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
14 Terrifying Adult Coloring Books That Aren't For Hallo-weenies
Adult coloring book fans, grab your crayons . . . if you dare. Because when it comes to Halloween time, your soothing, everyday coloring pages just won't do; the only acceptable way for fright fans to celebrate the season is with spooky themes! We've rounded up some of the best horror-themed coloring books out there, and they're definitely not for Hallo-weenies. So if you live for the scary season, get ready to fill your shopping cart with these 14 spooktacular options.
Yes, Alison Pill Is All Grown Up on American Horror Story: Cult
Image Source: FX
As each season of American Horror Story does, Cult introduces us to a handful of brand-new characters. In this case, we're witnessing them all deal with the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election in different ways. Tuesday night's premiere of the anthology series focuses mostly on AHS veteran Sarah Paulson's character, Ally, whose fear of clowns and objects with small holes only worsens after the election of Donald Trump. But, much like the loud and proud Trump supporters and scared American citizens around her, Ally isn't the only person who's having some trouble adjusting postelection. Her heightened fears also appear to have an effect on her wife, Ivy.
Ivy is a chef who co-owns a restaurant with Ally in their small town in Wisconsin, and she's played by Alison Pill, who's mostly known by anyone who came of age in the early 2000s from the time she starred alongside Lindsay Lohan as Ella in 2004's Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.
Image Source: Everett Collection
Of course, Pill's résumé doesn't just stop there. The Canadian-born actress also appeared in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World back in 2010 as Kim Pine, and she played Maggie Jordan in the HBO series The Newsroom until the show came to an end in 2014 after three seasons. Ryan Murphy made the announcement that Pill was officially joining the cast of season seven in early August. This is Alison Pill's first time appearing on AHS.
Hopefully the season will explore the effects that Ally's fears have on Ivy as well as delving into the political differences between Ivy (who supported Hillary Clinton) and Ally (who voted for Jill Stein). The season is off to a wild start, and things are obviously only going to get a lot more insane from here.
These Pumpkin Spice Pretzels Are Another Reason to Visit Disney Around Halloween
The pumpkin spice craze might be at an all-time high, but Disney's been mastering the trend for years now. Several years ago, Walt Disney World and Disneyland introduced seasonal pumpkin spice pretzels that are dipped in white chocolate and drizzled with orange-colored and milk chocolate. The snack also comes in a decorative little bag that's updated every year with a new design, and it's proving to be yet another reason to visit Disney during Halloween.
According to the Disney Food Blog, the festive pretzels are pretty delicious, too. Apparently, the pretzels have a light vanilla-based flavor with just a hint of pumpkin spice that is "not at all overwhelming." The blogger added, "I enjoyed these because the flavor didn't taste too artificial." Fortunately, they're available throughout parks nationwide for $8!
What's Behind That Door With the Flower on AHS: Cult? We Have a Few Ideas
We're only one episode into American Horror Story: Cult, but we already have so many questions. In addition to being generally shocked by the whole episode (who knew Donald Trump and killer clowns could give us the same type of chills?), we're also thinking about that one door. If you watched the premiere, you know exactly what door I'm talking about. After Kai Anderson (Evan Peters) establishes himself as an insane and unstable Trump supporter (he rubs Cheeto dust on his face to look like the president), he wanders through his house, unable to control his happiness at the country's new leader.
While roaming down a hallway, he stops at a door that has a padlock on it and one single rose sitting in an attached vase. He briefly smells the rose before moving on to talk to Winter Anderson (Billie Lourd), who appears to be his sister. Kai's moment with the door is long enough to hint that whatever is behind it holds extreme significance for whatever is going to go down this season. So what exactly is he hiding in his own house?
Some fans think the rose clearly signifies that Kai and Winter's parents have died, while others took it a step further and suggested the room behind the door is actually the Anderson parents' tomb. Others think Kai has an unhealthy control over his sister and keeps her locked up sometimes. It could also be a random person that Kai kidnapped and is keeping captive (we wouldn't put that past him, judging from his behavior).
Whatever it turns out to be, we have no doubt that it will scare the sh*t out of us once it's revealed.
Here Are The Popular Names for Babies Born In The Fall
If you love cozy sweaters, pumpkins, colorful leaves, Halloween, hot apple ciders, snuggly blankets, and everything else Fall has to offer, you're not alone. Whether your baby is born between September and December or not, if Autumn is your favorite season, you're going to love one of these Fall-inspired baby names.
Scroll through for 100 beautiful names you're going to want to consider for your Fall baby.
This Leaf-Clearing Hack Will Make You Throw Out Your Rakes - For Good
You might think raking leaves is a relatively simple - albeit tedious and annoying - Autumn task, but it turns out there's a way to make raking leaves even simpler and far more efficient.
And it doesn't even include a rake at all - just a piece of cardboard.
Using a large, flat, sturdy section of cardboard, simply push the leaves, snowplow-style, in lines across the yard until they form one big heap. It almost seems like there must be a catch, but check out the video below and you'll see that as long as the leaves are dry, it really is this straightforward (even Bob Vila recommends this tactic!). "Cardboarding" leaves may not become your favorite autumnal pastime ever, but at least this dreaded chore just got a little less, well, dreadful.
The 4 Bills Congress Could Pass to Protect Dreamers After DACA Ends
President Donald Trump may have been an unconventional candidate in the 2016 election, but he did share one distinct commonality with the presidential hopefuls before him: he ran on a platform which promised action and reform. Eight months after taking office, it has become incredibly clear that the Trump White House has no qualms about obliterating policy, legislature, or criminal rulings - but zero interest in taking responsibility for the replacements and substitutes required to ensure the protection of the American people.
While this has backfired in the past - Obamacare repeal and replace, anyone? - Trump's most recent takedown tragically resulted in a man with a history of discrimination and racism - Attorney General Jeff Sessions - briefing the press on the White House's decision to end the DACA program within six months. "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do)," Trump tweeted several hours after the announcement was made, adding, "If they can't, I will revisit this issue!" For the 800,000 recipients of the program who now face an indefinite future, it's a devastating blow. For Trump, it's an opportunity to once again pass the buck on the fallout from an ill-advised decision made to appease an ever-diminishing base and the pressure of right wing agitators like Breitbart and Fox News.
