Quantcast
Channel: What's New
Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live

Something smells off about this whole Mohamed Hadid, Joanna Krupa rumor

0
0

Remember when Brandi Glanville and Lisa Vanderpump were friends? It's been over between those two for a while, but things just flared up again (although, arguably, they were never not flaring) when Glanville accused Yolanda Foster's ex, Mohamed Hadid, of having an affair with former The Real Housewives of Miami cast member Joanna Krupa while the Hadids were still married. Glanville claimed Hadid and Vanderpump told her about the affair, which allegedly lasted two years, and also that Hadid described Krupa's genitals as being "smelly."

More: Kim Richards is ditching RHOBH for a new show

There are just so many things to get mad at here if you're Vanderpump and Hadid: the affair that apparently happened, but which Hadid claims didn't, the gossip about the smell of Krupa's genitals, getting dragged into the court battle that's already happening between Glanville and Krupa, and the fact that even when you're not on a TV show with Glanville anymore, you still have to deal with her. Krupa, who's suing Glanville for slander and emotional distress, recently filed an amendment to her complaints, after Hadid, Vanderpump and Foster all said that Glanville's allegations were false.

More: If Yolanda Foster is angling to join RHONY, we are so in

Yikes. Glanville was known to be a huge fire-starter in the RHOBH universe; it's one of the reasons she and Vanderpump aren't friends anymore. If you want to keep something a secret, not telling Glanville is pretty much the first, and the most enduring, rule. Vanderpump and Hadid have been close friends for more than a decade, and it seems unlikely that they would share something like the details of an affair with Glanville, especially a (gross and inappropriate) detail like the odor of genitals. The most damning part of this, though, is Foster's affirmation that her marriage to Hadid didn't end because of an affair with Krupa. Do these four have some kind of pact? Did the affair actually never happen? Why does Glanville care so much about something that might have never happened? She has accused Krupa of suing her in order to keep herself relevant, but the same thing looks like it might be happening on Glanville's end as well.

More: Kyle Richards reacts to Lisa Rinna's "unbelievable" accusations on RHOBH

Do you think Brandi's lying about what Mohamed and Lisa told her? Tell us in the comments!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Brandi Glanville through the years slideshow
Image: Brandi Glanville/Facebook

Dear Bachelor in Paradise's Grant, I don't get your relationship with Lace

0
0

I'm just going to go ahead and be honest here: I am so confused by the Grant Kemp and Lace Morris relationship on Bachelor in Paradise.

More: Will Bachelor in Paradise's Evan and Carly tie the knot?

Grant seems like such a man. He talks rationally to Lace. He treats her well. He wants to listen and understand her. He knows what it is to love a woman.

And Lace? Lace just seems to want to take shots and flirt.

I don't think she is ready for love or a committed relationship, which is why she's flirting with other guys in the house without concern for Grant's feelings.

More: 9 hilarious, eye-rolling quotes from Bachelor in Paradise's Daniel Maguire

Couples are always going to have little spats, I get it, but their fight on tonight's episode was just so strange to me. Grant had every reason to be upset with Lace for flirting with other guys in the house. If the person I was in love with was doing that, I would have been just as hurt. Yet he ended up being the one who apologized for... wait for it... overreacting. Overreacting?!

And how did Lace respond? She apologized, too, sure, and then said she wanted a shot.

I am actually genuinely concerned that this girl may actually have an alcohol problem. And she definitely has an emotional problem. Remember, she's the girl from Ben Higgins' season who chewed Ben out when he apparently didn't make eye contact with her.

More: Lace Morris found love on Bachelor in Paradise and wants everyone to know it

This whole relationship just has me scratching my head even more because — spoiler alert — Reality Steve is reporting that these two will end the season by getting engaged.

Apparently, the two of them are so into one another post-Paradise that Lace even got a tattoo that says "Grace" — their "couple" name — on her wrist.

So maybe we chalk this one up to the fact that opposites attract?

Do you think Lace and Grant have what it takes to make it last after Paradise or are they ultimately headed for disaster?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

ben higgins slideshow
Image: Rick Rowell/ABC

10 roles that made me fall in love with Rob Lowe all over again

0
0

This Labor Day, Comedy Central is televising a roast of Rob Lowe. Participants in the roast include Peyton Manning, David Spade, Jewel and another '80s heartthrob, the original Karate Kid Ralph Macchio. Rob Lowe was swoon-worthy when I was a teenager and has remained so throughout his career. Even as a mature mother of three, it’s clear that I still have a major crush on him.

More:  11 awesome celebrity memoir audiobooks read by their authors
What made me fall for Rob Lowe? It is these 10 memorable roles in movie and television

The Outsiders (1983) 

Rob Low The Outsiders2

Rob Low The Outsiders2

Lowe plays Sodapop Curtis, the middle brother in the Curtis clan. Lowe’s role in this movie is small, but he is so cute — especially in that brief moment where he is walking out of the shower.

St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

Rob Lowe The Outsiders

Rob Lowe The Outsiders

He plays Billy Hixx, a saxophone-playing stud. Yes, he is bad boy, but one with a heart of gold. And when he and shy Meg get together…

About Last Night (1986)

Rob Lowe About Last Night

Rob Lowe About Last Night

This is still one of my favorite comedies, and I never turn it off if it is on when I am flipping channels. Lowe plays Danny Martin, and his chemistry with Debbie (played by my teenage girl crush Demi Moore) is movie magic.

The Oscars (1989)

The Oscars 1989

The Oscars 1989

I remember lying on the couch in my apartment watching Rob Lowe dancing with Snow White and thinking, “What the heck is he doing?” I am pretty sure he thought the same thing. But hey, even a heartthrob like Rob is entitled to a few missteps. It didn’t make me love him any less.

Bad Influence (1990)

Lowe plays Alex and it’s not one of my favorites of his movies. I think I was just happy to see his cute face back on screen after the Oscars disaster.

Bad Influence

Bad Influence

More: How Amy Schumer is redefining celebrity body image

Wayne’s World (1992)

This is the first time I found out that Lowe was not only adorable but also very funny. He is terrific as sleazy TV producer Benjamin Oliver.

Waynes World

Waynes World

West Wing (1999-2006)

Sam Seaborn is another one of my favorite Lowe characters. This smart, sexy speech writer and his interaction with the well-casted cabinet made me interested in politics.

West Wing

West Wing

Brothers & Sisters (2006-2010)

As a young adult, I wanted to date Lowe’s character in About Last Night. But it’s his role as Robert McCallister that I saw his potential as husband. Loved him and Calista Flockhart together and (spoiler alert) when Robert meets his tragic end.

Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters

The Grinder (2015-2016)

I even liked The Grinder. I was so happy when I heard Rob Lowe was coming back to weekly TV. And even though the show was not the best, I did love watching Lowe as Dean Sanderson and another former crush Fred Savage (from The Wonder Years) playing brothers. Apparently, I was in the minority as it was canceled after one season.

The Grinder

The Grinder

Direct TV commercials

Yep, I am including his role as Rob Lowe and ”Other” Rob Lowes. My husband says Rob Lowe could read the phone book and I would find him adorable. And these commercials prove my husband is right.

