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.

lundi 10 décembre 2018

The Basics of Consuming Cannabis - For Total Rookies

The following post was originally published on Miss Grass.


There's never been a better time to try cannabis. The science is barreling ahead, and options are bountiful. This story is part one of a four-part series on the basics of cannabis.

Raise your hand if you've ever found yourself sweating at a party because someone's pulled out the weed. If pressing the joint to your lips, you've cursed yourself for choking on an excuse not to partake. If paranoid about what you've said (or haven't), you've bumbled your way through an Irish goodbye because leaving a party immediately was never so important. Raise your hand if this is you.

For a lot of people, cannabis is a really scary thing. Not just anyone can look swaggery smoking a joint. There's real cache to being good at it. But let's be real: high school ruined cannabis for a lot of us. And to this day, the sight of a joint is little more than an embarrassing reminder of how little time we dedicated to dealing with that PTSD.

As cannabis makes its way into the zeitgeist and the greenrush hits its stride, the little plant is getting a second chance. And noncannabis users deserve the straight goods on how it's changed.

For some advice on where to start, I spoke to bona fide cannabis expert Samantha Miller, president and chief scientist at Pure Analytics (a cannabis lab in Santa Rosa, CA). According to Miller, a lot of cannabis users aren't trying to get high at all. There are people who use it for anxiety, for pain, and for sleep, while others use it much like someone might use a drink.

"[Cannabis] can be great for the new user who wants to take a little bit of a vacation from their state of mind," says Miller. "It's the replacement of a glass of wine at the end of the day."

You can consume cannabis in all kinds of ways, at all levels of potency, to all sorts of effects. But Miller recommends three specific modes of ingestion for the new user and keeping a strain journal just like any good wine aficionado might. She says this is our best tool while getting to know the plant, the body, and how the two fit together.

1. The Oil Vaporizer

If you like the idea of carrying a little cannabis with you at all times, an oil vaporizer like Wildflower's CBD one is a good discreet option. This product comes preloaded with a concentrated CBD oil cartridge, so there's no fuss or muss. And it won't leave you smelling of cannabis either. Expect a nonpsychoactive, consistent, and repeatable experience.

2. Smokable Flower

Flower is what we call the actual cannabis bud in its unprocessed state, and it's what you grind up to roll into a joint or smoke from a pipe. Flower is a good option if you have a bit of an appetite for the unknown. Even if you buy the same flower from the same dispensary and the same farmer, there's no guarantee you'll have the same experience each time you go back. Miller recommends reaching for more top shelf flower and asking your budtender (the person at the dispensary) for something with under 20 percent THC. If rolling a joint is beyond your skill set, you can always ask for a prerolled joint, too.

3. The Edible Treat

Edibles tend to terrify people. But dosed properly, they can actually have the most mellow and predictable effect of all. It's worth noting, the high from edibles is different - more of a body high than a head high. Miller suggests starting with edibles that have no more than 5 mg of THC. And if you're feeling especially enterprising, consider setting yourself up to make DIY edibles at home.

Want an Easy Tip For Losing Weight? A Beachbody Dietitian Says Do This Before Every Meal

In order to maximize your weight loss, when you sit down to eat a meal, do you ever think, "What should I eat first?" Registered dietitian and co-creator of Beachbody's 2B Mindset nutrition program Ilana Muhlstein, MS, RDN, has the simple answer.

"Rather than food right away, I recommend that each meal start with drinking water first," Ilana said. Aim to drink 16 ounces of water before reaching for your first bite of food. To help you remember, when you sit down to eat, make sure you have a big water bottle or two eight-ounce glasses. Ilana said you may find yourself feeling fuller and slimmer in just a few days.

Maya Feller, MS, RD, of Maya Feller Nutrition, who works with patients who need weight management, added that "there is some research that supports the statement that drinking water prior to a meal may result in a decrease in energy intake and therefore mild to moderate weight loss."

Related: I Drank a Gallon of Water a Day For 3 Weeks (and Why I'll Never Do It Again)

Fitness trainer Bob Harper agrees. "Water intake is, I believe, one of the best weight-loss tips that you can do," Bob said in an Instagram video as part of a series he calls #TwoCupsIn. He added that if you're feeling hungry, you should drink water first. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so while drinking water before you eat can help you feel full at meals, it's also important to stay hydrated throughout your day. It will help keep energy levels up and prevent headaches, which can be reasons people reach for extra snacks, which leads to weight gain. I'll cheers to that!

20 Incredible Fitness Gifts You'll Never Guess Cost Less Than $10

If there's a workout enthusiast in your life, you're in luck because holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier. Fortunately, the gift of fitness doesn't need to cost you a fortune. From products for the dedicated boot camper to the weekend warrior, we found 20 gifts that are sure to come in handy. And the best part is that they're all under $10, too! With the price so low, you'll have to be careful or you might end up wanting some for yourself.

- Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown and Jenny Sugar

Add These Simple, Low-Carb Breakfasts to Your Meal Prep, and Never Leave Home Hungry Again

Whether you're keto, Paleo, gluten-free, or simply trying to eat fewer carbs, conquering meal prep is an important step toward reaching your fitness goals. Breakfast can feel especially tricky. That sugary cereal is out. Overnight oats? Good on occasion, but perhaps not every day. And while you could find some other low-carb dish to whip up every single morning, that can get kind of boring. Fortunately, there are lots of options that are easy to prepare and keep stocked in your kitchen. We've rounded up these super-simple recipes From make-ahead breakfast casseroles to scrumptious baked doughnuts,you can re-create in a pinch.

Winter Workouts Aren't Complete Without This Cozy Wardrobe Staple

Once you put on a pair of fleece-lined leggings, there's no turning back. They are just so cozy and do such a good job of keeping you warm and comfortable on long runs or weekend hikes. They're also perfect for yoga, Pilates, or lying on the couch. Seriously, if we could, we'd live in these. You'll be shocked by just how much you'll love them, so go ahead, add two to your cart.

