Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 7 juillet 2020
Shine, the No. 1 Black-Owned Self-Care App, Is Fostering Representation in Wellness
Shine cofounders Naomi Hirabayashi (left) and Marah Lidey (right). Image Source: Courtesy of Shine
As women of color, Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi didn't feel their unique experiences were being addressed in the world of wellness, and they didn't feel people who looked like them were portrayed in that world, either. "We started to recognize that our experiences with our emotional health were largely colored by our backgrounds and were not really being addressed in an open way, particularly in the media," Lidey told POPSUGAR. So they started their self-care app Shine with the goal of increasing access to - and representation in - mental health.
Lidey met Hirabayashi, her cofounder, while working at a nonprofit. They soon acknowledged that they struggled with some of the same challenges, such as daily stress and anxiety. They also bonded over the "feeling of imposter syndrome, or what we now call 'representation burnout,' which is the experience being the only one of something in a room: the only woman, person of color, the only queer person," Lidey told POPSUGAR. Wellness felt inaccessible to both of them. "Whether it was our skin color or body type or past traumas, the way that we carry ourselves, the way that we spoke, it felt like wellness was this one-dimensional thing that we really didn't have access to."
The support that Lidey and Hirabayashi gave each other inspired a platform to help others. What began as a text-based service of affirmations in 2016 is now the No. 1 Black-owned self-care app - a label the company showcases in its social media bios. "The app essentially is meant to be your daily self-care check-in," Lidey explained. Its offerings include the Daily Shine, a free "podcast meets meditation" that comes out on weekdays and is rooted in different themes related to what's happening in the world (COVID-19 and racial injustice, for example).
The tie-in to current events is what sets apart Shine's meditations. For instance, you might see a generic meditation about anger on another platform. But "the anger feels really different right now if you're a Black woman who is in a mostly white workspace than if you're a white man and angry at a different kind of issue," Lidey said. "All of your emotions are colored by both who you are and your life experiences, and what's happening in the world."
There are free meditations in Shine's library, but you can become a Premium member for $12 per month or $54 per year, which will give you access to over 800 of those specific programs and "help you to go deeper within mental health issues," Lidey said. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and 20 percent of the money from Shine Premium subscriptions and gift cards will go to four nonprofits supporting BIPOC mental health: the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness, and Sista Afya.
Shine also offers a collection of meditations in the Shine app specific to Black well-being and mental health (seen in the screenshot below). Topics include healing trauma, showing up to fight for racial equality, and dealing with representation burnout. You can download the Shine app for free from the Apple store and Google Play, or get started on join.shinetext.com.
Image Source: Shine
If the need for Shine wasn't already apparent, Lidey pointed to the fact that Black people are more likely to experience serious psychological distress and that treatment is less accessible to them for a number of reasons. On top of that, she said, "we know that because of structural and systemic racism, there's something called 'racial battle fatigue,' which speaks to anxiety and worry and hypervigilance, and the physical consequences that come from experiencing racism on an ongoing basis."
Not only is the Black community experiencing mental health issues at a greater rate, Lidey pointed out, but they are also "experiencing them more deeply." That's why she says it's significant that 90 percent of Shine's content is created by Black women, 80 percent of the Shine team identify as BIPOC, and 30 percent identify as Black. "The most important thing when we think about what it looks like to prioritize Black mental health is authentically representing that experience and speaking to that experience," she said, "in ways that are not pandering and are coming specifically from Black voices."
I'm Already on the Wait List For BaubleBar's Adorable Face Masks, and You Should Be, Too
Whenever I leave my house, I have a face mask. It's simple, easy, and an effective way to protect myself and the people I come in contact with. I've been buying a few different mask options lately, trying to figure out what fabrics and styles I feel most comfortable with. I know I personally like the ones with elastic ear loops best, and I've found a few comfortable options that are both protective and breathable. But when I saw the new BaubleBar masks ($12 for two), I knew I had to add them to my growing face-mask collection.
The jewelry company is making masks that check off every box. They have elastic ear loops that are adjustable, so you'll always feel comfortable and secure. They also come in the cutest patterns, and they're affordable. There's really nothing not to love. The masks will ship at the end of the month, and I've already preordered them. If you want some new masks, these are the ones to get.
Shine, the No. 1 Black-Owned Self-Care App, Is Fostering Representation in Wellness
Shine cofounders Naomi Hirabayashi (left) and Marah Lidey (right). Image Source: Courtesy of Shine
As women of color, Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi didn't feel their unique experiences were being addressed in the world of wellness, and they didn't feel people who looked like them were portrayed in that world, either. "We started to recognize that our experiences with our emotional health were largely colored by our backgrounds and were not really being addressed in an open way, particularly in the media," Lidey told POPSUGAR. So they started their self-care app Shine with the goal of increasing access to - and representation in - mental health.
Lidey met Hirabayashi, her cofounder, while working at a nonprofit. They soon acknowledged that they struggled with some of the same challenges, such as daily stress and anxiety. They also bonded over the "feeling of imposter syndrome, or what we now call 'representation burnout,' which is the experience being the only one of something in a room: the only woman, person of color, the only queer person," Lidey told POPSUGAR. Wellness felt inaccessible to both of them. "Whether it was our skin color or body type or past traumas, the way that we carry ourselves, the way that we spoke, it felt like wellness was this one-dimensional thing that we really didn't have access to."
