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.
vendredi 4 janvier 2019
The Total Runtime of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch Footage Is Much Longer Than You Think
Netflix's creepy choose-your-own-adventure tale Black Mirror: Bandersnatch has become one of the first big pop culture moments of 2019. With a huge number of permutations and several alternate endings, the possibilities for storytelling seem endless. Because of the unique nature of the "episode," though, it doesn't exactly have a typical hard-and-fast runtime. If you're sitting down to play through the story, how long should you set aside?
As you might guess, that depends on which options you take over the course of the story. If you take the most straightforward path, without any choices that double back to an earlier part of the story, you can watch through the entire thing in about 40 minutes. The average viewer, the creators told Variety, takes around 90 minutes to get through the story. The runtime is based not just on which choices the viewer makes, but also on whether or not they take advantage of opportunities for do-overs or just go straight through without looping back.
It's possible, however, for some permutations to run much longer than that: two hours or more! Reportedly, there's around five hours of footage total, although it can't all be accessed in one run-through. Whether you end up choosing one of the short paths or take the long way around, the one thing that's for certain is that Bandersnatch will take you on quite the roller coaster ride.
When Ariana Grande Headlines at Coachella This Year, She'll Make History
When Ariana Grande steps out onstage to perform at Coachella later this year, the superstar will make history as the music festival's youngest artist to ever headline the event.
The 25-year-old has been in the public eye since 2009 when she began her acting career and landed roles in TV shows like Nickelodeon's Victorious, but it was her debut album, Yours Truly, that really put her on the map in 2013. Since then she's pumped out hit after hit, from the recent "Thank U, Next" to "Problem," which is why her headlining spot at Coachella is a no-brainer. What makes her appearance on the top of the line-up even more exciting - or perhaps depressing, depending on how you look at it - is that she's only the fourth female artist to ever headline the festival.
Last year, Beyoncé made history as the first woman of color to ever headline the event. In 2017, Lady Gaga headlined (filling in for Beyoncé, who was pregnant at the time), and in 2002, Icelandic singer Björk became the first-ever female headliner. Grande's manager, Scooter Braun, took a moment to celebrate her accomplishment with a post on Instagram. "See you in the 🌵," he wrote. "@arianagrande 4th female to ever headline and the youngest headliner in the history of the festival! #history congrats Ari."
As for Grande herself? Well, she seems pretty pumped.
humbled and excited as all hell @coachella 🌵 thank u
- Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) January 3, 2019
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.
It's Only January, but Stars Have Already Treated Us to These Seriously Sexy Bikini Moments
We were blessed with so many steamy bikini moments last year, and it's already clear that stars aren't wasting any time turning up the heat this year. In just the first week of January, Pippa Middleton, Alessandra Ambrosio, Rita Ora, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Iskra Lawrence all made our hearts beat a little bit faster as they bared their bikini bodies on the beach or social media. So brace yourselves, because if this is any indication of what 2019 is going to look like, we're in for a very sexy year!
This Video of Disney Princesses Working to the Avengers Theme Song Just Made My Entire Week
As everyone knows, Disney Princesses are badass beings of light who deserve everything good in this world.
They're capable of whatever they put their minds to, and we've seen them reimagined by artists in many different ways - as parents, real life boss ladies, or even Star Wars characters - but there's something special about how the ladies take on new life in Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. The movie features our favorite childhood characters (including Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Belle, Mulan, and Aurora), and brings in some iconic ladies who recently joined the Disney Princess tier (such as Tiana, Elsa, Anna, and Moana). Not only do the women prove there's more to them than their fairy tales may have you believe, but they team up for some truly epic rescuing when Ralph finds himself in some trouble - like Disney's own Princess Avengers.
That's what makes this fan-made video of their rescue mission from Ralph Breaks the Internet even more epic! Twitter user harleivy created a mashup using the footage of the Disney Princesses working together to save Ralph and the Avengers team song. The end result fits so together well! Honestly, watching the Princesses team up for the greater good has us believing that they're really what the Avengers need to defeat Thanos. No shade to Captain Marvel, but does she have the ability to call woodland creatures to her aid whenever she needs? I'm just saying. Watch the video, as well as some very relatable reactions, ahead!
Jada Pinkett Smith Explains Why She and Will Don't Celebrate Their Anniversary
- Jada opened up about their marriage on Red Table Talk - Page Six
- Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom spend New Year's weekend together - Lainey Gossip
- Amber Heard talks about ex Johnny Depp's "alter ego" - Dlisted
- Scott Disick faces backlash for his recent Instagram post - BET
- K-pop group Blackpink will make history at Coachella - Teen Vogue
Stranger Things Season 3: The Entire New and Returning Cast of Characters
We're counting down the days until Stranger Things returns for its third season on Netflix! The latest season of the sci-fi drama isn't set to debut until this Summer, but there's already plenty of news to puzzle over in the meantime. One of the first pieces of news to drop was the cast list for season three, confirming who's coming back and what new storylines might be on the horizon.
Never fear, all your faves from seasons past are set to return to Hawkins for another go-around, but there's a few new faces in town who are sure to shake things up. Read through for a full rundown of who to expect to see when the third season kicks off on July 4!
A "Bird Box Challenge" Now Exists, and Netflix Would Really Like You Not to Participate
Happy New Year! What's a better way to start off 2019 than finding out that the youth are willingly blindfolding themselves and wandering about the world, just like the characters in Bird Box? The movie made its Netflix debut nearly two weeks ago, and it's already broken viewership records and inspired a viral challenge on social media.
