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 31 décembre 2018
The Hate U Give Is the Compelling Coming-of-Age Film Amandla Stenberg Was Born to Star In
Angie Thomas's 2017 bestselling novel The Hate U Give tells the story of 16-year-old Starr Carter, a high school student who lives a double life that all comes crashing down after her childhood friend is killed by a police officer in front of her. The movie adaptation features an all-star cast, with actress Amandla Stenberg portraying the budding activist. The 19-year-old actress gives a stunningly riveting performance as Starr, a role that she seems born to play. In a way, she was.
"Man, everything about her resonated with me," Stenberg told POPSUGAR, with a laugh. "I had a really similar experience to Starr growing up, in terms of attending a school that was mostly white and privileged and pretty homogeneous in terms of the mentality and culture. But then I lived across town in a neighborhood that was black and lower income. And I was exposed to a completely different culture there."
"I felt like I had never seen myself represented in a way that was honest and candid and depicted all the facets of self that we experience as women of color."
Like Starr, Stenberg learned to code-switch to be more easily accepted and avoid being seen as "street" by her classmates. As Starr notes in the novel, using slang makes her white classmates feel cool, but if she did the same, they would consider her as being from the hood. Back in her hometown of Garden Heights, the fact that Starr even attends a school like Williamson Prep makes her an "other" and causes people to treat her as an outcast. Because of this, Starr never really feels like her authentic self in either situation.
The censorship of self that comes along with the act of code-switching is one that many can relate to, Stenberg included. Most everyone code-switches, though it's more notable in the black community and often discussed in the context of black experiences. As The Hate U Give depicts, for black people, the act of code-switching comes with the struggle to be accepted in all the spaces that they occupy and frequently face oppression in.
"I think it's completely understandable that someone who's having to fit into a space where they don't get to see anyone who looks like them would feel the necessity to code-switch," the actress said. "[In life] I think just honoring the authenticity and the ability to be multifaceted is really important. And it's strange because I think that even within the black community, we have a tendency to judge blackness when it falls outside the parameters of what we've conceived of as the right type of blackness."
Image Source: 20th Century Fox
The novel's authentic depiction of a young black woman struggling to come into her own while trying to find where she belongs is a huge part of why Stenberg was drawn to the role. "I think it's not often that we, as women of color, are afforded such colorful and multidimensional depictions of ourselves," she explained. "I felt like I had never seen myself represented in a way that was honest and candid and depicted all the facets of self that we experience as women of color who often have to code-switch in our contemporary world. And so I felt so validated by that and so empowered by it."
However, that wasn't the only draw for the actress. "Of course, the story itself explores a topic that is really politically relevant and very personally sensitive for so many and did it in a way that afforded us, as a community, so much humanity and actually allowed us the space to provide our perspective. So that blew my mind [laughs]."
Ultimately the actress hopes that everyone, including and especially young black women, check out the film and feel the same way she did while working on it. Her hope is that the movie assures them that it's okay to have that duality; that everyone should take the time to be patient in understanding their identity, and recognize that identity is always subjective to environment.
"I hope black girls see this film because it's for them. It's supposed to be a space for them to feel seen and heard. To process. To be understood," she said. "I hope they walk away with the reaffirmation that their voices matter and are important. That everyone else is going to try to police their voice so they shouldn't let anyone else convince them to police their own voice. I hope that when it comes to those who don't understand the weight of these events and how pervasive they are within the young community, or it's something that they have grown up with certain misconceptions or stereotypes around, I hope that they're able to break those down and see us as human and understand that these events are political, but they're also incredibly personal."
She added one final, powerful wish for the film: "I hope that the racist pieces of sh*t who continuously demonize and criminalize blackness, especially our black boys, see it and are confronted with the reality of our humanity."
100+ Street Style Looks That Defined 2018
I hadn't seen biker shorts worn with such fervor since my family's '91 trip to Disney; sequins took the streets in broad daylight (fun fact: I spotted a girl waiting for the bus in a paliette-covered pencil skirt before 8 a.m.); white boots had become more ubiquitous than a pair of blue jeans. Beyond the runway, it's these trends that defined street style in 2018.
Sure, if you had told us two years ago that we'd be styling biker shorts with blazers, we'd likely have laughed it off and pulled on our mom jeans, thankyouverymuch - but this year's style stars convinced us to dive right in. Not just that, either. We added logo bags to the rotation, threw on our shoulder bags (crossbody style!), and added cowboy boots and animal prints to mix things up. This year gave us nostalgia reimagined with a contemporary lens; in a nutshell, there was enough new outfit inspiration to last 365 days and then some. So, you'll forgive us if we'll be wearing these looks well into 2019.
Read on to relive the best street style looks of 2018, but feel free to file these away for future reference, too.
Want to Lose Weight in 2019? Try This Celebrity Trainer's Simple, 4-Week Walking Plan
When it comes to weight loss, celeb trainer and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak, MSc, has a catchphrase: "Strong in the gym, lean in life." The Fitbit ambassador, nutrition scientist, and personal coach to the likes of Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna has told POPSUGAR on numerous occasions that the best way to lose weight is easier than you think: just walk more. Here, Harley makes his compelling case and shares a simple, month-long plan to get you started.
Why Walking and Not Running?
"Walking is something that can be woven into the fabric of the day," Harley said. "With running, you need to book a time to do it; you need to dress a certain way, wear specific shoes, be in a specific mindset, have time to shower after and re-dress - you don't have to do that with walking."
Additionally, he told us that there's a "direct correlation" between intensity of cardio and appetite, meaning the more strenuous cardio you do, the hangrier you'll be afterward. "It's why we use the phrase 'working up an appetite,'" he said. So if weight loss is your goal, walking will be your way to lean out in 2019.
The Plan
Harley believes in this approach so much that getting a step tracker is part of his prescribed regimen to his celebrity clients. While adding in steps here and there will certainly add up over time, we asked him for a four-week plan, giving us a target to work with.
"This plan starts off assuming your current step count is 10,000 steps per day," Harley told POPSUGAR. The goal is that by the end of week four, you're walking an additional 4,000 steps per day.