The support that Lidey and Hirabayashi gave each other inspired a platform to help others. What began as a text-based service of affirmations in 2016 is now the No. 1 Black-owned self-care app - a label the company showcases in its social media bios. "The app essentially is meant to be your daily self-care check-in," Lidey explained. Its offerings include the Daily Shine, a free "podcast meets meditation" that comes out on weekdays and is rooted in different themes related to what's happening in the world (COVID-19 and racial injustice, for example).
The tie-in to current events is what sets apart Shine's meditations. For instance, you might see a generic meditation about anger on another platform. But "the anger feels really different right now if you're a Black woman who is in a mostly white workspace than if you're a white man and angry at a different kind of issue," Lidey said. "All of your emotions are colored by both who you are and your life experiences, and what's happening in the world."
There are free meditations in Shine's library, but you can become a Premium member for $12 per month or $54 per year, which will give you access to over 800 of those specific programs and "help you to go deeper within mental health issues," Lidey said. July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and 20 percent of the money from Shine Premium subscriptions and gift cards will go to four nonprofits supporting BIPOC mental health: the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness, and Sista Afya.
Shine also offers a collection of meditations in the Shine app specific to Black well-being and mental health (seen in the screenshot below). Topics include healing trauma, showing up to fight for racial equality, and dealing with representation burnout. You can download the Shine app for free from the Apple store and Google Play, or get started on join.shinetext.com.
Image Source: Shine
If the need for Shine wasn't already apparent, Lidey pointed to the fact that Black people are more likely to experience serious psychological distress and that treatment is less accessible to them for a number of reasons. On top of that, she said, "we know that because of structural and systemic racism, there's something called 'racial battle fatigue,' which speaks to anxiety and worry and hypervigilance, and the physical consequences that come from experiencing racism on an ongoing basis."
Not only is the Black community experiencing mental health issues at a greater rate, Lidey pointed out, but they are also "experiencing them more deeply." That's why she says it's significant that 90 percent of Shine's content is created by Black women, 80 percent of the Shine team identify as BIPOC, and 30 percent identify as Black. "The most important thing when we think about what it looks like to prioritize Black mental health is authentically representing that experience and speaking to that experience," she said, "in ways that are not pandering and are coming specifically from Black voices."
I've Been Searching For Cheap Bike Shorts, and Old Navy Has Them With 1,000+ Reviews
Whether I'm going on a run in my neighborhood or starting my day off by walking to get a cup of coffee, when I get dressed, the only thing I want to wear is a pair of bike shorts. From an aesthetic standpoint, the idea of wearing a simple long-sleeved tee with biker shorts, an oversize sweatshirt that comes down to almost my knee, or even a blazer over bike shorts all sound like a stylish and comfortable dream. But the real reason I can't stop reaching for them is because they're the perfect option for warm-weather workouts.
I love the feeling of wearing a compression legging for interval training, but when it's warm outside, those leggings become unbearably hot. Shorts are obviously great to run in, but they can bunch easily and typically come with laughable pockets that hold a stick of gum at best. Bike shorts are the perfect answer because they offer the snugness of a tight, and best of all, they don't chafe (as someone who played volleyball for decades in itty-bitty spandex shorts, inner-thigh chafing is a huge no-no for me).
Whether you're looking to pick up a pair of bike shorts for running or lounging around in, Old Navy has the best options for all of your activities. See our top picks.
Sam Smith's Moving Cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" Will Be Echoing in My Mind For Days
Here are some straight-up facts for you: the sky is blue; water is wet; Sam Smith could sing the phone book, and it would sound like a dream. Need proof? The singer dropped a live performance of Coldplay's classic "Fix You" on July 5, and it's just as gorgeous as you'd expect. This specific Coldplay song seems especially poignant given current events, so don't be surprised if it strikes a chord.
Smith is no stranger to an emotional cover. They've melted hearts with Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" and "What the World Needs Now Is Love" by Jackie DeShannon and even paired up with John Legend in April to sing Ben E. King's "Stand by Me." We'll take all the tracks we can get since Smith's next album has been pushed back indefinitely. Watch their full performance above.
I've Been Searching For Cheap Bike Shorts, and Old Navy Has Them With 1,000+ Reviews
Whether I'm going on a run in my neighborhood or starting my day off by walking to get a cup of coffee, when I get dressed, the only thing I want to wear is a pair of bike shorts. From an aesthetic standpoint, the idea of wearing a simple long-sleeved tee with biker shorts, an oversize sweatshirt that comes down to almost my knee, or even a blazer over bike shorts all sound like a stylish and comfortable dream. But the real reason I can't stop reaching for them is because they're the perfect option for warm-weather workouts.
I love the feeling of wearing a compression legging for interval training, but when it's warm outside, those leggings become unbearably hot. Shorts are obviously great to run in, but they can bunch easily and typically come with laughable pockets that hold a stick of gum at best. Bike shorts are the perfect answer because they offer the snugness of a tight, and best of all, they don't chafe (as someone who played volleyball for decades in itty-bitty spandex shorts, inner-thigh chafing is a huge no-no for me).
