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Marco Rubio is even against abortions for women infected with the Zika virus

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By now, everyone knows that the Zika virus causes severe, devastating birth defects. But if you ask Florida senator Marco Rubio, women infected with the virus should be forced to carry their babies to term.

"I understand a lot of people disagree with my view, but I believe that all human life is worthy of protection of our laws. And when you present it in the context of Zika or any prenatal condition, it's a difficult question and a hard one," Rubio told Politico Saturday. "If I'm going to err, I'm going to err on the side of life."

More: How long is it active? And 5 more questions we still have about Zika

Pregnant women in Florida are anxious about the spreading Zika virus, which has already infected at least 16 people in Miami. Zika causes microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's brain doesn't develop normally during pregnancy or stops developing after birth, resulting in an abnormally small head size. According to the CDC, babies with microcephaly suffer from a slew of complications ranging from seizures to developmental delays to difficulty feeding. At least two Zika-infected women have already had abortions in the United States to prevent such complications.

More: What moms need to know about microcephaly caused by Zika

It's hardly surprising that Rubio would want to force women to carry pregnancies to term despite the likelihood of severe birth defects. His views on abortion are extreme for a Republican; unlike some of his party, he doesn't support abortion in cases of incest and rape.

Rubio is well aware of the lifetime of hardships women who have babies with microcephaly can face: "Obviously, microcephaly is a terrible prenatal condition that kids are born with. And when they are, it’s a lifetime of difficulties," he told Politico. "So I get it. I’m not pretending to you that that’s an easy question you asked me. But I’m pro-life. And I’m strongly pro-life."

Right now, there are at least 340 Zika-infected pregnant women in the United States, many of whom are anxiously enduring medical tests and screenings to make sure their babies aren't born with microcephaly. Unfortunately, these women have a 13 percent chance of giving birth to babies with the condition, according to The Washington Post.

Dr. Abdulla al-Khan works at New Jersey's Hackensack University Medical Center, the hospital that delivered the second baby born with Zika-related microcephaly in the United States. He spoke to ABC News about his fears for both the baby and the mother, given the severe disabilities her child will face: "The damage is already done. You cannot allow the brain to regenerate itself," he said. "It's going to impact the mother and her relationships. It will impact her socially and financially.

“You don't appreciate the magnitude of this problem until you see [an affected infant] and share the pain of what the mother is going through."

More: How worried should women who aren't pregnant be about Zika?


Lindsay Lohan opens up about her alleged abuse — and it's heartbreaking

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Following a series of emotional posts hinting that her relationship with fiancé Egor Tarabasov was far from healthy, Lindsay Lohan decided to speak to the press to confirm domestic violence rumors, saying that she no longer feels safe.

"I wanted to do this interview because it's time to tell the truth," said Lohan, who was reportedly crying during her interview with Mail on Sunday. "There have been so many lies printed about me recently. I've kept quiet for so long, but now I'm scared of what Egor might do to me and to himself."

More: 10 domestic violence facts we should all be taking very seriously

Troublingly, she claims it's "not the first time" her fiancé allegedly assaulted her. "That's the problem," she says. "But this time, someone saw."

The police showed up at at the couple's London flat and kicked down the door in July, after Lohan and her fiancé woke up concerned neighbors with their fighting. The police didn't charge anybody, but a neighbor took a video of the incident from outside the apartment in which Lohan is heard screaming, "Egor, you’ve been strangling me constantly. You can’t strangle a woman constantly and beat the shit out of her and think it’s OK. Everybody saw you touch me. It’s filmed. Get out! Get out.” 

"I genuinely fell in love with him, but he broke my trust and made me feel unsafe," Lohan told the Mail.

Sadly, the alleged abuse Lohan detailed is not as uncommon as it should be. Rates of domestic violence are shockingly high in the United States, and according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence. To put things in harsh perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 20 people become victims of violence at the hands of an intimate partner every 20 minutes in the United States.

More: Lindsay Lohan really regrets making her relationship troubles so public

"I realize now you can't stay in a relationship just for love," Lohan said. "No woman can be hit and stay with that person if that person isn't prepared to say sorry." But it's important to stress that even if an abuser does apologize, that doesn't mean he won't do it again.

"The chances are high that an abuser will be abusive again, and any past history of domestic violence should be a huge red flag," says Gretchen Shaw, the associate director of the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, in a post at domesticviolence.org. "In order to change, the abuser has to consciously choose to change and take responsibility for being abusive, permanently."

If Lindsay Lohan is being abused, let's hope she leaves her abuser for good.

More: What I know now — Looking back on my abusive relationship with a woman

Weekly horoscopes: Aug. 8 – Aug. 14

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gemini

cancer

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virgo

libra

scorpio

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capricorn

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
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You're having a hard time taking anything on faith. You've experienced so much injustice and disappointment recently that you're in no position to boost other people's spirits, much less your own. If you were to speak honestly, you'd probably rail at the Universe rather than celebrate it. Nevertheless, you're engaged in one of the most powerful journeys of your life. They say that the opposite of faith is doubt, but in truth, they're two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. Belief lifts you when others insist you take no for an answer and doubt leads you to question the "inevitable."

