Evolving Perceptions: women

India’s Daughter is the story of the gang rape and murder of a young woman that shocked the world and sparked riots and protests all over India. Grieving parents and one of the rapists tell the story of the night six men brutally assaulted 23 year old medical student, Jyoti Singh while driving around Delhi, India's Capital, in a bus.

"So many of our people grow up thinking that a girl is less important than a boy is. Because she's less important you can do what you like with her."
-Sheila Dixit, DELHI Chief Minister (1998-2013)

On December 16, 2012 Jyoti and a male friend boarded a private bus to return home after going to a movie. The six men on the bus objected to a girl and unrelated boy being out alone and in order to teach them a lesson they beat her friend unconscious and brutally assaulted and gang raped her for almost an hour as the bus rode round and round the highways, before throwing them out of the bus and into a ditch. Against all odds, Jyoti survived two weeks but died after multiple surgeries.
-Badri Singh

From birth Jyoti's parents considered her a gift, a light in their lives. When their daughter decided she wanted to be a doctor, her parents, against the wishes of their extended family, sold their ancestral lands to send their girl to medical school. After working night shifts at a call centre, and sleeping just three hours a night for four years Jyoti had just finished her final exams when her evening out turned fatal.

The brutal and brazen crime inspired Indians to take to the streets for over a month and protest their country's tragic problem of systemic violence against women. Ordinary men and women withstood tear gas, water cannons and police brutality to demand changes in India's attitudes towards women. The collective outrage has led to changes in law and the first glimmers of change in a deeply ingrained mindset.

India’s Daughter also examines the values and mindsets of the rapists whom the filmmakers had exclusive and unprecedented access to interview between their conviction and expected hanging. It exposes a skewed patriarchal society in which an institutionalized view of women as second-class, and even undesirable, citizens leads to such heinous crimes against women. It makes an impassioned plea for change and reveals the deadly price one young woman and her family have paid for the continuing tragedy of violence against women.

"Our daughter's name is Jyoti Singh. In death she has lit a torch...she posed a question. What is the meaning of 'a woman?' I wish that whatever darkness there is in the world should be dispelled by this light." -Badri Singh

India's Daughter is being aired around the world to coincide with International Women's Day (March 8) and will be shown in more than 15 countries around the world. It is a UK-India co-production of Assassin Films and Tathagat Films.

Before the film was even released it has been banned in India and has caused much upheaval. I encourage you take part in this important issue.

God, being the excellent creator of mankind, crafted a beautiful being which is capable of offering more sacrifices and compromises, more than you can imagine, in the name of a woman. Its very rightly stated that if for their dear and loved ones a woman can sacrifice to the utmost limit and fight against all the odds to bring comfort to the people they care about.

happy women's day, women, gift, celebration, what to get her

She has been always been there for us, irrespective of the relation they carry, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a mother, a sister, a friend. And its time for us to repay the unplayable with much gratitude and love, allowing them to rest for at least one day.

March 8th is celebrated as International Women's Day universally and on this we simply celebrate womanhood.

We usually wish to make this one day really special for them and greet her for being herself all year round without a single day leave or relaxation from her duties and familial responsibilities.

To honor this fact, we share a token of love through the form of gifts and flowers.

March, being the month of care, love and affection, reflects this event perfectly well. Let your mother or sister, or daughter know that she is special and treat her the way she deserves, which mustn't be less than a princess. God create women to face the circumstances which can never be handled by man or to take responsibilities of giving rise to new generation by tolerating unimaginable amount of pain and exertion. Thus, in every respect this is the day when you can honor by either sending floral gifts or itemized ones.

Who doesn't like surprises? Surprises please everyone and nothing can beat that experience. We should take this opportunity to clearly express our gratitude and love for them in our life. They have achieved a lot both in the work and home front, and thus don't miss this day to express how glad you are to have a woman in your life.

We've all been there. Staring at Pinterest with a glass of wine, browsing aimlessly through photos of models, bloggers, and celebrities. Subconsciously adding pin after pin to that "Trends I Wish I Could Pull Off" board. Let me guess: You were previously under the impression that "overalls" and "graphic tees" fell under that category too, right? Wrong!

I knew there was something special about these two items that we haven't worn in years.

GRAPHIC TEES

When I first got wind that graphic tees were making a victory lap of sorts, I was taken back to the good ole' days to say the least. You mean, cheesy sayings and cartoons, galore? Luckily, that’s not the case this time around. Today's graphic tees come complete with punchy imagery or cheeky one-liners we just can't resist. They're that perfect twist to any outfit — whether you're dressing up or down!

How to style it: Going for a dressy-casual look.In my mind, a drapey pant of black and white paired with a red heel is the way to go. The loose fitting pants balanced the tied-up tee perfectly, which I would absolutely suggest to avoid looking like, you know... a tent. Top it off with statement jewelry: a chunky necklace with pearls, drop earrings and a layered bracelet. This bold look is perfect for girls’ night, or even a casual office setting!

OVERALLS

Put 'er there, sister: Truth be told, overalls have come a long way since the MK&A days. I haven’t worn overalls since I was a kid. Even then, I never had shortalls in the rotation. Better late than never right? Incredibly versatile for warm weather, they too can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories! I’m also looking forward to styling these in fall. Some thick tights, booties, long sleeve top and chunky scarf? I’m ready for you!

