Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez

Nia Sanchez, 24, stopped by HuffPost Live on Thursday to chat with host Caitlyn Becker about her newly acquired title, the legacy she hopes to leave Latinas and why she refused to change her last name when she began competing as a beauty queen.


During a fan question portion of the segment, Crystal Brown-Tatum asked Sanchez about the legacy she’d like to leave young Latinas who now see the half-Mexican beauty queen as a role model.

“I would just like the women -- in the Latina community or even any community across America -- just to know to continue to try and never give up, and pursue your dreams,” Sanchez answered the viewer. “I have been competing for five years and being on the stage of Miss USA and “hopefully” being Miss USA was my dream and it’s something that came true with persistence. So I just always want to encourage women to do that, especially as a Latina woman.”

After a brief pause, Sanchez added that she had once been advised to hide her heritage by changing her name.

“I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone this, but I had someone tell me ‘You should change your last name. Your last name is Sanchez, you should go by like a “stage name” because you might have a better chance.’ And, you know, I’m proud of who I am and I definitely did not follow that advice,” the beauty queen said.

While the model may consider the suggestion absurd, many Latino artists and actors like Andy Garcia and John Leguizamo have revealed they were urged to do something similar to conceal their background.

When asked whether she ever “second guessed” herself after being told to change her last name, the Miss USA winner assured Becker she didn’t even give the suggestion a second thought.

“I really didn’t. At the time I just kind of thought that they sounded crazy, to be honest. I was like ‘What! Change my name? No, I love my name.’,” Sanchez said. “So it was just weird to get that advice from somebody. I had never even had that thought cross my mind before.”

Watch Sanchez address the “crazy” suggestion and diversity in the Miss USA competition above and the full HuffPost Live interview below.

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By Sharon Naylor for Bridal Guide

From the time you get engaged to your big day, with every decision you make and hurdle you overcome, you're putting all kinds of wisdom into play. You're also fine-tuning skills that can help build a successful marriage, such as sticking to a budget, navigating family politics and knowing when to take a de-stressing break from it all.

Apply these learning experiences from your wedding-planning journey to your future together:


Photo Credit: J. Woodbery Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

1. Don't let money fights tear you apart.

Financial disagreements can strain even the happiest of marriages. According to a study by The National Survey of Families and Households, couples who argue about money once a week are 30 percent more likely to divorce than couples who report fighting about finances a few times each month. In order to protect your marriage, take your family budget seriously and be patient for those big things that you want, whether it's a new car or maybe even a baby.

If you went over-budget for your wedding (many couples do!) make it a goal to live within your means now. Start by recording everything you spend over the course of a month — and we do mean everything — in an easy program like Quicken or Mint.com. Next, see what you can take a break from or scale back on, like going out to eat two times a month instead of six. Even little things like choosing affordable cuts of meat when grocery shopping and filtering water from the tap instead of buying water bottle cases can add up to big savings.

As you may have already learned with unexpected wedding expenses, it's also crucial to have an emergency fund, especially if you own a house or car that could need pricey repairs.

2. Make time for your other favorite people -- they helped make you who you are.

During the wedding-planning process, you likely involved your parents and siblings somehow, whether it was inviting them to your gown-shopping appointment, honoring your family history with a photo table, or other thoughtful gestures. During your marriage, make a plan to connect with both of your immediate and extended families on a regular basis.

If you live far away from them, set up a Sunday Skype date and send thoughtful emails or texts just to see how they're doing. Share family traditions with your spouse: holiday traditions, recipes, great stories, visits to your families' favorite places and any other insights into your family life before this new life you're sharing.

Let go of family drama. Just like a squabble over the budget or guest list may have stressed you out, family dramas can also create tension in your marriage. Stay out of the fray, forgive what you can and don't get sucked into attention-seeking ploys. Embrace the happier, more positive people in your life, whoever they may be.