- Week one: 11,000 steps each day, Sunday through Saturday
- Week two: 12,000 steps each day, Sunday through Saturday
- Week three: 13,000 steps each day, Sunday through Saturday
- Week four: 14,000 steps each day, Sunday through Saturday
Harley acknowledged that "jumping 1,000 steps per day each week can be daunting" and that not everyone is starting at 10,000 steps each day. If you're hovering somewhere closer to 5,000 steps daily, the goal is the same. Add 1,000 steps per day for week one, another 1,000 for week two, and so on until your new daily average is 4,000 steps above your start point.
"For those that are starting at a lower step count, don't stop at the end of week four," he said. "The optimum range of steps is different for everyone, but I haven't met anyone who hasn't been able to physically keep up with 14,000 steps per day unless they have an underlying medical condition."
The goal is the same: "Get to a place where you hit a daily step goal that you can sustain without leading to mental and physical burnout." Sound good? Great. Let's do this.
Emily Ratajkowski's Sexiest Dress of All Time Had Her Just Shy of Naked
It really wasn't hard to come up with a list of Emily Ratajkowski's sexiest looks. What was more difficult, however, was rating these 15 dresses from just plain sultry to out-of-this-world sexy. For you, though, we'd do anything. That's why we think you'll have a lot of fun taking a trip down memory lane and browsing through the supermodel and activist's most memorable red carpet numbers.
Don't get us wrong, Emily looks just as stunning in modest outfits, but she tends to wear those less frequently, having admitted she's proud of her body and sexuality. You already know Emily's not afraid to show skin, but now the question is, just how much has she been willing to show at a public event? Ahead, see which designs really made our jaw drop.
Hate Wearing Heels on NYE? Swap Them Out For These New Silver Adidas Sneakers
Just when we think we've bought enough sneakers, a major brand comes out with another cool design. To end 2018 strong, we all obviously need these brand-new Adidas Samba Rose Sneakers ($100). The metallic kicks dress up any look without the discomfort of heels. They would be the perfect comfortable shoe for New Year's Eve.
The design of these sneakers includes thick, textured soles; they give the shoes a '90s vibe. We love the little pop of hot pink on the side of the shoe. These are the kind of sneakers we'll wear well into 2019 since metallics are such a huge trend. If silver isn't your thing, they also come in a millennial pink shade.
So what are you waiting for? Read on to get a closer look, and get these shoes to your house before the clock strikes midnight.
Gigi Hadid's Outfits Then Are Simply Not the Same as Her Outfits Now
While Gigi Hadid's modeling career began in 2013 when she was signed to IMG Models, she didn't really make waves until 2014. Her runway debut was at Desigual (you can backtrack some of her sexiest catwalk moments to date), and her street style back then was decidedly different. These days, 23-year-old Gigi works with stylist Mimi Cuttrell, and her outfits feature It pieces by some of the freshest designers.
She experiments with hard-to-master trends, and her red carpet looks are, to put it simply, very hot. When Gigi first started out, she was defining her taste one event at a time, and you can check out a handful of those early fashion moments ahead. Read on for a glimpse at what Gigi was wearing just a few years back, and we promise you'll appreciate how far this birthday girl's come - most importantly in her career.
We're Letting You In on a Secret . . . December Is the Best Time to Buy Swimsuits
When we think December, we don't necessarily think swimsuits, but that should change. Whether you're headed out on a warm Christmas vacation or just looking to round out your closet, now is such a great time to be shopping for bikinis and one-pieces, because everyone else is stocking up on coats and scarves. Plus, since it's the off-season, there are so many chic styles on sale! And what's better than a cute swimsuit at a great discount? Nothing. See you on the beach.
I'm Indian - Why Don't I Ever See Anyone Who Looks Like Me in Fashion?
Fashion has always been a part of my DNA. As a child, I would spend hours dressing up in my mother's clothes, ripping out pages of magazines for things that inspired me, and drawing outfits from my favorite movies. Flash forward to today, fashion is still a huge part of my life, and I've even managed to make a career out of it. But whether I look at bloggers on Instagram or billboards on the street, one important question has always stood out to me: I'm Indian; why don't I ever see anyone who looks like me in fashion?
Growing up, I moved over 12 times, hopping around from cities like Mumbai, New York, and Dubai. Living in these cultural meccas, I often found myself wondering why the media didn't represent the stylish Indian people I saw walking on the streets every day. When I would see an Indian person being represented on TV, I'd quickly realize that they were based on stereotypes rather than the kinds of real people I knew. I'm looking at you, Raj from The Big Bang Theory and Apu Nahasapeemapetilon from The Simpsons. (C'mon, Apu's last name is something right out of a racist joke book, don't you think?) Even as I entered my first Fashion Week, it was jarring how I could barely count the number of Indian models I saw on one hand.
Where Are We Now?
When Priyanka Chopra broke onto the scene with ABC's hit show Quantico in 2015, everyone couldn't stop buzzing about how amazing her style was. I, for one, couldn't help cheering from the sidelines, "FINALLY!" But the thing is, Priyanka's amazing style was something I already knew about and, over the years, I had kind of just given up hope that people outside of my community would take notice. It was powerful to see Priyanka make it big because it felt like Indian people were finally a part of the equation and getting some much-needed recognition. I was lucky enough to meet the actress during an event and we instantly bonded over the fact that we both love fashion and we are both Mumbaikars (which is a playful way of saying we both lived in Mumbai). I told Priyanka that it made me proud to see an Indian person making it big in Hollywood and she said that it made her happy because she too was proud to be Indian.
While it's great that Priyanka is getting the recognition she deserves, it's been three years since she broke onto the scene, and she is just one person from a country with a population over 1.3 billion. There are so many other fashionable Indian women out there like Sonam Kapoor, who has over 11 million followers on Instagram. (For scale, that's about the amount of people who live in Belgium or, to make it relatable to fashionistas, the same number of people who follow street style star Chiara Ferragni.) There's also Aishwarya Rai, who has received many accolades for her Cinderella-esque gown at Cannes Film Festival, and Bollywood actress Deepika Pudukone, just to name a few. (If you need any proof of how stylish these women are, just scroll through their Instagrams and you'll see what I'm talking about.) We should be giving more women like them a platform, because everyone's obsession with Priyanka has proved that the world is ready for it.