This Is Exactly How Much Cardio You Should Be Doing If You Want to Lose Weight

Strength training, cardio, and a healthy diet are said to make up the perfect formula for weight loss. But sometimes it's hard to know how much you need of each category. In particular, the amount of cardio you need in order to lose weight has been up for debate - some people think you need a lot, while others think that it's all about strength training.

Before deciding how much cardio is best for weight loss, Austin Lopez, CSCS and owner of Ausome Fit, said it's important to understand some basics of how your body functions; "3,500 is the number of calories in a single pound of fat and therefore the number required for you to burn in a week to lose one pound a week," Lopez told POPSUGAR.

This is how that breaks down in terms of sessions per week. According to Lopez, if you want to burn 3,500 calories in a week in order to lose one pound, you have three options:

  • Do 7 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a clean diet with an average calorie intake.
  • Do 5 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a lightly calorie-restricted diet.
  • Do 0 to 3 days of 30-minute cardio sessions and eat a medium calorie-restricted diet.

The third option might look appealing to you, but Lopez reminds us that "this becomes unsustainable very quickly." Here's the formula to determine how many calories you should eat to lose weight.

Similarly, Mahri Relin, certified personal trainer (NASM) and founder of Body Conceptions, said she encourages her clients do four to five sessions of cardio a week, each lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. NASM-certified celebrity fitness trainer and Katherine Greiner recommends at least 30 to 45 minutes of cardio a day or 20 minutes of HIIT cardio intervals.

It's important you don't overdo it, though. "Cardio-heavy workouts can leave people famished, only to replace, if not exceed, the calories they have burned," Relin told POPSUGAR. "When the body has too much cardio it can result in adrenal fatigue, which can actually lead to weight gain," Greiner added.

Another thing all three trainers agree on unanimously is that these sessions of cardio must also be paired with regular strength training. You can't have one without the other in the hunt for weight loss. Not sure where to start? Here are nine strength training workouts that you can do anywhere. And they're printable!

Set Yourself Up For Success: 20+ Ways to Meal Prep

Sunday is definitely not a day of rest in my house. It's the day I plan out meals for the week, hit the grocery store, and prep food ahead of time. It takes probably three hours or more, but it totally sets me up to have a healthy and stress-free week. Here are some ideas broken down by meal. If this sounds overwhelming, even just picking a few to do will make a huge difference.

Screw the Scale! These 15 Women Share Nonscale Victories That Mean So Much More

The goal of eating healthier and exercising is usually to lose weight. But along the way, whether you've lost five, 50, or 100 pounds, the number on the scale starts to mean less when you experience nonscale victories that greatly improve your health, your abilities, and your level of happiness. These women have amazing transformations, and hopefully by sharing their nonscale victories, it'll be a source of inspiration for your own journey.

12 Moments From Dumplin' That Prove Bo Larson Is the Heartthrob We Deserve

If you haven't watched Netflix's Dumplin' yet, we highly encourage you to add it to your queue ASAP. Not only does the dramedy have a soundtrack that is basically a Dolly Parton soundtrack (the new version of Jolene is just everything), but it boasts an impressive cast that truly brings Julie Murphy's New York Times bestselling YA novel to life. And since there's no doubt you'll fall in love with Dumplin's Bo Larson, it's only a matter of time before you do the same with Luke Benward. The 23-year-old has been working in TV and film since 2002 and is best known for his roles in How to Eat Fried Worms, Good Luck Charlie, Minutemen, and most recently Life of the Party. He even (briefly) dabbled in the world of music when he was younger!

If you aren't already infatuated with Benward, his role as charming Bo will definitely do the trick. The boy plans meteor shower viewing dates right out of the bed of his truck - we adore a thrifty romantic! He's handsome (obviously), sweet, patient, and consistent - even when Willowdean pushes him away, he lets her know that his feelings will be there, but he won't press her. I'm not saying that he'll replace your Netflix boyfriend, Peter Kavinsky, but he'll definitely have you thinking that maybe more is merrier. I know I wasn't the only Dumplin' watcher to fall for that lethal combination of Southern twang and dimples, so join me in appreciating everything that Bo Larson brought to our screens.

Welcome to Marwen: Steve Carell's New Movie Draws From an Emotional True Story

Over the course of his career, Steve Carell has taken on a gamut of different roles, from Dunder Mifflin's offbeat salesman Michael Scott to a cartoon supervillain turned curmudgeonly dad. In his upcoming biopic, Welcome to Marwen, the actor inhabits the role of Mark Hogancamp, a man who builds a miniature town of dolls after nearly dying from a violent attack. And yes, Hogancamp's real story is just as heartbreaking and full of resilience as one would imagine.

On April 8, 2000, five men beat Hogancamp outside of a bar in Kingston, NY, after he told them that he was a cross-dresser. The attack resulted in Hogancamp spending nine days in a coma and 40 days in the hospital. Along with post-traumatic stress disorder, he suffered brain damage that left him with little recall of his past life, which includes his experiences with homelessness, struggles with alcoholism, and past relationships. His last memory was of being in Ibiza in 1984 while serving in the Navy. Upon waking up, he needed to learn how to walk and talk again.

Marwencol became Hogancamp's alternative to therapy, which he could not afford. Located at the side of his trailer home, it's a 1/6th scale World War 2 town named after himself and two women that he had crushes on - Wendy and Colleen. Built from plywood and populated with Barbies and World War II action figures, the town blossomed into his own world. The stories that he creates focus on an American pilot that he fashioned after himself who's rescued and protected by the town's all-female population. He started using his Pentax to capture his stories, which detail sagas of violence, fear, and camaraderie.