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
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A financial deal could come undone toward the end of the week. Your reaction will be to fight to keep it going. After all, you've put a lot of time and energy into this and you don't want to see it collapse. However, the stars could be doing you a favor by alerting you to the fact that a potential client or backer isn't everything he claims to be. Indeed, he may have been promising you more than he can deliver all along. If things fall apart, then rest assured that there's a better deal on the way. Look for it near Aug. 27.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
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You have to make some very important, crucial decisions on Aug. 11 and Aug. 14. You won't like that circumstances are forcing your hand, but what can be said? They are. The best advice for midweek is to dump that prize you think is so valuable, because it's not. If anything, it jeopardizes what you've accomplished. And Saturday? You're clearly in over your head when it comes to honoring a certain obligation, so you need to backtrack on that as well. It's going to feel like you've lost more than you've gained by week's end, but the opposite is actually true. Offloading fortifies your position.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
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Creativity doesn't have to be such a big mystery. It's not something that's exotic, otherworldly or reserved for the select few. In fact, many of us are more creative than we give ourselves credit for. We don't think of the millions of things that we do every day as being especially imaginative — but they are. Mercury in practical Virgo until Oct. 7 will prove just how adept, talented and resourceful you truly are. These are attributes that you should stop undervaluing or taking for granted because all it takes is a little more nurturing and mindfulness from you to turn these gifts into full-blown artistry.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
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For months, you tried to please a certain loved one who just cannot be pleased. You've bent over backward to make this person happy, but it never seemed to be enough. And it isn't because this person is a demanding perfectionist with high standards, had a rough childhood or has difficulties with trust and intimacy. No. The simple truth is that this person delights in holding back love and making you jump through the hoops. Saturn coming out of retrograde on Aug. 13 shows that it's time for this to end. If you won't stop it, then somebody who truly cares about you will.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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Mercury is the planet of curiosity, and its trine to Pluto on Aug. 10 will make you obsessed with getting to the bottom of things. This is great for in-depth research, navigating bureaucratic channels or comparison shopping because you won't stop until you find what you're looking for. Mercury/Pluto trines are famous for unearthing hidden secrets, solving mysteries and discovering amazing deals buried deep in the sales racks. Mercury/Pluto trines are also good for checking out inconsistencies. Whether it's something that doesn't sit right with you or numbers that don't add up, a last-minute discovery allows you to nip a potential problem in the bud.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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This is not the week to say yes, no matter how tempting the offer or invitation may be. Right now, you have ruling planet Venus moving toward an opposition to Neptune, the planet of illusion, in the sky. This means that you have fallen under someone's spell and even though you want to believe the best, there's still something iffy about the whole thing. It would be prudent to remember that if someone wants something from you this badly — like your signature, your heart or your trust — then he can wait until you are ready to give it. And that won't be before Aug. 27.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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Are you dealing with people as people or as a means to an end? It's an important question to ask when Mercury trines Pluto this week. We live in an "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine" world. Motives aren't always pure, and self-interest is applauded. However, there is a way to benefit others as well as yourself, and that's the challenge you'll face on Aug. 10, when the stars present you with a unique opportunity. You could grab it for yourself or you could find a way for everyone to profit. This will require some ingenuity and imagination, but you're up to it.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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Not every venture is going to deliver as promised. It might cost you financially, emotionally or spiritually. Saturn coming out of retrograde on Aug. 13 says that it's time to cut your losses and to move on. But what feels like a defeat is really a victory. You may not see it yet, but what you've learned over these past few months is invaluable. Maybe it was discipline, perseverance or putting your problem-solving skills to the test like never before. Triumphs are good, but we rarely learn from them. Where we get our life education is from our "mistakes." Disappointments and setbacks make us inventive, resourceful and resolute.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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Ruling planet Saturn comes out of retrograde on Aug. 13. This brings an end to five and a half months of doubt and self-questioning. You may still feel unclear about where things are going, but you'll start to feel like you have a better grasp of your situation. In fact, you'll soon see a lot of loose ends get tied up and up-in-the-air promises pinned down. The only thing you have to watch out for is an unexpected collapse of a long-standing matter near the full moon on Aug. 18. You may think you know what it is, but you'll be just as surprised as everyone else.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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Don't get too heavy-handed on Aug. 10, when Mercury trines Pluto in Capricorn. A trine is a facilitating energy, which means that you will get what you want in a sale, bid or negotiation. You win, except finalizing the details will take longer than anticipated. The other party might vacillate, haggle or throw up one roadblock after another. This could make you impatient and cause you to redouble efforts, but don't. The people you're dealing with feel outsmarted and like they lost their advantage. They have, but you don't need to rub their noses in it. Allow for things like bruised egos and hurt pride.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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People grow enamored with every little thing you do this week thanks to Venus, the planet of attraction, forming an opposition to Neptune, your ruling planet, on Aug. 14. Everyone will be convinced that you are the best thing that has ever happened to them. Neptune gives you the ability to stir the waters of people's unconscious so that they feel an instant connection with you when you are near — but be forewarned that this is only as good or bad as the person who's smitten with you. In other words, whether you bring out the best or worst in someone remains to be seen.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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Your weekly love horoscope

Weekly love horoscopes: Aug. 8 – Aug. 14

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taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
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You're entering a time when you'll be adding another burden to your already heavily laden life. Needless to say, you won't be in the mood for pleasant diversions and could even frown on people's attempts to get you to unwind. You may want to rethink this tendency of yours to withdraw and to isolate. It's the soldierly part of being born under a Mars-ruled sign. It can't hurt to have people in your life who make you smile. They may never appreciate what's at stake, but maybe they don't have to. Getting you to lighten up and relax is what they're all about.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
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It's best to take things at face value for now. You know that there's more going on with him than he says, but it would be wise to not press. We live in an impatient society when it comes to information. We expect people to tweet about every little detail of their lives, but where — and when — do we allow them their privacy to withdraw into themselves so that they can process things emotionally and reflect? Show him how much you care by giving him his space. This quiet reassurance and expression of trust will invite him to divulge all when he feels ready.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
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Be ready for some weird stuff in the days running up to Aug. 13, when Saturn comes out of retrograde. This could be when your ex calls and begs you to take him back, when that guy you were in love with pulls a disappearing act or when you run into your high school sweetheart, who's in the process of getting divorced. It could even be all three! There's a strange out-of-sync quality to all of this, and you may feel like you're being set up as the butt of some cosmic joke, but you aren't. The sentiments are real, even if the circumstances are outlandish.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
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Sometimes it's not the worst-case scenario but the dread of the worst-case scenario taking place that keeps you locked away in a mental prison of your own making. Anxiety has the power to immobilize the most loving of hearts, which is why you need to examine its underpinnings to see if things are truly as bad as all that. Aug. 10 is the perfect day to ask the hard questions about the relationship you pinned your hopes on, because you'll be in the right headspace to study facts and factors dispassionately. You may even discover that things aren't as hopeless as all that.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
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Dramatic developments on Aug. 11 lead you to reassess what you want to do with your romantic relationship. For months, you've felt a drop in temperature, and lately you'd begun to wonder if there really was a future for you two. The moon/Mars conjunction will change all of that. Maybe it's an unforeseen crisis involving a loved one, a surprise upset at work or an unexpected setback that winds up pushing you into each other's arms. Obviously, you would have preferred a more appealing set of circumstances for getting together, but it's still nice to have someone to turn to in your hour of need.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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You may be surprised to discover on Aug. 14 that things aren't as simpatico as you thought with your partner or spouse. This will prove to be both upsetting and confusing: upsetting because your other half is clearly distressed and confusing because he's being impossibly vague about what's bothering him. Whatever you do, don't explain his feelings to him. If he has a problem, then he must be the one to articulate it. There's a very good chance that this funk of his has nothing to do with you and that he's groping around in the dark for something to pin the blame on.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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This week, you learn things about him that you suspected were true but hoped that they weren't. Libras are often portrayed as being so idealistic that the mere whiff of reality is enough to make their air castles dissipate into the ether. That might be true of male Libras, but female Libras come from the other side of the scale. You tend to be much more shrewd, savvy and resourceful. It's never pleasant having your illusions debunked, but that happens in every relationship. What will be nice to discover is that he's bigger than his mistakes and not afraid to cop to them.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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It looks like you're turning the corner in your relationship and can actually see a light at the end of the tunnel. So why are you disappointed? It's hard being born under a zodiac sign where life doesn't come easy. You're accustomed to trudging through the mire, and the idea of getting what you want seems foreign and almost even taboo. But your love life doesn't have to be a source of angst. It can even be an upper, given half a chance. Let yourself experience the heaven you don't know instead of the hell you do. At least it will make for a nice change of pace.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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Saturn comes out of retrograde on Aug. 13, and you'll feel the love almost immediately. It's hard living with Saturn, the planet of trials and tribulations, in your zodiac sign and harder still when Saturn is retrograde, as it has been since March 25. Now, this isn't to say that you'll suddenly discover the love of your life. You shouldn't expect amorous love to result from this change in direction. Look for something along the lines of a group hug. It will be nice to see people lower their guard and stop treating you like a suspicious outsider. This makes for a substantial improvement.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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Flirting is fun. That's what makes showing up at Starbucks every day at the same time, when you know he'll be there, or manufacturing excuses to bump into him at work so delicious. You both know what's going on, and that's what so thrilling! But being a Capricorn means that you're bound to feel guilty. This could lead you to stop cold, to confess everything to your boyfriend or to tell this guy whose name you still don't know that you're already spoken for and that these brief encounters can't possibly continue. Give yourself a break. Exchanging naughty glances and double entendres never hurt anyone.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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You can tell that you're being set up to play the heavy. Maybe it's in the way that a partner is acting out, that loved ones are testing boundaries or that friends are making provocative comments whenever you get together. People tend to see you as the designated adult in their lives, the unquestioned authority. Unfortunately, there's also an unspoken expectation that they can unload all of their pent-up frustration and disappointments on you. Gently point out to them that you are who you are, and whatever unresolved issues they have with exes, parents and unfeeling bosses should be taken up with them and not you.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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People grow enamored with every little thing you do this week thanks to Venus, the planet of attraction, forming an opposition to Neptune, your ruling planet, on Aug. 14. Everyone will be convinced that you are the best thing that has ever happened to them. Neptune gives you the ability to stir the waters of people's unconscious so that they feel an instant connection with you when you are near — but be forewarned that this is only as good or bad as the person who's smitten with you. In other words, whether you bring out the best or worst in someone remains to be seen.