Now, the fate of one of the most popular programs in recent history - DACA clocked in at a staggering 73% approval rate among Trump supporters - rests in the hands of one of the most dysfunctional Congresses of all time. But unlike other policies that have been torn to shreds by partisan hands on the Hill, the historically-divisive subject of immigration - specifically the DREAMers that are no less American than the rest of us - appears to be an issue on which there's universal agreement. But the intricacies of immigration reform are no easy matter. The problem, then, is trying to find one piece of legislation that ticks enough boxes to garner enough approval to pass both the House and Senate and make its way to Trump's Oval Office desk.
As it stands, there are four bills under consideration that would potentially protect the DREAMers and create a path forward for those who have come to this country looking for a better life. And while it remains to be seen which one of these will be pushed forward as the solution to the president's ticking six month clock, it's worth considering all the options in a situation as dire as this. Below, we've run through each bill that has been put forth as a solution - and what each could mean for all involved.
The DREAM Act
Who put it forward and where is it now? The bill has an incredibly long and sordid history, and was originally introduced in Congress in 2001. Currently active in the Senate with a companion bill kicking around the House, Senator Lindsey Graham has been spearheading the effort to put it forward once again, and has gained support from top Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Richard Durbin.
What would it do? Anyone under the age of 18 who has lived in the US would be eligible for "conditional permanent residence" and ultimately have the ability to apply for a green card so long as the individual is pursuing an education or working a job and don't commit any crimes.
What could hold it up? The Republican majority. While it would likely get full support from the Democratic caucus, many on the opposite side favor other bills over this one as its got such an incredible amount of baggage. That being said, it's also the most logistically sound, so it's the one to keep an eye on - and we all know after the election that you can never underestimate the power of Lindsey Graham.
The Bridge Act
Who put it forward and where is it now? Republican Representative Mike Coffman of Colorado, and it has only been proposed in the House.
What would it do? DACA recipients would get three more years of protection and Congress would get three more years to agonize over what to do to move forward with immigration reform.
What could hold it up? It's a stop-gap, not unlike the "skinny bill" proposed to take the place of the ACA - so it wouldn't provide any real, substantive solutions to a massive problem that isn't going to just up and disappear.
The Recognizing America's Children Act
Who put it forward and where is it now? Republican Representative Carlos Curbelo of Florida, and it has only been proposed in the House.
What would it do? It's the Dream Act, except with tighter restrictions. It would be applicable to those under the age of 16 (two years less) and with five years of residency (one year more.)
What could hold it up? The draw on this bill could also be its downfall: while it appeals to those looking to make the scope of admission less broad, it may not go far enough for some hardline members of Congress. What could potentially happen is a revision of this new, seemingly-tougher bill with additional stipulations added in to appeal to certain representatives. Either way, it's tied with The Dream Act for most viable option at this point.
The Enlist Act
Who put it forward and where is it now? Republican Representative Jeff Denham of California, and it has only been proposed in the house.
What would it do? Allow serving in the military to qualify you for citizenship.
What could hold it up? Like the Bridge Act, it wouldn't provide a full solution to the problem - not everyone who wants to become a citizen is fit to serve in the military. The bill is enormously popular on both sides of the aisle because it provides a clear path to citizenship for a specific set of people, which would be a great policy move in addition to a more sweeping bill but not as a stand-alone proposal.
10 Secret Sauces That Will Change Your Life
Sauce simply makes foods more succulent. Though it's tempting to just crank open a can of tomato or butterscotch sauce, nothing beats homemade. These 10 recipes are ultrasimple, yet the flavor payoff is so worth it. Go ahead and put them on your cooking bucket list.
This Creepy Detail About Winter on AHS: Cult Could Mean She's Extremely Dangerous
Image Source: FX
American Horror Story: Cult terrorized our Tuesday night with the season seven premiere, and while there are many, many things that robbed us of our sleep after watching the episode, there's one character in particular who's been sending chills down our spine. People like Kai Anderson (Evan Peters) are obviously psycho, but it's Winter Anderson (Billie Lourd), who we presume is his sister, that we can't figure out.
She begins the season devastated over Donald Trump's presidential victory because she dropped out of college to help work on Hillary's campaign. Then, we see a twisted bond between her and Kai, and her dark side comes out even further when she's hired as a nanny for Ozzy, the son of Ally (Sarah Paulson) and Ivy (Alison Pill). While her Winter-esque hair color and blank stares are icy on their own, it's her similarities to real-life murderers that possibly hint at just how dangerous her character can get.
Fans were quick to point out that Winter looks an awful lot like a few members of the Manson family, the infamous cult that carried out brutal slayings in the '60s. Reddit user frizzymcgee highlighted the fact that Winter's long hair and bohemian-inspired outfits mirror those of notorious Manson members Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten.
Image Source: FX and Getty / Bettmann
The three women became household names after they helped carry out the murder of Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant with her first child with husband Roman Polanski, in 1969. Since we know Peters will play Charles Manson in some sort of flashback, it's safe to assume there's a twisted connection happening already.
25 Easy and Comforting Fall Dinners For the Busiest of Weekdays
Chilly nights call for creamy butternut squash and pumpkin, sweet apples and figs, and crispy autumnal greens like kale and brussels sprouts. Fall produce makes for cozy meals you'll want to curl up with every evening after work. Here are 25 simple recipes that will help you get a hearty, comforting dinner on the table in no time (or with little effort) - just what you want on a busy weeknight.
How a Mom of 6 Created the Most Efficient Laundry Room Ever
Keeping up with laundry can be a challenge for anyone, which is why this mother of six decided to streamline the process. For $400, she whipped her tiny wash room into a marvelously efficient work space. Watch this video to see the clever DIYs and organizational hacks she came up with!
15 Pictures That Prove Andrew Lincoln Is a Walking, Talking Hottie
When Andrew Lincoln isn't fighting zombies on The Walking Dead, he's making us swoon with his gorgeous appearances. The English actor has sported many different looks over the years, including both a clean shave and a salt and pepper beard, but it's his piercing blue eyes that really send us over the edge. From his red carpet appearances to his fan convention interviews, it's clear why fans are obsessed with his character, Rick Grimes. He's a walking, talking hottie!
