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Kim Kardashian West reportedly thought she was going to get killed

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By now most of the world has heard about what happened to Kim Kardashian West during her time in Paris, France, and there have been very different reactions to her ordeal. While we can only imagine just how terrified she must have been while being robbed at gunpoint, a new report has now shed some light on the emotions and thoughts going through Kardashian West's mind during the time of the robbery.

More: Kim Kardashian West's robbery ordeal was terrifying, but there is a silver lining

Kardashian West had reportedly been in bed — wearing only a bathrobe — at her luxury residence, Hôtel de Pourtalès, when the men entered her room and bound her hands with zip ties before carrying her into the bathroom, an insider told Us Weekly, adding that Kardashian West "feared for her life."

"She thought there was going to be a sexual assault or that she was going to be killed in the bathroom," the source told the publication. "They did not speak English. Kim was hysterically crying, begging for her life, telling them about her babies."

Right — regardless of how you feel about Kardashian West, the most important thing to take from this report is that this was a woman (not just a celebrity), alone in her apartment, fearing for her life while a group of thugs manhandled her, and that is absolutely terrifying.

In fact, Kardashian West was reportedly convinced that the ordeal would mark the end of her life.

"In her head, at that minute in the bathroom, she thought her life was over," the source said. "There was a gun on her the whole time. She was begging them not to kill her."

Reports have claimed that the thieves got away with a jewelry box containing valuables worth $6.7 million, as well as a ring worth $4.6 million and mobile telephones, and according to Us Weekly, after they made their getaway, Kardashian West was able to "wiggle her hands out of the tie, and then she was able to get the rest of the stuff off of her." They added that, "She definitely thought she was going to be raped and murdered. She feared rape — she was basically naked."

More: Kim Kardashian West's robbery turns into a 'she was asking for it' argument

According to authorities, the crime was carried out by a "highly organized" gang who did a great deal of planning before the raid.

We hope this report makes people realize just how serious this robbery was — and that there's nothing funny about it. Kardashian West most certainly does not deserve to be victim-blamed for it or be the subject of any distasteful jokes.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

kardashians attacked slideshow
Image: Charley Gallay/Getty Images Entertainment

Gwen Stefani didn't just get presents for her birthday — she got a TV show

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Gwen Stefani celebrated her 47th birthday on Oct. 3. But unlike most of our birthdays, which are filled with love, cake and presents, Stefani got something pretty darn special for hers: a new TV show — and Blake Shelton couldn't be more proud.

More: The Voice exec hints at a future wedding, but gasp — who could it be?

Shelton and Stefani's relationship is still going strong — they don't even bat eyelids at the hate some people spew in their direction — and Shelton took to Twitter on Monday to wish Stefani a very happy birthday as well as to gush about the premiere of her new Nickelodeon series, Kuu Kuu Harajuku (an animated show about a girl group).

Blake Shelton Twitter

Blake Shelton Twitter

Stefani also shared a photo on Instagram, showing her excitement about her new series. She captioned the snap with, "Had such s fun b day! Thanku for all the love and attention KUUKUUHARAJUKU Gx."

Gwen Stefani Instagram

Gwen Stefani Instagram

For Shelton's 40th birthday in June of 2016, Stefani went all out — their celebration included two cakes, goofy birthday-themed sunglasses and a birthday badge — and she ensured that her own day was just as special (and wacky).

So how does a punk rock princess celebrate her birthday? With a tiara, a lot of pink decorations and an awesome cake, of course!

Stefani documented her birthday via Snapchat.

Gwen Stefani Instagram

Gwen Stefani Instagram

Gwen Stefani Instagram 4

Gwen Stefani Instagram 4

And we think it's safe to say she had a pretty awesome time.

Gwen Stefani Instagram 3

Gwen Stefani Instagram 3

More: If I had to guess, Gwen Stefani will be Mrs. Blake Shelton by end of year

We just wish we got to see what Shelton gifted Stefani for her birthday (could it have finally been an engagement ring?).

Happy birthday, Gwen Stefani! We love the way you do birthdays!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Gwen and Blake slideshow
Image: NBC

Candace Cameron Bure's daughter Natasha won us over big-time on The Voice

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Candace Cameron Bure isn't the only talented person in her household — we found out on Monday night that her daughter, Natasha Bure, is pretty darn awesome.

More: Candace Cameron Bure's daughter might be working with Blake Shelton soon

During the most recent episode of The Voice, fans of the show were treated to Natasha's rendition of Elvis Presley’s "Can't Help Falling In Love" — and let's just say we weren't the only ones who were super-impressed: Adam Levine hit his buzzer for her.

The Voice Instagram

The Voice Instagram

We're really looking forward to seeing how Natasha (who's only age 17) is going to do on the show. After all, she was born with the performance gene in her blood. According to Natasha, her mom's career inspired her to pursue her own path in music.

"Growing up I would go to set with her, and I would see her with all of her cast mates, and I got a taste of what it would be like to be onstage," she said, Daily Mail reports. "That was something that attracted me a lot."

More: How Candace Cameron Bure's keeping her kids' public images in check

"But the acting world and the music world is very different, and my mom doesn't know too much about the music industry because she's not musically gifted," Natasha continued.