More: What show you should watch based on your astrological sign

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Your weekly horoscope

12 banana split variations for the ultimate ice cream blowout

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Can you improve on the classic banana split? We think you can. With a few ideas for variations, a simple banana split becomes a culinary creation worthy of posting to Instagram — if you can take the photo before it gets gobbled up.

1. Caramelized bananas

Caramelized bananas add sweetness and depth. For a South American twist, try Brazilian fried bananas.

More: 12 hot fudge sundae ideas that will rule your summer

2. Fried ice cream

Making classic Mexican fried ice cream is easier than you'd think. But if traditional fried ice cream sounds like a bit much, try our un-fried ice cream.

3. Atomic cherries

The adults will get a kick — figuratively and literally — out of these moonshine-soaked cherries.

4. Homemade maraschino cherries

Don't leave the kiddos out of the cherry fun! Make these homemade maraschino cherries for the under-21 crowd.

5. Deconstructed banana split

Use banana chips for a deconstructed version. You can buy them at the store most of the year, or make your own at home.

6. Flavored whipped cream

Homemade whipped cream is easy, and homemade flavored whipped cream is a simple way to up the wow factor.

7. Custom sauces

Instead of prefab sauces, make your own unique flavors at home. Just about any berry sauce will complement bananas and ice cream.

More: 3-ingredient coconut sorbet you absolutely must serve in a coconut shell

8. Fresh or dried fruit

Sprinkle your split with fresh or dried fruit instead of cherries. Or try grilled fruit for a touch of smokiness.

9. Cute toppers

Add personalized homemade toppers instead of cherries for a personal touch. We like fruit leather fortune cookies, piñata cookies or a pair of peanut butter cookie high heels.

10. Nut brittle

Instead of sprinkling on nuts, why not a bit of tasty nut brittle?

11. Fun ice cream flavors

A scoop each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry is fun, but there's no reason to stop there, whether you buy Ben & Jerry's or make your own at home.

12. Ice cream sandwiches

Instead of ice cream scoops, top ice cream sandwiches with all the regular (or not) toppings.

More: 18 ingenious ice cream sandwich hacks that will keep you chill all summer

Why Al Trautwig's comments about Simone Biles' family were a colossal fail

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Dear Al, 

It’s cool that I call you Al, right?

I understand you’ve got your plate full with live-tweeting the Olympics so those of us at home can get the play-by-play on what our athletes are up to down in Rio, so I’ll be brief. Take a little breather from sports commentating (aka, being a Twitter jackass) and take a peek into my world. Just a little one: 

“OMIGOSH your kids are so freaking cute! Are they adopted?”

More: The question we really need to stop asking little kids about sports

I always think this is kind of a silly question since my kids are clearly Asian and I — with my blue eyes, freckly pale skin and red hair — am clearly not even a little bit Asian, but I always smile and nod. Yes, they sure are.

“What happened to their real mom?” 

Hmm. Now we’re traveling into the land of rude and you’ve just crossed over the hill of MYOFB, but I’m still determined not to be an asshole.

“I am their real mom.”

Pause.

“Well, you know what I mean.”

Seriously? “I am their real mom.”

You see, Al, conversations like this are (unfortunately) part of life on this side of adoption. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and respond kindly, especially if my children are listening. I don’t need a stranger’s clueless questions or comments to influence the way they feel about themselves or their place in our family.

More: My adopted kids are never going to know how much they 'cost'

You’re getting where I’m going with this, right?

I know I’m not the first person to tell you that your comments about Simone Biles were inappropriate. I know I probably won’t be the last, but I need to tell you what kind of impact your words have, not just on Simone Biles, but on families like mine.

I know it was only one tweet but you should be ashamed of yourself, Al.

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Image: AlTrautwig/Twitter

This was in response to an Olympian expressing her gratitude and love for the family who has supported her and encouraged her. You know… her parents.

I am Mom. My husband is Dad. We are parents. That makes us parents.

How we came to be the parents of our children is absolutely none of anyone else's business and the idea that how we became a family should have anything to do with the fact that we are a family is laughable. Ludicrous. Ridonculous, and I (almost) never use silly, made-up words like ridonculous, but that word seems to be appropriate in this case, for you.

More: Can you really raise a kid who is unaware of gender expectations?

I hope Simone Biles is too busy being a badass gymnast to have time to read your tweets, and if she does, I hope she has a thick enough skin to withstand that kind of trollish comment. Your lack of education and sensitivity are unacceptable, period, but doubly unacceptable for someone entrusted by major news networks to provide public commentary.

I can think of a lot of words to describe what you did, but I think I’m going to go with mean-spirited and unsportsmanlike. You took a potshot at a young girl who is trying to bask in her moment. The moment that wouldn’t be possible without the support and encouragement of her parents. Yes, her parents.

Instead of saying “aw, that’s sweet” or simply scrolling past Biles’ post on social media, you had to stoop. You had to go there. You had to try to diminish her joy, which is a douchey thing to do in itself, but with your flippant little comment, you threw a dart at the entire adoption community.

And you hit me.

What you said wasn’t just a slam against Simone Biles. It was a slam against all families built through adoption. I might not have birthed my children but I've done everything else a "real" mom would do. The responsibility is real. The love is real. Our family is real. And that's what makes the very real thing you said not OK.

I know you took down your tweet, but that doesn’t equate to an apology. You are sorry, right? If you want to be known as the sports commentator who embodies douche baggery in 140 characters or fewer, carry on. If you want a shot at the world thinking you’re a real human being, then I think you owe us something else.

Standing by for your comments, Al.

Married at First Sight and Love at First Kiss are banking on instant chemistry to find love

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Married at First Sight and Love at First Kiss are beginning new seasons, and I wonder if love can be found in these nontraditional scenarios

More: The Bachelorette: Men Tell All gets it wrong about love?

These two reality shows are about couples searching for love and are fascinating glimpses about relying on instant chemistry and allowing a relationship to develop with time. While I have doubted and questioned the concept of Married at First Sight in the third season, I think the matches this season make more sense and will hopefully allow for the relationships to develop and last, though the six-week time frame is still a detriment. While it is difficult to match people just on paper, if the experts can produce the matches and in-person chemistry, then it is a better start than last season where the concept failed all the couples.

