Doable
Burpees aren't fun - we know this. But they work the entire body, and that's one of the reasons CrossFit coach and competitor Dani Horan of Champlain Valley CrossFit is suggesting this simple yet grueling workout.
The Workout: Complete 100 burpees as quickly as you can.
Here's how to do a basic burpee:
- From standing, lower into a crouching squat with your hands on the floor.
- Do a squat thrust by jumping your feet back, simultaneously bending the elbows behind you, touching your chest to the floor.
- As you jump the feet forward to the hands, straighten the arms and come back to into a squat.
- Do an explosive jump straight up, getting as much height as you can.
Yep, that's it. One hundred burpees all at once. You'll get a total-body workout in about 10 minutes, and it's an awesome way to get your heart rate up. But what makes this workout the definition of CrossFit is that it's mostly mental. Yeah, your arms and legs might get tired from burpee after burpee (after burpee!), but mostly it's your mind that will keep saying it wants to stop.
It's great for those training for a race or a fitness competition to practice pushing yourself no matter what and believing you can do it. And though it may not be that fun, you're going to feel so proud once you get to the last one!
If doing this total-body move is tough for you, here are four moves you can do to build up to a burpee. If this many burpees at one time seems completely crazy, here's a four-week workout plan to build up to 100 burpees. And if you love burpees and want more, try this burpee challenge that involves five different variations of burpees.
Evan Peters's Hollywood Evolution Proves Puberty Is a Beautiful Thing
Evan Peters's murderous characters on American Horror Story have made him a household name, but he didn't always play the hot psycho. In 2004, he had a pretty substantial role as a nerdy skateboarder in the romantic comedy Sleepover (if you haven't seen it, you need to add it to your list ASAP), and boy, has he come a long way since then. In fact, we're pretty sure the actor has had more transformations than all seven of his AHS characters (and counting). Now that the Cult season is finally upon us, witness the beauty that is his Hollywood evolution.
Texture Sprays That Will Give Every Hair Type That Extra Oomph
If your great hair wish list includes volume, definition, shape, styling, or grit, you may want to consider adding a texture spray to your routine. And if you were #blessed with texture, you can still cash in on the curl-enhancing benefits of these stylers, too.
So what's the purpose of a texture spray anyway? "Texturizing sprays were designed to add a coarseness to strands, making them less slippery and more likely to hold a style. They are a type of styling spray that provides hair with added volume and grip," says Chaz Dean, Founder and CEO of Wen Hair and Body Care.
All hair types can benefit from texture sprays because they can add lift and thickness to every style. "Decide where you want to see volume in your style and then you can determine where it should be applied," notes Oribe Educator, Dan Nguyen. If adding another product to your regimen has you all types of confused, here's a quick primer.
First, choose a spray based on the type of hair that you have. For straight to slightly wavy hair, start with a product to provide structure, like a sculpting cream or mousse. If the ends are dry, there's no need for structure products. Instead, apply a moisturizing product first, dry the hair, then use the desired texturizing spray to complete the look.
Read on to find out which texture sprays work best with your hair type.
The Best Pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2017 - So Far!
Prince William and Kate Middleton always look royally in love, but they have been extra affectionate this year. Aside from showing rare PDA at public events, the two had major heart eyes for each other while traveling around the globe for official royal visits. And their sweet moments are only going to get better from here. The pair recently announced announced that they are expecting their third child. While we are eager for even more family moments with Prince George and Princess Charlotte before the arrival of their little one, we also love seeing these two share moments on their own. See their best appearances ahead.
Is the NuvaRing Worth the Risk? Here Are All the Facts You Need to Know
With several options on the market for contraceptives and lots of press about certain ones, it can be difficult to sort through the information and make a choice that is right for you. The NuvaRing is one of those products. Over 44 million prescriptions for NuvaRing have been written in the United States as of 2013. That means many women are using and benefiting from it. However, the company has also been plagued in recent years by reports of devastating side effects and even death. Litigation against its manufacturer, Merck & Co. Inc., actually resulted in a $100 million settlement in 2014.
Settlements typically do not require admissions of wrongdoing or product liability, so as of now, NuvaRing is still on the market. And in an interview with POPSUGAR, Dr. Richard Duncan III, chairman of Duke Regional Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said doctors are still comfortable prescribing it to patients who have no contraindications (meaning they don't have conditions that would make hormonal birth control inadvisable).
So what is the real story about NuvaRing, and should you feel comfortable using it?
What It Is
NuvaRing was approved for the prevention of pregnancy by the FDA in 2001. The product is geared toward women who prefer not having to remember to take a contraceptive pill daily. It's a self-inserting product, unlike intrauterine devices (IUDs), like the Mirena, that require a trained medical professional for placement and removal.