Whether you're looking to pick up a pair of bike shorts for running or lounging around in, Old Navy has the best options for all of your activities. See our top picks.
Dove Cameron Remembers Cameron Boyce 1 Year After His Death: "I Will Love You Forever"
Dove Cameron is remembering Cameron Boyce one year after his death. On July 6, the 24-year-old Descendants actress shared an Instagram album featuring a series of black-and-white photos of the pair hugging and laughing together. Along with the album, Dove penned a heartfelt note to Cameron, writing, "one year without your light. something cosmic broke the day you left, something seemingly so impossible, so unjust, so unnatural. the universe cannot repair the gap in her weaving. you were huge. i will love you forever, just like this."
Cameron - who had epilepsy - died at the age of 20 on July 6, 2019, after experiencing a seizure in his sleep. In addition to costarring together on Descendants, Cameron and Dove were also friends in real life. Back in December, Dove honored Cameron by getting an arm tattoo of a revolver shooting out a single rose. "It's sort of a nationally recognized symbol for peace and anti-gun movements," Dove previously said of the tattoo, which is also a symbol of her and Cameron's views on gun control. See Dove's touching tribute to her late friend above.
Sam Smith's Moving Cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" Will Be Echoing in My Mind For Days
Here are some straight-up facts for you: the sky is blue; water is wet; Sam Smith could sing the phone book, and it would sound like a dream. Need proof? The singer dropped a live performance of Coldplay's classic "Fix You" on July 5, and it's just as gorgeous as you'd expect. This specific Coldplay song seems especially poignant given current events, so don't be surprised if it strikes a chord.
Smith is no stranger to an emotional cover. They've melted hearts with Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" and "What the World Needs Now Is Love" by Jackie DeShannon and even paired up with John Legend in April to sing Ben E. King's "Stand by Me." We'll take all the tracks we can get since Smith's next album has been pushed back indefinitely. Watch their full performance above.
Dove Cameron Remembers Cameron Boyce 1 Year After His Death: "I Will Love You Forever"
Dove Cameron is remembering Cameron Boyce one year after his death. On July 6, the 24-year-old Descendants actress shared an Instagram album featuring a series of black-and-white photos of the pair hugging and laughing together. Along with the album, Dove penned a heartfelt note to Cameron, writing, "one year without your light. something cosmic broke the day you left, something seemingly so impossible, so unjust, so unnatural. the universe cannot repair the gap in her weaving. you were huge. i will love you forever, just like this."
Cameron - who had epilepsy - died at the age of 20 on July 6, 2019, after experiencing a seizure in his sleep. In addition to costarring together on Descendants, Cameron and Dove were also friends in real life. Back in December, Dove honored Cameron by getting an arm tattoo of a revolver shooting out a single rose. "It's sort of a nationally recognized symbol for peace and anti-gun movements," Dove previously said of the tattoo, which is also a symbol of her and Cameron's views on gun control. See Dove's touching tribute to her late friend above.
The 14 Most Plush and Comfortable Sofas You Can Buy Online
After moving into my new apartment, I was in need of a new sofa, but finding the right one is a lot easier said than done. I went from store to store in hunt of the perfect plush piece I could lounge on night after night, but every time I fell in love with one, the price tag totally shocked me. In an effort to find the comfortable sofa of my dreams, I turned to the internet.
While originally I thought virtual furniture shopping might be hard, it turns out tons of retailers have fast shipping options and easy returns, plus, the affordable prices just can't be beat. To help inspire you to find the right choice for your home, I curated a list of my 14 favorite picks from retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and even Article. Keep reading to shop them all; I guarantee the prices and quality will surprise you, in a good way!
lundi 6 juillet 2020
18 Virtual Summer Camps That Will Keep Your Little Ones Engaged
Obviously, due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, summer plans are on hold until further notice. And for families who rely on camp during the warmer months, this can be problematic. Although traditional summer camps might be out of the question this year, there are plenty of virtual options that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Whether they're looking to keep their academics sharp (hey, no one likes that pesky summer slide, right?) or just want some good, old-fashioned fun, these online summer camps will deliver.
Camp PBS Kids
Children between the ages of 2 and 8 can get access to a slew of educational activities all summer long using PBS Kids' website. Parents can also opt to get a daily newsletter that's chock-full of fun activities based on age and topic, as well as a fun summer bucket list.
The Wonder's Explorers Club
The Wonder's Explorers Club transports kids 5 and older around the world through its "Adventures with Emma" program. Each week, little ones can explore countries like Japan through live videos. Additionally, they can opt into classes like "Work in the Animal Observatory," where they'll learn all about ecology and marine biology from experts.
Camp Wonderopolis
Created by the National Center for Families Learning, Camp Wonderopolis encourages kids 7 and older to get creative through free STEM-based and literacy activities.
Camp Supernow
Camp Supernow is offering kids ages 5 to 11 the chance to engage with counselor-guided arts and crafts, movement, games, field trips, mindfulness exercises, and more. With a new theme each day, children will bond with their "virtual cabin," which is composed of eight to 10 campers. Oh, and there's even an end-of-the-season talent show! Two-week sessions start at $199 per camper.
