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 8 septembre 2018
Wanna Be the Coolest Halloween House on the Block? Stop Carving Pumpkins and Do This Instead!
I will fully admit that I am not a fan of Halloween, in general. I've been known to put my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving and to decorate my house for Easter (who can deny the cuteness of bunnies?!), but Halloween has never really been my thing.
However, I do very much like two things: my two kids and any excuse for a party. The former do not seem to share my disdain for the strange combo of scary and sugarcoated that is Halloween, and their love of the holiday has forced me to also get minimally on board since they became old enough to realize that all those pumpkins on people's porches actually meant something. I, of course, put them in cute costumes, which they wear while walking around our neighborhood asking for candy, which I then attempt to covertly hide so they don't go into sugar comas. Fun, right?
Until last year, I was basically participating in Halloween while still not really enjoying it. And then we moved into a new house, in a neighborhood full of young families who quickly informed me that my home's previous owners were all about Halloween, passing out popcorn, beer, hot chocolate, full-size candy bars, and more than 200 hot dogs every year. Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Costumes, scary movies, and spiders I might not do, but throwing a party? That I could get on board with.
Of course, as the mother of two small children, I've learned to accept my limitations and ask for help. I enlisted a new neighbor friend to do the hot dogs and another to do the popcorn, but the booze and the sweet stuff I was all over. I called in a few friends to let me borrow their Crock-Pots and started stirring up drinks.
For the kids, I whipped up two batches of No Biggie's creamy Crock-Pot hot chocolate. It was gone within the first hour of trick-or-treating, and while I was sad to disappoint many a child who'd heard a rich molten chocolate drink was being served on my front lawn, only to find my stash depleted, my ego was boosted by how big of a hit it was while it lasted. This year, I'm making four batches.
For the parents, I set up a cooler of beer, which no one touched until my trick-or-treating afterparty (more on that later). What did get a big response? My hot apple cider, spiked with salted caramel vodka (find a similar recipe here - I skipped the brown sugar). I filled up disposable, lidded coffee cups with the stuff, and not a single parent turned me down when I asked if they wanted one. Many came back for more.
Since Halloween was unseasonably warm last year, I set up a folding table on my front lawn and served everything there, next to my bowl of snack-size candy bars. I am a firm believer that three small candy bars is way more fun than one full-size one . . . plus, did I mention I was giving out hot chocolate and booze?!
Once it got dark, my neighbors brought over their leftover popcorn and hot dogs and we had a little afterparty, dipping into that stash of beer and giving the kids flashlights to play tag and tell ghost stories with. It was a great party and a perfect night, even if it is my least favorite holiday. I might not be a Halloween person, but being the Halloween party house? That I kind of love.
vendredi 7 septembre 2018
This Trainer Says These 10 Easy At-Home Exercises Will Get You Toned Abs
Fitness professionals will tell you that abs are made in the kitchen, which is . . . totally true. You have to eat clean to remove subcutaneous fat and reveal the muscles below, but did you know that abs can also be built in your living room? If you're not working out your core, you won't get that six-pack.
We teamed up with Sarah Chadwell, NASM, CPT, a certified trainer, to bring you a 10-move workout you can do at home and with no equipment.
"Use my favorite at-home ab exercises two to three times per week to flatten, tone, and sculpt your midsection. I like to put the names of 10 to 20 exercises on strips of paper and draw five or six of them out of a bowl for a surprise routine each day. It keeps abs-day interesting and varied," said Chadwell. Here are her favorite exercises.
Related: The 20 Greatest Ab Workouts That Will Tone, Sculpt, and Strengthen Your Abs
19 Instant Pot Recipes For Beginner Chefs
Whether you just got your Instant Pot or it's been collecting dust on your counter and you're finally getting around to using it is no matter. The important thing is that the time has come and you're ready to dive into the wonder that is this pressure cooker. If you're ready to get going with this gadget and want to start slow, we are here to help. We found 19 recipes that come together quickly and easily in an Instant Pot but taste and look so much more complicated than they are. They'll be easy to master - trust us - and you'll be moving on to bigger and better recipes in no time!
50+ Photos That Show the Outpouring of Love at Princess Diana's Public Funeral
When Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in August 1997, it seemed as though the world was mourning just as deeply as her own family. Diana, dubbed "The People's Princess," made an indelible mark on those in the UK as well as around the globe; her funeral, which was held on Sept. 6, was watched or listened to by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide - making it one of the most watched events in history. In London, a crowd of nearly one million people gathered to trace Diana's coffin from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey to her final resting place at the Spencer family's home in Althorp.
Diana's sons, Harry and William, followed their mother's coffin alongside their father, Prince Charles, and their uncle Charles, the Earl Spencer. The visibly moved onlookers blanketed the streets with heartfelt notes, bouquets, and teddy bears, and flower petals rained down from bystanders along the procession route. People also gathered in Hyde Park, where the ceremony was being aired on a giant screen, while celebrities like Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Hillary Clinton, and Elton John attended the official ceremony inside Westminster Abbey. We're looking back on the outpouring of love from the public at Diana's funeral. Scroll through to see all the tearjerking photos.
Gigi Hadid Is Already Working Hard This Fashion Week, and Girl, We're Impressed
Gigi Hadid prepared herself for Fashion Month well. She took a relaxing vacation with boyfriend Zayn Malik and bonded with sister Bella at the US Open, all before closing one of the most iconic shows possible: Tom Ford. Gigi works hard from September through October, and we can't even imagine what goes into styling her full wardrobe for those in-between moments on the street. (Of course, Mimi Cuttrell might be able to fill us in.) Since we know you love her, we're tracking all of Gigi's major moments right here, so you don't miss a beat.