With NuvaRing, the user manually places the small, flexible ring (it's about the size of a hair tie) as far up in the vagina as possible, where it remains for three weeks. At the start of the fourth week, the user removes the ring for her menstrual period, then inserts a new one at the end of the week.
In contrast, IUDs like Mirena can remain inserted for up to five years or until whenever the patient decides to discontinue use.
How It Works
NuvaRing contains the same combination of female hormones (estrogen and progestin) that is found in oral contraceptives. Dr. Duncan explained that both the pill and NuvaRing work by preventing ovulation (where other progestin-only products like Mirena work by preventing fertilization). Unlike oral contraceptives, which are absorbed during the digestive process, the hormones from NuvaRing enter directly into the bloodstream from the vagina.
Dr. Duncan noted that this process allows for a lower dose of estrogen to be delivered than even the lowest-dose combination contraceptive pill.
How It Feels
Most women do not notice the ring after insertion or during sexual intercourse, though some reports of both have been noted. In most cases, the manufacturer attributes discomfort to lack of full insertion.
And in case you were wondering, NuvaRing cannot be lost inside of you. The cervix prevents it from going too far, but there have been reports of inadvertent insertion into the bladder, which requires medical attention.
How Effective Is It?
According to Merck, NuvaRing "is just as effective as the pill when used as directed, and you don't have to think about taking it every day." Dr. Duncan has seen this result in his clinic in North Carolina. He notes that with "perfect" use, the 98 percent effectiveness rate can be achieved, yet patients achieving only "typical" use results in a nine percent failure rate.
Effectiveness can be compromised by incomplete insertion, accidental slipping out (potentially caused by breakage of the ring, sexual intercourse, use of tampons, or straining during bowel movements), or failure to insert and remove the ring at the same time of day on weeks one and four. If the ring comes out, it can be immediately reinserted (during weeks one and two) after rinsing in lukewarm water. Even if the ring breaks, its effectiveness only decreases if it slips out of the vagina.
Are There Side Effects?
Common side effects of NuvaRing are similar to those with most combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC): tissue irritation inside your vagina or on your cervix, headache (including migraine), mood changes (including depression, especially with history of depression), nausea and vomiting, vaginal discharge, weight gain, vaginal discomfort, breast pain/discomfort/tenderness, painful menstrual periods, abdominal pain, acne, and lessened sexual desire.
In Dr. Duncan's experience, women using NuvaRing typically do not experience more severe side effects than women using other CHCs. He counsels his patients to contact him if they notice any of the following: leg or calf swelling, worsening of headaches, irregular bleeding after one to two months of use, or malodorous vaginal discharge.
What Are the Risks?
The real attention has been on the few well-publicized accounts of severe side effects such as pulmonary embolisms leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death that have been attributed to blood clots in users of NuvaRing. The danger of blood clots is present with all hormonal birth control, though some assert that the particular progestin in NuvaRing creates a higher risk.
Studies have been unable to confirm this increased risk with NuvaRing, so an educated consumer should read the disclosures on the NuvaRing website and package insert before use.
Dr. Duncan also noted that, as with other CHCs, the risk of clotting increases significantly if the patient smokes and is over 35, has had a stroke or heart attack, has any history of liver disease or cancer, has high blood pressure uncontrollable by medication, has a history or current issue with migraine headaches, has diabetes with certain key organ damage, or has heart problems susceptible to blot clots forming.
This laundry list of preexisting conditions is something that needs to be discussed with any prescribing physician prior to deciding whether NuvaRing (or any CHC) is the right product for you.
What's the Bottom Line?
Dr. Duncan stated that if a patient was currently successful on NuvaRing, he would not change it, but would if requested by the patient. His recommendation as the safest hormonal product right now is progestin-containing IUDs. It's a choice, though, and what works for one woman may not for another. Many women have to undertake some trial and error before finding a good fit, personally and medically.
Whatever choice you make, be an educated consumer, work in conjunction with your physician, pay attention to anything out of the ordinary, and report any concerns - immediately. Women need to talk to their doctors about their personal health and family history as well as any concerns they have about birth control before committing to a particular product.
Transform Your Abs With This 2-Week Crunch Challenge
Show your abs some love and take our crunch challenge! Perfect for those new to strength training, the plan is short and sweet - it takes just a few minutes each day for the next two weeks. At the end, you're sure to notice stronger, more defined abs. Instead of doing basic crunches, this challenge involves five crunch variations to target different areas of your midsection.