Married at First Sight on FYI goes into its fourth season, this time with two new experts sitting on the panel, Pastor Calvin Roberson and Rachel DeAlto join Dr. Pepper Schwartz and three new couples (Heather/Derek, Lillian/Tom and Sonia/Nick) are married at first sight. Last season ended without any of the couples staying together and instead choosing to divorce after the finale aired. There were many flaws in setting up couples by matching them on paper and assuming commitment would create stronger bonds on its own. But this season, I watched the first few episodes and have already observed some potential due to the unspoken chemistry and the appearance of them being more at one with each other. If these couples believe in marriage and find each other not only falling in love but really liking each other as friends, maybe this season will work out better. Can this season create the magic and the compatibility this time? We will have to see.

The couples at the wedding ceremonies appeared to be more attracted to each other even through the awkwardness of just meeting. When the pairs first laid eyes on each other, they had positive comments and the chemistry seemed unspoken to most of the three couples in the first meeting. Now, we know chemistry is not everything, but it is a good start if it is shared by both people. While the show will continue to show the development of the couples moving forward, I found these three couples refreshing in that they appeared to all state that they really wanted to find love and commitment in this process, and they seemed genuine to me as a viewer. Time will tell if season four turns out better than the last and if errors that were made last season are seen again.

More: Stop condemning celebs for deleting pics of their ex on social media

Another new dating show that also hit the airwaves recently is Love at First Kiss on TLC, and it is a really interesting concept as well. This show puts two strangers together who are meeting for the first time with a kiss to see if they would like to continue on to the mini-date in the next segment. If so, it is followed by another date if they both decide to continue on. I like the format of this show because it really empowers each person to decide what is best for him or her, as each is only going off that first kiss and not a lot of other information. Can chemistry be enough to create a connection? I think this idea about attraction and chemistry is more than just physical attraction, but it's that unspoken magic that may or may not occur when the two meet. Although the show is just beginning, it will be interesting to see if this concept can create long-lasting relationships.

Both shows are basically real-life settings without all the manufactured fantasy and romance we see on The Bachelorette. The Married at First Sight couples are in their own settings and the Love at First Kiss couples have to decide a meeting after a kiss, so there is nothing else influencing them other than the person and that kiss. Time will tell how these shows fare, but it’s another way to look at love through instant connection and the process afterward. Can an unspoken connection create a long-lasting relationship or is it not enough? Can the idea of marriage and commitment allow a couple to grow together without the usual dating stages?

I will be watching the seasons to see what happens.

More: The Bachelorette overnight dates reveal a whole lotta loving going on

So guys, Happy Monday — Martha Stewart & Snoop Dogg have a reality show together

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No, this is not a joke. Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg are actually teaming up together for a new VH1 reality show.

More: 7 sickest burns from Martha Stewart that should make Justin Bieber very afraid

The show will be called Martha & Snoop's Dinner Party, and the details are too good to handle. It is scheduled to air this fall, and VH1 describes the show as a "half-baked evening of cooking, conversation and fun, where nothing is off-limits."

We're guessing that "half-baked" isn't referring to Stewart's cooking prowess but rather to one half of the hosting team.

In a statement, Stewart said, "At our dinner party, we will exemplify America's fascination with food, entertaining and celebrity. Martha & Snoop's Dinner Party will redesign the traditional food competition shows in a new, different and very funny way."

It kinda sounds to me like Kocktails with Khloé, taken to the Snoop Dogg level with some Stewart suave along the way.

"My homegirl Martha and I have a special bond that goes back. We're gonna be cooking, drinking and having a good time with our exclusive friends. Can't wait for you to see how we roll together!" Snoop Dogg added in the statement.

More: Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg are too chill for $100,000 Pyramid

The two definitely have already proved they have some awesome chemistry on camera. They appeared together recently on $100,000 Pyramid and took part in the Justin Bieber roast on Comedy Central, which initially sold them as a TV power couple.

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg on 100,000 pyramid

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg on 100,000 pyramid

First, a reality show. Next, let's get them to host an award show. Heck, they can just take over the entertainment world.

More: Martha Stewart gets TMI about her toilet time with Meredith Vieira

Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg for president in 2020!

Will you watch Martha & Snoop's Dinner Party this fall?


If anyone needs Drew Barrymore, she's taken her free spirit to Vegas

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Ah, the old cliché: Celebrities, they're just like us. Drew Barrymore has just finalized her divorce after three years of marriage to husband Will Kopelman. And what does she do to forget her troubles and blow off some steam? She heads to #Vegasbaby and, of course, documents the whole thing on Instagram.

More: Drew Barrymore's divorce is so sad but makes sense

Barrymore seemed cheery as she flew to Vegas on a private plane, surrounded by #Besties, wearing a festive sushi shirt. (OK, so celebrities don't need to fly coach to Vegas.)

plane to vegas

plane to vegas

The group then hit up Pole Position Raceway, according to People, to spend the afternoon go-karting. Can you think of a better way to forget your troubles than flooring it in a go-kart?

drew barrymore david copperfield

drew barrymore david copperfield

More: If Drew Barrymore's free-spirited ways drove her ex away, then good riddance

The weekend fun continued with a meet-and-greet with David Copperfield. Then came the icing on the Vegas cake: Ms. Jennifer Lopez herself. You'd think it doesn't get any better than seeing J.Lo's residency show at Planet Hollywood. For Barrymore and her pals, it does: an up close and personal hug from the star herself. Barrymore is as big a fan of J.Lo as the rest of us are, using lots of hashtags to caption her photo: "#nofilter #goddess #vegasbaby #thishappened @jlo #allihave #amazingmom #loveher."

drew barrymore j lo

drew barrymore j lo

It's great to see Barrymore enjoying herself and taking some time away from what can surely have been a dark few months. Vegas, friends and J. Lo can't cure everything, but they can definitely help, right?

More: We love the new ring Drew Barrymore's wearing on her wedding finger

Teen Mom 2 star claps back at rumors that he's 'abandoning' his son

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Breaking up is hard to do, especially when there are children involved, but it's almost unbearable when people are judging your every move. Teen Mom 2 star Javi Marroquin knows a little something about the ugly speculation that can accompany a split. He's in the middle of a messy divorce with soon-to-be ex Kailyn Lowry, and he's speaking out this week after fans of the show accused him of "abandoning" his stepson, Isaac.

More: These celebs may have split but they've got co-parenting figured out

Marroquin is a stepdad to 6-year-old Isaac, Lowry's son from a previous relationship, and the biological father of their 2-year-old, Lincoln. Last week he returned home from a months-long Air Force deployment to Qatar and drove his sons to their summer day camp, then took them out shopping.

Kailyn Lowry Teen Mom 2

Kailyn Lowry Teen Mom 2

Afterward Marroquin dropped Isaac off with his mom and took Lincoln to his house for a sleepover and a special father-son breakfast. It's normal for parents to spend one-on-one time with their kids, especially when they're dividing their time between siblings, but many Teen Mom 2 fans rushed to judgment. Instead of seeing an innocent night of bonding, they accused Marroquin of "abandoning" his obligations to Isaac and choosing his biological child over his stepson.

More: These celebs shared their miscarriage pain because yes, we need to talk about it

It's easy to sit on the sidelines and hurl judgments about the way a couple chooses to handle a divorce, but anyone who's ever been in Marroquin's shoes will tell you, this is not an easy road. A divorce with children is not just about two people separating; it also involves reassuring children that your love for them hasn't changed, figuring out how best to divide time between parents and their kids and navigating the very difficult path of co-parenting so children still feel cared for and secure.

