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This Heartwarming Video Of Strangers Kissing Has A Bigger Message

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TimeOutEmbedPhoto: Ilya Melnikov/ Time Out Tel Aviv.
In December, Israel's Ministry of Education banned a book about the romance between a Jewish Israeli woman and a Palestinian Muslim man from being taught in high school literature classes. This month, Time Out Tel Aviv has created a heartwarming video in response to the news of the ban.

The book, Dorit Rabinyan's Gader Haya (Borderlife), was apparently banned for "threatening Jewish identity,"Haaretz reports. The ministry was concerned that the book would "encourage" relationships between Jewish Israelis and Muslim Palestinians, according to The Guardian.

For the video, Time Out Tel Aviv asked Jewish Israelis and Arabs to kiss on camera, in an effort to destigmatize the idea of relationships between the two groups. The video features six couples, including both same-sex and heterosexual couples. (Not all of the "couples" were real-life pairs, though — some were couples, some were friends, and some were strangers, Time Out noted.)

The video may not be able to stop the ongoing conflict, but it's a powerful reminder of the power of love, even in difficult circumstances. On YouTube, the video has already been viewed more than 374,000 times. Check it out for yourself.


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The Best Weekend Sales To Shop, Since You Didn't Win The Powerball

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New year, new you, new...spending habits? For some of you, your 2016 resolutions include taking advantage of every opportunity to save a dollar or deepen a discount. One of the easiest ways to keep on this path (while still indulging getting what you need), is to embrace all the long-weekend sales coming up on the calendar.

One note: This year, retailers have been wisely updating their marketing language to call this weekend’s deals "mid-season sales," rather than Martin Luther King Jr. Day sales — because, obviously, honoring and remembering MLK should be done in ways that don't involve a credit card. With that in mind, if you’re aiming to spend this weekend, these are the discounts you’re probably looking for.


Ann Taylor
Rarely do we love any length of time described as "long," but a long weekend? Sign us up. Ann Taylor's "Long Weekend Sale" runs until Monday, January 18. Save 40% off the newest styles and an extra 60% off all sale styles (just use the code WEEKEND).

Anthropologie
It's sale time over at Anthropologie. Pick up a few tchotchkes and whimsical dresses for an extra 40% off with the code XTRA40.

American Eagle
#SALEDIT indeed. AE's hashtag-riddled sale is too good to be true. Take an additional 60% off all clearance items, excluding jeans. But don't be too sad just yet, all of the store's denim is currently buy one get one 50% off.

Gap
The temperate weather outside might have us thinking otherwise, but we're currently in the midst of winter. Gap's great winter sale offers up to 75% off on all your winter essentials.

Forever 21
From now through Monday, January 18, take an extra 30% off all F21 sale items. The online-exclusive discount is shoppable with the code EXTRA30.

Marciano
Guess' upscale sister store has your 2016 holiday season covered. Shop its discounted dresses and more at an additional 50% off.

Guess
Take the guesswork out of where you should shop this weekend. This mall staple is offering an additional 60% off all clearance items until the 18th of January.

Need Supply Co.
Ah, the sale we're always happily waiting for. Our favorite Virginia-based boutique has a rad sale running on its site. With new markdowns up to 70% off, there's something for everyone — specifically, this under-$200 C/MEO COLLECTIVE coat (swoon).

Tibi
Fashion-fave Tibi will be offering an additional 20% off fall and holiday sale items (which are already up to 70% off). To receive the extra discount, enter FINAL20 at checkout.

Sandro
The grass is always greener on the other side...of the sea. Parisian label Sandro is having its winter sale. Save an extra 20% off the entire fall/winter collection for a total savings of up to 60% off.

Net-a-Porter
The true best time of the year is when we can snag our favorite designers at less than half the price. Skip on over to Net-a-Porter for some major savings during its ongoing sale.

Steven Alan
Head on over to Steven Alan to stock up on the best of the best when it comes to classic and minimalist trends. The site's holiday sale is offering up to 50% off, with an extra 25% off applied at checkout.

Opening Ceremony
"Binge a little" sounds like some bad advice we'd shamefully take. But in the case of Opening Ceremony's "Binge a Little" sale, we're wholeheartedly on board. Use the code BINGE to save an extra 15% off all sale items.

Express
Start your year off with a fresh closet of trends. Now through Monday, take an additional 40% off clearance items and save $20 off every $80 with the code 1032.

Old Navy
Until Saturday, January 16, save big at Old Navy with the code BIGSAVER. Everything on the site is currently 50%, and the code will save you an additional 20% off any amount; 25% off $50; and 30% off $75.

& Other Stories
Does this sale even need an introduction? Our favorite game-changing, fast-fashion site is currently discounting items for up to 70% off. Brogues, printed sweaters, and trendy hats galore!

Journelle
It’s crazy to believe but Valentine’s Day is only a month away. The queen of whimsical lingerie curation, Journelle, is letting customers find their special somethings early. Take up to 70% off all its lacy goodies during the semi-annual sale.

Urban Outfitters
Through January 18, get into the positive mindset of warmer days with Urban’s “Spring Forward” sale. Save up to 70% off select women’s, men’s, and apartment stock.

H&M
When prices start at $4.99, it's tough to argue against grabbing at least one thing. H&M's 80% off deal has hundreds of pieces to shop from January 14 through 18.



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Kylie Jenner Shares Inspiring Burn Survivor's Selfie

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Kylie Jenner has shared another selfie, but it's not what you're expecting.

Rather than showing off her Lip Kit or a brand-new hair color, the reality TV star is giving props to a young female burn survivor. Harley Dabbs, who suffered burns to more than 80% of her body as a toddler in 1997, shared a makeup-free selfie showing off her scars, prompting Jenner to repost it in support.

"This is 100% me," Dabbs wrote in the original post. "No filter, no Photoshop, no caked-on makeup. Just my natural, covered in scars, self. The most pure form of beauty. And I'm happy with it. 😌 As long as I think I'm beautiful, nothing or anyone else's opinion matters."

Jenner called the photo inspiring and encouraging. Dabbs' response, per Facebook, was pretty straightforward. "Holy crap!"

She also shared an Instagram note thanking those who have reached out with support.

💙

A photo posted by harley dabbs (@harleydearest) on


Can we please get more of this, Kylie?

