Every 2018 outfit needs an earring

Earrings have been annexed by fashion. They take the limelight on the catwalk, and they dominate accessory floorspace in fashion retail. So while other jewelry fights with your wardrobe, earrings are on the same page. Dressing in a swan-like polo neck, as seen at Marc Jacobs’ spring runway? Outsize brightly colored danglers are the perfect accompaniment. Going for a messy bun and a tweed coat, as at Chanel’s most recent show? You’ll want a bold mismatched pair of different-sized hoops. All the cornerstones of the modern earrings – the white shirt for day, the kaftan dress for summer evenings, even the one-piece swimsuit for days by the pool – are improved by the addition of a good earring.

The affordable earring game has never been better

Not long ago, high-street earring racks were a sea of diamante tat. Not any longer. Earring aficionados know to make a beeline for Mango: a complementary mismatch of one hammered gold disc with a string of ceramic and resin gold discs has a very this-season Kettle’s Yard aesthetic for a very Oxford Street £17.99. Also, when you next go to Marks & Spencer for its excellent shoes (please tell me you know about its currently excellent shoes) make a stop at the earring counter, where you can get a Matisse-slash-J W Anderson to look for £17.50. The warehouse does a strong Céline homage with half-moon resin earrings for £10, while & Other Stories currently has a tubular gold pair featuring one crimson resin bar and one green, for £23.

And should you have money to invest, your earring box is a good bet. At the recent fashion shows, a pair of brass, gold, and white enamel Céline earrings were de rigueur on the front row, a kind of black-armband for the Phoebe Philo years... If you want into Donatella Versace’s world (who doesn’t?) but can’t afford the £4,900 leopard-and-chain print evening gown then take a look at the Greek key embossed Versace hoops for £170 on matchesfashion.com.

Nicki Minaj Is Plotting An Unforgettable 2020 By Doing This

Get ready for a whole Nicki Minaj takeover in 2020 now that she has slowed down with her legendary music career. In late 2019, the femcee from New York dropped the bomb that she was retiring from music to “focus on her family.”

Very soon after, she wed her childhood boyfriend, Kenneth Petty, and revealed that she was working on having a baby. Nicki Minaj Is Plotting An Unforgettable 2020 By Doing This.

Fans of the flamboyant diva are often on social media asking, is she really done with music?


In a new interview with Billboard, Nicki said she is not really done with rapping and added: “I love music and interacting with fans, so I can’t really see taking myself completely away. But I want to be open to other possibilities in my life. I do believe it is important to become a woman outside of the magnifying glass.”


Nicki went on to explain why her mini-break from the cameras and the stage are essential: “I have to make sure that I’m well-rounded as a human being.”

So, what is next for the talented lyricist? Nicki plans to expand her business empire.


She said: “I plan on venturing out a million times more than I am now. That was always my goal: to become a big businesswoman. I don’t want to be in such a lucrative industry and not capitalize on it—everyone else does it,” she shared with the publication. “[With Fendi], they ended up reaching out to my team to work on the collaboration after I put out [Queen single] ‘Chun Li.’ I was blown away and honored. I went to Milan and met everyone there. They allowed me to play with fabrics and look at what they were planning for their next line. I didn’t expect it to be this massive—I’m really proud of it!”


Nicki had this to say in the past about Petty making her 2020 very special: “We’re very close as friends, ’cause we’ve known each other since we were kids, but also, we’re so sexually attracted to each other, People can say all they want, ‘Love is not about looks,’ or ‘Physical attraction.’ Yeah, right, if you’re not physically attracted to that person, bye.”


Nicki might have something really cool in store for her supporters next year.

The Escapists Is Now Available For Free On The Epic Games Store

If you’re a PC user and are looking for some free hookups, you have a lot of options at the moment. The Epic Games Store — in particular — is currently offering The Escapists for no charge. It can be downloaded all the way until December 19. Considering this game normally goes for $18, that’s a steal that you don’t want to miss. The Escapists Is Now Available For Free On The Epic Games Store.

Strategy games have a special place for many gamers today, and this one hits all of the right notes for this popular genre. There is addicting gameplay, plenty of critical-thinking, and an abundance of light-hearted fun to go around. Prison life has always been a fascinating concept, especially for those that keep their noses clean.

Well, The Escapists gives you a peak behind that curtain — but don’t worry. It’s still family-friendly and not centered around violence or anything graphic. The main objective — of course — is escaping the prison, but there are a lot of other side missions to enjoy that will further immerse you in the prison life.

There are many ways you can try escaping depending on your particular preference. For example, you could craft some digging tools to burrow down and create an exit on your own accord. Or, you can sit back while riots break out. When the guards least expect it, you can steal one of their keys and gain access to a wide variety of other exit options. The possibilities are endless.