For anyone who opted out of tuning in throughout the holidays, the movie sees a handful of its main characters forced to wear blindfolds to avoid a mysterious creature that forces anyone who looks at it to commit suicide. The #BirdBoxChallenge was created by fans looking to mimic the actions of those in the movie, sans the deadly entity, of course. The rules of the game are pretty simple: put on a blindfold and attempt to do everyday tasks. Naturally, most people who have taken part in the challenge have uploaded videos of their results to social media, and even the hosts of Good Morning America got in on the fun.
Netflix, however, has already responded to news of the challenge and issued a brief statement to the public via Twitter. "Can't believe I have to say this, but: PLEASE DO NOT HURT YOURSELVES WITH THIS BIRD BOX CHALLENGE. We don't know how this started, and we appreciate the love, but Boy and Girl have just one wish for 2019 and it is that you not end up in the hospital due to memes," the streaming platform wrote. As ridiculous as this all sounds, it's no #TidePodChallenge, so at least we have that. Check out some videos of the #BirdBoxChallenge ahead.
Camilla Parker Bowles's Parents Weren't Royal, but They Were a High-Class Family
Although it once was the norm for members of the British royal family to only marry foreign royalty or British aristocrats, that's definitely not the case anymore. "Commoners" have become increasingly popular choices - in fact, the last direct-line royal to marry an aristocrat was Prince Charles during his failed first marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Spencer). Charles's second wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, descends from a high-class family with some aristocratic heritage, but her parents were definitely not royalty.
The Duchess of Cornwall was born Camilla Shand, the eldest child of Major Bruce Shand and his wife Rosalind, nee the Honorable Rosalind Cubitt. While Rosalind was a lower-tier aristocrat (her father was a baron), Bruce's family was wealthy but not titled. Bruce was born in 1917. Following an international childhood spent in England, the US, and France, he joined the military and served during World War II, even spending nearly three years as a prisoner of war. He retired with the honorary rank of major and embarked on several other interests in retirement, from writing his memoir to working with wine merchants.
Rosalind, meanwhile, had a fairly typical aristocratic childhood from her birth in 1921. Her father was the heir to her grandfather's barony (which he inherited in 1947) and she was a notable debutante, with her debutante ball in 1939 being attended by King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth; the press named her "debutante of the year." She met Bruce following the war, and they married in 1946. Their first child, Camilla, was born the following year. Rosalind worked for an adoption agency and volunteered for a charity to help children with disabilities.
Sadly, only one of Camilla's parents lived to see her marry the love of her life and join the royal family. Although her father was still alive in when she wed Prince Charles in 2005, her mother died in 1994 after battling osteoporosis. Bruce died in 2006 from cancer. Look back on some of the couple's history with these pictures below!
Colton Jumped Over a Fence to Avoid Bachelor Cameras During His Fantasy Suites Episode
At this point, thanks to a high-profile arc on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette and an eye-roll-inducing marketing campaign for the upcoming season of The Bachelor, Colton Underwood's name has practically become synonymous with the word "virgin." And you know what? That's apparently just the way he likes it!
During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, The Bachelor's next leading man revealed that ABC using his virginity so heavily while promoting his season of the reality dating show is totally cool with him. And why, you might be wondering, is Colton so remarkably chill about seeing his face on a photoshopped version of The 40-Year-Old Virgin poster instead of Steve Carell's? According to the 26-year-old, despite that cheeky marketing, he was able to influence a lot of how his season has gone.
"I don't mind making light of it and having fun with it - I can roll with the punches," Colton explained to THR. "I'm used to locker room banter, and I can have fun with that side of things. Of course night one was maybe over the top, but it was also nice to have those jokes and be able to laugh and smile. That first night can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming, so moments like that allowed me to stay loose and in the moment."
"I think people are going to have a better understanding not only of who I am, but the whole picture in regards to my virginity," he continued. "I will say this also: I pushed the production of this show just as much as they pushed me and allowed me to grow as a human being. I gave them a run for their money - quite literally - and I think they made me a better person. I hope at the end of this they can think that I made them better as well."
His reference to giving them a literal "run for their money" is in regards to a moment from season 23's promo in which Colton, overcome with emotion, jumps over a fence seemingly in an effort to evade the show's cameras. Colton confirmed to THR that the scene happens during Fantasy Suites week, aka when the titular Bachelor (or Bachelorette) has the option to have a camera-free overnight date with their finalists.
So, is Colton still a virgin? He didn't say, instead noting that jokes about still having his "v-card" kept him laughing throughout the premiere. "Obviously, people are invested in that now because that's sort of been my story and what people know me for," he said. "Hopefully after this, they know me for much more than just being a virgin."
Colton's season of The Bachelor is scheduled to premiere on ABC on Monday, Jan. 7.
10 TV Shows That Atypical Fans Will Love as Much as Sam Loves Penguins
Diversity in the media is more important than ever, which is why Atypical is seriously one of the best Netflix shows out there. The series follows Sam Gardner, a high school senior on the autism spectrum who decides that he's ready to shake off his doting parents and gain some independence - especially in his love life. Experiencing everything from his first girlfriend, to his first job, to increasing tension at home and with his younger sister, Atypical is both heartwarming and hilarious, and we can't wait for the third season to premiere. Until then, check out the gallery for 10 shows fans of Atypical will love.
48 Sexy Bella Hadid Instagrams That Will Have You Spitting Out Your Coffee
There's a reason why more than 20 million people follow 22-year-old model Bella Hadid's Instagram account - every photo she posts is a damn work of art. From the pool to the catwalk, the younger of the two Hadid sisters supplies her followers with a steady stream of bikini shots and runway shots, and with endless legs like hers, why wouldn't she? Whether she's decked out in lingerie and wings or wearing nothing at all, Bella manages to slay and keep her followers wanting more. Here are Bella's sexiest Instagram pics of all time - The Weeknd, you better be thanking your lucky stars.