Connected Camps
Tech-savvy kiddos ages 8 to 13 can explore their passions using Connected Camps' week-long, multisession lessons that explore Minecraft and coding.
DIY Summer Camp
Children 7 and older can access tons of classes like, "Drawing Bootcamp," "Build Anything With Lego," and "Strange Science" through DIY's app. To keep learning interesting, they also can earn badges for improving their skills. Although kids can try the classes for free, there's an additional cost for full-length courses.
MarcoPolo World School
Geared toward little ones ages 3 to 7, MarcoPolo World School's app aims to give kids a better understanding of STEAM topics like math, science, and engineering through more than 3,000 online lessons and 500 educational videos. There are also new lessons being added every few weeks, so consider your summer completely taken care of! Sign up for its free trial to get started.
K12 Inc. Summer Camp
K12 Inc. Summer Camp gives older kids the option to take free classes in coding, health science, business, and IT so they can explore potential career pathways during the warmer months.
Reading Rockets
Designed for kids ages 6 and up, Reading Rocket's free "Start with a Book" online program lets kids choose their own adventure by offering reading material, vocabulary exercises, and hands-on activities on topics like weather, planets, and stars.
Varsity Tutors
Kids between the ages of 5 and 18 can take advantage of Varsity Tutors's Summer Camp Program, which offers free half-day classes like, "Recycled Art," "Make Your Own LEGO Movie!," "Minecraft: Create Your Own World," and "Is it Ready Yet? Cooking 101."
Brain Chase
Designed for kids ages 7 to 14, Brain Chase invites students to go on an academic scavenger hunt by selecting three focus categories ranging from math to yoga to writing to foreign languages. They have six weeks to complete their objectives and find the $1,000 missing golden nugget. Send your child on this wild adventure for $100.
Outschool
Kids ages 3 to 18 can spend all summer long learning through Outschool's virtual camp program. Whether your children are interested in exploring space, want to learn how to draw portraits, or can't stop thinking about My Little Pony, there's truly something for every kiddo. Sign your kids up for these interactive Zoom classes and keep in mind that class prices vary!
YouTube's Virtual Summer Camp
Through Youtube's Virtual Camp program, children and teens can watch more than 1,200 videos, which touch on various topics ranging from yoga to science experiments and how to play guitar. The best part? It's free!
Camp OshKosh
Each week through July 10, Camp OshKosh will feature a schedule of virtual activities to keep young children inspired. From cute crafts to outdoor relay races and old-fashioned camping, this program is completely free!
MDA Virtual Explorers
Geared towards kids with disabilities between the ages of 8 and 17, MDA Virtual Explorers is offering courses that focus on cooking, music, fashion design, crafting, virtual scavenger hunts, and escape rooms. Parents are able to sign up for a week of camp at a time at absolutely no cost.
Nat Geo Family Camp
Nat Geo Family Camp's free eight-part series is for kids of all ages. Meant to help foster the same life skills as traditional camp does, there will be themed events - like a talent show and campfire activities - that will keep kids engaged all summer long!
Camp by Walmart
Thanks to a top-notch lineup of celebrity talent including Neil Patrick Harris, Drew Barrymore, LeBron James, and Idina Menzel, Camp by Walmart will be a surefire hit in your home. Completely free, families can access 160 interactive videos and activities that will keep boredom at bay.
Orvis Summer Camp
Kids of all ages can brush up on their outdoor skills in Orvis' free six-week summer camp program that engages them in their local ecosystems by exploring topics like wildlife, mapping and navigation, fly fishing, and dog training.
Grab Your Popcorn! Walmart Is Transforming 160 Parking Lots Into Drive-Ins This Summer
Ready to kick back and watch some entertaining family-friendly flicks? Because Walmart is turning 160 of its store parking lots into contact-free drive-in movie theaters beginning in August. Programmed with help from the Tribeca Drive-in team, a total of 320 screenings will happen across the US through October.
According to a press release, each drive-in experience will include "hit movies, special appearances from filmmakers and celebrities, and concessions delivered right to customer vehicles." Ahead of each screening, customers can order baskets of drive-in essentials that will be available for curbside pickup before the movie begins.
"Drive-Ins have been a signature program for Tribeca since we started the Tribeca Film Festival 19 years ago after 9/11," said Jane Rosenthal, CEO and Co-Founder of Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival, in a press release. "But now, the Tribeca Drive-In is much more than a fun, retro way to see movies - it's one of the safest ways for communities to gather. We are thrilled to partner with Walmart to bring more people together around the shared cinematic experiences that Tribeca is known for."
In July, Walmart and the Tribeca Film Festival have confirmed that parking lots in Arlington, TX, Pasadena, CA, Nassau County, NY, and Orchard Beach in the Bronx, NY, will be set up to show films like Wonder Woman and Space Jam before the 160 Walmart drive-ins officially open in August.
Visit the Tribeca Film Festival's website to buy tickets and see what deals its offering for frontline workers.