The developer Moudly Toof Studios knew what they were doing when creating the open sandbox design. It really makes The Escapists unique and worth re-visiting time and time again. Even after a beautifully crafted exit strategy, you’ll want to head back into another prison and start over. There are a total of 10 prisons to explore, each with distinct layouts. You thus have plenty of variety to test out your strategy skills.

Another department that this game shines in is humor. There is an amazing cast of inmates you’ll get to interact with in every prison. Hearing their stories and learning about their insider tips really brings the prison culture to the forefront. It’s not often you get a game that checks off as many boxes as The Escapists does. Epic Games really is doing gamers a solid by offering it on their platform. Whether you enjoy challenging puzzles or quirky humor, this game is a true gem that is honestly worth its regular price of $18.

Disney’s Tron: Evolution No Longer Playable By Anyone Due To SecuROMs DRM

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a pretty spicy issue among gamers, with lines that have been drawn in the sand as early as the late 70s.  Ultimately, however, both sides agree on two things; developers should get paid for quality work, and consumers should be able to use the software they purchase.  If the debate was as simple as that, it would’ve been over shortly after it started.

Yet the world exists in shades of gray, keeping ethics professors well-employed for the foreseeable future. Disney's 'Tron: Evolution' No Longer Playable By Anyone Due To SecuROMs DRM.

One issue of DRM that the argument inevitably circles back around is the concern that if companies that control added DRM go under, large swaths of games could become unplayable by any customer.  Many titles have already fallen prey to this, with many games no longer able to be played unless someone bypasses the DRM; Battlefield 2, DarkSpore, Moonrise, Metal Gear Rising on the Mac, and even Age of Empires Online have all been lost to varying degrees for the rest of time.

Thankfully, the list is shorter than it could be in the future.  Taking into consideration the exponential increase in DRM companies such as DENUVO, a modern anti-tamper company poses a tremendous risk to games if they suddenly go under.  Even Steam offers DRM via the platform itself, and Valve going under could mean the loss of thousands of titles for millions of gamers around the world.

The classic retort to that statement is that the possibility of that happening is slim to none and that there’s no empirical data for that occurring on a large scale.

Recently, however, Disney made a decision with far-reaching consequences; they’ve opted not to renew their contract with SecuROM, whom have been contracted to provide DRM for Disney’s Tron: Evolution.  Nine years after release, Tron: Evolution is no longer playable by any legal owners of the game.

SecuROM refuses to remove the server validation check, and Disney apparently can’t be bothered to do it either.  The game is now simply unplayable for legal owners, due to DRM methodology.  The only people that can continue to play the game are those who find the title on websites that offer illegally cracked versions with no DRM.

It’s a confusing idea, that the developers add DRM to protect against piracy, hurting legitimate owners of the game while those that opt to pirate often experience a problem-free title.

It’s almost as if DRM-inclusion is causing piracy to have merit, and that isn’t the ideal end result for anyone.

Melania Trump Angrily Defends Son Barron Trump But Stays Mum As New Book Reveals Private Details About Her Life With The Donald

A new book about the life of the First Lady Melania Trump promises to reveal some of the dirtiest secrets that the 49-year-old hides.

CNN reporter Kate Bennett is the author of the new unauthorized biography and chose Free, Melania in close resemblance to the slogan “Free Melania” that was often repeated on social media. Melania Trump Angrily Defends Son Barron Trump But Stays Mum As New Book Reveals Private Details About Her Life With The Donald.

In her recent work, the reporter claims that the relationship between the 73-year-old controversial president and his wife is colder than many people would have expected.

According to Bennett, the two of them not only sleep in separate rooms, but their bedrooms are on different floors as well.

Melania is said to occupy her own apartment within the grounds of the White House and more specifically, the rooms that once belonged to Marian Robinson, the mother of the former First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Robinson lived in the White House when Barack Obama became president to help with the care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha.

Bennett reported: “She carved out her own space. It is true the first couple doesn’t share a bedroom, according to several sources, and the first lady prefers her own large, private space in a suite of rooms on a separate floor.”

Furthermore, the book also explains why Melania mysteriously disappeared from the public eye for 20 days back in 2018.

According to the official statement, the first lady had to go through a minor and basic procedure that was connected with her kidneys.

However, Bennett claims that the real reason for Melania’s absence was that she had an undefined growth in the kidney area, and as a result, a dangerous and complicated operation was required.

It is stated that Melania’s condition was so serious, that there was even the risk of her losing a kidney if something went wrong with the medical procedure she had.

Melania is also in the news for bashing Pamela Karlan, who made a joke about her son, Barron.