Stranger Things: The Most Likely Connection "Lynx Corp" Has to Eleven and the Gang
Netflix just turned our worlds upside down by finally announcing the premiere date for the third season of Stranger Things - July 4 this year! - and dropping a cryptic trailer that we can't stop watching. However, the short clip doesn't reveal any footage of the upcoming eight-episode season, instead showing footage of the annual Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve special as the clocks count down to 1985 intercut with text on a retro VDU computer screen. As well as a secret coded message that reads, "When blue and yellow meet in the west," the clip shows somebody accessing a terminal at "Lynx Corp" before running the program SilverCatFeeds.exe. But what in the heck is Lynx Corp?
Stranger Things junkies have been theorizing about how this mysterious corporation will be involved in the third season, and the most popular theory out there is that Lynx Corp is linked to Russia. Remember in season one when Eleven is put in a sensory-deprivation tank by Dr. Brenner in order to spy on secret Soviet meetings? Stranger Things does take place during the final years of the Cold War, after all, and fans on Twitter have pointed out that the Russian word for Eleven ("одиннадцать") appears in the SilverCatFeeds code - that can't just be a coincidence.
Still not convinced? How about the name "Lynx Corp" itself? Lynxes are endangered silver-haired felines found from the western borders of Russia up to Kamchatka and Sakhalin. Though Eleven's connection to Russia hasn't been visited in a while, it's very possible that Russia could be behind the Lynx Corp, trying to find out more information about the Eleven program. Only time will tell whether these fan theories will pan out, so we'll just have to wait until Independence Day to see if the Stranger Things gang could be facing an even bigger threat than the Demogorgon.
Ready to Change Up Your Fitness Routine? These Are the 7 Classes to Try in 2019
If you're anything like me, you're heading into the new year with a plan to make some changes to better your life (whatever form that may take). Personally, I just want to have a fitness routine in 2019, because I've seriously been slacking since having to leave my beloved U-Jam Fitness classes behind when I left California.
As I look ahead to what's likely to become popular - or grow even bigger - in 2019, I'm getting excited to find a new workout that will be perfect for me. There are a lot of emerging trends that we already believe will be huge, like newer and cooler on-demand workout classes, but I'm personally excited to try a class devoted entirely to the rowing machine.
For more ideas on workouts to try in 2019, keep reading.
If You Haven't Heard, 2019 Is the Year We'll All Be Drinking Matcha
Matcha has gone mainstream, and as an everyday consumer, I couldn't be more thrilled. Matcha is essentially a much more concentrated form of green tea, aka it's got a lot more caffeine per cup. The taste is a little earthy, but paired with your favorite milk, it's seriously delicious; so good, in fact, that I don't like to start my morning without it. But 2019 is the year that matcha goes from "that green drink" to a staple in every health-conscious person's pantry, and it's not just for drinking. Just keep reading to shop our favorite matcha products that will have keep calm and energized well into 2019.
This Is the Total-Body Strengthening Exercise You Should Be Doing More of in 2019
If you're goal is to get stronger and build lean muscle, you're definitely going to need to start lifting weights. If you aren't sure where to get started, follow this four-week strength training workout plan.
Shameless plug aside, one move I highly recommend incorporating into your strength workouts is the burpee squat press. The name says it all, but just in case you weren't sure, it's intense. To be clear: intense but not impossible. Because it's a compound exercise, a multi-joint movement that works large groups of muscles, it will help you burn fat and build muscle. Continue reading to learn how to do the burpee squat press.
How to Do a Burpee Squat Press
- Begin standing with a 10-pound dumbbell on each side of your body. If this is too heavy and you find that your form is incorrect, use lighter weights.
- Holding onto the dumbbells, lower down and perform a burpee. If this is too much pressure on your hands or wrists, you can set the dumbbells down in front of you for this part. If you're a beginner, you can perform a modified burpee.
- With control, push your body off of the ground as you simultaneously pick up the dumbbells. Be sure to keep your core engaged and your spine in a neutral position when pushing yourself off the ground.
- Standing tall with your core engaged, bend your arms and hold the dumbbells on or slightly above your shoulders and lower down into a squat. As you stand up, push both dumbbells overhead.
- This counts as one rep. Complete three sets of 10 reps.
Learn How to Lift Weights (and Build Muscle) With This 4-Week Beginner Workout Plan
Weightlifting is one of the best ways to build muscle and lower your body fat percentage. A 2006 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that weightlifting will also increase your bone mass, improve your cardiovascular levels, and enhance your sense of well-being.
If your goal is to learn how to lift weights, but you aren't exactly sure where to get started, I've got you covered. This four-week strength program will provide you with a strength foundation and teach you the basics.
Because everyone has different strength levels, here are general recommendations to determine the amount of weight you should lift. For upper-body exercises, I recommend starting with 7.5- to 10-pound dumbbells. If the weight is too light or too easy, feel free to make adjustments. For lower-body exercises with dumbbells, start with 10- to 15-pound dumbbells increasing or decreasing the weight as necessary. For barbell exercises, begin by adding 10 pounds to each side increasing or decreasing the weight as needed.
As always, make sure to warm up and cool down before and after your workout. Here's a dynamic warmup and a total-body stretch sequence to follow.
These Quad Stretches Are Essential For Anyone Who's Feeling Sore
Stretching out the quads is a must do after hiking, cycling, running, stair-stepping, or any other activity that gives your thighs a workout. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stretch these muscles, including these five, which are our favorites.
