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.
mardi 12 juin 2018
If You're Exercising to Lose Weight, Don't Make These 5 Mistakes
You're getting into a routine at the gym, feeling stronger and working up a sweat, but you're not losing weight, which is one of the main reasons you started exercising in the first place. What gives?! Here are five common mistakes people make when working out that can prevent weight loss.
You're Only Doing Cardio
While it's true that cardio is great for burning calories, if you only run, bike ride, or swim, there's a missing link to maximizing your calorie burn: strength training. The more muscle you have, the higher your body's fat-burning potential, and weight training will help you burn more fat faster. That means you can do shorter workouts and get better results.
You're Skipping Intense Workouts
If you've heard of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), it's because it works! Experts agree that it's one of the best workouts for weight loss. This works for cardio and strength training and involves following a work-to-rest ratio, a popular one being two to one. That could be 40 seconds of working at 70 to 90 percent of your max followed by 20 seconds of rest. An example of HIIT could be running, biking, jumping rope, rowing, or swimming with sprint or hill intervals included, and/or a mix of strength-training moves like burpees, squats, plyometrics exercises like jumping lunges, or push-ups.
You're Inconsistent
A 20-minute walk once a day is great for getting blood flowing and getting fresh air, but it's not enough if you're trying to lose weight. The same goes for a yoga class or jog here and there - you need to be hitting the gym regularly for about 45 minutes, three to four times a week in order to see results. Commit to that if you're serious about slimming down.
Your Workouts Are Always the Same
If you've been working out and your weight loss has plateaued, it's a sign that you need to mix things up. When you do the same workout three to five times a week, your muscles become accustomed to it, so you need to tweak your workouts at least every six weeks. Or even better, do something different every time you work out. CrossFit or boot-camp-style workouts are great examples of this.
You're Not Paying Attention to What You Eat
What you do after your workout is important, too. Exercising regularly can often make you hungrier that usual, and you think "I worked out so I can eat anything I want!" Uh, nope! If you end up eating an enormous post-workout ice cream cone protein smoothie, or an extra couple snacks throughout the day, your calorie intake vs. calorie burn has evened out. In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit, so make sure you're not taking in the same amount of extra calories that you just burned.
Get Strong, Defined Arms With This 100-Rep Arm Workout
Ten moves. 10 reps each. Sounds simple enough, but man, your arms will be toast after completing 100 reps without a rest. Modify this workout to fit your ability level by using two- to 10-pound dumbbells. Use the same size dumbbell for all 10 exercises (I used eight-pounders), or switch between lighter and heavier weights depending on the move. If this is still too hard, do five reps for each move instead of 10.
Your Essential Workout For Sexy Shoulders
Come summertime, arms, abs, and legs get all the attention. One of the lesser-talked-about areas worth focusing on? Hello, shoulders. Sure, warmer weather is prime time for bikinis, but what about those sexy off-the-shoulder shirts, dresses, and tanks? Not only will sculpted shoulders give you an extra oomph of confidence come date night, but as the largest joint in your body, shoulder strength is critical for performing day-to-day tasks.
"Solid, strong shoulders are essential for day-to-day function," said Katharine Harper, DPT, senior physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in New York. "The best way to keep your joints healthy and happy in the gym is through an equal exposure of pushing and pulling in as many planes as possible."
Ready to get to work? Prepare to enhance that shimmy with this ultimate tabata-style shoulder workout, designed by Harper, for sculpted shoulders.
Directions: There are a total of three circuits. Do three rounds of each two-move circuit. Perform each exercise AMRAP (as many reps as possible) for 40 seconds, followed by 20 seconds rest, resting one minute in between each round.
Note: When choosing weights for this workout, it's a good idea to have two sets on hand so you can use lighter weights for harder moves and the heavier set for the moves that come easy to you.
Don't Be a Tight Ass - Make Your Hips Happier With These 7 Glute Stretches
If you're working toward booty gains, chances are your glutes are feeling it. A little soreness is great; it's a sign you're building muscle and getting stronger, but tight glutes can cause hip and lower-back pain. Here are seven stretches to keep your backside flexible and feeling good. Heck, you might even want to foam roll the muscles too.
The 53 Best Leg Exercises Out There
Keep those thighs strong and toned with these moves - they're the most effective exercises for targeting your lower half to make you feel confident in anything you wear, or nothing at all.
12 10-Minute Workouts For When You Can't Get to the Gym
With your packed schedule, it can be tough to set aside time for yourself to get to the gym or studio. But you're in luck! We have so many at-home workouts and workout videos that'll help you break a sweat without having to leave the house - and these ones will give you a heart-pumping sweat sesh in under 10 minutes. You might be short on time, but you definitely have 10 minutes! Let's do this.
I Make These 4 Recipes Every Sunday to Help With Weight Loss
Prepping food for the week is one of the most effective ways I stay on track when it comes to eating healthy and avoiding overeating. If I don't prep meals and snacks, dinner will end up being an entire bag of chips with guacamole or a pint of Ben & Jerry's almond milk ice cream (or both!). So to avoid that, these are the four recipes I prep every Sunday.
If You Want to Feel Healthier, These Snacks May Help
Certain foods have been proven to help decrease belly fat, which means the foods you choose at snack time can actually help you slim down your belly. Go for ingredients with whole grains like oats, as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) like avocado, nuts, and seeds.
Berries such as blueberries are also key belly-fat fighters, along with fiber-rich fruits and veggies like raspberries, greens, and beans. For a protein-packed snack, don't forget about lean protein, especially fish like salmon, eggs, soy products, and plant-based protein powders; they can also help diminish visceral fat around your inner organs.
Here are some snack recipe ideas that include these ingredients to satisfy your hunger and help reduce your belly fat. Some of these are recipes for meals, so just prepare smaller, snack-size portions.
Don't Be Alarmed If You Get a Headache During Sex - It's Normal and Manageable
You're getting to the moment of climax and suddenly your head starts pounding. WTF, right? Sure, you're probably bummed out (there goes your orgasm), but you may also be really confused. You don't normally associate sex with head pain. It turns out you can actually get a sex headache as arousal starts to build, either right before you're about to orgasm or during your orgasm. Neither is ideal, of course. "The first is a dull aching in the head or neck, and the second is a severe ache just prior to or during orgasm. Most sex headaches last for a period of minutes, though more severe cases can last for hours or even two to three days," said Dr. Holly Richmond, licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT certified sex therapist.