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Ice, Ice Baby: Rio Opens First Chilly Bar Ahead Of Olympics

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RioEmbedPhoto: Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images.
The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be sweltering — but you'd never know it if you were inside Rio's newest bar.

Ahead of the Olympic season, Rio has created the Brazilian city's first "Ice Bar," which is as ridiculous as it sounds. The bar itself is made entirely out of ice, and drinks are served inside ice blocks.

The Ice Bar phenomenon isn't new — cities in Europe, such as London, have opened ice bars, but they aren't usually in cities with tropical climates like Rio's.

Rio's Ice Bar is perfect for tourists who want to get a taste of the city's landmarks — it features ice sculptures of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and of Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain. If you're a tourist — or a local who wants to try the latest fad — you can't just walk into the bar, though. You'll have to buy roughly $15 worth of Brasil Kirin beer from Prezunic, the supermarket chain that's sponsoring the pop-up bar.

And if you're worried about being too cold, the ice bar has that covered, too — patrons are given gloves and parkas when they enter. They spend a five-minute waiting period in a room that's chilled to 17 degrees Fahrenheit, before visiting the bar itself, which is set to about 14. Customers can only spend 20 minutes in the bar at a time.

The bar is sure to be a boon for tourism, even after the Olympics — Prezunic told AFP that it expects 20,000 Ice Bar visitors within two months.

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Blake Lively's Touching Tribute To Alan Rickman Celebrates His Most Memorable Roles

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Blake Lively's tribute to Alan Rickman, who passed away this week at 69, celebrates two of his most famous characters with just one Instagram.

The actress shared a cartoon from The New Yorker that shows an illustration of Rickman as his classic Die Hard villain Hans Gruber. He's sitting down with his nemesis John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, having a beer.

The joke being that, after all these years, McClane finally has to hand it to him: "Here's to the best antagonist a guy could ask for."



But Lively decided to add her own little message to Rickman, writing, "RIP Professor Snape. We will miss you."

She ended her post with a quote from Rickman himself that talked about his hopes for life and art: "If only life could be a little more tender, and art a little more robust."

With this post, Lively joined many other Harry Potter fans who expressed their grief over Rickman's death from cancer through tweets, Instagrams, and their favorite Snape memes.

Rickman's Potter co-stars, like Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, along with author J.K. Rowling, also took to social media to pay tribute. Like Lively, Emma Watson shared a quote from Rickman, but her choice of his words had some accusing her of using her co-star's death to push her political agenda.




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"A Man-Made Disaster": The Flint Water Crisis In Photos

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The water crisis in Flint, MI, hit new levels on Wednesday, as members of the National Guard arrived in the city to help distribute water supplies to local residents.

The city has suffered for more than a year from dangerous levels of lead in its public water. The situation started in 2014, when Flint switched its public water supply from the Detroit water system to the local Flint River in an effort to save money. The river, historically polluted by industrial waste, produced water that was discolored and foul-smelling. More damningly, in September a report found that the levels of lead in young children's blood had more than doubled since the switch.

Despite enormous levels of outrage from residents, officials repeatedly insisted that the water was safe to drink. The crisis only came to national attention in mid-December, after Mayor Karen Weaver issued an official declaration of a state of emergency over the city's drinking water. In the statement, she called the situation a "man-made disaster" and the damage irreversible. Testing has found that the tap water is extremely contaminated with lead, which can cause serious brain damage, especially in children.

To add insult to literal injury, the city has started to send overdue payment notices that threaten to cut off water service. Flint is still charging residents for its toxic water.

Since Wednesday, National Guard members and FEMA have been in the city, dispersing supplies of bottled water and lead filters to citizens. The following images that have emerged — of uniformed troops bearing disaster supplies, of distraught citizens — show just how dire the situation has become.

A National Guard member carries bottled water for a Flint resident.

Thousands of bottles of water await distribution in a local warehouse. Researchers testing lead levels in the water have warned residents to only use tap water after filtering it extremely rigorously.

A member of the National Guard helps a Flint resident carry a case of water to her car.

The city's tap water is so discolored that it looks more like apple juice.

A Flint resident breaks down in tears outside a city council news conference. Residents were barred from attending the press conference, where Gov. Rick Snyder spoke about the crisis.

A shipment of bottled water arrives in Flint. The state has requested aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The state has been distributing free water filters to citizens as a temporary measure, while officials plan measures for making the local water supply safe again.

A member of the National Guard waits with a load of bottled water. City officials have warned residents of scammers who will try to sell filters and water bottles, which the city is giving away for free.

While the city claims that the water supply was adequately treated for safety, independent testing found lead levels as much as five times higher than what is considered safe, and in some cases several hundred times higher.

A 6-year-old girl gets tested for levels of lead in her blood. A study found that the levels of lead in the blood of young children had more than doubled since this city switched its water source.

A citizen carries a free water filter and case of bottled water.

A resident hugs a member of the National Guard in thanks for his aid.



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This Church Is Shaped Like A Shoe — To Attract Women

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A place of worship is expressly targeting female congregants who worship shoes — thanks to its high-heel-shaped architecture. (No, really.) Next month, a church in Chiayi, Taiwan that's constructed entirely of blue glass and shaped like a pump will open its doors, according to Huanqiu.com.

Apparently, the church intends to lure women in with its "100 female-oriented features," like biscuits and cakes, plus "chairs for lovers," perfect for couples' photo opps, a spokesperson for Chaiyi's seaside Taiwanese region told The Daily Mail.

Slated to open early next month, the church's debut is timed to the Chinese New Year on February 8. The bizarre edifice took more than two months to construct, is comprised of 320 pieces of blue-hued glass, and clocks in at 55 feet tall and 36 feet wide.

It's unclear what the strange structure's specific religious denomination will be. The church's name hasn't yet been disclosed, either, though Curbed's suggestion sounds pretty fitting: The Church of Our Blessed Misogyny.

As a tourist attraction and obvious photo-opp, a heel-shaped church is kind of brilliant. But as a tactic for drawing women to worship (since we all, you know, worship our shoe collections, obviously), it's pretty patronizing.

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Amal Clooney On Why Her Newfound Fame Is Actually A Good Thing

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amal_rexfeatures_5470346ep_embedPHOTO: Richard Young/REX Shutterstock
To say marrying George Clooney changed Amal Clooney's life, is a bit of an understatement. Before her high-profile marriage, Clooney was a well-respected human rights lawyer. And after, she's a high profile human right's lawyer's whose every fashion move is now covered in the press.