Gigi Hadid Is a Walking Disco Ball in Her Sexy Silver Dress
Gigi Hadid is no stranger to a sexy metallic dress, and she returned to her tried-and-true favorite when she attended the Daily Front Row's Fashion Media Awards on Thursday night. Continuing her busy schedule of Fashion Week events, the model stepped out in a sexy silver cocktail dress that made her shine like a disco ball.
The knee-length design had a high front split, and featured sports-inspired detailing, with snap fastenings holding it together across the front of the thigh, and down the shoulder. This allowed Gigi to style the dress off the shoulder, for an added flash of skin. The result was serious sex-appeal, even though the dress was long-sleeved and quite covered-up on the top half. Gigi styled her shimmering dress simply but with plenty more bling, opting for mirror-finish silver pumps, stud earrings, and six diamond rings stacked on her fingers. Take a closer look at the outfit from all angles ahead.
You Won't Believe the Workout That Helped Me Drop 75 Pounds in 6 Months
Six months ago, I made the decision to reclaim my health. It wouldn't be easy, but it had to be done. I changed my diet and knew that, in order to keep making progress, I would need to exercise as well. When I lost weight many years ago, I worked out daily and spent hours doing intense cardio - I was addicted to the gym. I knew that wasn't the route I wanted to go this time, so I decided to keep it simple and do what I've always enjoyed: I began walking daily, and I haven't stopped since.
I walk for about an hour each day - sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more. And while that may seem like a big chunk of the day to dedicate to exercise, you'd be surprised how easily you can chip away at it, simply by going for a walk over your lunch or pacing around the house during a phone call.
While I don't like to focus on the number on the scale, I've lost 75 pounds, doing nothing more than eating healthfully and moving my body each and every day.
I'm proof that even something as simple as walking can transform your body if you stick with it, but that last part is key. Walking works for me because I enjoy it so much. I plan nature walks with friends and pick up the pace to a light jog during the day when my son joins me on his bike. (I can keep up a lot easier now, 75 pounds lighter and with hundreds of miles under my belt.) My daughter loves to walk with me in the evenings. We walk around our neighborhood for 30 minutes, one of my favorite times to talk and connect. I've always wanted to be a good role model for my children, and I love that we're spending time together in such a healthy and active way.
Other times I squeeze in all of my walking after everyone else has gone to bed. Being alone with my thoughts under the stars is a beautiful way to end the day.
I've learned that your weight-loss journey doesn't have to be about numbers or how heavy of weights you can lift. Exercise should be one of your favorite parts of the day, never something you dread. If walking isn't your thing, try to find something that is - when you treat your body right, it'll repay you. I know mine has.
Stretch, Recover, Relax: This Is How to Handle a Rest Day
tBest news ever! If you want to get stronger, you have to rest. Your muscles need time to repair themselves; this is when the strengthening actually happens. Stretching your worked muscles is really important on your chill days. Take 15 to 20 minutes to give your hard working body some TLC with this full-body stretching routine.
Here's the full routine, and do click here for a printable PDF of this stretching plan. Keep on reading for detailed explanations of each stretch.
Related: No Gym Needed With This At-Home Fitness Plan - All the Workouts Are Videos!
These Keto-Friendly Drinks Are the Starbucks Equivalent of a Cozy Sweater
You've at least considered digging your long-sleeved tops out of storage, which can only mean one thing: warm, cozy, Fall-flavored drinks have arrived at Starbucks. If you're on the ketogenic diet, you'll have to pass on the Pumpkin Spice Latte this year, but there are plenty of low-carb, high-fat options to work into your rotation as the temperatures cool.
First things first, you'll need to get comfortable asking the barista to customize your order. Heavy cream is a keto-friendly alternative to milk, and if you're craving the sweetness of a PSL, some ground cinnamon, sugar-free cinnamon dolce, or stevia monk fruit sweetener can deliver flavor without piling on sugar. Choose from these Autumn-inspired picks:
- Comfort Wellness Brewed Tea: With an infusion of flavors like ginger, fennel, peppermint, lemon, and orange peel, this tea is perfect for a cozy evening, whether you're fighting an early-season cold or just settling in on the couch.
- Blonde Cappuccino: Made with brewed espresso and milk and served under a layer of thick foam, the Blonde Cappuccino is smooth, frothy, and subtly sweet - without any added sweeteners. Replace the milk with a mix of heavy cream and water.
- Unsweetened Skinny Mocha: Bittersweet mocha sauce paired with a foam topping - again, custom made with heavy cream and water - will feel like a warm embrace on early mornings.
- Flat White: A Flat White is made with just milk and brewed espresso. Swap the milk with heavy cream to reduce carbs and increase your fat intake, or cut the cream with water for a smoother sip.
- Brewed Coffee: Warm, simple, and delicious, the brewed coffee at Starbucks is just what you need on chilly mornings when even the thought of leaving your bed is unbearable. Instead of milk or sugar, mix in heavy cream, stevia, or sugar-free syrup, like cinnamon dolce.
- Caffè Americano: The Caffè Americano is a perfectly rich cup of espresso shots, topped with a light layer of crema that's created simply by adding hot water. If the espresso flavor is too intense, try adding a bit of heavy whipping cream.
- Organic Jade Citrus Mint Brewed Tea: While many of the coffee shop's teas have hidden sugar, this one contains only water, organic green tea, organic spearmint, organic lemon verbena, organic lemongrass, and natural flavor - a warm and refreshing start to your day.
- Skinny Latte: A skinny latte is traditionally made with nonfat milk. Ask for heavy cream instead, and tell the barista you'd also like your latte unsweetened, or sweetened only with sugar-free syrup.