The former European/American model said: “A minor child deserves privacy and should be kept out of politics. Pamela Karlan, you should be ashamed of your very angry and obviously biased public pandering, and using a child to do it.”

Karlan, who is hoping to see Trump impeached recently, joked: “The Constitution says there can be no titles of nobility, so while the President can name his son Barron, he can’t make him a baron.”

The Trumps are good at hitting back.

15 Healthy Vegan Protein Bars

When you're pressed for time, protein bars can be a quick and convenient snack option to keep you going between meals.

However, finding vegan protein bars can be difficult, as most products on the market include ingredients like whey protein, honey, and milk.

Most protein bars are also loaded with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, all of which can negate many of the bars' potential health benefits.

Still, there are many nutrient-rich vegan protein bars available, as well as several recipes that you can use to make your own at home.

Here are 15 healthy vegan protein bars.

1. Vega 20g Protein Bar

Available in chocolate peanut butter and salted caramel flavors, these protein bars pack 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Each Vega 20g Protein Bar also contains 290 calories and 4 grams of fiber, which can help improve blood sugar control and digestive health.
Upping your intake of fiber may even help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and keep cholesterol levels in check.

2. Evo Hemp Pineapple Almond Fruit & Nut Bar

These vegan bars are made using hemp protein, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition to relieving inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can help promote brain function, heart health, and immunity.
Each Evo Hemp bar contains 205 calories, along with 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and several important nutrients, including phosphorus, manganese, vitamin E, and magnesium.

3. Easy Homemade Vegan Protein Bars

With just four simple ingredients, these homemade protein bars are a great option for novice chefs and foodies alike.
Additionally, unlike many prepackaged protein bars, they contain only whole food ingredients and are free of additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings.
Although the nutritional value can vary based on the specific products you use, each serving contains about 215 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber, and nearly 11 grams of protein.

4. Rise Bar

Rise Bars are made using pea protein isolate and boast 3 grams of fiber and a whopping 15 grams of protein per serving.
They also contain just four key ingredients, which makes them an excellent option for those looking to limit their consumption of sugar alcohol or preservatives.
They are also a good source of potassium, an important nutrient that can help support heart health, manage blood sugar levels, and protect against bone loss and kidney stones.

5. GoMacro MacroBar

With 270 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 12 grams of protein, the GoMacro MacroBar is a popular product that's made using sprouted brown rice protein.
Brown rice protein is a great source of essential amino acids, which are a type of amino acid that can't be synthesized by the body and need to be obtained from food sources instead.
Plus, it's high in branched-chain amino acids, which can help promote muscle gain and reduce muscle damage after exercise.

6. No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bar

These homemade chocolate protein bars are nutritious, easy to prepare, and indulgent enough to satisfy nearly any sweet tooth.
They're made using just a few simple ingredients, including bananas. This popular fruit helps enhance the texture while bumping up the content of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
Each serving contains less than 200 calories and 20 grams of carbs, plus 12.5 grams of protein and nearly 2 grams of fiber.

7. 22 Days Nutrition Organic Protein Bar

These tasty protein bars are available in several flavors, including chunky peanut butter, fudge brownie, peanut butter chocolate chip, and salted caramel.
Compared with other protein bars, 22 Days Nutrition bars are relatively low in calories yet high in protein and fiber, with 160 calories, 9 grams of fiber, and 15 grams of protein packed into each serving.
Plus, they're a good source of iron, a nutrient often lacking in vegan diets. Iron plays a key role in the production of healthy red blood cells.

8. No Cow Protein Bar

High in both protein and fiber, these power-packed protein bars make a great addition to a well-rounded weight loss diet.
In fact, No Cow protein bars contain 19 grams of fiber, 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, and just 190 calories per serving.
Protein has been shown to help reduce levels of ghrelin, a hormone that's responsible for stimulating feelings of hunger.
Meanwhile, fiber moves through the digestive tract very slowly, which helps reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness to enhance weight loss.

9. ALOHA Organic Protein Bar

These protein bars are vegan, gluten-free, and organic. Plus, they're made using a blend of pumpkin seed and brown rice protein.
Aside from providing 14 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, ALOHA Protein Bars are relatively high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.
Monounsaturated fatty acids can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce blood sugar and triglyceride levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

10. Cookie Dough Protein Bars

These homemade cookie dough protein bars are made by combining vanilla extract, protein powder, maple syrup, and cashew butter, along with a few other simple ingredients.

They also contain oat flour, which is a good source of mass gain tablets is a compound that can help decrease cholesterol levels, which could help reduce the risk of heart disease.