It's also worth noting that you can get migraines during sex, but this will be more acute pain, as opposed to the harsh pain from a sex headache. The same migraines people often get from sounds, lights, or other triggers can happen during sex, as sex can become one of these triggers. This is rare, but when it does happen, it can be associated with nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to the surrounding environment," according to Board-Certified Urologic Surgeon Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt.
To be fair, sex headaches are rare and can come and go. "Like migraines, many people experience them in clusters over several months, and then may not have any symptoms for a year or more," Dr. Richmond said. Another reason you might not have heard of them before is that there's a lack of research. "The reason it's hard to do research on this topic is because headaches during or after sex are rare (about one percent of the population has this condition)," Dr. Brahmbhatt added.
Although these sex headaches can occur in both genders, they are more common in males, Dr. Brahmbhatt said, according to the American Migraine Foundation. If the headache is associated with changes in vision, neck stiffness, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, she said, or it lasts a few days, Dr. Richmond added, you'll want to book it to the ER, just like you would for any other painful migraine.
Why It Happens
"There are several reasons for why sex headaches happen, but almost all the reasons boil down to issues with blood flow, including an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in the head," Dr. Richmond said. This isn't too worrisome, and there are ways to improve blood flow and prevent the headaches from happening. However, if you have heart problems, and you're getting these headaches as a potential symptom, you'll want to be more mindful to get help from a physician. "Sex headaches can also be a symptom of stroke or coronary artery disease," Dr. Richmond said.
"On the less serious side, these headaches can result from medication use, even birth control pills," Dr. Richmond said. If you're taking birth control and you're getting headaches during sex, it can definitely be linked. "As with migraines, sex headaches can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, so if a woman is on a pill that delivers differing levels of hormones throughout the month, this may be a trigger," she said. Hormonal response differs based on the individual, so you'll want to get tested to see which levels are good for you, but "generally, more estrogen (excessive amounts) is the cause of the headaches, so reducing levels may help," she said.
If you are experiencing these head pains, try different methods of birth control. "Steady-release birth control options are the safest bet for women who experience sex headaches, such as implants, patches, or an IUD, or to be completely safe from any potential hormonal imbalances, try condoms," she said. Speak to your ob-gyn about the best options for you.
Also, while it's fun to get frisky and try new things in bed, if you're taking it to the extreme, where it's too rough or too adventurous, you might experience a sex headache, especially if you're prone to triggering them. Instead, you'll want to have "less intense sex," or being more careful when switching between different positions, Dr. Brahmbhatt said.
How to Treat It
Unless you have had stroke or heart complications, you shouldn't be too alarmed, but you can tell your physician of the symptoms and go on blood pressure medication to help manage the headaches, Dr. Brahmbhatt said.
If you don't have these heart issues, you can easily improve blood flow and circulation with a few lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising more and eating a healthy diet. "If your body is not used the the strain of sex or any physical activity, it's probably not a bad idea to slowly ramp your way up to a stronger mind and body," he said.
Taking ibuprofen before having sex might be able to dull any sensations and prevent those head pangs, he added.
Also, you'll want to stay hydrated. Being hydrated will improve your circulation and keep your brain and body cells healthy enough to ward off headaches, which can also be more prevalent when in a dehydrated state.
You can also try a series of exercises or practices to do before or during sex that can prevent sex headaches or mitigate the pain. "These may include deep breathing, mindfulness practices, and perhaps taking a more passive role in sexual activity," Dr. Richmond added.
Good news: "Sex headaches are almost always fixable, so I feel like part of my job is helping my clients to not feel discouraged," Dr. Richmond said. With a few adjustments, you can get back to riding that "O" out, pain-free.
I'm Mexican-American, but I Won't Call Myself Chicana
Image Source: Natalie Rivera
My family was nothing out of the ordinary when I was growing up. My parents came to the US in their teens from their respective homes in Mexico, crossing the border illegally, only to become US citizens in the '80s under the Reagan administration. I was born in North Hollywood, CA, and was raised in nearby San Fernando. When I was around 4 years old, my mother worked shifts at the McDonald's drive-through at 5 a.m. when she was pregnant with my younger brother. My father worked landscaping and delivered Domino's pizza over the weekend up until I was about 10 years old. Every month was another baptism, communion, birthday party, quinceañera, or wedding with my very large Mexican family (I have roughly 75 cousins. No, seriously. My dad and I counted.). My aunts and uncles all came into this country under similar circumstances; one of my father's brothers also delivered Domino's pizza to make a living.
I still can't seem to bring myself to identify with one specific label: Chicana
My middle and high schools, like the neighborhood, were predominately Latinx, specifically Mexican-American. Most of my classmates were first-generation, and some of them were Mexican immigrants themselves. Friends, bullies, crushes, and even teachers weren't too different from me. We were almost all, in one way or another, a product of the Mexican-American experience, whether that meant having parents who crossed the border or simply growing up with Univision playing in the background 24/7. It wasn't until after college that I began meeting more people who weren't Angelenos. To this day, people who I meet for the first time in the city (I now live in Koreatown, a mere 30 to 40 minute drive from home) still tell me how rare it is that they meet someone who is actually from LA. Little do they know they're unicorns for me, too.
Because so many of the friends, coworkers, and acquaintances I've met in the last several years do not look like me, I've felt I've had a responsibility to share my upbringing with them. I was in my mid-20s the first time I described myself as first-gen, a term that wasn't a thing where I grew up since everyone just assumed you were one. Because of our political climate, I feel more inclined to self-describe as a Mexican-American, first-gen, or - as one of my protest signs once read - "The proud daughter of Mexican immigrants." But while I'm glad to share my family's story, I still can't seem to bring myself to identify with one specific label: Chicana.
The Meaning of Chicano and Chicana
Merriam-Webster defines the word "Chicana" as an American woman or girl of Mexican descent. By dictionary definition, yes, I am Chicana, but growing up the word seemed, at least to me, to have a different connotation.
While historians can't pinpoint the word's exact origins, Chicano - or the female Chicana - has been widely used to describe Mexican-Americans in the US since the early 20th century. For a while, the word was a pejorative, used to describe Mexican-Americans of low social standing. Chicanos reclaimed the word during the Mexican-American civil rights movement in the '60s, also known as the Chicano Movement, which was led by a new generation of Mexican-Americans, mainly in California and Texas, who demanded better labor conditions for migrant farmers, political empowerment, and school reform. Two of the movement's most prominent leaders were Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who cofounded the United Farm Workers of America, the country's first farmers union and a major win for the labor movement.