It's actually pretty great that Candace doesn't have connections in the music industry because it means that Natasha achieved her success on her own. Candace even admitted that she hadn't been involved in her daughter's career, saying, "It's been her thing and we've stayed away. So this will be her accomplishment and nothing that we've done."

But that doesn't mean Candace hasn't been supporting Natasha, and she was super-excited when her daughter was picked. Actually, her reaction to Levine pressing the buzzer was pretty great — she simply shouted, "Shut up!"

Nastasha Bure The Voice

Nastasha Bure The Voice

Oh, and it's not just Natasha's mom that's behind her, because Full House stars (and absolute jokers) Bob Saget and John Stamos also had a very special message for her.

The Voice Instagram 2

The Voice Instagram 2

More: Candace Cameron Bure sends daughter Natasha to prom in great style

The great thing about The Voice is that the judges had no way of knowing that Natasha was the daughter of a famous actress, and she was picked purely because of her talent — a talent which Levine referred to as "really different and special."

Were you impressed with Natasha Bure's performance? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

candace cameron bure instagram slideshow
Image: CandaceCBure/Instagram

How to introduce your new partner to the kids

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Last week, I had the most nerve-wracking date of my romantic life. As someone who's had several blind dates, that's saying something. But this date was with my boyfriend of three months. It was in my own home. The stomach-churning element? He was meeting my children for the first time.

More: 12 moments when we're all Regina George's mom

This was a huge deal for me because it was so many firsts. He is a first. My first serious relationship since my marriage ended four years and four months ago. The first man I would introduce to my kids as a boyfriend. The first man to spend time with my two loyal sidekicks and I in our home, to observe how we function as a family. The first man to potentially join us in our home on a regular basis, to contribute to and possibly change how we function as a family.

Of the several hundred things I was worried about, I had two main concerns:

  1. They wouldn't like him.
  2. He wouldn't like them.

Both of these are things I had absolutely no control over, of course. No amount of chocolate (them) or wine (him) or warnings (them) or reassurances (him) could have any substantial effect on the outcome of our group date. It's pretty hard to persuade kids to like someone if they don't. And although I think my children are the most wonderful humans to set foot on the earth, naturally, I'm not deluded enough not to recognize that 99 percent of mothers feel the same way about their own kids. It was perfectly possible that he wouldn't think my daughter pretending to be a dog was in any way endearing or be impressed by my son's extensive knowledge of the habits of the basking shark.

If I could give advice to any parent about to go through the same thing, I'd say this: Quit worrying about whether they all like (or even understand) each other right off the bat. Unless any of the parties involved are seriously horrible people, they'll get there. All you really need to worry about actually has nothing to do with your children. It's about whether the relationship has legs. If you're as sure as you can be that it's going to be permanent, that should ease a lot of your anxieties. If you can't say that, hold off on making the introduction until you can. I dated a few guys after my separation who never met my kids because we just weren't "there" yet. And it wasn't about whether they would be decent, positive people to bring into my young kids' lives. It was about whether I could genuinely see them being in my life long term. I was the one in the relationship, and if I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with a guy, I couldn't begin to think about letting him spend even one day in my kids' company.

Another legitimate concern is whether the introduction takes place at the right time and in the right place. A lot of professional advice advocates meeting in a neutral spot, but I chose to do it in our home because it's where my kids feel most comfortable. I wanted my boyfriend to spend a couple of hours on our patch so that if the kids did feel bored or awkward, they had all their favorite things on hand for distraction or comfort.

More: Cheer for your kids, Mom — but know when to stay on the sidelines

Beyond that, I don't think there are many hard and fast rules when it comes to your new partner meeting your kids, but the following were good pointers for me.

  • I'd already told my kids about my boyfriend weeks before they met. They knew his name and that I spent time with him while they were with their dad. I asked them if they had any questions or concerns and encouraged them to speak their minds, however they felt.
  • I told my ex-husband about my new partner before I told the kids. I didn't want him to hear it from them, and knowing he was OK with it made me feel more confident about bringing the kids on board. I felt reassured that if they wanted to speak to their dad about the change in circumstances, he'd be approaching it from the same place as I was — offering comfort, support and love.
  • I prepped my guy a little before he met the kids. He had some idea of their personality types and how they might behave around him. So he already knew to find my son shy, not rude. And that my daughter was likely to cope with the situation by taking showing off to a whole new level.
  • I was also 100 percent sure that my children don't harbor any hopes of their dad and I getting back together. Those lines were drawn a long time ago. Of course, this isn't always the case, and that shouldn't stop you from moving on with a new partner, but it's important to be sensitive to your child's feelings and be ready to put the brakes on (in terms of making an introduction) if they need more time to get used to the idea. If someone is going to be in your lives for a long time, well... you can take a long time.

  • If the first meeting goes well, there's the temptation to speed things up (get the initial awkward "getting to know you" phase over with, if you like). Every situation is different, but I don't think the slow approach can ever go wrong. After my boyfriend met my kids, we waited a whole week before he saw them again. There was an even longer gap between their second and third meetings. This gave us all time to adjust to the change, and gave me time to reassure my kids that first and foremost, I'm still their mom.