Let Your Slow Cooker Do All the Work With These 85 Easy Recipes
Instead of standing over a hot stove after work, come home to a fully prepared meal, thanks to your slow cooker. Slow cookers are extremely versatile, so we put together a broad range of recipes to satisfy any craving, from breakfast to dinner and dessert. Whether you're looking for a cozy stew, a gooey chocolate cake, or zesty pulled pork, your slow cooker will hook you up. Read on to discover the best slow-cooker recipes - 85, to be exact - for every occasion.
This Is the Grocery Store That Americans Love More Than Trader Joe's
America has a new favorite grocery store that beat out Trader Joe's, and it's expanding to even more locations. According to Business Insider, Wegmans scored the highest in customer satisfaction in an annual survey by Market Force Information. That means Wegmans beat out both Publix and Trader Joe's, which came in second and third, respectively. "This is the first time in four years that Trader Joe's did not rank first," according to the survey results. Wegmans is based in upstate New York and has 90 total locations, all on the East Coast and mostly in New York and New Jersey. The next lucky state on the list is North Carolina, where there will reportedly be "multiple sites in the Raleigh-Durham area."
Although much of the country has never visited a Wegmans because of its limited locations, the shoppers who do get to go have created a loyal following that contributed to it snagging the No. 1 spot. One of the reasons people claim Wegmans is the best grocery store is the value: you get a whole lot for what you pay for. The store-brand staples like olive oil and pasta imported from Italy can't be beat, and the bakery's pastries and cakes are birthday-party worthy. Another reason to shop there is the sheer size: you could easily get lost for hours, and you wouldn't even mind. Here's to hoping that the level of customer satisfaction contributes to even more expansion across the US so that everyone can get a taste of the Wegmans experience.
This Disneyland Holiday News Will Make Your Entire Day
With Halloween Time fun ramping up at Disneyland, we've naturally got our minds on . . . Christmas! Holidays at the park are by far the most charming time of year, with festive decorations, special events, themed treats, and more.
The very merry Holidays at Disneyland Resort starts at both parts of the park on Nov. 10 and will run all the way through Jan. 7, 2018. Guests can even attend the park on Christmas Day!
Here's what to look forward to at Disney California Adventure:
- Festival of the Holidays returns, along with Disney ¡Viva Navidad!
- World of Color: Season of Light will again will illuminate Paradise Bay with songs, lights, and a water show.
- And more to come!
Holiday Happenings at Disneyland Park:
- Sleeping Beauty's castle will be adorned with holiday decorations.
- Believe . . . in Holiday Magic fireworks show will dazzle Main Street.
- Guests can attend "A Christmas Fantasy" parade.
- It's a Small World Holiday is back!
- Haunted Mansion Holiday will be ready to spook guests starting Sept. 15.
We'll just see if this year can top 2016's festivities!
Every Diehard Stranger Things Fan Needs These 26 Items in Their Home
Are you counting the days until Stranger Things Season 2 is released? Well we have a great way for diehard fans to pass the time: decorating their home. Instead of agonizing over every potential plot twist and detail, fill your time and every inch of your house with clever decor that shows off your love of the Netflix series. From subtle to spooky, we've found the 26 pieces of decor every Stranger Things fans need to decorate their home with.
This Guy's Game of Thrones Impressions Are Ridiculously Good
You're not going to believe how well this guy impersonates the Game of Thrones characters. Not only does he nail Jon Snow's voice, but he also manages to pull off a crazy-accurate Lord Varys. As you mourn the end of season seven and fill the void with theories about season eight, check out Scheiffer Bates's impressive Game of Thrones impressions, then get the scoop on what we already know about next season.
This Guy's Game of Thrones Impressions Are Ridiculously Good
You're not going to believe how well this guy impersonates the Game of Thrones characters. Not only does he nail Jon Snow's voice, but he also manages to pull off a crazy-accurate Lord Varys. As you mourn the end of season seven and fill the void with theories about season eight, check out Scheiffer Bates's impressive Game of Thrones impressions, then get the scoop on what we already know about next season.
The Jalapeño Hack Everyone Needs to Know
Jalapeños look harmless, but for anyone who's suffered the firey burn from its capsaisin-rich innards . . . you know to think otherwise. The first time I diced up a little green jalapeño, I went at it with full bravado, no gloves, bare skin. I had just booked my first job as a food stylist and I thought I was tough. Boy was I wrong. Not only did I manage to get that tear-jerking oil all over my face, but I somehow managed to get a seed up my nose. True story! It was horrific. I was a blubbering red mess of snot and panic and quickly googled home remedies. Greek yogurt? Since no amount of washing, scrubbing, and soap did the trick, I plastered my face in a lovely Greek yogurt mask, which was delightfully refreshing and stopped the burn, but also made me look utterly ridiculous while continuing to cook food on set.
The second time they got me? This time I was wearing gloves. I'd learned the hard way what not to do, and I wasn't going to let it get me again. I sliced and I diced and whipped up a spicy guacamole perfect for our long Memorial day barbecue, and afterwards I discarded the gloves and went about cleaning up the kitchen. But there were still some chopped peppers leftover, so I scooped them up to save for later. Glove-less. I think you know where this is going. Let me just say that no matter what you're doing with hot peppers - you should NEVER try and take out contact lenses afterwards. Just don't do it. Ever.
How does that saying go? Fool me once? Well now I finally have a trick that's worked out pretty well so far. Plastic zippered bags! First, turn your zippered bag inside out, and then use it like a glove to hold your pepper steady while chopping. It's not quite as easy as a pair of gloves, but it works well enough. Then (this is where the genius lies) once you're done, cradle your hand around the peppers and use the knife to invert them into the palm of your hand. Turn the back right-side out again and voilá! You have a perfectly packed bag full of diced peppers ready to jazz up any recipe without the looming threat of certain eye-watering death.
What do you think of this hack? Do you have any other advice? I'd love to hear it - as well as your favorite remedies for when you do accidentally douse yourself in spice.
No, Press Secretary Sanders, Journalists Are Not Your Children
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders apparently feels that journalists are very much like her small children, and she isn't afraid to draw that parallel publicly. In a recent appearance on The View, she spoke about her high-level position and went on to take that opportunity to drive home the current administration's abject hatred for members of the press.