How to style them: For a dressy day look (perfect for a brunch date!), pair your shortalls with a light, floral tee and strappy wedges. Bright lips and sweet, simple jewelry are all you need to complete your look. Patio in your future? Grab your favorite wide-brimmed topper! For night, just swap those florals for a slinky, dark blouse, and a pair of booties!
Will you put either of these trends to the test?

Caught that dreadful cold that's being passed around? Even though you may feel sick, these tips will help you look great.

We're right in the middle of flu season and germs are being passed around like hot cakes. It happens to all of us. Those mornings you wake up feeling awful because you picked up a cold along with that box of cereal at the grocery store the night before. Your skin is dull, your head is congested, and your eyes—yeah, they're puffy to say the least. We know the feeling. That's why we've gathered these tips for looking great, even when you may feel your worst.

1. Stay hydrated (on the inside and out)
Of course you know how important it is to drink plenty of water every day, but especially when you're under the weather. Just as important is keeping your skin hydrated as well. A rich moisturizer can help restore water in the skin and soothe redness and itching, creating a more vital, energized look. We love the Skinfix Daily Body Lotion because it immediately softens and soothes irritated skin without greasiness. It's made with all natural ingredients like calendula and chamomile extracts, as well as emollient oils of sunflower, jojoba, and grape seed. It works in conjunction with the Skinfix Body Repair Balm, which treats super angry skin with 2% colloidal oatmeal and ultra-rich natural active ingredients. Like the lotion, it's free of fragrances, parabens, and steroids. Apply this balm to a chapped nose or any dry patches of skin, for that matter. It's also the perfect size to tote around, so pack it or the hand cream in your purse before you head out.

2. Don't skimp on tissues
Getting sick is bad enough without having to deal with a sore nose. It might seem obvious, but treating your nose to good, quality tissues is super important. Rough tissues can irritate your nose and surrounding skin and can even cause broken capillaries. They're scent free and cool to the touch, which is incredibly soothing on an irritated nose.

3. Soothe those puffy eyes
We've got a few tricks for soothing the under eye bags and puffy eyes that unwantedly tag along with a cold:

Try sleeping with your head elevated on a couple of pillows to drain fluids that have accumulated in the eyes.

Applying cold, wet tea bags to your eyes for about 15 minutes will help de-puff and wake up tired eyes.

Try storing your favorite eye cream in the fridge. The cool cream will feel refreshing and further help to decrease under eye bags and is formulated with two much needed ingredients when your skin is dehydrated and dull—hyaluronic acid and caffeine. The hyaluronic acid will help infuse the skin with moisture (and keep it there for 24 hours) and the caffeine, as you can imagine, will perk up your peepers.

Eye drops—cooling, lubricating ones—are always a yes when feeling sick.

4. Stick with gloss
A pop of color will definitely brighten your look, but stay away from lipstick, as they can be drying on already chapped lips. A lip gloss offers a fresher, more light-reflective look. Find a gloss that's packed with argan oil, vitamin E, and omega 3 to keep lips soft and supple.

5. Bronzer is your best friend
Bronzer can be a lifesaver when you're paler than you ever thought possible. Just a light sweep of a light-reflective bronzer on your cheekbones and forehead can bring life back into skin by giving it a sun-kissed glow. Look for a cream-based product which will look natural on dry, winter skin.

6. Stick to the basics.
Unfortunately, when you're sick isn't the time to try out a new smokey eye or a bright, red lip. Instead, stick to a simple, light makeup routine. A little concealer under the eyes, around the nose, and on any blemishes, plus a sweep of bronzer and mascara is all you need.

Call this post a rant, but I decided it’s high time I wrote this in-your-face article to let people know what they’re doing wrong.

Time and time again I see my friends acting like, well, kids. It baffles my mind to how somebody around my age, can be so insecure that they behave like selfish, needy, erratic and crazy brats.

Life is tough. Life is even unfair, but that doesn’t mean we should keep acting out, believing the world revolves only around us.

My friends, I shouldn’t have to write this, but here are 7 secrets to growing up and maturing into an adult

1) You MUST recognize how you’re coming across and how others perceive you

You have your own thoughts and feelings, but that doesn’t mean people around you think or feel the same way.

So basically, what you say or do has a different meaning to others. It’s important to know how you’re coming across as to others because you don’t want to go downhill and have people judge you and start misunderstanding you to be a selfish person.

Why? Because face it. People are judgmental creatures. Image is important. It’s not going to do you any good if you go down that path of acting your way while entirely coming across as another to others. And yeah, you’ll come across as selfish if you think your way is the only way.

For example, say you’ve had a stressful week at work. You do indeed have the right to whine, rant or complain about it. Do it once, sure, maybe others will think you’re a hard worker. Do it everyday for the week? You’re a whiny brat then, and nobody likes a whiner.

2) Hence, you need to care about what others think too!

Okay I get it. The entire self-help world rages on about not caring about what others think and how that creates an awesome life for you.

But I call a little bullshit on that. To a certain extent, we all do care about others think about us. And how you play with that idea is an art. It’s make the difference between a masterful adult who’s brave enough to lead his life his own way and a stubborn little kid; between the adult who keeps his comments to himself and the kid who is (unknowingly) rude to others and then thinks he’s still right.

Yet, it honestly shouldn’t be that hard.