So how did it all go? Pretty well, to be honest. It turns out he does think it's funny when my daughter pretends to be a dog. And he shares my son's obsession with sharks. I don't expect there to be no bumps in the road as their relationship develops. But I'm fairly confident we'll overcome them.

More: Everything I knew about raising girls was wrong

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kourtney kardashian scott disick
Image: Getty Images

Why being the primary breadwinner sucks

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“Why isn’t dinner on the table when I get home from work?”

That’s an actual thought I’ve had in the past few months. Thankfully, I didn’t say it out loud. But I definitely thought it. Then I wondered, "Do I truly feel this way?"

Currently, I’m living with my boyfriend, son, parents and younger brother in the suburbs of Illinois, over 40 miles away from my new job in Chicago.

I work. My boyfriend stays home. If you’d like to get an idea of my salary, I work for a nonprofit.

We’re paying a bit to stay there and I’m trying to pay off our car. Our expenses aren’t super-high, but it’s still a struggle to save money. My boyfriend is a freelance videographer and editor. Projects don’t come up that often, and when they do, they create a demanding schedule with tight deadlines. It made sense for me to work full time and for him to stay home.

More: 5 myths about women being primary breadwinners that need to go away

He does a lot aside from taking care of our child. He cooks, takes out the trash and tidies up our living space every night after our son has destroyed it. He picks me up from the train station. He often keeps an ear to the monitor over night and even sleeps on the couch so I get the bedroom to myself. He is a constant source of encouragement and often tells me how proud he is of me for working so hard.

But sometimes I still feel overwhelmed being a parent and the breadwinner. I’ll resent doing our kid’s laundry or buying all of his groceries or replacing the diapers when they’re low and knowing when my son's grown out of his clothes. I never get to sleep in (though I doubt I’m even capable of that anymore.) I’m just tired, and I have no one else to take it out on.

I’m beginning to see how men turn into selfish jerks once they have a kid and are still working full time. I also have empathy for caregivers who stay at home all day with that kid. Neither is an easy job. At least I have a paycheck to reward me for my time.

Speaking of which, while I have a younger brother, we were raised like only children a lot of the time. We’re five years apart and different genders, so I didn’t have to share much.

I can be generous at times, but I can also be really stingy. I don’t like sharing meals when we’re out to dinner. I sleep in the middle of the bed. And lately, I have a hard time not putting a higher value on my need for free time.

I’m working on it.

But the worst is when I feel like the money I make is “mine” and not “ours.” I sometimes have to do the math to remind myself that paying for childcare would cost a lot more than giving my boyfriend cash for an occasional latte or six-pack of beer. Besides, as a former nanny, I know that he’s not exactly doing leisure-time volunteer work by taking care of our child.

I grew up with a dad who was a self-made man. He didn’t graduate from college, but went straight into the insurance business, traveling and working hard to provide for us. It also meant he wasn’t around a lot from what I can remember. But we always had more than enough, even in tough times, and I’m thankful and grateful that his support has continued on well into my adulthood.

My mom stayed at home after having worked a lot in her teens and early 20s. She provided a stable and secure home, taking us to all of our activities, cooking our meals and keeping up the house. While we were not the Cleavers, there was definitely a sense that my dad was “the man” and my mom was “the woman” and everything that goes along with those stereotypes in the home.

More: What working moms have that stay-at-home moms want

I, meanwhile, never wanted to get married or have kids. In fact, I spent the better part of my 30s trying to deny I was an adult altogether by opting for cash-paying jobs, making just enough money to pay my rent and buy drinks at happy hour. I wasn’t interested in finding a husband and settling down.

And while I am still not married and don't have what I envisioned “settling down” to entail, I’m pretty far from where I was even three years ago. Suddenly, I find myself creating budget spreadsheets in Excel and trying to refinance my auto loan. Currently, our biggest dilemma is figuring out where to live once my parents put the house up for sale this spring.

I don’t want to be doing any of this. As much as I’ve pushed back on tradition and the status quo throughout my life, I’d still rather be someone’s clueless wife who has no idea how much her husband makes and doesn’t make any of the financial decisions.

More: Mom: While you were at work, here's what you taught me

Being the breadwinner is turning me into someone I don’t want to be. I’m that guy who thinks they’ve worked harder, that their partner has had all day to go to the store and cook a meal, even though that couldn’t be further from the truth.

When you’re the one supporting your family, your sense of entitlement is validated by a society that only values the person earning a paycheck.

It makes you start to wonder things — really horrible and insensitive things, like why dinner isn’t on the table when you come home.

3 companies making college more affordable for employees and students alike

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Whether you’re a first year student or a super senior coming back for a fifth term, school is officially back in season. College is often dubbed as the best four (or five, or six) years of your life and for good reason. Between meeting new people, opportunities to join new activities and (maybe) finding a career or path to travel, college is an exciting experience.

More: You can literally give to charity by drinking coffee – yes all your dreams have come true

Unfortunately due to rising tuition costs not everyone gets the chance to go to university or study something they’re passionate about. These companies are looking to change this though by offering tuition assistance to employees who are going through college programs or taking courses, or offer discounted textbook rentals and make a difference another way.