Direct TV Commercials

Direct TV Commercials

More: 8 Reasons I wish I'd gone to high school on One Tree Hill

This might be the weirdest Duggar parenting 'controversy' yet

0
0

It's no secret the Duggars are a family prone to controversy, first as a gigantic clan of long-haired ladies and neatly combed, be-khaki'd boys, and now that scrutiny extends to Jill and Jessa, the remaining marketable Duggars, in practically everything they do. We've had Duggar uproar over forehead bruises and car seat pictures. The latest in "controversies"? Their choice in toddler pajamas for Jill and Derick Dillard's toddler son, Israel.

More: Doctor calls mom a 'prostitute' for breastfeeding... in a hospital

The pajamas in question became the unlikely focus of an Instagram post shared by Jill Duggar, snapped at just the right "sleepy toddler" moment for maximum cuteness. And while you would probably imagine that the very first thing out of the keyboards of the panel of parenting "experts" who constantly monitor the Duggars' Instagram accounts for Very Bad Parenting would be the unsliced state of that banana, you'd be wrong. It's actually those very dapper Paw Patrol pajamas, featuring Marshall, the fire-pup.

Duggar Paw Patrol Pajamas

Duggar Paw Patrol Pajamas

Scandalous!

More: Charlize Theron's son wore a dress and the internet can't handle it

Apparently, people took umbrage with the pajamas because the Duggars once said they don't let their kids watch any television because that's where Satan lives or something. So the gist of the gripe is, "don't you know it's illegal to buy your children merchandise from irritating toddler shows if your parents didn't let you watch TV?" We think. It's kind of hard to tell because we're not sure if the Dillards, who are in fact a separate family unit from the Duggars proper, have come out one way or the other on the old Satan Box. To our recollection they have not.

Nevertheless, people want to know, "Why is he wearing paw patrol pjs? I thought they couldn't watch tv!" And "Why let him wear a paw patrol sleeper if you aren't gonna let the little guy watch it!?" To which we guess the answer there would be, um, because?

More: Meet a mom who moved clear across the country to escape Zika

Even if your kid is too old to watch Paw Patrol or you don't even have kids, you're probably familiar with it since you can't walk into a Target without being crushed by a wave of animatronic rescue dogs who's likenesses are plastered on everything from books to beach balls to pajamas.

It is in fact possible for a child to like a thing they're not familiar with because context matters not one whit to toddlers, a group of tiny humans who can largely put aside the politics of screen time in favor of shouting about how badly they want the shirt with the "Puppy! Puppppyyy! PUPPPPYYY!" on it. They don't have to actually watch TV to want the brightly colored cute thing that is specifically marketed to pump dopamine right into their brain's tiny pleasure center.

One does not preclude the other.

But even if it did, so what? Are people really going to grumble that the next generation of Duggars might be a tad less Draconian than the first? Wait. Don't answer that. We already know: They'll complain regardless.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

duggar parents
Image: duggarfam/instagram

Not sure posting Instagram rants makes you look less crazy, but OK, Chris Brown

0
0

Today brings more bad news for (or, perhaps more fittingly, from) Chris Brown, who is now under police investigation after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

According to Daily Mail, the incident occurred at Brown's $4 million Los Angeles mansion where he and a large group of friends were "socializing at the property" — which, in my neck of the woods, is simply called a "house party."

More: Chris Brown continues campaign to become a total a-hole

Among the guests in attendance at the get-together was the recently married rapper Ray J, arguably best known as Brandy's brother and Kim Kardashian's ex. At some point during the gathering, though, another guest arrived with two women in his company. When the male guest was invited to come to the party and his female guests were not, chaos apparently ensued.

There was an argument of some sort, leading to one of the women calling 911 and reporting that Brown had pulled a gun on them. While police have confirmed they did in fact respond to the call at Brown's house, they have not yet confirmed whether or not Brown actually brandished a firearm.

As for Brown, he has posted several videos to Instagram in the last hour addressing the situation.

Chris Brown Insta 1

Chris Brown Insta 1

"So, I'm asleep half the damn night, I just wake up and all these motherfucking helicopter choppers is around. Police out there at the gate. Come on, my n***as, what the fuck else do y'all want from me, bro? I stay out of the way, take care of my daughter, do work — I don't need to fuck ugly bitches, triflin' bitches, whatever the fuck else it is," he explained.

Brown goes on to say that the cops seem to take issue with him every three months, but that their interest doesn't apply to all situations.

"But at the same time, when I call the police for stalker people that are endangering my life, they don't come 'til the next day," he complained. "Let somebody make a fucked up allegation about me, and oh yeah, the whole fucking SWAT team. My n***a, I'm innocent. Fuck everybody; I'm tired of hearing this shit."

More: Chris Brown is under investigation for assaulting a woman in a hotel room

In a second video, he gives a shoutout to the media for covering the incident, calling it "free publicity." He also expressed incredulity over the idea he would barricade himself in his house. "Have you seen my house? I'mma barricade myself in a palace?"

Chris Brown Insta 2

Chris Brown Insta 2

Brown goes on to reaffirm his claims that he didn't do anything wrong, but that he is being persecuted by the police. And for good measure, he includes a video post to promote the new video for his single, "Grass Ain't Greener."

While Brown and his friends initially did not respond to police requests to come inside the home (as evidenced by the videos), police have since retrieved a gun, other weapons and drugs from Brown's home. According to TMZ, these items were inside a duffel bag Brown threw out his window.

More: Chris Brown opens up for the first time about Rihanna and no one cares

Police have reportedly been on scene since 3 a.m. and are awaiting a search warrant. In connection with the investigation, Ray J was handcuffed and had his car seized and searched by the LAPD. Although he has been released, his car has been impounded for evidence.

Of course, Brown has a reputation for run-ins with the law stretching back to his domestic assault against then-girlfriend Rihanna to an ongoing lawsuit filed by ex-manager Mike G alleging Brown beat him up in a drug-fueled rage.

More details on this latest incident as they develop.

Amy Poehler Tina Fey popcorn GIF
Image: Gifrific

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

chris brown daughter slideshow
Image: Chris Brown/Instagram

Worried about Jesus after that wild The Fosters cliffhanger? You should be

0
0

Warning: The following article contains spoilers from The Fosters summer finale, which aired on Aug. 29.

Oh my, my. The Fosters' cliffhanger of a summer finale was a doozy and left everyone hyper-worried about multiple favorite characters. Jude is in the throes of adolescent rebellion, Mariana is quickly spinning out, Callie has gotten into quite the little pickle with a possible murderer, and Brandon, well, we're not as worried about Brandon as we are disappointed in him.

And then there's Jesus. Of all the Adams-Foster kids who are in trouble right now, our fear is the greatest for Jesus. In fact, we're downright worried sick.

Jesus tweet The Fosters

Jesus tweet The Fosters

That nasty punch Jesus took straight to his face would be enough to cause serious injury to anyone, but for Jesus — who is at a high risk for seizures — the hit is potentially fatal.

More: Nick's gun rampage on The Fosters will lead to a dark Season 4 for Mariana

We'd love to tell all of you Jesus fans not to worry too much about him, but after hearing The Fosters executive producer Peter Paige's comments about who he feels the most worry for after the midseason finale, well, we can't.

"I, personally, think the person in the most danger is Jesus, who had this traumatic head injury a few episodes ago and finds himself re-traumatized in what could be a really, profoundly life-changing way," Paige recently said to TV Line.

The term "life-changing" certainly doesn't sound good when associated with a brain injury, so Paige's take on the situation is leaving us even more on edge.

