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 3 janvier 2018
The Most Important Thing I Learned Spending a Week Alone in Uzbekistan
For many years, I have had an academic, professional, and personal focus on the post-Soviet political space, with a particular interest in the five Central Asian states, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Central Asia is a region located to the south of Russia, west of China, north of Afghanistan, and east of the Caspian Sea. If you are prone to falling into Wikipedia rabbit holes and enjoy learning about obscure cultures and places like I am, Google cautiously, because I am here to tell you you'll get sucked in.
In May 2016, two weeks after walking across the stage to collect my college diploma, I was boarding a plane to Astana, Kazakhstan, to attend a two-month Russian and Eurasian studies program hosted by Nazarbayev University. In many ways, I decided to do this program because I knew I needed to get my foot in the door in Central Asia, and that's exactly what I did. I arrived in Kazakhstan not knowing a word of Russian, a language I was theoretically there to study at an intensive level, nor did I know a single soul or have any experience in this part of the world. After the conclusion of my program, equipped with a beginner's level of Russian, I set off for Kazakhstan's neighbor to the south, Kyrgyzstan. I did some traveling and had some amazing experiences, but eventually it was time to go home.
I returned to New York in late July, in many ways struggling to digest my recent experiences and faced with the reality of establishing my postcollege "adult" life. A year elapsed, during which I found employment, an internship where I first began to write about Central Asia, moved out, and then moved back home, attempted to join the foreign service, cultivated new relationships, and struggled through many months of uncertainty, confusion, and general anxiety due to not knowing what I should be doing with my life. I decided that the best way to shake off this funk and gain some perspective was to find a way to get back to Central Asia over the Summer, while I had less work responsibilities.
Against a different background and out of context, I learned some valuable lessons about myself.
On my second trip to this part of the world, I was determined to not let the wonders of Uzbekistan evade me. I had arranged for a month of Russian lessons and an internship at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, the sleepy but charming capital city of Kyrgyzstan. I booked a one-way ticket, optimistic that the weeks following the end of my classes and internship would lend themselves to a travel adventure of some sort. There were a million places I wanted to visit in those weeks, as I was in close proximity to places that were normally very, very far away when I was home in New York. But my heart was on Uzbekistan, which happens to be one of the more inaccessible countries in the region. Bogged down by the confusing intricacies of a corrupt and overly bureaucratic visa process, I had neglected to pay a visit to the Uzbek embassy located in NYC before departing (I swear it was on my to-do list . . .). I knew getting my visa wasn't going to be easy, but I reasoned with myself it would be easier to obtain when applying from the embassy in Bishkek as opposed to back in the USA.
I will spare you the details, but after a few weeks of embassy visits, walks down the highway searching for a bank, hours waiting in a half-shaded courtyard in the Summer heat outside the visa office, urgent withdrawals of stacks of local currency, and many, many frustrating communication-related issues, I was the proud owner of a full-page visa from the Government of Uzbekistan granting me a one-month stay in its country. I worked out an itinerary, hitting four cities spread throughout the country, made some essential arrangements, and that was that.
I'll admit, I was nervous. I didn't know how this was going to play out, only that I was hoping for the best. To traverse a foreign country by myself, one where I knew I would stand out and be in the minority as a Western woman traveling alone who didn't effectively speak the language and was far removed from any comparable experiences I had had before, wasn't my first choice. I would have loved the security of a travel companion, maybe someone who could help me communicate, but at that point in time, it wasn't in the cards. I had a decision to make; was I going to put this dream on hold to wait for the right conditions or just do it? I decided this was my shot, and I was going to take it.
I planned to spend my time in four cities called Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva. I flew into Tashkent, the capital and largest city in Uzbekistan, and marveled at its size and impressive infrastructure. I buzzed along the underground in a well-working subway system that mimicked Moscow's world-famous metro system, visiting huge bazaars and taking long walks around neighborhoods that alternated between old and modern every few feet. A short flight took me to Urgench, the metropolitan hub for the ancient city of Khiva. Arriving at sunset, I strolled along the ancient walled city, Itchan Kala, which once was the epicenter of the Khanate of Khiva in the 17th century. I traveled by taxi to my next stop, Bukhara, a journey that took five hours through the Uzbek desert in a car with no air conditioning, making mental notes to avoid a similar passage next time around. Bukhara greeted me with open arms, a city said to have been inhabited since the 6th century BCE, the winding streets of its old city softly shrouded in late-afternoon light. I caught a high-speed train and was comfortably transported to Samarkand. My accommodations placed me within eyeshot of the Registan, a collection of three ornate, mosaic-adorned schools of Islamic study called madrasas, which formed the town square of ancient Samarkand.
It is possibly one of the grandest sights on this planet.
The stories I could tell about the kind and helpful people I met during this week could fill a book. From the jewelry seller who ended up taking me on an hour-long walking tour of Bukhara en route to the city's only ATM to the friend of a friend who arrived with her family to collect me at the airport when I first arrived in Uzbekistan to the countless hostel employees who helped me to arrange my many domestic trips utilizing different modes of transportation, the people of Uzbekistan proved to be some of the nicest I have ever met in my life. I was consistently humbled by these acts of kindness, more reassured every day that I had made the right decision.
Oftentimes, people tell me that I'm brave or ask me if I'm crazy, and the answer is probably both. I don't know what it is or why I have it, but there is something deep inside of me that pushes me to seek more, take risks, and do the things I am drawn to on a subconscious level. I am not afraid. I place a lot of faith, some of it blind, in the good of the world and the human connections we inherently have regardless of creed or color. I learn more about myself in these relatively short time frames than I have in many years of time spent on this earth. Against a different background and out of context, I learned some valuable lessons about myself. I can absolutely do anything I set my mind to. I am not alone in this reality. I am any girl off the street; there is nothing specific about me that enables to have these experiences that differentiates me from anyone else. We are all brave, fearless, resilient, adventurous, and capable.
In my second-to-last city in Uzbekistan, I was checking into a lovely family-owned hostel. The man who was checking me in asked if I was traveling alone. I said yes, and he responded with slight shock that I was a "strong woman" for doing this. I was accustomed to these types of questions, as it was rare for a woman to be traveling alone in these parts. I immediately fired back a self-deprecating response to deflect from the compliment I had received, something I think as women we are conditioned to do. But as I lay in my bed that night and mulled over the day, I reflected on that exchange. Yes, I am a strong woman, and this strong woman is here to stay.
23 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Love It or List It's Hilary & David
If you've ever caught an episode of HGTV's Love It or List It, then you know the chemistry between hosts David Visentin and Hilary Farr is something to behold. No, they're not married - but the duo have an epic banter that clearly shows how comfortable they are in each other's company! Their back-and-forth is on display every Monday, when their show airs at 9 p.m.
We recently caught up with David and Hilary during a break from their work on the series. The result of our conversation with the pair is a list of 23 amazing facts every true HGTV fan needs to know.
16 Printable Goal Sheets to Help You Stay on Track This Year
It's easy to set a goal, but actually committing to one until it's achieved says so much more. We know it can be difficult to stay inspired throughout the process, so we've found free printables to keep you on track all the way to the finish line. Some will allow you to see your progress along the way, while others will actually make your objectives actionable. Regardless of which one you choose, you can hold yourself accountable by putting your goals down on paper. If you're ready for a productive year, see 16 downloads ahead!
17 Mental Health Tattoos That Celebrate Your Journey to Recovery
Living with a mental illness is extremely difficult, especially since your struggle can remain unseen to the naked eye. If you reached the point where you're ready to commemorate your path to recovery, check out these 17 tattoos. Adding ink can be a permanent reminder of how far you've come and what you're continuing to fight for. Whether it's a quote that changed your life, or a symbol that represents a thousand words, these tattoos can provide uplifting inspiration while you celebrate your mental health journey.
A Neuroscientist Says These 4 Things Will Make You Happier
There's a ton of "helpful" advice floating around the internet, but when the tips come from a neuroscientist, it might be time to actually listen up. Ladders, a job platform site, put together some insights from neuroscientist Alex Korb's book The Upward Spiral on how you can be happier - based on brain research.
1. Label your emotions.
If you're feeling a negative emotion like sadness or anger, label that emotion. It may seem simple, but your brain responds when you put your feelings into words. One fMRI study cited in the book noted that when a participant was shown images of people expressing emotions on their faces, their amygdala activated to the emotions they were seeing. When they were told to name the emotion, "the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activated and reduced the emotional amygdala reactivity." This essentially means that when participants consciously recognized the emotions they were seeing, it reduced the impact of those emotions in their brains.