But, in her first TV interview with NBC News, the typically press shy Clooney admitted that she has found her newfound celebrity to be a good thing — when it comes to helping the causes she cares about.

"I think it's wonderful celebrities would choose to spend their time or energy or, you know, the spotlight that they have to raise awareness about these causes," she said. "I don't really see myself in the same way because I'm still doing the same job that I used to do before."

Clooney is doing the same thing, but she knows that there are substantially more eyes on her thanks to her new last name.

"You know, I think there is a certain responsibility that — that comes with that," she said of being married to a celebrity. "And you know, I think I'm exercising it in an appropriate manner by continuing to do this kind of work and engaging with the media on issues that I think are important."

Even in this interview, Clooney didn't talk about her husband, but used her time to discuss the human rights violations going on in the Maldives. Specifically how her latest client, the former president, Mohamed Nasheed, is now a prisoner.

"Democracy is dead in the Maldives," Clooney said, noting that the area has the highest rate of recruitment of ISIS fighters. "Literally, if there were an election now there would be no one to run against the president. Every opposition leader is either behind bars or being pursued by the government through the courts."


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The Duchess Of Cambridge Will Guest-Edit The Huffington Post

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embed (25)Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images.
Last year, mental health issues were given more space than ever before by editors and media outlets, with publications such as VICE, The Times, the BBC, and the Sunday Mirror all nominated for the Mind Media Awards. Hopefully, the increased coverage had a positive effect on the estimated one in five people who suffers from mental health problems in a given year in the U.S. (that's one in four in the U.K.), and hopefully, the issue will continue to be prioritized in 2016.

In a surprising move, Kensington Palace has announced that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is to guest-edit The Huffington Post's U.K. website for a day in mid-February. She'll commission a series of features focusing on mental health in children from leading experts in the field, as well as teachers, parents and “young people” — presumably who have suffered mental health issues in childhood. It’s an extremely important issue, and one that’s been underreported with the majority of mental health editorial focusing on adult issues and treatments.

“The Duchess of Cambridge has made the mental health of young children a key focus of her work in recent years," Kensington Palace said in a statement. "She is delighted that The Huffington Post will help put the spotlight on this important issue.”

“I know that I was lucky — my parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to, but of course many children aren’t so lucky," Kate said at the Place2Be Headteacher Conference late last year as she addressed parents, teachers and school staff. "Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges."

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The Best Of All The New Stuff That Just Appeared On Zara

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Imagine how much easier shopping online would be if your gchat BFF was always online — telling you what to buy and what to skip. Because then, you wouldn't find yourself in the same situation every two weeks, with 30 Zara.com browser tabs open, and at least 10 items already in your cart.

Calling fast-fashion's never ending pages of on-trend items overwhelming would be an understatement, so we're clueing you in on our must-buy Zara picks. Consider this your one-stop shop, or like a best friend signing on to help you sort through the virtual piles. Whether you're in the market for affordable, wear-everyday footwear or some new cold-weather layering staples, click on to score the 15 items we'll be ordering from the fashion-girl favorite this week — because we know it's never that long before a new wave of product hits.

A cream-colored leather bootie is just as versatile as your usual go-to black ones, but there's something undeniably chic about the idea of working these into a monochrome winter-white look.

Zara High-heel Leather Ankle Boots With Zip, $119.00, available at Zara.

For office air conditioning or airplane travel, a cozy long cardigan with a hood is a must.

Zara Long Jacket With Hood, $59.90, available at Zara.

You can never seem to find a good going-out piece when you need one, so saving this metallic stunner in your closet will be a major relief when that unexpected after-work event comes up.

Zara Metallic Dress, $49.90, available at Zara.

We've praised the grandma heel on multiple occasions by now, and these expensive-looking white ones are a must for pairing with mom jeans or culottes and sheer tights.

Zara
Leather Ballerinas With Heel, $59.90, available at Zara.

Elevated basics are certainly one of Zara's strengths, like this ribbed turtleneck you'll wear the heck out of.

Zara Turtle Neck Sweater, $29.90, available at Zara.

It's hard to resist buying such a classic, comfortable, and wearable heel at such an attractive price.

Zara High-heel Backless Sandals, $39.90, available at Zara.

This is one of those tops that works just as well for work as it does for going out on the weekends, so in your efforts to combine those two wardrobes, this purchase is totally justified.

Zara Knot Top, $49.90, available at Zara.

An everyday bag that looks like it could be Céline is ideal for completing casual weekend ensembles and interview outfits, alike.

Zara Tote With Metallic Straps, $49.90, available at Zara.

If you haven't stocked up on Zara's plain, three-quarter sleeve mockneck tops yet, well, what are you waiting for? They're the ultimate layering piece for carrying you through March.

Zara Basic Top, $15.90, available at Zara.

Every now and then, Zara gets a dress that'll have everyone asking you, "Who makes that?" Nope, it's not vintage, and it's not Valentino — "It's just Zara!" you'll reply.

Zara Long Dress With Floral Print, $69.90, available at Zara.

A top that feels as comfy as a sweatshirt but looks dressy enough to wear to a board meeting? Adding this one to cart immediately.

Zara Jacquard Sweatshirt, $25.90, available at Zara.

Maybe you haven't had "oversized denim shirt" on your shopping list, but it's one of those pieces you can really get experimental and unexpected with as far as styling goes — Zara suggests throwing it over a black high-neck top and wide-leg trousers.

Zara Oversized Denim Shirt, $49.90, available at Zara.

The pieces we end up pulling the trigger on from Zara usually have all the qualities of this here heel: They're expensive-looking, comfortable, affordable, and versatile.

Zara High-heel Slingback Shoes, $49.90, available at Zara.

It's usually the little unexpected details that make one Zara piece stand out from the rest — on this top, it's the subtle pleated cuffs that have us swooning.

Zara Top With Pleated Cuffs, $29.90, available at Zara.

No, we're still not off of our frayed-denim kick, and a midi length combined with the raw hems and a flattering wrap style make this skirt a win.

Zara Skirt With Slit, $39.90, available at Zara.



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John Krasinski Talking About His Daughter Will Melt Your Heart

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JKEmbedPhoto: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.
We all know that John Krasinski now has rock hard abs for his new movie, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, but it's obvious the actor will always have a soft spot for his daughter, Hazel.