More: Maia Mitchell weighs in on the future of Brallie

However, he did say something that gives us a little bit of hope that though Jesus maybe be forever changed, at least he will live to see the rest of the season.

"When Jake [T. Austin, who previously played Jesus] left the show, that was a possibility," Paige said when asked if they had ever thought about killing off a main character on the show. "We talked about whether we should kill Jesus. But the truth is I don’t know if any of us can bear to watch that show. The show is hard and challenging and sad, but there’s also a lot of joy and happiness and humor woven through it. When you get to something that heavy, it really can overwhelm everything else. I don’t know how, for 10 full episodes, you just watch — particularly our mothers — grieving something that awful."

It makes us feel a little safer knowing that production is just as afraid of losing a member of the Adams-Foster clan as we are — but let's be real here — it's TV and drama reigns supreme. Something tells us death isn't out of the question.

More: The Fosters sneak peek: Watch Callie and Brandon's beautiful duet

What do you think will happen with Jesus when The Fosters returns?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

twisted books slideshow
Image: ABC Family

How to pull 'teachable moments' out of thin air when you have kids

0
0

My boys are 10 and 12 years old, and I feel like every moment with them lately is a teachable moment. After hearing about violence by and against police, watching the circus of the presidential election and seeing the sexist way the Olympics were covered, we never run out of things to talk about. My boys are now old enough to find out information on their own, so when they ask questions, I can't change the subject and avoid the issue like I did when they were little (my favorite distraction was "so… if Darth Vader and Iron Man got in a fight, who would win?"). Now I try to never let any of these moments pass by without discussion.

For example, my son recently asked me why I wanted my husband to send a message to a man our family is working with on a home project when I could send it myself. I explained that it was complicated, but sometimes you have to deal with people who treat women in a way that is unacceptable, but you still have work with them. I could send the email, but it won't get answered. I told him that my goal was to raise them to be the kind of men who would never behave this way and would show respect to everyone.

More: 11 kids who epically failed at forging Mom's or Dad's signature

We had already talked about how disappointing it was to watch a woman win a gold medal only to have her husband be credited for making it happen or an athlete being described as the "wife of…" We explained why it was wrong and how, consciously or not, the comments had the effect of diminishing these women's accomplishments.

I realized that if I'm really going to teach my boys anything about how to treat or talk about women, then I must demand that I'm treated with respect. I sent off a text to that man, saying just that.

If only every teachable moment were that simple — you are not treating me with respect; you need to fix your behavior. We've talked about some very heavy subjects over the summer, and I think the lessons they've learned will stay with them for a long time. They are problems not easily solved, but ones that demand attention.

Months ago, my older son and I were in the car, listening to the radio, when a report came on about Philando Castile. He was shot and killed by a police officer after a traffic stop, and his girlfriend live-streamed the aftermath. My son couldn't get his mind around it. And he was very upset. I could not explain why the officer pulled the trigger, but I could point out the injustice of his being pulled over by police at all. We talked about racial profiling, police training and unconscious (and conscious) bias. We also talked about how, just like in every profession, there are some people who are good at their jobs and others who are not.

More: I need trigger warnings, so why wouldn't I want my kids to get them too?

I don't know if I talked about it in the most perfect way or if I could have said things better; I just know that we talked about it. It would have been easier to talk about what we were going to watch on Netflix that evening or our favorite flavor of ice cream, but some things you just can't let go without a discussion.

Another way we have these conversations is by watching John Oliver, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and The Daily Show. It may seem that my sons are too young for the subject matter, but we've had some incredible conversations about racism, class differences, politics and sexuality after certain episodes.

What I like about it is that they will hear things from other kids or on the radio or see a headline pop up on a device, but they may not ask about it at the time. When we sit and watch together, they ask questions, so we'll pause the show and talk.

More: We've got the 9 moms you'll meet on back-to-school night right here

And that's what I'm getting at here. We're talking. I don't know how much longer my boys will want to sit and chat with us, but as long as they will do it, we'll talk.

Pinterest board: Teachable moments

Pinterest board: Teachable moments

Chick-fil-A's quinoa and kale bowls are giving us an existential crisis

0
0

Chick-fil-A, the notorious fried chicken chain that inspires obsession the likes of which KFC could only dream of, is branching out. At stores in San Diego, New York, New Jersey, Columbia and Washington, D.C., they're testing two new healthy items that involve quinoa, farro and kale, and it's kind of freaking me out.

Like, I'm all for healthy eating, but why would you trust a restaurant that specializes in fried chicken to make a good kale and whole-grain salad? It would be like ordering rib-eye at a vegan joint — chances are, it's going to be terrible.

More: Yes, it is possible to eat fast food without eating a bunch of crap

That being said, the new Chick-fil-A grain bowls do sound tempting. There's a salad bowl consisting of kale topped with red and white quinoa, farro, butternut squash, apples, goat and feta cheese, dried cherries, mixed roasted nuts and balsamic vinaigrette. You can also order it with grilled chicken if you're so inclined.

The breakfast option is equally enticing (though maybe not as much as a McMuffin, TBH). The Egg White Grill Grain Bowl is a blend of scrambled egg whites, cheddar cheese, grilled chicken, red and white quinoa and farro.

It seems like fast food, recovering from a few years of slumping sales, has taken two different paths. You either get the mad genius mashups, like Burger King's Mac n' Cheetos or Taco Bell's Cheetos Burrito (drool), or you get the pseudo-healthy, like McDonald's calorie-, saturated fat- and sodium-laden crispy chicken salads.

More: The 10 most shocking revelations in Chick-fil-A's 'secret' coleslaw recipe

Chick-fil-A's bowls seem like they're actually pretty nutrient-dense, though I'd love to get a look at the actual nutrition information (nothing is more validating for supposedly poor food choices than realizing your cheeseburger has fewer calories, saturated fat and sodium than your limp salad with slimy "grilled" chicken). And maybe, considering our trend toward healthier eating, jumping on the kale-and-quinoa bandwagon is a safer long-term move than creating some sort of fried chicken Frankenmonster (though I'd love to see what they could come up with).

In the meantime, I guess I would try Chick-fil-A's new grain bowls if I were on a road trip and dying for a little whole grain and veg. The rest of the time, though? I'll save Chick-fil-A for the times when I'm craving a juicy fried chicken sandwich, and leave the kale to the good people operating the salad bar at my local Whole Foods. Some things are just too precious to sully with virtuous kale and quinoa, and Chick-fil-A may be one of them.

More: The revelation of KFC's 'secret' fried chicken recipe got us shaking our heads


6 brilliant egg substitutes that will work for any baker

0
0

Maybe you're out of eggs, or maybe you've decided to cut eggs out of your diet completely. Whatever the reason, there's no need to give up on your favorite recipe (or stop right in the middle of it). There are more than a few ways to swap out the incredible edible egg, and we can think of at least six.

More: Help for holiday food emergencies

Baking without eggs
Image: SheKnows

1. Applesauce

Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of one egg in most baking recipes. Some sources say to mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. If all you have is sweetened applesauce, then simply reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Applesauce is also a popular healthy replacement for oil in many baked goods.

2. Banana

Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana (from about half a banana) instead of one egg when baking. Note that this may impart a mild banana flavor to whatever you are cooking, which could be a good thing.