Care about what others think because you respect others and wish not to harm them. Care because you know others have their own challenges in life and thus the world doesn’t revolve around you. Care because, you care.

Don’t care about what others think because you know it’s just noise trying to drag you down from hitting your own goals and dreams. Don’t care because they’re toxic people. Don’t care because you know you’re own person.

3) Suck it up if it’s just a little pain

Look, this is life. There’re ups and then there’re downs. Not everything goes our way.

And when that happens, it is the adult who accepts it, learns from it, brushes his himself off and move on.

It is the kid who whines, rants and complains loudly about it.

It’s not a big deal if it hurts a little ONLY! So suck it up. It’s not the end of the world and nobody wants to hear it from you more than once.

4) Never hide your pain by trying to hurt others and drag others down

Unfortunately, a lot of people who’re hurting in this world function this way. This is why bullies exist.

I was never really bullied, but I’ve had my fair share of encountering people who thought they could put me down as a way of actually seeking my attention badly. They’d subsequently start justifying why they were acting like jerks and then reveal what their problem was.

So be open about it. A mature adult would be open about his problems and then actively seek the help he needs. A kid would complain, insult and then cry just for the attention.

5) So be vulnerable and learn to apologize

By that extension, an adult would willingly admit that they’re wrong too. An immature person on the other hand would hunt for excuses just to cover up their own mistakes.

Always make amends. Be a man. Be an adult about it. Learn to forgive others too. You’re not always right and you’ve to respect the idea that you screw up and make mistakes too.

Truly, the mark of a real man is one who not only faces those he fears, but also those he has wronged.

6) Never cry for attention on social media

Perhaps I’m a little biased on the way social media works, but I think this has to be said.

An adult seeks feedback on social media. He or she would break out of their comfort zone and expect to be judged as they showcase their work, art or opinion.

If it’s anything less than that, then you’re just crying for attention and seeking weak validation through the currency of likes, shares or comments. This is when you post some passive aggressive status that is vague in its meaning altogether. This is when you feel good because you hear what you want to hear from your friends, the ones who are too nice to tell you what you NEED to hear instead.

Then you call it a day and sweep your problems under the digital rug.

That’s what kids do. Don’t expect to grow up at all if you’re addicted to this.

7) Act and don’t act your age

Ahh. Another idea the self-help world has put on a pedestal, namely, that age is just a number and we should do whatever we want regardless of how old we are.

But honestly, how effective is that? Can we do that for every second in our lives?

Of course not. The world will be a crappier place overnight if adults refuse to act like adults and then start dumping all their responsibilities.

So like not caring about what others think, you’ve to play with this carefully.

Act your age because you need to be responsible and retain accountability in your life, especially if there’re people depending on you. Act your age so you can take charge and help those younger than you.

Yet, shed the ideas around what is expected of your age! Balance it out and start braving life by doing what you really want. Heck, help those older than you too.

Live a fulfilling life yourself. It’s very possible to do that without shirking your responsibilities.

Okay. Rant over! Help me share this if you know of friends who need to grow up!

“Turn your face to the sun and let the shadows fall behind you” – Maori Proverb

Highs and lows are a part of life. There comes a time in every person’s life when all hope seems lost. You may feel dejected and sad. However, the key to overcoming these times with a smile is not letting these affect you negatively. Use these difficult times as a learning experience, and try to get through them. You might feel hurt, but that is no reason to stop living.

Facing problems and heartaches are an inevitable part of life. In order to come out unscathed from such times, there are a few things you should do. Following are some of the things you can do to overcome the hopelessness.

This Too Shall Pass
“Sun emerges in the morning after a dark night” – Anonymous

Times may be tough now, but they are not going to last forever. Things will change and for the better. Keep reminding yourself that this is a phase and it will pass eventually. You might be dealing with family issues, or problems related to work, or maybe going through a rough time in your relationship. No matter what the problem is, it will pass, and you will look back at these times, and smile, remembering the lessons they taught you. So keep reminding yourself that these bad times aren’t here to stay. You will smile again. You will laugh again. You will be happy again. And you will achieve your dream.

Much of This Won’t Matter in a Few Years
The problems you are facing today may seem like huge problems at the moment, but a few years from now, they won’t matter. You will look back at these times, and laugh at how silly these problems were. Or you will be thankful to God, for giving you a chance to come out stronger than ever before. Whatever is happening, keep reminding yourself that this holds a small percentage in your entire life. Therefore, rather than feeling down, pull yourself up and out of the darkness.

Bad times have a habit of making us feel depressed. You might feel that there is no hope right now, but believe that you have the power to change your life. Visualize that you are changing your life, and take steps to make that vision a reality.

PAIN IS PART OF GROWING
Life is full of beautiful moments, and the only way for us to realize that is if we go through difficult times. Pain is a part of growing, and it makes you stronger. Remember, when you were first learning to ride a bike, and fell down multiple times? You might have scraped your knee or injured yourself in the process. But you kept getting right back up. Why was that? Because you knew that you had to endure that pain, for the end result was worth it. And then you got up, sat yourself on your bike, placed your foot on the pedal, and off you went on a smooth journey. You had overcome that pain and learned something invaluable from the experience.

These tough times are exactly the same. Once they are over, you will realize the importance of the things you have learned. And then you will be grateful for having had the chance to grow into a beautiful and strong person.