Ready to Go Vegan? Here's a 7-Day Meal Plan to Get You Started
Figuring out what to eat every single day can be exhausting, especially if you're new to the vegan diet game. Maybe you want to try making something you've never made before or you just want a change from your usual. Whatever it is, we're packing our favorite recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks so you can see just how versatile the vegan diet truly is. From mac and "cheese" to delicious breakfast bars, the possibilities are truly endless.
By the end of this one-week meal plan - a mix of healthy and indulgent because balance is always key - you'll see that the vegan diet can be fun and delicious without eating tofu every day. Kick-start your plant-based journey now and see what's cooking.
Related: 20 Protein-Packed Meals That Don't Contain a Single Piece of Meat
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
7 Nontouristy Travel Destinations For Those Who Hate People
Some of us just don't like people, and that's OK. But the struggle of not wanting to be surrounded by crowds becomes even more real when it comes to travel - unless you know where to escape to. We've searched for stunning destinations that aren't overridden by tourists so that you don't have to sacrifice your sanity on your next vacation. The next time you really need to get away from everyone, look to these seven spots around the world.
5 Things to Know About Kamala Harris's Husband, Douglas Emhoff
Senator Kamala Harris is quickly becoming a household name for her refusal to be silenced or interrupted by her male colleagues. And, since some are already speculating about a possible 2020 presidential run for Harris, interest in her personal life has grown. Here's what you need to know about her husband, Douglas Emhoff.
He's also a lawyer.
Emhoff is currently a partner at DLA Piper in Century City and Washington DC. Previously, he was the managing West Coast director at Venable LLP.
Emhoff recently took the bar again.
Though Emhoff is based in LA, he recently took the bar in Washington DC and was sworn in on March 10, 2017.
My swearing in ceremony for DC Bar today with my lovely wife @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/PrsQSZOage
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) March 10, 2017
He met Harris on a blind date.
Emhoff, who was previously married and has two children, met Harris on a blind date that was "set up by a close friend of Harris's," according to SFGate. The two were married in August 2014 at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Harris's sister, also a lawyer, officiated the ceremony.
He says his biggest mistake was lashing out in court.
In an interview with Law360, Emhoff retells a story of his earlier days in law, when he loudly accused another lawyer of lying in court. Though he contends that the other lawyer truly was lying, he learned that "you don't lose your cool, ever, and just file away the information to be used at the appropriate time, in an appropriate manner." In the same interview, he revealed that his toughest lawsuit was against a con man in Orange County, CA. The suit, which was brought up by "a group of Midwestern investors," was difficult but settled in trial. Since then, he's even kept in touch with the investors.
Emhoff's and Harris's tax returns show they earned $1.7 million in 2015.
According to the Sacramento Bee, which asked for the then-Senate candidate's tax returns in 2016, the form also revealed that the two paid about $450,000 in state and federal income taxes and gave $32,947 to charity.
If you're interested in following Harris's life from her husband's viewpoint, you can follow Emhoff on Twitter, where he keeps an active presence and posts photos of them together.
Pre Howard U Commencement address with my amazing wife and proud Howard grad @KamalaHarris! pic.twitter.com/ctGVVKyfxG
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) May 13, 2017
Should You Buy a Disney World Annual Pass?
Walt Disney World is a magical place filled with memories and countless adventures for everyone. Let's be honest, Walt Disney World is also very expensive, and many people plan for years to go there. Everything from tickets, to food, and extra entertainment costs at the parks, but what if there was a way to save money, and get to go to all four Walt Disney World theme parks with limited blackout times?
A Walt Disney World annual pass might be the thing for you if you visit regularly and are willing to commit to going to the parks for a whole year. There are varying levels of annual pass options at Walt Disney World, but let's assume that you live outside of the state of Florida, meaning your pass would be the Platinum Pass for non-Florida residents. The Platinum Pass costs $849 (plus tax) for ages three and up. There is a monthly payment plan option, but it's only available for Florida residents.
Is a Disney World annual pass worth it? Keep reading to learn more about the perks and decide for yourself if it's the right fit for you!
Related: Is a Disneyland Pass Worth It? We Asked Pass-Holders to Find Out
How a Single Question From Sen. Kamala Harris Revealed the Real Brett Kavanaugh
On Sept. 5, the Senate Judiciary Committee got its first chance to question Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's latest nomination to the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh's nomination has stoked deep and justifiable concern for the future of key human rights issues, such as marriage equality, voting rights, healthcare access, criminal justice, and gun safety. But, most glaringly - in light of the Trump administration's deliberate agenda of derailing reproductive rights and years of Republican politicians unabashedly calling for the end of Roe v. Wade - Kavanaugh's nomination poses an existential threat to abortion rights in America. And you'd know this if you watched women senators on the Judiciary Committee question Kavanaugh this week. Their presence at the hearings has made it clear how absolutely indispensable representation in politics is in times like these.
Kavanaugh's record on reproductive rights includes siding with the Trump administration's right to block a detained young immigrant woman, Jane Doe, from accessing abortion; voicing support for the dissent in Roe; and ruling in favor of employers' right to deny women birth control access. In emails marked confidential that were released early Thursday by Sen. Cory Booker, Kavanaugh argued Roe isn't actually settled law, contrary to his public claims, and that the Supreme Court could "overrule its precedent" at any time.
On the first day of questioning, Sen. Kamala Harris, one of few women - and one of even fewer women of color - in the Senate, exposed the misogyny inherent to Kavanaugh's decision in the aforementioned Jane Doe case. Kavanaugh repeatedly evaded questions about Roe and reproductive rights asked by Senators Mazie Hirono and Dianne Feinstein, spurring Harris to eventually ask if he could name any laws "that the government has power to make over the male body." Visibly stumped by the question for some time, Kavanaugh finally answered that he could not, proving a crucial point about gender, abortion, and control that women know so well - a point that took a woman to get across so masterfully.