Campus Book Rentals

Every college student knows buying textbooks can be ridiculously expensive. Why pay hundreds of dollars for something you may not even use after the semester? So instead of falling prey to your campus bookstore “deals,” Campus Book Rentals offers students the affordable option of renting textbooks.

Each year Campus Book Rentals chooses a different cause to support for their make a difference project. They have supported everything from underprivileged elementary schools to most recently, Operation Smile, an organization which performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families are not able to afford such surgery.

Campus Book Rentals’ mission is guided by the question of how to make education more affordable. Not only do you save money (and even more so by using these Goodshop deals) but you can help even more students access affordable education by checking out their Facebook Coupons for Good page.

Home Depot

If you’re planning any home improvement projects or updates, be sure to check out the Home Depot. The go-to store for any fixer uppers, you can save money using Goodshop coupons and donate up to 2.5 percent of your spending to a favorite cause.

Beyond donating to a non-profit, the Home Depot also offers tuition reimbursement to salaried and hourly workers. The company will cover half of tuition costs, textbooks and registration fees for any level of education from an associate to a doctoral or technical degree. You can visit Home Depot’s Coupons for Good Facebook page for more information on their education initiatives.

More: Back-to-school deals that help your wallet and give back to education initiatives

HP

HP provides college students everywhere with laptops, printers, ink and more technology tools they need to succeed. The company is constantly creating new products and technology to push innovation forward. Whether you’re a student who is always on-the-go or work best at a desk, you can find great deals on all the resources and items you need with Goodshop coupons.

For every purchase you make at HP, the company also makes a donation to a nonprofit or school of your choice and have donated almost $12 million. The K-12 HP Technology for Teaching grant initiative supports effective uses of technology in public schools, allowing any student the opportunity to learn about new topics and prepare them for success in college. You can find out more about HP’s grant programs and other education initiatives by visiting their Coupons for Good program page.

More: How to go shopping, save money, and give back to charities at the same time

I paid $400 to adopt my German shepherd, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat

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A month ago, my husband and I decided to bring a dog into our family fold. And since our kids — at 5 and 3-1/2 years old — are now out of the breakable baby stage, we decided to go big... literally. We started searching local adoption organizations for large-breed dogs.

About a month into our search, we came across a German shepherd rescue about an hour and a half from home. Scanning the roughly 15 canine faces currently for adoption through the nonprofit, we got stuck on one: a white GSD named Tyson.

More: Top 10 large-breed dogs that prove bigger is better

He was 8 months old, and we knew he was the one in that way one does when something is meant to be. So we submitted an application, complete with references, and went through a follow-up email interview. Then, after three weeks, we got word we could come and take "Tyson" home for an adoption fee of $250.

Having spent so much time pouring over puppy faces and familiarizing ourselves with different adoption organizations, we knew an adoption fee was pretty standard among nonprofits. We also had personal experience, as we adopted our last dog, Shep, from a shelter in the Bronx way back in the early 2000s. Back then, the adoption fee was $50.

Still, in our minds, $250 was a small price to pay to bring home a member of the family. While I understand that there are organizations out there that charge a much smaller fee to cover things like medical care and transportation, I feel like the fee depends a lot on the type of dog and the logistics of the shelter itself.

More: Is pet adoption becoming a moneymaking business

For example, when we went to pick up our new dog, we learned a lot about the rescue group — most notably that it was run by a kind woman who purposely limited the number of dogs she accepted into her rescue so as to ensure they all got quality care.

She hadn't even planned to bring Tyson into the agency, but she got a call from a friend who said Tyson, his two siblings and their mother were all moments away from being euthanized at a high-kill shelter. She was out of town at the time, and had to plead with the shelter over the phone to hold them long enough for her to hop in her car and head home. They reluctantly agreed, and she was able to save all four from being euthanized.

You might be thinking, "Wait, I thought you said you paid $400?" Here's where that comes into play. When we went to pick up our dog, we discovered he had not yet been neutered. Typically, dogs who are adopted out are neutered prior to their adoption. We thought the same was true for this GSD, but it was an oversight on our part.

The truth of the matter is once we saw his face, there was no turning back.

When we got home, we scheduled his surgery, which cost about $150, thus bringing our grand total for adopting the dog to around $400. Is it a lot? Sure. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.

For starters, our dog was checked out by a vet and given all of his vaccinations prior to us adopting him. We were given all of his medical records up front. He was also microchipped, an added safety precaution should he ever somehow slip away from us. He had also been fed and taken care of for over a month prior to us adopting him. At over 60 pounds at the time, he ate a lot of kibble, I'm sure.

Plus, he was saved, y'all. This dog was mere minutes away from becoming a statistic — yet another large-breed dog dumped in a high-kill shelter and subsequently sentenced to death. I will never feel bad about putting my money toward pet adoption.

By pledging my dollars toward pets from rescue organizations, I know that I am helping to ensure the people looking out for the approximately 3.9 million dogs who enter animal shelters nationwide every year can continue to do the good work they've devoted their lives to.