In the segment, Whoopi Goldberg noted that Sanders is the first female to hold her position, as well as the first mom. When asked how her role as a parent to three young children factors into her career, Sanders said, "Well, I'm already up. As a parent, you're up 24/7 a day. It's an easy transition." But she could not resist the temptation to make a dig, adding, "They perfectly prepared me to deal with the White House press corps." Whoopi then fired back, saying, "And the president!" Ignoring Whoopi's comment, Sanders took on the tone she adopts during the press briefings and said, "I get to answer the same question all day long and I've gotten pretty good at saying no."
WATCH: @WhiteHouse @PressSec Sarah Sanders says raising young children "perfectly prepared me to deal with the White House press corps." http://pic.twitter.com/f1QKMuFMZR
- The View (@TheView) September 6, 2017
Though it's obvious that Sanders was simply making a joke - a rather obvious one, at that - the joke speaks to the contempt for journalists that is continually exhibited by Donald Trump and his administration. Sean Spicer and Anthony Scaramucci themselves are the punchline of more than a few jokes these days, but they too villainized the press on numerous occasions. It seems as though Sanders is only carrying on the tradition in her run as press secretary, belittling venerated journalists along the way. It seems only right that we bring up an old platitude Sanders has likely taught her own children: there's a big difference between laughing with people and laughing at them.
Wondering How Many Episodes Are in Season 8 of The Walking Dead? Well, You're in Luck
The Walking Dead officially returns to AMC on Oct. 22 and will kick off season eight with the show's 100th episode. Just like the last five seasons, the eighth season will consist of 16 episodes, as well as 16 episodes of Talking Dead, the show's live aftershow. During this year's epic Comic-Con in San Diego, AMC debuted a crazy new trailer that has us freaking out over Carl (Chandler Riggs) and Negan's (Jeffrey Dean) budding relationship. If this is any indication of what season eight is going to be like, we're in for a wild ride.
6 Rules to Follow When Downsizing Your Belongings
If you're a small-space dweller looking to downsize your belongings or if you're just motivated by the season to clean out your clutter, there are a few rules you should consider before you break out the garbage bags. We spoke to expert Jacquie Denny, co-founder of estate-sale website Everything But the House (EBTH). She has an in-depth knowledge of which home items to keep, toss, and resell, as well as how to do it. Check out her great tips for thoughtfully scaling back belongings ahead.
1. Toss Anything You Don't Use 80 Percent of the Time
You have to be ruthless when downsizing. "Stick to the basics," Jacquie recommends. She advises tossing all impulsive or experimental purchases, as well as getting rid of any pieces that are so specific that they're impractical, such as Christmas-themed poached egg cups you got in your stocking seven years ago and never seem to remember to use over the holidays. For the kitchen, Jacquie advises, "what pots, pans, and essentials do you cook with for 80 percent of your meals? Keep those and let go of the rest (i.e. no bread maker that you only use once a year)." Ultimately, less is more.
2. Don't Get a Storage Unit
"I tell everyone I work with that off-site storage is not your friend," says Jacquie. "Often people send things away to storage because they don't truly need them, but they are not ready to say goodbye." And if you've made the mistake of putting something in storage, Jacquie suggests you toss it after a year.
3. Differentiate Between Decoration and Clutter
The line between decor and clutter can get fuzzy - is that a stylish statue or a messy knickknack? - and Jacquie says it has a lot to do with each homeowner's personality. "My rule is that once a shelf gets too busy visually, you have too much. Multiples of an item tend to make it impossible to appreciate the aesthetic of any one thing." In short, if you see more decor than surface area, it's time to clear out.
4. Sell Items With Resale Potential
Now that you've set aside all nonessentials, take a look through what you're getting rid of. Jacquie says books, crystal vases, tableware, and baskets have potential resale value, as do decor vintage items. To gauge if something is trash or treasure, she says to check for a few things: "Is this piece signed by an artist or does it have a significant maker's mark on it? Is this piece one of a kind or is it from a limited-production run? Is this piece made of expensive metals (silver, gold, or platinum)? Is a book a first edition or illustrated by a notable artist?"
5. Sell Art With Value
What you can get money back on when it comes to art may surprise you. "Value in the art market can vary from region to region," says Jacquie. While decorative and mass-produced art doesn't hold up and should be donated, original pieces signed by the artist (even if you've never heard of the artist) consistently resell well, as do prints by first-rate artists like Picasso and Miró. She recommends checking out an online resource, like EBTH, with archives that give examples of what items are currently worth at market.
6. Keep What You Love
KonMari says to keep only the items that spark joy, but Jacquie says something even simpler: "My number-one rule is to always keep what you love. Nothing is worse than holding onto things that are mediocre!"
7 Reasons Fall Is a Great Time to Travel
If you've been holding off on booking a vacation, now is the time to make your move. Fall is the absolute best season of the year to take a trip. Before you raise your brows at an Autumn getaway, read on to see why it's so beneficial to pack your bags when the leaves turn color. No doubt you'll be convinced.
15 Halloween Movies For Wimps
Halloween may be all about getting spooked, but what about those of us who like more treats than tricks? Rest assured, there are still some movies out there that will get you into the holiday spirit without giving you nightmares. Whether you want something to watch with the kids or just want to cuddle up with a blanket and a bowl of candy, here are some safer movies to watch this holiday.
The Scary Truth Behind the Honey Sold in Grocery Stores
Do you buy honey at the grocery store? If so, you're probably buying honey that's been laundered, meaning honey that is diluted with fillers like high-fructose corn syrup yet labeled and sold as pure honey. Yes, that's an actual thing, and it's more common than people realize. The largest producer of honey in the US, Groeb Farms of Michigan, admitted to buying millions of dollars of laundered honey.
To better understand what honey laundering is and how to avoid tainted honey, I spoke to an expert. Damian Magista, founder of Bee Local, explained honey laundering as follows:
"Large quantities of Chinese-produced honey are being 'dumped' illegally on the US market. To curb the importation of chemical-ridden honey, the US established high tariffs on honey imported from China. Taxes drive up prices, so big companies are essentially sneaking this honey in to keep their costs low. Honey from China is being rerouted through other countries and it's getting mislabeled throughout the process to hide its origin. Many of these Chinese producers are using non-FDA-approved chemicals on their bees, and similar to the drug trade, the producers 'cut' their honey with additives like high-fructose corn syrup, making it less pure but less expensive, since it contains a filler. At the end of the day, when laundered honey arrives in the US, it's no longer pure honey."