All those things are made even harder in a situation like this one, where a child shares a very close relationship with someone who is not their biological parent and who may have different rights to visitation, depending on the custody agreement the court lays out. Divorce is stressful and painful, and the last thing any divorced couple needs is people spreading vicious rumors about their personal lives or judging the way they adjust to their new roles as single parents.

More: Parents criticized for letting young son watch Dad's parachute-free sky dive

When couples split up, it's often their kids who have the hardest time coping. Lowry and Marroquin are undoubtedly already worried about doing what's best for their sons and making sure neither of them feels left out or less loved. It can be tempting to draw conclusions about other people's relationships or to point out the things we'd do differently if we were in their shoes, but it's important to be compassionate and empathetic when people are going through something so emotionally difficult.

Marroquin seems like a devoted dad who's trying to support both his sons while also recovering from the end of his marriage. That's a struggle for any parent, and the only people who deserve any kind of explanation of his actions or his feelings are the two little boys who know him as Dad.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Offensive kids' t-shirts
Image: SheKnows

What was the point of canceling 19 Kids if Josh Duggar will be on Counting On?

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With the recent announcement that Jill & Jessa: Counting On is dropping the "Jill and Jessa" part of its name comes rumors of changes to the show.

More: The guy Josh Duggar pretended to be on Ashley Madison is suing him

And now that the show will focus on more of the Duggar family than primarily Jill and Jessa, the rumors are flying that TLC is preparing for Josh Duggar's return to reality TV. And if that's the case, what was even the point of canceling 19 Kids and Counting?

Josh was involved in scandal after scandal before his family's show was canceled by TLC. First, he admitted to allegations that, as a teen, he had molested a number of underage girls, including some of his own sisters. He never faced charges, and it was widely speculated that his parents even helped cover up the incident to keep Josh out of jail. Then, soon after, hackers released user information for Ashley Madison, a dating site specifically for married folks seeking affairs. Josh's name was included in the released info, and he admitted to cheating on his wife and viewing pornography.

Backlash against Josh, who admitted he was "the biggest hypocrite in the world" for espousing his conservative Christian views while engaging in sex scandals, was harsh. After advertisers threatened to pull their ads from TLC, the network announced that it was going to cancel 19 Kids and Counting and even stopped showing reruns.

More: Josh Duggar makes a strange return to social media post-rehab

But the Duggar family was worth too much money for TLC to turn its back completely. The network picked two of the most well-behaved Duggars, Jill and Jessa, for a spinoff show. From the looks of things now, that was just a baby step toward getting all the Duggars back on TV.

Because now that all the hype surrounding Josh's scandals has died down, TLC may be quietly planning to add Josh back into the show. Maybe it'll just be a brief appearance or two at first, but it'll be enough to drive headlines. Public outrage will mean more viewers, and TLC will have played the media — and the public — to use Josh's scandal perfectly to make as much money as possible.

More: Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are completely wrong about birth control

Do you think Josh Duggar will return to TV?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Anna Duggar slideshow
Image: Josh Duggar/Twitter

I got a great job offer — right after I started with a new employer

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Today I'm talking about how to handle quitting a job you just started.

More: My boss is using the office as her personal daycare — and it's killing morale

Question:

When I first got laid off, I was selective in the jobs for which I applied. I was tired of working dead-end jobs that had no future. After six weeks went by, I got scared and started applying for every job available.

Two weeks later, just before my money ran out, I landed a job with a small company. My new employer has been great. When he learned I was down to my last seven dollars, he gave me an advance to pay rent and get groceries. He liked how hard I worked, and after three weeks, he sent me to a two-day Excel class.

I didn’t plan what happened next. Five weeks after I started my job, I got a call to interview for a job that I’d applied for right after I got laid off. It was a company I wanted to work for, one large enough to offer promotional opportunities. I decided to interview and two days later was offered the job. They want me to start immediately, and that meant quitting the job I have now, with no notice.

I’m torn because I hate to do this to the boss who was so good to me, but I don’t feel I have a choice. How do I explain things to him so he won’t hate me?

More: I've had five terrible bosses in a row — is it me?

Answer:

It sounds as if you’ve already made your decision and are only working out the details. If so, it’s better for both you and your employer if you move to the job you want more. Although you’ll cause your current employer short-term frustration, it’s better for him if you leave now than after he makes an even more substantial training investment in you.

How do you explain things to him? Tell the truth. You didn’t seek out this new job; it was one of the ones you tried for before he hired you. Also, offer to pay him back for the Excel class. He invested in you thinking he’d hired a long-term employee.

Most importantly, don’t leave without notice. Talk with the employer who wants to hire you immediately and ask that they give you at least a week to continue working for your current employer so you won’t leave him in a lurch. Two weeks would be better, but they might not be willing to wait that long. If they tell you their job vanishes unless you can start immediately, consider whether you want to work for them. An employer that forces an applicant to leave his current employer without notice may themselves lack ethics. If so, your decision to work for them may burn you in the long run.

Before you leave, however, really think this through. It’s not that you owe your new employer — it’s that he might be the kind of employer you’ll want to work for long-term. Not only did he take a chance on you but he also went the extra mile for you from day one. What’s possible if you stay with his company?

Yes, large employers offer advantages; however, so do small employers, as you’ve already experienced. Small employers may give employees a chance to stretch and grow into new duties and may offer flexibility larger employers can’t. So consider this: Which employer will give you more opportunity to do worthwhile and simulating work? Which job offers you job assignments of a greater variety and quality? Which job gives you the best chance to attain your short- and long-term career goals? Which job offers a safer and more comfortable work environment? How does each job compare in terms of stress? How do the jobs compare in terms of the freedom you’ll have to make decisions?

Finally, if you leave your current job without notice, you show your next employer how you may later treat them. In other words, if you jump ship, do so with grace.

© 2016, Lynne Curry. If you'd like an answer to your career question, it's easy. Write lynne@thegrowthcompany.com. Lynne authored Solutions and Beating the Workplace Bully, AMACOM. You can also follow Lynne@lynnecurry10 on Twitter or access her other posts on sheknows.com, www.workplacecoachblog.com or www.bullywhisperer.com.

More: My married co-worker's affair is stressing me out

Seriously smart baby names for the big league — the Ivy League, that is

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There are eight Ivy League universities, and while all eight school names may not make it onto your baby name list, there are tons of names we can tease out from the schools themselves that are pretty awesome (in addition, of course, to the name Ivy itself).

MoreMusical names for baby boys that hit just the right note

Here are the eight Ivy League schools, and for each, we'll dive in to see how the schools themselves bring inspiration to our baby name searches.

ivy league baby names
Image: Design: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows; Image: Getty Images

University of Pennsylvania

OK, so neither University nor Pennsylvania may be your first choice for a baby name, but what about these ideas inspired by the university, its buildings and other notable features?

  • Penn
  • Penny
  • Sylvie
  • Sylvan
  • Fisher (from Fisher Hassenfeld College House and Fine Arts Library)
  • Gregory (from Gregory College House)
  • Harrison (from Harrison College House)
  • Anne (from Annenberg Library)

More: 6 breastfeeding positions all new moms should know

Brown University

Again, we're not directly inspired to name our kid Brown, but what about these other ideas?

