The Go-To Women’s Blog | Be The Most Beautiful You

Who is really winning the social media wars—Kylie Jenner or the unassuming brown egg that has claimed the world record for the most liked photo on Instagram? The egg is the brain child of an anonymous someone who started an Instagram account called @world_record_egg on Jan. 4. The lone post openly launched a campaign to topple Jenner, who had amassed 18 million likes for a picture of her daughter. "Let’s set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram," the post read. "Beating the current world record held by Kylie Jenner (18 million)! We got this." The challenger had enough likes to beat Jenner within 10 days, and the margin is growing. At the end of another 24 hours, the egg scored more than 42 million likes—more than any post, anywhere online ever. The Instagram account owner remains anonymous although there have been a couple of reported sightings. Buzzfeed reports the egg is an offspring of British chicken “Henrietta,” and says the Instagram hen decided to mount the challenge after she "read an article regarding the top 20 posts on insta, Kylie Jenner topped it with 18m.” “I saw this as a challenge to beat it," Henrietta wrote in an email interview with Buzzfeed. "It was nothing personal." Another report from TMZ initially credited Supreme Patty, who claims 6.2 million IG followers, as the brains who hatched the egg challenge. The gossip site later issued an update saying the egg criticized TMZ’s reporting as fake news. “We’re still anonymous,” TMZ quoted the egg posting on its Instagram story. The anonymous account holder, whoever that may be, could be sitting on top of a social media goldmine, according to Recode. The size of the Instagram egg audience could earn the account holder tens of thousands of dollars for selling sponsored or branded content. Earnings could be much higher if they snared a full ad campaign. But time may be running out to cash in on the egg’s exploding popularity. The Internet moves on quickly, and fans are fickle. “The next three days are their time to shine,” Darren Lachtman said when the egg passed the 18 million mark. “I would look at it like diminishing returns every minute that goes by on this.” Lachtman created a social media talent agency called Niche that he sold to Twitter in 2015. “They hit the lottery and they got a billboard in Times Square for free on Instagram. What are they going to do with it?” he added. The egg account owner isn’t blind to the possibilities. This message was posted on its Instagram Story: “It doesn’t end here though, we’re only just getting started,” the message read. The next post promised that egg-themed “merch” is on the way. And the merch turns out to be T-shirts and hoodies on sale for $20. Meanwhile, Jenner continues at the top as a true influencer. Her career has helped turn her cosmetic company into a billion-dollar enterprise. She is a social media mogul with 100 million followers on Instagram, 25 million on Twitter and estimated more than 25 million on Snapchat. Internet A-listers with massive social followings like Jenner make a killing selling sponsored or branded content. Her response after learning that she had been toppled from the world record may be just as apt as it is funny. Jenner posted a video of herself cracking an egg on the ground alongside the caption: "Take that little egg." Read More: Is having the most popular photo on Instagram worth anything? We’re about to find out.

The trend for snakeskin prints is going to be huge this spring. After scoring celebrity approval last year, the sleek but casual look was taken up by showgoers at New York Fashion Week. Now festival fans can get ready for the season by exploring snakeskin prints in tops, pants and dresses on sites such as Dolls Kill and Missguided. The design comes in a wide range of colors, including pinks, and can be found on accessories ranging from Western belts to metallic backpacks. If the pattern is a little bold for your taste, try adding snakeskin print flair to your look with shoes. Snakeskin prints adorn mostly boots and heels, but the pattern can also dress up a pair of sneakers. SNAKESKIN PRINT SHOES If you haven’t yet sampled fashion’s favorite pattern, donning a pair of snakeskin print shoes will give you a chance to experiment in a way that works well with almost everything in your closet. Snakeskin print shoes add an instant aura of cool to any outfit. Tony Bianco Brazen Bootie, $176, Revolve Snake embossed leather upper with side zip closure and 3” heel. Superga 2750 Pufanw Sneaker, $89, Zappos With snakeskin design on the upper and a comfy cotton lining, this is the cool sneaker of your dreams. SNAKESKIN PRINT PANTS Slithery style isn’t going anywhere any time soon in the New Year. Snakeskin print pants have been popularized by sartorially bold celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, and the trend is expected to keep on going strong. Rattlin’ Savage Snakeskin Pants, $48, Dolls Kill Hypnotize ‘em in these high waist snakeskin pants that have an exposed front zip closure and a super slim fit. Gold Snake Skinny Jeans, $38, Dolls Kill These super cute pants with metallic snakeskin vibe feature a high waist and button N’ zip closure. SNAKESKIN PRINT TOP Wearing neutral tones such as black and white accents the bold snakeskin print as the focal point of your outfit. Accentuating a snakeskin top with accessories such as a belt will lend the outfit extra interest. Yellow Snake Print Fitted Top, $10, Missguided Three- quarter sleeves and high neck are featured on this snake print fitted top. SNAKESKIN PRINT SKIRT Knock off two big trends in one item with a flowing calf-length skirt in a snakeskin print. Pairing a classic and elegant midi snakeskin skirt with an oversized sweater and western booties for a totally cool girl look. Brown Snake Pleated Midi Skirt, $37, Missguided A pleated finish and side zip fastening accent this brown snake midi skirt that hits below the knee. SNAKESKIN PRINT DRESS Want to send out serious Bohemian vibes? Team a long snake print dress with western-inspired accessories such as a buckle belt and western boots and you’ll create a look that is on trend. Brown Animal Plisse Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $37, Missguided Brown snake print is the color of choice for this long sleeve mini dress in a plisse finish. Pink Snake Wrap Midi Dress, $52, Missguided This collared midi wrap dress in a pink snake print finish features a tie waist design and long sleeves.    