While on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the actor opened up about his (almost) 2-year-old daughter. To Krasinski, being a dad is "the greatest thing ever.""She is talking," he said, then quickly clarified, "She is talking a lot. She is starting to do little bits. It's hilarious."

For example, he said, instead of saying, "Where's Daddy?" she asks, "Where is that Daddy!"

"I was like, that's so weird..." he joked. It seems Krasinski's funny guy attitude has been making an impression on the tyke. He is married to actress Emily Blunt, who is originally from London, and her English accent is also starting to rub off on Hazel.

One of her favorite words to immitate? Water. "She says "wUter," Krasinski said. But he's pretty sure she'll grow out of that.

"Just wait till she gets to kindergarten when people go, 'What's that accent?' and she'll go, 'Water! Water!' "

We agree, Krasinski. She sounds pretty hilarious. Maybe a little mini-The Office spin-off with her as the star? The Daycare, anyone?

Watch the full clip below.
Video via YouTube.


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I Am An Unfeeling Robot But Somehow Someone Is Still Marrying Me

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Planning a wedding can be all-consuming. Meeting with vendors, finalizing a guest list, sending save-the-dates and invitations — there's a lot of work that goes into a one-day event. But what the well-wishers won't tell you outright is that they usually have a certain idea of how your wedding (and your relationship) should be. And if you're not a particularly romantic person by nature (which I'm not), wedding planning can be even more difficult.

When people find out you're engaged, you'll start getting feedback from everyone, be they friends of your parents or your extended family members. People on your guest list, as well as the vendors themselves, often expect you and your fiancé to act a certain way during your engagement. Extended family members might be hoping for romantic photos from your engagement shoot and everyone from your boss to your third cousin twice removed will want to know every detail of how he proposed.

As someone who doesn't gravitate toward the idea of romance, I've found queries like these overwhelming at best — and off-putting at worst. My answers are never enough to satisfy the question-askers and a lot of times, they're disappointed, if not outright disapproving. (My fiancé, Steve, and I are getting married in North Carolina and many Southern vendors aren't used to having male bridesmaids, which we will, or a bride without an engagement ring, which I am.)

The truth is, I've never been a romantic person and planning a wedding hasn't changed that. In high school, I didn't understand The Notebook's appeal when my friends gathered to watch it at sleepovers. My sister happily read the Twilight series. I staunchly avoided them.

In retrospect, it helped that social media wasn't huge when I was in high school. I didn't have a Facebook account until I was a senior and there was never pressure to post romantic photos of myself with my high school boyfriends online. I knew I had different interests from some of my romantic-minded peers — I was always the one being asked, "Why do you have to be so negative?"— but I didn't think of it as truly odd until we started the wedding-planning process.
The pressure to be a perfectly romantic couple crops up at strange points in wedding planning. It can be anything from an awkward photo request to an offhanded comment. Bridal shows, at least in the South, were a particular source of groans on my end.

Last summer, my fiancé and I, along with both of my parents and my sister, went to a large bridal show at the state fairgrounds, and it quickly became obvious that I was not the bride many of these vendors were looking for. (My blood still boils when I think of the catering company giving away salad dressing containers, because brides "diet" before weddings.) One real estate company, for example, had a hot air balloon basket for couples to take photos in. Of course, there was a catch: The employees directed us to "recreate a special moment" for the photo, complete with a giant plastic diamond.

I was instantly a spoilsport at that photo booth. For us, there was no specific special moment to recreate — we planned our engagement together and there was certainly no ring involved. But at the behest of my family (and the aggressive vendors), we took the photo and I conjured an exaggerated look of surprise. My parents loved the picture, dubbing it "so cute," even though I meant it in a mocking way.

In a similarly awkward experience, my mom won a free photo shoot with a romance-loving photographer who took dozens of photos of Steve and me with our noses touching. Not only was this not an image I'd be inclined to share with anyone, but it was also far from romantic. It was August in North Carolina, it was extremely hot, and our noses kept slipping, because we were so drenched in sweat. (Luckily, we had a much better experience at our engagement shoot with the photographer who's doing our wedding. After a few minutes, he quickly ascertained that we were "more comfortable not touching" in the photos.)
Steve is my best friend and I'm thrilled that we're going to spend our lives together. It's great to know that so many people are here to celebrate the occasion and share in our joy. But, this essay aside, I'm a very private person and it's been hard to invite 150 people into our relationship. I understand that these people are here to support us, but being mushy, in private or in public, has never been part of who I am.

And while I'm happy to do wedding planning my way, sometimes, I do feel like I'm not a "good" bride for not being more romantic. For so many people, being romantic comes naturally — their love is evident from their photos, wedding vows, and Facebook posts. Spending holidays with my family is sometimes challenging — my sister and her boyfriend are very romantic and my extended family gushes over them. I'm sure they wish I were more like her in that regard, and sometimes, it feels like my relationship is somehow less real than hers, even though I'm getting married first.

But in the end, none of that matters, because it doesn't impact my relationship. It's not the picture-perfect idea of romance that the wedding industry sells, but it works for us. Steve and I are happier together than we are apart, which is really what everyone's looking for in a relationship, right?

The last time I wrote an article about my engagement, the internet didn't take it well. My story was picked up by conservative blogs that mocked me for ruining romance and accused me of generally being a feminist killjoy. Many of the comments encouraged Steve to get out while he still could. It baffles me that these people — like the acquaintances I haven't spoken to in years and random vendors at bridal shows — are so invested in my relationship. My approach to planning my wedding isn't going to take down the wedding industry or uproot longstanding wedding traditions.

The industry thrives on these ideas of perfect romance — a $2,000 cinematic video set to a Jason Mraz song, a blinged-out dress that costs more than several months' rent, elaborate love-themed favors and decorations. I'd love to have a wedding that guests will enjoy and have some great photos to remember it, but our relationship — and the lifetime ahead — is more important to me than the industry's theatrics. A wedding lasts a day; a marriage lasts (hopefully!) a lifetime. For us, being friends, partners, and companions is the strength of our relationship. And if that comes at the expense of fitting into someone else's idea of picture-perfect romance, so be it.