The rescue organization responsible for rescuing our dog deserves all the credit for saving him from certain death. But I feel grateful knowing that the money we spent to adopt him means that that rescue group won't hesitate the next time they get a call about a dog who desperately needs an ally. After all, 1.2 million shelter dogs are euthanized every year.

Today, "Tyson" goes by the name Jaws. He is our Great White (German shepherd), and we already can't imagine our little family without him. At 10 months old, he weighs a whopping 85 pounds and continues to grow and fill out each day. Rescued from upstate South Carolina, he is now a coastal dog — cruising the shores of Folly Beach and frolicking in the surf.

He has become a fast BFF to our two children, spending hours on end playing with them and running to their side should he ever hear them utter a cry. He is affectionate and loyal, and I credit that largely to the rescue organization that saved his life.

More: German shepherds have unique needs — consider these 10 facts before you adopt

He loves because he was loved. Above and beyond the medical care and the transportation and all of the other logistics, the rescue organization took the time to know and love this dog. You can't put a price on that kind of devotion to the cause.

But, if you were going to try, I think $400 is a pretty conservative figure.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Image: Thumbs up Decals/Amazon

Where the VP candidates stand on six issues that matter to moms

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In the heated battle between presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, it's easy to forget each candidate also has a running mate that needs to be vetted. Senator Tim Kaine and Governor Mike Pence haven't spent much time in the spotlight this election season, but tonight is the first vice presidential debate, and all of that is about to change.

More: 7 ways Donald Trump is exactly like a toddler

For the first time since the Democratic and Republican national conventions, voters will get a chance to hear the VP candidates' plans on everything from tax reform to fighting ISIS. But what many moms will be paying especially close attention to is their views on family issues and women's health care. Before you settle in with your oversized bowl of popcorn to watch the candidates duke it out, here's a quick rundown of how Pence and Kaine really feel about the issues that matter most to women and families.

1. Pay equity for women

Pence: Mike Pence voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which offers women greater leverage in suing for pay discrimination. He's also been vocal about his opposition to raising the minimum wage. A Media Matters for America report shows he opposed an increase in Indiana’s minimum wage and signed into a law a measure "prohibit[ing] local governments from requiring businesses [to] pay a higher minimum wage" unless it's required by federal law.

Kaine: As a senator, Tim Kaine co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work. Both Kaine and Clinton strongly support women's pay equity and efforts to raise the minimum wage.

2. Paid family leave

Pence: Donald Trump recently announced a plan to guarantee new moms six weeks of paid maternity leave. It's unclear how much Pence supports his running mate's plan, but he does have an established history of voting against paid family leave efforts while in Congress.

Kaine: Kaine called Trump's maternity leave plan outdated. According to Time, Kaine told supporters paid leave is necessary for both men and women because "in 2016 not only do women take off to take care of kids when they’re born, but men do too." He supports Clinton's plan to guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for a newborn child and ensure employees receive at least two-thirds of their wages while on leave.

More: Here's what stay-at-home moms really do all day

3. Gun control

Pence: Mike Pence supports a national right to carry guns in public and actively works to repeal gun control measures. According to the The New York Times, he has an A rating from the National Rifle Association and has accepted financial support from them for his campaigns for both the House and governor.

Kaine: Per his website, Kaine says he supports Americans' right to bear arms, but also believes we must take meaningful steps to reduce gun violence. This includes expanding mental health services, performing background checks prior to gun purchases and placing responsible limits on combat-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.

4. Subsidized child care

Pence: In a 1997 op-ed in the Indianapolis Star, Pence wrote that kids who attend day care are "emotionally stunted." In a recent appearance on Face the Nation, he clarified that his stance has changed and says he now supports "reforms in taxes... that will make it possible not only for maternity leave, but for families to fully deduct the cost of child care."

Kaine: Kaine supports access to affordable child care, including expanding child care tax credits for low-income and middle-class families. As governor of Virginia, he supported several policies to assist low-income families with child care costs. He also backed a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that would be used to help working parents all over the country give their children quality child care.

More: How becoming a parent can improve your social and professional life

5. Women's health care

Pence: In 2011, Pence supported shutting down the government in an attempt to defund Planned Parenthood. Under Pence, Indiana has been forced to close many clinics and became the second state in the union to restrict women's rights to abortion on the basis of the fetus's gender, race or disability. Under the law, a doctor who performs an abortion for one of the above reasons can be held liable for wrongful death.

Kaine: On his website, Kaine says he opposes efforts to weaken Roe v. Wade and/or restrict women's access to abortion. He believes in expanding access to health care and contraception, and co-sponsored the Protecting Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act to restore the contraceptive coverage requirement guaranteed by the Affordable Care Act.

6. Education

Pence: Mike Pence was one of 25 Republican congress-people who voted against Bush's No Child Left Behind policy. As governor of Indiana, he pushed to establish quality preschool programs to benefit low-income families. Like Trump, he supports establishing academic standards at the local level.

Kaine: Tim Kaine believes in increasing access to quality pre-K and technical education programs. He supports the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act recently signed into law by President Obama and hopes the bill will decrease the emphasis on standardized testing and give states more flexibility to close achievement gaps.