Reddit user letstablethisfornow noted the effect labeling their emotions has had on their own happiness, calling it a "a game changer" for them.
"It's so simple and yet has such a profound effect that I'm amazed this isn't taught in schools. The effect is subtle since you are not actually removing the emotion, you just take one step away from it intellectually. You find that from experiencing long drawn-out swings in emotion you tend to have short peaks and valleys with a nice equilibrium most of the time.
You also realize that for the most part our day-to-day emotions are not really connected to anything specific. It could be caused by anything. That outburst at your wife, coworker, or boss could be the end result of waking up with a headache, indigestion, or forgetting you keys on your way to work. We tend to construct stories in our minds as to what our emotions mean after the fact when in reality we have no clue. When you label, you become more aware of your emotions, don't get carried away with them, and will be less likely to fall into this trap."
2. Ask yourself what you're grateful for.
In The Upwared Spiral, Korb says that the benefits of gratitude "start with the dopamine system, because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine. Additionally, gratitude toward others increases activity in social dopamine circuits, which makes social interactions more enjoyable." Gratitude can also boost the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is what many antidepressants do. And as The Ladder points out, even if you don't have an answer to the question "what am I grateful for?", that's OK. "It's not finding gratitude that matters most; it's remembering to look in the first place," the book says. "Remembering to be grateful is a form of emotional intelligence." The studies showed that as emotional intelligence increases, the neurons in these areas become more efficient. So even if you have trouble finding something to be grateful for, merely asking yourself the question means you're on the right path to happiness.
"Address the possibility of a blind spot in your mind where you aren't able to instantly know what you take for granted. Spend time simply observing the things you don't have to overcome, all the conveniences and luxuries," says Reddit user Privatdozent. "This 'positive feedback loop' has to loop around many times to have a solid effect. The common criticism of this idea is that 'No one else's struggles diminish your own.' Well, yeah, they don't. But what if you take seriously much more of the struggles than the things deserving of your gratitude? Basically, try to give equal weight to the good things that happen as to the bad."
3. Be decisive!
There's nothing more anxiety-inducing than feeling like you've got unfinished business. Simply making a decision about something can reduce anxiety rather than allowing yourself to spend more time hesitating over all of the scenarios and outcomes that the decision will result in. "Making decisions includes creating intentions and setting goals - all three are part of the same neural circuitry and engage the prefrontal cortex in a positive way, reducing worry and anxiety," says Korb. Making decisions also allows people to feel more in control - feeling "out of control" can also cause feelings of worry. And when you do make a decision and the outcome of that decision happens to be a positive one, then even better!
"There's a book that's really helped me, called Getting Things Done," says Reddit user Kabitu. "It explains how indecision is a major source of mental stress. When you don't want to make a decision now, and leave the decision to be made later, that builds up a big cloud of annoying mental work you don't want to do, and it can sustain a subconscious reluctance to work."
4. Hug and touch loved ones and friends.
Social interactions have been proven to increase a person's feelings of acceptance and therefore happiness, but The Upward Spiral takes it a bit further. "One of the primary ways to release oxytocin is through touching," the book says. Oxytocin is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter to the brain. Psycholology Today says that it's known as the "love hormone" because it "regulates social interaction and sexual reproduction, playing a role in behaviors from maternal-infant bonding and milk release to empathy, generosity, and orgasm." So when people touch, hug, or kiss others, oxytocin levels actually increase. "Oxytocin is the hormone that underlies trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings," says the site. According to Korb, holding hands with someone during a painful experience can comfort you and your brain and help reduce the reaction to pain. So, more hugs!
The Prettiest Farmhouse Kitchen Makeovers on Fixer Upper
Joanna and Chip Gaines have tackled some epically bad kitchens on Fixer Upper, transforming even the most dark and dungeon-like kitchen into a breathtakingly beautiful place to cook and eat. Among their memorable renos, however, a few stand out above the rest. Read on to see our five favorite Fixer Upper kitchen makeovers, and visit HGTV to see even more.
12 Cool New Sephora Exclusives Beauty Junkies Should Try in 2018
We equate Sephora to makeup heaven. The retailer has a massive selection of must-have cosmetics that true beauty junkies appreciate. If you're wondering what products you should be investing in for 2018, we curated a list of our favorite Sephora exclusives. You can't find these items anywhere else, so snag them while you can!
Kerry Washington Calls Wearing Her Hair Natural an Act of "Unconditional Self-Love"
Kerry Washington's natural-hair moments have been some of her best beauty looks (2016 Emmy Awards, anyone?), so we are always here for the actress ditching her blowout in favor of curls. Kerry just got super candid about her natural hair, which she says is part of what makes her a good mom.
Kerry has two children - 3-year-old daughter Isabelle and 1-year-old son Caleb - and she's cognizant of the importance of being an empowering role model for them. As the Scandal actress told Today, "You can say to a child they have to love themselves. But until you can embody that truth and live it, what you're saying is much less important. For me, it's about living with as much self-love and self-respect as I'm able to."
One way Kerry does that is by rocking her natural hair whenever she damn pleases. "You want to make sure you're modeling self-love and unconditional self-love. I love myself no matter what way I choose to wear my hair that day. I love my hair," she said. Plus, "Women are so lucky who have textured hair. You can wear it straight or curly."
Ahead, see our favorite of Kerry's natural-hair moments, from Olivia Pope's "island hair" to Neutrogena photo shoots.
Grab Your Spoon and Call Your Stylist - Halo Top Hair Is HERE
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream . . . hair! Following in the footsteps of 2017's LaCroix hair trend, several stylists teamed up with Scruples Hair Care to create colorful hair looks inspired by their favorite Halo Top flavors. The results, ranging from bright rainbow colors to muted brunette tones, perfectly complement the packaging of the 10 iconic flavors. Talk about a sweet way to start 2018's beauty trends, right?
While we're partial to black cherry - both the flavor and the hair color - there are so many things to love about every look in this campaign. Keep reading to see the one inspired by your favorite ice cream!
Target Will Offer Same-Day Shipping on Beauty Products - Game Changer!
If you've ever considered hiring an assistant to go on Target beauty runs just so you don't have to yourself, the following news will make you do a happy dance. According to WWD, the megastore has announced that it has acquired Shipt, an online platform that specializes in same-day shipping.
For $99 a year, every time you make a Target purchase, a team of personal shoppers will pick up your goods for you. It's like having Santa's little helpers coming to your assistance, but this offer lasts all year. So, when can you reap the rewards of this news that is sure to make lazy (or busy) girls cheer? It's actually all starting pretty soon - WWD reported that the service will start in half of all Target stores in early 2018.
This news is just one of the many major beauty moves Target has made in the past year. If you recall, 2017 saw the revamping of the store's beauty department, which included the expansion of its beauty concierge service and addition of new brands. One particularly exciting launch was the creation of Glow Studio, an affordable K-beauty line.
So: in 2018, we wish you health, happiness, and on-demand drugstore beauty products.
Fight Dry, Cracked Chapped Lips With These 9 Nourishing Balms
If you're anything like me and consider yourself a total lip balm girl, you know how important it is to always have one in your bag. Whether you're on vacation and need some lip SPF or you're headed out with friends and could use a tinted shade, it's hard to go anywhere without it. This Fall, as the weather starts to cool, you'll notice yourself needing to protect your sensitive pout against the cold, harsh wind. From products made with beeswax to balms that have a dash of pink to create the illusion of lipstick, we found some moisturizing options for you. Take a look at our favorites.
22 Movies to Watch on Your Snow Day
If you live somewhere that's getting hit with snow this time of year, we've got some sound advice. Of course, you're welcome to curl up with a good book, but maybe you want something to watch. We recommend you bundle up with one of these films about characters who feel your frigid pain. Whether you're into period pieces, thrillers, comedy, or romance, one of our 22 suggestions will be your cup of tea. Speaking of, maybe make yourself a cup of tea before diving into your snowy movie marathon.
My Secret to a Tighter Jawline
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
I have an obsession with tight jawlines. Is that weird? I look at people with smooth, sculpted jawlines with a bit of envy. OK, a lot of envy. I'm not sure where it comes from. I'm guessing somewhere along the way, a neck cream advertisement made me feel like Jabba the Hut or maybe it was Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach. My therapist will figure it out eventually.