My hometown is widely proud of its Chicano history. We have a mural dedicated to Chavez, and our local cafes will usually have at least one piece of Chicano art hanging on the walls. My teachers taught us about Chavez's legacy in middle school, and the university I went to - also in the valley - has a Chicana/o studies department. Yet, the word to me meant more than its Merriam-Webster definition; it meant you were a woke Mexican-American, one willing to fight for la raza, or the race. Students at my school who identified as Chicano/a seemed well-versed in the injustices faced by our people, both past and current, and dedicated to combating them. Because of this, Chicano/a seemed more than just a label or term. It was a way of living, and so self-identifying as one meant you weren't just Mexican-American, but a proud, activist Mexican-American.
Whether it was immigrant rights, or just a deeply felt appreciation of Chavez's and Huertas' efforts, proud Chicana/os I've come across always seemed to be self-aware. I was not - or at least not to that extent. I was never involved in any student protest or political demonstrations growing up, and any time I learned something else about the Chicana/o Movement, I merely took in the knowledge without applying it into my daily life. I felt some guilt over this, but like many teens my interests didn't include activism or politics, but mostly music, magazines, Harry Potter and, well, boys (16-year-old me would have done poorly on a Bechdel Test.) Also, because the community I grew up in was predominately Mexican-American, I rarely witnessed discrimination towards Latinxs. In fact, white kids were more likely to be the outcasts. While TV and film told a different story, everyone in the community I grew up in pretty much looked the same. Because of this, I was more or less ignorant about the the Latinx struggle. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't care, it's just that it never resonated with me the way it did with some of my classmates.
While I do now, as an adult, participate in protests, and have created content bringing awareness to immigration rights, I do not feel my political activism can compare to that demonstrated during the Chicano Movement. Therefore I do not feel comfortable identifying as Chicana, and gravitate more to the labels Mexican-American and Latina. Even though I am, by definition, Chicana, I do not feel a personal connection to the word, nor do I feel my experience as a Mexican-American reflects that of the Chicano Movement or Chicano culture.
How Do We Shape Our Own Identities as Mexican-Americans?
I spoke to Gabriel Gutiérrez, department chair of Chicana and Chicano studies at California State University Northridge - which happens to be my alma mater - about the history of the word. Like me, Gutierrez also believes the word is more than its dictionary definition. However, he also believes the evolution of the term extends beyond the Chicano Movement. According to Gutierrez, for some people, the term has cultural connotations. Because we are Mexican-American, there is the expectation of being equally as Mexican as we are American, therefore making some of us desperate for a label that embodies our particular experience.
"You're going to have folks who identify with the term as sort of an alternative between Mexican and American identities," Gutiérrez told me. "In part because of the notion or the idea or the experience of not being considered, or not considering yourself, authentically Mexican or authentically American."
While self-identification can play a huge role in the Latinx community, just because a person gravitates to one label more than another doesn't mean the term itself is more or less accurate. In Mexico, some people choose to identify with their home state as opposed to their birth country. For example, someone might be more inclined to call themselves Michoacána than Mexican, identifying more closely with the state of Michoacán as opposed to just Mexico. Not one label is necessarily better than the other; it's just the way am individual feels more comfortable identifying. Because there are so many layers to a person, there are are multitudes of ways someone can identity, especially if you add heritage into the equation. And as Gutiérrez pointed out, our identity is not always fixed, but is often fluid. "In reality, many people experience multiple identities as they go through life," he explained. "So, the first realization might be a response to something they see in the news ,or a response to a particular law. Basically, the deeper of understanding in that regard, then the more types of identities come to form along those lines."
Gutiérrez also said that while some people do use Chicano/a as a literal term to mean born of Mexican parents, some people call themselves "Chicano/a" as a way to show pride. Like the activists of the Chicano Movement, some people might use the term to reclaim their heritage - something Mexican-Americans have historically been made to feel ashamed of, either by cultural prejudices or institutionalized racism.
"You have folks from kindergarten and on who are being taught to be be ashamed of their parents, or be ashamed of who they were," Gutierrez explained. "[They were taught] to not want to speak Spanish, and so that was inverted in a sense where people were looking at a combination of expression . . . of self-affirmation."
The struggle for self-affirmation and belonging is one I've personally dealt with most my life, and something I still have trouble grasping even in my late 20s. I used to envy the American families depicted on TV, wishing I came from a home that was uncomplicated, that allowed me to see my father on the weekends, and didn't come with the pressure of having to know two cultures and languages equally. I am ashamed to admit this now, but there was a lot of embarrassment that came with growing up Mexican-American - at least for me. Whether it was embarrassing myself with my broken Spanish or feeling left out because I didn't grow up watching Seinfeld or Friends, being a young, Mexican-American woman was so conflicting, I'd sometimes resent my own culture.
Looking back now, I've realized that this pressure, though sometimes enforced by family members and classmates, was really my own doing. Though I won't ever get the years I wasted stressing over the ideal Mexican-American woman I felt I had to live up to back, I can instead live my life subscribing myself to labels and identities I feel most comfortable with. As of now, those labels don't include the word "Chicana," and that's just fine. It should not be taken as an insult or a diss to those who do choose to embrace the term, but for what it is: my own personal, genuine self-reflection. On top of the many rights my people fought for, I have a feeling they also fought for the freedom of proudly and freely determining your own identity - and that's good enough for me.
These 14 Latina Beauty Bloggers Will Have Your Feed Filled With Gorgeous Looks
If you're like us, you often fall into a late-night Instagram black hole, searching through the hundreds of awesome - and talented - beauty accounts out there that offer up makeup inspiration and hair tips galore. But there are dozens of Latina beauty lovers out there that we especially relate to, all of whom are inspiring other women to take risks and have a little fun. From Camila Coehlo to Dulce Candy, these ladies are sure to spark some joy within you. So if you haven't already, meet 10 beauty experts guaranteed to make you want to indulge in yet another endless Instagram scroll.
- Additional reporting by Celia Fernandez
Not to Be Dramatic, but Cardi B Reading "Go the F*ck to Sleep" Is the Best Thing We've Ever Seen
It's already been a whirlwind year for Cardi B. Shortly after releasing her debut album, the effervescent rapper revealed that she is expecting during a vulnerable performance on Saturday Night Live on April 7. Then, just a few days later, Cardi made history as the first-ever cohost on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. As a father of two, Jimmy delighted in Cardi's pregnancy and even asked her to read an excerpt from the hilarious book, Go the F*ck to Sleep - and, yes, it was absolutely everything you'd imagine it to be.