Rock the vote: Voter registration form

Rock the vote: Voter registration form


6 things that hotels do that immediately ruin my vacation

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The moment I set foot inside the hotel I started to relax. Inside a waterfall was falling, and water flowed along a creek which ran through the huge lobby. Surrounded by trees, massive rock formations and beautiful flowers, I was instantly taken to a place of relaxation and I had not even entered my room yet.

More: 4 ways I justify my luxurious solo trips

This was a luxury hotel set on creating the right mood, and I was about to get totally pampered with luxurious and expensive spa treatments, gourmet meals and beautiful trails around the hotel grounds. Inside my luxury suite, I put on the fluffy robe and slippers and slipped into calm silence. Then I reached for it – the toilet paper – and the illusion was instantly gone.

As a travel writer I have visited many hotels from low-budget chains to some of the best and most luxurious resorts, and what I've discovered throughout my journeys is that even the best hotels in the business cut corners or do things that just drive me crazy.

Single ply toilet paper and tissues

OK, I imagine running a hotel costs a lot of money but really how much are you saving when you choose toilet paper that is the consistency of the tissue paper I use to wrap presents? It's such a basic thing really, if I'm staying at a five star luxury resort, I am expecting five star luxury toilet paper. Even small budget hotels should invest in good toilet paper a basic two-ply toilet paper. It will go a long way in keeping your guests happy (and their bums too).

Also why do the housekeeping staff fold over the toilet paper into a triangle? Why do they make little flowers with the tissues? I mean do I want to use tissue and toilet paper that has been touched? Especially when they are wearing gloves that are covered with God knows what after they have cleaned the bathroom in my room with toxic chemical cleaners. Personally, it makes me grab handfuls of tissues and lots of toilet paper, and place it in the trash can the moment I walk into a hotel room.

Charging for Wi-fi

I am not talking about hotels in countries where Wi-Fi is not readily available. I mean places in downtown Toronto, Ontario Canada – an international city, in a hotel that is known as a location for business travelers. If you are in a major city centre, your hotel should offer free-Wi-Fi – period. This is a standard necessity for passengers these days. Asking for money for an hour of internet usage is annoying, and just plain greedy. In fact, if the hotel doesn't offer free-Wi-Fi, I'm not staying there.

More: Sex as a solo female traveler wasn't what I thought it would be

Not putting free bottled water in the room

Let's talk about charging for bottled water in the hotel room. On some trips by the time I get to my room, I'm tired, cranky and super thirsty. Especially after a flight! Hotel rooms are often so dry, so offering a bottle of water is an excellent way to win me over right at the start. I don't care if they are carbonated or come from the water flowing down the Alps. Any old brand of water is just fine and instantly tells me that you care about me. Like Wi-Fi, free bottles of water should be standard in every room – every hotel should be doing this no matter their rating!

Hotel coffee machine woes

This is especially a situation at budget hotels, but there is nothing more unglamorous than preparing coffee in the bathroom, especially with one of those old single cup drip coffee machines. Have you noticed that when you go to put the little filter into the coffee maker it is square and the spot in the machine is a circle? I have. That's because these little machines are so old they no longer make filters for them – or the square filters are cheaper.

Has the world not evolved to introduce us to advanced single cup coffee systems like a Keurig or Tassimo machine? I'm currently drinking my drip coffee out of a leaky paper cup which I prepared in my hotel bathroom. Did I mention this hotel is rated 4.5 stars? I'm a writer so coffee in the hotel is kind of a thing for me, especially when I'm on deadline. And while I rant about coffee, can I mention the powdered coffee creamers? I mean Coffee-mate comes in little creamer containers now, and when you have a fridge in a room, it's a great place to put some milk and creamers.

Uncertainty if breakfast is included or not

When a hotel offers a breakfast in its included special, is it asking too much that a real breakfast be included? Breakfast included should not mean tiny, stale, fake croissants, powdered eggs, frozen hash brown potatoes in a warmer that make them gooey instead of crunchy, and processed bags of bread I buy in the grocery store.

"Breakfast is included" should be real eggs, an assortment of fresh fruit, and why not splurge with a local bakery in your area for fresh bread and pastries. It would be good for people who are health conscious even when travelling to have a few options available to them at breakfast, even if it's included in your room fee. Teaming up with local restaurants, bakeries and food providers shows off the best of your community too.

Unhelpful door and reception staff

I get it there are a lot of people out there that don't tip your hotel staff enough. Your valet staff and your receptionists are tired and fed up, and guess what? It shows. I'm a single female traveler, and I can't tell you the last time I got out of my car at a hotel and was offered a hand with my luggage. Sure they will drive my car away as part of their valet service, but how about "Can I help you with your bags?" Am I just old or something? Has the women's movement changed the rules about the politeness of asking a woman if she wants helps with her bags? When did that stop?

Maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old traveler. Maybe I've been in too many hotel rooms this month, but I just feel like sometimes these little things can make the difference between a good stay in a hotel or a bad one. So to all you hotel managers out there please hear me: These basic things will help make your guests stay a more relaxing and enjoyable one.

More: The secret life of being a travel blogger

Ben Stiller didn't want to talk about his prostate cancer until he beat it

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Men: You're going to want to listen up to what Ben Stiller has to say about his battle with prostate cancer. And ladies, pass this article on to the men in your lives.