CSPAN has posted the entire nearly 8-minute exchange between Kamala Harris and Kavanaugh on the Mueller probe. It is worth your time. pic.twitter.com/ezJVEuDeUK
- Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 6, 2018
It's no secret that women politicians have been the most vocal critics of Kavanugh's record on reproductive rights. Outside of the Judiciary Committee and prior to this week's hearings, Sen. Patty Murray's office has collected stories, en masse, FROM women in America who have had abortions. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand have refused to mince words, and declared that not only will Roe be reversed or gutted if Kavanaugh is confirmed but that women will quite literally die as a result.
The Kavanaugh hearings, as well as the movement to reject Kavanaugh at large, show how impactful diverse leadership has been. Women have been the ones to ensure that the right questions are being asked and that attention is brought to crucial points in his record that would likely otherwise be ignored. Kavanaugh's record and potential on the court pose grave risks to the rights and safety of women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and all marginalized groups. Our representatives who identify with these groups know what's at stake because of their own experiences. That's why they're the ones speaking up so vocally for us - and that's why we need more of them.
Sen. Booker, one of three black senators, demonstrated this when he questioned Kavanaugh regarding his buried record on race and criminal justice - before ultimately releasing the confidential emails the next day. Harris questioned Kavanaugh on the 2017 Charlottesville riots. Sen. Hirono, the first Asian-American woman elected to the Senate, has been another key leader in questioning not only Kavanaugh's record on abortion rights but his views on Native people of Hawaii.
But when it comes to issues of women's rights specifically - despite the voices of politicians like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who brought up the Jane Doe case during the hearings - we can only expect so much of male allies in office. Too often, reproductive rights are discussed tangentially or as a "social issue" - if they're even discussed at all in progressive spaces that are male-led.
It takes female representatives, who know from their experiences that reproductive rights are also about economic justice and violence against women's bodies, to speak as forcefully as Harris. It takes women like Sen. Feinstein to correctly remind Kavanaugh and the nation that 200,000 to 1.2 million women died of unsafe abortions annually in the 1950s and '60s before Roe.
Still, women like Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski may well vote to confirm Kavanaugh. A self-identified "liberal feminist" lawyer may support him and even introduced him to the Senate on Tuesday.
But this doesn't change the reality: a surge in restrictions on abortions in recent years has yielded a surge in maternal deaths in the US. It doesn't change the fact that restrictions on abortion fail to stop women from having abortions but will simply increase their risk of injury and death. It doesn't change the fact that one in four women has an abortion before turning 45. And it certainly doesn't change the fact that Harris, Feinstein, Hirono, Gillibrand, Warren, and all the vocal female leaders fighting Kavanaugh represent and speak for the majority of women - not only in the Senate, but in the United States of America.
Break the Internet With These 50+ Clever Costumes
If it were up to us, no one would need an excuse to dress up in their favorite geeky garb. But the way we see it, Halloween is the perfect chance to go all out and blow everyone else's regular ol' costumes out of the water. Maybe you're looking to dress as a Star Wars character or your favorite comic personality or a hilarious Internet cat - or maybe you're still undecided. Either way, you'll find all the inspiration you need right here.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
26 Perfect Pairs of Black Boots You'll Wear Again and Again This Fall
Bring on the boots, because we are so ready to pile them up in our closets. It may not be Fall just yet, but designers are already releasing much of their seasonal collections. We curated a list of our favorite pairs of black boots because they're such a necessary wardrobe staple. The shoes truly go with everything. Shop through these cute choices.
17 Versatile Dresses You Should Pack For Every Vacation
What exactly makes a dress perfect for traveling? For us, there are several key players. First and foremost, it should be comfortable, so no matter how long your walks are or how late your dinners run, you won't be dying to take it off at the end of the day. Versatility is the second most important trait. The more you can wear it with, the less you need to pack. Ahead, you'll find 17 dresses that fit the bill for your next trip. You can mix and match them with just about every shoe and jacket in your closet. What are you waiting for? Get yours before it's too late.
The Queen Hasn't Worn Pants in Nearly 50 Years - Here's Why She Did
The British royal family is a fashionable bunch, and the most fashionable one of all? Well, Elizabeth II of course. The British Monarch is no stranger to a fashion show, and just like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, she puts a lot of thought into her outfits, meaning there are almost always reasons for why she does (or doesn't) wear certain things. But there's one thing the queen absolutely never chooses for royal engagements: pants.
The one and only time the queen wore trousers on official duty was during her tour of Canada in 1970 with Prince Philip, nearly 50 years ago. She wore a matte silk pantsuit by designer Ian Thomas in an effort to modernize her look. Clearly, she didn't favor slacks, as she hasn't worn many pairs since. You might have spotted her wearing the staple during leisure time or riding her beloved horses, but she won't wear them on duty. And you certainly wouldn't find her wearing jeans like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
The queen likes to keep her style simple and practical, but she doesn't lack a flair for fashion, particularly when it comes to colors. You'll often see her in a brightly colored coat with a matching hat, stylish handbag, and her go-to loafers. She chooses this tried-and-tested ensemble so often for one simple reason: so the public can easily recognize her.
Princess Diana's Niece Might Not Be a Royal, but She Sure Has the Wardrobe of One
From strutting her stuff on the runway to being one of the most stylish guests at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, Kitty Spencer is slowly but surely taking over the fashion scene. As a member of the British aristocracy, the 27-year-old niece of Princess Diana leads a very glamorous life, and she certainly has the wardrobe to match.