This 6-Minute AMRAP Workout Is My New Go-To For Arm Toning
I consider myself well-versed in fitness lingo and have tried more workout classes than I can count - everything from standard bootcamp cardio classes and traditional Pilates to acrobatic aerial yoga and trendy aqua cycling.
But the first time I heard "AMRAP," I had no idea what my virtual fitness instructor was talking about - like, zero clue. Seconds after I finished this mysterious (and incredibly challenging) AMRAP circuit, I knew my muscles would never forget.
For those unfamiliar with the term (like I was), it means As Many Rounds as Possible, or As Many Reps as Possible. "AMRAP workouts are versatile, easy to modify, and keep things interesting for those looking to shake up their routine cardio workout," Matt Kite, CSCS, the director of education at D1 Training, says. "The circuits are also great for building muscular endurance, improving cardiovascular health, and tracking progress."
AMRAP workouts are always attached to a number - you complete as many rounds or reps as possible within a certain amount of time. "For example, an AMRAP12 of 10 burpees, eight deadlifts and 12 push-ups, means you have 12 minutes to perform as many rounds of those three exercises as possible. AMRAP workouts can be as short as three minutes and as long as 60," Kite says.
AMRAPs also lend themselves well to customization - the exercises you choose to fill your AMRAP workout with can directly relate to your overall workout goal, though one AMRAP circuit should include at least two exercises to toggle between.
"If you're looking to work out a specific group of muscles – like abs or arms – choose exercises that target those. If cranking up the intensity for a cardio workout is your goal, choose dynamic exercises that incorporate multiple muscle groups to get the heart racing faster, like burpees, squat-jumps, or lunges with a bicep curl," Kite says.
When it comes to AMRAP workouts, listening to your body (taking breaks as needed!) and avoiding mistakes that lead to injuries are of the utmost importance. If you're new to AMRAP, Kite suggests starting off with a 5- to 10-minute circuit of bodyweight exercises, adding in weights or upping the time limit as you feel comfortable.
After my very first AMRAP workout, my fatigued muscles filled me in fast - this type of circuit is very demanding. Because you're focusing on completing as many rounds of the exercises as possible (with good form, of course!), you're not getting a ton of rest.
Try giving it a go for yourself with this AMRAP arm workout, curated by Kite. In six minutes, I completed nearly four rounds, but I was feeling the burn within 60 seconds.
AMRAP6 – ARM ISOLATION
Repeat this circuit as many times as you can, maintaining form, for six minutes. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
10 x Hammer Bicep Curl (5-10 lbs.)
- Pick up dumbbells with arms dropped to your sides.
- Flex and curl the weight, isolating your bicep muscle.
- Resist the urge to use momentum (swinging).
10 x Shoulder Press (5-10 lbs.)
- With a dumbbell in each hand, raise arms all the way up above your head.
- Now, drop arms to be bent at 90-degrees at the elbow.
- Flex to extend above the head again, focusing on shoulder muscles.
12 x Overhead Tricep Extension (10 lbs.)
- Pick up one dumbbell, raise it over and behind your head, holding only one end of the weight. Bend at the elbows and drop it down.
- Flex triceps and straighten arms.
- Keep elbows close to ears.
12 x Plank Shoulder Taps
- Start in a plank position, which looks like you're at the top of a push-up.
- Shift your weight to your right hand, lift your left hand to reach over and tap the right shoulder. Return to plank position.
- Shift weight to left hand, raise the right hand off the ground to tap the left shoulder.
- Return to plank position and repeat.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
Watch Judi Dench Shake Her Hips For an Adorable TikTok With Her Daughter and Grandson
One benefit of lifting lockdown restrictions is reuniting with your family and putting your TikTok skills to the test. Dame Judi Dench celebrated flattening the curve by joining her daughter Finty Williams and grandson Sam Williams for a family TikTok dancing challenge - and we wish our nan was that cool.
Judi has some impressive hip-rolling skills - the Skyfall and Cats actor danced alongside her family to the popular tune of "Laxed (Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685. The adorable video was shared on her grandson Sam's TikTok page (sam.williams1), with the caption "when Bojo let's you film a family TikTok." But before we even realized Dench's sweet moves, we seriously thought that her grandson was Ed Sheeran. They look so much alike! But don't take it from us: watch the fun family TikTok to see for yourself.
Watch Judi Dench Shake Her Hips For an Adorable TikTok With Her Daughter and Grandson
One benefit of lifting lockdown restrictions is reuniting with your family and putting your TikTok skills to the test. Dame Judi Dench celebrated flattening the curve by joining her daughter Finty Williams and grandson Sam Williams for a family TikTok dancing challenge - and we wish our nan was that cool.
Judi has some impressive hip-rolling skills - the Skyfall and Cats actor danced alongside her family to the popular tune of "Laxed (Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685. The adorable video was shared on her grandson Sam's TikTok page (sam.williams1), with the caption "when Bojo let's you film a family TikTok." But before we even realized Dench's sweet moves, we seriously thought that her grandson was Ed Sheeran. They look so much alike! But don't take it from us: watch the fun family TikTok to see for yourself.