More: 17 super-easy bread recipes even an amateur baker can pull off

3. Flaxseeds

Believe it or not, hearty-healthy flaxseeds can be used as an egg substitute! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water until fully absorbed and viscous. Use in place of one egg. (You can use pre-ground flaxseeds or grind them yourself in a spice or coffee grinder.)

Next up: Vegetable oil

{pageBreak}

4. Vegetable oil

Typically 1/4 cup of vegetable oil can be substituted for one egg when baking. If you are short more than one egg, you will want to try another method, as any more vegetable oil may make the recipe too oily or greasy.

5. Water, oil and baking powder

Whisk together 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of oil (like corn or vegetable oil) and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Use this in place of one egg. When used in cookies and other baked goods, it works so well no one would ever know.

More: Apple cinnamon muffins with white cheddar spread

6. Aquafaba

The hot new egg replacement is bean juice — specifically the liquid that comes in your can of chickpeas. It may not work for everything, but if your recipe calls for egg whites, whip up some aquafaba instead (about 3 tablespoons per replaced egg). For best results, use an unsalted variety.

After successfully using these food substitutions, you may employ them for more than emergency backup in the future. They are all vegan alternatives and, with the exception of the vegetable oil, are more heart-healthy than eggs. Using banana, applesauce or other puréed fruit in baked goods is a wonderful tactic to boost flavor and make them incredibly moist. Talk about a happy accident!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

baking hacks
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

Originally published June 2016. Updated August 2016.

The best makeup for your face (or, how to avoid that weird color clash)

0
0

Thanks to Pinterest and Instagram and hundreds of thousands of beauty blogs on the internet, crazy-cool makeup tips aren't what we're lacking. You can spend hours making up your pretty face (and you've probably done this before), only to find something not quite right staring back at you in the mirror. Most of the time, this "off" look has little to do with your skills and everything to do with your color choice. We've asked our favorite beauty experts to help us solve this way-too-common makeup snafu by honing in on your unique hair color, eye color and face shape.

Trust us, this list is going to save you hours of unnecessary Googling:

What color are your eyes?

Makeup tips for your eye color
Image: Judy Eddy/wenn.com, Ray Garbo/wenn.com, WENN

It's important to consider your eye color when deciding on shades of eye makeup. Matching your eye shadow to your eye color can look too monochromatic, so instead we've come up with some tips to help your natural eye color stand out. Use the tips below to decide what makeup hues work best with your eye color.

More: How to choose the right glitter eye makeup for your eye color

What color is your hair?

Makeup tips for your hair color
Image: WENN

Factor in your hair color to determine what makeup hues work best on you. By making the proper color choices with your eye shadows, blushes, bronzers and other makeup, you can make subtle enhancements that make a big difference in your look. Use these makeup tips below as a guide for the shades and techniques that work best for women with red hair, blond hair and dark hair.

More: 7 ways to color your hair without traditional hair dye

What shape is your face?

Makeup tips for your face shape
Image: FayeVision/wenn.com, Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/wenn.com

Our faces are commonly categorized into six main shapes: oval, square, round, heart-shaped, oblong and diamond-shaped. Use the tips below as a guide to determine what makeup techniques work best for your face shape. You'll find advice on eye shadow and eyeliner, foundation, blush and more.

More: How to determine your face shape

Remember: Looking great is not about the amount of money you spend on your beauty products — rather, it's about applying the proper techniques and colors to enhance your best natural-born features. Use the makeup tips specific to your eye color and hair color, as well as your face shape to achieve the best look possible.

Originally published March 2011. Updated August 2016.

Insanely easy DIY exfoliating scrubs your skin will thank you for

0
0

Out of all the awesome to awful things you can make from Pinterest pins (repurposed flower pots made out of old Crocs, anyone?), the DIY face scrub trend is by far one of the best. First, making a homemade exfoliating scrub is so easy-peasy that you are highly unlikely to screw it up — we promise. And second and third, a homemade face scrub is super-affordable, while also being really good for your skin.

More: 9 apple cider vinegar beauty benefits you're missing out on

Not only does exfoliating slough away dead skin cells, but it also unclogs the oil and dirt that lives in your pores and causes breakouts. Most store-bought exfoliating products contain harsh chemicals and dozens of questionable ingredients that have unknown benefits — another reason to make your own. As with any other exfoliating treatments, these should be used two to three times a week, not every day. And keep in mind that when trying a new skin-care product (or in this case, recipe), test it out before you go to bed. That way, if you have an adverse reaction, you can give your skin time to recover while you sleep.

To keep things cheap and easy (and totally pinnable), we've put together four of our favorite natural exfoliators you can make at home.

1. Basic baking soda scrub

Baking soda
Image: Geo-grafika/Getty Images

The range of what baking soda can do just seems to be getting wider and wider. It can freshen the air, remove stains, clean showers and sinks and trigger explosions in science fair volcanoes. Oh, yes, we can use it to bake too. But there is one more non-food-related use to add to baking soda’s resume: face exfoliant. The grains in baking soda are just the right size to act as a gentle exfoliant, and many claim that it has helped clear up acne.

Ingredients:

  • Baking soda
  • Facial cleanser
  • Water

Directions:

  1. Mix baking soda with your facial cleanser to make it an exfoliating cleanser. (You can also make a paste of just baking soda and water.)
  2. Gently rub it onto your skin and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off.

Next Up: Nourishing sugar scrub

{pageBreak}

2. Nourishing sugar scrub

Raw sugar
Image: fatihhoca/Getty Images

Granulated sugar is another wonderful, natural exfoliant. Mix it with honey, which contains powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and a little lemon for clarifying purposes, and you have a wonderfully nourishing and effective face scrub.

More: 3 DIY beauty recipes that use beeswax to heal dry skin

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon raw sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Combine the honey and sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Mix the ingredients well.
  3. If the mixture is a little loose, add a bit more sugar.

Next Up: Invigorating coffee scrub

{pageBreak}

3. Invigorating coffee scrub

Coffee scrub
Image: Sohadiszno/Getty Images

Coffee is another fantastic natural exfoliant. It contains caffeic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and can boost collagen production. Just as coffee stimulates our body in the morning, it can serve as a skin stimulant as well.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon water or olive oil

Directions:

  1. To make the scrub, combine the coffee and water or olive oil. (To make this inexpensive face scrub even more economical, save the wet coffee grounds from your brewed morning coffee and use those.)
  2. If you use olive oil, skip applying a moisturizer afterward, as olive oil will leave your skin super-moisturized.

Side note: Since coffee grounds can clog drains, apply the scrub and buff off the grounds over a plugged sink so that you can wipe them out or use a mesh drain strainer to catch them before they go down your pipes.

Next Up: Soothing oatmeal scrub

{pageBreak}

4. Soothing oatmeal scrub

Oatmeal
Image: minadezhda/Getty Images

People who use oatmeal as a natural face scrub swear by it, and now I know why. Ground oatmeal not only serves as a wonderful exfoliant, but it also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated. It has been known to soothe and heal everything from acne to sunburn to dry, flaky skin. Given its gentle nature, it is also ideal for those with sensitive skin.

More: How to make a simple skin cleanser to calm sensitive skin

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon water or paste

Directions:

  1. Combine ground oatmeal with salt, which boosts the face treatment's exfoliating properties.
  2. Add water to make a paste.
  3. Gently rub it onto you skin in circular motions, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse.

Originally published Aug. 2015. Updated August 2016.