3. Gratitude is essential to leading a happy life!

Just like you sent thank-you notes for wedding gifts you received, it's just as important to say "thank you" to anyone who adds light and laughter to your world during your marriage. It might be for a dinner your parents took you to, the wheelbarrow your neighbor lent you when you were putting in your garden or anything sweet your husband does for you. Everyone wants to feel that they are appreciated.

Keep a gratitude journal in which you record five things that made you happy that day. This will ensure that your mindset stays balanced even during challenging times. It makes you a happier person to be around, which is contagious!

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina on Kiss the Groom via Lover.ly

4. The couple that plays together, stays together.

One of the biggest wishes among engaged couples planning their weddings is that the entire event be a ton of fun. A great band or DJ. Interactive food stations. Photo booths. Weddings are unforgettable experiences for guests.

Make your marriage stronger by incorporating lots of play, inside jokes, and new activities, as well as making time for the things you already love to do together.

5. Honor each other’s boundaries.

Make your marriage stronger by engaging in open communication. Rather than just saying "no" when your partner comes to you with a request or vice versa, take the time to explain why you feel this way, listen to each other and prioritize one another's feelings. You both need to understand where the other is coming from in order to make decisions that honor you and your partner's comfort level and values.

It's all about teamwork in a happy marriage, which stems from compromise and balance. Neither of you is the boss — resentments can boil over when one partner feels like they're getting overruled all the time. Come up with an agreement that neither of you should have to do something you feel strongly against or uncomfortable with, and make an effort to mix up the decision-making.

6. Stay flexible and have a Plan B just in case.

Smart wedding planning involves having a back-up plan: an indoor space for the ceremony in case it rains or an alternative bouquet in case your floral designer can't get an out-of-season bloom.

In your marriage, don't get so hung up on having things go according to your timetable that you're absolutely devastated if your original plan doesn't work out. It's not about what happens to us; it's how we bounce back.


Photo Credit: Vesic Photography on Inspired by This via Lover.ly

7. Nobody wins when you try to keep up with the Joneses.

Even if your best friend had a $100,000 wedding and yours was just a tiny fraction of that, it doesn't mean that your big day was any less awesome or special. Although it's natural to get envious sometimes, it's not worth acting on by trying to outcompete or match what someone else has — many negative things can spiral out from there.

The same goes for the home you choose to live in, the furniture you buy, the car you drive and so on. No one wants to feel like they're not doing well enough in life. So, how do you tame that green-eyed monster? Again, we’re back to #3: gratitude makes life fabulous! Let the Joneses be the Joneses and you live your wonderful life filled with beautiful people and your own special touches to the things you do have.

8. The people you hire had better be good.

You put a lot of time and energy into researching, interviewing and hiring the best wedding vendors. The same goes for hiring real estate agents, doctors, contractors... the experts you can't afford to entrust your home (or your life) to without fully investigating them and investing in the best.

You know that when you hire someone without doing due diligence, you're more likely to get crummy service and bad results. You don't want that with your plumbing or your health.

9. Every now and then, get away from it all and get back to being "you."

When stress builds up, it’s not pretty. You may find yourself snapping over minor things, sleeping poorly, overeating, skipping workouts, breaking out...stress is bad news for you and for everyone who loves you. Every now and then, make time to go on a vacation as part of your "happy me, happy us" plan. And even if you can't get away because of budget or time, find ways to switch up your scenery like checking out shops in a nearby town or going for a hike.

Whether you revisit your honeymoon resort, check into a quaint bed and breakfast a few hours away or even just take a day trip somewhere, the important thing is to recognize when you and your spouse are overworked from the daily grind. Escaping your to-do list and unplugging for a few hours/days will dial down your stress levels and make you better partners.

10. Be present –- it all goes by too fast.

The wedding day passes by so quickly — one minute you're slipping that ring on your groom's finger and the next minute, the band is announcing that this is the last song of the night. You didn't even get to eat very much of your wedding menu! In your marriage, as in your wedding, make sure you stop, look around, and take in every detail.

Be fully present and you won't look back on your life saying, "There's so much that I didn't take the time to appreciate and enjoy." Enjoy every moment to the fullest.