15+ Powerful Photos of Women Making History as They're Sworn In to the 116th Congress
The 116th US Congress is officially sworn in, and it looks a little different this year. A record number of women - 125, to be exact - hold seats in Congress, and they're making a major wave of representation. The newly elected group of leaders includes the first two Muslim women in Congress, the first Native American women in Congress, and the first black congresswomen for several states. On Jan. 3, the swearing-in ceremony took place on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, and you can feel the powerful moments through the poignant photographs. See inspirational photos of just some of the women making changes ahead, and then read up on how they can really affect politics for the better.
Turn Off R. Kelly and Turn Up For Black Women
This week marks the premiere of the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, a harrowing account of the people brave enough to speak out against singer and accused sexual predator Robert Sylvester Kelly. Color of Change is proud to partner with Lifetime to help uplift their voices - our board member dream hampton produced the series - and we hope you will watch.
R. Kelly arrives at his 2008 trial for child pornography charges.
The series breaks down R. Kelly's manipulation and decades of alleged sexual abuse of young black women and girls. As recently as this past May, credible reports concluded that Kelly was still holding women captive in his homes - isolating them from their families, physically assaulting them, and hiring den mothers who train them to please him sexually. Dozens of lawsuits from women and their families alleging sexual abuse include stories that Kelly loitered outside of Chicago high schools and at choir rehearsals prowling for girls. One young woman alleged he forced her to have an abortion.
Their stories have led to a #MuteRKelly campaign helmed by black women, gaining support from the #TimesUp movement, and celebrities like John Legend, Lupita Nyong'o, Ava Duvernay, and Questlove. Radio host Tom Joyner announced that he will no longer play R. Kelly's music. Kelly was also dropped from a University of Illinois at Chicago concert after students, faculty, and community members protested his inclusion. In 2017, we began calling on RCA to drop R. Kelly from their record label and supported and stood by Spotify when they removed his content from their playlists - a move they would sadly walk back later.
"America, this is the treacherous terrain black girls must navigate in a world that does not care for them."
Yet, R. Kelly maintains a record deal and a relatively successful career. He even inked a contract last year to play Madison Square Garden. He has not faced real consequences from corporate interests or justice systems. It's a heartbreakingly common story - there are countless enablers of violence against black women and girls.
Data shows that black women are more likely to experience sexual, psychological, and physical violence in their lifetime. We are more likely to be disbelieved when trying to seek out help and more likely to be arrested after calling the police to report violence from an intimate partner. The Georgetown Law Center reported that adults view black girls as less innocent and more adult-like than their white peers. By the age of 5, black girls are perceived as needing less nurturing and protection and are perceived as more sexual. R. Kelly's survivors should be heralded for trying to stop the cycle of abuse, but instead they are treated like a punchline.
America, this is the treacherous terrain black girls must navigate in a world that does not care for them. We deserve to love freely and be loved, to be protected from abuse, and to be taken seriously when we ask for help. We deserve recognition of the full scope of our humanity. R. Kelly is what happens when the intersecting strikes of being black and a woman and working class automatically render our truth inconsequential, our stories invisible, and our minds and bodies at risk.
We can't continue to fail at this. It is our collective obligation to show up for black women - and to demand a cost from those who won't. Age is more than just a number for young black girls. It clarifies their journey toward womanhood in the face of systemic racial, gender, and sexual violence and oppression. It is our duty to protect black girls from interlopers like Robert Kelly along the way.
Brandi Collins-Dexter is the senior campaign director of Color of Change
105 Book Tattoos For the Ultimate Reader
Being a book-lover isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. For bibliophiles, the stories we delve into become very important influences on us. If you want to make your adoration for a great story permanent, a book tattoo is an awesome way to do it. We've rounded up a collection of our favorite ink, so take a look!
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
5 Ways the Wave of Women in Congress Could Change Politics For the Better
With the 116th Congress and its historic numbers of women now officially sworn into office, it's important to recall the second Year of the Woman is more than just an exciting time for representation. There's plenty of sound evidence that this new wave of women legislators could mean real change in how the American government operates - for the better.
The new Congress, which was sworn in on Jan. 3, includes 125 women - 18 more than the 115th Congress. That marks an almost 20 percent increase in women's representation. The majority of the newly elected women Congress members are pro-choice, Democratic women who support policies to empower women and marginalized people.
The often frustratingly ineffective nature of the male-dominated federal government has come to a head in recent weeks, taking the form of a government shutdown emblematic of the modern landscape of partisan gridlock. The government shutdown itself concerns President Trump's promised US-Mexico border wall, a symbol of racism, hypermasculine notions of cruelty as strength and refusal to compromise. And while Congressional partisanship and ineffectiveness have reached new extremes in the Trump era, the reality is that male-dominated Congress has been neglecting key domestic issues such as education, environmental, and health care policy for years.
But with a new wave of historic numbers of women legislators sworn in to Congress this week, all of this could soon change. Here are some key ways women are poised to transform the American government - and the research to back it up.
A Step-by-Step Guide For Packing the KonMari Way
Before I completed Marie Kondo's KonMari Method of tidying up, I loathed packing for vacation. So much so, I would typically wait until 30 minutes before leaving for the airport to shove everything in a bag and fingers crossed, I would remember my toothbrush. But now that I am a convert for this organizational method, I've applied the same minimalist principles to my packing, and I'm never looking back. Here are some of the key takeaways so you too can pack joyfully.
Start with a suitcase that sparks joy.
During my tidying process, my parents actually got rid of my suitcases accidentally, but I took the opportunity to invest in a new set of ultra-lightweight, rolling suitcases in my favorite color: teal. Before I start packing, I unzip the bag, lay it flat on the floor, and check all pockets for possible remnants from the previous trip (usually cell phone chargers, etc.).
Fold your clothes the KonMari way.