While it's great that Priyanka is getting the recognition she deserves, it's been three years since she broke onto the scene, and she is just one person from a country with a population over 1.3 billion.
One big missed opportunity was Vogue India's 10-year anniversary issue. Instead of choosing an Indian model or one of the many stylish Bollywood actresses, the magazine decided to "outsource" their talent (yes, I went there) by choosing American supermodel Kendall Jenner to be the cover girl. From a business perspective, I understand that it's a huge deal to land a covetable model like Kendall, but this could've been a huge moment for Indians to showcase some of the amazing, diverse talent we have in our country. It would've been inspiring to see someone Indian on the cover, showing the world that we're proud of our heritage.
Another thing that got everyone buzzing was a Business of Fashion article written by an Indian editor. I opened up Instagram one morning to see that a ton of my friends had posted a specific quote from the article that made them feel extremely marginalized, and it was easy to see why. "They [Indians] may not be the tallest or the conventionally prettiest of models," read the quote. I had many conversations that morning with others who were completely stunned by the fact that a fellow Indian could say something like that. If we perceive ourselves in this light, what stops others from doing the same? Being someone who's been called both "too Indian" and "too Americanized" my entire life, the article made me furious because that statement is so far from the truth. While the editor did apologize stating she meant "Indian models weren't perceived as 'the prettiest' by the Western-centric standards that dominate the fashion market," it still made me sad to think that these so-called beauty standards are so deeply ingrained in our society. Shouldn't every ethnicity be celebrated and considered beautiful? We shouldn't be ripping each other down; we should be embracing each and every individual for who they are, and all of the unique traits they bring to the table.
Beauty companies like Rihanna's Fenty Beauty and Huda Kattan's beauty line are breaking the mold by making it a point to include a diverse range of models in their campaigns and, more importantly, releasing multiple shades of their products. Their lines were instant successes, and people of all different ethnicities couldn't stop expressing their excitement over feeling included for once. The fashion industry should take a cue from these companies and the public's overwhelming cry for more diversity. Honestly it baffles me why designers don't even see this as an opportunity to make more sales. They're all missing out on a huge segment of the population, one that could potentially mean millions of dollars in revenue. What company wouldn't want that?
Where Do We Go From Here?
One Indian woman in the fashion industry that I admire greatly is Roopal Patel, who is the SVP fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue. Looking at her career, it makes me proud to see another Indian woman succeeding in the industry, particularly one who is regarded so highly by her peers and designers. I admire Roopal not only because she has a lot of knowledge about the fashion industry, but also because she's managed to forge her own path as one of the only Indian woman directors of a multimillion-dollar retail company. Having even one person with a high-profile fashion job like Roopal's can help inspire a movement in the industry. I know she has already inspired me in my own career.
Even though I am just one person, I've made it my mission to do everything I can to make the situation better. Working at a place like POPSUGAR, I feel like I can voice these issues and unearth Indian brands and designers that mean something to my culture. I've been making a conscious effort to include people of all different backgrounds in my stories in the hopes of making everyone feel more included when they read an article of mine. During my first week at POPSUGAR, I was showing my team pictures from my sister's wedding and everyone was asking questions about what each outfit meant and what exactly one wears to an Indian wedding. I decided to write a couple of posts about it and, just like that, I was already writing about topics that mattered to me.
It's inspiring to see how Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday have managed to start an entire movement about the lack of curve models in the industry. Maybe we can learn from these empowering women and try to get the conversation started in the same way.
This past year has sort of been an awakening for women. There seems to be a growing platform for women of all races to speak out when they feel like they're being marginalized and underappreciated in today's society. While these strides are long overdue, we definitely still have a ways to go. Much like the body-positivity movement, it's time to call for the fashion industry to be more diverse so every young woman can feel like they are being represented in some way. It's inspiring to see how Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday have managed to start an entire movement about the lack of curve models in the industry. Maybe we can learn from these empowering women and try to get the conversation started in the same way. Whether it's by using social media like the #effyourbeautystandards hashtag and calling for Indian bloggers to band together, or simply by sharing this story to spark conversations, we can at least attempt to make a difference.
In the future, I hope to look at the runways of my favorite designers and see Indian models being included, but I wouldn't want it to end there. I would love for all ethnicities to be represented. Call it wishful thinking, but I think it can be accomplished in time. It's the best feeling in the world to see designers like Naeem Khan and Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia pave the way for other Indian designers out there. It gives me hope. After all, fashion is all about dreams. It takes a dream to start a company, it takes a dream to create a collection, and it takes a dream to make even the slightest difference in the world. Maybe one day, this simple dream will become a reality and we can finally look up at a billboard or open up a magazine, and see someone who we relate to looking back at us.
Kendall Jenner's Sparkly Pink Bikini Makes the Winter Seem a Whole Lot Warmer
"Get inside and put some slippers on!!!" Kris Jenner commented on Kendall's Instagram. "Oh it's like THAT?" Hailey Baldwin added. Yeah, let's just say Kendall's sparkly pink bikini in the snow was a showstopping moment. (So much so that Kourtney Kardashian copied it.) If you were scrolling through your feed, you would've paused too.
The supermodel was vacationing in Aspen with her family, and, perhaps right before a trip to the hot tub, she slipped outside to show off her swimwear. Kendall's string two-piece shimmered in front of the sunset. Despite her mother's wishes, she sported it proudly with Adidas Samba snow boots and a furry ushanka, rather than slippers and a robe.
Kendall and her sister Kourtney have actually flaunted bikinis like this one before, making for a very Elle Woods moment in Cannes. If you're into the glitter too, we searched for some suits for your own getaway. Clearly, whether you're headed someplace warm or cold, it'll fit right into your wardrobe.