  • Lincoln (from Lincoln Field Building)
  • Sidney (from Sidney Frank Hall for Life Sciences building)
  • Lyman (from Lyman Hall)
  • Max (from Maxcy Hall)
  • Arnold (from Arnold Laboratory)
  • Grant (from Grant Recital Hall)
  • Marston (from Marston Hall)

More: Names from Columbia, Cornell and more

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Columbia University

Here are a few Columbia-inspired baby names from this Ivy League university located in New York.

  • Sherman (from Sherman Fairchild Center)
  • Avery (from Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library)
  • Butler (from Butler Library)
  • William (from William and June Warren Hall)
  • June (ditto)
  • Warren (ditto) 
  • Chandler (from Chandler Laboratories)
  • Knox (from Knox Hall)

Cornell University

Cornell would be an awesome name. What else on that campus would work?

  • Samuel (from Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management)
  • Curtis (ditto)
  • Robert (from Roberts Hall)
  • Sage (from Sage Chapel)
  • Flora (from Flora Rose House)
  • Rose (ditto)
  • Alice (from Alice Cook House)
  • Jameson (from Jameson Hall)

MoreBaby names inspired by America's beautiful cities for your future traveler

Dartmouth College

So if you're not feeling that Dartmouth is your next child's name, what about these?

  • Thayer (from Thayer School of Engineering)
  • Tuck (from Tuck School of Business)
  • Evan (from Evans Map Room)
  • Allen (from Allen House)
  • Carson (from Carson Hall)
  • Moore (from Moore Psychology Building)

Harvard

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, here are a few baby names inspired by this Ivy League school.

  • Kennedy (after Harvard Kennedy School)
  • Hollis (after Hollis Hall)
  • Matthew (after Matthews Hall)
  • Holden (after Holden Chapel)
  • Lowell (after Lowell Lecture Hall)
  • Dane (after Dane Hall)

MoreBaby names for foodies are a sweet treat

Princeton University

Princeton would be a kickass baby name. What else can we uncover there?

  • Wilson (after Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs)
  • Cannon (from Cannon Green)
  • Carter (from McCarter Theatre)
  • Joseph (from Joseph Henry House)
  • Henry (ditto)
  • Clio (from Clio Hall)
  • Madison (from Madison Hall)
  • Dillon (from Dillon Gym)

Yale University

You can name your son Eli, as that's what alumni of Yale are often called; or check out these other names found on Yale's campus.

  • Helen (after Helen Hadley Hall)
  • Sterling (after Sterling Memorial Library)
  • Walter (after Walter Camp Gate)
  • Starr (from Starr Reading Room)
  • Oliver (from Leet Oliver Memorial Hall)
  • Mason (from Mason Laboratory)

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

celebrity baby names
Image: photo by Farley Baricuatro (www.colloidfarl.blogspot.com) / Getty Images

Drake's love for Rihanna may have reached full-blown obsession

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Drake and Rihanna are, as we all know, the Romeo and Juliet of our time. Speculation about their on-again, off-again, has-it-ever-really-happened relationship is a true modern love story. Drake has been openly pining for Rihanna for years now. Rihanna sometimes dances on Drake at their concerts and in music videos, making fans go wild. But rarely do they discuss their love for each other... until last night.

More: Drake and Rihanna's on-again relationship status is all but confirmed

At Drake's concert in Madison Square Garden, he asked fans to cheer for his maybe-beaux. "If you've got love for Rihanna in New York City... 'cause you know I've got love for Rihanna," he said. He even played a few of her songs, says E! Online. Is there anything more coupley than playing each other's songs at a concert? Who are they, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani?

More: Rihanna and Drake are back together because he never stopped loving her

Unfortunately, the comment wasn't exactly the relationship confirmation we've all been hoping for. He also flirted with the ladies in the MSG crowd, saying, "Where's all my New York women tonight at, 'cause I've got a night off after this."

A source explained to E! that Rihanna is the reason for all this jerking around. "Rihanna and Drake are hanging out a bit more lately. Rihanna loves Drake, but is still not ready to put a title on them," says the insider. We get it, some people are simply too gorgeous to be tied down. But can they DTR already for all our sakes?

More: Drake wants to put a baby in Rihanna

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

drake's girlfriends slidesehow
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

4 ways to keep your bridesmaids from hating your guts before the wedding

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I remember watching the show Bridezillas religiously (it was hilarious, especially those first couple of seasons) and being amazed at how absolutely crazy those girls were. I’d promise myself every episode that I would not be like them whenever my time came. When that time in my life did come, I always had those crazy bridezillas in the back of my head and tried to be the opposite of them.

More: 7 things a bride should never ask of her bridesmaids

Wedding planning would have been horrible if I had not have had such an amazing group of bridesmaids who loved me and who genuinely had my best interest at heart. If you’re in the beginning stages of planning and you haven’t picked your bridesmaids yet, listen up! It’s really important to not put anyone in your wedding who does not want your wedding to be awesome, who is a low-key hater or who may have feelings of jealousy toward you and may or may not really care if things blow up in your face.

Once you have your squad set, it’s important to remain empathetic toward them throughout the process. You love these girls enough to ask them to stand before you and your hubby in the sight of God while you make your vows, so you probably want them to still be friends with you after your wedding.

bridesmaids linen and salt weddings clt production

Agreeing to be in a wedding party is a sacrifice. Here are a few ways to make things a little less stressful on them:

1. Communicate

I created a Facebook group for my bridesmaids. This was a huge factor in unifying my bridesmaids and keeping in touch as a group once things got going. They were able to exchange contact info and I was able to keep them updated about happenings as much as possible. Communication in whichever way you choose is extremely important throughout the planning process. It’s frustrating in any type of planning situation where no one knows what’s going on.

2. Let them pick out their own dress

Unless your bridal party consists of women who are all the same height, weight and shape (clones), it will be difficult to find one dress that is flattering on all of them. We as women also tend to have unique things about our bodies that are not our favorite and that we don’t feel comfortable having on display. For instance, my arms are my most hated feature. They’re huge. So I would never want to wear a strapless dress. I would not want to be in a wedding party where I had to wear a strapless dress (I was even going to add sleeves to my wedding gown until one of my bridesmaids talked some sense into me).

Keeping in mind that we’re all different, I let my girls pick out their own dresses on Weddington Way. I chose the designer, fabric and color and they picked which style they wanted. That way, they were not spending money on a dress that they hated and I wasn’t to blame if they picked out a style that was unflattering for their body type.

Alternatives to Weddington Way include Vow to be ChicRent the Runway and Union Station.

bridesmaids linen and salt weddings clt production

Photo: CLT Production

3. Keep in mind that everyone is working with different budgets

Weddings are expensive. Being in a wedding is expensive. Even being a guest at a wedding is expensive. I tried to keep this in mind with everything I did. A lot of times, your bridesmaids are having to pay for things other than their dresses, such as travel costs, pitching in for the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, shoes, jewelry, makeup, hair — the list goes on — and it’s all for YOUR big day. That’s a sacrifice. Love them for it and try to keep the costs down in as many ways as you can.