More: The latest rumor about Selena Gomez has us really worried about her health

Stiller recently revealed during an interview on The Howard Stern Show that he was diagnosed two years ago, and he kept it a secret until now. The reason is actually pretty inspiring. He's speaking out about the diagnostic test that found his cancer and saved his life in hopes that more men will learn about the test and have it done regularly to screen for prostate cancer.

"I wanted to talk about it because of the test... I feel like the test saved my life," he said.

The PSA test is a type of blood test that measure the amount of PSA in a patient's blood. PSA is an antigen produced by cancerous tissues in the prostate.

More: Corey Feldman says online bullying could have caused him to commit suicide years ago

Stiller didn't explain what first made him get a PSA test, but he did say that he was surprised by the results.

"It came out of the blue for me. I had no idea," he admitted. "At first, I didn't know what was gonna happen. I was scared. It just stopped everything in your life because you can't plan for a movie because you don't know what's gonna happen."

But Stiller was able to beat cancer — while prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer for men, it's extremely treatable when it's detected early.

"Afterwards, it just gives you an appreciation for life," he said. "Every six months I'm taking my PSA test to make sure I'm clear."

More: The Kardashians are reportedly terrified that Rob's life could be in danger

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs battle cancer slideshow
Image: WENN, Shannen Doherty/Instagram

Bernadette is truly the unsung feminist hero of The Big Bang Theory

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When you think of The Big Bang Theory, you probably don't necessarily think of it as a series breaking gender stereotypes. Well, that's exactly what the comedy is doing in Season 10 with Bernadette.

More: Does anyone else wish Penny's brother was a recurring character on TBBT?

Now that she is expecting her first child with her husband Howard, Bernadette's life is changing in ways that she never anticipated. She's a soon-to-be first-time mom who is trying to navigate through life as a pregnant, working, successful and talented woman. Like many mothers, Bernadette has quickly realized that motherhood is a game-changer in both positive and negative ways.

Bernadette has always been a badass, but this season, she is kicking ass even more. Actually, she is an inspiration, giving a voice to women who, like Bernadette, know what it's like to not only be a pregnant woman in the workplace and be treated differently for it, but also a woman who just isn't maternal and isn't excited about becoming a mom.

For far too long, society has painted the picture of women as happy wives and mothers, but that isn't the case for many. Believe it or not, there are some women who don't dream about getting married and having kids one day. There are also many women who don't have the so-called "maternal gene."

That's exactly who Bernadette is, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. That isn't to say she won't be a good mom or won't love her own child, but the pregnancy itself and all of the planning (like decorating and picking names) doesn't excite her like it does others. The fact that TBBT is creating such a powerful storyline for Bernadette is a wonderful thing. To see her continue to break the mold and the ideals that women face daily, well, it's proof of just how amazing of a character she truly is.

With that, let's celebrate Season 10 Bernadette by showing some of her most powerful moments thus far.

1. Decorating isn't for her

Bernadette & Raj #2

Bernadette & Raj #2

Raj is all about getting the baby's room ready for his/her arrival, but Bernadette? Yeah, she couldn't care less and doesn't understand why it's necessary. She'd rather do something else and feels like there is plenty of time to create a space for her baby. Once again, not all women are all about the things that come with having a baby. Bernadette isn't going to change who she is or how she feels just because she's pregnant. She is staying true to herself.

2. Motherhood was never her dream

Bernadette & Raj #3

Bernadette & Raj #3

As she told Raj, "Not every girl dreams about being a mom. Sometimes you think you're never going to have kids and one day you wake up and you're pregnant. And it doesn't matter that your career's going great right now and that you and your husband never even got to go anywhere taped to a dog." That is one Bernadette quote that stands on its own.

3. She just isn't excited

Bernadette & Raj #4

Bernadette & Raj #4

Bernadette is worried that she isn't excited like others moms are. She and Raj even called his father (an OB-GYN) for advice on what's wrong with her. Guess what? There is nothing wrong with her, and as Raj's dad explained, there are some mothers who aren't excited, but that doesn't mean Bernadette won't be a great mom or that she won't love her baby. More women feel like Bernadette than I think many know, so to hear her talk about it is definitely influential.

More: 14 times Raj & Howard of TBBT were the most important relationship on TV

4. Her career will be affected — and she's not OK with that

Bernadette #1

Bernadette #1

Bernadette tried to keep her pregnancy a secret because she was afraid that it would affect her career. It's unfortunate that a woman who will soon be a mother is treated differently in the workplace, but it happens. Like Bernadette told Penny and Amy, she wanted to keep it to herself because she was afraid she'd be overlooked to work on a major new study. One would think in 2016 that still wouldn't be a fear women have, but it very much is.

5. She's sick of the judgments

Bernadette #2

Bernadette #2

Bernadette was mad at Penny for good reason after she learned her friend spilled the beans about her pregnancy. Not only did she work extremely hard to get where is today in her career and is scared she'll have to start from the bottom because she's pregnant, but she's faced judgment her whole entire life and is sick of it. "I've always been treated differently. Look at me. Listen to me. I mean, the first thought when you see me isn't, 'That's a scientist,' it's, 'I wonder if her mommy knows where she is.'"