Princess Diana Owned the Coolest, Sexiest Swimsuits, and She Looked Like a Model in Them All
Some of the most iconic photos of Princess Diana include her vacationing with her family or sporting splashy swimsuits in the South of France. While her Summer wardrobe included gorgeous pleated dresses and preppy tailored separates, the late royal's swimwear reigned supreme. Your eyes have likely never glossed over a floral bikini set as picture perfect as Diana's, and her colorblock maillots and animal print designs are exactly what you were searching for before you started reading this. We rounded up some memorable snapshots of Princess Diana on holiday, and lucky for you, we found a handful of similar suits nearly identical to the ones she owned. If this doesn't prove that Diana is one of the most classic fashion icons to this day, really, what will?
Related: Princess Diana's Staple Sunglasses Are Proof That Her Style Is Timeless
Michelle Obama's Style Only Got Better Post White House, and We Have Proof
Michelle Obama shined like a true fashion star in 2018. Not only was the former FLOTUS on the December cover of Elle, she also released her bestselling memoir, Becoming. Whether she opted for a fringe wrap dress by Rachel Comey or rocked crisp white Christian Siriano separates, Michelle Obama had no shortage of great looks over this past year. Keep reading to see all of her outfits from 2018 ahead.
These Were This Year's Most Popular Fashion Brands
It seems every time we turn around, a new label is launching. Not that we're complaining: one of the best parts of fashion is the steady stream of newness to get excited about. That said, with so much to choose from, it can be difficult for a brand to make its mark, which is what makes successful standout labels all the more impressive.
To celebrate another successful year of style, we took a look back at 2018 fashion and compiled a list of the collections that really had in-the-know girls going gaga. Some may already be in your closet while others you might just be getting familiar with, but all of the style brands ahead belong on your radar.
Sure, Kourtney Kardashian's Coat Covers Her Bikini - Until She Turns Around
After Kendall Jenner caused a stir with her bikini moment in the snow, Kourtney Kardashian decided to get in on the fun. The sisters spent time in Aspen with their family, and posing in swimsuits and snow boots was included on the agenda. While Kendall opted for a pink triangle design with tie strings and a glitter effect, Kourt's two-piece was the silver version of the look. Kourt even completed her ensemble with a matching metallic puffer.
Now, it's not the first time Kourt and Kendall showed off matching swimwear on Instagram, nor is it the first time Kourt tried to re-create an iconic pose (remember when she tried out Victoria Beckham's leg lift?). Even though styling a bikini in Winter weather wasn't her original idea, we do like her particular combination. Scroll to shop the essentials - whether you coordinate your coat with or without the sexy suit is your own prerogative.
28 Ways to Style Hunter Boots That Don't Involve Black Leggings and a Raincoat
I don't want to lie to you: I've styled my own Hunter boots with leggings and a hoodie more times than I can count. I'm tired of that combination, but I'm not tired of the shoes, which are extremely functional in the rain and snow, and also straight-up cool to look at. These days, Hunter offers rugged, lace-up hiking boots (which happen to be totally on trend), a Chelsea style in shades like periwinkle and sunshine yellow, and even heeled options for a sophisticated work ensemble.
So think about the variety of looks we can make with them! If you dream big, you can get away with subbing in your Hunter boots for pumps with a floral maxi or low-top sneakers with a sundress. In the Winter, you can play around with knee socks and printed trousers that skim the top of your ankle rise pair. Ahead, find the 28 great solutions I came up with for my "I'm so bored" conundrum, then shop some of my favorite selects from the site.
Selena Gomez's 2018 Style Deserves All the Heart Eye Emoji
Selena Gomez made headlines earlier this year for getting back (then breaking up) with Justin Bieber. Aside from keeping an eye out for all their relationship details, our attention was also on her killer outfits.
The singer was spotted in everything from date-night ensembles to laid-back street style looks. Since taking a break from her love life, Selena has remained slightly more reclusive again. Perhaps this is to work on new music (she will perform at the Billboard Awards) or to take some much-needed R&R time. Regardless of what she's up to, know this: when Selena steps out again, all eyes will be on her outfit. Read on to see our favorite looks from her so far.
31 Stylish Outfits That Prove 2018 Is Gigi Hadid's Year to Shine
This is no doubt Gigi Hadid's year to shine. Not convinced? Well, we took a look back at the outfits she has worn so far and, needless to say, they blew us away. While the supermodel's on-again, off-again relationship with singer Zayn Malik has everyone in a tizzy, her incredible street style is one thing that's been a constant all year long. From the shimmery gold Versace dress she wore for her 22nd birthday to a pair of simple yet chic leopard-print boots, we're counting down 31 of Gigi's best looks. Read on to have a look at what we're talking about ahead.
Gwen Stefani Has Been Wearing These Pants Since the '90s, and They're Back, No Doubt
Without a doubt, the 2019 trend I'm most excited about, but also most hesitant to recreate, is the 2000s pop star. We saw low-slung cargos paired with slinky chainmail tops on countless runways, and the look is already being echoed in fashion campaigns, by bloggers on Instagram, and even by Kim Kardashian, who always seems to be one step ahead.
But when it comes to cargos, Gwen Stefani has been "with it" since her No Doubt days. In 1997, she wore camo slacks to the Scream 2 Hollywood premiere with a contrast print crop top and dad sneakers, and she continued to work the style into her closet through the years, both on and off stage. In fact, Gwen just stepped out in her now-iconic cargos in LA, coordinated with a yellow turtleneck and fringe booties (perhaps a nod to the recent Western influence, or you know, Blake Shelton's country flavor).
It's not that I won't try cargos, it's just that when I do, I want to get it right, flawlessly working my pants - which should have just enough slouch and give - with the right top. For that reason, I've tracked down some of Gwen's notable outfits for inspiration. I'm pinning them to my mood board, then shopping the silhouette that's rising in popularity as we speak. Cargo pants, you're actually really lovely, underneath it all.
40 Stylish Small Tattoos You'll Want to Flaunt Every Day
Choosing a great outfit takes time and careful consideration - a tattoo, well, the fact it's permanent means it takes even more thinking. Even a woman with a great sense of style sometimes needs a little inspiration to figure out what she wants and where.
So if fear of buyer's remorse has kept you from getting your first ink, why not start with something small? These 40 tiny tattoos are stylish enough to show off but are also discreet so you can tuck them away. Just scroll to see them all!