Watch the carefree video above and then check out Jennifer Garner's reading of the children's book - which isn't actually meant for children.
How Gentefication Is Putting Small Businesses at Risk
Image Source: Instagram user elabuelo.restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, in the city of San Fernando, you'll find a restaurant that offers birria, micheladas, and mariachi every Friday night. It's called El Abuelo, and it's been owned and operated by my father for the last 15 years.
My father took over ownership two weeks shy of my 12th birthday. I worked at El Abuelo until I turned 24 - and in case you were wondering, yes, it was weird being the only kid at my middle school with a job. Over the years, my best friend and a few family members were also among the restaurant's staff; my stepmother, who met my father at the restaurant, now co-owns the business with my father. That small print on our business cards that says "Family owned and operated"? Yeah, we aren't bluffing.
While our family-friendly motto and clientele have remained the same, our neighborhood hasn't. Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings, and multiple sushi joints are just some of our newer, more corporate neighbors - but their arrivals didn't worry my father. He firmly believed his customers, which admittedly were temporarily distracted by the fancier, shinier establishments, would eventually make their way back to their favorite bowl of menudo in a few weeks' time. He wasn't wrong, thankfully, and while the restaurant continues to thrive, I still can't help but worry that it will one day be swept away by gentrification, or its browner, equally problematic relative: gentefication.
Gentefication's Complex, Brown History
Gentefication (no, that's not a typo) is a relatively new term, one that still hasn't received a Webster definition. But it's made more than a few cameos in articles by The New York Times and various community blogs. The important distinction here is that gentefiers aren't strangers to their communities - they're actually from the neighborhood they're helping gentrify. It's a play on the word "gente," which means "people" in Spanish, and gentrification, which means the process of renovating neighborhoods by conforming to middle-class taste and displacing low-income businesses. When we think of gentrifiers, many of us imagine a Caucasian middle-class hipster with a man bun and a plate of $12 avocado toast, not a community member who might've grown up in the same block as the small business they're pushing out. As Gustavo Arellano, California columnist for the Los Angeles Times, puts it, "Gentefication is basically gentrification with a brown happy face."
I may be sipping a sangria while bobbing my head to Cardi B, but at what cost?
While the exact origin of the word is still up for debate, Los Angeles Magazine credits Guillermo Uribe, owner of Boyle Heights bar Eastside Luv, for coming up with the label in 2007. In an interview with the magazine several years ago, Uribe, a self-proclaimed gentefier, explained, "If gentrification is happening, it might as well be from people who care about the existing culture. In the case of Boyle Heights, it would be best if the gente decide to invest in improvements because they are more likely to preserve its integrity."
I have been a customer of Uribe's bar for almost five years, and not just because of its amazing sangria - because it is one of the few places where I can dance to Drake and corridos in the same night. Being a first-generation Mexican-American woman in my late 20s, I fall into the (almost) cliche group of Latinxs who idolize Frida Kahlo, dance to Morrissey, and quote 1997's Selena (anything for Selenas!). Businesses like Uribe's speak to the unique, blended upbringing and tastes of first-, second-, and even third-generation Latinxs like myself. But instead of fixing their neighborhood's existing gentrification problem, they're adding to it by displacing immigrant businesses. I may be sipping a sangria while bobbing my head to Cardi B, but at what cost?
Image Source: Natalie Rivera
New vs. Old Fashion
If my dad could describe his customer demographic, he'd guess that half of his customers are on the older side of the spectrum. He's OK with that, and why shouldn't he be? These customers who've been coming back for years, despite newer, hipper restaurants moving in, are paying his bills. The food and family-friendly environment have more or less remained the same; while my dad has made some new additions to the restaurant, he's ignored advice from friends, family, and even me - all of whom have suggested the staff make more of an effort to attract younger customers. Instead, my dad has chosen to focus on providing his regulars with the restaurant they know and love. And according to Arellano, my dad is making a smart move.
"I think the best advertising I have is word of mouth."
"Hipsters are parasites, frankly," Arellano told me during a recent phone conversation. "They suck out the life of a neighborhood, and then once it's not cool anymore, they go somewhere else, so I would warn against trying to appeal to this new demographic."
A few years back, my stepmother suggested that my father and his staff be extra cordial to millennial customers, because they might be more inclined to share photos of our food on social media. "Be nice to the foodies," she'd tell my dad. While his wife's suggestion, in retrospect, made sense, it didn't really help the restaurant in any meaningful way.
"Honestly, I've never seen any foodie bring in business to my place," my dad told me. "I think the best advertising I have is word of mouth. I have paid for advertising, and honestly I don't see any difference. I think the place, the service, speaks for itself."
Arellano is also a strong believer in the power of word-of-mouth advertising. It's possible for immigrant-run businesses to attract old and new customers, he notes; for proof, look no further than the loncheras, or food trucks, in the city of Santa Ana where Arellano works.
"There's a lonchera, a pink taco truck, that gets a whole lot of hipsters," Arellano explained. "But it still gets, like, the lack of the term, the paisas, you know, the working-class Mexicans, and they haven't changed anything."
Staying true to your product and to your customers might seem like a great weapon, the most viable way forward for immigrant business owners fighting gentrification and gentefication - but in actuality, it might not be enough. So, what is?
Image Source: Natalie Rivera
Landlords Don't Owe Us Sh*t
"A landlord has no obligation to his community or to the community where his properties are."
Ah, landlords. With their suits and their formal notices, landlords are arguably the people's greatest and oldest villain. Yet, while some of us might not agree with their development plans and rent increases, the truth of the matter is, landlords really don't owe us sh*t.
"A landlord has no obligation to his community or to the community where his properties are," Arellano explained. "His or her obligation is to their pocketbook, so the only real way that businesses can protect themselves is by becoming their own landlords."
My father is not his own landlord, and while I fully believe in the power of his hustle, with the rising property rates in San Fernando, I doubt he'll own the building the restaurant's situated in anytime soon. Arellano points to how difficult and expensive it is to own a building and names it as a reason he recommends business owners team up with community land trusts. CLTs are nonprofit, community-based organizations dedicated to ensuring community stewardship of land - and enabling the businesses that make our communities what they are to stay in business. But while immigrant business owners are out strategizing ways to stay afloat, there's something gentefiers can do as well.