A square and chiseled bone structure is, to me, truly the foundation for looking young and desirable. (Yeah, that neck cream ad really did a number on me.) If the skin under the chin is tight and toned, then you are golden - even if you're in your golden years. Heck, look at Clint Eastwood or Jane Fonda. There are two people who have some wrinkles on their faces, but their jawlines are poppin' and it makes all the difference. Think about anyone who you find attractive, and I bet you a jar of La Mer eye cream that they will have a defined jawline.
After seeing this photo, I knew it was time to get a little tune up on my jawline.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
That's why when I first heard about Ultherapy from my most trusted skin advisor, Dr. Lisa Espinoza, and what it could do for my naturally rounder face and jawline, I knew I had to have a treatment. Dr. E of La Chelé Medical Aesthetics in New Hope, PA, is the only dermatologist I trust with my face. She's guided me through the world of Botox, fillers, and all my favorite facial treatments. The fact that she spoke so highly about the treatment combined with both Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston admitting publicly to using Ultherapy convinced me pretty quickly.
I was 28 when I decided I wanted to try it out. My theory is that if you can cut mother nature off at the pass when you're younger, you'll be much better off than trying to play catch up later on. In fact, I felt so strongly about that statement that even though I didn't have a job at the time of my first treatment, I had no problem charging the $2,500 bill right on my credit card. The move was pretty insane and a tad stupid when I look back at it now.
These temporary lines are drawn on the face to guide the doctor.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
I don't recommend going into debt over something so superficial but, damn, was I happy when I started to see the results. (I've since paid off that credit card debt, so we're all good.) And I know what you're thinking; did he just say $2,500? Yes, I did. It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny. Over the years, I've had four treatments to keep things looking good. I recently had another treatment after turning 35 and feeling like my jawline was starting to look a bit soft again. After six months, I feel like I'm back on top, and I wanted to share. Here are all the details you should know before you reach out to your doctor.
Watch this video for a deeper look into what you can expect when getting Ultherapy. I apologize for my babbling while on the pain meds.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
How does Ultherapy work?
Ultherapy is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound and the body's own natural healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin. The procedure utilizes the energy of ultrasound to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin to produce collagen - including those typically addressed in a surgical facelift - without disturbing the surface of the skin.
Is there any downtime?
Occasionally there will be some slight bruising a day or two after, but otherwise you can walk out of the office and head to the Oscars if you really wanted to.
A picture of me during the procedure.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
How long before I see results?
I feel there is a small amount of skin tightening as soon as I walk out of the doctor's office; however, it takes the body three to six months before you see the full effects.
Where can I use Ultherapy?
The FDA has approved usage on the entirety of the face, neck, décolletage, chest, sternum, and clavicle.
Five months after the procedure, during Halloween, I noticed a big difference in my jawline - not to mention a little rainbow glitter helps to make everything look better.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
Who is the ideal candidate?
Ultherapy is best for people who are looking for moderate skin tightening - i.e., slight sagging of the skin around the jawline, cheeks, or neck area. It's a great refresher and perfect if you're trying to push back Father Time. If you have a large amount of excess skin from aging or dramatic weight loss, you will see small improvements, but a surgical procedure will give you a more dramatic result.
How many treatments do I need?
It really depends on how loose your skin is. Typically two to three treatments can do the job. I saw the most results from my first treatment, and I've followed up with a treatment roughly every year and a half to keep things tight.
How long does it last?
Results really vary depending on lots of factors, such as weight gain, sun exposure, etc. I think of this treatment as a collagen bank account. The more you put into it, the longer and better the results will last. If I could afford it, I would do it twice a year.
A more candid look at the results after six months.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
How much does Ultherapy cost?
One Ultherapy treatment can be anywhere from $2,500 to upwards of $5,000 depending on how many areas you have treated and where your doctor is located.
Is there any pain?
Unfortunately, yes, and it's very intense, but only during the procedure. The second the technician stops, the pain is gone. On occasion, some slight tenderness will occur around the treated areas a few days after. I highly recommend going to a doctor who can prescribe pain medication you can take before the procedure. This helps tremendously and prevents much of the pain. The last treatment, I had I barely felt a thing. Make sure you take your prescribed medication 30 to 45 minutes beforehand so it has time to kick in.
My jawline was on point as I celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Dr. E's practice. (Pictured from right to left: the author, Dr. Espinoza, and J. Marie McCreesh, NP.)
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Matthew Rodrigues
The 1 "Bad" Hair Habit an Expert Says You Don't Need to Stop Doing in 2018
I am so guilty of this: I totally go to bed with wet hair. Often. I am lazy, and my hair takes 20 minutes to blow-dry - which cuts into my Hulu binge-watching time. You might be thinking, NBD. Or you might be horrified. The old wives' tale is that going to bed with damp hair can break the ends and damage it. Yet, some experts say it's totally fine.
To get to the bottom of this debate, I consulted with KMS Global Stylist Lori Panarello.
"Yes, it is OK to go to bed with wet hair," she confirmed via email. "Leaving your hair damp can enhance a natural wave pattern or even put wave into your hair, giving it a natural, lived-in look. Of course, letting your hair dry naturally is always better for the health of your hair because you avoid removing the hair's natural oils. This allows hair structure to remain intact while also keeping hair from drying out and splitting."
That said, there is a big difference between hitting your pillow with damp hair and walking right out of the shower into bed. "Never go to bed with your hair soaking wet," Panarello warned. "It will never dry overnight; it should only be damp. Also, do not towel dry your hair vigorously, as this will cause the hair to become frizzy. Instead, squeeze the water out gently so it won't disturb the hair cuticle. I also recommend staying away from heavy oils, which tend to coat the cuticle and are only a temporary solution that make hair seem healthier than it is."
I definitely have the issue of hair that doesn't always dry overnight. "If your hair is still damp in the morning, gently diffuse it on high heat, low speed," Panarello instructed. "Once the hair is dry, release the set, shake it out gently, and add a lightweight styling product, such as a working hairspray or styling creme."
So the good news is that my my "bad" habit isn't so bad. That said, when I do it, my hair often looks crazy in the morning. I never wake up with nice curls and great volume. Usually my hair is frizzy and matted. Sometimes, I even look like a baby lion.
Panarello offered tips on how to style wet hair to avoid this. "Braiding hair using a simple three strand braid left in overnight will give the hair a beautiful wave in the morning," she explained. "For more of a dramatic wave, section out the sides and back into four braids. For control, wrapping hair tightly in a scarf or headband will relax frizz but will leave hair in a more natural state. Another trick would be wrapping small sections of hair in rags while you sleep; this will give hair a beachy texture."
You also may need a little help - in the form of products - before you pass out postshower. "Depending on the texture of the hair, I would recommend the use of product to help enhance or control the outcome," she said. "For instance, a frizzy texture would definitely benefit by using a product to control the hair, while a finer hair type might use a volume product to enhance texture."
Try KMS Tamefrizz Curl Leave-In Conditioner ($21) if you want to polish your curls or Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam ($31) to give fine hair more texture. I personally love a good wave-enhancing spray - like Redken Curvaceous CCC Spray ($24) - in the morning to help reshape hair. And if all else fails and your sort-of wet, sort-of dry hair still looks funky, put on a damn hat, and head out the door!
Go Fetch These Puppy Makeup Products Because It's the Year of the Dog!
It's the Year of the Dog - but isn't every year, really? To celebrate the event, many beauty brands are combining two of our favorite things - dogs and makeup, duh - to create festive puppy products.
From the glistening Chantecaille highlighter that has the face of a very good boy engraved on it to one of Too Faced's most hotly anticipated eye shadow palettes, the nine products ahead will make you say, "Woof."
A Love Letter to My Big, Bushy, 1970s-Esque Pubic Hair
Image Source: GenelLynne Photography
Like Lady Gaga's career and the Kanye West/Taylor Swift feud, it started in 2009. I was 14 years old.
It was Winter, which is swim team season. I wore a black-and-blue Speedo, camouflage-printed Crocs, and a too-tight swim cap I'd wriggled on with baby powder. Maddie was a senior who, unlike me, had boobs big enough to show through a sports bra. That meant she was cool. Maddie stood next to me and explained a school tradition.