Nordstrom's Biggest Sale of the Year Is Here - and Our Gifts Cards Are Ready
If you stocked up on a ton of gift cards this holiday, we found your perfect place to spend them: Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale is here and better than ever. The retailer is slashing prices on so many name brands, you won't believe it. From coats to shoes and handbags, these prices are almost too good to be true. So what are you waiting for? Hurry and shop before your favorites sell out. Keep reading to shop our 99 hottest picks.
Nix the Uncomfortable Dress! These 16 Cool Jumpsuits Will Let You Enjoy the Party
It's time to take your party look to a whole new level of cool. Instead of wearing a dress, why not try a jumpsuit? They are often much more comfortable, plus they look pretty badass. If you have any festivities coming up this month (Hello, New Year's Eve!), we curated a collection of our favorite jumpsuits to shop through.
Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Shakes During Delivery
I felt prepared to give birth. I'd read my books, I'd taken my classes, and my friends shared a few too many gory details prior to the big day - but they didn't share everything.
Heading into my C-section, I was confident and full of anticipation. I knew what the procedure entailed and how long it would take. I knew the schedule for the baby afterward and had a plan so my husband would follow our baby as soon as he left the operating room. But once my son arrived, they came too - the shakes. Nobody warned me about the shakes. And these weren't just a little shiver felt throughout my body, but full-on, uncontrollable shaking that probably made me look like I was convulsing to the untrained eye. I honestly don't remember much about them - I was probably so pumped up on endorphins that they've been erased from my memory - but I do recall having trouble getting a full sentence out of my mouth because my teeth were chattering so hard. The whole "episode" probably lasted the total of an hour, and, like I said, it isn't anything I would have remembered, except that it happened again when my second son was born.
This time around, with a scheduled C-section on the books, I braced myself for some postpartum shaking prior to entering the operating room. My body, however, seemed to have something else in mind.
After receiving a spinal block and lying down on the table, I began to feel cold - like polar-vortex cold. I asked the operating-room staff to raise the temperature in the room, at which point my husband told me that the room was already very warm - he was sweating. Before I could say anything else, the shakes set in, and this time they were uncontrollable! Whether it was nerves (sometimes it's actually worse to know what to expect) or a side effect of the painkillers, I'll never know. But, thanks to a thoughtful anesthesiologist, my upper body was covered with an air-warming blanket that looked like it came out of Big Hero 6, which provided me some comfort and heat throughout the surgery. Before long, my second son was in my arms and the shakes were the furthest thing from my mind.
But consider this your warning. The shakes are real, and they're normal. They are part of your body's recovery (or in my case preparation) and nothing to worry about - unless they're accompanied by a fever. Because heck, you know you wanted your newborn to have an interesting first feeding session.
Did you have the shakes during your delivery?
15 New Year's Resolutions to Make Together as a Family
Here's the thing about New Year's resolutions: they tend to get a bad rap for having famously low success rates (research shows only about eight percent of people actually stick to them each year). However, they do offer a stellar opportunity for you - and everyone in your family - to reflect on the past year and really think about changes you can all make for the better. This New Year's, rather than only focusing on individual ambitions, why not try making resolutions you can keep as a family? Not only will this help you to motivate and encourage each other, but having one common goal can also bring you closer as a team. Read on for 15 creative resolution ideas you and the entire clan can all strive for in 2019!
7 of the Best Maternity Jeans For All Growing Bumps
Everyone knows there are tons of changes to expect when becoming pregnant, and one of the many difficult things to adjust to is how to dress your growing bump. So whether you've just found out you're expecting or approaching your third trimester, maternity jeans are a great staple piece to have in your closet. They give, have stretch, and conform to your belly, while maintaining a structured leg that makes you feel like you're in your everyday jeans. Here are our top picks.
2019 Is Going to Be Disney's Most Magical Year Yet Thanks to These 30+ New Attractions
Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." Well, he wasn't wrong, as Disney Parks across the country are getting quite a few new attractions, resorts, and festivals in 2019. Disney Cruise Line is also ringing in the New Year with some well-loved celebrations and magical ways to bring families together. The one thing we bet a lot of people are excited about is Star Wars, which is going to be highlighted across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. If you're ready for another magical year with Mickey Mouse and friends, keep reading to see everything that's in store!
Every Parent Needs to Spend 60 Seconds Watching This Before Posting Another Pic of Their Kid Online
I have always posted photos of my kids on social media - honestly, it wasn't so much a decision as it was an inevitability. Social media was a major part of my millennial life, and that wasn't going to just disappear once I gave birth, an occasion that I announced with an Instagram post and the baby's new hashtag.
Years have gone by since becoming a mom, and it's still the best way for our family and extended circle of friends to keep up with our lives, whether I'm posting family snapshots from Easter or hashtagging photos for whatever national sibling day is happening that week. With few exceptions, I've made my family an open-yet-filtered book, and I'm not alone. Most parents will post roughly 1,500 photos of their child before their fifth birthday.
Most parents will post roughly 1,500 photos of their child before their fifth birthday.
And although I still have no plans to stop sharing entirely, a new campaign has certainly made me take stock of what my limits are as they pertain to my children - of what lines shouldn't be crossed and what photos shouldn't be posted. The Child Rescue Coalition recently launched a Kids For Privacy initiative to remind parents just like me that what might seem benign and harmless might have serious, devastating consequences.
From funny potty-training candids to playful bathtub shots to even the most innocent snaps of a naked baby bottom, these photos - especially when posted alongside easily searched hashtags (#pottytraining, #bathtime, and #nakedkids top the list) - are overexposing kids and making them vulnerable to pedophiles and sex offenders who actively target photos of kids in states of undress. Our lax approach to online privacy settings certainly doesn't help either. According to the coalition, 89 percent of parents haven't checked them in more than a year.
With that in mind, Kids For Privacy is asking parents to think twice before posting those photos.
Going one step further, they're also asking that parents take over the top 100 hashtags that exploit kids by uploading photos of homemade "Privacy Please" signs that reclaim their child's rights online.