5 DIY ideas to create the perfect kitchen island for your space

0
0

For prepping food, storing dishes and keeping items organized, a kitchen island is a great addition to any home. When it comes to creating a functional kitchen, extra space is always a plus. Whether you have a tiny kitchen, blank space or room to spare, a kitchen island creates a place for friends and family to gather around, eat snacks and where meals can be served.

More: 5 ways to give your stairway style a real step up

From rolling carts to built-in trash storage, get inspired to create your own custom kitchen island by taking a look at these DIY kitchen island ideas from the blogger community at Porch.com.

1. Rolling kitchen island

Image: Reality Daydream

Butcher block and navy combine to create this stunning kitchen island on wheels. With small storage compartments, a trash can cabinet and room for a microwave, this DIY kitchen island has it all.

2. Rustic kitchen island

Image: Shanty 2 Chic

Perfect for the farmhouse-style home, this DIY kitchen island is made from lumber and topped off with stain and hardware. Download the free building plans to create your own useful centerpiece for your kitchen!

3. Dresser turned kitchen island

Image: Vanessa's Modern Vintage Home

Get creative with your kitchen island by repurposing an old dresser for extra storage on the cheap! By removing the top of the dresser and adding a countertop, your vintage dresser can be transformed into the functional kitchen island you need.

More: The best summer DIY trend is to paint your own... rug?

4. Kitchen island cart

Image: Paper Daisy Design

With just the right amount of storage and convenience, this kitchen island cart is your solution for cooking on the go. Wheels, shelves, cabinets, drawers and hooks to hang mugs make this cart a handy and stylish piece.

5. Kitchen island with hidden trash storage

Image: Shades of Blue Interiors

Tired of leaving your trash out in the open? This DIY kitchen island has pull-out trash storage to keep your garbage out of sight. See what other features this DIY kitchen island comes with by downloading the free build plans.

Would you DIY a custom kitchen island for your home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

More: 7 DIY garden crafts to put a spring in your backyard's step

Everything looks peachy keen between Larry King and his wife Shawn

0
0

When you've been married eight times (including to one woman twice), I guess you learn to roll with the punches. That's precisely what Larry King appears to be doing — despite rumors that his wife, Shawn King, has been having an affair, the 82-year-old TV host and his spouse of 19 years were spotted strolling hand-in-hand on Monday afternoon.

At least one thing in Larry's life hasn't changed lately, though, and that's his wardrobe: he was sporting his signature suspenders and glasses during the couple's stroll of solidarity.

More: Yikes! Larry King's much younger wife has been getting some side action

This all comes in the wake of reports that surfaced last week claiming Shawn has been getting hot and heavy with British public speaker Richard Greene for at least a year. Tackling the idle talk head on, Larry and Shawn appeared on an episode of Hallmark's Home & Family on Friday.

During the segment, Larry addressed the gossip, saying, "[It's] an interesting word, 'rumor.' You know, I've been in the business — next May'll be 60 years — and I've dealt with rumors a long time, interviewed people involved with rumors. Rumors are what they are; they're rumors. And I tell you the truth: I don't pay any attention to them."

A source reportedly close to the couple told PEOPLE that Larry's kids were less than thrilled about their dad's appearance on Home & Family. "It was a sham interview," the source said. "His kids are disgusted and outraged."

Another source alleged that Shawn and her father, Karl Engemenn, pushed Larry into making the public denial about the affair, telling PEOPLE, "They are controlling his mind. This is another example of Shawn's manipulation."

For her part, Shawn addressed the rumors during the Home & Family segment as well, albeit indirectly.

"Last week there was a rumor going around about Larry and a speech he made in Kiev, and there was all this [speculation] about that. This week I'm the latest pin-up girl. You have to just develop a shell around yourself and not get hard on the inside and stick together," she said. "We've been at it for a while."

More: Larry King tried to one-night-stand Katie Couric

And that they have. The 56-year-old former singer and TV host married Larry in 1997, and the two have two sons: Chance, 17, and Cannon, 16.

This isn't their first time dealing with infidelity rumors, either. The couple filed for divorce in 2010 amid rumors Larry had been sleeping with Shawn's sister (yikes!). However, they reconciled shortly thereafter and, only three months into the filing, petitioned to stop the proceedings.

Later that year, Shawn was hospitalized after being found unconscious in the couple's home. Although the claims have never been substantiated, it was suggested Shawn had possibly attempted suicide since a police report revealed she was found with a bottle of prescription pills.

At this point, it's important to remember the rumors about Shawn have yet to be confirmed in any way, shape, or form, despite one source's insistence that "it's true, and Larry is completely embarrassed and anguished by this."

More: Anna Paquin schools Larry King on how bisexuality works

Until Shawn and/or Richard step forward and make their relationship Facebook official or something, the rumors remain hearsay and probably pretty hard on all involved parties. Best of luck to Larry, Shawn and their families as they try to sort this unfortunate mess out.

Colton Haynes made us cry this morning like little, pro-equality babies

0
0

Upon being presented the Visibility Award by the Human Rights Campaign in Seattle this weekend, Colton Haynes delivered an emotional speech that, in full disclosure, made every single one of us bawl like a baby.

More: Colton Haynes is proud of his sexuality, and your opinion doesn't matter

And according to the HRC, we weren't alone. "His speech was truly touching, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!" the organization posted on its Facebook page. "Coming out matters — especially for the countless LGBTQ kids who watch Colton's shows."

Haynes, who is best known for his work on TV shows like Teen Wolf, choked back tears throughout his six-minute speech, acknowledging first and foremost that being honored by the HRC was a "humbling experience."

He also spoke to the importance of coming out, revealing that his own journey was a long process and made more difficult by the public scrutiny surrounding such declarations.

"Earlier this year, I guess my coming out, it was a bit splashy for many people," he said, noting that those who were close to him had always known. "But that's how entertainment works, and it seems to make a bigger deal of everyone's personal decisions, you know? And every one of you already knows this — I never made a decision to be gay. It came just as naturally as the color of my eyes."

In a particularly touching moment, Haynes also admitted that being able to speak openly and honestly about his sexuality was transformative.

"I'm asked to play so many roles as an actor, but tonight I can actually be myself for the first time. It feels incredible," he said, fighting tears before adding, "And I feel lucky just knowing that we have such a strong, fierce, united community that believes as I do that equality is our birthright. It's not a slogan."

More: Celebs show solidarity and support for marriage equality

The sad truth Haynes was alluding to, of course, is the fact that people are still treated differently simply because of who they love. For those people, this isn't a platform... it's their lives. Hearing testimonies from people in the public eye like Haynes encourages inclusivity and acceptance.

To that end, Haynes said he was accepting the award as an oath. "My promise is simple and real, and I'm not making it to you. I'm making it to the next generation of lesbians and gay men, bisexuals, transgender youth," he said. "I hope my examples will give them the confidence and hope to be who they are as well, and for them to conquer their own fears and their own hesitations. I want to give them a little more courage to know that they're loved just as they are and to know that they'll grow up beautiful and strong and proud."

At one point, Haynes even broke the proverbial fourth wall to speak directly to these people, saying, "Sometimes we listen to the wrong voices — people telling you that you can't or that you shouldn't. I mean, we all do. We have to listen to our own voices and our own hearts, and that's when we become the best people."

More: Colton Haynes gets deeply personal as he shares his struggles

The 27-year-old actor wrapped up his speech by thanking the HRC for inspiring him and by sharing his own personal dreams for what is yet to come.

