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.
samedi 3 février 2018
The 1 Simple Thing You Can Do to Reduce Your Stress Right Now
Lately, I have experienced heart-racing, stomach-turning signs of stress interrupting my day and ruining my ability to sleep through the night more times than I can count. I realized I needed to make a change in order to take back my life from the constant stressors. But I wasn't able to remove all of them - hectic workdays, budgeting crises, and disagreements with my significant other will inevitably happen!
I turned to SHIFT, a stress and anxiety workshop lead by Chris Swayne, psychotherapist and lead health coach at One Medical, to learn ways to manage my symptoms for when these moments arise. Along with mastering deep-breathing exercises, Chris taught me that understanding what is happening inside of my body during stress is an important step toward finding the right practice to alleviate stress symptoms once and for all.
Your Body on Stress
When you body perceives a threat - which may come in the form of moving to a new apartment, having a difficult conversation with your significant other, or tightening your budget - it springs into action. Our physiological stress response is also known as "fight or flight", which we humans have been preprogrammed with since our caveman days running from sabertooth tigers.
"During this [fight or flight] response, your body pumps itself with adrenaline and cortisol. You may experience changes to your breathing, tension in major muscle groups, such as your legs and shoulders, and digestive issues like a loss of appetite as your body prioritizes blood flow to areas that mobilize," said Chris. "It can be understood as our biological impulse to survive."
Stress Intervention
While our fight or flight response can threaten to hijack our day, interventions such as deep breathing exercises and other self-care practices can give you a moment to pause, regulate your heart rate, and calm down.
Deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which "is responsible for certain sensory activities and motor information for movement within the body," according to Medical News Today. "Essentially, it is part of a circuit that links the neck, heart, lungs, and the abdomen to the brain." The vagus nerve sends signals to your brain and body to remind you you're not in imminent danger so you can tackle your day.
While there are a variety of breathing exercises out there, you don't need anything to get started - just yourself. Take a few minutes right now and give it a try.
Deep Breathing Exercise
- Find a quiet space if it is available to you, otherwise sit tall in your chair (at work, at home, or wherever you may be reading this!) for a moment of stillness. "Bring awareness to your breathing as it is. Without judging or changing anything, first simply notice what's physically happening," Chris instructed.
- Bring your focus inward, giving awareness to your breath. "As this happens, continue to tether your awareness to noticing the air entering and leaving your body."
- Start breathing. "Allow yourself to take a full inhale, directing the breath all the way down to your low belly, and slowly, fully exhale," Chris advised. Bring mindfulness to your practice by gently placing your hands on your belly and chest to feel the rise and fall of your inhalations. Repeat three to five times, or until you begin to feel your stress ease. Don't get discouraged if this feels uncomfortable the first time; just try again once you're ready.
- For further grounding, shift your thoughts on pressing your feet to the floor (if sitting in a chair). As Chris put it, "Quite literally focus on your connection with the ground."
As with any practice, it takes time to discover the and technique that works best for you. I've found it helpful to set an alarm for 3 p.m. every day (the time I usually become most stressed or unfocused). I take a pause and a few deep breaths wherever I am at. While at first this might seem foreign, I promise, the more you practice your deep breathing, the more effective it will be.
Now get out there and conquer your day!
If You Fear Having a Panic Attack From Smoking Weed, Read This Before Lighting Up
While some of us may think of weed as a way to mellow out, some have had an opposite reaction. Sometimes, for some people, panic attacks can happen.
"Street marijuana will not cause panic attacks if it has low levels of THC," said addiction specialist Dr. Cali Estes. "However, if they're dabbing or have a high THC content, such as one of the higher strains of marijuana, it will likely cause panic attacks because it acts more like LSD," Dr. Estes said. Some strains of marijuana help users relax, while others may cause paranoia and anxiousness.
However, it strongly depends on how much you take. For example, if you take an edible with high levels THC - think 10mg or higher - which is the active ingredient in weed that gets you high, you're far more likely to feel extremely anxious. "For users who have built a tolerance over time, ingesting an edible with similar THC content is more likely to make the user feel sleepy. So it just depends on the individual and how much they take, in addition to which strain they take," Dr. Estes said.
But how common is this anxiety, and is it anything to worry about? "Some cannabis users can experience anxiety from certain strains - but it's important to note that certain cannabinoids will affect each person differently," said Athena Taylor, budtender at The Herbal Connection in Eugene, OR.
Too much THC can cause some patients nervousness, restlessness, and inability to focus, whereas other patients find a calm from high levels of THC. And for those unfamiliar with sativa and indica, sativa is the strain of weed that generally has a higher THC content and gives you that high feeling. Indica has a lower THC content but higher CBD level. Ultimately though, you should look at the THC/CBD levels of the specific strain you're buying. "Anxiety from weed is not connected to just sativa strains, but also can be cause by some indica strains. High levels of the cannabinoid THC can cause anxiety to those patients sensitive to THC's psychoactive effects," Taylor said.
A good way to avoid anxiety from marijuana use is to know your cannabinoids and know your needs. "THC is the most widely advertised and known cannabinoid, but not the only one," Taylor said. "For those people that get high anxiety from the Mary Jane, I strongly recommend they switch from strains high in THC to those strains containing a higher percent of CBD (like indica types). CBD functions as antianxiety and anti-inflammatory cannabinoid, providing stress relief, a state of calmness, and body buzz," Taylor said. When smoked, CBD provides great relief from headaches and nausea without the psychoactive effects of getting high.
CBN is another cannabinoid found in marijuana that works as a relaxer for the mind and body. "I always encourage people to go online and read about all the wonderful healing cannabinoids found in weed," Taylor said.
Other factors that can cause anxiety are lack of hydration, using on an empty stomach, and current stress levels. "When going into a dispensary to buy marijuana products, make your budtender aware of what effect you want from a strain/product and any past experiences with anxiety," Taylor said.
Can Weed Help With Anxiety? I Tried It For Myself and Here's What I Discovered
It has been nearly one year since I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. At first, I only noticed it occasionally - a chest-tightening, heart-dropping, ear-ringing moment when the world seemed to speed up faster than I could keep up with. But then panic attacks began to hit.
I would be sitting at my desk at work and suddenly have a need to be anywhere but where I was - I would run to the hall, shaking uncontrollably, hyperventilating, and usually holding back a tidal wave of tears. There was even a full week in January where I could hardly leave my house because of my anxiety. I knew something needed to change.
After consulting with my doctor, we decided prescription medicine, specifically Xanax and SSRIs, would be the most effective way for me to soothe my nervous system and manage my symptoms. Always a fan of seeking out natural remedies as well, we discussed the use of essential oils, breathing exercises, and CBD to balance out my treatment plan.