Whether she's attending parties or joining her royal cousins at Ascot, Kitty knows what suits her figure. Not afraid to flaunt it, she's been spotted in anything from lingerie-inspired dresses to full-on princess gowns, which her Instagram followers love as much as we do. Ahead, take a look at some of Kitty's best looks to date.
3 Cheers For 2-Day Shipping! You Can Now Buy J.Crew on Amazon!
Did you hear? J.Crew, one of our go-to basics brands, has joined forces with Amazon! J. Crew Mercantile is now available from the online retailer - which means you can say hello to all your new favorite jeans, T-shirts, and jackets that much sooner, thanks to the two-day shipping Amazon is beloved for. Plus, everything in the collection is under $100, so your wallet and your closet will both thank you. But what are we waiting for? Let's get shopping!
Meghan Markle Stuck to This Old-School Rule by Matching Her Heels to Her Bright Blue Dress
There really is no rest when you're a royal. Fresh from her flawless appearances at a special performance of Hamilton and the WellChild awards, Meghan Markle once again stepped out on the arm of her husband, Prince Harry, for a charitable event. This time around, the royal couple attended the 100 Days to Peace concert, which raised funds for a number of charities, including Heads Together - a charity founded by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Having stuck to all-black looks for her most recent outings - a look that is quickly becoming the new Duchess of Sussex's trademark - this time, Meghan opted for a bright blue Jason Wu dress. She accessorized the dress with a Dior clutch and went back to basics by wearing matching Aquazzura heels with an eye-catching, embellished strap. She looked polished, modern, and put-together as she arrived at Westminster Central Hall for the gala event. Keep reading to see the look from every angle.
See Gigi Hadid's Many Impressive Halloween Costumes - From Every Angle
Gigi Hadid has a long history of rocking envy-inducing looks. Whether she's strutting in designer duds on the runway or hitting the town in perfectly put-together street style outfits, she serves up outfit inspiration on the regular. And for this supermodel babe, that includes on Halloween.
From a young age, Bella's older sis has brought her A-game for the spookiest day of the year - and lucky for us, she's frequently shared those throwback dress-up moments on Instagram. From an adorable butterfly to a sexy cub scout, Gigi's been outfitted in all types of trick-or-treat-ready ensembles, and each one of them is scary good. Ahead, the model's most masterful Halloween costumes that are sure to give you some ideas of your own.
Do You Hear That? It's These 10 Booties From Urban Outfitters Calling Your Name
We love a good bootie, and Urban Outfitters has some lust-worthy picks. The retailer just put out new options in leather, suede, and a variety of colors. If you're not sure what to buy, we rounded up a selection of our favorite picks. You'll want to rock these all the way through Winter, so they're smart investments.
28 Times Selena Gomez's Airport Style Was On Point and Then Some
Selena Gomez spends a lot of hours on airplanes - thanks to all that jet-setting to exotic locations wearing the cutest swimsuits and posing for hot magazine covers. Through the years, the singer and actress has picked up a trick or two about dressing warm for the frigid temperatures inside the plane, always being ready for the paparazzi, and packing a practical but gorgeous bag with all the essentials. Her outfits are stylish and comfortable and provide plenty of airport and street style inspiration. See all the times Selena's style was ready to fly away, then check out her new collection with Coach.
I Love This Flattering Wrap Dress So Much, I've Worn It Once a Week For an Entire Year
I had been on a quest for the perfect little black dress for months, without any luck. I am a big-time shopper, so I'm not exaggerating when I say I tried on hundreds of options. Finally, on a Friday, sifting through the racks of Nordstrom, I came across this Topshop Ruffle Minidress ($55). I immediately ran into the fitting room, and even under unflattering, harsh lighting, I looked great in the piece. I loved it so much, I bought it in two colors on the spot.
That was a year ago, and I still find myself reaching for that same dress every weekend when I'm going out. So what makes it so special? For starters, it's a wrap dress, which is a universally flattering silhouette for women. I have a curvier, hourglass figure, and this dress lays in all the right places - it cinches my waist, shows off just a hint of cleavage, and covers my upper arms. It ticks off all the boxes on my checklist.
It's a wrap dress, which is a universally flattering silhouette for women.
The ruffled skirt adds a bit of movement, and the button-front closure allows me to never worry about my dress flying open (let's be real - that's a legitimate worry with wrap dresses). The 100 percent polyester fabric never creases or wrinkles, even when I'm sitting down. Its versatile silhouette allows me to style the look in many ways; I have worn the dress with sneakers and a denim jacket as well as with heels and a leather jacket.
I'm telling you: this is a magical dress. Buy one for yourself before it sells out and you'll be as obsessed as I am - pinky promise.
The Internet's Most Popular Jumpsuit Is Great For Work, Weekends, and More
When I feel like making a statement, I put on a jumpsuit. There's something so powerful and put-together about the look. Whether you're going to brunch with the girls or headed to the office, a jumpsuit is a totally appropriate and stylish look. That's why I wasn't surprised to learn that this LAINAB Jumpsuit With Pockets ($20-$22) is one of the bestselling pieces on Amazon right now.
The comfortable piece can easily be dressed up with strappy heels or down with sandals, depending on where you're headed. The rayon and spandex blend fabric is soft and stretchy so you can easily move around. Plus, the drawstring waist allows you to get a perfect fit. Our favorite feature is definitely the pockets - they're convenient for your phone, keys, or lipstick.
Don't waste any time adding this design to your cart; you never know how long it will be for sale. We can't wait to give this jumpsuit a try. Read on to see more color options.