"I have many hopes for the future and many ambitions as an actor and an artist," he began, "And on a personal note, I have to confess that I also want to raise kids of my own eventually, maybe half a dozen... have a basketball team or something like that. But I would love to not raise them alone. Lucky for all of us, with the historic achievement of marriage equality last year, none of us needs to go through the world alone or without the commitment of the person we truly love."

BRB, just need to get a box of Kleenex to muffle our sobs. Congrats again to Haynes for this well-deserved award! Watch his full speech below.

Colton Haynes Speech

Colton Haynes Speech

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

LGBT books slideshow
Image: Amazon

20 foods craved the most by pregnant women and why the heck we want them

0
0

That uncontrollable urge to eat one very specific food is something almost every pregnant lady is familiar with. Food cravings during pregnancy may be an old trope, but they happen to anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women. It's safe to say that if you've ever been with child before, then you've probably experienced that deep, insatiable hunger at 2 in the morning for something salty or sweet or even totally absurd. And you're definitely not alone.

Here's the thing — a pregnancy craving differs from a regular craving in the sense that it's about a million times stronger. You wake up with a burning desire for a Chipotle burrito or an ice-cold root beer and will go out of your way to satisfy it. You'll drive miles upon miles to meet the craving, and have no shame in waking up your husband in the middle of the night to go buy and cook you bacon. Hey, what baby wants, baby gets, right? Let's take a look at the top foods craved most by pregnant women and why.

1. Ice

Pregnant women love to chew on ice. Seems strange, since it's not really a food and doesn't seem in any way satisfying to those of us not with child, but for some reason pregnant women just can't get enough. Those with anemia are more likely to be seen chewing on ice, since it can relieve inflammation of the mouth and tongue (a common symptom of anemia).

2. Chocolate

Chocolate — or any sweet, for that matter — is something pregnant women can't get enough of. This could be because chocolate makes you happy, and since there's no drinking for pregnant women, chocolate is literally the next best thing. An old wives' tale states that if you crave sweets, it means you're carrying a girl.

Tip: If you're worried about indulging too much, satisfy your chocolate craving by drizzling low-fat chocolate syrup onto fresh fruit.

3. Spicy foods

Spicy foods, such as curry or hot red peppers, are yet another common craving among pregnant women. Interestingly enough, it's because hot foods make the body sweat, which cools off the body. If you're currently expecting, then you know it's almost impossible to stay cool. Try adding some spice to your next meal to see if it helps cool you down.

More: Jalapeño popper chicken

4. Pickles

Women who crave pickles could be low in sodium, but there's no real proof of this. Some like the crunch, some like the vinegar, and some like the refreshing taste. Whatever it is, pickle cravings are nothing to be too concerned about. They're low in calories, easy to get and inexpensive.

5. Potato chips

Potato chips, like pickles, are loaded with salt. Again, you could be low in sodium, but more than likely you're just desiring something salty and crunchy, and potato chips are what comes to mind. Since they're high in fat and calories, try reaching for these alternatives instead.

6. Fruit

Pregnant women don't crave just junk food (surprisingly!) — they crave fruit as well. You (and your body) want a healthy baby, so sometimes it needs extra-healthy foods to make sure that happens. Fruits, such as watermelons and grapes, are cool and refreshing, all while providing your body and baby with a boost of vitamin C.

More: 15 fruit-infused waters to make you feel like a springtime goddess

7. Lemon

It's not unheard of to see a pregnant woman eating a straight lemon or adding a ton of it to their water. Pregnant women crave sour foods. The reason? Your taste buds change, and typically you like to "shock" them with super-sour or super-spicy foods.

8. Ice cream

Ice cream is sweet, it cools you off, and it's rich and creamy. With so many flavors to choose from, a pregnant woman could literally spend hours in the ice cream aisle. For a healthier version, buy low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, and top with fresh fruit. You might kill two cravings in one sitting.

9. Soda

If you've experienced or are experiencing morning sickness, then a fizzy, carbonated soda might be just what you need. Carbonation settles the stomach and may take away that queasy feeling you've had all day. Try ginger ale or Sprite, as caffeinated beverages should be avoided during pregnancy.

10. Coffee

Even though some doctors say it's a no-no, coffee is commonly craved by pregnant women, especially those who drank it before conceiving. Coffee makes you more alert and decreases headaches and depression. Check with your doctor before deciding to partake in a cup o' joe, though.

Next up: Sugary sweets

{pageBreak}

11. Sugary sweets

A craving for sweets and candy is one of the most commonly reported among pregnant women. This can sometimes be a sign of gestational diabetes, but most of the time it can be chalked up to hormonal changes that affect your scent and taste perception. Try eating fruit or having a glass of freshly squeezed juice to satisfy your craving — or just stick to one small piece of candy a day.

12. Beans and greens

Some women crave healthier foods, like leafy green veggies, legumes and whole grains, that provide the body with tons of essential nutrients, including magnesium and fiber. Feel free to indulge in these foods as often as you like.

13. Red meat

Red meat is full of protein and iron, which many pregnant women crave. The key here is to skip the fattier cuts like rib-eye and go for round or sirloin cuts. Or choose your favorite lean ground beef to make burgers.

14. Juice

Most fruit juices are full of vitamins, and growing a baby inside you can be thirsty work! That's why many women report craving juice when they are pregnant even if they used to drink only water before. As long as you stick to no-added-sugar juices, feel free to guzzle an 8-ounce serving when the craving kicks in.

15. Salt

It's not uncommon for women to crave salty foods as their pregnancy goes on. The reason? An increase in blood volume can change your dietary need for sodium. If salt is what you crave, then stick to the shaker — the sodium in processed foods can far exceed the needs of even a pregnant woman and often contain extra unsavory ingredients.

16. Vinegar

Sometimes a pickle craving escalates, and it turns out that vinegar is what a pregnant woman really wants. Some women lust after sauerkraut or salt 'n' vinegar chips, while some even admit to drinking the stuff straight up! Try unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which you can mix with seltzer for a refreshing drink — just watch out for heartburn.

17. Dairy

Milk, yogurt and cheese, oh my! Lots of pregnant women get the urge to eat dairy after their first trimester (when dairy can cause some tummy trouble). Calcium- and protein-rich, low-fat dairy foods, like string or cottage cheese, skim milk and Greek yogurt, are great choices to satisfy these cravings.

More: 5 candy milkshake recipes your inner child will love

18. Crazy combinations

Ever heard of moms-to-be dunking pickles into peanut butter or putting olives in their ice cream? No one knows exactly why some women crave unusual combinations of food when they're pregnant, but some theorize that it's the body's way of making sure the growing baby receives a broad range of nutrients. So feel free to ignore the strange looks from your family and friends, and mix it up however you like in the kitchen.

19. Comfort food

If you find yourself craving your mom's mac & cheese or a dish you have at Christmas every year, it might not have any relation to your body's physical needs. Pregnancy can be tough, and it's totally normal to crave foods that make you think of cozy, calmer times. So don't stress — let yourself indulge in an old favorite if it makes you feel better.

20. Nonedible food

If you're craving chalk, dirt or any other nonfood item, then go see your doctor. Pica — a condition in which one craves and eats nonfood items — can be very dangerous, especially if you give in to the craving. It's thought that pica can indicate an iron deficiency, but even if that's not the case, you should consult your physician to figure out what your body is trying to tell you.

foods craved by pregnant women
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Originally published July 2016. Updated August 2016.