Dehydration can be a prime culprit making you feel tired and sluggish. If we admit that we aren’t drinking enough water, it’s not surprising we all feel the need for a nap. Nutritionists say most of us walk around in a constant state of dehydration, and they offer formulas to make sure you get enough water every day. The old standby that says you should imbibe 12 glasses a day has flown out the window. Experts now tailor the formula to your body weight. One dietician suggests multiplying your weight by 0.67 ounces for your daily goal. If you weigh 140 pounds, your daily goal would be 94 ounces. If you drink one standard 16-ounce glass of water with breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll be half way toward your daily goal of nine glasses. Almost any beverage except alcohol will help you stay hydrated, so sip on tea or juice or broth if you’re a little bored with water. Eating foods that contain water will also help push you toward that daily goal. If feeling thirsty and tired persists most days of the week, however, your body may be trying to send you a signal that there’s more going on that just dehydration. The message may be even stronger if you’re going to the bathroom more, if you’ve seen changes in the condition of your skin and hair, and if you’re plagued with headaches. Consult your doctor if these are symptoms you’re experiencing and bring them up at your annual physical. There may be underlying medical causes that are causing your thirst. Don’t depend on your morning cup of joe or mid-day energy drink. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus can send your thirst into high gear. Both diabetes type 1 and type 2 spur your kidneys to produce more urine and cause dehydration. Your kidneys work overtime because diabetes makes controlling the level of sugar in your blood more difficult for your body. Diabetes insipidus This disease is typically inherited but can also result from chronic kidney conditions or as the result of taking certain medications. Your kidneys don’t retain water and so they produce large amounts of urine even though your body doesn’t produce a typical amount of fluid. Chronic Stress The body receives a message from the brain that you’re thirsty and you need to get more water into the bloodstream when your blood pressure falls. Some experts believe one cause making adrenal glands function less efficiently and lowering our blood pressure is chronic stress. Anemia Anemia frequently occurs when the body experiences blood loss such as heavy periods, which can also deplete fluid levels enough to trigger thirst. Dry Mouth Dry mouth can come along with changes in hormone levels as you age but can also be the side effect of taking certain medications such as blood pressure meds, antidepressants and antihistamines. Read More: 11 Ways To Get More Energy When You’re Feeling Tired    

So much football, so little time to get food ready for Super Bowl 53! Hungry fans clamor for snacks as they cheer favorite pro teams during playoff weekends. They crave a satisfying supper at half-time, and chili tops the list as a fan favorite. Here are two variations of chili from Food&Wine that will warm up crowds watching the games at your house. Winter Vegetable Chili is deliciously smoky and spicy and thick with kidney beans and hominy. Game-Day Pork and Black Bean Chili can be accompanied by shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges and tortilla chips. Yummm! No wonder excitement builds leading up to the Feb. 3 Super Bowl at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Winter Vegetable Chili Active Time: 25 Minutes; Total Time: 45 Minutes: Serves: 4 Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, very finely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 pound carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon chile powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Salt
• One 14-ounce can peeled Italian tomatoes
• 1 canned chipotle in adobo, plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup canned hominy, drained
• 1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained
• Brown rice, chopped red onions, cilantro, sour cream and tortilla chips or bread toasts, for serving