OTHER PEOPLE’S NEGATIVITY IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM
You must have heard the proverb,

“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

Difficult times are the same. However, during these difficult times, you will come across many people, who will let you down. Troubled times show, who your true friends are. If you are surrounded by negative people, then it is better to be without company for a while. Negativity will only make you feel worse. Try to be friends with people who lift your spirits, when everything seems to be going downhill. If you feel worse by being in someone’s company, then stop hanging out with them. It’s time to put your foot down and let them know you will not take their negativity any longer.

It is important to look at the beauty of life. You may be facing troubled times now, but life wasn’t always this way. Keep reminding yourself of the happy days you experienced, and look forward to a better future.

There Are No Highs without Lows
Remember, things never remain the same. The world is in an ever-changing loop. The only thing constant is “change.” Life is not a bed of roses. Things do not always go your way. At times, you will face disastrous days, while at others the sun will shine bright and new, with everything going your way.

When life is better, we have high expectations. The higher our expectations, the harder we fall when things do not work out. Therefore, it is better to always be prepared for the low times. Similarly, when the low times are over, good times will begin again. You might consider the times you are experiencing right now as the lowest point of your life. While for others, the same time may be the highest.

Therefore, always be grateful for all the blessings you have. And smile, for life is short, and happy moments are short lived. Make the most of your experiences. Keep reminding yourself that the sun will emerge and light will shine upon you once more.

These are five of the most important things you should remember, every time you feel down. Things may seem to be going against your wishes right now, but in time you will appreciate how everything turned out. Trust yourself and keep striving for the future. It will all be worth it in the end.

I’m curious – what’s the number one way that you have turned a challenging situation around in your own life?

If you have any extra ideas or questions on the topic please share them with me in the comment section below.

All the best,

...because sometimes it's OK to leave the red lipstick at home.

This romantic holiday is a good excuse to have fun with your makeup, whether it's a girls night out or a charming dinner with your special someone. Shades of red and pink are almost always the usual colors for Valentine’s Day; but remember, your makeup doesn't have to be this bold! Today Chicago bloggers Kaleigh Glaza and Ali Shelton from Lux and Concord show us how to keep makeup subtle and polished for any Valentine’s Day plans.

1. Keep a clean palette

Start with a basic base in terms of foundation and cover-up. Make your eyes and lips (our most alluring features!) the centerpiece of your look and just put on the bare minimum. Start off simple to even out your skin tone and cover up any pesky blemishes. Our current light coverage foundation favorites are: bareMinerals bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and the gloMinerals Luxe Liquid Foundation(which gives a lit-from-within glow, especially when applied with the Luxe Foundation Brush.

2. Add soft intensity

A smoky eye is the perfect beauty look for Valentine’s Day, adding just the right amount of drama. But do not go overboard with dark hues! Instead, stick to a neutral palette of gold, light brown, and nude colors that allow your eyes to be the focal point. First, even out your lid color with a light shade, like found in this All About Shadow duo in "Buttered Toast" from Clinique. Then, add some intensity! Use a palette with warm, metallic nudes, like this Milani palette (currently loving!). Play with colors to figure out what looks best for your eye color and have fun with a little metallic! Tip: Use a q-tip or your fingers to blend the colors.

3. Finish off the eyes

Complete your smoky eye with a thin layer of eyeliner from Cate McNabb. This applicator makes it simple to get a clean line. Apply short strokes at the base of the lashes until you achieve your desired effect. Remember, you can extend the liner further out for a cat eye look. Add a few layers of mascara from Cate McNabb or another favorite from MAKE (or a little of both!) to finish it off. We also love the Tarte Lights, Cameras, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara and the Laura Mercier Full Blown Lash Volume Building Supreme Mascara.

4. Keep it rosy

There is a time and a place for bronzer, but Valentine’s Day is all about a rosy flush! Apply just a hint of blush in a circular motion on the apples of your cheeks. The Dream Bouncy Blush from Maybelline in "Fresh Pink" is easy to apply with fingertips and will last the whole night.

5. Pucker up

A bold, red lip is a classic romantic look for this holiday, but sometimes subtlety is better. We love pairing a smoky eye with a paler, pink lip and just a hint of gloss. This tinted Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Balm in "Roomiest Rose" lays a nice base. Then top it off with this Revlon Super Lustrous lip-gloss for the perfect finishing touch.

That's it! Gorgeous!

We've battled dry scalp and now we're here to help you fight winter's double hair wrath—static and frizzy hair. If you're prone to both (or either!), here's our step-by-step guide for making these hair headaches a thing of the past. And to make it extra handy, we've compiled a pocket version of our trusty list with the key steps to combating frizzy, static hair.

Avoiding Frizz

Do A Conditioning Mask Once A Week
Be diligent about doing deep conditioning treatments once a week as frizz is a direct result of dry hair. Dry hair soaks up moisture in the air causing your strands to frizz . Deep conditioning for 10 minutes once a week, helps seal strands and prevent moisture from the air to seep in. This conditioning technique will fortify your hair with softness, smoothness, and manageability.
Try L'Oreal EverCreme Deep Nourishing Masque and Oribe Signature Masque.