Your Fall Wardrobe Won't Be Complete Without These 25 Long-Sleeved Dresses
As you start shopping for your perfect Fall wardrobe, there's one piece you should consider: a long-sleeved dress. These comfy pieces are the ultimate way to take your favorite trend into a new season. Not only are they stylish, but they keep you warm and match with pretty much everything you already own. You can dress one up with heels and a pretty clutch or simply wear it with sneakers and a leather jacket for a more casual look. Not sure where to start shopping? Not to worry, we uncovered 25 must haves worth owning this season. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite finds.
7 Must Haves From Our POPSUGAR at Kohl’s Collection
Check out a few of our favorite pieces from the POPSUGAR at Kohl's collection - along with some helpful styling tips! These are the clothes we live in, play in, and love in.
Be sure to check out every single piece from the line before it hits stores on Sept. 13.
Kaia Gerber Started Off NYFW With a Bang in This Lavender Gown
Sure, Kaia Gerber is 17, but she's quickly become one of the most talked-about models since she made her runway debut during Spring 2018 Fashion Week. This season, Kaia started off New York Fashion Week with a bang walking for Tom Ford. The leggy model wore a breathtaking fringe dress that swayed as she made her way down the runway. Kaia is clearly making her mother, Cindy Crawford, proud. Read on to see what Kaia's been wearing this Fashion Month, then have a look at all the stars who've sat in the front row.
Related: Kaia Gerber's Heels Are Pretty Much Just Diamond Stilts That She Dared to Walk On
Olivia Munn's Shoe Collection Is So Sexy, You'll Break a Sweat
Olivia Munn has a way of oozing sex appeal without even trying, and it's probably because she has one of the sexiest wardrobes we've ever seen. While Olivia loves to show off her killer body in barely there swimsuits and skintight dresses, her insanely sexy shoe collection is the reason she always looks good from head to toe.
Whether she's walking the red carpet or just heading out for a night on the town, Olivia's shoe game is always on point. From sky-high stilettos to over-the-knee boots and strappy sandals, her killer footwear can make the most boring outfits look hotter than hot. Keep reading to see all the times Olivia's sexy shoes left us reaching for a glass of water, then shop similar versions for yourself.
50 States of Quirky Town Names
The United States is an interesting place, to say the least. With such a huge variety of people and culture and history, it's no wonder there's also a huge variety of interesting city names as well. Sure, you have the run-of-the-mill names like New York, but did you know there's a town in Utah called Virgin? Or a place in Georgia called Butts County? Those do indeed exist. For even more quirky city names, keep reading.
7 Nontouristy Travel Destinations For Those Who Hate People
Some of us just don't like people, and that's OK. But the struggle of not wanting to be surrounded by crowds becomes even more real when it comes to travel - unless you know where to escape to. We've searched for stunning destinations that aren't overridden by tourists so that you don't have to sacrifice your sanity on your next vacation. The next time you really need to get away from everyone, look to these seven spots around the world.
5 Things to Know About Kamala Harris's Husband, Douglas Emhoff
Senator Kamala Harris is quickly becoming a household name for her refusal to be silenced or interrupted by her male colleagues. And, since some are already speculating about a possible 2020 presidential run for Harris, interest in her personal life has grown. Here's what you need to know about her husband, Douglas Emhoff.
He's also a lawyer.
Emhoff is currently a partner at DLA Piper in Century City and Washington DC. Previously, he was the managing West Coast director at Venable LLP.
Emhoff recently took the bar again.
Though Emhoff is based in LA, he recently took the bar in Washington DC and was sworn in on March 10, 2017.
My swearing in ceremony for DC Bar today with my lovely wife @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/PrsQSZOage
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) March 10, 2017
He met Harris on a blind date.
Emhoff, who was previously married and has two children, met Harris on a blind date that was "set up by a close friend of Harris's," according to SFGate. The two were married in August 2014 at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Harris's sister, also a lawyer, officiated the ceremony.
He says his biggest mistake was lashing out in court.
In an interview with Law360, Emhoff retells a story of his earlier days in law, when he loudly accused another lawyer of lying in court. Though he contends that the other lawyer truly was lying, he learned that "you don't lose your cool, ever, and just file away the information to be used at the appropriate time, in an appropriate manner." In the same interview, he revealed that his toughest lawsuit was against a con man in Orange County, CA. The suit, which was brought up by "a group of Midwestern investors," was difficult but settled in trial. Since then, he's even kept in touch with the investors.
Emhoff's and Harris's tax returns show they earned $1.7 million in 2015.
According to the Sacramento Bee, which asked for the then-Senate candidate's tax returns in 2016, the form also revealed that the two paid about $450,000 in state and federal income taxes and gave $32,947 to charity.
If you're interested in following Harris's life from her husband's viewpoint, you can follow Emhoff on Twitter, where he keeps an active presence and posts photos of them together.
Pre Howard U Commencement address with my amazing wife and proud Howard grad @KamalaHarris! pic.twitter.com/ctGVVKyfxG
- Douglas Emhoff (@douglasemhoff) May 13, 2017
Should You Buy a Disney World Annual Pass?
Walt Disney World is a magical place filled with memories and countless adventures for everyone. Let's be honest, Walt Disney World is also very expensive, and many people plan for years to go there. Everything from tickets, to food, and extra entertainment costs at the parks, but what if there was a way to save money, and get to go to all four Walt Disney World theme parks with limited blackout times?
A Walt Disney World annual pass might be the thing for you if you visit regularly and are willing to commit to going to the parks for a whole year. There are varying levels of annual pass options at Walt Disney World, but let's assume that you live outside of the state of Florida, meaning your pass would be the Platinum Pass for non-Florida residents. The Platinum Pass costs $849 (plus tax) for ages three and up. There is a monthly payment plan option, but it's only available for Florida residents.
Is a Disney World annual pass worth it? Keep reading to learn more about the perks and decide for yourself if it's the right fit for you!