How to Make It Step 1     In a medium, heavy enameled cast-iron casserole or Dutch oven, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook over high heat, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper, parsnips and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chile powder and cumin and season with salt. Cook for 1 minute. Step 2     In a blender, puree the tomatoes and their juices with the chipotle, adobo sauce and water until very smooth. Add the mixture to the casserole along with the hominy and beans and bring to a boil. Cover partially and simmer the chili over moderate heat until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt. Serve with rice, red onions, cilantro, sour cream and chips.  Make Ahead: The chili can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Suggested Pairing A smoky Syrah or dark ale; or something sweet, like sangria, which helps tame the heat from the chile in the dish. Game-Day Pork and Black Bean Chili Active Time: 1 Hour; Total Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes; Serves: 8 to 10 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 pounds trimmed pork shoulder, cut into 1/3-inch dice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 poblano chiles—stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/3-inch dice
• 1 large onion, cut into 1/3-inch dice
• 4 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced (1/4 cup)
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup ancho chile powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup minced cilantro, plus more for serving
• One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
• 1 pound dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 5 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 3 cups dark beer, such as Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale
• 3 tablespoons corn flour
• 3 tablespoons water

How to Make It Step 1    In a large enameled, cast-iron casserole, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the bacon and cook over moderate heat until the fat has rendered. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate. Step 2    Season the pork with salt and pepper. Add the pork to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 7 minutes. Add the poblanos, onion, chipotles and garlic to the casserole and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 7 minutes. Add the chile powder, cumin, oregano and minced cilantro and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, beans, chicken stock, beer and cooked bacon and bring to a boil. Step 3     Cover and simmer over moderately low heat until the beans are just tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Uncover the casserole and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are cooked, 30 to 45 minutes longer. Step 4     In a small bowl, whisk the corn flour with the water until smooth. Slowly whisk the mixture into the chili until incorporated. Season the chili with salt and pepper, garnish with cilantro and serve. Make Ahead: The chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Serve With Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, minced chiles, corn chips and tortilla chips. Suggested Pairing Dark beer, such as Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale Read More: Food and Wine Super Bowl Recipes

We all want to save more money in 2019. Building savings and spending less ranks No. 4 in New Year’s resolutions after eating better, exercising more and losing weight, according to an Inc. survey. So, it’s no surprise that social media is exploding with one popular plan to help you put aside a significant stash. It’s called the 52-Week Money Challenge, and it may come as close to painless as any saving strategy you’ve ever met. The secret of the challenge is to trick you into saving money incrementally. Start by saving $1 the first week and then add another dollar the second week so that you put away $2. Add another dollar in Week 3 so that you sock away $3.  By Week 4 you will be accustomed to tacking on that extra little bit of one more dollar and the saving of $4 should be easy. Keep building with an additional $1 each week and by Week 52 you’ll be able to count $1,378 in your savings account. Another way to use this plan is to reverse the amount you’ll save each week. Start with $52 for Week 1, and cut the amount $1 for each successive week. On Week 2 you’ll stash $51 and on Week 3 you’ll save $50. By Week 52 you’ll have dropped the amount down to $1, but you’ll have accumulated almost $1,400. The principle of incremental saving still applies. Put these savings into an account apart from your regular checking or savings. Open up a new account into a new bank if you can. The strategy here is “out of sight, out of mind” so that you won’t be tempted to break into the fund for a quick vacation or dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. This idea is growing in popularity on social media and bloggers are ready with tips to help you succeed. Google “52-week money saving challenge chart” for free printable charts that will show you just how fast you’ll accumulate significant savings. Berna Anat used the challenge to successfully pay off $50,000 in student loan and credit card debt in January 2018. Now she’s offering tips and lessons on Instagram to help others match her success. She’s also teamed with Evernote to let potential savers know about The Ever Better Challenge for a free 30-day programs that promises to help you “find your focus and finish what you start.” Check it out if you’re serious about saving but don’t think you can commit to a full year. Many bloggers provide links to savings apps along with their stories to illustrate how they’ve made the challenge of saving money work for them. One of these is the blog Gathering Dreams, which suggests a different technique to help you save $5,000 by the end of the year. This strategy suggests you never spend a $5 bill that comes into your hands. Put it into a savings jar labeled with your end goal. Trip to Ireland? College loan? New sofa? Don’t dive into the jar for one year, and you’ll be surprised at the amount you’ve hidden away. If you think this plan sounds like your grandpa emptying his pockets at the end of the work day and putting all his loose change into a mason jar, you’ve nailed the concept. If you’re ready to reduce your debt, stop sweating over paycheck-to-paycheck living and plan for a big purchase, you’re not alone. A recent survey by Fidelity Investments found that 48 percent of respondents said their top priority among New Year’s resolutions is to save more. Some 29 percent said they plan to pay down debt, and 15 percent resolved to spend less. Read More: 10 Top New Year's Resolutions for Success and Happiness in 2019  