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The Touching Way Harry Potter Fans Are Honoring Alan Rickman

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Alan Rickman's death — the Brit died of cancer on Thursday at the age of 69 — has inspired his close friends, co-stars, celebrities, and fans to pay tribute to the actor in myriad beautiful ways. Potterheads are flocking in droves to the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida. One left a lily — symbolic of Snape's love for Harry's mother Lily — at the door to the potions professor's classroom. Many are raising their wands to Rickman in front of the Hogwarts castle, harkening to the scene in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince where the entire school mourns the death of beloved headmaster Albus Dumbledore. And Snape-lovers all over the world are posting pictures of that poignant tribute on Twitter and Instagram. Here are a few of our favorites.


💔😢 #alanrickman @norra2323

A photo posted by 👼🏼✨ (@valmsx) on

Single lily outside Potions classroom door at #wizardingworldofharrypotter 💔

A photo posted by @sxpnce on



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Lucy Hale Just Got Hacked By A Very Big Taylor Swift Fan

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Lucy Hale's Twitter was hacked, and although we don't know who did it, we do know they're a pretty big Taylor Swift fan.

On Thursday, Hale's 4.9 million followers starting seeing tweets filled with Swift lyrics. First, there was a tweet that mentioned Swift and featured the "Wildest Dreams" lyric, “So bad but he does it so well.”

Then a message with the lyric, “Boys only want love if it’s torture,” from Swift’s “Blank Space” was sent out.

Shortly after that, the hacker seemed to take hold of her Instagram, posting a photo of Hale with both a "Wildest Dreams" lyric ("Say you'll remember me") and a "Blank Space" reference ("And we're also young and reckless").

The ghost emoji certainly added a very nice touch to the whole thing.

👻 say you'll remember me. And we're also young and reckless.

A photo posted by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on


Before anyone could spread rumors of a feud, Hale's reps confirmed to Gossip Cop that the Swift-centric posts were from a hacker, not the Pretty Little Liar actress.

Though Hale has not officially confirmed the hack herself, it does seem she (or, maybe her hacker) has a sense of humor about the whole thing. Her latest retweet is of a photo of Swift from her "Blank Space" video.

You know, the one with the mascara tear-stained cheeks and the manic look in her eyes? The message: "Basically, this is me & my friends."
OPENER IMAGE: Rob Latour/REX Shutterstock


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Time To Party! NYC Venues Perfect For Any Bash

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It’s called the city that never sleeps for a reason. On any night of the week, New Yorkers are enjoying a cocktail, a dance party, a special meal, a karaoke session, and so much more. In fact, there are so many ways to cut loose, it can be a little overwhelming to choose just where you'll do it. Fear not, though: Here's a whole list of places where you can get down for any occasion, whether it's your 21st birthday party, your wedding, a holiday party, or a get-together "just because."

The Wooly
A place to party in the Financial District—yes, it’s possible! This speakeasy is hiding inside the landmark Woolworth Building (the old skyscraper with the pointy, aged-copper roof to you), and the feel is adorably funky. With two rooms, you can relax at the bar or tear up the little dance floor.

The Wooly, 11 Barclay Street (between Church Street and Broadway); no phone.

Up and Down
It’s your party and you’ll make everyone get dressed up and hit a nightclub if you want to. You’ve got a serious scene on your hands at this place, but the two glossy levels have slightly different vibes. We prefer the one with the circa 2000 rap music.

Up and Down, 244 W 14th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues); 212-242-4411.

Frannys
It’s very farm friendly at Franny’s, where the food is local, sustainable, and organic. They even convert the kitchen grease to biodiesel fuel! The restaurant is a great place to dine on veggie-tastic pastas and pizzas, or you can use the cellar for private meals, from birthday dinners to weddings.

Franny’s, 348 Flatbush Avenue (between Sterling Place and 8th Avenue), Park Slope; 718-230-0221.

Cienfuegos
Named after the Cuban resort city, this restaurant feels like an old Caribbean manse, with bold green walls and bright white furniture. The decor is enough to transport you, but the food is incredible. There’s an emphasis on rum drinks, naturally, and did we mention the guacamole with pork belly? Consider moving up your birthday drinks, so you can have the dinner here, too.

Cienfuegos, 95 Avenue A (at 6th Street); (212) 614-6818.

NoMad Hotel Rooftop
Holy moly, is the NoMad Hotel beautiful. It’s decorated in rich velvets and warm leather, with jewel-tone colors and quirky art, and that special touch extends to the rooftop. You can sit with friends at tables divided by little grassy knolls, or rent the special event space — the latter makes for one epic dinner party.

NoMad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (at 28th Street); 212-796-1500.

Lavender Lake
Planning a party doesn’t have to be a whole fuss. No matter what feel you’re going for, you can achieve it at Lavender Lake, a strikingly low-key gastropub with a fun backyard. Hang out, sip some beers, try the unreal brussels sprouts, feel that sunshine, and you’ll have such a great time you’ll forget you’re the hostess.

Lavender Lake, 383 Carroll Street (at Bond Street), Brooklyn; 347-799-2154.

Rainbow Room
Old New York is getting harder and harder to come by, but it’s alive and well at the top of 30 Rock. The iconic restaurant opened in the 1930s, and not much has changed. You can still get white linen tablecloths, a revolving dance floor, a glittering chandelier, and lovely views. You can stop in for brunch on Sundays and dinner on Mondays, but every other night is reserved for special events — maybe yours should be one of them?

Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between West 49th and 50th streets); 212-632-5000.

Crown Victoria
If the best present you can imagine for your birthday this year is all of your best friends day drinking under the sunshine, then Crown Victoria is your place. There is a bar, yes, but it’s really all about the outdoor space: a whopping 10,000-feet of it! There are picnic tables, colorful umbrellas, bocce courts, and more, which makes it really easy to meet people (or take over tables and only talk to your friends, if that’s more your speed).

Crown Victoria, 60 South 2nd Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues), Brooklyn; 917-719-6072.

The Penthouse at Hotel on Rivington
There are rooftops, and then there's this Lower East Side hotel's penthouse: three stories of glass, all for you, if you want it enough. While the views are amazing during the day, surrounding yourself with 360 degrees of twinkling NYC lights is even better.

Hotel on Rivington, 107 Rivington Street (between Ludlow and Essex streets); 212-475-2600.

Gallow Green at The McKittrick Hotel
By now you’ve probably heard of (or experienced) the theater experience Sleep No More, housed in the gothically gorgeous McKittrick Hotel. But what about its rooftop? Gallow Green is similarly theatrical, with draping vines creating a roof garden look, and you can hang out or host an event there.