One day, Hogancamp's neighbor David Naugle, a magazine photographer, felt curious about the project and asked to see the images. Astonished upon seeing the work, Naugle sent in the pictures to the art publication Esopus, which eventually covered Hogancamp's story. Photographs of Marwencol would grow popular over the years, landing in other art magazines, as well as galleries. Filmmaker Jeff Malmberg made Hogancamp's story the subject of his directorial debut, Marwencol, which took over four years to complete and garnered critical acclaim.

Headed by a cast of amazing actresses (including Leslie Mann, Merritt Wever, and Janelle Monáe) and anchored by a story full of hope, Welcome to Marwen is a timely film for the chaos of 2018. It'll come out just in time for the holidays on Dec. 21. Bring tissues, just in case.

Blake Lively Couldn't Help but Make a Gossip Girl Reference When She Was "Spotted" in NYC

If you've been missing your one and only source of a glance at the lives of Manhattan's elite, let Blake Lively's Dec. 8 Instagram post fill the void. Earlier in the week, the 31-year-old actress stopped by the Chanel fashion show in New York City, and she couldn't help but make a reference to her Gossip Girl character's old stomping grounds.

Many may know the 31-year-old actress from her roles in movies such as A Simple Favor and The Age of Adaline, but Blake shot to stardom when she brought Serena van der Woodsen to life on the small screen back in 2007. More than 10 years later, Blake shared a photo exiting the Chanel show and captioned it "Spotted: S, back on the steps of the Met." Fans immediately recognized the Gossip Girl lingo, and burst into excitement.

While Blake's former costar Leighton Meester said she's not interested in a revival of the CW teen drama, we'll always have our memories of S and B to hold us over. Keep reading to see more snaps from Blake's night in NYC.

27 Memorable Royal Christmas Moments

The British royal family has a long list of Christmas traditions, from multiple church services to a rowdy gift exchange - and while we'll soon get a glimpse of this year's family Christmas cards and hear fun details about Prince Louis's first holiday, we also wanted to take the time to look back at some of the best royal holiday pictures from past years. See major moments like the queen's broadcasts and Prince William's first Christmas when you scroll through now.

14 Royal Kid Moments From 2018 That Are Almost Too Precious to Handle

Royal children: they're just like regular kids, except for the fact that they may ascend the royal throne some day. Despite being future monarchs, Prince William and Kate Middleton's brood of three all seem incredibly normal (not to mention insanely adorable). While they were photographed quite a bit during Prince Harry's wedding, the kids didn't get too much camera time this year. Here are Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis's cutest moments from 2018. Get ready to feel even more excited for the addition of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new royal baby next year!

Outlander: Does William Know Jamie Is His Father? Sam Heughan Weighs In

During the Dec. 9 episode of Outlander, appropriately titled "Blood of My Blood," Jamie (Sam Heughan) welcomes a couple of unexpected visitors at Fraser's Ridge, which leads to a number of poignant, emotional scenes - scenes that Heughan told POPSUGAR that he was particularly excited to film in season four. Read on to find out exactly what went down and Heughan's interpretation of the events, but be warned: spoilers ahead for episode six and light spoilers from the books.

In "Blood of My Blood," Lord John Grey (David Berry) makes a stop at Jamie and Claire's homestead on his way to Lynchburg, VA, bringing his adopted son, William (Oliver Finnegan) with him. Of course, John, Claire, Jamie, and the viewers all know that William's biological father is Jamie himself, from when young Geneva Dunsany (Hannah James) blackmailed him into sleeping with her while he was working at her estate. But young William is still under the impression that his biological father is the late Ludovic Ransom, Eighth Earl of Ellesmere (James Cameron Stewart).

When Lord John falls ill with the measles, Jamie takes William on a little father-son camping trip, though all William remembers of Jamie is that he worked as the groom at William's estate. But when William wanders into Cherokee territory and tries to take a speared fish, he is threatened by some hostile locals and Jamie is forced to blurt out that he is William's father and the Cherokee should take his blood instead of the boy's.

Willie shows great bravery when he admits that Jamie is "lying" (because as far as Willie knows, he is) and says he alone is responsible for stealing the fish. The Cherokee let him live, making only a small cut as payment and leaving the two with a warning. But the entire encounter gets William's wheels turning about the possible identity of his father.

He later asks Jamie why he did not look back at him as he rode away from Helwater in season three, to which Jamie replies that he didn't want to give either of them false hope about seeing each other again. So, when William rides away from Fraser's Ridge, he makes sure to look back at Jamie; it's then that one must wonder if William has put it together that he's actually Jamie's son.

Since we're desperate to know the answer ourselves, we turned to an expert on Jamie and Willie's relationship: Sam Heughan. The actor told us in an interview that he thinks William knows on some level, and that this episode is one of the things he was most looking forward to filming in season four.

"The stuff with Willie, for me and for Jamie, was really interesting stuff, to see where that relationship has gone to and developed," says Heughan, adding that there was definitely "an awakening in Willie as to who his father might actually be."

"I was always looking forward to John Grey coming back, [and] I was definitely looking forward to those scenes," he said. "[David Berry and Oliver Finnegan] are great actors as well, so it was a nice side story for Jamie and Claire this season."

It will be interesting to see where the show continues to take the Jamie-John-William relationship. In the books, William is not seen again until late in Diana Gabaldon's sixth novel in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, when the then-18-year-old soldier meets his half-sister, Brianna (Sophie Skelton). While Brianna knows who William is, William does not yet know that Jamie is his father and that Brianna is his sister. He doesn't discover the connection until late in book seven, when he finds himself in Jamie's company and finally sees the resemblance between them.

While Outlander has been renewed for seasons five and six, there is no word for any seasons beyond that, so perhaps the show wants to move up the William-Jamie timeline a bit and this most recent episode planted the seeds for that.