It's a Hard Walk to Walk
In 2015, Helados Pops Ice Cream moved into the space directly next to El Abuelo. Owned and run by a young immigrant family, the shop has been a hit with San Fernando residents and the internet (Insider did a video about Pops' infamous coconut shell sundaes, and it garnered five million views on Facebook). New to the block, Pops has been nothing but friendly to its neighbors, including my father. The two businesses scratch each other's backs - my father and stepmother suggest customers try the business next door, and vice versa.
Budding friendships between businesses like El Abuelo and Pops is a great way for establishments, whether gentefying or not, to coexist. Some gentefiers, like Eastside Luv's Uribe, argue that they genuinely wish to make their neighborhood a better place. While I'm sure they say this with sincerity, as the old saying goes: actions speak louder than words.
"If you say you're going to be for the community, then really be for the community," Arellano said. "Don't be getting your meat from some hipster butcher all the way on the other side of Los Angeles."
While this won't entirely solve gentefication, Arellano still urges gentefiers who might feel conflicted or guilty to make an effort, whether that be supporting neighboring businesses or teaming up with them for projects. For my father's newer neighbors, that means spreading the word about my father's amazing food to their customers.
"It's hard, but you know, at least you're putting your money back into the community," Arellano said. "It's a hard walk to walk, but you should try to walk it regardless."
Jennifer Lopez Ripped Off Her Dress and Showed Us a Very Sexy Something Underneath
Jennifer Lopez brought several outfits to the Time 100 Gala in New York City. The star first walked the red carpet in this gold Zuhair Murad dress, but no one could have predicted her next two looks. Jennifer not only attended the event but performed on stage for the audience. For her show, the singer changed into a crisp white dress. It featured a plunging neckline, cutouts on the sides, and thigh-high slits that climbed up to her hips. Since the dress was pretty revealing on its own, Jennifer layered a crystal-embellished bodysuit underneath.
At one point, she took off her dress entirely and just performed in the bodysuit. Let's just say her fit physique and energy had the crowd pumped. Read on to see her look from all angles, then shop similar dresses for your own dance party.
8 Reasons It's Better to Live in a Small Apartment Than a Big House
When it comes to your home, bigger isn't always better. In fact, while many people think that living in a small house or apartment is a disadvantage, there are many benefits to small space living that people in larger dwellings miss out on. While a big advantage is money-saving, small space living also lends itself to a number of decorating tricks and imaginative solutions that can turn even the tiniest of spaces into a stylish and practical abode.
These Photos From the Loveland Theme Park in South Korea Will Make You Blush
Jeju Loveland: A place in Korea where sex-themed art and eroticism meet. The Loveland Theme Park opened up in 2004 and boasts 140 works of art that may make you blush - but are undeniably interesting to look at. The park also runs sex-education films and has some interactive pieces as well. And of course, there are ample photo opportunities featuring various phallic sculptures and depictions of people in moments of extreme pleasure.
All penis jokes aside, Loveland is pretty remarkable in that, being the only sex-themed park in Korea, it aims to break down traditional taboos about sex. While sometimes graphic, the overall experience is one of a kind. Visitors must be 18 to enter, and admission is just a little under $10 USD. Take a look at the kinky photos of the park ahead.
Bring Out the Kid in Him With These 10 Father's Day Gifts From Nordstrom
Some of the best and most unexpected gifts evoke a fond memory or emotion from the past - and we're not just saying that because nostalgia happens to be trendy. This year, surprise the father in your life with something that brings out his child-like nature. Whether it's a pair of retro-inspired kicks that allow him to express himself or kitschy cookware to help him get creative in the kitchen, these fun and thoughtful ideas will make him feel giddy.
9 Easy Ways to Add Instant Brightness to a Dark Room
Not every home is flooded with natural light, but luckily these decorating tricks can make a huge difference. No demolition necessary - it's all about optical illusions that add instant brightness!
Burning Question: Why Does Pineapple Irritate Your Mouth?
Recently I cut myself some fresh pineapple, then promptly proceeded to eat a lot of it before remembering that every time I eat a copious amount of pineapple, the roof of my mouth becomes itchy and sore. So why is this condition a common complaint among fresh pineapple aficionados?
Pineapples contain a plant protease enzyme called bromelain. Because it readily breaks down protein, bromelain is frequently used as a natural meat tenderizer. In addition, bromelain may also induce a prickly sensation in the mouth when consumed.
Although the enzyme is present in all parts of the pineapple plant, it's most concentrated in the stem, the hard piece in the middle of the fruit, which is much more fibrous and chewy but still edible. Many people believe that letting a pineapple sit overnight helps take away the irritation factor, but one surefire way to alleviate the burn is to cut out the core.
13 Freezer Hacks That'll Make Your Life Much Easier
If you're only using your freezer to store microwave-ready meals, frozen pizza, ice cream, and popsicles, you're missing out. Thanks to its superchilly nature, your freezer can be used to preserve many mealtime staples, keeping everything from bananas to cooked whole grains fresh far longer than refrigerated or at room temperature. Aside from preparing freezer-friendly dinners, you can make your life easier by divvying up oatmeal, freezing chicken broth, and more unexpected foods. These tricks ensure that your fresh groceries last a whole lot longer than their "best by" dates, which will save you money. The more you know!
23 Alton Brown Recipes You Have to Try ASAP
Alton Brown recipes are always a good idea, because the Food Network chef knows a thing or two (million) about food. The Cutthroat Kitchen host and longtime TV favorite is known for treating cooking like science (nitrus oxide cold brew, anyone?), and his vast culinary knowledge makes his recipes that much more desirable. One of his biggest pet peeves is when people start a recipe without reading it all the way through, so you know he writes reliable and thorough recipes. These are 23 standout recipes either adapted from or directly from the chef, from basic guacamole to next-level crème brulée.
9 Quick and Easy Ways to Spruce Up Your Yard
A perfectly manicured yard inspires pride, but turning a boring landscape into a beautiful garden is daunting. Luckily, you don't need to hire a landscaper or spend a gazillion bucks to spruce up your yard. Start on the surface with these simple things you can do today that will add instant curb appeal to your pad.