Here's the 14-day plan followed by instructions for the five different variations. It's not advised to skip right to day 14 (if you want to be able to laugh the next day without rolling over in pain), so follow the plan and adjust it as needed according to your schedule and ability level. To make things easier, we've created a printable version to help keep you on track.
This post was originally published on June 10, 2014.
After Running For 15 Years, I Made This Change and Finally Lost Weight
I started running after college to lose that freshman 40 I was holding onto. I learned a lot along the way, like what socks prevent blisters and how to shop for a sports bra so you don't have to wear two. But what I struggled with was losing weight, specifically belly fat. And after 15 years of running and experiencing two pregnancies, that still-pudgy pooch - although a sweet reminder that I was my kids' first home - was always the thing I pinched and poked when standing in front of a mirror.
So I signed up for a half marathon. I was convinced that all those training runs would surely slim my middle, but when I stepped on the scale, I was completely wrong. I was gaining weight because the hunger that came with those long workouts made me want to eat all the time. After the race, although I made some changes to my eating schedule to lose the weight I'd gained during training, my squishy belly wasn't budging, and it pissed me off. It wasn't like I was going to run more often or for longer distances. It was quite by accident that I figured out how running could help me ditch my mummy tummy.
One morning, I skipped the hour-long flat road run and turned into the woods near my house. I let my dog, Reuben, off leash, and we just started running. My pace was much slower because the terrain was so unpredictable. Rain had eroded away the path, creating holes, plus the slippery wooden bridges, the rocks and logs to leap over, and the hills - man, were there hills! I was huffing and puffing way more than on my previous runs, and my quads, calves, and butt were burning. I had to swing my arms more to get up those steep inclines, and trying to catch up to my dog added a little fire to my step. At the end of my 20-minute run, I felt like I did after running one hour.
After just two weeks of running those trails and those crazy hills, I felt an incredible sense of strength in my legs I hadn't experienced before in the 12 weeks I was training for the half. In the obstacle course that is the woods, my muscles were constantly guessing, since running in the woods is completely different than running on a sidewalk or a treadmill. It's like a dance because there's no monotony of movement. Every step is a little different, a little shift to one side or the other, a little shorter or longer than the one before.
Interval training had always seemed so forced when running through my neighborhood: I felt a little weird sprinting past my neighbor's house, so I skipped them and just stuck to my 9:00/9:30 minute-per-mile pace. But the hills forced me to switch up my pace, and I knew this type of training would be the key to ditching my tummy. Running this way was also really challenging to my mind. I felt a complete sense of calm afterward that I wasn't able to get to unless I did a long training run. Instant runner's high in just 20 minutes? I was floored.
And the added perk? My belly looked slimmer. I could see definition in my obliques - I had obliques! By no means am I saying I have a six-pack after a month of running in the woods, but I see now that I was pushing myself in the wrong way. I was working harder, not smarter. If you're struggling with a weight-loss plateau from running, the answer for you, too, might be found in the woods.
A Few Things to Know About Its Leading Lady and Rising Star, Sophia Lillis
The latest adaptation of Stephen King's thoroughly terrifying It has arrived. Along with gifting us with plenty of nightmare fuel courtesy of Pennywise the clown, the new horror film is also primed to launch the careers of the young actors in the film's "Losers' Club": Wyatt Olef, Jaeden Lieberher, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Jack Dylan Grazer, Sophia Lillis, and Finn Wolfhard. These burgeoning actors play the gang of teenage misfits who band together to take down the evil entity known as "It" in their hometown of Derry, Maine. One of the stand-outs from the group is Beverly Marsh, played by 15-year-old Lillis. She's the only female member of the Losers' Club and the one who's least afraid of the child-hungry killer clown. Lillis delivers a memorable performance as the spirited redhead (according to early reviews), which is why you might find it surprising that this is, essentially, her big break.
Before It, Lillis's only other credits were 2016's ensemble drama 37 and 2013 short The Lipstick Stain. During a recent interview with WWD, Lillis revealed that her burgeoning acting career fell into place after enrolling in acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Manhattan. "The next thing I know, one of my teachers said, 'Oh, I have a friend at NYU who's doing a thesis film, I recommended you,'" she recalled. "It started branching out from there. I never knew what I was getting into, but I just sort of went along with it."
While what her character goes through in It is completely and totally horrifying (the abuse Beverly endures at the hands of her own father is much worse than what Pennywise can do to her), Lillis said that the filming process was actually a breeze. "A lot of it is makeup. It's not scary considering there are so many people around," she explained. "And actors are really nice people. They explain to you what you're doing before, so it's less scary."