36 Times We Were Convinced That Prince Harry's Hugs Might Just Save the World

Raise your hand if you'd pay big money for a hug from Prince Harry! Lucky for us, Harry is anything but stingy when it comes to embraces, so a hug might not cost us anything (as long as we're in the right place at the right time). Harry and his brother, William, have honored their mother Diana's legacy with countless projects and charity initiatives over the years, and Harry's philanthropic nature makes him a giver in more ways than one. Check out the gallery for some of the purest, sweetest images of Harry handing out free hugs all over the world.

The Umbrella Academy: Watch the Wickedly Fun Trailer For Netflix's New Superhero Series

If the recent X-Men movies had a better sense of humor about them, perhaps they would've ended up resembling something akin to Netflix's latest stab at the superhero genre: The Umbrella Academy, a TV series adapted from the comics created by My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá.

In the first trailer, we're introduced to a world where, on the same day in October 1989, 43 women around the world wake up and miraculously (and inexplicably) deliver babies, despite having shown no symptoms of pregnancy prior to that. Seven of those children are adopted by eccentric billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves, who intends to use their superhuman abilities to save the world by forming the Umbrella Academy. However, the family/team fractures in their teenage years, and they all go their own separate ways. Sorry, universe.

Fortunately, years later, six of the surviving 30-something members of the group - Luther, Diego, Allison, Klaus, Vanya, and Number Five - find themselves back together when Hargreeves dies under mysterious circumstances, and they resolve to work together to figure out what's going on. With the threat of a global apocalypse imminent, the world will rely on them to save the day despite clashing personalities and abilities.

Tallulah's Ellen Page stars as Vanya, alongside Game of Thrones alum Tom Hopper (Luther), Genius's Robert Sheehan (Klaus), and Mary J. Blige as Cha-Cha, a time-traveling assassin. Sold yet? Watch the wickedly fun trailer above, which gives a taste of the stylish series to come as Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now" plays in the background.

All 10 episodes of The Umbrella Academy drop on Feb. 15.

Outlander's Caitriona Balfe on THAT Conversation With Lord John Grey: "It's Heartbreaking"

Warning: spoilers ahead for the latest episode of Outlander!

Unexpected house guests have a tendency to make things awkward, especially when they carry so many secrets. Sunday's episode of Outlander, which is (fittingly) titled "Blood of My Blood," welcomes Lord John Grey (David Berry) - aka the guy who is so in love with Sam Heughan's Jamie that he'll cross an ocean for him - to the wilds of Fraser's Ridge, along with his petulant ward, William (Oliver Finnegan), who is actually Jamie's son.

While this does solve the mystery of whether Jamie would ever see Willie again, the episode also offers a chance for the kind of good, old-fashioned dirty laundry airing that happens when mortality may be approaching. When Lord John is suddenly taken ill with measles, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) sends Jamie and Willie off for some unexpected, secret father-son bonding. Then, she and John have a heart-to-heart about their shared passion for the rugged Scotsman while she sits beside what could have been his deathbed.

"It was really heartbreaking to see this man be so consumed by the pain of unrequited love," Balfe told POPSUGAR about filming those scenes, crediting both her scene partner and the episode's director, Denise Di Novi, for helping her pull it off. She went on to note that Claire, who was also separated from Jamie for years, "can relate to [this] in many ways."

"I think the one thing that I wanted to do with those scenes, at least from Claire's perspective, is not have her be threatened by this and have her be more compassionate to the pain that he had gone through," Balfe said. "And then, obviously, when he tells her the secret that he's been harboring about Jamie? Again, it's not that that threatened her."

"It was really heartbreaking to see this man be so consumed by the pain of unrequited love."

Instead, she says it's more of a realization of how much it must have taken for Jamie to ask John to protect and raise William as his own and carry out the ruse that his child was the orphaned son of the deceased Earl of Ellesmere, Ludovic Ransom (William's mother, Geneva Dunsany, dies in childbirth; she was John's sister-in-law, and she got pregnant when she blackmailed Jamie into sleeping with her. To complicate things, Jamie killed the earl when he said he knew the newborn baby wasn't his and threatened to throw him out the window).

Balfe says her character is thinking about "how much pain he must have been in, in losing his son and wanting to make sure that his son was being taken care of" when Jamie skipped town a few years later after locals began to comment on shared resemblances.

Unbeknownst to Claire at the time of this heart-to-heart with John, Jamie is saving William's life yet again. This time, the lad doesn't heed his warnings about land borders. He also lets that paternity secret slip, which is going to probably result in some very personal chitchat during William and John's horse ride to their next destination. (A departure that couldn't have come soon enough, as it allows for the audience to finally see the intimate sex scene that Balfe teased to POPSUGAR earlier this year.)

All Your Internet Boyfriends Smolder Through the Action-Packed Trailer For Triple Frontier

Netflix did us all a solid by combining all of your internet boyfriends in one convenient place: Triple Frontier. The star-studded action film features Charlie Hunnam, Oscar Isaac, Pedro Pascal, Ben Affleck, and Garrett Hedlund - was Rami Malek not available, or what? - and now our first official look at what they've been up to while filming shirtless in Hawaii has arrived.

Academy Award nominee J.C. Chandor directs the movie, which follows a group of former Special Forces operatives who reunite in South America to pull off an epic cash heist to cripple one of the world's most violent cartels. Of course, things don't go according to plan (duh), and the men are forced to fight for survival while protecting not only themselves, but their country.

Watch the trailer above before Triple Frontier starts streaming in March 2019.