Out of curiosity, I shifted our conversation toward medical marijuana. I'd heard mixed reviews before when it came to weed and anxiety - while some may find relief, others find it can aggravate anxiety further and even cause panic attacks. After thorough discussion, I decided I wouldn't knock it until I tried it, so after receiving my medical card in California, where I reside, I began my trial (and error). Here's what I learned.
Everybody Is Different
"Marijuana can heighten anxiety as a side effect for many people - but for others, it can also help with relaxation and sleep, both of which improve anxiety," my healthcare provider said. "Each person reacts differently to medication, so it is about balancing the side effects and maximizing the benefit."
One of the first times I ever smoked weed, I became super paranoid and anxious instantly - not the effect I was going for at all. I was coached to try a different strain and a smaller dose and to not be scared away from all types of marijuana because of one negative experience. Thankfully, I didn't take anybody else's personal experiences as fact, and my trials paid off. I was able to hone in on the dose and strain that was right for me.
There Are Many Different Strains to Experiment With
Marijuana contains over 60 different cannabinoids, a few of which are psychoactive (aka they make you feel high). A study published in American Family Physician states, "The clinical effectiveness and cannabinoids and adverse effects depend on the ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to nonpsychoactive cannabinol components."
The other primary cannabinoid is cannabidiol, or CBD. "CBD is considered to have a wide scope of potential medical applications despite its reputed lack of psychoactive properties," the study claimed. My healthcare provider said, "There is, in particular, good evidence for pain management - and marijuana is, arguably, to our knowledge, safer by far than regular opioid use. Also, marijuana can be very helpful for sleep and insomnia, and to common knowledge, safer than hypnotics or benzodiazepines."
The first step in finding the right strain is discovering your tolerance and sensitivity. Remember this: start low and slow - work your way up to find your ideal dose. During my own use, I have discovered strains with a higher ratio of CBD to THC are the most effective in calming my anxiety rather than provoking it.
Some of my favorites include the Girl Scout Cookies vape pen and the various flavored pure CBD vape pens from Select CBD (infused with essential oils such as peppermint and lavender). The higher CBD levels in these products appear to dull the edges of my anxiety more without the high (or risk of more panic and paranoia) from too much THC.
It's Good to Sample Different Methods
Marijuana can be ingested, smoked or vaped, and taken sublingually with a tincture. You may find you prefer one way over another. My personal preference is to vape, as I find it much easier on my lungs than smoking and portable without the telltale smell. If I am at work and need a quick pick-me-up, tinctures are the way to go - they are discreet and fast-acting. For a focused and productive calm, I prefer my high-CBD Ritual 20:1 Daytime Oil.
Keep in mind that different methods take longer to experience than others - for example, cannabis edibles may take one to two hours to hit, while you may feel the effects of tinctures and vaping in mere minutes.
You Should Talk to a Professional First
Remember, always talk with your healthcare professional when experimenting with adding marijuana to your anxiety-busting arsenal. They can offer advice custom-tailored to you, especially if they have previously helped establish a treatment plan for your anxiety. "I recommend that a patient work with a medical marijuana dispensary that is well-versed in recommendation for a good balance of CBD and THC, different strains, and methods for relief of the particular symptoms they are looking to treat," my health provider advised.
When you're ready to go for it, be mindful of your specific state's laws surrounding the use of medical marijuana. Purchase only from a legal, credible source, such as a dispensary or delivery service like Eaze. When at the dispensary, be open and honest with the consultants about what you are looking for. Do you want to feel high or not? Would you rather find an uplifting daytime strain or a calming one for sleep? Let them know how you are currently managing your symptoms. Don't be shy and ask as many questions as you want - educating you is what the consultants are there for! Remember, there really is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when it pertains to your well-being.
Take charge of your health and your anxiety by beginning your own research and calling on a trusted professional - you're worth it!
Grow Plants in Your Shower For a Spa-Like Experience Every Day!
There are many benefits to bringing plants into your home: fresher air, stress relief, eye candy, and more. But what about bringing plants into your shower? It might sound a little strange, but your bathroom is the perfect environment for many house plants. Pick plants that thrive in whatever lighting situation you have (low light or sunny) and let the humidity and shower water work their magic. Get ready for a relaxing, spa-like experience that also doubles as a natural air freshener.
Google Launched 3 New Photo Apps - and We're Obsessed
Google has always been at the forefront of innovation. It's no surprise, then, that as we start to hit that point when we think we've got it all, the massive company pops up with something new and exciting and just all-around awe-inspiring. The latest endeavor, released on Dec. 12, is being labeled as the first in a set of "photography appsperiments," all aimed at getting the most out of the incredibly futuristic capabilities in every mobile phone.
Ahead, check out the details on all three of the new apps - Storyboard (available on Android only), Selfissimo! (available on Android and iOS), and Scrubbies (available on iOS only). And be sure to swap phones with a friend if you can't access all three of them, because they are all worth playing around with.
The Augmented Reality Feature in Messenger is Freakin' Awesome
Augmented reality - better known as AR - is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives, mainly through the apps we use the most. The most recent app to take the plunge into the world of future tech? Facebook's Messenger, which on Dec. 12 announced a brand-new AR-focused feature: World Effects. Now, instead of just sending your loved ones a static image or standard video, you can spice up your messages with 3D objects that can be dropped anywhere in the vicinity of the camera in your device.
"World Effects technology enables you to drop 3D objects into your surroundings to capture and share fun moments with your family and friends," the Facebook post announcing the new feature reads. "For example, add a 3D heart floating over someone's head and then try panning your phone's camera from side to side. Or use an arrow to point to an exact object or location in a panorama so your friend knows what you're referring to. Or better yet, add a new fun, celebratory robot to an otherwise every-day setting and spice things up a bit. (Hint: be sure to try the robot out with your phone's volume turned up - the robot plays three different kinds of music!)"
To get started with World Effect, simply open the camera in your Messenger app and scroll to the type of 3D image you'd like to drop in the scene - currently, you can choose from a heart, an arrow, a robot, several different word bubbles, and a unicorn - and then tap your screen to let it loose on the world. And here's a hot tip: there's no easier way to let a long-distance friend or family member know you're thinking about them than by sending them a video message (complete with 3D objects and all!) this holiday season - and if you're already messing around with Messenger, why not take the opportunity to have a little fun with it?
Delayed or Canceled Flight? This Site Can Help You Get Compensated For Up to $700
Image Source: Unsplash / kelvin balingit
You can never predict a change in your flight status, but you can do something about it. Even if an airline cancels your flight due to weather conditions or issues outside of its control, it's still your responsibility to take the necessary steps for compensation. If you'd rather accept your losses than go through the hassle, air passenger rights company AirHelp is here to fight for you.