"So, like, we don't shave our legs until we make Nationals," Maddie said. "Then we all get together and shave the night before, so we feel faster during our big races. We won't have any hair slowing us down." Then she looked me up and down, then down again. "But you still have to shave like . . . there," she said, pointing straight at my crotch.
I resolved to keep my snatch fur-free fur-ever.
A few stray hairs poked out from my bathing line. OK, more than a few. And the texture wasn't exactly hairy. My pubes were the thick, wiry strands that jut out in every possible direction. I'd been outed as a big fuzzy monster. I wriggled back to the changing room and threw on some sweatpants to hide my shame.
That night, I went home and bought an assortment of razors - just about every kind the Highland Park Market of Farmington, CT, sold - and resolved to keep my snatch fur-free fur-ever.
Four years (and four million ingrowns) later, I discovered Brazilian waxes, a monthly habit I happily adopted with the enthusiasm of a Summer camp counselor. The fact that I could walk into a salon and leave my bush in the capable hands of a nice lady named Delia who played Christina Aguilera as she ripped my most hated body feature off of me was absolute heaven. I was so excited about this development in my pubic evolution that it truly didn't feel painful. In fact, while my friends all tried to see how long they could go in between waxes, Delia regularly admonished me for booking too many. She just couldn't keep me away.
Image Source: Paramount Pictures
I would love to say that this rampant waxing was a mature, personal choice that was all my own and that I didn't let boys influence such important decisions. But that would be fake news, and we don't write that on POPSUGAR dot com. Sure, there were logistical reasons I subjected myself to this. (Have your pubes ever gotten stuck to the adhesive side of a maxi pad?) But the true reason I waxed was because of an irrational shame I felt about the bush I was born with.
In college, I suspected a dude I was pretty serious with was cheating on me, so I turned into a crazypants and looked through his phone (don't be like me, please). I didn't find any evidence of a wandering eye, but I did read quite the crude text he sent to a friend regarding my pubic hair. "When things grow out, it's like 1972 down there," he wrote to his track teammate. I regret to admit that I texted Delia right then and there to schedule an emergency appointment the next morning. In my young, dumb eyes, I felt as though I'd done something wrong by just letting my body do what it was naturally made to do.
The true reason I waxed was because of an irrational shame I felt about the bush I was born with.
Such comments only added to the chip I had on my shoulder as a girl with Mediterranean ancestry. When I first expressed displeasure at my pubic hair, my Greek mother only offered, "It's insulation!" and a shrug. Friends with similar backgrounds such as those who come from Italy or the Middle East have expressed a similar feeling of distaste over their furriness. I couldn't change where I was from, nor would I want to (baklava is delicious and we throw the best weddings). But I could just peel off the stuff I didn't like about myself.
And then it happened: I ran out of money. I was unemployed, fresh out of school, cut off from my parents, and sustaining solely on $1 ramen and free samples of chocolate copped from walking by the Lindt store. In coming-of-age stories, such life moments of uncertainty usually lead to an epiphany. For me, the sign from God came via a Bank of America app alert: my checking account was embarrassingly low (so low I'd rather tell you fine people all about my pubic hair than divulge the actual number). The notification popped up the morning before I had a prebooked $80 Brazilian I could no longer afford.
Image Source: GenelLynne Photography
A study has linked pubic hair removal to aiding the spread of STIs like herpes and HPV.
So, quite accidentally, I grew pubic hair for the first time in eight years. The timing was slightly fortuitous: a study had just linked pubic hair removal to aiding the spread of STIs like herpes and HPV. Much like the strands that were starting to spring from my follicles, think pieces about why one shouldn't get rid of their pubic hair were popping up everywhere. Amber Rose Instagrammed a nude that showcased her pubic hair in all of its glory, coining the viral hashtag #BringBacktheBush.
This new trend emboldened me to throw caution - and my frequent waxer's card - to the wind. It wasn't always easy; as my hair grew, I experienced itching and irritation down there that led to some questionable scratching (think bears against trees).
I found a cure, V Magic Feminine Lip Stick ($20) - but that isn't what you think it is. It isn't a rouge for your snatch; it's more of a soothing chapstick for your vulva. It made the grow-out process way less painful. Thanks to its blend of propolis, avocado oil, and beeswax, now my intimate skin feels way softer than it ever did when it was completely bare.
I can finally say I love my bush, but I have some friends who would never feel comfortable sporting that much hair - and neither school of thought is "right." Even 14-year-old me, shaving her pubes out of a misguided sense of embarrassment, wasn't wrong.
My pube journey is a personal one, and even as I cringe over my former wax addiction, I've learned a lot about resilience from it. Why? Well, despite all the havoc I put my pubes through, those little f*ckers grew back. There's a metaphor in there, somewhere.
Jelly Face Masks Are the Cool New Beauty Skincare Trend to Try in 2018
I'll admit it was the cool slimy jelly texture that lured me in. It's the kind of weird need-to-touch consistency that makes you light up like a little kid playing with Gak for the first time, and that's before you even slather it all over your face and reap the glow-y results. The strange Jell-O like feeling boasts a coolness factor that puts it in a category of its own. It rivals other trendy masks featuring clay, glitter, and a bubbling effect.
This new breed of ultrahydrating jelly skin saviors combines unique silky textures that will entice you to regularly slather them on. They typically feature a cocktail of hydration-boosting actives, like hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxyl acids. These power ingredients turn dry Winter flakes into soft, dewy skin. Whether it's three minutes or a night of beauty rest, these five transforming jelly masks will be your go-to for glowing skin all season long.
Makeup Artist Reimagines 8 Disney Princesses With an Indian Twist - and It's Gorgeous!
Hamel Patel is a North Carolina-based model and makeup artist with over 34k followers. While her feed is filled with stunning makeup looks, it's her latest series of Disney princesses that has the internet in awe. Hamel didn't just re-create the princesses we all spent our childhood obsessing over - she gave them an Indian twist.
She transformed into Belle, Mulan, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Snow White, Jasmine, Princess Aurora, and Ariel with bold makeup and then upped the ante with traditional Indian attire and accessories. Not only does Hamel's Belle look have a rose, but she's wearing a yellow sari and a sparkling bindi. Read on to see the reimagined princesses and prepare to be amazed.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: Netflix Unveils Season 2 Release Date and New Trailer
We've known that A Series of Unfortunate Events was coming back for a second season for quite some time, but now Netflix has finally unveiled the release date. The streaming giant will drop new episodes of the Lemony Snicket adaptation on March 30, which they celebrated with a teaser trailer. Since season one covers the first four books - The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room, The Wide Window, and The Miserable Mill - it stands to reason that season two will follow the next four: The Austere Academy, The Ersatz Elevator, The Vile Village, and The Hostile Hospital. The trailer clocks in at just over a minute, but fortunately we get a few good glimpses of some key scenes from each storyline. Watch it above!
Why Isn't There Explicit Gay Sex in Call Me by Your Name?
Warning: slightly explicit sexual details pertaining to Call Me by Your Name lie ahead.
Without a doubt, Call Me by Your Name is one of the most beautiful and well-executed films of the year. The Oscar front runner paints the picture of a gay romance in 1980s Italy that blossoms over the course of six short weeks. With delicate dialogue that belies the real feelings of the characters, powerhouse performances from Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, a dreamy soundtrack driven by Sufjan Stevens, and so many other small moments of magic, it's easy to see why the film is such a masterpiece. And yet for such a seductive and alluring story, the film remains shy about one crucial aspect of the smitten lovers' romance: sex.
For the first half of the film, Elio (Chalamet) seems to struggle with his emerging sexuality. Despite his obvious feelings for Oliver (Hammer), he ignites a short-lived romance with Marzia (Esther Garrel), the local girl he's grown up with. In this brief tryst, Elio loses his virginity. We watch as he absconds to the forest with Marzia, and we watch him on top of her, writhing, presumably mid-act. He finishes and rolls to the side, breathless and ecstatic.
When Elio finally succumbs to his feelings for Oliver, they meet in his room at midnight. Elio is visibly nervous; his foot creeps over and rests on Oliver's. They kiss and undress, but before they actually get into the heat of their sexual encounter, the camera pans away and takes us out the window. Only a few extra gasps and kisses can be heard as we fade to black. When the two escape for a final trip before Oliver heads back to the States, we again don't witness any explicit sex. Only Oliver's nude silhouette can be spotted, staring out into the early-morning light.