More from Bridal Guide:
20 Wedding-Planning Epiphanies (in GIFs!)
150+ Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
The Hottest Wedding Gown Trends for 2015
75 Wedding Hairstyles for Every Length
Top 10 Wedding Guest Complaints


Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Sign up for our newsletter here.

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Kanye West

Kanye West Proves He's Like Every Other Dad In Sweet Photo With North West

Taylor Swift Is Chic In All Black With Her Famous Red Lips

Taylor Swift

We can't wait.

This article was originally published on AskMen.

Men's hairstyles continually evolve with new trends, and with each trend comes a slew of new hair products. Just like the shoes and clothes you wear, the way you style your hair says a lot about your sense of fashion and personality. But before you decide on your next hair-spiration, read on to find out what these hair products can do for you. These products each form distinct textures and styles for various hair types, which might be overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you need. That's why we're here to help you get your hair looking as good as you've always wanted with this simple guide to wax, clay, pomade, gel, and cream.

Wax

This versatile product can help you achieve great hairstyles, from relaxed bed-head to more controlled looks. Good for short to mid-length hair, wax can deliver long-holding style, without adding grease or looking shiny. As your day progresses, hair wax will allow you to reshape and restyle accordingly, without getting your hands sticky. As long as it is evenly distributed, wax can lend you an effortlessly roguish look.

How To Use: Shake the bottle. Dispense a small amount in one hand and apply to your hair with both hands. Style your hair to your liking and blow dry for maximum hold.

To Try:

Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Wax



For easy, messy hair, this matte piecing and forming wax from Fekkai will do the trick.

Lock Stock & Barrel Classic Wax



This strong-hold wax is a cut above, and a barber go-to, with its pliable texture and moderate shine.

Toni & Guy Spray Wax



Unlike the previous two, this wax allows you to style without getting your hands sticky, and it's easy to use on both short and longer layers.

Putties and Clay

Wax's hardcore cousins, putties and clay, can be used in much the same way as any strong-holding matte product. These are great for accomplishing the messiest-looking hairdos with pretty much any hair type, and can even help add thickness to naturally thin manes. Clays and company will create defined strands and a pliable texture that won't give itself away with any shine.

How To Use: Like wax, use your fingers to texture and tousle the areas that you want to style. Clay isn't sticky, but it can leave a gummy residue on your fingers if you use too much.

To Try:

Baxter of California Clay Pomade



This award-winning (Men's Health Best Styling Product, and Reader's Digest Best Wax) lemon and sage-scented clay from Baxter of California is a great option for anyone needing control of their hair.

Lock Stock & Barrel Clay



Clays are great for adding volume and texture to any style, and this one from Lock Stock & Barrel is a perfect example. It can be used on damp or dry hair.

Aveda Pure Performance Grooming Clay



This Aveda product is a top contender with its strong-hold, matte finish and slight citrus and spearmint smell. It's made from organic essential oils, so it won't damage your hair after prolonged wear.


Pomade

A clever blend of wax and oil, a good pomade will help you achieve the classic look made popular by Leonardo DiCaprio (think The Great Gatsby) and Mad Men's Don Draper. Pomades are primarily used to bless hair with extra shine and softer texture, which makes them especially great for curly hair. When choosing a pomade, look for one that's water-based so it's easy to wash out.

How To Use: Using your fingers, spread a small amount of pomade to the areas that need a little extra shaping or texture. Be careful not to use too much to avoid your hair looking greasy.

To Try:

Murray's Original Pomade



From a company who clearly cherishes brand value, Murray's Original Pomade is simple and modest, yet has earned itself a devout celebrity fan club (Justin Timberlake includes himself as a member).


Uppercut Deluxe Pomade



Perfectly water-soluble, this product is particularly popular among those who rock the slickback, or other more hardcore 'dos. Consider that a testament to its strong-hold ability and street cred.


Bumble and Bumble Semisumo Pomade



Made of only six ingredients (such as beeswax and coconut oil), this high-shine pomade is designed to soften hair and control frizz.