AirHelp will first determine whether or not you're eligible for financial compensation. If you have a valid case, the service will then file a claim on your behalf, take care of all the paperwork, and communicate with airlines so that you don't have to. You can even submit a claim from up to three years ago. If legal action is required, AirHelp will pay all the court and attorney's fees regardless if the case is won or lost.
What's in it for AirHelp? If you end up receiving money (and you can get up to $700!), you'll have to pay around a 25 percent service fee and/or a legal action fee, depending on your compensation amount. But remember, you'd be getting paid for a claim that required zero effort and time on your end. Basically, you don't have to pay until you get paid.
Here's What You Can Claim
According to AirHelp's FAQ section, EU regulation EC 261 only covers flight delays, cancellations, and boarding denials. Under US law, however, coverage is limited to cases of when you're bumped off a flight due to overbooking. If your situation doesn't fall under any of these categories, you can always try contacting the airline directly.
To see if you're eligible for compensation, provide your flight information (three years past max) online!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Yi
Take Back Control of Your News Feed With Facebook's Snooze Feature
There's never been a civil way to handle that twice-removed aunt or former childhood bestie who cannot help themselves from oversharing on Facebook. You know the one I'm talking about, that person who constantly posts photos of the same thing (a pet, a child, their meals) and clogs up your News Feed day after day. The statement that unfriending them would make is just not worth the headache, and honestly, you love to see what they're up to, but you don't want to be inundated with that (pet, child, meal) every time you open up Facebook. Well, as of Dec. 15, we finally have a way to properly filter our News Feeds - all while being completely invisible to those social media offenders who drive us up the wall.
The new feature is called Snooze, and it allows you to hide all posts from any given Facebook friend for 30 guilt-free days. The best part, though, is that you're not actually unfriending or blocking the individual - so while your News Feed gets a little breathing room and you get more visibility on what your other friends are doing, you can always view that person's profile directly and see all of what you're not seeing in your News Feed on your own time. The process is also simple; in the drop-down menu on the top-right corner of any post, click "Snooze" - and voila, you've just taken a much-needed step toward restoring your social media sanity.
Oh, and did we mention that this works for groups and pages as well? If you're tired of hearing about the same old bad news from a website but don't want to permanently kiss it goodbye, it's super easy to just Snooze it, too. Ultimately, it's the first time we've been able to have this level of control over what we see day to day in the News Feed, and I can't recommend highly enough that you test out some social hygiene over the holidays and see what your life would be like without feeling super jealous of your friend who travels the world or that page that constantly shows you delectable dishes that will kill your Winter diet. Unlike most things in 2017, it's a temporary decision that you can extend if you so choose - so don't be afraid to take the plunge, and give Snooze a whirl today.
The 1 Video That Perfectly Explains Why Your Parents Don't Understand You
Image Source: Unsplash / Kendyle Nelsen
For years - decades, even - the world has struggled to understand millennials. We're glued to our phones, annoying as hell, don't take no for an answer, and, if recent reporting is to be believed, we're basically over. Naturally, that makes it the perfect moment for a revelation to arrive that is so perfect, it makes us all shout "it me!" - and that revelation happens to be an explanation as to why we are such a resoundingly f*cked-up group. Behold:
i pinpointed the exact moment millennial humor became this sort of fucked up weird and vague disturbing humor that is very difficult to understand from the outside looking in. essentially our downward spiral began with this video pic.twitter.com/7ZUBM00f0c
- nick(y) (@backtoyoubfs) November 27, 2017
April 14, 2007. That was the night that Saturday Night Live debuted "Dear Sister," a digital short so inexplicable to our parents that it became instantly clear that there was one hell of a generational divide in our collective senses of humor, and we would never be able to see eye to eye on comedic ground. It wasn't the first digital short that the late-night show produced - nor was it the last - but it was certainly among the most memorable moments in viral video history, spawning a decade of memes and virtually destroying a perfectly decent Imogen Heap song called "Hide and Seek." But let's start at the beginning, and talk about the cultural phenomenon that was The O.C.
The O.C., at heart, is the story of a wealthy philanthropic family's decision to adopt a tough street kid (Ryan) and force him into semi-brotherhood with their geeky-yet-lovable son (Seth) and the duo's subsequent journey toward adulthood, often coupled with two young women of the same age (Marissa and Summer). Drama, sexual tension, a bangin' soundtrack - the show had it all. The New York Times, in its first review of the series, noted that the show "obviously owes a vast debt to Beverly Hills 90210 and to Eminem's wardrobe in the movie 8 Mile," adding, "Teenagers between 12 and 50 will love it." And boy, did we love it. So much so that one of SNL's star comedians, Andy Samberg, could not get the show - and in particular, an Imogen Heap song that played during the show's season two finale - out of his head. It's from this obsession that "Dear Sister" emerged.
"When 'Hide and Seek' aired on The O.C. we all became somewhat obsessed with that song. I remember listening to it on headphones while we were shooting with Jimmy Fallon on the MTV Movie Awards when we were writers before we got SNL. I remember being on a stage at Universal where he was shooting the pre-tapes and Jorma had it on his headphones, and we kept being like, 'God, that song is so cool,'" Samberg told Entertainment Weekly earlier this year. "We couldn't let go of the O.C. thing and that song, because Akiva, Jorma, and I were obsessed with The O.C. [The sketch] was 100 percent because of that the season 2 finale. It's a classic moment, and we love doing digital shorts about movie and TV tropes. The 'Gunshot That Happens Off-Camera, and Then Everything Cranks Into Slo-mo and Someone Realizes They Have Blood on Their Hands When They Look Up' is a move done a bunch of times, and we always really loved it."
In fairness, the scene that Samberg is referencing is one that will live on forever in infamy. I'm not even going to attempt to describe what happens, so spoiler alert, here's the clip itself:
"Dear Sister" hones in on the extreme melodrama of the scene and cranks it to one million. Dave (Bill Hader) is shot by Keith (Andy Samberg) and after Keith returns fire, Dave shoots their friend Eric, played by none other than Shia LaBeouf, and the three alongside Keith's sister (Kristen Wiig) continue to shoot each other over and over, and over - with every single gunshot being marked by the Imogen Heap song starting from the top (over and over, and over and over). The skit ends in equally dramatic fashion after two cops (Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen) arrive and find a letter describing exactly what went down ("Dear sister . . . ") and they shoot each other after reading it.