Strategic Combing (For Dry and Wet Hair)
For Wet Hair: Use a plastic comb or your fingers when combing your strands. A plastic brush will eliminate tugging, tearing, pulling, and ripping. WE LIKE: The Wet Brush.
For Dry Hair: If it's necessary to detangle your hair when its dry—avoid using a plastic brush or comb as it only makes hair static. A metal comb is better (it acts as a conductor) to help fight static. TRY THIS: Tifi Pro Titanium Carbon Infused Metal Comb

Dress Your Strands
To further prevent hair from acting like a sponge and soaking moisture in the air, dress your strands in a protective, soothing coat—regardless if your hair's dry, curly, or straight. WE KEEP CALM WITH: Moroccanoil Frizz Control For All Hair Types FINISH WITH: Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme for added shine and smoothness.

Dry With Care
When drying hair with a towel, blot hair gently as you would your face—don't twist or rub—as hair follicles can break and cause fly-aways. (Tip: Microfiber towels or a soft t-shirt are better alternatives as they cause less friction.) If you're using a blow dryer, aim the nozzle down along the hair shaft to prevent frizz. Also, invest in an ionic, frizz-fighting blow dryer to lock out puff-inducing moisture on each strand. Try Conair Comfort Touch Tourmaline Cermaic Blow Dryer and Aquis Microfiber Hair Towels.

Cut Drying Time
Whenever possible, dry your roots on low heat and avoid drying hair tips to eliminate poof.

Sleep On It
We've personally discovered that drying our hair at night (either fully or slightly) and then sleeping on it, helps calm puffiness and frizz. Pro Tip: To preserve a blow-out, avoid tangles and eliminate frizz—place your hair in a high ponytail with a fabric scrunchie (yes, they're back!). You're hair will thank you in the morning!

Avoiding Static

Avoid Plastic Combs
As we mentioned above, the wrong kind of brush or comb can add friction to your hair. Opt for metal combs, as they reduce the amount of static present in your hair.

Rub Dryer Sheets On Your Hair
This is an oldie, but a goodie. Gently running dryer sheets over your strands or your brushes will work wonders to kill electric
charges that have built up. Another cool trick: Rub a dryer sheet along your pillow before going to sleep.

Spray It Down
Weigh hair down with hair spray or a spray that's designed to cut down on hair static
We like Oribe Cote d'Azur Hair Refresher or Tresemme Climate Control Spray.

Pin It Up
As a fast solution—rock a braid or top knot to keep hair away from your face and avoid static build-up caused by hair rubbing against scarves and sweaters.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is all the rage right now (but isn't it always?) and we constantly struggle to keep up with changing health and diet information. Often it seems that eating a balanced diet has been pushed to the wayside to make space for hipper alternatives to healthy eating. We know that figuring out how to keep a balanced diet can be difficult, but there are myriad benefits by simply including certain things in your day-to-day diet—many of these things can have a profoundly positive effect on your health. So if you are already mindful of cutting out the junk, also be intentional about adding in the good.

Nutritionists affectionately refer to this group of good foods as “super foods" as each is packed with nutritional benefits (and bonus: naturally low in calories!). With a wide variety of super foods available, we know you can find at least a few you'll enjoy. Was one of you resolutions this year to eat better or be healthier? Here's where to start!

Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet, but you already knew that! Here's what you might not know:

Blueberries
An excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, which can help you keep a lean physique and are delicious additions to smoothies and cereal. Blueberries also contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has been shown toreduce tumor growth. Eat as a healthy snack (fresh or frozen).

Kale
Kale contains more iron than beef and more vitamin C than oranges. It has high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, which help to alleviate arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Most nutritionists have determined kale to be one of the most nutritionally-rich green vegetables.

Pumpkin
Pumpkin seeds are high in potassium which is good for your heart. It’s also rich in beta-carotene which is converted into Vitamin A in the body. We need this essential nutrient to achieve strong immune systems. They alsostrengthen the immune system through a large amount of iron, help prevent diseases, and are good for your eyesight.

Avocado
Widely considered one of the healthiest foods in the world. Avocado is chock full of beneficial nutrients for your cardiovascular health. Such as:

Vitamin E content helps prevent cholesterol oxidation

Folate helps keep homocysteine levels in the blood at bay

Phytosterols help reduce cholesterol absorption

Potassium aids in blood pressure regulation

Fiber helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Aside from being heart healthy, eating avocado is known to have wonderful aesthetic benefits. The Omega-9 fats are great for repairing damaged skin cells. Its antioxidants help prevent wrinkling of the skin and the vitamin C aids the production and retention of collagen and elastin, which are the primary factors in skin elasticity and firmness. This means that daily avocado treatment can even complement a traditional skincare regimen. (And avocado toast is basically the greatest thing ever.)

Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a bit unique in that it aids in proper fetal development. It has a high variety of nutrients that will help your liver neutralize toxic substances, it's a good source of Vitamin C, and since it's so low in calories, it's a great staple in your everyday diet. And don't knock it until you've tried cauliflower "rice" or roasted cauliflower.

Spinach
Spinach is the king of super vegetables. Just one cup of spinach can help strengthen the immune system and fight infection. Most people eat cooked or raw spinach, but the healthiest way to consume it is juiced. Cooked spinach comes in second in terms of nutrition and raw is next.

Grains and Seeds
Whole grain has long held its reign as one of the simplest, healthiest, and most affordable food decisions we make.

Quinoa
Quinoa is a healthier and heartier alternative to rice. It is a gluten free grain that is rich in protein and contains good supplies of iron and magnesium (which can help with migraines). It is also high in fiber and contains every essential amino acid we need.

Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats contain more fiber and protein than regular rolled oats. Like most foods high in good fibers, regular consumption of steel cut oats may be beneficial for your cardiovascular health. Additionally, steel cut oats are good for preventing diabetes and controlling your blood pressure. Since they have a very low glycemic index, they are a great low-impact source of nutrients.

Chia Seeds
One tablespoon of chia seeds has more calcium than a glass of milk, and you don’t have to worry about the added fats or hormones in cows’ milk. Chia seeds also contain more Omega-3 than salmon and more antioxidants than blueberries. Just call them super seeds!

Flax Seed
Another great source of fiber, Flaxseed helps stabilize blood sugar and lowers cholesterol. They also contain more “lignans” than any other plant which are great for hormone regulation and immune system health. Flaxseed must be ground prior to consumption in order to reap the benefits.

A Few More Great Super Foods!
The foods we highlighted above aren’t the only super foods out there! Here are a few more highlights:

Salmon
Salmon contains Omega-3 which reduces the risk of heart disease. It's also an antoxidant and has high levels of B vitamins which are essential for a healthy metabolism and good mental health. The perfect portion to aid in fitness recovery.

Greek Yogurt
It's rich in protein and is packed with probiotics that aid digestive health and an average 6-ounce cup can provide roughly 20-30% of your daily calcium intake. Greek yogurt also goes great with the aforementioned chia and flax seeds: just drop some in your Greek yogurt portion for an extra healthy breakfast!

Coconut Oil
A healthier alternative to butter and other oils; it is a great source of fat. It moisturizes skin and hair, increases energy, can improve blood cholesterol levels, and is the perfect oil for popping homemade popcorn. The benefits and uses are endless. (Bonus: It’s been used as a remedy for hair loss and damage, as well as a conditioner and anti-dandruff applicant.)

Cocoa
Contains endorphins and helps to lower blood pressure, and helps your body consume magnesium and copper, among many other benefits. Be sure to stick with cocoa that's as pure as possible (85% or higher). Dark chocolate in particular is great for the body, particularly because of the anti-inflammatory elements in our body.

Sweet Potato
Offers a hefty serving of vitamin A, antioxidants, vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin D, and iron. They're also a good source of magnesium which reduces stress. Swap in sweet potato fries for the regulars, ladies!

Olive Oil
Improves bone mineralization which helps fight osteoporosis, lowers your LDL cholesterol, and lowers your risk of heart disease. Olive oil also improves bone mineralization which helps fight osteoporosis.

Walnuts
Help prevent heart disease, lower LDL cholesterol, improves blood flow, and are great for overall brain health. Did you know that men who eat walnuts have a reduced susceptibility to prostate cancer? They’re also full of amino acids and antioxidants.

Super foods are a great way to add variety into your diet. Through delicious and healthy choices you can improve your overall health without enormous changes to your daily diet.

Tell us, how do you plan on incorporating super foods into your diet?

If you own a cat, you probably already know how much your furry friend adores one of the most basic contraptions made by man: boxes. These cat owners definitely do, and we eat it right up from this side of the screen—there’s something inexplicably adorable about a cat trying to squeeze in a box at least five sizes too small for it. Uggghhhhh, don’t give up, kitty! Dare to defeat the impossible!

As cute as it may be, there’s actually a science behind why cats love boxes so darn much. Wired went so far as to break it down for us, and we love them for it According to their research it boils down to three things:

1. It’s a coping mechanism for cats in new environments. Veterinarian Claudia Vinke of Utrecht University in the Netherlands did a study where she provided boxes for newly arrived domestic cats in a shelter, and for a different group of cats, completely deprived them of boxes. There were totally varying levels of stress between the two groups of cats, with the cats who had boxes getting used to their environment at a much faster rate and feeling less stressed while also wanting to socialize more.

2. It’s serves as an escape for these anti-social critters. Apparently, cats are totally awful at conflict resolution, and instead of facing their issues head on (LOL, cats need therapy), kitties basically run away from their probs and hide in a box. In other words, for a cat, a box is a safe zone where negative feelings diminish.

Do NOT ever, ever, ever underestimate the power of a father’s love. Samuel Forrest just overcame a major hurdle as a new dad, and he’s only been at it for a few weeks. He is the proud father to a beautiful son, born January 21st in an Armenian hospital. Since then, Forrest has proven to be a deeply devoted dad to baby Leo, who was born with Down syndrome, as well as a champion for change.

He told ABC News, “They took me in [to] see him and I looked at this guy and I said, he’s beautiful — he’s perfect and I’m absolutely keeping him.” While it may seem strange that NOT keeping Leo was even a consideration, according to Forrest, a native of New Zealand, Armenian hospitals have an unconventional practice.

“What happens when a baby [with Down syndrome] is born here, they will tell you that you don’t have to keep them,” he told ABC News. While Forrest was unwavering in his decision to parent his beloved child, his wife reportedly gave him an ultimatum: give up the child or face a divorce. After Forrest decided to keep Leo, his wife filed for divorce, and Forrest began making plans to return with his newborn son to New Zealand. (His wife confirmed her delivery and divorce to ABC News but wouldn’t comment further on the issue).