Why There's So Much to Adore About the Instant Pot
Everyone has been talking about the Instant Pot. It's currently a top-selling kitchen item on Amazon. Despite its widespread popularity, is the multifunctional cooking device worth it? For a while, I scorned the Instant Pot like a unitasker. I already owned a rice cooker, pressure cooker, and slow cooker, after all. So why would I spend the cash for another appliance? Despite my initial judgments, I still felt pulled to try the cooker out and determine if it's a gimmicky fad or not. Let's just say, the results really surprised me and greatly exceeded my expectations. If you're wondering if an Instant Pot is for you (or IP, as seasoned users call it), here's a list of awesome things to know about the Instant Pot.
- Cook all the things in record time. The Instant Pot is essentially a pressure cooker that also has sauté and slow-cooker functions. Pressure cookers reduce cook time significantly. We're talking steel-cut oats in 10 minutes and chicken breasts in eight minutes. Most, if not all, dishes can be prepared in 20 minutes or less.
- The sauté function is truly awesome. You can adjust the heat, but I found it caramelizes veggies and meat faster and more uniformly than even stovetop cooking. As a bonus, nothing caked onto the bottom of my IP.
- You can switch between functions. Sear meat in the sauté function, then pressure cook or slow-cook it! Pressure cook something, then keep it warm. Changing up the functions allows you to create complex dishes in one pot.
- It's easy to use. Though there are lots of buttons on an Instant Pot and seemingly random beeps, the user manual and recipe guide (that come with the cooker) break each one down quickly so you can dive right into cooking with your device. Just be sure to read them! You shouldn't go rogue with this device.
- It does it all. While there are obvious things like making broth, soups, shredded chicken, and chili, the cooker does some extraordinary things. Make a big batch of eggs (frittata style). Steam up cake and cheesecake. Use it as a rice cooker. Defrost and cook frozen-solid meat in minutes. Forgo soaking dried beans and cook them in about 20 minutes. Make mac and cheese and other pasta dishes in only one pot. The list goes on . . .
- Cleaning is a breeze. I laughed as I lifted the IP pot and rinsed it in record time. The lightweight pot seems to be nonstick (in my experience), so all it needs is a fast, sudsy scrub-down, no exertion required.
- There's endless learning. Instant Pot's website and Pinterest's results for Instant Pot are two awesome sources of recipe inspiration and tips. There's also Facebook's Instant Pot Community that's very active (over a million users), where you can post or read troubleshooting questions and recipes.
All right, I love my Instant Pot. It's the ideal cooking appliance for busy people who are on a budget and want to cook homemade meals but lack one crucial thing: time! While I'm sure there are downsides to the Instant Pot, I haven't discovered them yet.
Here's Exactly Where Your Paycheck Should Be Spent, According to a Financial Advisor
Image Source: Getty / Brian Ach
It's time to talk about payday, the highly anticipated, holy grail deposit that every human has looked forward to since the day they entered the workforce (or since *NSYNC covered the song "Just Got Paid" in 2000, just saying). But a paycheck is not to be blown on an expensive pair of shoes or treated as a gift, because for most, it's a means of survival, and it needs to be handled as such. Sure, a shopping spree sounds nice, but so does retiring at a reasonable age and saving for an occasional indulgence, and there's a specific formula to follow to ensure that happens with each paycheck. Let's break it down, shall we?
It's Friday night and I just, just, just, just, just got paid! So, now what? Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and cofounder of Ellevest - a digital platform for women to customize investment portfolios based on their specific goals - and she wants us to talk about money. We talk to our friends about sex and the horrors of dating, but avoid light chatter about investments and a 401k like the plague, Krawcheck says. "We are more likely, as a society, to talk about the most intimate of human acts, but when they talk to us about money, either we don't at all or we're infantilized," she told us at POPSUGAR Play/Ground.
When it comes to your salary and the amount you take home after taxes, this is how it should be spent: 50 percent for your needs, 30 percent for fun, and 20 percent for your future. Taking that last 20 percent and putting it into a diversified investment portfolio can change your life, and the sooner you start, the better. However, Krawcheck explained that before thinking about your future, you need to take care of your past and pay off credit card debt immediately (if you have it). Once your debts have been cleared, create a cushion by putting aside money for an emergency fund in case of a crisis. Those potential crises could be health-related or they could arise if your partner moves out or if you lose your job. It's for "all the things you don't want to think about," Krawcheck says, but unfortunately, you need to prepare for them.
Once your credit card debt is paid off, you've established an emergency fund, and you're contributing to your 401k, then it's time to find a low-cost investment firm and start planning for who Krawcheck refers to as "Esther," her future grandma self. (Pro tip from the money master herself: you can still invest while paying off student loans.) As the former CFO of Citigroup Inc., former head of wealth management at Merrill Lynch, and one of the most powerful women on Wall Street, Krawcheck is changing the way women handle their money. So, do it for your "Esther" and start investing in your future, because the shopping can wait.
20 Store-Bought Foods That You Can Easily Make From Scratch
Perhaps one of your culinary resolutions for this year is to make more things from scratch. If that is the case, we applaud you: making store-bought items from scratch is a great way to improve basic cooking techniques and understand what goes into the foods we know and love. Not only do you get to control what goes into your food this way, but the flavors are often fresher and bolder than their store-bought counterparts. Here are 20 homemade recipes that we think you should try.
The Science of Happiness, and What You Can Learn From Unhappy People
If you've ever heard of "positive psychology," then you already know the technical term for what is often called the "science of happiness."
Positive psychology focuses on the opposite of what psychology has historically concerned itself with - our negative thoughts and behaviors. Scientists are researching the many various and complex factors that comprise happiness.
But this negative focus in conventional psychology also gives us great insight into what makes a person live a happy life. By better understanding what makes people unhappy, we discover what thoughts and behaviors to avoid to create happiness in our lives.
Unhappy people tend to build up negative thoughts - and dwell on them. That negativity might manifest itself in various ways:
- Constantly complaining
- Gossiping about others
- Being highly critical and judgmental
- Worrying all the time - including about what others think of them
- Constantly feeling regret
- Overreacting to difficult situations
Research in positive psychology suggests that training ourselves by creating new and positive habits is a way to rewire the brain. Just like an amateur violinist or swimmer must practice very frequently to refine her skills and eventually achieve a professional level, a person must practice actions and thoughts that lead to a more consistently positive mindset and attitude in life. This is what you'd usually call a happy person.
So now that you know the habits of unhappy people, it's time to refine your happiness skills by practicing the kinds of thoughts and behaviors that generate a positive mindset.
One way to avoid piling on the negative energy is to find a way to release those negative thoughts. You can keep a journal and write it out, you can get crafty and creative and make some art, you can go for a swim or a walk and sweat it out, or you can go and hang out with one of your most positive friends. Whatever you do, remember it's fine to have negative thoughts, as long as you let them go - the sooner, the better.
Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is another important step toward "happy person" mode. And that applies to the people around you, as well as yourself. Make a list of all the positive things about yourself, your life, the people you know. Tape it to your mirror and read it every day.
Not only will nonstop worrying keep you unhappy, but it will definitely take its toll on your health and your memory, and can even adversely affect your closest relationships. To help fight off anxious thoughts and feelings of regret, especially about things in life that you simply cannot control, instill some peace and quiet into your mind. How? Meditation and yoga are simple but powerful methods of calming your noisy mind. Start with five minutes of meditation a day, and slowly increase the duration at your own pace. Take a yoga class with a friend so you can keep each other accountable for sticking to the schedule. Being in a more tranquil state of mind will also help you react to complex and stressful situations in a more effective and organized manner.
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and published author. She figures out the science of what makes people tick at her human behavior research lab, the Science of People. As a geeky, modern-day Dale Carnegie, her innovative work has been featured on NPR, Business Week, and CNN and her latest CreativeLive class, The Power of Happiness, teaches you how to be a happier person every day.
I Lived Waste-Free For 1 Week - Here's What I Learned
In the United States, it has been reported that Americans generate about 254 million tons of waste annually with, on average, each person accumulating up to 4.4 pounds of trash daily. This same garbage, which eventually gets carted off to landfills, is the culprit behind the pollution of our oceans and even global warming. Living a more waste-free lifestyle not only helps lower these numbers, but also minimizes the negative effects garbage has on the environment.
Leading a waste-free lifestyle has always seemed, to me, equal parts amazing and difficult. But as someone who is more than embarrassed about the amount of waste I generate on a daily basis (hello, shipping boxes, takeout containers, and plastic grocery bags), I knew I was ready to make some changes.
"To us, living waste-free means making the best possible choices every day that are better for people and the planet," explains Kat Nouri, founder of Stasher Inc., a company that creates plastic-free reusable storage bags made from food-grade silicone. "Going waste-free is not something that you do overnight, although kudos to you if you can do it! It can be very overwhelming to go waste-free 'cold turkey' and often leads people to just give up. Instead, you have to take small steps, one step at a time, to achieve a waste-free lifestyle. We like to say, 'If you can't choose perfect, choose better.'"
After experimenting with trying to live waste-free for a week, here are some tips that I have gathered that may also help you on the journey to a more waste-free lifestyle.
How I Turned My Ikea Couch Into a $10,000 Designer Sofa
I don't believe you grow out of Ikea past the age of 25. I love the Swedish brand's minimalist aesthetic. And since I like to mix things up, the price point works for a design commitment-phobe like me. Despite my Ikea love, after three years, my Karlstad sofa started to look a bit sad. Since the low-profile sofa fit perfectly in my open living room, I decided to give it a designer-couch makeover instead of replacing it.
This Raleigh Sectional from Design Within Reach (pictured above) served as my inspiration. The walnut frame matched the midcentury vibe I strive for, and the light fabric color would add to the airy look in my bright living space. That sofa retails for as much as $10,000. I knew I could DIY the look for less. Read on for how I did it.
15 Life-Changing Cooking Secrets You Can Learn From Italians
The thing about Italian cooking is that it's a lot simpler than Americans tend to believe. If you go to Italy, you'll quickly learn that the country values high-quality ingredients and freshly cooked meals above just about anything else when it comes to food. It's not about overly complex cooking techniques, but about starting with the best ingredients and figuring out how to pair them together, from homemade pasta to sauces and desserts. And once you learn some of the basic practices, you'll soon discover you can implement them in your own kitchen and start making your best Italian meals ever.
If you want to learn how to cook more authentically Italian, look no further than the following helpful cooking tips that I learned firsthand on a trip to Verona with Giovanni Rana, one of Italy's oldest brands of fresh pasta. I ate a whole lot of pasta to be sure, but I also learned just as much about it.
Out of Heavy Cream? Try This Kitchen Hack
Picture this: potato leek soup is on the menu for dinner tonight, and you're ready to get cooking when you realize that you forgot to pick up a pint of heavy cream. Don't admit defeat; all is not lost. We have a simple culinary substitution to ensure that your dish will still turn out.
To substitute 1 cup of heavy cream, mix 3/4 cup of milk and 1/3 cup of melted and cooled butter. Many people insist that this substitution will only work with whole milk (as opposed to skim or nonfat); however, in a pinch, give it a try, and see what you end up with. (Though, if it's for an important feast, you may just want to run to the store.)
Just don't try to use this substitution for whipped cream. Instead of a lofty mountain of dairy, you'll be left with a pool of disappointment.
25 Creative Dinner Ideas That Will Inspire You to Cook Tonight
"What's for dinner tonight?" It's a question we all face every day. If you're really in need of some fresh recipe ideas and want to break out of your routine, look no further than these 25 of our most popular recipes. Some are fast and easy (under 30 minutes). Others are easy but will take you an hour or more, like Marcella Hazan's famous tomato sauce. And lastly, there are a few "projects;" in other words, they require advanced cooking skills and will take around two hours or more and are ideal when you have more time on your hands. Allow the captions to guide you to making the right dinner choice this week. Happy cooking!
15 Mason Jar Salads That Will Transform Your Lunchtime
A crisp, crunchy salad makes the perfect lunch, but here's a secret: packing your meal in a mason jar actually makes it taste better. Why, you ask? Layering your favorite mix-ins and dressings helps keep your meal from getting soggy ahead of time. It's no matter if you prefer a hearty and sweet salad with grains or a refreshing mix that features the flavors of zesty guacamole; these 15 recipes will help you step up your lunches (or dinners) for good.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
The 1 Thing Happy People Do Every Day
Growing up with a mother as a counselor definitely had its perks: she was incredibly patient, a supportive listener, and always gave the best advice. Even though my mom is retired, she continues to help others by sharing her years of wisdom on what it takes to be truly happy. She's told me time and time again that while material goods might make me happy in the moment, that feeling is fleeting. I've learned people who are the happiest don't have the most money or aren't the most attractive, but they all share one thing in common:
Happy people practice gratitude every day.
While this may seem simple enough, our minds tend to focus on what we're missing out on instead of being grateful for everything we already have. Our generation has it even harder because we are living in a social world where we are constantly connected. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough when everyone on your social feed appears to be doing cooler things than you.