Although Lillis likely won't appear in the It sequel due to the film's extensive time jump (which takes the story from the 1950s to 1989), she does have some exciting projects coming up. After appearing in the short film Tiny Mammals, she'll pop up as a younger version of Amy Adams's character in HBO's TV adaptation of the Gillian Flynn thriller Sharp Objects. An official premiere date for the latter hasn't been set quite yet, but you can expect to see Lillis on your TV screen sometime in 2018.
The Best 50+ Gifts For 5-Year-Olds
The kindergartener on your list is no longer a tot. Somehow, moving into kindergarten helps kids express themselves more than ever before, so finding toys and games that help them build on the skills they are learning at school can also help them express themselves even more. From concentration games and early reading skills, to Lego sets and Barbies, there's something on this list for every 5-year-old you know.
Scroll through for 55 of our favorite finds for the 5-year-old on your list!
I Took a Solo Road Trip, and Here's What I Learned
I wasn't exactly planning on taking a road trip from basically the Canadian border to the Mexican border, but that's what happened.
I had to be in Minot, ND, for business and Phoenix, AZ, for a wedding both in the same month. As much as I wanted to take two separate trips, there was no way around it. Between family events, budgets, and deadlines, my choices were to make it one trip . . . or miss the wedding. Only one of those was an option. So, off I went and I began to plan what ended up being the trip of a lifetime.
On this trip, I met real cowboys, saw the amazing terrain of the US, ate new things, saw new things, got smoked by a woman in a prairie-style dress (and she was probably as old as my grandmother), and drove on a literal dirt road that was considered a county road (with trucks passing me on the other side). Here are a few things that I learned.
This Is the Ultimate Nostalgic Halloween Bucket List to Complete With Your Kids
Although Halloween is technically just one 24-hour day, prep and excitement for the holiday begins after school starts faster than you can say "Boo!" Whether your family is already planning out their coordinating costumes or hasn't even started coming to terms with the fact that there will soon be pumpkins to carve, candy to buy (and devour), and decorations to be hung, it's never too early to start thinking about the long list of Halloween activities that make the Fall so fun (activities that were no doubt staples during your own childhood).
Read through for the ultimate nostalgic Halloween bucket list that you need to complete with your kids this season.
- Go pumpkin picking
- Carve jack-o'-lanterns
- Bake the pumpkin's seeds
- Make no-carve pumpkins with little kids
- Visit a haunted house
- Go costume shopping
- Binge-watch age-appropriate Halloween movies
- Host a themed party
- Go on a haunted (or nonhaunted!) hayride
- Decorate your front door, yard, and stoop for trick-or-treaters
- Visit your local Halloween parade
- Read Halloween books
- Make a Halloween-inspired meal together
- Bake Halloween cookies
- Visit a cornfield maze
- Make toilet-paper-roll mummies
- Attend a local zombie walk (for teens)
- Create Halloween crafts to decorate the house with
- Make pumpkin pie
- Go trick-or-treating
- Tell ghost stories
This Yoga Sequence Is Even Better Than a Before-Bed Massage
Yoga before bed can be some of your best defense against insomnia. By calming down your body and your mind, you're putting yourself in a better position for sweet and restful slumber. Ready to get to bed? This yoga sequence will save the day.
- Additional reporting by Jenny Sugar
Fergie and Josh Duhamel Really Know How to Do Halloween Right
There are plenty of celebrities who love to dress up for Halloween, but none of them do couples costumes quite as well as Fergie and Josh Duhamel. It's true, they don't have as many years in disguise under their belt as Heidi Klum, but every time they've gotten in the Halloween spirit (sometimes with son Axl), they've nailed it. Scroll through to see Fergie and Josh's best spooky holiday looks.
The Details About Steve Irwin's Tragic Death Will Still Make You Uneasy
Steve Irwin passed away on Sept. 4, 2006, and the details surrounding his death are still incredibly distressing. The Crocodile Hunter was only 44 years old when he was fatally stabbed by a stingray in a freak accident. While filming an underwater documentary called Ocean's Deadliest at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia, the famed television personality and his cameraman Justin Lyons came face to face with an eight-foot-wide stingray when they went snorkeling in shallow waters to obtain footage for his daughter's children's program Bindi the Jungle Girl. After a few takes, the two decided to go back in the water for "one last shot" of Steve standing behind the stingray as it swam back into the ocean.
While stingrays are usually pretty docile, out of nowhere the creature started "stabbing wildly with its tail." Justin, who is said to be the sole witness of the attack, added that there must have been "hundreds of strikes within a few seconds." While Steve initially thought the stingray had punctured his lung, they soon realized the extent of his injury was much greater.