While this campaign video legitimately frightened me and doled out a healthy dose of "mom guilt" as I scrolled through my own feed to see if I'd unknowingly put my own kids at risk, it's something that I think every parent with an internet connection needs to watch. After all, it's our kid, but it's their privacy.
Your Kids Will Obsess Over This Sneakily Healthy Sweet Snack - and It's Only 2 Ingredients!
Although I'm a grown, childless adult, I've already figured out how I'm going to keep my hungry kids at bay after school and virtually any other time of day - with a sneakily healthy but completely delicious "dessert" dip. This two-ingredient dip was introduced to me just under a week ago, and if I told you how much of it I've consumed since then, you'd probably hold an intervention for me. BUT, because this sweet dip is actually pretty healthy as far as desserts go, I could probably convince you to eat it every day for the rest of your life before you could convince me I'm crazy.
Here's what you need:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (or any other nut or non-nut butter your kids love)
- 2 5.3-ounce containers vanilla Greek yogurt
Those quantities will make you nearly two cups of dip, enough to shovel into your mouth with a good six or seven apples over the course of a week (or like, two days, if you're me). You can add a tablespoon of honey or agave to the mix if you want a little extra sweetness, and you can dip anything in it your and your kids' hearts desire (I highly recommend apples, pretzels, celery, or, to make it more of a true dessert, Nilla Wafers or graham crackers).
I promise: whip this out after school and your kids will go nuts for it. It is a great way to get them eating a little bit of fruit and will stop them from begging for more unhealthy options. Good luck keeping it around longer than it takes to make it (which is literally about a minute) - you're gonna need it.
My New Year's Resolution Is to Start These Silly Traditions With Each of My Kids
My mom is pretty much my guru when it comes to all things parenting, but I've long accepted that doesn't mean I have to do things exactly how she did. While I know I'll never live up to her saint-level patience, I also don't remember her doing things like blasting the music in the car and leading us in impromptu dance parties, which is a regular occurrence in my young family.
However, there were a couple of silly traditions she created with my brother and I that I will always remember and appreciate because they were fun and reminded us of how special we were to her. Somehow in between working full-time, cleaning, driving us around, feeding us, and being the best person I've ever met, she made up little rituals that were only between herself and one of her children. For me, it was one way we said "I love you"; for my brother, it was a game they played to commemorate the first day of every month. Thirty-plus years later, we still pull them out on occasion.
So this year, my New Year's resolution is to start a silly tradition with each of my children, one thing we'll have only between the two of us that will remind them just how much I love them and add more fun to our relationships. If you're interested in doing the same, here are some ideas to get you started.
Can't Stop Wearing UGGs? Wait Until You See These 15 Cute Pairs
If you love throwing on UGGs to relax around the house or run the kids to school, we have good news for you. In addition to all its classic pairs, the cozy brand carries an array of other stylish choices that are ideal for snowy days or even to wear to work. Ahead, you'll find 15 pairs worthy of your Winter wardrobe, from slippers to loafers and even sneakers. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites that go beyond the furry boot.
8 Ways You and Your Parents Can Actually Become Friends in 2019
No matter how much of a self-sufficient adult you've become, your parents might still see you as a child. It doesn't matter how many bills you pay, how much you're succeeding in your career, or how independent you've become. To them, you're still their baby who needs to hear their sometimes unwelcome opinions and constructive criticism. When you want to form a friendship with your parents in adulthood, the road to get there isn't always easy.
If you're feeling exasperated, I totally get it. Even though I have a great relationship with my mom and dad now, we've certainly had plenty of rough patches. At the end of the day, you just want your parents' approval and a loving connection with them. So, why is it so complicated? Well, it doesn't always have to be. There are several things you can do to deepen your bond with your parents in 2019. Keep reading for eight ways you can make your relationship more positive, and if you're already in a good place, even closer!
82 of the Best Toys of the Year - All on Amazon
If you've ever shopped for toys, you know it requires some research - you can't just blindly buy something without knowing exactly what the child is into. So whether you need something to fuel one's creative sensibilities or you just need to get them outdoor activities, we've gone ahead and rounded up the leading toys of the year, all available on Amazon.
Nix the Uncomfortable Dress! These 16 Cool Jumpsuits Will Let You Enjoy the Party
It's time to take your party look to a whole new level of cool. Instead of wearing a dress, why not try a jumpsuit? They are often much more comfortable, plus they look pretty badass. If you have any festivities coming up this month (Hello, New Year's Eve!), we curated a collection of our favorite jumpsuits to shop through.
Meghan Markle Wore 1 Piece of Jewelry That's Just as Meaningful as That Engagement Ring
Ever since she officially became a royal, Meghan Markle hasn't been one to resist making a serious statement with her fashion choices, and let us not forget that she owns some pretty meaningful pieces of jewelry as well. During her solo trip to the Royal Variety Charity's Brinsworth House on Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex stepped out wearing a $300 Hamsa ring with her floral Brock Collection dress that carries a pretty special meaning.
The Hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet that symbolizes the hand of God. It's popular in the Middle East and parts of North Africa and is normally worn to protect its owners from negativity, bringing along happiness, good fortune, and health instead. As Meghan navigates constantly being in the public eye and carrying out her royal duties - all while preparing for the birth of her first child - it seems like a no-brainer that the duchess would want to make sure that's she's surrounded by positive energy.
Meghan's Hamsa ring is a 14-karat rose gold piece with a sapphire in the middle, and it was designed by Turkish label Kismet by Milka. It's currently available on the brand's official website, if you're looking to add it to your collection. Read ahead to see a few more close-up photos of the ring.
The $26 Velour Hoodie Our Fashion Editors Want to Live In
Despite the ever-growing athleisure trend, I only ever wear hoodies while lounging at home or working out at the gym. I'm just the type of girl who likes to go full-on glam for a night out in a dress, a new midi skirt, sequins, beads - you name it. But things are changing. Now I know why I've always regarded hoodies as leisurewear - I just hadn't found the right one! Well, I just landed upon this POPSUGAR at Kohl's velour design, and I swear I have rocked it for every activity under the sun.