You won't even miss Hotch and Morgan after you hear the new Criminal Minds news

0
0

Those seemingly inexplicable shrieks of joy you may have heard rising into the air around you about two hours ago? Those were the sounds of Criminal Minds fans learning that Paget Brewster is back as a Season 12 series regular.

More: Criminal Minds was renewed! Will Season 12 bring some serious carnage?

After what can only be described as a truly bananas summer in the Criminal Minds casting universe — during which Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis) and Adam Rodriguez (SSA Luke Alvez) signed on as series regulars and Thomas Gibson (SSA Aaron Hotchner) was fired after assaulting a writer — the show announced it would be adding two full-time cast members to replace Gibson. Brewster, whose character SSA Emily Prentiss was already scheduled to return for six episodes (probably to help the BAU catch some escaped serial killers) but now it looks like Prentiss could potentially replace Gibson's Hotchner as unit chief. Her return also means there are officially more women on the team than men, which is fantastic and super-rare on procedurals.

More: I’m not 'disappointed' that Thomas Gibson got fired from Criminal Minds

Some fans have not reacted particularly well to Gibson's dismissal, which came after he kicked one of the show's writers during a quarrel about "creative differences." Folks have threatened to boycott the show until Gibson is re-hired, and there's even a petition being circulated, demanding that the network offer him his job back. Gibson's leaving the show marks the second departure of a major character since Shemar Moore (SSA Derek Morgan) left during Season 11. In the comments section of the article announcing Brewster's return to full-time cast member, fans argued about whether or not her reprising her role could make up for the loss of Gibson and Moore. I don't think that's even a conversation worth having, frankly.

The structure of the show is changing, which is something that inevitably happens on long-running shows. Instead of thinking about it as compensating for the absence of men, which that conversation is essentially about, let's remember that there was a very similar conversation that happened when Brewster was fired in 2011. Who could possibly replace her? The answer: no one, because that's how memorable characters work. Prentiss' full-time return doesn't have to make up for the absence of Morgan and Hotch, it has to bring the show to a place where we're not constantly thinking about how they aren't there and being grateful and happy that she is.

More: Criminal Minds' season finale seriously disappointed the fangirl in me

Are you excited about Prentiss' return? Does it assuage your sadness about Hotch's and Morgan's departures? Tell us in the comments!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Criminal Minds slideshow then & now
Image: CBS

My chemo scars are beautiful because they remind me I'm alive

0
0

At the time of chemotherapy, all the scars in the world couldn’t have dampened my mood. I saw them as individual badges that proved the glory of my hardship, as if the clay of my body had been remolded to collaborate with the fury of the storm. And I was fundamentally OK with the storm that caused the scars despite that my mother hates when I say I’m happy I went through chemotherapy.

More: How I mastered the art of the one-night stand

It’s not that I’m happy I got cancer — I’m happy I had the chance to learn what I did about life and death and still survive. Cancer scars were the conditional terms to that arrangement.

But as all decisions of vanity seem to mature, those scars weren’t so appealing once I was out of the peaceful solitude of my cancer suite and back among peers. I was only 17, and for a heart so young to be rushed with the emotional gratification of not only understanding how precious life is but to be given a second chance, well, of course I was overwhelmed with joy, among other things.

That kind of joy, as it turns out, did not translate into the tongues of youth. I couldn’t describe the feeling of bliss, and I couldn’t hold conversations with people my age because we saw the world so differently. I struggled to explain the scars — the hole in my arm where the semi-permanent tube went up into my chest or the stretch marks on my waist from the steroids in my chemo. My friends and classmates didn’t mean to look at my body with fear, but it showed on their faces as they’d look at my scars skeptically with unsure eyes. They just didn’t understand.

The biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my entire life, including at this moment at 17, was to look at myself through the eyes of others. Rather than seeing my scars like I had in the hospital, as marks of a modern miracle made in my very own body, I saw them as strange, as different, as scary. I wasn’t scared of the scars — I was scared of other people seeing the scars. I’d have saved myself so much suffering by the hands of self-judgment had I just been more committed to my own vision and my own interpretation of my life and my body.

I didn’t want to be special for cancer anymore. I just wanted to live as free of sickness as everyone else my age. I wanted to look like them, be like them, be lovable and wanted like them. But I’d lose that battle. I’d never be like them because I wasn’t them. I was me.

More: I'm a skin-care professional with skin cancer \u2014 here's what I learned

The same would go later for things like my career, my relationships, my home and even my opinions. All the things I was excited for in the hospital were much harder to accomplish once I was out in the real world solely because I took into account the opinions of others — or at least what I thought other people might think. Growing up and out of that mindset was like climbing out of a tornado, where the obstacles were only twisted air threatening to suck you downward unless you remembered that clouds may look daunting, but they are only air and fluff.

Just as with the treatment, learning to cope with the scars was a spiritual lesson that, in the end, I couldn’t do without. I blossomed through my 20s in a sort of rough-and-tumble way. I learned to stop worrying what potential lovers might think of the scars and started demanding that they not pity me, not be afraid of my health or my body, and not treat me as fragile. They had to treat the scars and my own personal history like I did: as the story and marks of a victory, not a victim.

I learned to do the same with the rest of my life, to translate it into a language that maybe only I can understand but that’s enough. I’m enough. The scars look again as beautiful as the curves of sand beaten by waves, as incredible as the way lightning strikes rock and leaves a dashing, miraculous indent. I wouldn’t have it any other way now. After all, I am lightening. My life, even as hard as I had to fight to make it last, will still be brief. It will be full of light and magic and something all its own, and you can be damn sure it will leave a mark.

I eventually wrote on my own website an article about scars, knowing that many of my readers were also survivors and were likely battling the same aspects of cancer that don’t go away after chemo. I summed it up as simple as I could:

A body without scars is like a passport without stamps.

Our bodies, our lives, our selves are but vessels to carry us around this incredible world to gather our treasures, to learn and see and bask in the glory of all that reminds us of the wonder and joy of living. The worst we could do is not allow harm or unsightly marks to come upon the ship that is our body. The worst thing would be to never use that body for its intent: living. I’d rather have a body with marks of honor, curiosity and experience than a perfect ship that stayed safe in its harbor without a single story of a storm to tell.

More: How to find the best doctor for your ovarian cancer

Easy lunch ideas your kids can pack themselves in minutes

0
0

I had been through too many screaming matches with my kids that have ended in tears (mine) to ever want to wade into the minefield of school lunch prep again. Sandwiches left uneaten, snacks completely neglected, bananas left to get mushy at the bottom of their backpacks...

Then I had a “eureka” moment while shopping with the kids, who wanted nothing to do with the usual groceries I was buying, but were literally begging me (and causing a major scene) to buy them Lunchables. You know — those little box kits that manage to pack 10,000 percent of the daily recommended allowance of sodium into a small container of cheese and crackers. And that’s when it hit me: Have the kids assemble their own lunches.

I’m not talking having them make their own the night before — they’re adept at taking a five-minute task and making it last an hour, and I have no patience for that after 6 p.m. I mean take all the stuff you’d use for their lunches, shove everything into a bento box or a few baggies, and let it be their problem. Give them their own condiments, plastic knives, paper plates — whatever they need to be the Michael Symon of the lunchroom.

More: After-school snacks your kids can prepare, because they've got hands, right?