The stingray's barb had actually pierced his heart, and Steve quickly began to bleed out. As the crew headed back to the main vessel, Justin tried his best to comfort Steve. "He was in extraordinary pain . . . The damage to his heart was massive," he explained. "I was saying to him things like, 'Think of your kids, Steve, hang on, hang on, hang on.' He calmly looked up at me and said, 'I'm dying.' And that was the last thing he said . . . those were his final words."
Justin continued performing CPR as they rushed him to the nearby Low Isles, but sadly, medical staff pronounced him dead upon arrival. Since Steve was known for putting himself in danger for his work, Justin admitted he always had a feeling he would die in a "weird" way. "It was probably always going to be something weird with Steve . . . it would always be a crazy, silly accident," he said. "And as it turns out that's exactly what it was."
14 Beyoncé GIFs That Will Make Your Heart Beat a Little Bit Faster
Sept. 4 marks Beyoncé's 36th birthday, and we're celebrating with her sexiest GIFs. Whether she's on stage or starring in her own music videos, Beyoncé always manages to look perfect - but then again, would you honestly expect anything less from Queen Bey? In honor of Beyoncé's birthday, take a look at some of her hottest moments in motion.
Unicorn Macarons Might Just Be the Most Effing Magical Dessert We've Ever Seen
If you fangirled over unicorn chocolate bark, prepare to fall head over heels for the latest magical dessert trend that's stealing our hearts: unicorn macarons! These petite pastries are just like any other macaron - crisp on the outside yet chewy and creamy on the inside - except they've gotten a colorful makeover that any Lisa Frank fan would appreciate.
There are many variations of this swoon-worthy dessert trend, as some are simply multicolored macarons covered in sprinkles while others are adorned with horns or cut into the shape of the mystical creature. No matter what route you choose, you can easily DIY them at home by starting with a basic French macaron recipe (or our Fruity Pebbles macaron recipe), which calls for ingredients like almond meal and egg whites, then decorating the treats however your unicorn-loving heart desires. If you prefer sticking to a tried-and-true recipe, the baking extraordinaires behind Loving Creations For You have the perfect unicorn macaron recipe, complete with custom-made templates for cutting out the animal shapes. And if baking isn't your forte but you still want to get your hands on one of these bite-size goodies, take a road trip to Georgia for the adorably decorated unicorn macarons at Mac Lab Bakery & Cafe!
Ready to DIY these and in need of some inspiration to get you started on your baking journey? Keep reading to see how different pastry-lovers have prepared this picture-perfect dessert.
This Irish Brand's New Harry Potter Collection Is So Damn Magical and Affordable, I'm Crying
You may want to hop off your broom and sit down for this one. Irish retailer Primark has launched a new Harry Potter collection that will have you saying "take all my galleons!" But seriously, I actually teared up a little looking at these products. Cozy house throw blankets, glittery totes, slippers, mugs, PJ sets, an invisibility cloak robe, a Polyjuice Potion mason jar . . . I need a moment.
Unfortunately, Primark does not currently offer online shopping, so you'll have to either apparate to a location near you or bribe a friend who lives near one to ship you the entire collection. Accio ALL THE THINGS!
Obama's Powerful Response to the End of DACA Is a Reminder of What Actually Makes America Great
On Sept. 5, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would end. That leaves about 800,000 young immigrants without a path toward citizenship or legal immigration proceedings and under the threat of deportation. Former President Barack Obama, who signed the executive order on DACA in 2012 and promised he would not stay silent if it was in jeopardy, posted a statement on Facebook calling the move to end DACA "cruel," "self-defeating," and "wrong." He then asked Congress to "protect these young people and our future."
Obama began his statement by writing that the decision to end DACA was not about "how to fix our immigration system so that everybody plays by the rules." Instead, he pointed out that he asked Congress to draft a bill that would grant Dreamers citizenship if they met certain requirements. "That bill never came," Obama wrote. So, he defended why he chose to come up with DACA as a means to "lift the shadow of deportation from these young people" and to protect these young immigrants. "These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper," Obama wrote. "They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea they're undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a driver's license."
He then explained why the termination of DACA is reprehensible:
To target these young people is wrong – because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating – because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel. What if our kid's science teacher, or our friendly neighbor turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn't know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?
The former president then proceeded to make it abundantly clear that Dreamers shouldn't be targeted in the immigration debate. "Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us . . . Kicking them out won't lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone's taxes, or raise anybody's wages," Obama wrote.