A typical serving of these tasty protein bars provides about 230 calories, 7.5 grams of protein, and 3.5 grams of fiber.

11. Raw Rev Glo Protein Bar

In addition to supplying 11 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber, Raw Rev Glo bars are low in added sugar, containing just 3 grams per serving.
Excess sugar consumption can not only contribute to weight gain but also harm heart health, blood sugar levels, and liver function.
These flavorful protein bars are naturally sweetened with ingredients like monk fruit extract and dark chocolate and made using a blend of nutritious ingredients, including chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp protein.

12. Pegan Thin Protein Bar

This protein bar is jam-packed with fiber and contains just 1 gram of net carbs, making it a great choice for those on a low carb or ketogenic diet.
Pegan Thin protein bars are also rich in prebiotic fiber, a type of fiber that helps fuel the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Research suggests that the health of this bacteria, also known as the gut microbiome, could help regulate immune function, digestive health, cancer growth, and inflammation.
Each bar contains 170 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 27 grams of fiber.

13. Amrita Protein Bars

With an ingredient list full of familiar foods rather than chemicals and additives, Amrita Bars are a good option for health-conscious consumers.
They currently offer seven different flavors that are made with ingredients like dates, brown rice protein, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, and chia seeds.
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein, 4–6 grams of fiber, and around 220 calories.

14. Healthy Matcha Protein Bars

These homemade, vibrantly colored protein bars are equal parts delicious and nutritious.
One serving contains 150 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber, making them a great, guilt-free snack option.
They also feature matcha, a concentrated form of green tea that has been shown to boost fat-burning, improve brain function, and support heart health.

15. LOLA Probiotic Bar

Aside from providing 12 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and just 200 calories, each LOLA Probiotic Bar crams in one billion colony-forming units (CFU) of probiotics.
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria associated with a long list of health benefits, including improved regularity and digestive health.
What's more, probiotics may aid disease prevention, thanks to their ability to fight inflammation and boost immunity.

The Bottom Line

Plenty of healthy vegan protein bars are available.
You can find a variety of them at your local supermarket or online, or try whipping up a batch in the comfort of your kitchen.
In addition to providing a hearty dose of protein in each serving, many of these protein bars offer fiber, healthy fats, and a host of other nutritious ingredients.

The Best Healthy Living Blogs of 2019

Living a healthier life might seem like a tall order — the nutrition, the exercise, the inner happiness! But having some friendly advice at your disposal, whenever and wherever you need it, makes it easier and more fun. With just a click, these awesome blogs filled with tips, tricks, and personal stories will inspire you on your journey to wellness.

Delish Knowledge

Think of this as health blog vegetarian cooking, made simple. Writer Alex is a registered dietitian, and her ingredient shopping tips and cooking videos — check out the one for vegan paella! — is the next best thing to an office visit. Vegetarians or anybody curious about the lifestyle can consider this blog your starter kit for plant-based recipes that range in ingredients and complexity.

The Real Food Dietitians

Who it’s for: Diet adventurers who love their Instant Pot, slow cooker, and Whole30 plan. This blog has recipes for each of these phenomena, plus tips for doing meal prep efficiently.
What it’s all about: Eating well, living well, and being well. Not only are there tons of dietitian-authored recipes, but you can also opt in for customized meal plans.

My Fitness Pal

My Fitness Pal provides inspiration through real-life “victory stories” (aka before-and-after stories featuring relatable people). There are also trainer tips and essential guides to big topics like hydration, low-cal meal options, and fat-burning workouts, as well as niche subjects like micronutrients.

Fit Bottomed Girls

For those who get frustrated with the status quo and ideals of what we “should” be, Fit Bottomed Girls offers a refreshing change of pace. The founders, both certified fitness pros, preach confidence and body positivity. They take a thoughtful approach to fitness, instead of quick, lose-fat-in-10-days results. Their roadmap to a healthier life is a combo of nutrition-packed recipes, doable daily workouts, and a good dose of meditation.

Fit Foodie Finds

Fit Foodie Finds is a wellness blog tailor-made for serial Instagram scrollers. The gorgeous photos of healthy meals are just as exciting as making them. Who knew oats could look so pretty? Healthy living posts primarily focus on recipes, but they also include workouts (booty, legs, you name it), DIY beauty, mental health, and relationships. Style-conscious readers will love it, too, with its gallery after gallery of fashion articles.

Mommypotamus

Moms looking for that trust-me-I’ve-been-there perspective and healthy ways to take care of their families and themselves will find it on Mommypotamus. This blog is especially full of information for pregnant women and first-time moms, touching on everything from ultrasound safety to birth plans. You’ll also find a wealth of content on motherhood, natural health, clean beauty, and more.