Related: Is a Disneyland Pass Worth It? We Asked Pass-Holders to Find Out
How a Single Question From Sen. Kamala Harris Revealed the Real Brett Kavanaugh
On Sept. 5, the Senate Judiciary Committee got its first chance to question Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's latest nomination to the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh's nomination has stoked deep and justifiable concern for the future of key human rights issues, such as marriage equality, voting rights, healthcare access, criminal justice, and gun safety. But, most glaringly - in light of the Trump administration's deliberate agenda of derailing reproductive rights and years of Republican politicians unabashedly calling for the end of Roe v. Wade - Kavanaugh's nomination poses an existential threat to abortion rights in America. And you'd know this if you watched women senators on the Judiciary Committee question Kavanaugh this week. Their presence at the hearings has made it clear how absolutely indispensable representation in politics is in times like these.
Kavanaugh's record on reproductive rights includes siding with the Trump administration's right to block a detained young immigrant woman, Jane Doe, from accessing abortion; voicing support for the dissent in Roe; and ruling in favor of employers' right to deny women birth control access. In emails marked confidential that were released early Thursday by Sen. Cory Booker, Kavanaugh argued Roe isn't actually settled law, contrary to his public claims, and that the Supreme Court could "overrule its precedent" at any time.
On the first day of questioning, Sen. Kamala Harris, one of few women - and one of even fewer women of color - in the Senate, exposed the misogyny inherent to Kavanaugh's decision in the aforementioned Jane Doe case. Kavanaugh repeatedly evaded questions about Roe and reproductive rights asked by Senators Mazie Hirono and Dianne Feinstein, spurring Harris to eventually ask if he could name any laws "that the government has power to make over the male body." Visibly stumped by the question for some time, Kavanaugh finally answered that he could not, proving a crucial point about gender, abortion, and control that women know so well - a point that took a woman to get across so masterfully.
CSPAN has posted the entire nearly 8-minute exchange between Kamala Harris and Kavanaugh on the Mueller probe. It is worth your time. pic.twitter.com/ezJVEuDeUK
- Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 6, 2018
It's no secret that women politicians have been the most vocal critics of Kavanugh's record on reproductive rights. Outside of the Judiciary Committee and prior to this week's hearings, Sen. Patty Murray's office has collected stories, en masse, FROM women in America who have had abortions. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand have refused to mince words, and declared that not only will Roe be reversed or gutted if Kavanaugh is confirmed but that women will quite literally die as a result.
The Kavanaugh hearings, as well as the movement to reject Kavanaugh at large, show how impactful diverse leadership has been. Women have been the ones to ensure that the right questions are being asked and that attention is brought to crucial points in his record that would likely otherwise be ignored. Kavanaugh's record and potential on the court pose grave risks to the rights and safety of women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and all marginalized groups. Our representatives who identify with these groups know what's at stake because of their own experiences. That's why they're the ones speaking up so vocally for us - and that's why we need more of them.
Sen. Booker, one of three black senators, demonstrated this when he questioned Kavanaugh regarding his buried record on race and criminal justice - before ultimately releasing the confidential emails the next day. Harris questioned Kavanaugh on the 2017 Charlottesville riots. Sen. Hirono, the first Asian-American woman elected to the Senate, has been another key leader in questioning not only Kavanaugh's record on abortion rights but his views on Native people of Hawaii.
But when it comes to issues of women's rights specifically - despite the voices of politicians like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who brought up the Jane Doe case during the hearings - we can only expect so much of male allies in office. Too often, reproductive rights are discussed tangentially or as a "social issue" - if they're even discussed at all in progressive spaces that are male-led.
It takes female representatives, who know from their experiences that reproductive rights are also about economic justice and violence against women's bodies, to speak as forcefully as Harris. It takes women like Sen. Feinstein to correctly remind Kavanaugh and the nation that 200,000 to 1.2 million women died of unsafe abortions annually in the 1950s and '60s before Roe.
Still, women like Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski may well vote to confirm Kavanaugh. A self-identified "liberal feminist" lawyer may support him and even introduced him to the Senate on Tuesday.
But this doesn't change the reality: a surge in restrictions on abortions in recent years has yielded a surge in maternal deaths in the US. It doesn't change the fact that restrictions on abortion fail to stop women from having abortions but will simply increase their risk of injury and death. It doesn't change the fact that one in four women has an abortion before turning 45. And it certainly doesn't change the fact that Harris, Feinstein, Hirono, Gillibrand, Warren, and all the vocal female leaders fighting Kavanaugh represent and speak for the majority of women - not only in the Senate, but in the United States of America.
Break the Internet With These 50+ Clever Costumes
If it were up to us, no one would need an excuse to dress up in their favorite geeky garb. But the way we see it, Halloween is the perfect chance to go all out and blow everyone else's regular ol' costumes out of the water. Maybe you're looking to dress as a Star Wars character or your favorite comic personality or a hilarious Internet cat - or maybe you're still undecided. Either way, you'll find all the inspiration you need right here.
- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara
50 of Our All-Time Favorite Smoothie Recipes
A smoothie is a convenient meal or snack option anytime - just throw your ingredients in a blender, pour into a glass, and enjoy. Even better: the ingredient possibilities for shakes and smoothies are endless. We should know; we're always in the kitchen creating and re-creating our favorite healthy smoothie recipes. Keep reading to see which healthy smoothies we've been blending up lately!
9 Relaxing Stretches You Can Do in Bed, Then Doze Off to Dreamland
Stretching has a way of melting away stress and worry, but there's no need to unroll your yoga mat. Here are nine stretches you can do in your pajamas and your bed - either before you go to sleep or once your alarm goes off - or both! Do all nine if you have time, or just pick a few. Either way, you'll feel more relaxed, whether you're heading to the land of nod or waking with the sun.