Obama ended his statement by asking Congress to act and to "do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel. Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated. It's about who we are as a people – and who we want to be." You can read Obama's full statement ahead.
Immigration can be a controversial topic. We all want safe, secure borders and a dynamic economy, and people of goodwill...
Posted by Barack Obama on Tuesday, September 5, 2017
11 Practical Tips For Saving Money on Your Summer Road Trip
There's nothing quite like a good old-fashioned Summer road trip. Piling in the car, turning up the tunes, and exploring hidden treasures in new cities - that's what Summer is made of. But when money is tight, it may seem like the sunroof-down, Instagram-worthy road trip of your dreams is out of reach. Fear not, frugal adventurer; we have your back with these tips for saving big bucks without sacrificing the fun.
1. Solidify a budget beforehand - and stick to it
Budgeting isn't too difficult; just allocate how much you're able to spend on things like food, entertainment, gas, and lodging, depending on how much you have saved up for the trip. The hard part is actually sticking to it, which can be hard when you get distracted by all the new experiences (aka all the different foods) you're encountering in each state. Plan out and document beforehand what your exact budget is, whether it be on a piece of paper or on a budgeting app.
2. Pack your own snacks for days on the road
This is where wholesale stores like Costco come into play. Stock up on portable snacks that don't require refrigeration, like granola bars, trail mix, or pretzels (or make your own snacks!). And don't forget to buy drinks, which are cheaper when bought in bulk.
3. Plan ahead to get the best hotel prices
If you're making your road-trip plans last minute, chances are you'll be stuck with hotel options that are slightly out of your price range. But if you plan a few months in advance, you'll be able to compare and see which days and locations are the most affordable. And on the note of affordable lodging, don't be afraid to try a motel or hostel, where you can typically squeeze more friends in one room, thus splitting up the final cost even more.
4. Look for hotels with complimentary breakfast
What's better than breakfast food? That's right . . . free breakfast food. Be sure to consider the free-breakfast factor when you're searching for hotels ahead of time. And always be sure to snag a few extra apples and muffins for the road before you check out! Getting your money's worth is the name of the game.
5. Get a gas app on your phone
Have you ever filled up your gas tank only to discover a cheaper station right down the road moments later? Phone apps like GasBuddy eliminate that pang of gas buyer's remorse by finding the cheapest gas station near you. It even plots the stations and their respective prices on a nifty map, so all the work is done for you. So long, overpriced fuel!
6. Know your route - and don't venture out from it too much
Part of the appeal of road trips is the open road and the sense of adventure that comes with it. Though it's probably tempting to stop off at every strange roadside attraction you pass on the interstate, sticking to a mapped-out route is important for saving money on gas.
7. Speaking of driving, do so strategically
This doesn't mean weaving in and out of traffic to make it from point A to point B the fastest. I'm talking about when you're doing the cruising. It's best to avoid rush-hour times (typically 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.) because that's when you're more likely to get trapped in gas-guzzling traffic. Stick to the middle of the day, and try not to plan your trip near major Summer holidays like July 4, because gas prices tend to skyrocket around then.
8. Bring on the friends
This one is a no-brainer - the more friends you bring along for the trip, the more you can divide up the costs of things like lodging, gas, and snacks. The more, the merrier!
9. Pick your activities wisely
Sure, it's tempting to do the most touristy, bucket-list-worthy things in each new city you visit. But unfortunately, those often aren't the most wallet-friendly options. Sometimes it's best to just get a cheap bottle of wine, sit in a local park, people-watch, and enjoy the company of your friends or family.
10. Take out cash from the bank before you leave
Chances are you'll come across a cool dive bar or local pizza restaurant that only accepts cash payments. Most ATMs or convenience stores charge a fee if you want to withdraw cash. Although the $2-$3 charge may seem minimal at first, those dollars sure do add up, and they could've been spent on more important things - like a tacky souvenir . . . or that bottle of wine.
11. Score major deals on sites like Groupon
A little online couponing never hurt anybody, especially when the deals are as great as Groupon's. Mooch off the hotel's WiFi to surf the web for great deals on local restaurants and attractions in every city you visit.
The Secret to Losing Belly Fat
While focusing on crunches will strengthen your abs, it unfortunately will not get rid of the extra fat around your waist. To get rid of ab flab, it's essential to regularly include calorie-burning cardio in your routine. And not just any kind of cardio - it's important to focus on interval training; alternating between moderate and speedy bursts of exercise is the key.
A study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed that when compared to women who cycled at a consistent pace for 40 minutes, women who worked out for 20 minutes, but alternated between eight-second sprints and 12 seconds of low-intensity cycling, lost more belly fat after 15 weeks. Work out half as long and lose more fat? Sounds good to me!