Forrest’s situation was unexpected and difficult. He needed to uproot his life, now that his marriage ended just days after becoming a father to his special-needs son. Worried about having the financial ability to support Leo on his own, Samuel started a GoFundMe account, in which he hoped to raise $60,000 to get them through a year of medical care and physical transition. As of midday today, he has raised over $357,000.

The 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is coming out on February 9th (aka, in five days) and for the first time in the history of the magazine, they’re including an ad that features a “plus-size” model.The model, Ashley Graham, is featured wearing a tiny black string bikini, and she looks AMAZING —naturally.

The ad, according to ETonline, is part of the SwimsuitsForAll campaign (if you recall, SwimsuitsForAll recreated last year’s Swimsuit Issue and replaced the models with more full-bodied, curvier ladies to challenge our impossible beauty standards), #CurvesinBikinis. The viral movement encourages curvy women to feel gorgeous in their own skin, and in any kind of swimsuit.

This is monumental news, considering Sports Illustrated is known for solely selecting smaller-sized models for their swimsuit layouts. While ALL bodies are beautiful, it’s important to represent every kind of body type by including diverse shapes and sizes in the media. In a press release, Graham states, “I know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know that theirs are too. There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis.”

And we agree full-heartedly. Every woman, regardless of her size, should know that her body is beautiful, and it’s awesome that this sentiment will be reflected in Sports Illustrated.

Additionally, Graham is helping promote the way we should be thinking about health and body image: the healthy way. The model states, “I think that you can be healthy at any size and my goal is to help and educate women on that. It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or 22 as long as you’re taking care of your body, working out, and telling yourself, ‘I love you’ instead of taking in the negativity of beauty standards.”

Out with the negative beauty ideals, and in with the positive. That’s something we’re always behind, 100% of the time.

At 16, I had my first boyfriend, and telling him I was a virgin was a no-brainer because he was also my first kiss. He was the bad-boy type—definitely more experienced than I was—and I was attracted to him even though I knew I would never have sex with him. It was just too young for me; and anyway, I wanted to wait until I loved the guy I was with, and my first boyfriend was just a crush. So at 16, I thought I had it all figured out: find someone special and all the pieces will fit together (pun intended).

And then I got to college, land of the dorm rooms. In my freshman year I dated this guy who seemed perfect: sweet, smart, and handsome, the whole deal. The physical stuff came pretty quickly, but when I stopped him going too far and told him why, I felt tears come into my eyes. He wasn’t mean or judgmental about it—we were just about 18 after all—but he laughed at me when he saw the tears in my eyes and suddenly I felt misunderstood, and more important, pressured. That relationship didn’t last long. I knew that my emotional reaction meant that something about him didn’t sit well with me.

Time passed. Meeting guys in bars or going on first dates was much more complicated during my college years, because when the time came—when that question,“Wanna come back to my apartment?” came up—I invariably said no. That happened so many times that I practically perfected my responses, and, more than that, I avoided first dates. Were they all like this? Would every “good” first date end in an invitation for sex? Suddenly, my love requirement seemed flimsy and unattainable.

The third time I told a guy I was a virgin, I remember pushing myself to get the words out. The guy I’d been seeing sporadically for months was truly special, a kind boy with chocolate-brown eyes and that boyish shyness I couldn’t get enough of. He told me about his past sexual history, that he and his girlfriend had waited for each other, and that she was the only one he’d ever been with.

Hesitantly, with my head on his shoulder in his big wide bed, I all but whispered the words, “I’ve never had sex before.” Nervous about his response, I expected shock, discomfort, misunderstanding. But I really underestimated him. He said, “Really?”—but the question was free of judgment. When I confirmed it, I asked him why he was surprised. I was expecting him to say that I didn’t seem like the “type,” or else ask me personal questions about whether or not I was waiting for marriage or something. But all he said was, “I don’t know. I guess I just thought it would have happened for you already.” It was such a simple statement, so straightforward and honest. That was the best time. His response made me realize I was expecting judgment; and when I didn’t get it, I felt much more confident about my choice, as if it truly were “normal.”

More than that, I trusted him not to pressure me, and it was actually his idea to wait until we were absolutely sure about each other. When that time never came, I was in the unexpected position of not wanting to wait anymore. I felt like I had found something, and even though it ended, I knew that I wanted something like it again: with someone to trust, someone to love, and someone to share this experience with.

Still, a part of my brain found it strange that I had felt the need to explain myself, and an even louder part of my brain recognized that being a virgin shouldn’t be considered a bad thing. I shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed about it. I thought what a weird world we live in that someone is judged by their number of sexual partners, or lack thereof.

The last time I told a guy I was a virgin, it was via text. I’d met this pushy guy at a bar and he proceeded to text me nonstop for two weeks, trying to glean every bit of information about me all the while informing me what a catch he was. I was in a post-breakup downswing of emotions so I probably should have kicked him to the curb a lot sooner, but when the subject of sexual partners came up, I was craving acceptance enough to tell him—a virtual stranger—that I was still a virgin.

He did not take it well. He was like, “Well are you waiting for marriage?” As if he were preparing himself for a long wait. And he told me, “You know, it’ll probably hurt the first time.” Thank you, Mr. Health Teacher. And then he so gallantly offered himself for the task of taking my virginity, with one stipulation: “As long as you don’t get obsessed.” I somewhat impolitely declined, but not before he bombarded me with a bunch of less-than-tactful questions about what being a virgin was like, chief among them if I was sexually frustrated. At that time, I wished there were a middle-finger emoji to send him. But I also just felt drowned in shame and embarrassment, and despair that I would ever again be in a position to not feel that way about my virgin status.