Now that I've typed this whole thing out, I can somewhat see how it is that my parents thought I was nuts for finding it hilarious. But suffice it to say, it was so perfect in every way. It was exactly the coda that The O.C. needed, and it became the inside joke of an entire generation - one that was far, far too hard to explain to the old folks who just didn't get it. For good measure, why don't you watch the skit again and laugh a little bit more? Can you turn it off? No, I didn't think so.
As @backtoyoubfs (who may be a genius, and is certainly now the voice of our generation) pointed out in his tweet on Nov. 26, "Dear Sister" is truly the moment at which it became clear that we we could never really explain the internet and viral videos and our particular brand of teen angst to our parents, and they'd never understand the way that the world had changed. But as Dr. Seuss may or may not have said many years ago, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." So while we may be the most f*cked-up generation the world has ever known, never forget that we're also most definitely the funniest people who have ever lived - even if we're the only ones who understand our jokes.
The 15 Best Independent Bookstores in the US
When it's time to hit the road for a vacation, there are two things that bookworms know to be true. First of all, you can never pack too many books in your suitcase and carry-on (although those overweight luggage fees are definitely not on our side). The other is that, no matter where we go, it would be straight-up sacrilege to not visit any and all renowned independent bookstores in the vicinity.
With no disrespect to chain bookstores, there's nothing quite as magical as an independent bookstore. Each has its own unique atmosphere, decor, selection, and claim to fame, but they all have one thing in common - when a bookworm steps inside, we immediately know that we could spend an entire day there.
Despite the rise of e-readers, there's no shortage of incredible independent bookstores in America. In fact, some of us (*raises hand*) have even planned trips just so we can visit certain indies. Luckily, many of them are located in popular tourist destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. So before you head out on your next trip, check out this list of the 15 best independent bookstores in the country.
Obama Reveals How He Felt at Trump's Inauguration, and It Might Not Be What You Expect
Barack Obama sat down with Prince Harry for an intimate interview that aired on BBC Radio 4 on Dec. 27, and the former president's words of wisdom are making us miss him even more than we already did. Before diving into a round of humorous quick-fire questions, Harry asked Obama to relive January, 20, 2017, the day he passed the White House keys to Donald Trump. "You sat through the inauguration with your game face on, not giving much emotion away - as we all saw. What's going through your mind?" Harry inquired.
Obama, being the truly eloquent gentlemen he is, didn't bash his successor; rather, he focused his recollection of that fateful day on his family. "The first thing that went through my mind was sitting across from Michelle, how thankful I was that she had been my partner through that whole process," he said, before describing her as a "spectacular, funny, warm person." Obama also noted that during Trump's inauguration, he felt grateful to be leaving the Oval Office with his marriage still "intact," adding that Michelle is still his best friend.
That, paired with the fact that his two daughters were in turning into "amazing young women," left the now-former POTUS filled with a sense of accomplishment. "You know, the sense that there was a completion and that we had done the work in a way that preserved our integrity and left us whole and that we hadn't fundamentally changed, I think was a satisfying feeling," he said. "That was mixed with all the work that was still undone and concerns about how the country moves forward," he continued, "but overall there was a serenity there - more than I would have expected." Heck, we didn't expect that either, Obama!
Listen to the audio clip below to hear Obama open up about how he really felt on that day when Trump took his presidential oath.
"Overall there was serenity there. More than I would have expected."@BarackObama on his feelings after @realDonaldTrump was inaugurated as US President #r4today pic.twitter.com/lNilKhml6D
- BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) December 27, 2017
Here's Exactly Why You Need to Be Double Cleansing
Double cleansing means exactly what you think: cleansing your face twice in the evening. And if you wear makeup, you definitely should be doing it! It's a simple and effective way to keep your skin in great condition. We tapped into the knowledge of Pixi's Global Makeup Artistic Director, Amanda Bell, to find out why it should be the basis of every makeup-wearer's beauty regimen.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing isn't using two face wipes instead of just one! It consists of first using an oil-based remover on dry skin, working this into the skin to lift off any makeup. It's then washed off and followed by a cream-based cleanser to ensure all makeup is thoroughly removed, and to aid hydration. This is done at night when you have been wearing makeup all day. One cleanse followed by moisturizer and SPF is enough for your morning routine.
What are the benefits?
Amanda says "double cleansing ensures that all last vestiges of make up and sunscreen are removed." This way the skin is completely clear from makeup residue and the second cleanse leaves the skin "soft and hydrated, keeping skin healthy and clear." Poorly-removed makeup is one of the main culprits of blocked pores and, subsequently, blemishes. With double cleansing you can be sure that you've removed everything.
Is it an effective method of cleansing for all skin types?
"Oil works like a magnet, effectively lifting dirt and pigment from the skin, so that skin is actually cleaner and fresher after using an oil cleanser as the first step," says Amanda. Those with oily skin should not fear that they will clog their pores with oils as they are being washed off, lifting all the grime as they go. You'll find they are doing the opposite to pore clogging! "The second element of the cleanse should be the treatment part, this is the cleanser that can improve the texture and treat the skin further." This is where you can use a cleanser to meet your specific skin type to improve the skin's texture.
How does double cleansing effect the products used after?
"It leaves skin superbly soft and also hydrated." Because of how hydrated and clean the skin feels, you will find you will use less serum and moisturizer because cleansing has done a good job beforehand. Prepped and clean skin provides the perfect base for serums and moisturizers to work their magic and absorb deep into the skin.
How does double cleansing help makeup application?
Good makeup always starts with good skin care! Amanda says that "with nightly double cleansing the skin is kept clean and the texture improves, it can potentially improve the clarity and hydration of the skin which means that essentially you need less foundation or base, as skin is fresh and flawless." Foundation always sits better when the skin is hydrated and has been well prepped. Doing a night-time double cleanse not only removes makeup and refreshes the face after a long day but also prepares the skin for the next day of makeup application.
What product is recommended for anyone looking to start?
You can use any oil-based and cream-based cleansers you like, but Pixi has collaborated with skin care expert and blogger Caroline Hirons to produce Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse ($38), which contains the two steps in one tub, and is perfect for newbies! "It has been created for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Both cleansers work perfectly together so it takes the guess work out of the equation, you know that both cleansers work in complete synergy with each other. Leaving skin immaculately clean but perfectly prepped."
For those wanting to up their skin care game even further, use the infamous Pixi Glow Tonic ($15) after cleansing. Trust me, you'll be glowing.
Image Source: Courtesy of Pixi
Drew Barrymore's Flower Line Is Coming to Ulta - Exclusive First Look at What's New!