You can do intervals with virtually any type of activity. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your routine:
- Use visual goals: Run or bike at a moderate pace, and then look ahead and sprint to the mailbox that's 50 feet away, or up the hill, or to the end of the street. Once you reach your goal, reduce back to your moderate speed. After your breathing returns to normal, choose another goal to race to.
- Use time: Watch the clock and move moderately for two minutes and then zoom as fast as you can for one minute. Repeat this pattern for at least 30 minutes.
- Use music: Make an interval playlist, alternating between fast-paced peppy tunes and slower, chill tunes. Walk, run, or dance to the beat. Here's a 60-minute walk-run playlist, or for a faster-paced workout, try this 40-minute running playlist.
- Use a POPSUGAR Fitness interval workout: If you find it easier to follow a cardio routine, check out these interval workouts:
- 45-minute fat-burning treadmill workout
- Tush-toning hill repeat intervals
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint workout
- 45-minute elliptical interval workout
- 10-minute HIIT (high-intensity interval training) video workout
- 30-minute pyramid intervals
- 30-minute Barry's Bootcamp running workout
- 30-minute beginner intervals
- 60-minute walking-jogging workout
All the Creepy Posters We've Seen For American Horror Story: Cult
This week brings us closer to American Horror Story: Cult, and, frankly, we're terrified. Ever since the title surfaced at Comic-Con, the flow of unsettling details and teasers and more has been pretty constant. But some of the most disturbing imagery from Cult, at least so far, has come in the form of the season's official posters. Straight from the AHS Twitter account (and creator Ryan Murphy), here's everything we've seen and what it could possibly mean.
People Are Losing It Over These Excerpts From Ivanka Trump's 2009 Book That Have Resurfaced
After New Yorker journalist Jia Tolentino reviewed Ivanka Trump's 2009 book, The Trump Card, in light of her father's presidential victory, people started sharing excerpts across Twitter. They reveal, unsurprisingly, Ivanka's privileged upbringing.
In one passage, Ivanka recounts how she "had no such advantages" to set up a lemonade stand outside Trump Tower, suggesting the inability was a setback. Ivanka commented on her troubles setting up a lemonade stand as making "the best out of a bad situation."
This passage. Woooooooof. http://pic.twitter.com/Uw6czL0w0l
- Hanna Brooks Olsen (@mshannabrooks) November 29, 2016
Tolentino points to another excerpt where Ivanka talked about having to fly coach on a trip to France. "She offers a story about being forced, by her mother, to fly coach to the south of France as the moment she realized she needed to make her own money," Tolentino wrote.
Take a look at how people responded to the book on Twitter.
Lesson: When life hands you a billion dollars worth of lemons, shake down your median-wage household staff with lemonade. https://t.co/Iwv1CfDGBs
- Blobert 🌮 (@blobert) November 30, 2016
Best anecdote in Ivanka's awful book...she & bros made fake arrowheads, sold to neighoring kids for $5 https://t.co/AyErP8lXvH @jiatolentino
- James Greiff (@JamesGreiff) November 30, 2016
makes me really rethink my thoughts on ivanka. had no idea she had to deal with something like this https://t.co/fuJiPk50cM http://pic.twitter.com/lbYhfrrDy4
- maxwell (@maxwellstrachan) November 29, 2016
Throughout the book, Tolentino wrote, Ivanka reveals "a telling portrait of the Trump-family ethos." But it also reveals just how out of touch with the average American the Trumps are.
Outlander's Caitriona Balfe Keeps Her Relationships Quiet - but Here's What We Know
Outlander's Caitriona Balfe doesn't say much in interviews and on social media when it comes to her personal relationships. While she has dated a couple of people during the last decade or so, there are only two men we can really verify as being linked to the Irish actress. She dated musician Dave Milone when she first started her modeling career in the early 2000s, and in the past couple years, she's been linked to Tony McGill, who does not appear to be in the entertainment industry. And while many Outlander fans want there to be a real-life relationship between her and her costar Sam Heughan, both of them maintain that the two are just friends.
Eataly World Is Basically the Disneyland of Italian Food, and It's Coming Soon!
Disney World is great and all, but we've suddenly got our eye on a different theme park that's all about Italian food: Eataly World. The upcoming destination is more than the Eataly in NYC that you know and love - it's a gigantic park with 20 acres of restaurants, markets, factories, educational "rides," theaters, and multimedia experiences all dedicated to celebrating the art and heritage of Italian food. It sounds like a dream that only exists in our minds, but it's totally real, and it's opening in Bologna, Italy, this November. Described as "the world's largest agro-food park," Eataly World truly is the ultimate bucket-list destination for Italian food-lovers. The best part? Admission is free! Excuse us while we start planning a trip ASAP. Read on to take a closer look at the magical world of pasta and more, and watch a full sneak-peek video, ahead.