Akt Deodorant Balm Is the Best Aluminium-Free Formula I've Used - and I Don't Say That Lightly
I never really believed in natural deodorant. I'm the kind of person who settles for nothing less than a clinical-strength formula that wicks away moisture (or stops it from appearing in the first place), and keeps me smelling fresh for the entire work day. So, when I pitched an article to my editor about the best natural, aluminium-free deodorants on the market right now, I was more shocked than anyone to find a formula that I could not only tolerate, but genuinely loved. Enter, stage right: Akt London: Born to Perform Deodorant ($20).
Akt London is a local British brand founded by Ed Currie and Andy Coxon, two dancers on the West End who know a little something about needing to feel fresh while working an extremely physical job. "We were in a show together called Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, at the Aldwych Theatre in London, back in 2015," Currie told POPSUGAR. "That's where it kind of started because, doing eight shows a week under the hot lights, training during the day, rehearsal, gym, class - you can imagine the amount of sweat that is inducing. Plus, we wear the same costumes every night, so there's no way of keeping them fresh. No matter how much they wash them."
Currie explains that it got to the point where he was throwing away t-shirts every single week, and he thought, "something's got to change." This is how he came to create Akt Deodorant Balm, which started as an experiment in the kitchen of his Camden apartment. Fast forward three years - and countless iterations of the formula later - and Currie was finally ready to use his fellow West End dancers to test whether his deodorant was efficacious. Spoiler alert: they loved it.
"It's their reaction that really made us realize how good it was," said Coxon. "It wasn't until we went to the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) to see a play that my friend was in with Caroline Quentin (from Men Behaving Badly). Her husband is a cosmetic formulator, so she put us in touch with him, who then sets us up with a mentor and it just got a bit more serious than us wanting to sell it on Etsy, which was the original plan: making it on the hob, packaging in tins, and shipping it out ourselves." Their new mentor suggested they start a Kickstarter to raise some money - they smashed their target within a day, and to date, have raised nearly $200K.
The best way to describe Currie and Coxon's brand, Akt London, is to say that it's beautifully considered. The packaging (from the box, to the tube, and even the custom aluminum cap) is recyclable and waste-free, which was extremely important to them. But aside from its functionality and nod to sustainability, the packaging is also extremely chic.
Inspired by their industry, the typography is based on the old theatre billboards, the spacing is like cinema and movie theatre signs, and they've even named the fragrances after scenes. My favorite detail, though, is the directions for using the product. "Let's set the scene," it begins. "You open the box and take out The Deodorant Balm . . . Akt lasts all day. But you put it in your bag. Who knows where today will take you." It's this level of consideration and, let's be honest, cheekiness, that made me so excited by Akt - but to find out the product works? Well, I'm sold for life now, aren't I?
Like I said, the deodorant balm actually works. When I asked what the magic ingredient behind Akt's efficacy, Coxon joked, "fairy dust!" Coxon also explains that they never set out to create a natural deodorant per se, especially given the reputation that natural deodorants usually don't work - it was just a happy coincidence, he says. "We created something called Deo-Barrier Complex, which is a proprietary blend," Currie elaborates. "It's made of a combination of plants and mineral powders. They're all natural and they rest invisibly on the skin, so you won't ever notice them being there, but they absorb the sweat and wick it away from the skin." Coxon adds, You'll see a lot of natural deodorants use very similar ingredients to us. This is why we call it Deo-Barrier Complex. So, it's the right measurements of all the ingredients in the perfect amounts that we've spent three years figuring out. We feel we nailed it."
The balm is a thick, dry-ish paste that spreads easily and while it feels creamy on application, it dries down almost instantly. Surprisingly, the Akt London: Born to Perform Deodorant Balm does a pretty good job of keeping me dry throughout the day, which is almost unheard of for an aluminum-free deodorant formula. According to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat Cosmetics, this is thanks to "baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as well as magnesium oxide, which also helps to absorb odor and wetness." Robinson did also note that baking soda can be irritating for some people who have very sensitive skin, but Currie assures me that this was a key consideration when formulating the deodorant, to ensure only a small amount was used in the balm.
Where many natural deodorants smell feminine, floral, or are very citrus-heavy, Akt's fragrances are created for all genders. In my opinion, they have more fresh, earthy, and spicy notes - which I love and actually think is sexy - and would compare all three to style of perfumes that Le Labo or Malin + Goetz are known for. "We never wanted it to be gender specific," said Currie. "Because it's 2020 - it's just a good deodorant that's going to work for anyone."
Running with the luxe and efficacious ethos behind Akt, Currie and Coxon also wanted the deodorant balm to be a self-care moment for people, too. That's why they've designed the brass applicator that's inspired by the ancient Chinese healing technique, Gua Sha. The applicator has dual purpose: first, to help apply the product and second, to give yourself a little massage afterward. "So you put a pea size amount on the applicator, and just apply it to your underarm," said Coxon. "You can literally, like spreading butter on your toast, just spread until it's absorbed."