Drew Barrymore is so involved with her beauty brand, Flower, that she actually presents the products to editors at their offices! The actress is known to travel around Manhattan with her PR team, showing editors firsthand what is new from her affordable, easy-to-wear line. This is atypical for a celebrity to do (hint: Rihanna - we'd gladly host you to learn what's new from Fenty Beauty!), and it lets us beauty journalists know Drew is not just licensing her name away. She's really involved with making the fun, authentic, and cruelty-free makeup.
Flower - which includes everything from floral-embossed blushes to kitschy sheet masks - is all mostly under $20. The six-year-old brand was previously only sold at the brand's e-commerce site and Walmart. But we have good news: Flower is coming to Ulta!
Keep reading for an exclusive first look at these fresh launches before you can add them to your cart!
Ayesha Curry Talks Becoming a CoverGirl, Bright Lipstick, and Raising a Budding Beauty-Lover
It takes a special kind of superhero to juggle being a mom of two, successful entrepreneur, badass chef, and beauty guru, but Ayesha Curry is one of them. The Food Network star recently added CoverGirl to her impressive list of credentials, and her new role feels like a strong fit.
Ayesha joins the empowering ranks of Janelle Monae, Issa Rae, Zendaya, and more. She's also the face of CoverGirl's latest Peacock Flare Mascara, made to give you a full fan of thick lashes similar to Ayesha's enviable set. But aside from her hair, makeup, and brows always being on point, she also prides herself on seeking the joy in life - an equally beautiful message we can all get behind.
We got to chat with Ayesha IRL about her first dabble into the beauty world, her earliest makeup memory, and her daughter Riley's budding love for beauty. Read on for more from our chat, and prepare to love her even more.
Shop the Exact Products Betty Cooper Wears on Riverdale to Get That Girl-Next-Door Glow
Betty Cooper is a babe! No wonder Cole Sprouse Jughead Jones is dating her. We love actress Lili Reinhart's fearless attitude on The CW's Riverdale and her subtly glam beauty look. She's known for her bouncy ponytail, girlish flush, lush lashes, and pink pout.
To get the scoop on Betty's exact product lineup, POPSUGAR interviewed Riverdale's lead makeup artist, Erin Mackenzie.
"Betty's natural look begins with Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer with Guerlain L'Or Radiance Primer underneath for added radiance," Mackenzie revealed. "My go-to sculpt and highlight palette is Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, and Glossier Cloud Paint for the most beautiful natural blush out there! I adjust her eye shadow each episode, always staying within a naturally defined zone, playing with tones to match her moods. Her lashes are made perfect with Clinique mascara and our favorite lip [last] season is, without question, Josie Maran Sting Plumping Butter in Free It. All this pulled together gives us that perfect girl-next-door glow!"
She also revealed how much fun it is to work on the set. "This is the hardest-working cast I've ever met," she said. "I adore them all! Not a day goes by where laughs aren't shared in the makeup trailer. Each and every cast member has become a huge part of my world, and with all that talent surrounding me, it's hard not to be inspired by them every day."
Keep reading to shop the exact products you can see on Betty's face every Wednesday night!
The Handmaid's Tale Just Cast the Perfect Actress to Play Offred's Mother
Image Source: Getty / Anthony Harvey
The Handmaid's Tale is expanding its already-impeccable cast for season two. The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Cherry Jones is joining Hulu's dystopian drama as Holly, "the feminist mother to June/Offred (Elisabeth Moss) who, up until now, has only been mentioned in passing during flashback scenes." Season two is still in production, but so far Jones has only been confirmed to appear in one episode (episode four).
In Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, Offred mentions her mother a few times in passing. There are brief flashbacks featuring her mom, who was a proud second-wave feminist and women's rights activist before the meteoric rise of the restrictive Republic of Gilead. One such flashback sees her mother, who is unnamed in the book, taking Offred to an antipornography rally and convincing her to toss a magazine in the bonfire. Offred resists and touches on how she never saw eye to eye with her mother when it came to women's rights.
As the religious regime begins to take over the American government, Offred and her husband, Luke, go to her mother's apartment to check in on her only to find it empty and in disarray. There's no concrete answer as to where she's ended up, but Moira later tells Offred she saw her mother in footage from the Colonies (the harsh, toxic wasteland where some women are sent to be slaves for Gilead until their death).
Showrunner Bruce Miller had been thinking about incorporating her into the onscreen adaptation for quite some time - he told THR midway through the first season that "It's a story we want to tell," calling her "one of the most memorable characters" - but it wasn't until star and executive producer Elisabeth Moss reached out to Jones herself that the ball really got rolling.
"She's a terrific literary character who's now going to come to life for the first time and so it was important to me who that was," Moss told THR. "I was obsessed with it for weeks and bothering everybody about it - way before anybody cared to talk about it. Cherry was my fantasy choice. I sent her the script, she wrote me a lovely email back, and she said yes almost immediately."
Image Source: Everett Collection
Before being cast in The Handmaid's Tale, Jones made a splash in movies like Signs, The Village, The Perfect Storm, and Ocean's Twelve. She also appeared in two seasons of 24 as President Allison Taylor (above), as well as Hulu's Stephen King miniseries 11.22.63. If anyone can play the judgmental but loving mother to Moss's Offred, it's Jones. She won't be the only new face, though.
Marisa Tomei and Sydney Sweeney (Pretty Little Liars) are also on board for a Colonies-related storyline that will play out in the second episode of season two, which we got a glimpse of in the show's bleak-as-hell trailer. Madeline Brewer's unhinged Janine character also looks like she's toiling around in the Colonies, so we can imagine what will go down between her and the new characters (nothing good, obviously). Fortunately, we only have to wait until April 25 to find out.
Justin Timberlake Shares His Sweet Proposal Story, Which Inspired One of His New Songs
Justin Timberlake gets more personal than ever on his new album, Man of the Woods, sharing a glimpse into his family life and his relationship with Jessica Biel. In "Deconstruction With Justin Timberlake," an interview with Chris Douridas for Amazon Music, the singer shared the inspiration behind some of his new songs. At one point, he revealed the story of how he proposed to his wife, a moment that inspired the song "Montana":
"'Montana,' it's basically about being there with my wife. I proposed there, so it has a really special meaning. That's really where it started from, it's really about this moment when you're saying, 'I want to make this step.' For me, lyrically, the bridge is my favorite, I think maybe my favorite bridge on the album, just the way I was able to find the lyrics for that. Without going into too much of a personal story, it started to really come together just talking about being in the mountains. When I did propose, I was saying to her, I was like, 'Oh look at the shadows on the mountains,' and I had the ring on my pinkie - I guess I will just tell the story. I had the ring on my pinkie and I was like, 'Look at the shadows over there on the mountains,' and she was like, 'Oh yeah, that's beautiful,' and I was like, 'Do you see it?' So it was something that inspired the lyrics for the bridge."