This Picture Looks Innocent, but There's a Detail Gardeners Don't Want to Miss
I'm new to kitchen gardening and learned something in a recent gardening class I took from Kate Frey, a master gardener, that made me hang my head in regret. I've been making a huge mistake each season and it's pictured above. At the end of each season, I rip the plants out, roots and all to make space for new starters. For the last year, it didn't seem to make a difference in my garden. I'd till in fresh compost, plant fresh starters, and my garden would grow happily. However, this Winter, everything died and this mistake may be the root cause.
From what I discovered in this class, at the end of each season, it's best to simply cut the plants at the stem and leave the roots in the soil.* The roots help keep the soil loose and aerated, both essential for healthy soil as if soil becomes compacted, worms and roots can't burrow (what I think happened to the soil in my garden this Winter). Also, worms love to munch on the old roots which slowly transforms it into fresh, healthy soil.
In addition, tilling the soil (of an established garden bed) each season can disrupt the ecosystem below ground. Per tablespoon of soil, there are more microorganisms than humans on the planet. Tilling can be like stepping on an ant pile; you tear up the city below. So, instead of tilling, simply fill the beds with a few inches of fresh compost and let the worms gently work it into the soil over the course of a few weeks or up to a month. If your gardening bed is depleted of soil after the last season, you can fill the beds with equal parts compost and soil.
I've always known that "healthy soil makes a healthy garden," but I didn't realize I've been making this grave error each season. I can safely say, now that I know, I won't ever do it again!
*One exception is if the plant is diseased. If the plant has any sign of a virus, it's best to take the entire plant out and dispose of it (do not compost).
Get Stronger Every Day With This 100-Burpee Challenge
I was shocked when I walked into CrossFit and the WOD (workout of the day) said "100 Burpees." I had never done that many in my life at one time, and it did not sound fun. I wasn't even sure I'd be able to do it.
But after having gone to CrossFit five times a week for three months, I was in pretty good shape. And guess what? It didn't suck as much as I thought, and it only took me about 10 minutes. The coach said this is a great workout to do in your hotel room while traveling or if you're short on time. My heart was pumping, I was dripping sweat, and my muscles felt worked! Now I'm kind of loving the 100-burpee workout!
I realize this isn't something anyone would want to just jump right into, so here is a four-week plan to get you up to the full 100. Aim to do 25 by the end of the first week, 50 by the second week, and so on until you make it all the way to 100. Follow the plan below. Not ready to commit to a month? We have a two-week burpee challenge for you to try.
How to Do a Basic Burpee
- Begin standing with the feet hip-distance apart.
- Lower into a crouching squat with your hands on the floor.
- Do a squat thrust by jumping your feet back into a plank position.
- Do one basic push-up, bending the elbows, touching the chest to the floor, and then straightening back to plank.
- Step or jump the feet forward to the hands and come into a squat.
- Do an explosive jump straight up, getting as much height as you can.
The Plan
| Day of Month | Number of Reps |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 8 |
| Day 2 | 11 |
| Day 3 | 14 |
| Day 4 | Rest |
| Day 5 | 17 |
| Day 6 | 21 |
| Day 7 | 25 |
| Day 8 | Rest |
| Day 9 | 30 |
| Day 10 | 35 |
| Day 11 | 40 |
| Day 12 | Rest |
| Day 13 | 45 |
| Day 14 | 50 |
| Day 15 | 55 |
| Day 16 | Rest |
| Day 17 | 60 |
| Day 18 | 65 |
| Day 19 | 70 |
| Day 20 | Rest |
| Day 21 | 75 |
| Day 22 | 80 |
| Day 23 | 85 |
| Day 24 | Rest |
| Day 25 | 90 |
| Day 26 | 95 |
| Day 27 | 100 (you made it!) |
| Day 28 | Rest (you deserve it!) |
Amal and George Clooney's Love Story Is a Fairy Tale in Black and White
We don't know about you, but every time we see Amal and George Clooney cosying up together, we have to do a double take to make sure it's not a film still. The picture-perfect parents' relationship is as strong as their chemistry with the camera, and each time they're snapped, it seems to become instantly iconic, especially when in black and white. One thing is for sure: this is one classic film that would be at the top of our watch lists. Read on to ogle their beauty, and then relive their truly gorgeous wedding album.
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