Ariana Grande's Emotional Woman of the Year Speech Is What We All Need to Hear Sometimes

Ariana Grande was recently crowned Billboard's 2018 Woman of the Year, and on Thursday, the 25-year-old singer celebrated the special honor at the award ceremony in NYC. Clad in a lavender dress and thigh-high boots, Ariana was practically glowing when she hit the pink carpet. Once inside, Ariana met up with Alicia Keys and Billboard's Trailblazer Janelle Monáe, and the trio snapped a series of cute selfies together on their phones.

Patti LaBelle had the honor of presenting Ariana with her award. In her speech, Ariana opened up about her tough year following the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and her recent split from Pete Davidson. "I want to say that I find it interesting that this has been one of the best years in my career and one of, like, the worst years in my life," she said while fighting back tears. "As far as my personal life goes, I really have no idea what the f*ck I am doing. So yeah, it's been a very conflicting one. I just want to say if you're someone out there who has no idea what this next chapter is going to bring, you're not alone in that."

Ariana's big night comes nearly four months after the release of her Sweetener album and a week after she dropped her nostalgic "Thank U, Next" video. And if you thought she was done, you were wrong. Not only has Ariana been teasing another single titled "7 Rings," but she's also prepping to release her fifth album. While Ariana says the album is "not particularly uplifting," she did say it's full of "feminine energy and Champagne and music and laughter and crying." We can't wait to hear it!

The Details For American Horror Story Season 9 Are Scarce, but We DO Have a Few

Has your American Horror Story well gone dry? Are you thirsty for more? In my experience, the need for more AHS is unquenchable, which is why I've already begun to dig around for details pertaining to the ninth installment. You may be tempted to think there's nothing out there, just a bunch of silly theories that aren't based in anything. But I'm here to tell you there's more than you think. Yes, it's a lot of supposing, reaching, and putting two and two together, but at this point, it's better than sitting in the dark, waiting to fall prey to another day of nothing! Let's go over everything I was able to unearth about the next chapter.

Stranger Things Just Revealed the Episode Titles For Season 3, So Start Theorizing

The wait for the third season of Stranger Things has felt like an eternity since we binged season two back in October 2017. And since we still have quite a while until it returns - Netflix has only revealed that it will drop in 2019, so far - that wait has gotten even more unbearable. Thankfully the Duffer Brothers just threw us all a bone in the form of season three's episode titles.

On Dec. 9, Netflix teased the titles for each of the season's eight episodes on YouTube, noting that "In the Summer of 1985, the adventure continues . . ." Some of the episode names are ominous, to say the least - "The Bite," "The Source," and "The Case of the Missing Lifeguard" - while others seem a bit more fun ("The Mall Rats," which is likely a nod to Steve's new job at the recently constructed mall in Hawkins).

Scroll through them all ahead, and once you're done, check out why fans suspect season three might be the show's last.

24 Friends Guest Stars You Might Have Forgotten About

Bet you forgot that once upon a time, Julia Roberts guest starred on Friends. Or maybe you need a reminder of who Rachel's famous sisters are played by. The well-loved show, which is thankfully not leaving Netflix anytime soon, played host to numerous guest stars over its 10-year run, including some big names who went on to earn Emmy Awards for those guest spots. For a refresher on some of our favorite guest stars, keep reading, and then see how well you actually know the show with this tricky quiz. Only true fans of the Central Perk regulars will prevail!

Ho, Ho, Holy Sh*t! Jason Momoa and Pete Davidson Team Up For a Dark SNL Holiday Skit

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, but do you recall the most famous reindeer being the biggest bully of them all? During Saturday Night Live's Dec. 8 episode, Pete Davidson takes on the role of Rudolph and gets his revenge on everyone who called him names. The classic holiday song takes a dark twist - with host Jason Momoa playing Santa - as the tables are turned on the reindeer who dared to tease Rudolph's red nose. Don't ever call him "Maraschino cherry" again! Watch the full skit above to see SNL's hilariously bleak take on a familiar festive story.

Have a Riverdale Holiday: 25 Gifts That Even Sassy Cheryl Blossom Would Adore

Listen up fives, a ten is speaking. So you have a friend who is obsessed with Riverdale's Cheryl "Bombshell" Blossom? Of course. She's the red-headed queen of Riverdale, and everyone else is simply living in her kingdom. So here's the wheels, Baby Jane, if you really want to score some extra friendship points, you're going to need a gift guide to find the best Cheryl-inspired presents. After all, it's going to take a lot more than mere admiration to get on her level of elan. Keep reading to see some of the most fabulous Blossom holiday gift ideas fit for the biggest Cheryl stans.

Janelle Monáe Tears Up While Giving a Powerful Response to Her Grammy Nomination

On Friday, Janelle Monáe appeared on CBS This Morning to watch and comment on the 2019 Grammy Award nominations in real time. That meant that we got to see her emotional reaction when her critically acclaimed 2018 album, Dirty Computer, received a nod for album of the year! After the moment in question, she explained how much the album and its nomination mean to her.

"This album is so much bigger than me. It's not about me. It's about a community of 'Dirty Computers' and marginalized voices," she said. "Being a young, black, queer woman in America, there was something I had to say, and there was a group of people I wanted to celebrate, and I'm happy to be representing them. I hope they feel seen. I hope they feel heard. I hope they feel loved. And I hope they feel celebrated."

It's no secret that Monáe's album was laden with deep meaning and personal allegory. Her first single from the album, "Make Me Feel," has been hailed by many as a bisexual anthem, while "Pynk" had a clear feminist message stitched into its fabric . . . and the fabric of those vagina pants. So, yeah, it's a pretty big deal that an album rife with so much commentary on today's issues has gotten such supreme recognition! We're rooting for you, girl! Take home the gold!