For all those wondering why Biel is heard saying "Do you see it?" on the new album, there's our answer. The couple tied the knot back in 2012, and since then, they've shared plenty of adorable moments together. Most recently, Biel played a special role in his new music video for the song "Man of the Woods."
Meet the Heroic Cast of the Grey's Anatomy Spinoff, Station 19
Ready or not, the Grey's Anatomy spinoff is coming. Called Station 19, it will follow the heroic firefighters who brave the most dire emergencies Seattle has to offer. With the premiere in our sights (the two-hour episode drops on Thursday, March 22), we're giving you everything you need to run head first into this fiery new series. Using the pictures we have so far (plus a few extras!), allow us to introduce you to the major players.
Justin Timberlake Reveals the Inspiration Behind the Song "Say Something"
Justin Timberlake's new album, Man of the Woods, is arguably his most personal one yet. Not only is the title inspired by his son, Silas, whose name means "of the woods," but his wife, Jessica Biel, stars in the latest music video.
Timberlake shed light on the stories behind his new songs in "Deconstruction With Justin Timberlake," an interview with Chris Douridas for Amazon Music. In the 10-segment interview, he discusses the experience of making the album with artists like Pharrell, Timbaland, and Chris Stapleton. Of the latter, he said the first collaboration with Stapleton was "Say Something," the third song that was released off the album.
"Chris sat down with me and he was like, 'What do you want to write about?'" Justin said. "There was a lot going on in the world, and we were talking about the, do you feel a responsibility, as an artist, to say something about certain things?" Timberlake's reaction sparked the idea for the song. "I said, 'Man, I have this dilemma, because I always feel like I want to say something, but I just don't want to get caught up in the rhythm of all of it.'" From there, JT said, Stapleton grabbed a note pad, and they were "off to the races" writing the song.
With Timberlake's Super Bowl halftime performance coming up on Sunday, there's been plenty of buzz about how he'll use his platform. While some wondered whether he'd invite Janet Jackson to perform again, he all but confirmed that she won't be making appearance when he was asked about potential surprise guests during Thursday's press conference. And sorry, *NSYNC fans, but it doesn't sound like the former boy band will be reuniting, either. We'll always have the 2013 VMAs, right?
The Chilling Story Behind the Winchester Mystery House and the Woman Who Built It
Image Source: CBS Films
The story of Sarah Winchester and the Winchester Mystery House is bizarre, intriguing, and spooky as hell. Though it's been a fairly well-known tale for some time, it's attracted more attention due to the upcoming thriller Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built, starring Helen Mirren as the titular character. So, what do you need to know about the eerie history surrounding the infamous real-life home?
Sarah Lockwood Pardee was born in New Haven, CT, around 1839. In her early 20s, she married Oliver Winchester of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Several years later, Sarah gave birth to a daughter, Annie. Tragically, Annie died just a month later from marasmus, or severe malnutrition. From that point on, Sarah's luck only worsened. In the early 1880s, her father-in-law passed away, and then her husband succumbed to tuberculosis a year later. Though she received an inheritance of $20 million - as well as partial ownership of the family's firearms company - she never remarried and was alone for the rest of the her life.
If she stopped adding to her property, Sarah would meet her untimely death.
Then, things got weird. For some reason, Sarah got in touch with a medium. Legend has it that Sarah started to feel as though she was being haunted, but it's more likely that she spoke to the medium in an attempt to communicate with her late husband. The medium allegedly told Sarah that her family was cursed by all of those who had been killed by Winchester guns. Inexplicably, she recommended that Sarah move out west, build a home, and continue working on that home basically forever to appease the spirits. If she stopped adding to her property, Sarah would meet her untimely death.
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
Given the supernatural element to this origin story, it's been debated by historians and biographers. However, around 1886, Sarah did end up moving to San Jose, CA, where she bought an unfinished eight-room farmhouse. Sarah promptly began construction, and from that point on, she did not stop expanding and adding to the home. There were windows where there didn't need to be, staircases leading nowhere, and an unusual amount of fireplaces. The house ended up having somewhere around 160 rooms. Sarah had pretty much become an obsessive HGTV host.
Image Source: Getty / Bettmann
When an earthquake hit in 1906, Sarah reportedly got trapped in a room for several hours and felt as though she was being punished once again by the Winchester curse. Thoroughly freaked out, Sarah stopped construction on the house, boarded it up, and began living full-time in her other two properties. Her sudden departure can also explain why the architecture of the house is so strange - it's technically unfinished.
In 1922, Sarah died of heart failure at 83. Now, the Winchester Mystery House is a National Historic Landmark and visitors are able to explore the house through guided tours. If you're especially brave, you can also take a candlelight tour during the month of October. Winchester will hit theaters on Feb. 2, 2018.
Image Source: Getty / C Flanigan
The Iconic Viral Video That Justin Timberlake Sampled on His New Song "Sauce"
Image Source: Getty / Kevin Mazur
Justin Timberlake dropped his fifth studio album, Man of the Woods, on Friday, and the third track, called "Sauce," opens with a young man giving a quick definition of the term. The voice you hear belongs to 21-year-old Gordon Terry - aka "Best Buy guy" - who schooled the internet on the difference between "juice" and "sauce" in a video of himself at work that went viral back in June 2017. "Juice is temporary," Gordon explains. "You could say that just 'cause you got a nice car or something, like, 'Aw, man, he got the juice.' It's something that kind of comes and goes. But the sauce: sauce is forever."
What's the difference between the Juice and the Sauce?
"The sauce is foreva✨" pic.twitter.com/tCGfkp69ds- @Gino_Russ ➡️ @BeGinoRuss (@BeGinoRuss) June 29, 2017
In an interview with Amazon Music, Justin revealed, "It was just something I stumbled upon on Instagram, and I just thought it was great. That kid has a lot of swagger too. When he's explaining it, you're like, 'I believe that.' And it actually makes a lot of sense."
Terry seems pretty thrilled about being included on the album. Rolling Stone caught up with him after the album dropped, and he shared his excitement over being sampled. When asked if he was a Timberlake fan, Gordon quipped, "Am I a JT fan?! Do I have ears? Justin Timberlake is excellent." He added: "Of course [Justin Timberlake] has the sauce. No one can be out this long doing only this many songs and still sell out arenas and not have the sauce." Listen to "Sauce" now below.