Gallow Green at The McKittrick Hotel, 542 West 27th Street (between Tenth and Eleventh avenues); 212-564-1662.

61 Local
The expansive space of this pub, with its high ceilings, brick walls, and dangling bulbs, is unlike most NYC watering holes in that it allows you to hang out and actually breathe. Its beer-garden-esque feel, however, translates surprisingly well to private events, where the warm wood and quiet surroundings will make your party feel especially intimate.

61 Local, 61 Bergen Street (between Boerum Place and Smith Street), Brooklyn; 718-875-1150.

Barcade
Here’s the natural upgrade from your dream birthday party in the third grade. There are tons of vintage arcade games, scores of beer options, and, most important, lots of space to run around — a rare and beautiful thing in this city. Why didn’t anyone think of this bar-and-arcade concept sooner? It’s the perfect setting for a fun, low-key night.

Barcade, Multiple Locations.

Bouley Botanical
Ask your boss if your next client presentation (or deal-sealing meal) can be held at Bouley Botanical, a bright, airy space that accommodates 8 to 100 people for dinner and 150 for receptions. You can customize the space with LED lights, music, projectors, and more, though all those technical possibilities contrast with the look of the place. Plus, there are 400 species of plants in "vertical gardens" lining the windows, so take a nice, deep breath.

Bouley Botanical, 281 Church Street (at White Street); 917-237-3205.

Mondrian Soho Penthouse and Terrace
The trademark Secret Garden–like entrance to the Mondrian Soho is mirrored on its leafy terrace, which offers spectacular views of the city. The minimalist penthouse, which opens onto the patio, lends itself to customized decor and can be booked for a private party, fancy meal, or even an intimate wedding.

Mondrian Soho Penthouse and Terrace, 9 Crosby Street (between Grand and Howard streets); 212-389-1000.

Tutu’s
There are many reasons to love Tutu’s — its proud hangover-fighting brunch menu and its beer-and-burger happy-hour deal are just a few. The name of this spot comes from the Hawaiian word for grandmother, and this place indeed hugs you like a granny. It makes party-planning just as comforting, too, with a team that’ll help you personalize the space for any event, price point, or menu.

Tutu’s, 25 Bogart Street (at Varet Street), Brooklyn; 718-456-7898.

Wallflower
The fact that there’s a cocktail named after Betty Draper on the menu tells you everything you need to know about this place. It’s elegant, old-fashioned (with decor like a speakeasy), and feminine in a completely charming way. The bar is the perfect place for girls’ night, with fancy seafood bites and creative drinks with unexpected touches like corn purée or lemon sorbet.

Wallflower, 235 West 12th Street (between West 4th Street and Greenwich Avenue); No phone.

Sheltering Sky at McCarren Hotel and Pool
You might know that the best views of New York City come from outside Manhattan, and one place where you can catch such a glimpse is Sheltering Sky in Williamsburg. Watch the island, sparkling away, from the comfy couches at this rooftop bar, which overlooks McCarren Park. It shares a creative director with the Gramercy Hotel’s Rose Bar, so you can expect similarly chichi opulence.

Sheltering Sky at McCarren Hotel and Pool, 160 North 12th Street (between Bedford Avenue and Berry Street); 718-218-7500.

Bar Naná
This spot is one of those places that made the Meatpacking District a "thing" not so long ago. And, as you would expect, the space is dark, slick, and chic, with a French-South American fusion reflected in the drinks and food. The bar is now open only for private events, so you don’t have to feel too bad about not getting in these days.

Bar Naná, 63 Gansevoort Street (between Washington and Greenwich streets); No phone.

Charlie Bird
You can rent out the entirety of this slim little restaurant or, if your pockets aren’t incredibly well lined, take over the private dining room with 14 people or fewer. The neon lights and jazz theme will make you feel like the hippest host of all time. There are small and large plates, which are great for sharing, with an emphasis on seafood and Italian fare.

Charlie Bird, 5 King Street (at Sixth Avenue); 212-235-7133.

Brooklyn Winery
You don’t have to get on a plane to tour a winery. Just hop on the L train. Visit the premises of this small-batch winery in Williamsburg to learn how the vino is made, and then chill out at the attached wine bar. You could make an afternoon of it or host an event here. If you pour the wine, they will come.

Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th Street (between Driggs Avenue and Roebling Street); 347-763-1506.



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I Don't Buy Fast Fashion, & Apparently People Don't Like Me Because Of It

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DelRio-Maria_25_038_DoresAndre_Look3Photographed by Maria Del Rio.
Before I buy any piece of clothing or accessory, I like to know a little bit about where and how it’s made. I ask questions. I avoid companies that aren’t up to my standards. I buy fewer things of higher quality.

And apparently you don’t like me.

According to a study that came out earlier this month, not only do most people choose to remain willfully ignorant of the conditions in which their clothing is made, they also look down on the type of consumers who do care.

In the study, 174 undergrads at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business were given three pieces of information about a pair of jeans in order to evaluate them: the style, the wash, and the price. Then they were told that due to time constraints, they could only use one more attribute to evaluate the jeans, and they could choose what that attribute would be: either an ethical issue, such as whether the company used child labor, or a control attribute unrelated to ethics, such as delivery time.

Most of the participants chose to hear about the control attribute, remaining willfully ignorant of how the jeans were made.

What’s more — and this is what got my hackles up — those unconcerned consumers rated ethical shoppers boring, odd, less fashionable, and less sexy. Gee, thanks.

“Willfully ignorant consumers put ethical shoppers down because of the threat they feel for not having done the right thing themselves,” the lead study author Rebecca Reczek said. “They feel bad, and striking back at the ethical consumers makes themselves feel better.”If I’m honest with you, I already knew that. My editor here at Refinery29 has resisted my persistent pitches on ethical fashion topics. Not because she’s personally opposed to it, but because articles on ethical and sustainable fashion almost always get fewer clicks than fun fashion articles that ignore those issues. And when people do read these articles, the comments are pointed: Sustainable fashion is ugly, they say. Ethical fashion is too expensive; people who promote it are elitist snobs who don’t understand the plight of the common shopper.

Even luxury labels that are trying to go green are hiding the fact, for fear of the backlash.