Apart from honey laundering being less than ethical, why should this matter to you and how can you avoid it? Read on for answers.
14 Meat-Free Recipes With Over 20 Grams of Protein
If you are craving more plant-based recipes, but also regularly strength train, these recipes are here for you. The following breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes are all protein-packed vegetarian recipes that are in line with your cravings and fuel my body. All of these dishes offer a whopping 20 grams of protein or more!
JAY-Z Pulls the Ultimate Husband Move and Leads a "Happy Birthday" Serenade For Beyoncé
Sept. 4 marks Beyoncé's 36th birthday, but the singer got a head start on the festivities at Budweiser's Made in America Festival in Philadelphia on Sunday. During JAY-Z's headlining set, Queen Bey got a special shout-out from her husband as he told the crowd, "Shout out to Beyoncé. Beautiful Bey is in the house tonight. Happy Birthday, my love." And things only got sweeter from there. JAY-Z then led the audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to Beyoncé, who was spotted dancing in the stands with pal Michelle Williams.
On Monday morning, Beyoncé's mom, Tina Lawson, posted an Instagram photo of she and Beyoncé hanging out at the festival together, along with a heartfelt birthday message. "36 years ago God Chose me out of all the women in the world to be your mother!" she wrote. "How blessed could I be? Not because you are a super talented, smart business woman and one of the biggest superstars! Its because you are the kindest most generous, thoughtful, intuitive, loyal, humble, funny, grounded, grateful and loving human being. I am proud to be your mom ❤️Happy Birthday Baby! I love you with my whole heart❤️" Aw!
You Might Be Able to See the Northern Lights Tonight - No Iceland Trip Required!
You'd normally have to travel to countries like Iceland and Finland to see the Northern Lights, but at least 12 states in the US might be able to cross off this bucket list item from their own home tonight. On Labor Day, the sun emitted a ball of high-energy particles, called a coronal mass ejection, that should make its way to Earth by Wednesday night. And thanks to a geomagnetic storm, the outburst will reach much further than just the North and South Poles that our magnetic fields would typically guide the particles to.
As a result, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that parts of the US will be able to enjoy a rare display of the aurora borealis, including Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Though you can't expect to see the light show in full effect without being in total darkness, you might be able to at least catch a glimpse. On top of light pollution, a bright moon could also potentially dim the Northern Lights in the northern US region. The show will go into the early morning, but it will only get more difficult to see as you lose the night sky. And while it's hard to predict exactly when you'll catch the lights in your area, it's still worth checking out this rare occasion!
The 3 Most Important Decorating Elements, According to a Designer
The way Shannon Smith transforms a bare apartment into a cozy home might cause you to confuse her for a magician, or an interior design fairy godmother at the very least. The Homepolish interior designer can do wonders to a space no matter how tight the budget or small the square footage.
The secret to creating a stunning home, she says, is to focus on three things when decorating. "I am a firm believer that you don't need a lot of stuff to make your space feel finished. If you consider these three things - texture, color, and scale - you can make any space feel cozy."
Keep reading to hear what Shannon has to say about approaching each.
The Ultimate Yoga Pose to Strengthen Your Arms and Core
If you've been playing around with how to do Headstands and Forearm Stands, Handstands are another fun inversion to try. If you have your heart set on getting upside down, here are nine moves to practice. They'll help you build strength and stability, so you'll be standing on your hands in no time!
More Than 50 Tips to Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight is not easy, and whoever tells you differently is lying. It takes commitment, hard work, and, for many, a complete lifestyle makeover. But armed with these 56 techniques, losing weight suddenly becomes easier.
If you're looking for quick fixes or a lose-10-pounds-in-10-days kind of promise, then you've come to the wrong place. But if you want an insider's guide on how to lose weight and keep it off for good, keep reading. From basic weight-loss fundamentals to weird tricks proven to melt away that muffin top, you're only 10 pounds away from your new self.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
You Already Have These 8 Natural Acne-Fighting Ingredients in Your Pantry
Here's the situation: it's the night before your best friend's wedding or that dream job interview, and the stress has caused a massive crater to form on your face. You also realize that your favorite zit-zapping product has run out or is expired. But instead of racing to the drugstore, you can also just visit your pantry.
You may be skeptical. Perhaps you tried an at-home remedy in the past and found it to be ineffective (or worse - some can aggravate the situation). Just like over-the-counter spot treatments, DIY ones need to be blended with the right ingredients and contain similar chemical constituents that are similar to their drugstore equivalents.
That's where I come in! I've got loads of experience with untimely outbreaks, and I've already done the trial and error. These are eight ingredients that are always in stock at my house, as well as exactly how to mix them to create effective zit-zapping acne treatments that will have you bowing down to Mother Nature in no time.
For more acne-fighting tips and hacks, check out our Snapchat today!
The 33 Sexiest Pictures of Jamie on Outlander
Real talk: Sam Heughan is one of the best things about Outlander, the TV show based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series. The Scottish actor plays Jamie, an 18th century Scottish warrior who woos Claire, a time-traveling woman. For many people, this has been their first introduction to Heughan, who, we learned from this DVD extra, was always the first choice to play Jamie. Nurture your Outlander crush with all the hottest pictures of Jamie, and then swoon over the sexy pictures of Heughan in real life!
Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Shares 4 Brilliant Ways to Renovate Your Kitchen Affordably
If you've ever seen an episode of Fixer Upper - and who hasn't? - then you know that Chip and Joanna Gaines specialize in creating dream homes for people on a tight budget. We recently had a chance to talk to the couple on their home turf of Waco, TX, where they were promoting their Magnolia Homes by Joanna Gaines paint line, and we couldn't let the opportunity pass without asking them their tips for how to renovate a kitchen affordably. They enthusiastically filled us in on what their years of updating kitchens in other people's homes as well as their own have taught them on the topic. Keep reading to check out these HGTV superstars' step-by-step guide to creating your dream kitchen when you're low on cash.