Cream

For the most natural look, a quality cream will simply add a touch of shine and lustre for a healthy-looking head of hair. Perfect for wavy, curly, and longer locks, cream is a great grooming product that can help eradicate frizziness when used on wet hair. Compared to stiff wax or heavy gel, creams offer a light texture, which can also help soften coarse hair. For inspiration, you can look to Brad Pitt in The Counselor or World War Z.

How To Use: Creams can be used as a main or finishing product. Start by distributing a small amount from your hands to your hair, and reapply as needed. For those with longer hair, you can concentrate on treating the ends to help diminish dead-end frizziness.

To Try:

Billy Jealousy Forming Cream



A great styling aid, this is a perfect hair product for creating all the shape and movement you've been craving. Its lavender and rosemary scent is an added plus.


Paul Mitchell Shaping Cream



Designed to give your hair ample texture and definition, this tea tree cream dries matte so that your hair looks as natural as possible.


Malin+Goetz Sage Styling Cream



This product is intended for all-day use, without adding weight or grease. It is made from natural ingredients, like chamomile and verbena, so it smells and feels great.


Gel

Good for thick hair, gel's primary function is to keep hair in place. Hair gel can be used to attain some of the most old-school looks, like the ones sported by Elvis, or John Travolta in Grease. Slick and stiff, it can be applied to wet or dry hair for different effects. Gel tends to make hair shiny, which is probably what has earned its reputation as the modern day hair grease.

If you're happy with keeping the same look from dawn until dusk, gel will deliver exactly that. That said, you might want to consider a different option if you're prone to running your fingers through your hair. Once dried in position, gel can break from its shape, or flake, if meddled with.

How To Use: Start with a small coin-sized portion of gel in your hands. Apply to wet or dry hair, and style as usual. You can use a blow dryer for maximum hold or let it dry naturally (it will look shinier). As previously mentioned, refrain from retouching once the gel is dry to avoid flaking.

To Try:

Hanz de Fuko Gel Triq



Your basic gel, this high-shine plant-infused product from Hanz de Fuko will hold a 'do for long periods of time without flaking.


Jack Black Body Building Hair Gel



Lightweight and non-flake, Jack Black's Body Building Gel is formulated to add volume and luster to any kind of hair. Plus, it's unscented, for those who don't like strong odors or fragrances.


Mousse

Mousse really isn't our favorite kind of hair product, mainly because it's annoying to use (it's foamy in the hands and feels crunchy when it dries) and because you can accomplish similar, easier effects with other types of hair products. That said, there are a few good mousse options out there and it can be used fairly successfully on thin hair. Especially when used in combination with a blow dryer, mousse can lend extra volume.

How to use: Use when hair is damp, starting at the roots of your hair. Style as usual, and let dry naturally or with a blow dryer.

To try:

Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam



Not strictly speaking a mousse, Aveda's styling foam is a great product to use against thin, flat hair -- plus it's easy to apply. It's also made from natural ingredients so you don't have to worry about chemicals often found in other mousse alternatives (we suggest that you beware of anything that comes in an aerosol can).


Which Hair Product Is Right For You?
Hopefully, you'll find a product that best reflects your hair and style needs. Just remember: Whatever product you opt for, make sure it contains no alcohol, and try to find products with UV sunscreen protection and moisturizing characteristics to maintain healthy hair.

Check out AskMen's full original article on the best hair products for men. ]]>

Kylie Jenner

We've seen her rock royal blue, look perfectly pretty in pink and stun in basically every other hue of the rainbow.

Lately FLOTUS has been getting gorgeous in green, starting with last month when she attended the opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center in an emerald and cream Naeem Khan dress with floral embroidery. Let's just say she knows a good thing when she wears it because she donned back-to-back green looks this past weekend.

We're hoping this is her new favorite color because we're fans! What do you think?

June 13: FLOTUS in a belted, patterned blouse and solid overcoat.




June 14: FLOTUS in a Mary Katrantzou printed dress
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