Most of us learned to fold our clothes into thin rectangles and stack the items on top of one another vertically. The problem with this method is you always end up rummaging around your drawer (or in this case suitcase) looking for an item and leaving the whole thing a tangled wreck. Marie Kondo suggests rolling clothes in sort of a triangle shape that stands upright by itself. The clothes are then placed side-by-side horizontally, hugging one another. This makes it so that you can see every single item you own.
This is especially helpful when packing, because you can quickly see if you've forgotten something essential, i.e. underwear. When traveling, gone are the days you have to unload your whole suitcase to find that dang pair of PJs that found its way to the bottom of your bag. When packing, I go the extra mile and refold the clothes so they fit my suitcase perfectly. Then, I lay everything out on my bed (or the floor) until it's time to transfer to the suitcase.
Pull out shoes and accessories.
The KonMari Method is about asking yourself, "What sparks joy?" but when it comes to traveling, I ask myself, "What do I really, really need?" Oftentimes I'll end up putting away a couple of pairs of miscellaneous shoes or dresses and paring down to the bare minimum essentials, so I can zipper my suitcase without the expansion. That way, I know I have some room to spare to pack souvenirs during my trip.
Save toiletries for last.
I leave a hole in the suitcase for my toiletry bag. Meanwhile, I gather my essential toiletries and keep them in plain view on a bathroom counter so I can use them until the last minute. Placing all of the items in a horizontal row (like your clothes) also helps you do a mental checklist before packing them away.
Now that you're all packed up, remember to keep things tidy as you travel! I stash my dirty clothes (still folded) on one side of my bag away from the clean. For whatever reason, this also helps make unpacking a lot easier. You can toss all the dirty clothes in a hamper while transferring the clean, folded clothes back to your drawers.
Here's my list for a weekend trip (as pictured):
- 3 shirts
- 2 shorts
- 3 workout outfits
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 dress
- 1 jacket (I wear when traveling)
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of wedges/heels
- 1 bag of toiletries
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
This New Instagram Filter Is a Selfie Game-Changer, but There's a Catch
Image before and after the Paris filter.
A few months ago, I received a pleasant surprise from Instagram. Sadly, it wasn't that my timeline was back to chronological order, but I did get a new filter. I saw it immediately because it was the first one to pop up as I swiped to the right. It's called Paris, and similar to how Snapchat has the "pretty filter," Paris blurs the skin so it looks immediately FaceTuned. It's like the contrast of the Oslo filter and the brightness of the Cairo filter had a baby.
It should be noted Paris is not a lens like the Kylie lens (which also smooths the skin in addition to adding a lip color and enhancing your lashes) or the sparkle lens (which makes your skin look like a mannequin's). I figured everyone received this filter until I realized most of my friends and colleagues don't have it. I'm unsure why I was blessed with this random gift from the Instagram gods, but my vanity appreciates it. (Sometimes you really don't want to show off a meteor-sized pimple on your face but desperately need to take to Instagram Stories, you know?) This also makes sense to me because, while I can't verify who has the filter and doesn't, I had been noticing that certain celebrities or influencers looked different in their Instagram Stories. Stories is usually a medium in which the public get see a less-filtered version of these public figures, both in content and in overall appearance. Perhaps the Paris filter is helping them out? Or maybe they're just rich enough to have perfect skin. I wouldn't be surprised by either.
That said, the filter isn't perfect - sometimes it makes the skin look so airbrushed that it appears flat; I've noticed it can accentuate my melasma. (Blah.) I find it's better for video than photos. When I reached out to Instagram for more information, and to find out whether we can expect a user-wide roll out, a spokesperson simply said, "We're always testing new ways for you to express your creativity on Instagram," and that there are no plans to share on the launch of the filter at this time.
Keep reading to see the before and after with the Paris filter, plus how it differs from other "pretty filters" on the platform.
Hit the Slopes at the Top Ski Destinations Trending This Winter
Bring on the warm, boozy beverages and cozy reading nooks. The arrival of the Winter season usually delivers frosty temperatures along with it, and you know what that means, adventure-seeking travelers. It's time to bust out the ski gear and hit the slopes! To help you decide which mountain to conquer this Winter season, we're bringing you the top-trending ski destinations for the 2018 holiday season and into the new year, according to data from travel search engine Kayak. Fresh powder, here we come!
10 of the Best Travel Strollers For Families on the Go
Traveling with children is no easy feat - depending on their age, it can feel as though the amount of stuff you need to bring with you not only doubles, but quadruples with each trip. If you've ever tried to bring your everyday stroller with you, you already know how clunky it can be. If your 2019 calendar is filled with family getaways, it might be time to invest in a travel stroller. They're easy to break down, lightweight, and if you're lucky, you can stash some in the overhead bin.
9 Reasons This Small Colorado Town Should Be Next on Your 2019 Travel To-Do List
Like most people, I traveled to Breckenridge, CO, the first time for the skiing. And although the skiing is fantastic, it's not what's kept me going back multiple times a year for the past five years. In fact, I spend far more time in Breck now when the slopes are closed for the season.
So what keeps me coming back? It's the people and the unique culture they've created in this small town high up in the Rockies. Whether I'm living the laptop lifestyle and working from Breck between hikes or simply hanging with friends and enjoying craft cocktails and beers on outdoor decks, I've never been anywhere with so many chill, laid-back young people. Here's why Breckenridge should be next on your 2019 travel stops.
22 Furniture Pieces Everyone Will Be Buying in 2019, and You Should, Too
This new year, instead of shelling out the cash on a remodel, you can simply upgrade your home by investing in a few new furniture pieces that will totally revamp any room overnight. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work and uncovered 22 seriously good finds from places like Amazon, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and even Walmart. From fold out sofas and ottomans to mid-century modern chairs, it will be hard to not want to redo your entire home. Keep reading to shop our favorites.