Here, you see executive style director Dana Avidan Cohn and I sporting the sleek piece in Heather Gray and Pristine, respectively. Our outfits are sophisticated; they might even be work appropriate for some. The sweatshirt, which is currently on sale for $26, also comes in Bridal Rose and Jet Black, and it's offered in extended sizes, too. But these are just the first few reasons I love it. When you feel the cozy, fuzzy fabric, you'll simply want to melt to the floor. The interior and exterior are equally soft. There's no standard jersey lining to be disappointed about when you slip it over your head.
I like rocking mine with leggings and trainers just as much as I do with wide-leg pants and cowboy boots, or this denim miniskirt with my suede thigh-highs. Dana has also styled it with a pleated skirt, and I'm crazy about the adorable star stitched onto the sleeve, which finishes any look with a fun stamp of personality. If you want to take the hoodie to fancier territory, I can promise you it'd work in black with a floor-skimming silk slip, pumps, statement earrings, and a clutch for the evening. I doubt you need further convincing at this point, so read on to shop.
SOS, I Can't Stop Laughing at These Very Specific Bird Box Memes
At this point, you've probably come to the realization that, while Bird Box is a decent Netflix horror film, the hilarious memes it's inspired have been an even more incredible gift to us all.
In addition to perfect observations about lines of dialogue like "I CHOOSE WHO LOOKS" (and the beauty of shirtless Tom), the Sandra Bullock sci-fi flick has also given rise to a very specific meme on Twitter involving two other horror films: Hush, which is about a deaf woman outwitting a serial killer, and A Quiet Place, which follows a family struggling to escape detection from aliens that hunt by sound.
So, Hush = "can't hear," A Quiet Place = "can't speak," Bird Box = "can't see," and the final part of the equation is made complete by a surprise fourth image, which you can see in the A+ tweets ahead. And then, once you're done laughing, find out what the creatures in the film really look like, according to Bullock (warning: you'll start laughing all over again).
Outlander's New Episode Changes 4 Key Plot Points From the Book - Here's Why That's a Good Thing
Warning: spoilers for Outlander season four, below.
It's no secret that the Outlander show writers have had a formidable task in adapting Diana Gabaldon's lengthy books for television. As executive producer Maril Davis told POPSUGAR in a recent interview, "Diana's books are huge and there's no way to get ever nook and cranny from the books onto the show."
That being said, the latest episode, titled "The Birds and the Bees," felt even more sped up than most entries into the series. The 50-minute story manages to cover months of time, condensing and omitting key plot points from the book left and right. In case you need a refresher about how exactly it all goes down in the Gabaldon's novel - or if you've never read the books and are curious - here are the biggest differences in the adaptation and what they mean for the show.
The Aftermath of Brianna's Rape
In the book, days pass between Brianna (Sophie Skelton) consummating her marriage to Roger (Richard Rankin) and being raped by Stephen Bonnet (Ed Speleers), whereas on the show, less than an hour goes by between when Roger storms off and Brianna meets Bonnet. In fact, readers don't see the rape happening in real time; they hear about it later when Brianna recounts her trauma to Claire (Caitriona Balfe). All of this happens after she has met her father and traveled to Fraser's Ridge.
But it makes sense to change the order of things around, especially here. Seeing it onscreen - even if the rape actually happens mostly offscreen - gives Brianna's attack a greater impact than hearing about it later. Plus, it has always felt a little weird reading the book to think that sometime in the midst of handfasting with Roger and meeting Jamie, Brianna meets Bonnet and is raped. She goes about her business as if nothing has happened, and we only learn about the rape months later, which is quite jarring.
Fergus's Trial
Non-book readers may be surprised to learn that there's a whole side plot where Fergus (played by Cesar Domboy in the show) is on trial for attacking a redcoat who was trying to steal his horse. That's what brings Jamie (Sam Heughan) down from the ridge, to testify on Fergus's behalf - and it turns out it was actually Marsali (Lauren Lyle) who kicked the redcoat in the jaw when he tried to steal the horse. Brianna even attends the trial before heading back to the ridge.
This sort of thing definitely adds more intrigue to the agents of the Crown being out to get Jamie - they try to make him come to the trial to testify during harvest, thereby damaging the harvest because Claire can't possibly bring in all the crops herself - but it makes sense why it was cut. The show just doesn't have the same luxury Gabaldon has with her pacing.
"I think if you're a book fan, you're like - I want to see every single page in that book translated to the screen," Davis told us. "[But] we have 13 episodes, as opposed to Diana - she's said many times she has so much more time and luxury to spread these things out . . . The best we can do is lay out the story, lay out the major tent poles, lay out where we need to go and fit in as much as we can. That means, obviously, that a lot of story has to go. But at the end of the day, if we can stay true to the spirit of the book and the spine of the book, we feel we've done our job."
Brianna Finds Her Parents
Brianna meeting Jamie happens basically the same way on the show as it does in the book, though interestingly, book Brianna gets to briefly meet her aunt, Jocasta (Maria Doyle Kennedy), at River Run before Fergus's trial.
Claire, however, is nowhere to be seen. Brianna isn't reunited with her until they make their way back to Fraser's Ridge - and we don't get to hear Brianna tell her parents about the death notice. It is mentioned in passing and doesn't come up again until much later, plus in the book, they have a definite date for the fire that will kill Jamie and Claire.
The Misunderstanding With Roger
The show definitely has the gist of this storyline down, but there's one big difference: on the show, Lizzie (Caitlin O'Ryan) knows for sure that Brianna was raped because she sees the aftermath with her own eyes. Lizzie assumes it was Roger, the man she saw arguing with Brianna in the street. When he appears at Fraser's Ridge, Lizzie tells Jamie and Ian (John Bell) that he's the man who attacked Bree.
In the book, when Bree returns from her handfasting and lovemaking with Roger, she hasn't been raped yet. That happens days later. That night, Lizzie infers an awful lot based on Bree's demeanor after her fight with Roger and then later, Lizzie takes it upon herself to tell Jamie that Roger raped Brianna. Lizzie is quite meddlesome and presumptuous in the book, and it's actually kind of nice that the show changed this a bit. It makes the misunderstanding feel a bit less contrived.