Dwayne Johnson Hangs Out With a Young Fan Who Saved His Brother From Drowning
Dwayne Johnson doesn't just play a hero in movies; he's also inspiring them in real life. A boy named Jacob O'Connor, 10, recently rescued his brother Dylan, 2, from drowning in a pool in Roseville, MI, and he credits Dwayne for teaching him CPR. Jacob told WXYZ news station in August that his little brother wandered outside while he and his grandmother were watching a movie and fell into a pool. "I was turning on a show then a minute later the doors were open," he explained. "I pulled him out and started giving him compressions." Jacob says he learned how to do this after watching Dwayne do the same in his movie San Andreas.
Dwayne penned a series of tweets shortly after the news broke, praising Jacob for saving his brother's life. One of them read, "Such a brave and calm 10yr old boy during that level of hysteria. Found his 2yr old brother face down in the pool. Jacob the hero!"
Wow amazing story. Giving you a Twitter 🙌🾠Jacob for saving your little brother's life. You're a real life hero. We're all proud of you! DJ https://t.co/M34d2NIYIy
â€" Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 24, 2017
And things only got sweeter from there. On Tuesday, Dwayne posted a handful of Instagram photos and a video of him hanging out with Jacob on the set of his latest film, Skyscraper. "Ladies and gentlemen, I finally met this real life 10yr old hero, Jacob O'Connor," Dwayne captioned one snap. "He rescued his 2yr old brother after finding him facedown in their pool. I said, not only do I shake hands, but when I meet heroic kids, I give hugs." Dylan was only in the hospital for a day and is expected to make a full recovery.
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.
50+ Photos That Show the Outpouring of Love at Princess Diana's Public Funeral
When Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in August 1997, it seemed as though the world was mourning just as deeply as her own family. Diana, dubbed "The People's Princess," made an indelible mark on those in the UK as well as around the globe; her funeral, which was held on Sept. 6, was watched or listened to by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide - making it one of the most watched events in history. In London, a crowd of nearly one million people gathered to trace Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey to her final resting place at the Spencer family's home in Althorp.
Diana's sons, Harry and William, followed their mother's coffin alongside their father, Prince Charles, and their uncle Charles, the Earl Spencer. The visibly moved onlookers blanketed the streets with heartfelt notes, bouquets, and teddy bears, and flower petals rained down from bystanders along the procession route. People also gathered in Hyde Park, where the ceremony was being aired on a giant screen, while celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Hillary Clinton, and Elton John attended the official ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. We're looking back on the outpouring of love from the public at Diana's funeral. Scroll through to see all the tearjerking photos.
15 Things You Didn't Know About Flip or Flop's Tarek and Christina
Tarek and Christina El Moussa gained fame with their wildly popular HGTV house-flipping series, Flip or Flop. The show follows along as Tarek and Christina buy distressed homes at discount prices, manage a renovation, and then stage the home in the hopes of selling it at a major profit. After seven successful seasons and seven years of marriage, the couple shocked fans last December when they announced plans to separate. While it looks like Tarek and Christina plan to finish filming season 8 of Flip or Flop, it's too early to tell whether a ninth season will ever happen. For fans who are eagerly awaiting the season eight premiere, here are some fascinating facts about the hosts that you likely didn't know.
The 1 Major Way Michelle Obama Changed the White House's Design Style
Michelle Obama's revamp of the White House's Old Family Dining Room from outdated traditional to cool contemporary left many impressed with the former first lady's personal interior style. The Obama family has since moved on from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and into a gorgeous $5.2 million mansion in DC. We, however, are still trying to get past our awe at her ability to create such a dramatic transformation without changing any major furniture pieces - she didn't even reupholster the chairs!
The Old Family Dining Room makeover proves you can make a huge design impact without making major or expensive changes.
Below, we break down the five steps to achieving a White House-level makeover in your own home.
- Paint the Walls
Buttercup yellow walls - a color scheme hangover from the Kennedy administration - were inescapable proof of the room's tired design. Fortunately, it just took a few coats of budget-friendly gray paint to bring the room into the 21st century.
- Get a New Area Rug
The First Lady continued the contemporary look on the dining room floor by changing out the blue and white traditional area rug for a neutral-hued, abstract design.
- Change the Drapes
For a much-needed pop of warmth amid the room's clean and cool color scheme, streamlined burgundy drapes replaced the old (and overly ornamented) yellow ones.
- Swap in New Art
Art is perhaps the most outstanding change in the Old Family Dining Room. In lieu of the traditional oil paintings and portraits that hung in the space, Michelle displayed a thoughtful selection of modern works in a color scheme that highlights the contemporary color palette. True, her pieces are pricey, but you can find affordable art online.
- Recontextualize the Old Furniture
Instead of buying new furniture, see how the old furniture looks within the updated space! Within the context of the revamped Old Family Dining Room, the original antique furniture pieces - like the buffet, dining room table, and crystal chandelier - feel sophisticated and eclectic rather than boring and tired.
Disney Just Released Official Rose Gold Minnie Ears, and We're Obsessed
If you're a true Disney parks fan, you live by the motto that there can never be "too many" pairs of Mickey and Minnie ears. Well, it's time to add to your collection, because Disney parks are now selling rose gold Minnie ears that park-goers are flipping out over.
The ears are shiny, sequined, and embody the millennial pink color we all know so well. A sparkly bow sits front and center. Check out the photos ahead, and make sure to seek out the rose gold accessory the next time you're at the parks!
Pink and Reese Witherspoon's Game of Never Have I Ever Is Full of Unexpected Joy
Ellen DeGeneres is back! Season 15 of the comedian's hit show premiered this week, with guests Reese Witherspoon and Pink sitting on her couch to talk all things . . . inappropriate? Yep! The two stars played a fun game of Never Have I Ever with Ellen, and they all answered questions that had to do with lap dances, sex in public places, and snooping through their significant others' phones. Watch the hilarious video above for your daily dose of happiness.
Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx Finally Confirm Their Romance With a PDA-Filled Beach Date
Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx are finally coming out of their shells when it comes to their extremely private romance. The couple, who were first linked back in 2013, were photographed walking hand in hand along the beach in Malibu, CA, on Monday. In photos obtained by The Daily Mail, the two, who have rarely been spotted together, showed sweet PDA as they shared a few laughs while taking a stroll in the sand. "Katie and Jamie were holding hands" and "drinking together," an eyewitness revealed. "They went in the water and were splashing around, flirting and getting close." Their relationship marks Katie's first public romance since divorcing Tom Cruise in 2012. Hopefully Jamie and Katie will make even more sweet couple appearances in the future.