Heart-Shaped Starburst Jellybeans Are Available For Valentine's Day and They're So Stinking Cute!
Valentine's Day isn't for another month, but Starburst fans already have love on the brain. Starburst's Heart-Shaped Jellybeans have officially made their way to candy aisles, which basically means that, from here on out, you're probably not going to hear the end of it in terms of Valentine's Day candies.
Instagram user Candy Hunting posted a photo of the special candy in December. "Christmas is over, so on to the next food holiday! Found these new Starburst Heart Shaped Jellybeans at Rite-Aid," the caption reads. According to the pic, the jellybeans come in red and pink colors, with the red beans being cherry flavored and the pink ones strawberry. Although Candy Hunting spotted the beans at a local Rite-Aid, they can also be purchased at Target for just $4 per bag. You should probably start building up your candy stash ASAP since these will likely only be available for a limited time.
Dark Chocolate Oreos Were Just Released, and Heck Yes, They're a Permanent Flavor!
Out of all the crazy flavors Oreo has ever released, can you believe Dark Chocolate hasn't existed until now? Fans of smooth, dark, bitter chocolate can rejoice, because beginning on Jan. 2, Dark Chocolate Oreos will be available nationwide - and not just as a limited-edition offering. The new flavor is permanent! The cookies feature a dark-chocolate-flavored creme sandwiched between two classic Oreo chocolate wafers. They look like chocolate overload in the best possible way. Yet another new release in 2019 is Carrot Cake Oreos with cream cheese frosting, so it looks like we've got some grocery shopping to do.
A Step-by-Step Guide For Packing the KonMari Way
Before I completed Marie Kondo's KonMari Method of tidying up, I loathed packing for vacation. So much so, I would typically wait until 30 minutes before leaving for the airport to shove everything in a bag and fingers crossed, I would remember my toothbrush. But now that I am a convert for this organizational method, I've applied the same minimalist principles to my packing, and I'm never looking back. Here are some of the key takeaways so you too can pack joyfully.
Start with a suitcase that sparks joy.
During my tidying process, my parents actually got rid of my suitcases accidentally, but I took the opportunity to invest in a new set of ultra-lightweight, rolling suitcases in my favorite color: teal. Before I start packing, I unzip the bag, lay it flat on the floor, and check all pockets for possible remnants from the previous trip (usually cell phone chargers, etc.).
Fold your clothes the KonMari way.
Most of us learned to fold our clothes into thin rectangles and stack the items on top of one another vertically. The problem with this method is you always end up rummaging around your drawer (or in this case suitcase) looking for an item and leaving the whole thing a tangled wreck. Marie Kondo suggests rolling clothes in sort of a triangle shape that stands upright by itself. The clothes are then placed side-by-side horizontally, hugging one another. This makes it so that you can see every single item you own.
This is especially helpful when packing, because you can quickly see if you've forgotten something essential, i.e. underwear. When traveling, gone are the days you have to unload your whole suitcase to find that dang pair of PJs that found its way to the bottom of your bag. When packing, I go the extra mile and refold the clothes so they fit my suitcase perfectly. Then, I lay everything out on my bed (or the floor) until it's time to transfer to the suitcase.
Pull out shoes and accessories.
The KonMari Method is about asking yourself, "What sparks joy?" but when it comes to traveling, I ask myself, "What do I really, really need?" Oftentimes I'll end up putting away a couple of pairs of miscellaneous shoes or dresses and paring down to the bare minimum essentials, so I can zipper my suitcase without the expansion. That way, I know I have some room to spare to pack souvenirs during my trip.
Save toiletries for last.
I leave a hole in the suitcase for my toiletry bag. Meanwhile, I gather my essential toiletries and keep them in plain view on a bathroom counter so I can use them until the last minute. Placing all of the items in a horizontal row (like your clothes) also helps you do a mental checklist before packing them away.
Now that you're all packed up, remember to keep things tidy as you travel! I stash my dirty clothes (still folded) on one side of my bag away from the clean. For whatever reason, this also helps make unpacking a lot easier. You can toss all the dirty clothes in a hamper while transferring the clean, folded clothes back to your drawers.
Here's my list for a weekend trip (as pictured):
- 3 shirts
- 2 shorts
- 3 workout outfits
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 dress
- 1 jacket (I wear when traveling)
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of wedges/heels
- 1 bag of toiletries
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
Carrot Cake Oreos Are Here, and Oh My Gosh, There's Cream Cheese Frosting in the Center
Oreo is ringing in 2019 by blessing our taste buds with a brand new flavor: Carrot Cake! Rumors about this release have been swirling around on social media, but Nabisco finally put our cravings to rest by bringing them to shelves at most major retailers - permanently! Rather than a regular ol' chocolate cookie, these droolworthy Oreos feature two carrot cake-flavored wafers with cream cheese frosting creme in the center. As far as I'm concerned, they're totally New Year's resolution diet-approved because, ya' know, carrots are vegetables, after all.
So far, Carrot Cake Oreos have gotten pretty rave reviews from dessert-lovers everywhere. One satisfied Instagram user noted that "the carrot cake cookie provides a lingering ginger and nutmeg spice with a present carrot flavor . . . and the sugary buttercream frosting provides the perfect tang to replicate cream cheese." Meanwhile, someone on Twitter described them as tasting "exactly like Dunkaroos," so yeah, we're pretty convinced to give 'em a try ourselves. Who's with us?