Now this study confirms for me what I’ve suspected, which is that the naysayers (consciously or not) are trying to assuage their own guilt, by coming up with all the reasons why they just can’t shop ethically or putting ethical fashion supporters down.

The thing is, all those reasons are quickly becoming obsolete. We are leaving behind the era of ugly ethical fashion. As evidence, see Zady, Everlane, Maiyet, Reformation, Of a Kind, Yoox’s Master and Muse section, Ethica, and many more. So many beautiful things! At (almost) all price points!

But yes, let’s address the price question. You won’t be able to find an ethically made shirt for less than $20, a pair of jeans for less than $50, or a pair of shoes for less than $75. Less than that, and toxic effluent is getting poured straight into a river, working conditions are unsafe, and the person making that item (yes, clothing is still made by people) isn’t getting paid enough to feed herself.
DelRio-Maria_22_037_DoresAndre_Look3Photographed by Maria Del Rio.
Look, if you really have thought this through, pored over your stretched budget, and decided that it’s either fast fashion or your cell phone bill, by all means, buy the $20 blouse for work. I would never begrudge you that. This article isn’t for you. No, I’m talking to the half of Americans earning more than $50,000, who have a choice about how to spend their discretionary income.

By and large, Americans aren’t making thoughtful choices about how to spend their fashion budget. They’re just saying, “It’s so freakin’ cheap, I’ll just buy all of it!” If we are all stretched too thin to pay a few more dollars for ethically made items, why is there is a robust market for pricey, mysteriously made fashion: $400 cocktail dresses, $200 cigarette pants, $500 novelty clutches plastered with smiley faces — without a word on how it's made? How would we be able to discard 80 pounds of textiles per person per year if we were struggling to keep ourselves clothed? The Indian women who daily sort through the tons of discarded items shipped from the U.S. are flummoxed by the “rich Americans” who throw away so much perfectly wearable clothing. Knowing all this, I find the cries of “But, my budget! I can’t afford it!” either disingenuous, or not representative of how most Americans shop.

Some people believe that sustainable fashion is more expensive because labels use it as a marketing ploy to charge more. But believe me, fashion designers are all too aware of this misconception. I’ve had this conversation with dozens of designers and labels that accept much smaller profit margins than conventional labels to keep their goods affordable for you. Nudie Jeans, for example, saw its profit margins shrink when it switched over to all organic cotton, because it didn’t raise prices. Luckily for cotton farmers who would like to stop breathing in pesticides, Nudie brass did it because they saw it as the right thing to do, and they hoped consumers would reward them for it.
Personally, I’m willing to pay more money for something if it means the person who sewed my dress wasn’t beaten for agitating for higher pay or safe working conditions. I’m willing to pay more to be assured that the chromium used to tan the leather for my purse wasn’t poured directly into the drinking water of a Bangladeshi village. Hell, I’m willing to pay more for a beautiful thing made of soft, natural materials that will last for more than a few seasons. If that makes me a snob, so be it. I think everyone who can afford to pay more should ask these questions of fashion companies, instead of being looked down upon for doing so.

But if you are honestly concerned about the price of ethical fashion, there are two simple solutions. First, buy pre-worn fashion. It’s sustainable, keeps your money from going to businesses that exploit workers, offers you the full range of styles, and is easier than ever with the rise of sites like The Real Real. Second, buy fewer things of higher quality, directing your budget away from 10 throwaway things to one or two really nice things that you wear over and over. It yields an organized and beautiful closet that would make Marie Kondo proud.

You’re right on one thing, though. It's work to buy nothing but ethical fashion. Believe me, I know. I spend way too much time and energy researching, educating myself, and resisting the temptation of advertising. So I understand the impulse to stick your fingers in your ears and go, “La la la!” Because once you start down the ethical fashion path, shopping won’t be as carefree and decadent as it once was.
Samra-Ama_002_IMG_7794Photographed by Ama Samra.
But don’t turn your ire on me. Get mad at the system that makes it so hard for you to do the right thing. Point your finger at the companies who refuse to pay factory owners in Bangladesh the 15 cents more it would take to have safe working conditions. Get mad at online stores, which skirt the issue by labeling everything as, “imported” instead of listing the country of origin. Deride the powers at large fashion corporations who could seek out ethical sources of textiles and safe, well-paying factories, but won’t.

All these complaints, accusations, and criticisms of ethical fashion and the people who love it are just a cover for the real thing going on here: You don’t want to have to think about how your shopping choices affect other people, the environment, and animals.

As long as you can write off ethical fashion as frumpy, unsexy, snobbish, fake, or a marketing ploy, you can float along, free of cognitive dissonance, wrapped in a $5 shawl made of polyester and ignorant bliss.

Alden writes about ethical and sustainable fashion, plus other sustainable lifestyle topics, on her blog, EcoCult.

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Why This GOP Debate Question About Hillary Clinton Was So Wrong

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embed_hillaryPhoto: John Locher/AP Photo.
While the GOP race hasn’t been free of accusations of sexism, one comment from Thursday night’s debate went above and beyond — and it came from a moderator, not a candidate.

Fox Business Network's Maria Bartiromo asked Ben Carson whether Bill Clinton’s history of infidelity should affect his wife’s campaign. “Is this a legitimate topic in this election?” Bartiromo asked as the crowd cheered. She followed with, "And what do you think of the notion that Hillary Clinton is 'an enabler' of sexual misconduct?"

The question touched on earlier comments from Donald Trump, who has said that Hillary Clinton was not a victim, but rather an "enabler" of her husband's indiscretions.

Carson hemmed and hawed over the answer, but commentators reacted with well-deserved outrage.In domestic heterosexual relationships, when a man cheats, a commonrefrain is that the woman somehow drove him to it. It's misogynistic victim-blaming to suggest a woman is somehow responsible for a man’s misconduct. In the aftermath of the scandal of her husband’s infidelity, Hillary Clinton made the personal decision that she felt was right for her: to stay in her marriage and work it out. We can’t know what went on behind closed doors, but it was likely a difficult time for the family. Reframing her decision as complicity in her husband’s offenses is not just incorrect, but wrong.Let’s be clear: When Bill Clinton had extramarital affairs, what he did was wrong on many levels. Besides cheating on his wife, he abused his position of power as an employer and his position of trust as a national leader. Bill Clinton did many things wrong. But his personal issues didn't have any impact on Hillary's career decisions in the '90s, and there is no reason to think that they would affect her ability to be a good president.