Want to Freak Out the Deadpool Fan in Your Life? Buy Them This Knife Block For Christmas

Both the Deadpool movie franchise and its titular character are known for being gruesome and unapologetically crude, which I guess might be what inspired someone to create a truly disturbing knife block shaped like Deadpool's skull. That's right - for around $70, you can own a bust of Deadpool that has a ton of knives sticking out of the top of his head to display proudly on your kitchen counter. What more could an aspiring Martha Stewart want?!

To be fair, I don't think preparing Deadpool's food of choice, chimichangas, would be truly authentic unless you're pulling giant butcher knives out of a dead-eyed, mouthless hunk of red plastic that may or may not speak in Ryan Reynolds's voice (it doesn't, but I wish it did). If that sounds like something you, one of your loved ones, or your worst enemy would want for Christmas, keep scrolling to see the knife block up close and personal.

These Are 2018's Best Gifts For Harry Potter Fans

If you've got a Harry Potter-loving muggle in your life, then consider your holiday shopping done. It seems like every year there's a new crop of toys, clothes, and home goods that pay tribute to the wizarding world for kids and adults alike, so we've narrowed down this year's best gifts and stocking stuffers to help you finish your gift list faster than you can say, "Accio wrapping paper!"

It's About That Time, Folks! Vote For Your Favorite CW Couple of 2018


If there's one thing we can count on from The CW, it's iconic couples. Whether it's the "Gold Standard" West-Allens of The Flash, the Southside-ruling Bughead of Riverdale, or the badass ThunderGrace of Black Lightning, the couples of The CW never fail to give us everything we want and more. Some of them are living out their happy ever afters, others are getting through major bumps in the road, and the rest are trying to save the world before dinnertime. However their love stories play out, there's no doubt these TV couples made their mark this year. So as the year comes to a close, we want to know which OTP tops your list.

Note: Vote for your favorite couple below by hitting the "up" button. You can vote once per day. The poll will close on Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Is A Christmas Prince's Amber More Like Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle? Let's Investigate

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding is now streaming on Netflix, which means we've had plenty of time to pick apart every little aspect of the hilariously nonsensical holiday romance. Are there plot holes galore? Of course! Does continuity matter? Of course not! Did we have a blast while watching anyway? Duh.

In between wondering why key characters had been recast and who, for the love of all that is holy, designed those nightmarish cake toppers, we also couldn't help but notice all the similarities between Amber's induction into the Aldovian royal family and certain members of the British monarchy. And believe us - there's more than the plot of an American woman becoming royalty by marrying a prince that connects the two.

Which Netflix Rom-Com Was the Best of 2018? You Decide


Netflix practically revived the romantic-comedy genre this year. Between To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Set It Up, our heartstrings were tugged and our belief in love was rekindled. Now we're all either looking for our own Peter Kavinsky or hoping we'll unexpectedly find our soulmate. There were plenty of other touching romantic comedies that dropped on the streaming giant this year, but it's time to decide which one made us feel the most love. So which Netflix rom-com was the best of 2018? Vote below before the poll closes on Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET!

Emily Ratajkowski's Revealing Bikini Is So White-Hot, It Got Kim Kardashian's Seal of Approval

Of course Emily Ratajkowski found the teeniest bikini known to mankind as we head into the Winter months. While things may only be getting chillier outside, the 27-year-old model and entrepreneur is keeping things white-hot in a dangerously strappy two-piece. Emily recently shared an Instagram photo of her "Weekend Dreamz," which includes soaking up the sun while wearing a bikini from her own collection. What a coincidence, that's our weekend dream too!

Emily frequently dips into her own Inamorata Swim line when she's looking for a suit. Wouldn't you? She chose a daring suit from the collection for this occasion: the Las Olas bikini. The strappy, high-cut design shows off plenty of skin, while wrapping around her middle to accentuate Emily's toned abs. Even Kim Kardashian had something to say about it!

Emily previously sported the same two-piece during a trip to Australia last month. When we say this might be her most revealing swimsuit ever, we mean it. See even more angles of the bikini ahead, and then shop similar styles for yourself - it's never too early.

24 Stunning Party Dresses Everyone Will Be Wearing This Holiday

This holiday season, don't dig through your closet for an old dress that you've over-worn: treat yourself to something new. We searched the internet and hunted down 24 hot picks everyone will be wearing this year. From sexy silk picks to florals and layers, we've got you covered. Shop our favorites ahead.

22 Standout Sequin Dresses - at Every Price

A sequined dress will make you feel like a star ringing in the New Year. To make your life easier during this busy time, we shopped the 22 hottest picks on the internet. From sexy minis to cool wrap dresses, prepare to want them all. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.

POPSUGAR at Kohl's Just Dropped New December Pieces, and We Have to Go Make Room in Our Closets Now

The latest POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's drop is December dressing just the way we like it: a 19-piece lineup filled with layers, festive prints, and luxe fabrics. Think cozy sweaters, pretty party skirts, and just about the coolest jumpsuit ever. Take a look at every single piece right here and shop it all in-stores and online (before it's gone!).

Related: Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Jackets Under $100

32 Couples Who Gave Up Their Engagement Rings For Tattoos

We don't know many girls who'd ditch jewelry for a love tat. But after careful consideration and a bit of research, we realized that the idea behind getting an engagement tattoo is actually pretty sweet. It symbolizes the permanence of the bond between husband and wife, and it's a trend that wasn't just started by Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo. In fact, we've found 32 couple tattoos that take the place of - and even sometimes complement - engagement rings.

Some designs are small and simple; some are bold and reflect some sort of secret message. But one thing's for sure - all of the tattoos here beautifully illustrate the strong, unwavering sort of love we'd take over a shining accessory any day. Keep reading to see them all.