Perhaps the only explicit onscreen demonstration of gay sex comes after Elio and Oliver's first night together. Oliver, suddenly worried he may have scared off Elio, knocks on his door. He tells Elio to pull down his swim trunks and gives him a blowjob in the doorway, then slams the door in his face. While it's an interesting and playful moment that comes right after their first night of romance, it doesn't quite show the intimacy and intense connection between two smitten lovers.
It's also true that Elio masturbates with a peach, which is a pretty explicit scene in itself and carries quite a bit of homoerotic thematic significance. And though Oliver has a taste of the contents once Elio is done, it's not the same as the intimacy depicted when two characters make love.
It turns out this decision not to depict gay sex was very deliberate. In a Q&A, director Luca Guadagnino said he "wasn't interested at all" in showing explicit sex.
"The tone would've been very different from what I was looking for. I wanted the audience to completely rely on the emotional travel of these people and feel first love. I didn't want the audience to find any difference or discrimination toward these characters. It was important to me to create this powerful universality, because the whole idea of the movie is that the other person makes you beautiful - enlightens you, elevates you. The other is often confronted with rejection, fear, or a sense of dread, but the welcoming of the other is a fantastic thing to do, particularly in this historical moment."
While the director makes excellent points, I'd argue that there are tasteful ways to show their sexual interactions on screen without changing the tone of the film. I think you can depict gay sex without it coming across as "dirty" and without tainting the innocence of a first love. And for what it's worth, the screenwriter behind the adaptation (James Ivory) has spoken about the lack of nudity. "Certainly in my screenplay there was all sorts of nudity," Ivory told Vanity Fair. "But according to Luca, both actors had it in their contract that there would be no frontal nudity, and there isn't, which I think is kind of a pity. Again, it's just this American attitude. Nobody seems to care that much, or be shocked, about a totally naked woman. It's the men."
When you consider the onscreen sex scene with Elio and Marzia, and the fact that Marzia has the most nudity in the film, the exclusion of male nudity and gay sex certainly make for an interesting choice. I still loved the film, and I thought it was beautiful and heartbreaking in all the best ways (that speech from Mr. Perlman, Elio's father, at the end, am I right?), but perhaps it's worth it to meditate on this specific decision. Why is the inclusion of gay sex perceived as something that would "change the tone" of the film? How would it take away from Elio and Oliver's sweet romance? We may never know how it would have been received this time around. But, hey, there's always the potential sequel.
Justin Timberlake Announces His "Personal" New Album With an Emotional Video
Justin Timberlake teased his new project in a big way. On Tuesday, the singer shared a video to Instagram announcing his upcoming album Man of the Woods, which is inspired by his Tennessee upbringing, his son, Silas, and his wife, Jessica Biel. "It's personal," Justin says as images of him running through the woods and baptizing himself in a lake are played.
Man of the Woods will be released on Feb. 2, just two days before Justin hits the stage for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. He also revealed that the first single is dropping on Friday, Jan. 5. Are you pumped for new JT? Watch the video above now, and prepare to get some chills.
12 Hilarious Tweets Past Bachelor Contestants Sent During the Premiere
We made it, Bachelor Nation! It was a sad couple of months without our dramatic Monday nights, but season 22 of The Bachelor is finally here. Arie Luyendyk Jr., a 36-year-old race car driver and realtor in Scottsdale, AZ, was runner-up on Emily Maynard's season of The Bachelorette back in 2012. Now he's back and must get to know more than two dozen girls to (hopefully) find "the one."
One of the great things about this franchise is that past contestants are never really gone. Many of them end up on Bachelor in Paradise or at least with an Instagram sponsorship or two. But beyond that, many are actually insanely funny as they live tweet new Bachelor episodes! They have an insider's perspective and aren't afraid to point out the good, the bad, and the downright weird.
Mrs. Grey Has Big News For Mr. Grey in the New Fifty Shades Freed Trailer
If you stayed to the end of Fifty Shades Darker, you were treated to a little something extra: a sneak peek at Fifty Shades Freed. While that original peek was fun, the official trailer for the third and final installment is all about the wedding and marriage of Christian (Jamie Dornan) and Ana (Dakota Johnson). We saw them get engaged at the end of Fifty Shades Darker, and as we already know, they get married in this next film.
We see Ana in her wedding dress, some spicy, sexy stuff, and the return of Ana's psycho ex-boss. The latest trailer gives us a bigger peek into Ana and Christian's life as a married couple, but it's the big news she gets in the last seconds of the trailer that will leave you speechless. The movie comes out later this year, on Valentine's Day, so take a look and catch up on all the Fifty Shades Freed details!
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
25 Movies You Won't Believe Turn 30 This Year
With the dawn of 2018, a slew of a great movies are turning 30 years old. Take a look back at 1988, when Tom Cruise was king (Cocktail, Rain Man), Bill Murray was Scrooge(d), and Bruce Willis was bringing some Christmas cheer and some ass-kicking to Nakatomi Plaza. Or perhaps you were discovering Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor, and Annabeth Gish in Mystic Pizza, or having some Dangerous Liaisons with Glenn Close and Michelle Pfeiffer. However your cinematic tastes run, we've got a little something here for everyone. And try not to let our list make you feel old (though it probably will).
This 1 Sexy Moment From Star Wars: The Last Jedi Even Has Haters Yelling "Reylo!"
Spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi below!
There are a few things in life that I get really passionate about; among these are perfect carne asada burritos, cute dogs, and now "Reylo." If you're unfamiliar with that last bit, then you might not have picked up on the sizzling romantic tension between Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Last Jedi - and the one scene that's made even the biggest haters admit there's a spark between the pair.
Let me set the scene: Rey and Kylo fighting back to back in Supreme Leader Snoke's chambers, fighting together to defend themselves from the Praetorian Guard after Kylo kills Snoke in Rey's defense. As if performing a well-rehearsed dance, Kylo leans forward and Rey reaches behind her, grabbing onto his upper thigh for support as he launches her against three of the red warriors. It's this thigh touch - the naturalness and intimacy of physical contact that seems to just fit - that has fans of the Reylo (Rey and Kylo) pairing going wild.
While the two end the film on opposite sides of the Force, with Kylo returning to the dark and Rey embracing the light, there's still a chance for the characters' chemistry to pan out in the Star Wars universe. In the meantime, you can catch me and the rest of the folks who ship Reylo evaluating every second of that thigh-touch scene. Don't believe me? Just check out these reactions and fan art about the sexy moment!
Here's When to Expect Netflix's New and Returning Shows in 2018
Netflix is producing original TV series at a breakneck pace. It currently has over 100 original series being produced, between its full originals and its partnership series. In 2018, we can look forward to new seasons of several Marvel shows, like Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, plus continuations of Grace and Frankie, 13 Reasons Why, Arrested Development, and more.
Here are all the premiere dates we know so far!
In Case You're Wondering Whether the Big Death in Star Wars: The Last Jedi IS Actually a Death, Read This
WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SOME VERY UPSETTING SPOILERS FOR STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI, SO GET OUT OF HERE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!
When Star Wars: The Force Awakens picked off one of our favorite characters from the original trilogy - Han Solo - it made us brace for what might be waiting in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. On the one hand, we worried about Princess Leia's fate in the wake of Carrie Fisher's tragic 2016 death. But it wasn't her we needed to worry about: it was her brother, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).
The first trailers for the movie started to make us worry that Luke - who only appears in one scene at the end of The Force Awakens - could also be meeting his demise in the latest Star Wars installment. The film's very title also seemed to contain an ominous warning. And upon seeing the movie, at the very end, we witness Luke Skywalker's death. Or do we?
After a rematch against his nephew, Kylo Ren, Luke bests the young villain and then shows that his physical form hadn't actually been there fighting; he was using the Force to appear before Kylo Ren. When he's done, we see Luke's physical form back on Ahch-To . . . just as he disintegrates. It seems that the amount of Force he needs to expend in the duel is too much for his body, and like Yoda before him, he fades into the Force.
As far as we know, yes, this is the end for Luke Skywalker - or, at least, for his physical being. Also like Yoda in his pivotal scene with Luke in The Last Jedi, and Obi-Wan Kenobi before that, Luke will be able to appear again postdeath because he's a Jedi. This leaves room for Hamill to return in the next installment and beyond - so, after all, despite Luke's protest (and the obvious existence of more Jedi in the galaxy), the Jedi will never truly end.