At 23 years old, I’m confident about my choices. They’ve made me happy despite the complications, and I feel like I haven’t betrayed who I am. I know what I want, I always have, and I’m willing to wait to get it. But sometimes, waiting is tough, and now, I’m also waiting for the next moment that I’ll have to tell a new guy that yes, I’m still a virgin. This time I’ll say it proudly, without shame, and without apologizing for who I am.

Every few months, I seem to hear about the “thigh gap workout." While part of me mentally sports a sweatband and goes digging for the thigh master in my mom’s old workout junk, the other part of me realizes that to achieve the coveted “thigh gap,” I’d need a plastic surgery lineup that rivals Heidi Montag’s.

But I’d keep my nose.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that I’ve got more of a “thigh overlap” going on. Which can make finding shorts that flatter rather difficult. But I love the look of shorts! In my mind they’re more comfortable than miniskirts. I pair shorts with tees, with chambray, with sweatshirts, with sweaters, with a tank and denim jacket but a small part of me always dreads putting them on.

I’m sure you’ve had a moment in your shorts wearing past where you've had to dig them out from their bunched up state in your nether-region. I admit I’ve done it myself and it is not a good look.

LESSON 1: THE INSEAM

To prevent this unfortunate and uncomfortable wardrobe malfunction, try shorts with a longer inseam. An inseam is measured as the length of your shorts or pants from the crotch, for lack of a better word, to the hem. Ideally, the inseam will be at least a half an inch, better yet a full inch, longer than the point where your thigh is biggest. For me, my thigh is biggest about 2.5 inches down my inseam so shorts with a 3 or 4-inch inseam are the best bet. Most retailers offer styles in multiple inseam lengths so once you know which is best for your stems you can stock up.
So while wearing my most comfortable pair of skinny jeans, I got out my trusty tape measure and started to measure my thighs. (Deep breaths.) I started by looping the tape around at the top of my thigh, right up against the inseam of my jeans. Then I incrementally moved the tape measure down slightly until I needed to pull it tighter. I marked that spot with my finger and then measured from my jean’s inseam down to that point.

Et voila.

It wasn’t pleasant and I definitely used centimeters because that makes the actual size of my thigh a little less real, but I learned that my thighs taper down after a few inches. So now I can shop with confidence for shorts that I know will fit better and be comfortable!

LESSON 2: THE RISE

Pay attention to the rise of your shorts, measured as the length of your shorts or pants from the crotch, for lack of a better word, to the waist. Essentially, where the seams meet in your pants, down to the floor, is inseam. From that point to the waist band is rise. The rise is important to consider because too low of a rise, and you’ll get Barbie Butt (where your pants slip down exposing your backside like Barbie’s used to when she went to sit down in her pink corvette). You might find you like higher rise shorts (which are widely available now thanks to the 90s comeback). Higher rises will help to “contain” the area between your belly button and panty line. Rise is about comfort, and you should be able to get your thumb into the waistline of your shorts with them on and buttoned up. If you can’t, try a size up. Leaving room for your thumb will allow you to move easily and avoid the uncomfortable squeezing of your intestines.

LESSON 3: THE FABRIC

Now a quick moment on fabrics: Linen, satin or silk crepe shorts are stylish and very comfortable but will wrinkle considerably where cotton, chino, wool, brocade or lace will stand up to wear a little better. That’s also to say you could wear a pair more than once… or twice… before having to wash and dry them again. Typically blended fabrics will have more stretch. Cotton blended with Lycra or Rayon have some give to them.

LESSON 4: THE STYLES

Let’s take a second and talk about short styles. Most retailers will offer “five-pocket” styles that mimic the fit and rise of a pair of jeans or trousers. These pairs usually come in chino or denim or cotton fabrics that are perfect for summer. Wear them this fall with your favorite sweater or sweatshirt and boat shoes for a casual seaside look or with a big wrapped sweater and sneakers for a cozy bonfire.

Shorts that are suited to wear with tights are going to be darker colored, patterned and/or textured. Some will have classic that classic “five-pocket” look I just mentioned, while, others will have zips at the hip or in the back. There are styles available with pleats, which make them look like mini skirts, enabling you to have that long legged look without dreading what you’d do if you drop something on the floor. And, skorts are not the awful thing they once were! Many skorts in stores today are stylish, and will be perfectly suited for fall styling.

And finally, unless it is your thing, I’d recommend not pairing shorts with riding boots. It might border on go-go. Instead, wear fall shorts with tights and pumps or ankle booties. Try to create a long line with your legs by keeping the shorts, tights, and pumps in a similar hue. Monochromatic legs create a straight, long line. This helps create that tall, elongated look we all love.

Valentine's Day is upon us and if you're in a relationship, there's a certain expectation that attention must be paid. Your affection cannot, of course, be measured in dollars and cents. Then again, show up empty-handed and you might find yourself in the doghouse. But you don't have to go nuts on silly, frilly Cupid-themed crap—step away from the oversized drugstore teddy bear. You want to think outside the (heart shaped) box. Something that they'd actually like. Herewith, a range of options for every stage of a relationship.

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