Not only did this work, but it has saved me a ton of time and aggravation. You can pack up leftovers, odds and ends that are in the fridge, or buy your components in bulk, and package them when you get home so everything is grab-and-go. If you want to move behind plain old cold cuts and crackers, here are a few menu items that are in our rotation. Mix and match from the things listed, or ask your kid to add some items of their own:

Sliders

Burgers don’t need to be hot to be delicious! Grill up some mini patties, then keep them in the freezer.

  • Slider buns
  • Burger patties
  • Ketchup and mustard packets
  • Potato chips
  • Pickles
  • Cheese
  • Bacon
  • Lettuce

Cocktail meatballs

There’s something about food being on a toothpick that makes it taste better. Throw a few fancy-looking ones into a baggie, which makes it more fun to eat. I’ve tried this with my own meatballs before that I’ve batch-frozen, but now I use the frozen Swedish meatballs from Ikea.

  • Meatballs
  • Cubed mozzarella
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Dipping sauce: gravy, teriyaki, barbecue sauce

Bagel bites

I’ve got a kid who loves smoked salmon, and you’d be surprised how many kids feel the same. Try “plating” it by cutting slices in half and rolling them up to look like roses. Everyone’s a sucker for pretty food.

  • Mini bagels or bagel chips
  • Whipped cream cheese
  • Smoked salmon
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Salt and pepper packets
  • Bacon

Loaded waffles

Who doesn’t like breakfast anytime? By putting fruit on a waffle, you're more likely to get them to eat it rather than find it smooshed up in their bags when they get home.

  • Mini waffles
  • Cream cheese
  • Peanut butter
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Fingerling banana with plastic knife
  • Chocolate chips

Taco box

This is one of the best ways to use up leftover meat and vegetables from dinner, and I rarely find a lunchbox full of leftovers. Save the small sauce cups that come when you get takeout; they make great condiment containers!

  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Sliced steak
  • Salsa
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped bell peppers

Sushi rolls

Buy a small container of rice from your local takeout spot, and pack it with dried seaweed snacks. I buy frozen, precooked salad shrimp from Costco and put it straight into the container. They’ll thaw by lunchtime.

  • Salad shrimp
  • Imitation crab sticks
  • Julienned cucumber
  • Sliced mango
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Soy sauce packets
  • Mayonnaise packets
  • Sesame seeds

Cheesesteak

It's not quite the Philadelphia classic, but the kids love it just the same.

  • Split piece of a baguette, or a hot dog bun
  • Thinly sliced and chopped deli roast beef
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced bell peppers

Jill Duggar & Derick Dillard feel their lives are at risk

0
0

Being Christian missionaries in Central America is not without risks, a reality that TLC stars Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard are keenly aware of.

"It's risky here — we stand out as Americans, so definitely we're higher risk," Jill says in a preview clip for the Tuesday, Aug. 30, episode of Counting On. "You have to talk about things that probably a lot of couples wouldn't talk about back in the States."

More: This might be the weirdest Duggar parenting "controversy" yet

Those kinds of conversations include things like establishing protocol to follow should one of them not return home on any given day.

"We've been married almost two years — we have a little baby," she tells the camera, alluding to her and Derick's 16-month-old son Israel David. "If we were back in the States, we wouldn't be talking about, 'Now if you die, what am I supposed to do from there? If you don't come home after you are supposed to [at] this hour, then what do I do?' It's hard to talk about those things, but it's also good for us to [know], like, if something happened, what I'm supposed to do."

Jill and Derick

Jill and Derick

To be clear, the couple isn't exaggerating the perceived danger they could potentially be in while living in El Salvador. According to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's 2015 Crime and Safety Report, the crime rating in the area is classified as critical.

In fact, El Salvador has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

The crime threats in the region can "run the gamut from credit card skimming to homicide and is unpredictable, gang-centric, and characterized by violence directed against both known victims and targets of opportunity," the report states. It also notes the danger associated with transnational criminal organizations prevalent throughout Central America.

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

Dillard, who seems to have a firm grasp on the issues endemic to the area, touches on the spectrum of violent crime surrounding them, saying in the Counting On clip, "The violence down here is a reality we have to deal with every day, as do the people here. In that way, we can relate better to the people we're serving and realize that kidnapping, other acts of violence, rape, murder — those are realities here... everyone has to face them on a daily basis."

Still, despite the obvious danger, the couple feels strongly that they are exactly where they need to be.

"I do love my life here. I think there's not another place in the world I'd rather be right now, but there's obviously going to be times when I miss my life in America. But I think because of the reason why we're here, we can get past that," Dillard explains.

"I want to learn to live in an environment, whether it's easy or whether it's hard, that I can be accomplishing what God's called me to accomplish. So this just happens to be a difficult environment, but the need is real and we're called to meet that need."

More: Calling all Duggar men — your fans want to know if you have real jobs

One thing's for certain: That need is, in fact, very real. As of 2014, more then 30 percent of the population was living below the national poverty level. Many of these impoverished people live in shanty communities that are particularly vulnerable to the threat of violent crime.

By all accounts, Duggar and Dillard are actively practicing situational awareness while their ministry keeps them in Central America, so it would seem the couple has good heads on their shoulders to match their good hearts.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Jill Duggar love story slideshow
Image: Jill Duggar/Instagram

Iggy Azalea & French Montana might just be a couple after all

0
0

In July, Iggy Azalea and French Montana sparked romance rumors after they were spotted spending time together in Las Vegas — and their recent getaway has only served to fuel the relationship gossip.

More: Iggy Azalea and Khloé Kardashian have something in common: A man

Over the weekend, the pair, along with a few friends, flew to Cabo to soak up the sun and just enjoy some rest and relaxation, and they took plenty of photos to make everyone jealous. Montana took to Instagram to upload a group shot (which included Azalea) as they posed in front of a private aircraft. He captioned it "squad goals."

French Montana Instagram 2

French Montana Instagram 2

More: Iggy Azalea's voluptuous booty — and how she got it — is nobody's business

Later, he added a photo of himself and Azalea enjoying a boat trip.

French Montana Instagram

French Montana Instagram

While Azalea has brushed off the reports that she and Montana are getting cozy (she did reveal that they were collaborating on a new single), she hasn't managed to convince fans — who have been quick to comment on the pair hanging out together and suggest the relationship is not purely platonic.

"French and Iggy connection," iamsuavee wrote. Iggyqueenrap also shared their thoughts, writing, "Treat her good French n make her come back to this this rap game."

There are also some less eloquent comments about Azalea and Montana, including those from sii.no, who wrote, "U banging iggy now lol," and nietooson, who wrote, "fucking iggy now lol."

And according to a source close to Us Weekly, those fans hit the nail on the head (you know, essentially). Azalea and Montana are reportedly officially dating! The source insists the musicians are "very much a couple" and that "they've been all over each other."

The latter assertion we at least know to be true thanks to a video making its way around the internet that shows Montana resting his head on Azalea's booty. And yes, it may be all for show, but the video really makes us think there is some real chemistry happening behind the scenes.

Iggy Azalea and French Montana

Iggy Azalea and French Montana

So, could Iggy Azalea and French Montana be the hottest new celeb couple around? At the moment, all signs point to yes.

More: Iggy Azalea's shoutout to her 'perky boobs' surgeon is, well, perky

But what do you think: Do Azalea and Montana make a good couple? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images