Currie also says that while creating the deodorant balm, they wondered why people don't care for underarms in the same way they do with other parts of our bodies, especially given the high concentration of lymph nodes in this area. "We wanted something that was going to not just apply the deodorant, but it was going to massage that area to encourage microcirculation for lymph nodes and correct lymphatic drainage," he said. "If you do this specific massage afterwards . . . once you do it, you feel so zingy." I can personally vouch for this and, thanks to the deodorant balm's coconut oil and shea butter ingredients, the massage is a lovely self-care ritual that feels good for the soul - plus, it spreads the deodorant's fragrance around my upper body, leaving me smelling fresh all day.
Akt Deodorant Balm Is the Best Aluminium-Free Formula I've Used - and I Don't Say That Lightly
I never really believed in natural deodorant. I'm the kind of person who settles for nothing less than a clinical-strength formula that wicks away moisture (or stops it from appearing in the first place), and keeps me smelling fresh for the entire work day. So, when I pitched an article to my editor about the best natural, aluminium-free deodorants on the market right now, I was more shocked than anyone to find a formula that I could not only tolerate, but genuinely loved. Enter, stage right: Akt London: Born to Perform Deodorant ($20).
Akt London is a local British brand founded by Ed Currie and Andy Coxon, two dancers on the West End who know a little something about needing to feel fresh while working an extremely physical job. "We were in a show together called Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, at the Aldwych Theatre in London, back in 2015," Currie told POPSUGAR. "That's where it kind of started because, doing eight shows a week under the hot lights, training during the day, rehearsal, gym, class - you can imagine the amount of sweat that is inducing. Plus, we wear the same costumes every night, so there's no way of keeping them fresh. No matter how much they wash them."
Currie explains that it got to the point where he was throwing away t-shirts every single week, and he thought, "something's got to change." This is how he came to create Akt Deodorant Balm, which started as an experiment in the kitchen of his Camden apartment. Fast forward three years - and countless iterations of the formula later - and Currie was finally ready to use his fellow West End dancers to test whether his deodorant was efficacious. Spoiler alert: they loved it.
"It's their reaction that really made us realize how good it was," said Coxon. "It wasn't until we went to the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) to see a play that my friend was in with Caroline Quentin (from Men Behaving Badly). Her husband is a cosmetic formulator, so she put us in touch with him, who then sets us up with a mentor and it just got a bit more serious than us wanting to sell it on Etsy, which was the original plan: making it on the hob, packaging in tins, and shipping it out ourselves." Their new mentor suggested they start a Kickstarter to raise some money - they smashed their target within a day, and to date, have raised nearly $200K.
The best way to describe Currie and Coxon's brand, Akt London, is to say that it's beautifully considered. The packaging (from the box, to the tube, and even the custom aluminum cap) is recyclable and waste-free, which was extremely important to them. But aside from its functionality and nod to sustainability, the packaging is also extremely chic.
Inspired by their industry, the typography is based on the old theatre billboards, the spacing is like cinema and movie theatre signs, and they've even named the fragrances after scenes. My favorite detail, though, is the directions for using the product. "Let's set the scene," it begins. "You open the box and take out The Deodorant Balm . . . Akt lasts all day. But you put it in your bag. Who knows where today will take you." It's this level of consideration and, let's be honest, cheekiness, that made me so excited by Akt - but to find out the product works? Well, I'm sold for life now, aren't I?
Like I said, the deodorant balm actually works. When I asked what the magic ingredient behind Akt's efficacy, Coxon joked, "fairy dust!" Coxon also explains that they never set out to create a natural deodorant per se, especially given the reputation that natural deodorants usually don't work - it was just a happy coincidence, he says. "We created something called Deo-Barrier Complex, which is a proprietary blend," Currie elaborates. "It's made of a combination of plants and mineral powders. They're all natural and they rest invisibly on the skin, so you won't ever notice them being there, but they absorb the sweat and wick it away from the skin." Coxon adds, You'll see a lot of natural deodorants use very similar ingredients to us. This is why we call it Deo-Barrier Complex. So, it's the right measurements of all the ingredients in the perfect amounts that we've spent three years figuring out. We feel we nailed it."
The balm is a thick, dry-ish paste that spreads easily and while it feels creamy on application, it dries down almost instantly. Surprisingly, the Akt London: Born to Perform Deodorant Balm does a pretty good job of keeping me dry throughout the day, which is almost unheard of for an aluminum-free deodorant formula. According to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat Cosmetics, this is thanks to "baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as well as magnesium oxide, which also helps to absorb odor and wetness." Robinson did also note that baking soda can be irritating for some people who have very sensitive skin, but Currie assures me that this was a key consideration when formulating the deodorant, to ensure only a small amount was used in the balm.
Where many natural deodorants smell feminine, floral, or are very citrus-heavy, Akt's fragrances are created for all genders. In my opinion, they have more fresh, earthy, and spicy notes - which I love and actually think is sexy - and would compare all three to style of perfumes that Le Labo or Malin + Goetz are known for. "We never wanted it to be gender specific," said Currie. "Because it's 2020 - it's just a good deodorant that's going to work for anyone."
Running with the luxe and efficacious ethos behind Akt, Currie and Coxon also wanted the deodorant balm to be a self-care moment for people, too. That's why they've designed the brass applicator that's inspired by the ancient Chinese healing technique, Gua Sha. The applicator has dual purpose: first, to help apply the product and second, to give yourself a little massage afterward. "So you put a pea size amount on the applicator, and just apply it to your underarm," said Coxon. "You can literally, like spreading butter on your toast, just spread until it's absorbed."