9 Reasons This Small Colorado Town Should Be Next on Your 2019 Travel To-Do List
Like most people, I traveled to Breckenridge, CO, the first time for the skiing. And although the skiing is fantastic, it's not what's kept me going back multiple times a year for the past five years. In fact, I spend far more time in Breck now when the slopes are closed for the season.
So what keeps me coming back? It's the people and the unique culture they've created in this small town high up in the Rockies. Whether I'm living the laptop lifestyle and working from Breck between hikes or simply hanging with friends and enjoying craft cocktails and beers on outdoor decks, I've never been anywhere with so many chill, laid-back young people. Here's why Breckenridge should be next on your 2019 travel stops.
Trying to Lose Weight? This Is How Often You Should Work Out, According to Experts
You know that working out is essential to shedding pounds, but if you're unsure exactly how to structure your routine, you're not alone. Let's get one daunting question out of the way: how often you should exercise, whether that's at the gym, at home, or pounding the pavement. The answer?
"Find something you enjoy (or can at least tolerate), and work your way up to exercising five to six days a week, with at least one rest day per week," Stephanie Blozy, MS, an exercise science expert and owner of Fleet Feet in West Hartford, CT, told POPSUGAR.
While the best exercise is one you like enough to keep coming back to, Kyra Williams, an NASM-certified personal trainer in Tampa, FL, suggested focusing on HIIT and strength training for fat loss.
She recommended lifting weights as part of your workout three to four days a week. "Perform three to four sets of eight to 12 reps of each exercise, using the heaviest weight possible," Kyra explained. This way, "you'll be lifting for hypertrophy or muscle building."
High-intensity interval training, meanwhile, increases your calorie burn both during and after your workout, incinerating fat. So, on days when you're pressed for time, "You can burn the same amount of calories in 15 minutes as you would during 45 minutes of low-intensity exercise, like walking or bike riding," Stephanie said, noting that both forms of exercise have a place in any workout plan.
Ultimately, the experts agreed that the frequency of workouts can vary based on your schedule. "If you realistically only have three days a week to work out for one hour, you can get results. If you have 30 minutes five times a week, you can get results in that time frame," Kyra said. "While I would never suggest exercising for less than 90 minutes a week, two days of lifting for 30 minutes is better than zero."
Related: This Is the Hands-Down Best Workout to Shed Those Extra Pounds
10 Paleo Snacks That'll Jump Start 2019 the Healthy Way - All on Amazon
What can we say, snack time is the best time. We personally can't leave the house without a snack in our bags. But, if you're eating Paleo, it can be tough to find great options that are both yummy and easy to travel with. Luckily, Amazon's got you covered, with Paleo brownies and tortilla chips, no less. Happy snacking!
The Meatballs That Fooled My Meat-Loving Husband and 12 Other Must-Try Trader Joe's Vegan Products
I haven't eaten meat since I was 13 (almost 30 years!), not only because I want to live a more compassionate life and do good for the environment, but also selfishly, because I feel amazing when I eat a plant-based diet. Of course, I want my husband to reap the same benefits, so I try to get him to go meatless most nights of the week, and with these Trader Joe's products, it's a cinch. No joke - I served him Trader Joe's Meatless Meatballs without telling him, and he said, "You didn't have to buy me meat, I know how you feel about it." I just smiled and told him I loved him, then later posted a video of him enjoying his dinner on Facebook. He saw the video an hour later and yelled, "What else have you been lying to me about?!"
Moral of the story: if your goal is to eat a more plant-based diet, buy those meatless meatballs! And while you're cruising the aisles of your local Trader Joe's, pick up these 12 other meatless products.
5 Simple Tips For Creating Resolutions You'll Actually Stick With in 2019
Despite what all the memes might try to tell you about how it's inevitable - and humorous - that you'll fail at all your attempts to be a better version of yourself starting in the new year, the reality is that simply doesn't have to be true. Yes, it can be tough to stick to lofty goals you set for yourself on Jan. 1, but it is also totally possible to use the gift of a new calendar year to put new healthy habits into practice.
For me personally, this last year was proof I could make resolutions that I actually accomplished and stuck with throughout the whole year. Here are some simple steps to consider when trying to take your goals from resolutions to reality.
If "Working Out More" and "Getting a 6-Pack" Are Your 2019 Goals, Do This 30-Minute Workout
Chiseled abs, we're coming for you! We're eating clean since "reducing belly fat ultimately comes down to how you eat," according to head CrossFit coach Jade Jenny. And we're watching our calorie intake since eating too much can lead to greater fat deposits, including around the belly, explained Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist and Arivale Coach Ginger Hultin, MS, CSO. But we're also working out, because once that layer of belly fat is history, we want to reveal our sculpted six-pack.
That's why spot training by doing hundreds of crunches doesn't work. You need to take a total-body approach to reach your goal and change your body composition. If diet alone isn't helping you shed body fat, Stephen Cheuk, personal trainer and founder of S10 training in NYC, recommends doing strength training and "conditioning-based training" to see results. If you're new to working out, aim to work out two to three times a week, and if you have exercise experience, aim for five times a week.
ACE-certified fitness trainer John Kersbergen told POPSUGAR that whether a person exercises two to three times a week, or even five times a week, it's OK to hit the core every time you work out. You should "just be conscious of working the whole core including the posterior (lower back) and working through different ranges of motion and varying the exercises."
If you can't make it to a gym and don't have access to weights, we've got you covered! Here's a half-hour workout that combines cardio with core-carving bodyweight moves. This workout is intense, but it's fun, so turn up your favorite music and enjoy this sweat session that's sure to make you sore tomorrow.
30-Minute Cardio and Ab Workout
Equipment needed: Jump rope (or just pretend!), a pair of sliders or paper plates, and space to jump around.