Suffice to say, the show writers managed to squeeze a great many events from the book into this episode. But as Davis tells us, they do the best they can with the allotment of screen time they're given, and she actually doesn't think this season is whizzing along any faster than previous seasons have.
"I'm not sure I've noticed this season more than other seasons that it's going so much faster, but I'm thrilled the way it all worked out. We certainly break the season where we pull out the tent-pole moments and want to make sure we hit everything, and I'm sure that we did that," says Davis. "At the end of the day, we just have to try to come to a consensus among ourselves and try to do the major moments and stay on the path. If we can stick to the spirit of the book and if Diana is happy, we feel we've done the best job we can. I think there's a very satisfying ending to the season."
Will There Be a Bird Box Sequel? Here Are 4 Ways the Story Could Continue
Warning: spoilers for the ending of Bird Box ahead!
Netflix's latest star-studded, big-budget film, Bird Box, has finally arrived, igniting plenty of new mysteries for audiences to theorize about.
The dystopian thriller is based on Josh Malerman's novel of the same name and stars Sandra Bullock as Malorie, a pregnant woman trapped in a sprawling California home with a handful of other survivors in the midst of a postapocalyptic event that's wiped out most of the rest of the earth's population. A mysterious, invisible entity descends upon the world one day, causing people to commit suicide in grisly fashion once seen. Over the course of the hour and change that Malorie fights for her life, as well as the lives of her two young children, we hear the monster and see the effects of the monster's destruction and all the ways survivors are forced to cope with their horrifying new reality. But the monster, whatever it is, remains invisible to the naked eye.
About halfway through the film, a new threat emerges: homicidal people who are driven crazy by the evil entity are somehow able to avoid its suicidal urges and, in turn, dedicate their lives to forcing other unaffected survivors to "look." Malorie realizes her only option is to make a perilous three-day journey down a treacherous river to a rumored safe haven. Of course, to do so, she and her two nameless kids have to stay blindfolded the entire time. Not exactly a chill tubing trip, you know?
Fortunately, Malorie is able to complete the journey with both children intact, ending up at a former school for the blind where many people have taken refuge from the invisible monster lurking outside. The story wraps up with Malorie finally accepting her maternal instincts, bestowing names upon the boy and girl - Olympia and Tom - and presumably living happily ever after. But does the happy ending open the door for a sequel?
Since Bird Box has only just come out, Netflix has remained mum on the topic of a sequel, at least so far. The book upon which the film is based also doesn't have a sequel - Malerman instead followed up Bird Box with an unrelated novel, Black Mad Wheel, about a malevolent sound plaguing the human race. In case you want a sequel to Bird Box as much as we do, we went ahead and dreamed up three ways the story could continue, ahead.
Bid Farewell to 2018 With a Massive Playlist of the Year's Best Songs
Wow, 2018 really did us in, didn't it? Even though a lot of the past 12 months have felt like hellfire and eternal suffering, one of the bright spots was certainly in the music world. We had Ariana Grande to help us move on from exes with her "Thank U, Next" release, while Janelle Monáe gave us the bisexual anthem we deserve. Meanwhile, on the "flying solo" front, Carly Rae Jepsen was gracious enough to drop the self-love bop we all desperately needed. It's called self-care, OK? To celebrate a year of true music excellence, we've compiled a huge selection of songs to help you bid farewell to 2018 (thank u), and say hello to 2019 (next). Don't forget to go all the way to the end - we made a Spotify playlist just for you.
10 Famous New Year's Eve Movie Kisses That Left Us Weak in the Knees
As a holiday, New Year's Eve hinges almost entirely around two things: drinking a dangerous amount of Champagne and sharing an insanely romantic kiss with someone at midnight. While getting an Instagram-worthy smooch doesn't always happen in real life, Hollywood knows how to nail it. Keep reading to see every New Year's Eve kiss on the big screen that never fails to leave us swooning.
Game of Thrones: What to Know About "Great Other" and How He May Play Into the Finale
There are no shortage of gods in Game of Thrones, but one of the most important mystical names in the series is only mentioned once in passing - way back in season four.
At this point, everyone knows about the Lord of Light - also known as R'hllor - but the antithesis of Melisandre's god is rarely ever named. We're talking about the Great Other - a god that the Red Priestess tells Shireen Baratheon represents all things dark, cold, and evil. The Great Other is an agent of death who is locked in an eternal war with the Lord of Light. If the Great Other wins, then faith in R'hllor and the love and light he represent will be extinguished.
In the A Song of Ice and Fire books, Thoros of Myr describes the battle between the Great Other and R'hllor like this:
"Man once again faces the war for the dawn, which has been waged since time began. On one side is the Lord of Light, the Heart of Fire, the God of Flame and Shadow. Against him stands the Great Other, whose name may not be spoken. The Lord of Darkness, the Soul of Ice, the God of Night and Terror.
The Great Other shouldn't be confused with the Night King. At one point, the Night King was just a mortal man. The Children of the Forest are responsible for turning him into the monster he is now. He and his army are agents of the Great Other with a goal to do the bidding of their god. Melisandre even calls the White Walkers and the wights the "cold children" of the Great Other. Since the name of this mysterious god of the dark can't be spoken, it's unclear if he's meant to have an identity in the traditional sense.
One thing that fans can be certain of is the Great Other is a representation of death. In the books, Melisandre even believes that dreams are weapons used by the Great Other to pull people into the darkness. As always, the only answer to defeating this god of the cold and night is through a belief in R'hllor and his champion, Azor Ahai. Ultimately, the Great Other is simply the opposite of Melisandre's god.
Whether or not you believe that R'hllor and the Great Other truly exist depends largely on how much you buy into the theological aspects of the series. There's no denying that the amount of magic and unexplained happenings in Westeros has been on a steady rise since season one, so the idea that the Great Other has an identity that will be revealed isn't as far-fetched as it once was.
For that reason alone, you should keep an eye on the battle between light and dark, and the mortal agents tasked with fighting it, because it may be the key to Game of Thrones's grand finale.
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