10 Products You Need to Become a Morning Person
When it comes to waking up earlier without feeling tired, we'll try anything. We're so envious of those morning people, the ones that can just hop out of bed and get their day started while we hit snooze 57 times. If you need a little help waking up in the morning, you've come to the right place. These are the products that will help start your day off on the right foot.
In Case You're Confused, Here's EXACTLY How The Nun Connects to The Conjuring
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Warning: spoilers for The Nun are in this post!
Going in to see The Nun, there's no real mystery as to how it connects to the rest of the films in The Conjuring's expanding universe. After all, the demon Valak appears as the habit-donning monster in The Conjuring 2 and even shows up during a postcredits scene at the and of Annabelle: Creation. The real mystery, of course, is how. How does a terrifying nun monster from the 1900s come to haunt Lorraine Warren? Luckily, we do get an answer by the end of The Nun; not only does it connect back to the universe, but it also gives us a supercool full-circle moment that lands right back in The Conjuring's first film. Last chance to turn back before I spoil some things!
OK, so, I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about the end of The Nun. The basic, basic gist is this: Father Burke (Demián Bichir) and Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) think they've vanquished the evil Valak with the help of a local farmboy who calls himself Frenchie, née Maurice. But in the last moments before we leave Romania for good, we realize it's not Irene we have to worry about, because Valak has actually possessed Maurice!
Image Source: Everett Collection
Cut to a scene that actually appears in The Conjuring: about 40 minutes in, we're at some kind of college lecture that Ed and Lorraine Warren are giving on possession. Carolyn Perron, whose house is plagued by some kind of presence, is in attendance. Ed and Lorraine play footage from an old case in which a man named Maurice was possessed by a demon. In the footage within the scene, we see the actor who plays Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), and he's clearly succumbed to the evil inside him. At the very last moment, he lets out an inhuman howl and looks directly at Lorraine. Lorraine screams.
And there you have it! Though Valak doesn't really appear until the second film in the Conjuring series, we get to throw it all the way back to the beginning to connect another thread. What's interesting is that "Maurice," who originally appeared in The Conjuring, is different, meaning they must have reshot that scene to tie it back into The Nun. Even so, it's cool to see how the creators found a way to throw it back. That's pretty awesome, right?
Here's How the Dark and Twisted Ending of The Nun Goes Down
Warning: the following post contains complete spoilers for The Nun!
Going into a prequel movie like The Nun can be tricky. After all, we already know how it should end: the demon Valak, better and more ominously known as The Nun, will have to emerge victorious if it's going to eventually move on to haunt Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) in The Conjuring 2. The characters of Father Burke (Demián Bichir) and Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) are doomed from the start. Without giving too much away (before I dive into a post ripe with spoilers, teehee), I was pleasantly surprised by the way the creative powers that be handled the story. If you're curious about how they managed to pull off their twist, I'm outlining the entire ending below. This is your last chance to turn back!
OK, so you basically know the gist of the story: Father Burke and Sister Irene go to some remote part of Romania to investigate the suicide of a nun. Once they arrive, they meet the man who discovered the body: a laborer who calls himself "Frenchie." From there, it's a pretty quick turnaround to get them up to the haunted convent, and all hell breaks loose shortly thereafter. Their first night kicks off with scares: Father Burke gets buried alive, while Sister Irene gets terrorized by the demon.
The next day, Burke reads a bunch of books, trying to identify the nature of the demon they're dealing with, while Irene interviews the surviving nuns of the convent. She learns that some crazy duke once opened a gate to Hell on these grounds, and they must pray constantly to keep the evil at bay. Burke learns that the demon is called Valak, and it means business. Cue nightfall.
After a particularly scary sequence, Burke rescues Irene in the chapel, and she realizes all the nuns she's been talking to are long dead, mere specters or visions that are trying to help her solve the mystery. Also, Frenchie inexplicably shows up again at the convent to help them defeat evil. Irene realizes the gate to Hell, which they must close, is in the catacombs. The basement also contains a very important artifact, which they need to seal the gate: the blood of Christ, contained in a glass vial.
The three find the vial and of course get separated in the bowels of the convent. Valak sets sights on a human host to inhabit: Irene. Frenchie and Burke attempt to throw themselves at Valak to save the day, but they are quickly cast aside. All seems lost. Valak holds Irene down in a shallow pool of water until she drowns. This is the ending we expected, right? You'd think it's the moment when Valak wins and possesses Irene's body as the life drains out of her, then goes off into the world. But that's not what happens!
It turns out Irene has put the blood of Christ in her mouth (ew?), and once Valak pulls her out of the water, she spits the blood right in Valak's face. Valak recoils, horrified and burning from the blood, and the water all drains out of the room and into the gaping hole on the floor; it's the original gate to Hell that they've been trying to close all along. Once Valak goes back to the depths of the darkness, the gate closes shut. It's a surprising end that leaves the viewer a bit perplexed, because Valak was supposed to win.
In the aftermath of the terrible ordeal, the trio prepare to leave the convent for good. Irene asks Frenchie - he reveals his name is actually Maurice - if he'll stick around, but he says he's had enough of Romania. Suddenly, in a closeup on his neck, we see a small protrusion: it's an upside-down cross, meaning Valak has actually possessed Maurice and not Irene. In a flashback, we're led to assume that Valak jumped into Maurice right after strangling him and just before the whole water encounter.
The stinger at the end shows how Valak finally makes contact with Lorraine Warren: the demon eventually consumes Maurice completely, and Ed and Lorraine are on hand to assist in the exorcism. The rest is history.
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