Directions: Move through the 10-minute workout ahead a total of three times. Push yourself hard, getting in as many quality reps as you can.
| Exercise | Time |
|---|---|
| Jump rope (single or double unders) | 60 seconds |
| V-sits | 30 seconds |
| Hip raise with leg extension | 30 seconds |
| High knees | 60 seconds |
| Diamond sit-up | 30 seconds |
| Seated Russian twist | 30 seconds |
| Jump rope | 60 seconds |
| Mountain climber sliders | 30 seconds |
| Plank to bear sliders | 30 seconds |
| High knees | 60 seconds |
| Scissor kicks | 30 seconds |
| Half banana | 30 seconds |
| Jump rope | 60 seconds |
| Elbow plank with knee tap | 30 seconds |
| Knee driver | 30 seconds |
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
10 Plant-Based Snacks You Should Always Have in Stock
Plant-based is a term we hear all the time in the wellness world, but what exactly does it mean? Essentially, it means exactly what it says: you're eating food that is composed mainly of plants, aka fruits and vegetables. If you're trying a plant-based eating plan, we found some snacks that you'll love, because snacks are what we live for. Never fear the dreaded 3 p.m. slump - we've got you covered!
Keep Your Stride With These Elliptical Workouts, From Beginner to Advanced
I think the elliptical has gotten a reputation for being the machine you hop on when you just want to phone in your workout. Yes, it is a low-impact workout, but just because this cardio machine is kind on your joints doesn't mean you can't push yourself on it either. We know it's all too easy to step on the machine, queue up your show, and just go through the motions. To help you make the most of your sweat session (and to make sure you break a sweat), we've rounded up a dozen elliptical workouts for you to follow and push yourself. Make the most of your gym time and take one of these to the gym with you and see all that you can do on the elliptical - you might even feel sore in your glutes the next day.
30 Minutes or Less
- Lunchtime workout: This 30-minute lunchtime workout makes for a quick midday cardio session and ensures that you have enough time to freshen up in the locker room before heading back to your desk.
- Cardio quickie: Need something even shorter? This 20-minute interval workout helps you fit in a workout on even the busiest of days.
- Interval training: When you don't have a lot of time, try this short interval elliptical workout. It's only 22 minutes long (including warmup and cooldown) and features really short and effective intervals.
- HIIT It: If you're looking to step it up a notch and play with speed, here are three HIIT workouts - beginner, intermediate, and advanced - for you to try.
- Shorter, faster intervals: This 30-minute elliptical workout uses shrinking recovery time between intervals, which pushes your anaerobic threshold to strengthen your cardiovascular system.
- Total body: Work your entire body with this 30-minute elliptical workout - it'll get your heart rate up, too.
- Back-to-basics intervals: Do this elliptical interval workout when you have only 30 minutes to spare. It's the best way to get the most out of a short amount of time.
- Two-machine workout: Mix up your cardio with this stationary bike and elliptical workout - it'll leave you sweaty.
More Than 30 Minutes
- Beginner full-body: If you're new to the elliptical machine, this beginning elliptical workout uses all the different features of the machine: pedaling forward, going backward, pushing and pulling the handles, and even letting go of the handles to challenge your core.
- Just like the treadmill: For times when you can't find an empty treadmill at the gym, try this elliptical "treadmill" workout. The workout comes close to mimicking what running on a treadmill feels like and may even help even out your stride. It's only 35 minutes.
- Booty gains with a side of cardio: Target glutes and hamstrings by playing with the incline on the elliptical. This elliptical booty workout will help you tone your backside while also getting a good cardio workout.
- Go long, finish strong: This beginner-friendly hour-long elliptical workout varies speed and incline for an effective workout.
Make Dry January Your Easiest Resolution Ever With These Tips
Dry January is going to be a breeze. You know why? Because we have these top tips for making it simple and straightforward. Whether you're cutting back on the Bellinis to lose weight or simply want to feel the health benefits of reducing your alcohol intake, staying focused on your goal is crucial! We have some ways you can refocus, even when the going gets tough.
In just a handful of weeks, you're going to be seeing amazing results from going booze-free - you might even want to keep going! - so pour yourself a La Croix or kombucha in a wineglass, grab a pen and paper, and let's get to intention setting.
You Won't Believe How Sore This 16-Minute Bodyweight HIIT Workout Will Make You
If you're short on time but want to get in a good heart-pumping, muscle-building workout, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is where it's at. These workouts will not only burn calories, but they're proven to diminish belly fat.
This 16-minute HIIT workout involves eight basic bodyweight moves, many of which are plyometric exercises. During each 45-second intense interval, give it your all to really maximize the calorie-burning, belly-fat-melting effects of HIIT, knowing you'll get a 15-second rest to recover.
16-Minute HIIT Workout
Directions: Complete 45 seconds of each exercise below, followed by a 15-second rest. Then repeat this eight-move circuit once more for a total of 16 minutes. Want more? Do another round for 24 minutes, or a total of four rounds for a 32-minute workout.
High knees
Burpees
Mountain climbers
Split lunge jumps
Lateral bunny hops
Squat jumps
Dolphin dive
Hip raises with leg extension
Get descriptions for each move ahead.
Relive the '90s With the Fitness Marshall's Easy Dance Cardio Routine to "Pony"
New Year's resolutions don't always have to involve losing weight or going to the gym every single day. Maybe you want more confidence, especially while dancing, or simply to have more fun. If you're looking for a light and fun way to kick off your new year, try this easy dance routine choreographed by The Fitness Marshall.
"The best way to ride into the future is with a blast from the past. Get sexy, freaky, and wild in this easy-to-follow warmup to get you on track for your New Year's resolutions!"
Relive the '90s (whether you were born yet or not) and check out the choreography in the video above.
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