10 Women Who Could Step Into Steve Carell's Shoes in The Office Reboot
When news broke that NBC might be reviving beloved sitcom The Office, there was one big question on our minds: would Steve Carell, who led the show's first seven seasons as Dunder Mifflin's regional manager, Michael Scott, be returning?
Based on The Hollywood Reporter's sources, the answer appears to be no. The magazine revealed that NBC is reportedly looking for a new star to lead an ensemble cast for the revival, and we think the network should focus its search on women.
Many fans of the US version of The Office - lest we forget, the NBC show was inspired by a UK television series - probably remember workplace pranks like Jim (John Krasinski) encasing Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) stapler in Jell-O. But not all of the show's jokes were so harmless. Michael was, at best, bumbling, and at worst, extremely inappropriate toward his employees. He said things towards his female employees, as well as toward gay employee Oscar (Oscar Nunez), that would never be considered appropriate in an actual workplace.
Some fans of the show will argue that Michael's bad behavior was a part of the joke, but with the recent revelations about widespread sexual harassment, it's hard to find those scenes funny. Remember, for instance, when Michael sent a sensitive photo of his female superior Jan (Melora Hardin) to the company's entire warehouse department? Yes, he only meant to send it to one person - but even that is still a complete violation of her privacy.
Yes, a new version of The Office needs a boss, but it doesn't need Michael Scott.
With a woman in the regional manager role, The Office could do away with the uncomfortable power dynamics that accompanied Michael Scott's tenure. And not being guilty of sexual misconduct doesn't mean that character has to be completely serious, either. (Just look at Superstore's Glenn - he'd never hurt his employees, though he's anything but the show's voice-of-reason character.) In today's day and age, though, harassment jokes are a fine line, and there's no reason The Office needs to walk it again.
Keeping all that in mind, here are 10 women who'd be absolutely perfect as the lead character in an Office revival.
You Might Have Missed This Subtle Han Solo Reference in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Warning: light spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi below!
Although many Star Wars fans are still feeling betrayed and hurt over the death of Han Solo at the hands of his own son, Kylo Ren, in The Force Awakens, satisfying nods to the franchise legend made it into The Last Jedi. In two emotional scenes, we see Luke - and later Leia - with a set of gold dice that hung in the cockpit of Solo's Millennium Falcon. It's a subtle reference (the dice only appear in A New Hope very briefly), but because Luke pulls them from the Falcon, it's an obvious tribute to his fallen friend and brother-in-law. Slightly less subtle, though, are the two mentions of "Rebel scum" - a callback to Return of the Jedi.
During the Battle of Endor in Episode VI, Han and Leia are confronted by Imperial Officer Renz, who utters his now semifamous line, "You rebel scum," to Han.
Fast forward to the The Last Jedi, in which two references of the quote are made. First, General Hux, embarrassed in front of his crew during a phone call with Poe Dameron, calls the captain "Rebel scum." Later, during the showdown between Captain Phasma and Finn, Phasma tells him, "You were always scum," to which Finn retorts: "Rebel scum!"
Although Han Solo acts faux-offended at the name-calling in Return of the Jedi (he puts his hands on his hips in front of Officer Renz as he responds, "Scum?!"), it seems as though being Rebel scum like Han is now a point of pride among the Resistance.
Does Rebecca Ferguson Really Sing in The Greatest Showman?
The year's most talked-about musical, The Greatest Showman, features a cast of known singing talents, from Hugh Jackman to Zendaya. But one role in particular delivered a challenge: that of Jenny Lind, aka The Swedish Songbird, a famous opera singer who captures the attention of American showman P.T. Barnum.
Lind is a real historical figure who did indeed work with the real-life Barnum in 1850. In the film, she's played by Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson, who is perhaps best known to English-speaking audiences for her roles in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation and The Girl on the Train. But is that really the actress blasting out mind-blowing vocals in Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's gorgeous ballad "Never Enough"?
The answer is no. Ferguson does have a background in music, having attended Adolf Fredrik's Music School in Stockholm, which apparently puts a strong focus on choral music. But for the film, Jenny Lind's powerful vocals are provided by the singer Loren Allred.
Allred is best known for getting to the final of the third season of The Voice in the USA. She shared her excitement about being involved in the film on Twitter, saying she was "so elated to announce my involvement in this incredible film as the voice of Jenny Lind, played by the incomparable Rebecca Ferguson."
Here's a look at Loren in action as part of "Team Adam" back in 2012.
The Greatest Showman is in theaters starting Dec. 20.
22 Movies to Watch on Your Snow Day
If you live somewhere that's getting hit with snow this time of year, we've got some sound advice. Of course, you're welcome to curl up with a good book, but maybe you want something to watch. We recommend you bundle up with one of these films about characters who feel your frigid pain. Whether you're into period pieces, thrillers, comedy, or romance, one of our 22 suggestions will be your cup of tea. Speaking of, maybe make yourself a cup of tea before diving into your snowy movie marathon.
American Crime Story: What You Need to Know About Gianni Versace’s Tragic Murder
Image Source: Getty / Michel Arnaud
The next season of American Crime Story is getting closer, and thanks to a last-minute switch, it's focusing on an entirely different subject. What was once a season centered around the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has switched places with what used to be the third installment: The Assassination of Gianni Versace. (The Katrina season is still happening, for the record; it's slated to be the show's third season.) The release of the Versace season has been set for Wednesday, Jan. 17, so in the meantime we can brush up on the facts of the chilling crime. What happened to Gianni Versace? Here are the facts.
A Brief History of the Killer
The name of Versace's killer was Andrew Cunanan (who will be played by Darren Criss). In the two weeks leading up to the murder, Cunanan had killed four other people. His victims were ex-Navy lieutenant Jeffrey Trail, 28, a friend; Minneapolis architect David Madson, 33, a former lover; Chicago developer Lee Miglin, 72, whose relationship to Cunanan is unknown; and William Reese, 45, a cemetery caretaker in New Jersey. Cunanan stole Reese's pickup truck and used it for the final portion of his journey.
The Murder of Versace
Gianni Versace (set to be played by Édgar Ramírez) touched down in Miami on July 10, 1997, five days before his murder. He immediately went to Casa Casuarina, his Miami Beach retreat, with his partner Antonio D'Amico (who will be portrayed by Ricky Martin). At that point, Cunanan was already in town.
On July 15, 1997, sometime around 8 a.m., Versace left on his own and walked to a local cafe to buy magazines. He walked home, and just as he put the key in his lock, he was shot twice. The first shot was directly into his face, at point-blank range. He was shot again in the neck, just behind the left ear. The call went in to the police at 8:45 a.m. D'Amico recently recalled how he felt in that moment: "I heard the shot. My heart just stopped to beat . . . So I ran out and then I saw Gianni laying down on the stairs in blood."
A photo of the murder scene: the front steps of Versace's Casa Casuarina. Image Source: Getty / Barry Lewis
Police Involvement, Possible Motives, and the Chase
Carlos Noriega, a lieutenant, was one of the first police men on the case. An early theory was that this had been a contract hit, organized by the mafia. The clue was a dead bird found next to the body. However, further evidence suggested that the bird was just an unfortunate collateral victim - it was hit by a bullet fragment.
Lazaro Quintana, a friend of Versace, followed the gunman. Eventually, the police were in on the chase, and they came across the first evidence. They found a pile of clothes, the stolen pick-up from New Jersey, and a bunch of identification. The police had their suspect three hours after the crime: Andrew Cunanan.
The Final Stand and All the Unanswered Questions
The search for Andrew Cunanan lasted nine days. Finally, the police received a tip. On July 24, a shot had been heard on a houseboat, just a few miles from where Versace had been murdered. Police surrounded the houseboat and remained there for four hours. Finally, the SWAT team fired tear gas and went in.
When the police boarded the boat, Cunanan was already dead. He had shot himself in the temple with the same gun he'd used to kill Versace. Cunanan's suicide left the world with more questions than answers. The police could not draw a connection between the two men, nor could they pin down a motive. They weren't even sure Cunanan and Versace had ever previously crossed paths. It remains one of the most puzzling crimes in recent history, even more than 20 years later.
If American Crime Story creator Ryan Murphy follows the same formula he did for The People v. O.J. Simpson, chances are we'll get a lot more backstory. After all, Murphy included a jarring scene where O.J. Simpson contemplated suicide, and that did actually happen. In order to fill in the blanks and complete the story, Murphy also took a bit of artistic license. Does that mean we'll leave the season with a sense of how everything might be connected? It sure seems like it.