Currie also says that while creating the deodorant balm, they wondered why people don't care for underarms in the same way they do with other parts of our bodies, especially given the high concentration of lymph nodes in this area. "We wanted something that was going to not just apply the deodorant, but it was going to massage that area to encourage microcirculation for lymph nodes and correct lymphatic drainage," he said. "If you do this specific massage afterwards . . . once you do it, you feel so zingy." I can personally vouch for this and, thanks to the deodorant balm's coconut oil and shea butter ingredients, the massage is a lovely self-care ritual that feels good for the soul - plus, it spreads the deodorant's fragrance around my upper body, leaving me smelling fresh all day.
Netflix's Dark Remade as a Romantic Comedy Is a Parallel Universe We Would Love to Live in
Netflix's Dark is a hit sci-fi drama series following the twisted timelines and parallel universes of four families in a small German town. If you're a superfan who just finished season three and want a bit more out of the Dark universe, then Netflix is giving us a special treat - a mock trailer of Jonas and Martha's untold love story, if Dark was remade into a romantic comedy.
"Dark: The Story of Jonas and Martha" follows two unsuspecting teens searching for love, and stumbling into time travel, while trying to lead a normal life. Although Jonas and Martha are seemingly perfect for each other, Martha is already dating Jonas's best friend Bartosz - and Jonas can't seem to be in the right place at the right time. Jonas is convinced that Martha is the love of his life and will do anything to get the chance to be with her and avoid an apocalypse. The story of Jonas and Martha, a kind of twisted Romeo and Juliet, or Adam and Eve, is "a romance that defies time, and space, the apocalypse, and their own family tree."
Watch Netflix's expectedly sombre trailer for "Dark: The Story of Jonas and Martha" above.
Elle and Noah Are Back With Even More Relationship Woes in The Kissing Booth 2 Trailer
If you've been missing the top-tier adolescent drama that is high school, Netflix has the perfect remedy - the trailer for The Kissing Booth 2. The sequel to the streamer's breakout original film is due to drop on July 24, and the trailer promises just as much secondhand embarrassment as the first!
The film picks up soon after the end of the first, with Elle (Joey King) and Lee (Joel Courtney) heading into their final year of high school as Noah (Jacob Elordi) begins his freshman year at Harvard. Elle and Noah are continuing their ill-advised romance long distance, which proves a little harder than they anticipated when they respectively meet Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers). Throw in the return of the kissing booth, college applications, and all the love triangles you can find, and you've got a packed plot! Will Elle be able to trust Noah? More importantly, will she realize that she's actually meant to be with Lee?? (I know I'm not the only one rooting for a friends-to-lovers ending here. Just look at Courtney's sweet face!)
Watch the trailer, check out photos from the film ahead, and get ready to revisit the infamous kissing booth on July 24.
Netflix's Dark Remade as a Romantic Comedy Is a Parallel Universe We Would Love to Live in
Netflix's Dark is a hit sci-fi drama series following the twisted timelines and parallel universes of four families in a small German town. If you're a superfan who just finished season three and want a bit more out of the Dark universe, then Netflix is giving us a special treat - a mock trailer of Jonas and Martha's untold love story, if Dark was remade into a romantic comedy.
"Dark: The Story of Jonas and Martha" follows two unsuspecting teens searching for love, and stumbling into time travel, while trying to lead a normal life. Although Jonas and Martha are seemingly perfect for each other, Martha is already dating Jonas's best friend Bartosz - and Jonas can't seem to be in the right place at the right time. Jonas is convinced that Martha is the love of his life and will do anything to get the chance to be with her and avoid an apocalypse. The story of Jonas and Martha, a kind of twisted Romeo and Juliet, or Adam and Eve, is "a romance that defies time, and space, the apocalypse, and their own family tree."
Watch Netflix's expectedly sombre trailer for "Dark: The Story of Jonas and Martha" above.
Elle and Noah Are Back With Even More Relationship Woes in The Kissing Booth 2 Trailer
If you've been missing the top-tier adolescent drama that is high school, Netflix has the perfect remedy - the trailer for The Kissing Booth 2. The sequel to the streamer's breakout original film is due to drop on July 24, and the trailer promises just as much secondhand embarrassment as the first!
The film picks up soon after the end of the first, with Elle (Joey King) and Lee (Joel Courtney) heading into their final year of high school as Noah (Jacob Elordi) begins his freshman year at Harvard. Elle and Noah are continuing their ill-advised romance long distance, which proves a little harder than they anticipated when they respectively meet Marco (Taylor Zakhar Perez) and Chloe (Maisie Richardson-Sellers). Throw in the return of the kissing booth, college applications, and all the love triangles you can find, and you've got a packed plot! Will Elle be able to trust Noah? More importantly, will she realize that she's actually meant to be with Lee?? (I know I'm not the only one rooting for a friends-to-lovers ending here. Just look at Courtney's sweet face!)
Watch the trailer, check out photos from the film ahead, and get ready to revisit the infamous kissing booth on July 24.
Articles