No matter what you think of her policies, Hillary Clinton has undoubtedly proven her ability to handle the public stage and the demands of political office. She has served two terms in the U.S. Senate, as well as four years as Secretary of State under the Obama administration. Her extensive résumé raises the question: If her husband's affairs reflect so poorly on her ability to hold public office, isn't 20 years enough distance to bring her wits back?

From a pragmatic angle, there also remains the fact that for many millennial voters, the scandal was so long ago that it feels like ancient history. Bill Clinton's impeachment trial was back in 1998, the year that 18-year-olds eligible to vote this year were born. For many members of the increasingly crucial youth demographic, it's a "scandal" that they simply don't care about.

"There's no question that we should be able to look at any past president, whether they're married to somebody who's running for president or not, in terms of their past behavior," Carson said eventually. But let's not forget that despite the Clintons' position as powerful public figures, at the end of the day, they are individuals with their own actions.

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How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolution Game Strong

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Clinique_Faceforward_DedicatedPostPhotographed By Rockie Nolan.
Finally putting the kibosh on saying “sorry” to everyone. Tripling your savings. Taking that bucket list trip. We like to consider ourselves dreamers, but when it comes to turning our fantasies into achievable goals, things get a little more dicey. This is especially true as the daily grind of the year ahead takes hold, pushing those New Year’s resolutions into the “maybe someday” category.

But, as study after study proves, the secret to actually getting shit done may be as simple as putting it down on paper — or in our case, a pledge card. That’s why we’re teaming up with Clinique to give you a platform to express and share (in GIF form!) your hopes, dreams, and goals. Start thinking about what you can do, drop by, and we’ll see you on the fast track to success.

Where: Sephora, 45 East 17th St. (at Park Avenue South), New York, NY; 212-995-8833.
When: Friday, January 15, from 12 to 7 p.m.

Where: Sephora at Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL; 305-931-9579.
When: Saturday, January 16, from 12 to 7 p.m.

Where: Sephora at Fashion Valley Mall, 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA; 619-220-0771.
When: Saturday, January 23, from 12 to 7 p.m.


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How One WWE Diva Sticks To Her Resolutions & Deals With Instagram Haters

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EmbedPhoto: Picture Perfect/REX/Shutterstock.
We're only a few weeks into January, and already our New Year's resolutions are looking pretty rough. So we turned to WWE Diva Eva Marie, who's also one of the stars of of Total Divas(returning January 19), for advice.

Marie, 31, joined WWE a few years ago to some chilly fan reception due to her initial lack of pro wrestling experience. But since then, she's become known for both her truly amazing red hair and putting in tons of effort to hone her craft. However, keeping up her insane level of fitness on the road with WWE isn't exactly easy.

We asked her for a little extra guidance on how to stick to our workout, nutrition, and confidence goals this year.

Do you have any resolutions? Any advice for sticking to them?

"I have quite a few, actually. Every year, my husband and I sit down and write down our New Year's resolutions or our goals for the upcoming year. I feel like, if I put a pen to paper, that’s always good, because I can actually visually see [my list of goals]. I also travel with it, so I can look at it every day."

"Life is so busy and hectic that sometimes we lose track of certain [goals] that we set for our own selves. That’s what I do to make sure that I’m striving toward attaining at least one of [my goals] every single day, even if it's just making sure I get a sweat in...especially because I think it’s important for people to take that time for themselves, whatever it may be."

"My husband and I started this year making a vision board, and I will constantly add to it. For example, one day in WWE, I would like to be Divas champ. So the title is going to go on my vision board."

How do you stay confident and deal with your Instagram haters?
"When I first started [with WWE], it definitely got to me; it bothered me. You know, I’m human. So I want everyone to like me and adore me and things like that. But the fact that I do play a bad guy on WWE TV also opens up the door for more negativity and hate."

"Now it doesn’t really affect me too much, because if you’re commenting and following me, obviously I’m doing something right. If they took time out of their day to write a comment — whether it's negative or positive — that’s an assurance that I’m doing something right. So I take whatever negativity they’re projecting onto me and turn it into a positive, or else it can definitely kill you mentally."
Life is so hectic that sometimes we lose track of goals that we set for our own selves.How do you stick to your fitness and nutrition plans on the road?
"It was very difficult when I was brand new — I had never even traveled before I was in WWE. And then, this week alone, I was on the West Coast, flew into Lafayette, LA, and then to Milwaukee yesterday. The time difference definitely messes with your system."

"But what I’ve tried to do is break a sweat every day, no matter what, because even at my hotel there’s usually a hotel gym. And then eating healthy is extremely important to me, so I’ve been trying to stick with that: fruits, veggies, and protein. And [I try not to allow] myself to get hungry, because that’s when I want to eat something that I probably shouldn’t have."

"I always have some fruit with me, because it’s so easy. It’s one of those things where I’m going to pull an apple out of my bag and I’m good. That will curb my appetite for a little bit until I can get where I need to go and have an actual meal. But right now, I’m trying to stay away from too many snacks, because they’re usually all full of sugar. I’d rather get my sugar from a natural source, like fruit, instead of a protein bar."

What's your favorite workout song?
"Right now, I’m obsessed with Nicki Minaj. She has a song "Moment 4 Life," and I just love it. I love the lyrics; I love everything about it. it defintitely pumps me up and gets me going."

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These Pics Of A Bride & Her Service Dog Will Melt Your Heart

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slide3Photo: Courtesy of Mad Photo & Design.
The quiet moments before a bride walks down the aisle are pretty nerve-racking — and not just for her. But for those suffering from clinical anxiety, it can be a much more intensified experience. So when bride Valerie Parrott shared a photo of her service dog, Bella, calming her before her big reveal, we just about melted.

The image (shot by Mad Photo & Design) quickly went viral on Reddit, and features Parrott and her pooch cuddling up in a moment of serenity before the ceremony, which took place Jan. 9 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
slide2Photo: Courtesy of Mad Photo & Design.
According to Parrott, Bella (a 3-year-old yellow Lab) helps ease her tension by licking and nuzzling her in an effort to prevent panic attacks from occurring. The beautiful pic shows the powerful relationship between a service dog and her owner.

Plus, who can resist an adorable Lab in a pink tutu? After the above photo was snapped, Bella went on to join Parrott and her father as he walked her down the aisle. Our hearts are officially exploding. (Huffington Post)

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