More: I stopped wearing my wedding ring after seven years of marriage

4. Don’t be mean

Even if you’re the nicest bride that you can be, someone at some point is going to let you down/piss you off before it’s all said and done. It’s OK because you’re also gonna fall short of perfection before it’s over (this was the day before my wedding for me). The good news is that if you’ve picked the right bridesmaids, then they’re more like your sisters. You get annoyed with each other and then you get over it. If you’re grown enough to get married, then you’re grown enough to handle disagreements like an adult. This may even mean apologizing for things sometimes when you really haven’t done anything to apologize for. I believe that scripture about peacemakers being blessed. Handling negative situations with grace will only work for you and never against you.

Besides, things are so much more fun when you have all your girls together and everyone is at peace. Getting ready on my wedding day surrounded by all the women that I love was my second favorite moment of my wedding, after saying “I do.” I cried a little each time I looked around and took in those moments surrounded by the women who have my heart and who I know have my back no matter what.

More: 7 traditional wedding things I'm not making my bridesmaids do

Originally published on BlogHer.


Your guide to peppers, from mild to blow-your-head-off caliente

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If you find yourself pepper shy, there's probably a good reason. You, like so many people, may have made the big mistake of sinking your teeth into an unassuming pepper without realizing how hot it was. Before you swear off peppers forever, you can use this guide to give the spicier stuff a second chance hot peppers that come in different shapes, sizes and colors can add a kick to your favorite dish and are the staple of many international cuisines.

Invented by Wilbur Scoville, the Scoville heat index ranks peppers in order from mildest to hottest. It starts with 0 being the mildest and goes over 1,000,000 to indicate the hottest peppers. Though there are dozens of different kinds of peppers, here's the scoop on the heat index for some of the more widely used types.

Bell pepper

bell peppers
Image: Devonyu/iStock/360/Getty Images

Bell peppers, which can be red, yellow, green or orange, aren't hot peppers. They are very common sweet peppers. Since this type of pepper has no heat, its Scoville heat index is 0. You can cook bell peppers in a variety of ways, however don't expect this type of pepper to add spice to your food.

More: Tex-Mex stuffed bell peppers

Cherry pepper

pimento pepper
Image: CQYoung/iStock/360/Getty Images

Also known as pimento peppers, cherry peppers are heart-shaped and about 4 inches long and 4 inches wide. These peppers are actually very mild, scoring about a 500 on the Scoville heat index. Cherry peppers are perhaps best known to be the red filling that can typically be found inside olives.

Anaheim pepper

anaheim pepper
Image: GomezDavid/iStock/360/Getty Images

Another mild type of pepper is the Anaheim pepper. This pepper is usually maroon in color and has a long, skinny body. While the Anaheim pepper usually has a Scoville heat index of around 1,000, some varieties can have a rating as high as 5,000. Relative to the rest of this list, this pepper is not very hot.

Jalapeño pepper

jalapeño pepper
Image: Creativeye99/E+/Getty Images

The jalapeño is one of the most common types of peppers in the U.S. Many people like it because it's spicy yet not overwhelming. Jalapeños are usually either red or green and about 2 to 3 inches long. Their Scoville heat index is around 5,000, however they can range anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000. When used sparingly, they add just the right amount of spicy flavor to most Mexican dishes. Many people also deep-fry jalapeños stuffed with cheese for a tasty appetizer.

More: Spicy vegan jalapeño poppers

Serrano pepper

serrano pepper
Image: bhofack2/iStock/360/Getty Images

The serrano pepper is similar to the jalapeño in its look, but this pepper is much hotter. On the Scoville heat index, the serrano pepper can be between 10,000 and 25,000. This pepper is usually small (around 2 inches) and green in color. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the serrano pepper, the hotter it will taste.

Next Up: Cayenne pepper

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Cayenne pepper

cayenne pepper
Image: eli_asenova/E+/Getty Images

The cayenne pepper is another hot pepper (between 25,000 and 50,000 on the Scoville heat index) that is popular with those looking to add heat to food. Red in color, the cayenne pepper is generally dried and used in powder form. Additionally, this pepper has been used in natural medicines for hundreds of years due to reported healing attributes.

More: Pound cake with lemon-cayenne glaze

Tabasco pepper

tabasco pepper
Image: carlosdelacalle/iStock/360/Getty Images

As you may have guessed, the tabasco pepper is used to make Tabasco sauce. If you've ever tasted how hot Tabasco sauce is, you won't be surprised to learn that the tabasco pepper has a Scoville heat index of between 30,000 and 60,000. The actual pepper is less than 2 inches long and can be green, red, yellow or orange in color.

Thai pepper

Thai pepper
Image: lucentius/iStock/360/Getty Images

Grown in Thailand and neighboring countries, the Thai pepper can be classified as "very hot." With a Scoville heat index of between 50,000 and 100,000, these peppers are sure to leave your taste buds wanting relief. The Thai pepper is one of the smallest peppers, measuring in at less than an inch. It's used in many spicy Thai dishes at restaurants in the U.S.

Rocoto pepper

rocoto pepper
Image: only_fabrizio/iStock/360/Getty Images

While rocoto peppers look somewhat like bell peppers, it can be dangerous to get the two mixed up. While bell peppers aren't hot at all, the rocoto pepper is extremely hot. Between 100,000 and 250,000 on the Scoville heat index, this pepper is about the size of a bell pepper but is rounder and is typically only red or green. Some people use this pepper to make very spicy sauces.

Habanero chili pepper

habanero pepper
Image: DNY59/E+/Getty Images

Of hot peppers that are commonly used, the habanero chili is recognized as the hottest. This pepper, which can be any color from green to yellow to pink, is usually only around 3 centimeters in length. However, do not let the small size fool you — the habanero chili can pack a punch! The Scoville heat index for the habanero chili can range from 150,000 to 350,000.

Ghost pepper

ghost pepper
Image: subinpumsom/iStock/360/Getty Images

Also known as Naga Jolokia, this pepper is literally the hottest pepper in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the ghost pepper in 2006 after reports surfaced that this pepper has a Scoville heat index of over 1,000,000. If you get your hands on a ghost pepper, be sure to be extremely careful, because one seed from this pepper will have your mouth burning for up to 30 minutes.

hot pepper heat ranking
Image: SheKnows

Originally published Aug. 2008. Updated Aug. 2016.

We hoped for another royal wedding, but instead Princess Beatrice is single again

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The royal family is making huge changes this summer. Sure, there are a lot of them, so they're bound to be in the news a lot. But it still seems like we’re reporting on a new hookup or breakup every week. Today, Princess Beatrice and her boyfriend of 10 years, Dave Clark, announced the end of their relationship.

Princess Beatrice is the daughter of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Clark is an American executive at Uber. That’s right — we could have had an American in the royal family, but alas, some things aren’t meant to be.

More: Princess Beatrice's wacky royal wedding hat sells for big bucks

The exes met at a party 10 years ago and were introduced by Prince William, Princess Beatrice’s cousin. The entire family, including Ferguson, loved Clark, so the breakup comes as a bit of a shock to everyone. But according to People, many think this is just a break. They’re hopeful that the two will reunite and marry later down the road like Prince William and Kate Middleton did years ago.

That doesn’t seem like a pressure situation at all, right?

More: INTERVIEW: Princess Beatrice's foundation to help Italy's youth

Princess Beatrice is seventh in line to the throne, behind Prince William and Middleton’s daughter, Charlotte. Being seventh means that she’s allowed to marry whoever she chooses, whenever she chooses, and doesn’t need Queen Elizabeth II’s permission.