Still Confused About The Disaster Artist? The Room Is Coming to Theaters Again
James Franco debuted The Disaster Artist in December, and unless you're already familiar with the movie it's based on, The Room, you may have been confused while watching it. The Room is widely known as the worst movie ever made, and James Franco brilliantly made a movie about the making of director Tommy Wiseau's hilariously bad film. In case you never saw the original film in 2003 - and there's a high chance, since it only made a total of $1,800 at the box office even though it cost millions to make - now's your opportunity. The Room will show in more than 500 theaters nationwide on Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. local time.
14 1/2 years ! Never give up ! https://t.co/eHYWgLPRUX
- Tommy Wiseau (@TommyWiseau) December 19, 2017
Wiseau, who directed and stars in The Room as the main character Johnny, tweeted his excitement about the rerelease, saying, "Never give up!" While this widespread showing is only for one evening in January, it's worth noting that The Room regularly shows at small theaters at midnight across the country because of its cult following. Fandango allows you to type in your zipcode to see if The Room is playing near you. In fact, I always noticed The Room on the marquee at a neighborhood theater in San Francisco every weekend, but until now, I never knew what the deal was. If neither of those is an option for you but you're still eager to see the disastrous movie before The Disaster Artist itself (it's not available to stream online), you can honestly just watch this YouTube highlight reel of best (read: most memorable) scenes from The Room.
5 Theories That Could Explain Who Rey's Parents Are in Star Wars
We came away from watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens with more questions than we can count, but the one that hasn't stopped itching our brains since we left the movie theater all the way back in 2015 is the matter of Rey's parents. While the character, played by Daisy Ridley, is unquestionably the hero of Episode VII, much of her past and familial lineage is shrouded in mystery.
J.J. Abrams shed some light on the topic during an appearance at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016 that seems to have ruled out the biggest theories about Rey's parents, saying, "Rey's parents are not in Episode VII, so I can't possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about, too." Is Abrams just trying to throw fans off the scent of Rey's real parents? Now that Star Wars: The Last Jedi is about to come out, we're revisiting our major theories.
Star Wars: What We Know About Supreme Leader Snoke
WARNING: Star Wars: The Last Jedi spoilers follow below.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens brought back a slew of our favorite characters, but it also introduced someone very important to the new trilogy: Supreme Leader Snoke. He returns in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and of course - gets sliced in half when he dares to face off against Rey and Kylo Ren. Despite his death, we still have so many questions.
Little is known about the villain, who had been allied with Kylo Ren, but we have a number of theories as to his true identity. Yes, he may have been a completely new character, but what if he's actually Darth Maul? Or Mace Windu? While we're patiently waiting for an actual answer to his real identity, let's review all the information we have about the villain.
1. He's Humanoid, but Not Human
As Star Wars expert Pablo Hidalgo pointed out in a tweet, the novelization of The Force Awakens actually describes Snoke: "Tall and gaunt, he was humanoid but not human." To fans who think that this may be a flexible description, Hidalgo followed up with the tweet, "Snoke's humanity is set in stone because that sentence got published."
2. He's Not a Huge, Looming Giant
Though he is projected to be a hulk of a figure in The Force Awakens, leaked images for LEGO's new set of Star Wars figurines told a different story. Though the images have since been pulled, the promotional materials showed Snoke to be the same size as the rest of the characters, which corroborates with what we see in his death scene in The Last Jedi. He's not some abnormal, hulking figure.
3. His Attire Hints at a Connection to a Kyber Crystal
As noted by a Star Wars fan site in April, Snoke is cloaked in beautifully woven golden robes. The concept art was confirmed by the Lego figures, which not only show the golden robes, but a giant black ring on one hand. The same fan site suggested that the ring could be a fraction of a black Kyber crystal. The ancient crystals are naturally in tune with the light side of the force and supposedly reject any users attempting to harness their power for dark purposes.
4. His Skin Isn't Blue
While he appears to be a sickly blue in The Force Awakens, Lego's leaked pictures show that Snoke actually has flesh-colored skin, like the rest of the characters. Again, this is confirmed in The Last Jedi.
5. He's Dead Now
Frustratingly, Snoke is killed before his real identity is revealed. But is this really the end? Will we never get an answer to this identity question, and should we be satisfied with what we know: that he was a really bad dude? Holding out hope over here still.
Did You Catch the REAL Fate of the Force Texts in Star Wars: The Last Jedi?
The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
While I was watching Star Wars: The Last Jedi in a packed theater on opening day, there was one moment that caused the stranger next to me to utter, "Oh, sh*t." It wasn't any character's death or even Kylo Ren's gratuitous shirtless scene that earned the vocal reaction - rather, it was the moment when Master Yoda ignites the first Jedi Temple on the island planet of Ahch-To, sending the history of the religion (and presumably its ancient, sacred texts) up in flames while leaning back and giggling at his own cleverness.
The Jedi texts, which contain the founding tenets of the entire religion, are a powerful piece of the light side, offering guidance for training in and adhering to the moral code of the Jedi. While Luke grapples with their worth, even considering burning them with the temple, we see their power through Rey; while she is on the island with Luke, the temple (and the ancient texts within) call to Rey, pulling her to them in a magnetic fashion.
Ultimately, Luke doesn't want to burn the texts, shouting at Yoda when the wizened Jedi master sets the temple on fire. But Yoda comforts his former pupil, telling him that Rey has everything she needs to know . . . little does Luke know, Yoda means it literally. In a split-second moment at the film's end, while Finn is rifling around in a locker drawer in the Millennium Falcon, we see that Rey has taken the Force texts from the island. The ancient books are safe in her possession, not burned in the temple as Luke believes - which means that the Jedi Order will not die with him.
This reveal is made shortly after Luke tells Kylo Ren that he is not the last Jedi and there will be more to come after he is gone. Luke believes in Rey, and in the power of the light side of the Force, to prevail. Despite the fact that they're a boring read, Rey possessing the texts will presumably help her make wise choices, even without a Jedi master there to train her - though we're sure that Luke will make appearances from the other side.
Yes, It's OK to Ship THAT Couple in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
WARNING: Spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi follow.
The romances of the Star Wars franchise have long been fraught: Luke and Leia kiss, only to find out they're brother and sister; Leia and Han fall for each other, but we barely get to see them as a couple; the one couple who we do really see fall in love on screen - Padmé and Anakin - is a wretched bore to watch (and ill-fated, of course). So let's just say that we didn't have high hopes for this series to deliver a romantic relationship that's worth watching. Until now.
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, we find love in a hopeless place. No, not because Finn's crush on Rey becomes something more or because Rose plants a heat-free kiss on Finn's lips. In fact, the couple I found myself inexplicably rooting for is one that I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to: Rey and Kylo Ren.
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, their initial contact with each other is cut and dried: she's good, he's bad. They're enemies. Postviewing, though, we had a long time to think about their strange relationship: Why did they seem to share some strange connection? Could they be related?
In The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren - ahem, Ben - and Rey's relationship is at the forefront. The first time their thoughts are bridged, they're as bewildered as we are. Why is this happening to them? Then, as it happens more, they seem to relish it, find comfort in it. Sure, Snoke is the one who bridges them, but he doesn't control their communication or what they end up feeling. Their easy identification as enemies falls away, and something else crackles into place: chemistry. Listen, I don't know if director Rian Johnson meant for this to happen, or if electric sparks were written into The Last Jedi script, but, people, they're there. Maybe there was a little something in The Force Awakens too, but we were too preoccupied to notice it.
If the audience is supposed to infer a romantic connection, then I say: I'm into it.
All I know is that I desperately wanted Rey to take Kylo Ren's hand after they defeat Snoke together and rule a whole new world together. Go gray, baby! And that part where he breaks her heart to tell her her parents were no one special, but she is, to him? What else are we supposed to make of that? There's no other reason for Kylo Ren to be causally hanging out shirtless, making Rey all flustered. If the audience is supposed to infer a romantic connection, then I say: I'm into it. I'm shipping it into Episode IX. I'm making my #KyloRey shirts.
And if I wasn't supposed to sense this disruption in the Force? Then I'd say you need to tell stars Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver to maybe stop vibing off each other so hard (if that's possible). It's totally believable that Rey is just fighting her pull to the dark side and she needed to have a stronger link to it in the form of another, charismatic character. Maybe I'm supposed to be cheering her on for resisting the dark. But now that I know what Rey knows - that there is goodness fighting its way out in Kylo Ren - I can't look away.