The First Purge Trailer Will Give Anyone Who Isn't Donald Trump Nightmares For Days
A teaser trailer for The First Purge was released on the same day as President Trump's State of the Union Address, and it couldn't be more fitting. The clip, which appears to be a prequel to the rest of the franchise, only lasts 30 seconds, but it's filled with enough references to the current state of American politics to give you nightmares. "There's only one solution to keep our country great," a voice-over says. "A new solution." And yes, you probably already guessed what that solution is. Watch the creepy trailer above before the film hits theaters on July 4, then check out all the other horror movie trailers we have so far.
Bekah Martinez's Mom Reported Her Missing, Then Saw Her on The Bachelor
Bekah Martinez has been a hot topic on this season of The Bachelor thanks to her age difference with leading man Arie Luyendyk Jr. and her upfront attitude with "villain" Krystal Nielson, but she just made headlines for a completely different reason.
The Fresno native was reported missing by her mother on Nov. 18 after Martinez told her mother that she was going to work on a marijuana farm in Humboldt, CA.
"(The mother) had phone contact with Bekah via a friend on [Nov. 12]," Public Information Officer Samantha Karges told North Coast Journal. "Bekah had told her she was coming to Humboldt County to work on a marijuana farm and she wouldn't be able to contact her for a week or so."
The news of her disappearance first appeared in a recent North Coast Journal article, titled "The Humboldt 35," about missing persons in the area. "Rebekah Helena Martinez was last seen Nov. 12, 2017," read the report. "She has tattoos on her ankles of a Scrabble tile and an ankh."
When the report was posted to Facebook, several readers pointed out that Bekah is not missing and has in fact been starring on The Bachelor.
Martinez has addressed the story on Twitter, writing, "MOM. how many times do I have to tell you I don't get cell service on The Bachelor??" She also commented on the photo used in her report:
honestly the scariest thing about this story is that my efforts to conceal The Worst Drivers License Photo Of All Time have been thwarted https://t.co/z0venho66p
- bekah martinez ♡ (@whats_ur_sign_) February 2, 2018
It's worth noting that there are some timeline issues within this story. Bekah Martinez was active on Instagram until Sept. 17, when she told her followers that she was giving up social media (presumably to shoot The Bachelor). She was last seen on Nov. 12, then reported missing on Nov. 18. She resumed posting on Instagram on Nov. 22, days after her mother reported her missing, and has been consistently posting photos ever since.
Her name wasn't taken off the missing persons list until this week, when Facebook users identified her on the show. Why wouldn't it have been taken off earlier? While the footage would have been shot months earlier, surely production (or Bekah's mother) would have been in contact with her during the airing of the show.
This story may be confusing, but at least Bekah M. is OK!
Grey's Anatomy Featured a Kesha Song This Week, and We're All Sobbing
Any Grey's Anatomy fan knows by now that watching the show is an emotional experience in and of itself. And between all of the breakups, car accidents, plane crashes, active shooters, and bomb scares, the only thing that makes witnessing all this drama hurt so much more is the show's soundtrack.
The music in certain Grey's episodes is usually a telltale sign that something terrible is about to happen - just ask anyone who can't stand to listen to "How to Save a Life" by The Fray anymore - and the songs featured (and not featured) in Thursday night's episode titled "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" had me on the edge of my seat for all the right reasons.
The entire episode is a pretty wild ride, and it sees Dr. Bailey checking herself into Seattle Presbyterian because she's convinced that she's experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. But after getting herself checked out, Bailey is eventually brushed off by two doctors who think her current issues are the result of a heavy amount of stress, and this prompts her to demand a second opinion via Maggie and Dr. Webber. By the time they both arrive to help, Miranda ends up being rushed to the OR to go under Maggie's knife. This was the moment at which the fandom collectively began to panic at the thought of another Grey's original being killed off the show.
As a fan, you know that if Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars" starts playing in any given episode, it might be time to cut your losses and accept the heartbreak that's to come.
When you're watching #GreysAnatomy and the song Chasing Cars starts playing: pic.twitter.com/Lt44gzUQZs
- shantell (@_shantellr_) February 2, 2018
the only thing that could make this episode more tragic is if they start playing Chasing Cars... #GreysAnatomy pic.twitter.com/fsLZtMv7Du
- kass💜 (@theycallmekass_) February 2, 2018
If Chasing Cars starts playing I'm done #GreysAnatomy
- Ashley Willis (@ashley_413) February 2, 2018
Thankfully, Miranda pulls through in the end, and instead of further traumatizing viewers with "Chasing Cars," Kesha's "Praying" plays in the background of her emotional moment spent sitting in her hospital bed next to Ben and Dr. Webber. Given the song's optimistic and hopeful message, it honestly couldn't have been more fitting for a moment like this.
You may also recognize it as the song that Kesha performed at the Grammys recently.
You Can Practically Feel the Sparks in Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan's Step Up Audition Video
Before they tied the knot in a fairy tale wedding and welcomed daughter Everly, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan were just two up-and-coming actors starring together in a little dance film called Step Up. The couple played onscreen love interests in the 2006 movie, and Jenna shared a bit of nostalgia for fans via YouTube this week in the form of her and Channing's original audition video.
"It's really cute, and also embarrassing and crazy, but of course I want to share it with all of you," she said while introducing the clip. "Please watch how many times I giggle and laugh, it's very cute!" You can definitely see the sparks flying between the two, who began dating after working together on the movie and went on to marry in 2009. Their daughter Everly was born in May 2013.
9 Ways We Thought Jack Was Going to Die on This Is Us
Warning: This Is Us spoilers ahead.
This Is Us has been filled with sad moments, but the most shocking twist had to be the revelation that Milo Ventimiglia's character Jack is no longer alive in present day. After the news first broke in season one, fans went crazy theorizing how it might happen. Some people thought it would have something to do with alcoholism, while others suggested it was connected to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Now that we finally know he dies in a house fire, let's take a look back at the most intriguing theories fans came up with below.
1. Alcoholism
Even though Jack kicks his alcoholism, it may have still taken a toll on his health. During season one, fans thought his drinking may have led to heart problems or increased his risk of developing cancer.
2. Heart Attack
Kate is so distraught when Toby has his heart surgery, and while obviously any person would be, the storyline seemed like a backwards foreshadowing that her father also suffered from a heart condition.
3. Exhaustion
When Rebecca's music career causes strife within her marriage, we were worried that Jack would die while she was away on tour due to the stress of balancing his work and personal life. The added exhaustion could have lead to a number of health complications, resulting in his untimely death.
4. Plane Crash
Hold onto your seat, because this theory was a doozy. Some fans thought that Jack would die during the 9/11 terrorists attacks. Both Kate and Kevin seem to have a fear of flying, and Kevin threw away his model airplanes after his dad's death - and that's not the only connection. Randall lives in New Jersey and Rebecca seems to live nearby, leading many people to believe that the family moved to the city sometime around 2001. Another (and more believable) theory was based on a real plane crash that happened in Pittsburgh (the city where the Pearson family lived) in 1994.