The 10 Throwback Hollywood Hairstyles That Are Still Chic in 2017
Twiggy's adorable blond pixie; Pam Grier's gorgeous natural Afro; Jennifer Aniston's long, silky layers that resulted in every hairdresser in the nation being well-acquainted with her 'do . . . These, and the seven other haircuts we're showcasing today, are examples of iconic haircuts that made so much of an impact back then that they continue to remain relevant via today's celebrities. With expertise from hair pros, we're discussing each of these haircuts, noting how they've been modernized (if changed at all), and offering styling tips so you can wear the looks yourself.
12 Things You Don't Know About Giada De Laurentiis
As a certified Italian-food addict and Food Network enthusiast, I've been a fan of Giada De Laurentiis since I started watching Everyday Italian years ago. If you're like me, you know that the chef has five-star Italian recipes, a very charismatic on-camera presence, and an adorable daughter named Jade. But there's a lot you probably didn't know, like the fact that she was discovered after her family was featured in a Food & Wine article. Intrigued? Read on to learn 12 facts you didn't know about the ultrasuccessful Italian guru.
21 High-Protein Breakfasts That Barely Take Any Time to Prepare
Having enough protein in your diet is essential. Not only does it keep you full and satisifed, but it also helps keep muscles lean and energy levels up. Trainer Marie Purvis told us that she swears by a high-protein breakfast to help power through her day and also stave off fatty cravings. Basically, if you're looking to lose weight, you should probably eat more of it.
Easier said than done on busy mornings - it's an accomplishment that you made it to your desk in time! However, a healthy, high-protein meal can still be had on those crazy days. These 21 meals all contain at least 15 grams of protein and take well under 10 minutes to prep.
Kentucky's Last Abortion Clinic Isn't Going Down Without a Fight
Kentucky is once again on the verge of becoming the only state in the nation without a single abortion clinic. On Sept. 6, the legal showdown between the Bluegrass State's final remaining abortion provider and the state will once again resume in court.
The lone remaining clinic, EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville, sued Kentucky's secretary for the Cabinet of Health and Family Services in March of this year after the state demanded it shut its doors. The clinic narrowly escaped the closure, ordered for April 3, when a judge stepped in to issue a temporary restraining order. (The order was later extended.)
So, why did the state try to force EMW close its doors after nearly 40 years in the first place? Kentucky maintains that the clinic was ordered to shut down because the hospital and ambulance services it had agreements with were not up to snuff and that the closure was mandated due to a concern for patient safety. The state requires abortion clinics to forge approved agreements with local hospital and ambulance services in the case of a medical emergency in order to operate and reserves the right to revoke licenses for clinics that don't satisfy those demands.
"If this law is not struck down, access to safe, legal abortion for women in Kentucky will be virtually eliminated."
In court documents, EMW and its lawyers argue that the threat of closure and revocation of the clinic's medical license came "out of the blue" - and that they'd used the same state-approved hospital agreement for more than two years before the state informed them of the decision. The clinic is joined by some formidable coplaintiffs in the legal action, including Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.
At the heart of the case, however, isn't just the question of whether the clinic met the state's standards. Instead, EMW and its coplaintiffs are challenging the legality of the very requirements themselves. The Kentucky law represents one of several hundred state-level laws that pro-choice proponents say have been passed in recent years under the guise of a concern for women's health and well-being. Activists say the actual intention is to make the barriers to operation for abortion providers so difficult to clear that, in many cases, they are simply forced to close their doors. They argue that while the Kentucky law may not explicitly deem abortion illegal, the closure of EMW would effectively do just that, making the procedure impossible to legally obtain in the state.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, a staunchly antiabortion politician, has advanced several efforts limiting reproductive freedom while in office. Bevin's spokeswoman Amanda Stamper told the Associated Press on Sept. 4 that the law in question in the EMW case is necessary and institutes "important measures for ensuring women have the proper life-saving procedures in place in the event of an emergency."
Planned Parenthood Federation of America's chief medical officer, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, tells POPSUGAR the Kentucky law must go. "If this law is not struck down, access to safe, legal abortion for women in Kentucky will be virtually eliminated," McDonald-Mosley said. "We've seen what happens in states like Texas after politicians shut down clinics and women were forced to travel hundreds of miles and cross state lines to access an abortion, if they could at all."
The highest court in the land has already sided with EMW and Planned Parenthood's argument. The Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Texas in the landmark case of Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt last Summer. In that case, a clinic took the state to court over a requirement similar to the Kentucky law. It required doctors who provide abortions to maintain admittance privileges at a hospital and for abortion clinics to meet the same building requirements that ambulatory service centers must fulfill, which clinics argued would cost them exorbitant remodeling fees. In her opinion on the case, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said it was "beyond rational belief" that the law would do anything to protect women's health and that the requirements were medically unnecessary given the safety of abortion as a medical procedure.
This isn't the only legal fight EMW is currently waging against the state. EMW and the ACLU have also sued over another abortion-related law, passed in February, which requires doctors to show women seeking an abortion ultrasound footage of the fetus. The legislation makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest but does state that a woman cannot be stopped from "averting her eyes" or from requesting the "volume of the heartbeat be be reduced or turned off if the heartbeat is audible."
Michelle Obama, Blue Ivy, and More Re-Create Beyoncé's Iconic "Formation" Look For Her Birthday
Beyoncé rang in her 36th birthday on Sept. 4, and what better way to honor the queen herself than by re-creating her iconic "Formation" video look? On Monday, a handful of Beyoncé's friends and family, including Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Blue Ivy Carter, and JAY-Z's mom, Gloria Carter, paid homage to the superstar by dressing up as her in an off-the-shoulder black top, a wide-brimmed black hat, and two long braids. The photos were shared on Beyoncé's website, along with a message that read, "Happy birthday Beyoncé / From your family and friends." Consider us shook.