Meghan Markle Put the Ultimate Winter Coat on Display on a Holiday Date Night With Harry

It would be easy to go over the top at a holiday-themed event (anything sequined, shimmering, or gold is fair game all season, right?), but Meghan Markle's look was cool and polished when she attended her first Christmas carol service with Prince Harry on Tuesday. True to form, the duchess drew on a classic color palette in a navy sheath and coordinating coat, which she finished with an understated updo. The one surprise? The fit of this sheath revealed just a bit more of Meghan's baby bump than we're used to seeing. She's opted for A-line dresses in the earlier part of her pregnancy, while this more body-conscious cut seems to highlight her growing bump - and we are so here for it.

We also love that you can count on Meghan for a style moment a fashion enthusiast can really get behind. That being the chic pouch she chose for this occasion. It's a fold-over clutch that she's carrying nonchalantly - the kind you could throw under your arm with anything from dresses to dressed up jeans.

Read on to get a glimpse of Meghan at her first Christmas carol service, then shop the exact coat she's wearing and similar options as the perfect outerwear for any Winter look.

Kate Middleton's Festive Midi Skirt Will Have You Wishing It Were Christmas Already

No print will ever be quite as festive as plaid, and Kate Middleton knows it. On Dec. 4, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were photographed at Kensington Palace, where they hosted a Christmas party for the families of deployed personnel serving in Cyprus.

For the fun occasion, Kate wore a beautiful, pleated plaid skirt from designer Emilia Wickstead, which she paired with a simple cropped cardigan ($375) from Brora and black suede boots.

She finished her chic ensemble with Mappin & Webb earrings, her Cartier watch, and, of course, her engagement ring and wedding band. Read on to get a closer look at Kate's chic and perfectly holiday-appropriate ensemble, then shop similar skirts for yourself.

Calling All Millennials: These Are the 32 Fashion Gifts You're Going to Swoon Over

The millennials in your life know what they want, and chances are, it's on this list. We've scoured the internet for the absolute best fashion finds, and they're oh so giftable. Think fun accessories, lust-worthy shoes, and the chicest coats ever. Get ready to be the angel who saved the holidays, because we're about to make your shopping so much easier.

Perfect Outfits For Petites Who Want Zero Winter Struggles and All of the Compliments

Getting dressed in the Winter is one thing: cocooning yourself in a coat three sizes too big is quite another. While my bestie might look like a million bucks in a floor-length coat, booties, and a beanie, at 5'1", I'd be disappearing into my outerwear, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. If you're a petite gal and you're looking to show off your outfit when you step outside, but actually keep warm, we have some tips for you - and they're a little more exciting than "buy hand warmers." Ahead, we've curated 24 different ensembles that you can try to highlight your figure, even though you're in layers. Whether you need new night-out ideas or office appropriate combinations, we're here for you in a big way.

Say Goodbye to Your Clunky Old Luggage and Travel in Style With These 12 Suitcases

While practicality and durability are important, we know something stylish also ranks high on the list of qualifications for good luggage. Ahead, we curated a list of 12 picks that will last you years and also spice up your Instagram feed. From brands like Calpak to Tumi and Away Luggage, you're bound to fall in love with one of these chic finds. Keep scrolling to check out our top selections.

Why Gigi Hadid "Terrified" the Pirelli Calendar Photographer

The 2019 Pirelli calendar, shot by iconic fashion photographer Albert Watson, features Gigi Hadid and designer Alexander Wang in the one shoot that Watson was most "terrified" of. But before we get there, you should know that Gigi and Alexander are not the only ones included in the "Dreaming" sequence, which focuses on four fictional female characters and captures each woman's aspirations.

Julia Garner plays a young photographer, Misty Copeland a future dancer, Laetitia Casta a painter, and Gigi a newly single socialite who spends time with her friend and confidant, aka Alexander. When I sat down to talk to Albert and Alexander, who have worked together before on Alexander's own brand campaign, the duo had nothing but nice things to say about each other and the talented Gigi, but Albert made one thing clear: out of all the portraits, this one was the most daunting.

"I was terrified [of Gigi's] image because I just didn't want this calendar to be a fashion book thing. Gigi is a well-known fashion model, and I didn't want to do 10 to 12 shots of fashion pictures of Gigi. I needed somebody else to add some weight," he told me.

As you look through the resulting story, which was shot in New York in "a glass tower," or so it's described, you'll probably agree that Alexander successfully added weight to the narrative in such a way that you won't feel like you're skimming through a magazine editorial. Ahead, see the Pirelli photos of Gigi and Alexander, then check out some behind-the-scenes snaps, lensed by Alessandro Scotti, of the pair working with Albert. Plus, read up on what it was like to bring this calendar to life and find out why Alexander respects Gigi as the voice of our generation.

13 Cool Sneakers You'll Wear Through 2019 - All Under $100

In the shopping mood but have nothing to buy? We'll give you an excuse. Everyone could use a pair of fresh sneakers for the new year. They're comfortable, they match everything, and they're a fashion-girl necessity. It can be hard to choose a good pair of kicks, so we rounded up the best options for you. Some are modern and sporty while others are trendy and embellished, so there's something for everyone. These sneakers are an investment you can feel good about.

21 Standout Heels That Will Have Everyone Turning Heads at Your Holiday Party

If you're searching for the perfect holiday party outfit this year, don't forget to pick up a pair of pretty shoes. Whether you're wearing a simple black jumpsuit or a bright sequined dress, you can instantly take your look to the next level by rocking some killer heels. To save you time during this busy season, we did the shopping for you and found some festive pumps. From velvet to glitter to suede choices, take a look at our favorites.

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa - Amazon Is Selling Rose Gold Sneakers (and They're Super Affordable!)

I am a tad sneaker addicted. You can never have enough comfy kicks! That's why I totally freaked out when I saw these Forever Link Glitter Sneakers ($20) on Amazon. The rose gold shoes are downright magical. They include adjustable laces and a padded insole so you can walk around in them all day long.