Stick to Your Paleo Diet With 20 Easy, Breezy Meal-Prep Ideas
If you think the Paleo diet has been trending for a while, you would be right. While people are continuing to get on board with this lifestyle, many would agree that it requires pretty serious dedication and planning, especially when it comes to cooking new Paleo recipes. Add weekday meal prep to the mix and you've got a whole new challenge. Luckily, we've got you covered with 19 easy-to-transport options to keep your meals fresh and interesting while you stay committed.
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mardi 2 janvier 2018
10 Healthy Breakfast Sandwich Recipes to Jump-Start Your Day
For many of us, breakfast is easily the most anticipated meal of the day - especially if there's something delicious and satisfying involved. Everyone loves a good breakfast sandwich, even though they don't always have a reputation for being healthy. Luckily, there are many ways to make one so. Here are 10 healthy breakfast sandwich options, from open-faced avocado toast to lightened-up egg wraps.
My Hypothetical Daughter Propelled Me Into Next-Level Fitness
Image source: Pexels / Josh Willink
This year, just after reaching my annual dating quota of emotionally unavailable men, I suddenly wanted to get in shape for the daughter I haven't even birthed yet. Let me be even more transparent when I say that I'm also single right now, so the probability of nuclear family procreation is currently slim. But there was something about opening SHAKTIBARRE - the New York yoga-barre empowerment hub in Brooklyn (and soon in Harlem) - that made me feel like a mom already . . . and envision a few hypothetical children in the future, as well as the day I'll be a fit mom.
One fitness strategy I learned through creating SHAKTIBARRE that will inevitably benefit my future daughter was strength training. Let's start by saying that SHAKTIBARRE used to be an NYC family's garage that wasn't even on the market yet. In the time it took to renovate the space, I carried countless pieces of delivered furniture with my bare hands from my apartment a mile away - not to mention how many boxes I broke down and carried to the trash truck, how many shelves I scaled ladders for and lifted overhead, and how much dirt-moving, hammering, and rigorous cleaning it took to turn nearly 2,000 square feet of ceiling-less hazards into a beautiful and welcoming studio.
A month after opening my nephew was born, and I got to put my muscle gains into action by carrying 10 million (small exaggeration) bags of baby supplies to the studio and back every Friday, as I offered my only free day to babysit. Then came the "hold the baby for long enough in the most awkward pose ever just so he falls asleep" moments and a plethora of stroller hauling. Meanwhile, I was teaching anywhere between six and 12 classes per week. Needless to say, getting fit for the sake of an impending family of my own started becoming more and more real.
Image source: Corinne Wainer
Mindful eating was the second strategy for fitness that SHAKTIBARRE taught me, meaning I could no longer isolate myself and binge (with a side of exercise addiction) when I had to lead and manage a team of 30. Our teachers, though close in age to me, became daughters in a way. Whether it was training them, helping them find subs, guiding them in their outside professional advancements, lending an ear during their sick times or family challenges, or other sacred shares, I felt a more profound reason to be healthy than ever before. I realized that though fit, I could be in even better mental shape, too. I was able to see how my work family and all the ways I needed to show up healthy and strong inspired even deeper yearnings to have a daughter of my own someday.
Image source: Corinne Wainer
The third fitness strategy I learned was flexibility. As a former four-sport athlete (soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and equestrian), I never had time to stretch. In other words: my yoga life was virtually nonexistent until about 10 years back. Once my fellow SHAKTIBARRE cofounder, Shauny Lamba, took me to my first yoga class, I realized not only how tight and unforgiving my body was but also how my mind was cycling through the same unproductive patterns and habits.
Fortunately, doing just as much "brain yoga" as I now do actual vinyasa motivated me to change my approach to dating as well. Now when I date, I'm thinking, "Can this person be a reliable, adventurous, special, and memorable leader? Can this person occupy less of my energy in a negative way and more in a manner that encourages me to make healthy time for my next level of fitness? Can we and our maybe baby go on epic hikes together - strong, snacking mindfully along the way, and able to stretch both our muscles and perspectives on the regular?"
It's not to say I need a husband and daughter to be my fittest self: my fitness inspiration is a higher purpose. SHAKTIBARRE and my nephew have been the best things I've witnessed in this lifetime, showing me the power of a bigger goal than being fit. Ironically, that more monumental aspiration of #daughtergoals makes me want to be even more fit. I've begun to focus on exercises that continually raise the bar for my strength and flexibility. While that "all the single ladies" necessity of being fit for yourself is what I'm 100 percent into, I must say envisioning the end of an Iron Man finish line, where I run with sweaty, outstretched arms toward a kid of my own, gives me all the feels and lets me know it's time to pause here so I can go train.
Listen Up! These 5 Things Might Be Making Your Period Cramps Even Worse
Do you tend to want curl up on the couch with Netflix during that time of the month? If so, you're certainly not alone. Unfortunately, while you might feel extra tired and a bit crampy, you know that life still goes on when you're on your period and you've got to make the best of it. While you might not be able to completely avoid all the less-than-pleasant symptoms that come with having your period, there are certain things you can avoid to possibly feel a bit better. Here are five things that can sometimes cause menstrual pain and some potential solutions.
Certain exercises
According to Rachel High, D.O., an OB-GYN and fellow at Baylor Scott & White Health in Central Texas, current research indicates that light exercise such as easy-paced running on a treadmill or low-impact exercises like yoga and Pilates can improve unpleasant menstrual symptoms such as pain and emotional changes. "Even if you might not feel up to doing your usual hour-long run or high-intensity Spin class, doing a different activity and taking it easy are still more likely to help than to hurt," she said.
Alcohol and sweets
It can be tempting to reach for chocolate during that time of the month, but it turns out it can sometimes worsen your symptoms. "It is recommended to limit alcohol and sweets or desserts because they can cause blood sugar spikes, bloating, and more fatigue," said Starla Garcia, M.Ed, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian in Houston.
Caffeine
"Caffeine has been shown to have some diuretic activity, which could predispose women to dehydration," High said. "While it is also a stimulant, which can potentially irritate the uterus and increase cramping, avoiding caffeine hasn't been proven to improve to decrease menstrual pain." So if your morning cup of coffee is a typical part of your routine and keeps you sane more than it bothers you, you may find that you're better off sticking with it, she said. However, if you have an iffy relationship with caffeine as it is, avoiding it while on your period may be a good idea.
Stress
While stress doesn't necessarily worsen menstrual pain, it can worsen mood changes. Most people can't completely avoid stress, but they can add something that calms them to their day, such as going on a walk with good conversation, doing yoga, taking a warm bath, or playing with their pets, High said.
Not eating at least three meals a day
While the standard recommendation is to eat three meals a day, if you feel nauseated, you should try to have several smaller, more frequent meals, Garcia said. "You just don't want to end up going very long periods of time without anything in your stomach, because it can lead to stomach acidity and nausea," she said. "Eating frequent meals can also help you keep consistent energy levels up and from blood sugars dropping that leave you feel weak, tired, moody, and irritable."
12 Hilarious, Touching, Way Too Relatable Tweets About What, Exactly, Gay Culture Is
On Sept. 1, a Twitter user known as introvertgay posted a sad but salient tweet: "Gay culture is being a teenager when you're 30 because your teenage years were not yours to live." The message nails how so many members of the LGBTQ+ community stay in the closet during their formative years. While the tweet is pretty striking in and of itself, the couple of weeks since have turned "gay culture" into a trending topic.
Some contributions are heartbreaking, like the original tweet, while others are pretty hilariously specific. After all, the LGBTQ+ internet community is the same space that embraced the gay Babadook, celebrated a very gay boat, and exposed gay Twitter catfish Parks Denton. So, without further ado, allow us to present some rather succinct definitions of "gay culture."
18 Ultrastylish Gifts For Your Athleisure-Obsessed Friend
Do you have a friend who is obsessed with stylish sneakers and lives in impossibly cool activewear? Don't let their style intimidate you when you're shopping for the perfect gift and use this guide as your starting point! From the new sneaker darling APLs to NikeLab street style and plenty of mesh insets and luster leggings, these picks will please even the pickiest of fitness fashionistas. There are plenty of gym-ready kicks to add to their collection, plus all the coolest active pieces to wear with them.
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