Why the Clowns May Not Be American Horror Story: Cult's True Villains
The new season of American Horror Story has arrived, and it's brought with it enough scary clowns to fill up a rusty ice cream truck. Throughout episode one of Cult, Sarah Paulson's Ally is given one garish-masked reason after another for her severe coulrophobia to leave her paralyzed by fear. But are the clowns Ally sees real or are they all just in her head? Her wife, Ivy, seems to think Ally is losing touch with reality in the aftermath of the election, but there is evidence to suggest that Ally may be one of the sanest characters of the season. However, this is AHS, so there's no such thing as simple answers. That leaves us with no choice but to use context clues to figure out which - if any - of those killer clowns are real.
The Twisty Tale
It could be telling that the episode's first glimpse of a clown looks real, but is soon revealed to be nothing more than the vivid imagination of Ally and Ivy's son, Ozzy, working overtime. While the scene of two young lovers' tryst being interrupted by the AHS: Freak Show scene-stealer appears to be all too real at first, the show pulls back to reveal Ozzy reading a comic with a flashlight under his blankets. Right away, Ozzy's ability to get lost in fantasies is established, which makes him just as unreliable of a narrator as his mother.
Speaking of Ally, the next clown sighting is so perfectly calculated, it's hard not to suspect it could all be in her head.
Supermarket Clown Palooza
Real or not, the scene featuring a posse of menacing supermarket clowns terrorizing Ally ranks among the scariest moments in AHS history . . . well, it does if you find those creepy masks as unsettling as Ally does. Scary though it is, the supermarket scene is immediately suspect. Later in the hour, Kai appears to be the ringleader of this gaggle of masked chaos seekers, but why would they specifically target Ally?
At this stage, there's no way for Kai to know who Ally is or that she suffers from a clown phobia . . . unless he's been researching her and her family for some reason. Given that he seems to send Winter to their home, that's a definite possibility. Still, the mayhem in the store is so specifically designed to trigger Ally's fears that it either has to be in her head or it had to be premeditated. That means that the "Make America Great Again" cap-wearing cashier is in on the plot as well, because by the time the cops arrive, there's no footage of the clown debauchery to be found. (Although, apparently, there's no shortage of evidence showcasing Ally's wine bottle-throwing skills.)
Having the scene come so soon after Ally discovers Ozzy reading a Twisty comic only adds to the evidence that it's in her head. Unless Kai has a very specific reason to target Ally this early in the game, this scene is most likely the stuff of waking nightmares.
#AHSCult my brain trying to decipher if the clowns are real or not http://pic.twitter.com/fOaJxFuKfG
- violet 🥀 (@violetlayne) September 6, 2017
The Restaurant Clown
Of all of the episode's clown scenes, this one is the most crucial in establishing whether this is all playing out in Ally's head or is part of a larger plot against her. Ally and Ivy appear to be the only people in the restaurant when Ally sees the clown, and its appearance only occurs after she scrolls through Donald Trump's Twitter feed. Since this season is supposed to be free of supernatural elements, the clown in question would need access to the restaurant, and they would have no choice but to risk being seen by Ivy when they switched out the dinner plates. Unless the horror show on Ally's dinner plate is a manifestation of her phobia of holes, and only the clown is real.
To Ally's credit, Kai is insinuated in her life at this point, even though she doesn't realize it yet. He throws coffee on Ally and Ivy on the street, and he already has Winter installed in the house as Ozzy's babysitter. This makes it far more plausible that he knows what triggers Ally at this point and is sending his minions to frighten her - and make her look insane in front of Ivy.
The Clowns Next Door
"There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a humiliated man," Kai tells the councilman who dismisses his pleas for the city to let fear take hold of their community. Later, that same councilman and his wife, who are friends of Ally and Ivy's, are brutally murdered in their home by a gang of clowns wearing the same masks as the ones who terrorized Ally in the store. Only this time, it's Ozzy who witnesses the violence, and not his mom.
Of course, Winter tells Ozzy's parents that she never took him next door to witness a couple of murders. And Ivy is quick to suggest the boy's night terrors could be to blame. That's a plausible enough explanation, especially since Winter had just taken the poor kid on a tour of the dark web before bedtime, but there's one flaw in the whole "Ozzy's imagination is running away with him" excuse: his mom never describes the masks she saw to him.
These clowns are not wearing generic masks; one of them has three faces with grotesquely long noses. Could the power of suggestion truly make a mother and son both conjure up the same specific masks? Or is AHS: Cult simply using the same masks to throw fans off? It's possible that Ally's and Ozzy's fears are hiding the season's true villain. But it's just as likely that Kai has chosen clowns as his agents of chaos specifically to get to Ally, and the most unsettling part is how well his tactics are working so far.
HOLD UP IF THE LIL BOY ALSO SAW THE CLOWNS, ARE THEY REAL??? #AHSCult http://pic.twitter.com/nyuLF61OR4
- antonio (@antoniodelotero) September 6, 2017
Jump-Scare Clown
The final clown of the night simply cannot be real. Much like Ozzy's Twisty fantasy, the image of Ally in bed with her worst nightmare comes far too early in the season to be anything other than a red herring. Of course, that calls into question the reliability of Ally and Ozzy all over again. If the first and last clown sightings of the episode are both in the minds of the characters, then it's only natural to wonder how much of what they see can be believed.
Clowns became a symbol of the collective fear that seemed to grip the United States in 2016, and as sightings spread, the hysteria grew. AHS creator Ryan Murphy is surely playing up the current-events angle in a season that's aim is to portray the mixture of politics and panic that is playing out in the real world. With this in mind, it's entirely possible that Ally and Ozzy are feeding off of each other's fears and the season's true villain is still waiting to show itself.
AHS: Cult is grounding its story in paranoia so far, and as long as two of our main characters can't trust their eyes, neither can we.
The Best New Grocery Store Snacks of 2017 - So Far
If you're anything like us, you're constantly thinking about food . . . especially snacks. That's why we're on the quest of finding the best new grocery store snacks of 2017. Last year's best new snacks included plenty of spicy chips, artisanal pork rinds, and pickle-flavored everything, but we're looking forward to even more creative and irresistible creations filling the aisles this year.
We've already found plenty of new products that made the cut this year, from vegan "beef" jerky to pasta-inspired chips and more. Read on to discover all the best new snacks we've discovered so far, and be sure to check back as we update the list with more snacks that deserve a spot in your shopping cart this year.
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