5. Car Crash
Since we're on the topic of life-altering accidents, we were also minorly convinced that Jack would die in a car crash with Kate. Out of the Big Three, it seems like Kate is the most affected by her father's death. Not only does she have his urn in her house, but she got pretty emotional when she remembered his funeral during camp. In the episode "Memphis" we also couldn't help but notice how the camera spent a few extra seconds focused on the tree where some of Jack's ashes were sprinkled, leading us to believe that it was where Jack had his accident.
6. He Goes Missing
When we spoke with Justin Hartley last year, he revealed that one of the craziest theories he has heard is that Jack actually goes into hiding and dies as a missing person. While we would love to believe that Jack is still alive, he immediately dismissed the idea.
7. Miguel Kills Him
OK, OK, this one is out there. We know Miguel isn't a murderer, but some fans thought Miguel accidentally killed Jack somehow. And that's why Kevin doesn't like him; not because Miguel marries Rebecca. Jon Huertas dispelled this theory in an interview with E!, saying, "What kind of show are you watching? This isn't some murder mystery!"
8. House Fire
Of course, now we know it is a fire - but at the Pearson's, not Miguel's. Reddit user AFriendlyInternetGuy suggested that Jack might actually die a hero by trying to save Miguel in a house fire. If the theory did end up being true, it would have definitely explained why the latter's family is never mentioned in present day and why the kids hold a bit of resentment.
9. Shooting
This theory about Jack's death is as violent as it is heartbreaking. Due to the show's numerous shocking twists, some fans thought that Jack would get shot during a random robbery. While the theory certainly sounds crazy, there is one scene that had us questioning its validity. During the season one finale, it is revealed that Jack actually met Rebecca when he was supposed to be robbing a bar.
So, what do you think? Should This Is Us have gone with one of these wild theories, or stuck with the Crock Pot? Sound off in the comments!
8 Times Kim Kardashian Got Naked For the World This Year
Kim Kardashian is known for pushing the limits when it comes to sharing sexy photos of her body, but this year, she's taking things up a notch. We're well aware that it's only the beginning of the year, but in just January alone, Kim has already posted eight NSFW snaps on social media. That must be some kind of record, right? From sizzling topless shots to mirror selfies, it's clear to see that Kim loves showing off her body. Can you really blame her, though? She looks amazing!
Queen Letizia Isn't Afraid to Wear a Good Outfit More Than Once - or Twice
When it comes to fashion, no one can call Queen Letizia of Spain wasteful. The royal wears and rewears the same pieces with total confidence - sometimes in the same month - getting photographed at official events and meetings with dignitaries in recycled outfits like it's no big deal.
Whether it's a classic white dress with black leather trimming, a trendy statement jacket, or even a white shirt and A-line skirt combo, the queen knows what styles work for her, reaching for the same outfit from head to toe often. We don't blame her! The classic items in her closet could really carry her through her entire reign. Keep scrolling to see just 33 of the many outfits the queen has grown fond of, then check out her style evolution through the years.
The Best Effing Chicken Recipes You'll Ever Eat
Sure, chicken is probably already your go-to protein - it makes for great and easy yet satisfying packed-up lunches and dinners. But it's easy to fall into a rut and feel like you need to kick it up a notch as far as unique flavors go. We get it, and that's why we put together this list of 25 chicken recipes with lots of Latin flavor and spices that will keep you coming back for more.
I'm a Light-Skinned Latina, and Yes, Colorism Does Exist
"You sound too smart to be Latina," he said before taking a gulp of his beer.
This wasn't the first time I had heard something as condescending as this before, but that didn't keep me from making a surprised face. I shuffled uncomfortably and looked the other direction as I softly said, "Well, I am. I'm Mexican-American, actually." I made an excuse and walked to the bar's porch, back to my friends, as he stood there feeling rejected but not embarrassed for what he had said.
I've always been flattered when someone's complimented my smarts and sense of humor, except when they derive from colorism.
Being a light-skinned Latina has been a roller coaster of a ride for me. While I longed for my cousin's dark, honey-kissed complexion, I learned to appreciate my paler skin . . . freckles, veins, and all. I've also had to learn that because my skin is fairer, I'm less likely to be associated with negative stereotypes about Mexican-Americans.
In my 26 years of life, I've hardly ever experienced discrimination or biased comments for my background. In fact, I've experienced more colorism from the Latino community, oftentimes being accused of being "white washed" by classmates through middle and high school.
It wasn't until college that I started hearing more backhanded compliments that praised me for passing for white simply because of the way I spoke and dressed.
I once sat next to a young Latina at a friend's wedding who was confused about my nameplate saying "Rivera."
"Wait, are you Mexican?" she asked.
"Yeah, my name is Natalie Rivera."
"I would have never guessed! You just seem so classy and smart!" she said with a laugh.
I didn't find it that funny, but I gave a friendly chuckle and changed the subject, asking her how she knew the bride and groom. As she spoke, I couldn't help but feel disappointed - disappointed that she assumed that I wasn't Latina because of the way I carried myself, and guilt for feeling flattered.
Yeah, flattered. For a while I thought to myself, "Well, if my community doesn't accept me, then I should simply own being 'white washed.'" I did this not knowing that I was not only depriving myself of my culture, but I was also contributing to the problem.
How many times have we felt relieved any time someone doesn't associate us with stereotypes? How may times have you thought, "I'm not that kind of blank. I'm this kind of blank."
Some of us have this mindset embedded in us because we've only been exposed to colorism, whether it's through a television set or "harmless" comments like, "You look white."
We add fuel to the fire by boxing people in our own community into categories, sometimes without even knowing it. Instead of classifying ourselves, we should acknowledge that not every community will look, speak, or even dress the same. Race will never come in one shade; there will never be a one size fits all. So own it, be a part of a community, and - most importantly - be proud of your roots.
46 Dresses Jennifer Lopez Has Worn That Could Only Be Described as Sexy
Serious question: Has there ever been a time when Jennifer Lopez has worn a dress that doesn't immediately bring the word "sexy" to mind? The answer is, of course, no! It doesn't matter if she's wearing a dress that you need to see from the back or one where she is practically walking around naked from every angle, she will always be the queen of the sexy dress.
Jennifer knows exactly what she's doing every single time she gets on the red carpet or attends an event and makes us wonder how the heck her dress is defying gravity and staying up. Our eyes just immediately open up, and we are in awe at every step she takes in her hot-as-fire look. You will be, too, after seeing all of these numbers dating back to 1998.
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