Good news: there are ways to practice gratitude each day to live your best life. Here's how.
1. Meditate
Starting your day with five minutes of silence has been proven to change your brain chemistry, making you more resilient against life's hardships. However, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to meditation. I used to think you had to think about absolutely nothing (which is pretty much impossible) during your practice. But really, meditation is all about being present and not focusing on what you're going to have for dinner or that you forgot to pick up something at the grocery store. The purpose of meditation is to take time for yourself to set an intention for your day and be grateful in that moment.
2. Create a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is different than a regular journal because it makes you focus on only the good stuff rather than venting about your worries or writing down everything that went wrong in the day. Each day, you should write down at least three things that you're grateful for. By doing this, you can actually rewire your brain to be happier. It's kind of like the "camera effect." When you have a camera, you're constantly looking for interesting things to capture. Instead of hating the graffiti, you might shift your way of thinking and try to make it aesthetically pleasing in your frame. That's how the gratitude journal works for your disposition. Instead of focusing on pessimistic thoughts, you're going about your day looking for positive things to add to your gratitude journal.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
Reflect on your mood and outlook, after you spend time with certain friends. Do you feel inspired and connected or do you feel drained and dissatisfied? If it's the latter, you might want to reevaluate your friendship. We only get one life to live, so why waste any time surrounding yourself with negative influences? It's not easy to cut certain people from your life, but it's even worse to feel unhappy because of the people you're surrounded by. By positioning yourself around inspirational and positive people, you're setting yourself up for a more sunny outlook and successful future.
4. Talk back to your negativity
You know that inner dialogue that says you're not smart enough, pretty enough, or cool enough? While those nagging thoughts are completely normal, the trick is to talk back to them with positive affirmations so they don't get in the way of your happiness. It may seem silly at first, but it works, trust me. If I catch my mind going down a dark rabbit hole, I counter it with logic and positivity. It's OK to have bad thoughts, but what's more important is how you react to them and to make sure they don't take over your life.
5. Focus more on your community and others than yourself
When you're down in the dumps, it's easy to get lost in "me, me, me," which can lead to self-pity and depression. However, when you take yourself out of the equation, you'll start to feel happier because you're helping other people. Try volunteering, writing cards to loved ones, or cooking dinner for a friend in need.
If you practice gratitude each day, you'll slowly start to see a positive change in your disposition and overall outlook on life. It will take discipline and self-control, but really, aren't things you work hardest for worth it in the end?
How to Clean Everything in Your Home and Beyond
Every room in your apartment or house comes with its own cleaning challenges. From air vents to rusty cooking ware, we've rounded up a cleaning guide for every room and item you could ever want to clean! And check out DIY cleaning products here!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
The Most Flattering Swimsuits For Every Body Type
To end stressful and frustrating swimsuit shopping this year, we rounded up a list of stylish and flattering picks that are perfect for you. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the choices that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate bikini shopping again!
- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
Be sure to check out our bikini-body workout plan, too!
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
Nina Agdal's Swimsuit Is So Cheeky, It's Nearly Dangerous Without Coverage
Nina Agdal is a face of Aerie just like Iskra Lawrence, so many of the sexy swimsuits she shares are from the affordable brand. When it comes to choosing her own designs though, Nina clearly likes to turn up the risk factor. (Remember that censor strip bikini?) While hanging out at Sunset Beach in Shelter Island Heights, the supermodel posed in her cheeky scoop-back maillot, which is currently on sale at Aerie for $18.
You've got to be bold to bare this much of your bum though, and Nina made that pretty clear as she kept a denim jacket tied loosely around her waist. Ahead, catch another glimpse of Nina's adorable snap, then shop the exact piece she's wearing along with plenty of similar options.
Sisters in Style: The Fashion Brands Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Love
At first glance, the styles of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle are completely different - Kate mixes English country classics with all-out royal glam and a dash of trendy quirk, while Meghan is all about blending laid-back California chic with sharp tailoring and a handful of experimental edge. However, as their recent DVF-twinning moment shows, there is some overlap between the two, and there are actually a few designers they both favor. We take a look at the lucky designers worn by two of the most photographed women in the world right now . . .
The Dresses at the Tony Awards Were Oh So Extravagant and Plenty Dramatic
What's a red carpet that celebrates Broadway shows without a little bit of drama? You can thank the dresses and pantsuits for all of the action at this year's Tony Awards, which saw the likes of Kerry Washington's crystal-embellished cutout jumpsuit complete with a floor-skimming train and Tina Fey's metallic, feathered number. Sara Bareilles even showed up to play host in the loveliest shade of peach. These looks all made a statement: the Tonys are no casual event. Just scroll on if you need that reminder.
You'll Freak Out When You See These 39 Cute Tops . . . All on Amazon and Less Than $17
With a new season on the horizon, it's time to do a wardrobe refresh. An easy way to start is by treating yourself to some new tops. There are so many cute options on Amazon - seriously! Not only are they insanely stylish, but they're also quite affordable. Whether you want something flowy and boho or sweet and simple, we curated choices you'll find irresistible. They go great with jeans, skirts, and everything else you already own. Shop through them all and add them to your cart before they disappear!
Victoria Beckham Couldn't Decide Between These Amazing Heels, and It's Relatable as Heck
Sometimes, there are moments when celebrities are relatable as heck and we look at them and say, "Omg! I've been there." Victoria Beckham is one such A-lister who made us think that when she asked her Instagram fans for some help with her outfit. The designer struggled to choose between two pairs of sexy heels from her collection, and after seeing how amazing they both are, we kind of don't blame her.
Victoria posed in a gorgeous striped dress, which was also from her line, and asked her followers to choose between a pair of lilac and yellow heels. It looks like her fans came through, because she ended up choosing the bright yellow style. Keep reading to see Victoria's shoe struggles and buy similar styles.
Ashley Graham Only Wears Devastatingly Sexy Swimsuits, and We Have Proof
Ashley Graham only wears sexy swimsuits. Need proof? We took a look at the model's Instagram account, which is full of eye-catching swimwear. Ashley has been spotted wearing everything from a teeny tiny black bikini to a strappy style that features studs.
Clearly, Ashley's smokin' hot bikini style hasn't gone unnoticed since all of her bikinigrams have thousands of likes. Whether the curve model is enjoying a relaxing day by the pool or shooting campaigns for her Swimsuits For All collection, she's always wearing the sexiest swimsuits. Keep reading to check out her steamiest swimwear pieces to see what we're talking about.
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