If you love the sparkles but want another color, these sneakers also come in pink, black, silver, and navy blue. They are a fun way to dress up your casual look, especially if you adore all things glitter. Plus, if you have Amazon Prime, you can get a pair delivered to your doorstep in as little as two days. So who's adding these babies to their virtual shopping cart?

I've Worn This Flattering Dress From Nordstrom So Often, I Should Probably Get Another

When a dress has countless positive reviews and is out of stock on the regular, you know it's worthy of your attention. That's why I was excited to finally get my hands on this Reformation Becca Midi Dress ($98). It has been a customer favorite for its flattering cut and quality fabric, so I knew I had to try it for myself.

As soon as I slipped it on, I was shocked by how well it complemented my body. It smooths out my stomach, highlights the smallest part of my waist, and shows off only a hint of cleavage. As someone with a few curves, a size large fit me perfectly. The wrap style allows you to make it as sexy or conservative as you prefer, so you can style it for any occasion.

The soft fabric doesn't wrinkle or pucker, so you can wear this dress all day without adjusting. I love that I can dress it up with heels or down with sneakers, and it looks equally as cute either way. My only regret is that I didn't get it in the toffee color as well. I love it so much, I could definitely use two!

Read on to see more details of the dress and consider getting it for yourself. It tends to sell out fast, so don't hesitate.

Related: The 15 Hottest New Releases From H&M, According to a Shopping-Obsessed Editor

I Have a "1 Screen at a Time" Rule For Myself, and It's a Game Changer

I can't pinpoint when I started watching TV while also scrolling through my phone, but I do remember the day I realized my double-screen habit had gotten a little out of hand. As I sat on the couch watching an episode of This Is Us from my DVR, I found myself rewinding not once, not twice, but five (!) times because I'd been checking email and Twitter rather than paying attention.

At first, I thought, what's the big deal? It's fun to scroll through funny tweets about The Bachelor while I watch the show, and as a parent, I have limited time to myself, so why not multitask by moving through my DVR and my inbox at once? That's just me being efficient! Well, here's the thing: once I became aware of the two-screen habit, I couldn't help but notice the negative effects. In splitting my focus between multiple tasks at once, I wasn't giving anything my full attention. I'd walk away from a TV/texting/email/Twitter session feeling frazzled and unsure. Did I word that email correctly? Did I write back to that text? Wait, what is going on with Beth and Randall?!

Determined to be more intentional with my time, I recently created a rule for myself: I could only look at one screen at a time, and there had to be a reason. If I was watching TV or using my phone, I had to being doing so for a purpose - even if that purpose was just that I love Friends and I needed a little me time. In other words, no more Instagram while watching a movie with my husband, and no more catching up on work emails "just because" when my son wanted to curl up on the couch for an episode of Sesame Street on Saturday morning. And as for the mindless scrolling, those minutes (hours?) checking apps just because I'm bored? Well, they're pretty unfulfilling.

Those minutes (hours?) checking apps just because I'm bored? Well, they're pretty unfulfilling.

Well . . . sticking to that guideline was much more challenging than I'd expected. I'm typically in front of the TV for an hour each night and for a couple hours on weekends, and that TV time is consistent. Sometimes I'm tuning in for work, and a lot of the time I'm watching TV for fun, but in any case, I hadn't realized just how much of that TV time was also spent with my phone in my hand. Now that I'd become aware of it, though, I made note of how often I felt tempted to reach for my phone, and why.

Here's what I realized: sometimes I felt a little bored by a show or a movie, and a lull in the action made me think, time for Instagram! Sometimes a random to-do came to mind, so I wanted to check my calendar or edit my to-do list. More often than not, though, it was the pop culture geek in me that kept reaching for my phone. How were people reacting to that crazy plotline on Twitter? Wait, what was that actor in again? Are those costars still dating? Oh man, I have to see if my friend is watching this.

The thing is, my instincts were right - that downtime finally felt like downtime once I let myself just watch a show and enjoy it. Instead of sitting beside each other and staring at our phones, my husband and I talked about the movies we were watching and it felt more like a mini date. I snuggled up with my son to watch Mickey, and I played with his hair instead of checking my email. I started keeping a notepad on my coffee table so that I could jot down any to-do items that came to mind, and I realized that if I felt the need to reach for my phone a million times while watching something, it was time to turn off the TV, because I clearly wasn't entertained.

Again and again, I realized that when I turned off the TV, I felt little lighter, and a little more ready to tackle all those tasks I'd have done halfheartedly if the TV was on. And when I did sit down to do them, it was with better focus and a clearer intention. I felt relaxed and productive, and even better, I didn't have any extra time for the mindless scrolling.

Over the past few months, I've followed my own rule without much of an issue, and with only a few exceptions. If I know I need to be more available for work, I check email more consistently, and if The Bachelor is on, you better believe I let myself scroll through Twitter, because let's be real, conversations about The Bachelor are the best part.

20+ Hot Toddy Recipes to Keep You Warm and Cozy This Winter

After a long day of playing in the snow and having a holiday cocktail or two, keep the party going with a hot toddy in the evening. Hot toddies can be a variety of things, as long as there's some booze, some spice, and some sweetener - and, of course, they have to be warm.

Make any one of these recipes during the cold Winter months and curl up on the couch with your hot drink to watch your favorite Christmas movies by the fire. Does that sound like the perfect holiday evening or what? Now all you need are some hot toddy recipes. Keep reading for 23 of them.

121 Things to Do Instead of Spending Money

Just because you're strapped for cash doesn't mean you can't have any fun. Whether you enjoy being outdoors or would rather kick back at home, there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Not only will you stay on your target budget, but you'll also still have a guaranteed good time! If you're looking for something to do, check out these 100-plus activities that won't break the bank.

- Additional reporting by Zara Patel