Hair, just like skin, needs a little help with extra moisture during the winter months. The main cause of dry winter hair is not colder temperatures but the lack of moisture in the air. Losing moisture can leave you with locks that are dry and brittle. You may see split ends, frizzy hair and dry, itchy scalp. Protect your hair against seasonal climate change by replenishing lost moisture and by abandoning habits that suck the shine out of your lustrous strands. These tricks will smooth your way. Don’t add to the dryness. Limit shampoos to two or three times a week during the winter to avoid drying out your hair. Shampoos contain surfactants that clean your hair but can be drying. Stay away from styling products with alcohol that dry out the hair. Swap conditioners that contain silicones for silicone-free versions. Lay off the hot water and use lukewarm or even cold water if you can stand it. Using hotter water when it’s cold outside will leave your scalp dry and itchy. Limit your use of hot styling tools. Switch to an ionic hair dryer to get the same effect while using less heat. Lock moisture into your hair. Add more moisture into your hair care with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Try Virtue’s Smooth Conditioner ($38) to smooth the hair’s cuticle and banish frizz. Dry your hair before leaving the house. Combining moisture in just-shampooed hair with cold air will further damage your hair by making it more brittle and drier. Apply a leave-in product to dry strands for extra hydration. Thick, curly hair loves Davine's Dede Hair Mist, while Biolage 3 Butter Control System Day Cream works wonders for fine, straight hair. A hair oil like Oribe's Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil can be used on dry hair to smooth and add shine to strands. This liquid gold for dehydrated or color-treated hair also can be used on wet hair after a shampoo and before a blow dry. Deep condition with a mask. Treat your hair once a week to a deep conditioning treatment or mask with hydrating ingredients like Garnier Fructis Coconut Extract 1 Minute Hair Mask. Using a mask is a quick and easy way to lock moisture into your hair. Control split ends. Regular light trims every six to eight weeks will reduce the chance of dry, splitting ends during the winter months. Use a split end binding cream for hair that looks healthier. Continuing use of Nexxus Promend Leave-In Crème for Split Ends helps fuse the split back to the strand. Also check out Virtues Perfect Ending Split End Serum ($40). End static frizzies. Lightly run a dryer sheet over your strands. Calm staticky strands by applying hand cream to your palms and smooth it over your hair. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to retain moisture in your hair. (Cotton absorbs moisture and silk retains it). Wrap your head in a silk scarf before you don your woolly beanie or any winter hat. Get moisture into your home. Avoid space heaters that suck moisture out of the air. Invest in a humidifier to help stop your hair and skin from feeling dry. Read More: Dry Winter Hair Is the Worst    