But if I were the queen and was watching American politics unfold this summer, I would strongly urge Princess Beatrice to wait a while before marrying into an American family. The Trump Storm has to pass before any royalty wants to break bread with us, I assume.

More: Fergie was hurt by royal wedding snub, felt worthless

While Princess Beatrice and Clark were together, they were a very private couple and rarely spoke out about each other or the relationship. We don’t really expect to hear anything from them about each other post-breakup. But that’s for the best. This way everything stays amicable and respectful. We’d expect nothing less from a princess.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kate middleton prince william slideshow
Image: Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/Getty Images

Hooray for Lea Michele waxing her mustache on Snapchat

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Lea Michele isn't afraid to go behind the scenes. The actress just made us laugh (and wince) by documenting her entire facial waxing routine on Snapchat.

More: Lea Michele's now ex-boyfriend had a questionable past

For a supposed quick window into someone's world, we all can agree it's most likely that people Snapchat their proudest, most exciting moments. Not Lea Michele. Today, we meet her waxer, Stevie, who has come to her for a house call. "This is gonna hurt. Bad," Michele tells the camera.

Snapchat / Lea Michele
Image: Snapchat/Lea Michele

Next comes her #mustache. "This is the real beauty, you guys," she tells her fans. "This is what happens when you're half Jewish and half Italian," she laughs. It's the old cliché that beauty is pain. But if you're a Glee fan, doesn't knowing that Lea Michele goes through a waxing routine weirdly make it a little easier? It's a delight to see a celebrity open up about the maintenance required to do their jobs.

More: There's one catch to Lea Michele's physical flaws: They're invisible

Michele is also well-known for documenting her SoulCycle addiction and love of working out. At $34 a pop, not everyone can afford to exercise like Michele (or have a waxer come to their home), but it's refreshing to see a celebrity get so real. No shade to Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne, but I have to roll my eyes every time they discuss their love of McDonald's.

lea michelle soul

lea michelle soul

Michele got even more personal in a recent interview with Women's Health UK. She stripped down for the cover of The Naked Issue, showing off her Finn tattoo to memorialize ex-boyfriend Cory Monteith.

"Right now, I feel physically in my best shape and emotionally in my best place," she told the mag. "I’m not perfect. I’m not trying to represent myself as being some perfect girl, but I love myself, flaws and all." Let's hope Michele keeps on showing us her real self — we have a feeling we can learn a lot from her.

More: Lea Michele's new man might finally break her bad boy streak

Go after Lisa Vanderpump and she'll try to ruin your life, says Brandi Glanville

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Brandi Glanville is talking and she's holding nothing back. She recently visited a podcast called Andy’s Girls where she talked about her time with Bravo and her famous rivalry with Lisa Vanderpump. And in true Glanville form, she told it all.

She talked about the usual things, like "how real is reality TV?" or more specifically "how real is The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?" Spoiler alert: not really. Glanville said they all knew they had to be interesting in order to stay on the show, so they made themselves interesting. She admitted, "I think that sometimes on Housewives, not that the producers, the women worry about the show and we try to figure out reasons to fight."

More: Andy Cohen wants Brandi Glanville back on RHOBH, but it's a bad idea for 6 reasons

But the really juicy stuff came when Glanville talked about Vanderpump. She clearly doesn’t get along with Vanderpump and thinks it’s insane that everyone loves her so much when Vanderpump is clearly manipulative toward everyone on the show and off.

Glanville said Vanderpump "will always land on her feet — like a cat. She just gets forgiven. And anyone else — the public just takes them down."

Clearly, she’s speaking from experience.

More: Brandi Glanville is making big changes to improve her life

Glanville remembered being exhausted from the friendship because of Vanderpump’s constant strategizing. She said, "It was exhausting, to be honest. We couldn’t just go to dinner — it was dinner, let’s talk about the show, let’s talk about what’s gonna happen next, almost planning everything, and I was, like, 'this is not how I roll.' 'Cause I can’t plan what comes out of my mouth, and that’s the truth!"

On top of everything, Glanville revealed that Vanderpump has Andy Cohen's ear, so she can really get away with anything — which I think has more to do with Vanderpump’s reign at the top. Cohen holds all the editing power. He can make Vanderpump look great while he tears down the other women in the house if that’s what she wants.

More: Brandi Glanville has a nasty nickname for Lisa Vanderpump

It’s not a total surprise because every show has to do what they can to earn viewers, but it's still sad that Cohen doesn’t treat all of his cast members equally. We applaud Glanville for speaking her version of the truth, even if it means more drama between her and Vanderpump.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Brandi Glanville feuds slideshow
Image: WENN.com

How to pack fruit so it doesn’t get totally smushed

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I am a huge fan of stone fruit, bananas and strawberries, but it is always such a hassle to carry them in my lunch bag. And it's hard for kids too. When they come back home with uneaten fruit in their lunchboxes (argh!) it’s usually because they don’t want to eat it. It's more likely because by lunchtime, that fruit is a gooey mess. Bananas turn super-brown in a matter of hours, strawberries become mushy and whole apples are always bruised.

Luckily for you, we have the perfect tricks so your fruits won’t get mushed and squashed in transport. We even threw in some tricks that will help prevent browning. Try out these tricks and you and your kids will come home with empty lunchboxes every afternoon.

More: 12 creative thermos lunch ideas besides the same old soup

Trick No. 1: Wrap fruit in cloth

You can take stone fruit or any round fruit like apples, peaches or pears and wrap them in a dry cloth. Make sure to tie the top of the cloth with a knot so your fruit does not go rolling around in your lunch bag and you’re all set. When lunchtime rolls around, you’ll have unbruised and delicious fruit.

Trick No. 2: Save your bananas from premature browning

I love bananas, but taking them to work is always a pain. By the time lunchtime swings around and I go in my bag for my banana, it is way browner than it was when I originally left the house. A way to save your bananas is to add plastic wrap to the stem. This will prevent it from getting ripe way too quickly. Throw it in your or your kid's lunchbox and go on about your day. You can also cut bananas in half (with the skin on) freeze them and put the in an airtight dish before you leave the house.

Trick No. 3: Keep apple slices crisp

I like apple slices with almond butter, and it's so much easier to cut them at home with a real knife than the plastic ones at work. But the problem with cutting apples beforehand is that they end up getting brown and gross. Here's what to do: Soak your slices in a solution of two cups of cold water and an eighth of a teaspoon of salt for five minutes. Then drain and pack in an airtight container and you’re good to go. Now you’ll have fresh, crisp fruit for lunch or an afternoon snack.

More: Nontoxic lunch containers so cool you'll want to steal them from your kids

Trick No. 4: Freeze your fruit in an airtight bag

Grab a few apricots, peaches or stone fruits that are a few days from being ripe, slice and freeze. It makes packing fruit so much easier. Just place five or six slices in a zip-close bag, being careful to press out all the extra air before freezing overnight. By the time you're ready to eat your fruit the next day, it won’t be mush and it’ll have the perfect texture.

Trick No. 5: Keep strawberries fresh

Ever put your cut strawberries into a Tupperware container and by the time you're ready to eat them, they're all mushy? It’s happened to the best of us. The best way to transport strawberries is to leave them washed and whole. This way, the strawberry can stay fresh longer.

More: 10 fun lunch ideas that don't involve sandwiches

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