Sexual desire for your partner doesn’t have to fade simply because you are in a long-term relationship. Making a lover feel appreciated and responding to their needs can actually increase desire, according to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Cultivating responsiveness requires setting aside time to talk and listen to your S.O. every day without judging or interrupting. The result can be intellectual intimacy that translates to greater sexual intimacy. "People who perceive their partner as responsive believe that this partner understands and appreciates their needs, as well as reacts supportively to their goals," said lead study author Gurit E. Birnbaum, PhD in an interview with Health magazine. "This is important because it shows that you not only care about your partner's well-being, but that you truly understand his or her wants and needs." Here are six resolutions to reboot your relationship for a stronger connection to your partner in the New Year. Express gratitude. How great would it be to start each day hearing that the person you care about most truly appreciates you? Try telling your S.O. just that in the morning and see how your connection deepens. The benefit won’t be just for your relationship. Researcher suggests that a deep connection with your partner can help reduce your stress hormone levels. Fight fair. State your concern, talk about your feelings calmly, and let your partner know how the issue is making an impact on you. Avoid below-the-belt fighting such as shaming or blaming your partner. Don’t indulge in name-calling, interrupting or rehashing the past. These dirty tricks only distract from the issue and damage the foundation of your relationship. Plan a special turn-on. Treat yourselves to a special date night that’s different from dinner and a movie. Take turns at least once each month planning something you can do together, whether it’s booking massages or setting up a bubble bath. Arrive at a restaurant or bar separately and role-play that you’re meeting for the first time. You’ll end up going home with this pretend-stranger. Let go of your workday. Your sex life probably is suffering if you rush home from work, grab and bite and go right back to work on the computer before you crash into bed. If you spend the evening focusing on your S.O., you’ll feel more connected. Call a hard stop to work and give your partner some quality time. Try something new in the bedroom.  Suggest trying a new sexual technique. Explain to your partner that a little experimentation doesn’t mean you are dissatisfied. Wanting to explore reflects your level of comfort with your partner and your relationship. New experiences involve trusting each other. Ask questions. When we’ve been with our partners for a while, we start assuming we know all there is to know about them. Give your love a chance to surprise you. Ask a question that gives you the chance to learn something new about them. Read More: Couples with the Best Sex Lives Have This in Common, Says Science  

Celebrities turned the Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on Sunday, January 6 into a blend of date night, family night out and a revue of some of best dressed men in Hollywood. Often a star wrapped up all three categories in one package. The red carpet was the place to watch couples at their cutest and discover that some familiar faces have taken up with new sweeties. But the most adorable dates turned out to be the parents who brought along their proud children. Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk The A Star Is Born actor and director made a rare public appearance with the glamorous model. The duo has only walked two red carpets together since they started dating in 2015 and haven’t been spotted at an event since the Met Gala in May 2018. They share daughter Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper, who was born in April 2017. Sunday’s appearance sparked rumors the gorgeous and notoriously private couple may be married or engaged. Lucy Boynton and Rami Malek The Bohemian Rhapsody costars have made no secret of their budding romance since they were spotted together in August 2018, but they kept a low profile until bringing some rock ‘n’ roll to the Golden Globes red carpet. Boynton played Mary Austin to Malek’s Freddie Mercury in the “Bohemian Rhapsody” biopic. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski Blunt, nominated for best supporting actress in a musical or comedy for her role in Mary Poppins Returns, coordinated impeccably with her husband. Together they were impossibly cute. She wore a silver, lace-detailed Alexander McQueen gown teamed with matching shoes and a pulled back low bun accented with a sparkling brooch and Neil Lane jewelry. He was dapper in a blue Brunello Cucinelli tux with a satin shawl collar and matching blue bow tie. Mahershala Ali The winner for his supporting actor role in Green Book thanked the three most important figures in his life. “Lastly, I have to thank my wife, my mother and my grandmother. I thank you for your prayers, I’ve needed each and every one of them,” he said. On the red carpet he coordinated his custom gray tux and trousers by Etro with a blue shawl in a paisley pattern. Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre The actor got a kiss from his fiancée on the red carpet and also proudly walked alongside his daughter, Isan, who served as this year’s Golden Globe Ambassador. The proud dad admitted he gave the 17-year-old some tips. “I told her to keep her back straight; elegance is presence,” he told E!. “Smile and nod politely, even if you can’t understand what anyone’s saying. If you feel like you’re going to pass out, don’t … I’m just like really proud. I can’t help but be a dad.” Ben and Ella Olivia Stiller The 16-year-old joined her father Ben Stiller on the red carpet  and raved about his work “It’s exciting,” Ella said of being her dad’s plus-one. “I’m proud, I’m so proud of him!” The 53-year-old was nominated for his role as executive producer of the Showtime drama Escape at Dannemora.  He also directed. Viggo and Henry Mortensen The Green Book actor gave photographers the thumbs up while posing with son Henry.  The nominee's style was spot-on: a navy shawl-collar tux and silk bow tie by Dior Men contrasted with a crisp white shirt. Mortensen was nominated for best actor in a motion picture – comedy. Read More: 10 Best-Dressed Men at the Golden Globes