6. She won't let anyone deter her passion

Bernadette #1

Bernadette #1

No matter how she is treated and no matter how people look at her, Bernadette won't back down. She is even willing to sue her workplace if needed. "I gently reminded him that he's an old rich white guy and I'm a sweet little pregnant lady who's not afraid to cry in front of a jury," she told Penny about her boss and what would happen if he decides to not let her run the study. She also added, "I learned a long time ago when you're four feet-11 and eye-level with every guy's crotch, that's where you punch." Damn straight, Bernadette.

That's what she's done in only three episodes, so I can't wait to see how Bernadette continues to be a badass as Season 10 continues.

The Big Bang Theory airs Mondays at 8/7c on CBS.

More: Is everyone ready for a Big Bang Theory & 8 Simple Rules crossover?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

penny big bang theory quotes
Image: CBS

Kim Kardashian's attack is the latest example of brutal French misogyny

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Just last weekend, I was sharing a bottle of Lambrusco with a couple of friends in my apartment in Paris, and the discussion led us to Kim Kardashian's role as a producer, specifically for the show Rob & Chyna. The french screenwriter I was talking to rolled his eyes and used his most condescending tone to make me repeat my statement. Was I really making a serious reference to Kim Kardashian’s work?

More: We made the Kardashians into tarot cards — yup, Khloe's totally the High Priestess

I proudly said I was a fan of the woman. Not only has she reinvented social media as we currently know it, she has also addressed social issues that are very dear to me, like the Black Lives Matter movement,and mental health issues in the television program she produced called “Red Flag.” In her latest project, Rob & Chyna, she has chosen to broadcast on television something that is very important to me: The struggle of the hard working pregnant woman.

The man in front of me could not hide just how ridiculous he thought I was being. Kim Kardashian, according to him, was nothing more than a vulgar human being, a woman who showed her ass on the internet and was getting way too much attention for it. Does the fact that she got invited to the Re-Coded conference about Going Mobile in the Tech World change his opinion? Not really. Does the fact that she met up with BlogHer to talk about blogging change his mind? That’s a no. How about the fact that she just made the cover of Forbes as a "Mobile Mogul"? Nope.

More: BlogHer 2016 showed us a different side of Kim Kardashian & we're still in awe

Misogyny à la française, like Dijon mustard, is a local speciality, and as a French woman, I am glad to explain it to the world. It works hand-in-hand with class contempt. From what I've seen, it is OK to harass a woman if you have a university degree and are able to quote 20th century poets. Class contempt works both ways, meaning misogyny is also excused when the woman you are harassing has shown some signs of being “easy,” “too available,” or “vulgar." Criteria for these labels constantly evolve, but generally walking in the streets of Paris, wearing a skirt, driving a motorcycle, having breasts and a vagina, seem to be reasonable criteria to prove that the woman you are about to harass is in fact vulgar. This enables men to harass women, because they are not rich enough to afford taxi fare or hire a bodyguard. I think they believe she has put herself in danger and now she must not complain. A woman who has been uploading flattering pictures of her body on her Instagram page for instance, has done something vulgar (advertise her body on social media) and now deserves to be harassed by trolls and bullies.

Kim Kardashian is clearly the perfect example of this. Intellectuals, like the screenwriter I was talking to on Saturday night, think that Kim Kardashian is vulgar and has been degrading herself for years and for this reason she should expect to be assaulted.

The fact that Kim Kardashian was assaulted at the end of Paris Fashion Week, to me is no coincidence. Kim is regularly in Paris, and she apparently stays in the same suite every time. She probably has the same amount of expensive jewelry with her every time she goes. I cannot prove that she was assaulted at the end of Paris Fashion Week because she slayed it, but I can't help but think her success plays into the misogynistic response to her assault. Her teaming up with Olivier Rousteing’s Balmain, Carine Roitfeld, and bringing to life the porno chic aesthetic is clearly rubbing everyone the wrong way. How dare she come to Paris and go against the established Parisian paradigm: Cigarettes, coffees, skinny girls, and red lips? Kim’s brand is not about having an existential crisis, sleeping with your college professor, and sitting around in French coffee shops, waiting for some ridiculously mediocre man to swoop you off your feet.

Kim’s brand is quite the opposite of that: It is about being curvy, being healthy and making things happen for yourself. Kim doesn't drink alcohol and doesn’t have mental breakdowns or write stupid poetry about how life is meaningless. She takes selfies, and she’s had a dream for herself ever since she was a teenager and saw a reality show on TV. She looked at her best friend and said: That’s gonna be me. That’s what I want to do with my life.

Is it shallow? I don’t think it is. The Kardashians have brought us into their life, and have been brutally honest with us. Kim’s sister Kourtney stayed in a difficult relationship for ten years, Khloe married a man on a whim and then lived with the repercussions. Kris’s husband, Caitlyn Jenner came to terms with her gender identity. In Rob & Chyna we see Chyna share with the world the ups and downs of her pregnancy: How a pregnant woman has to keep her shit together, while her partner can biologically choose to emotionally disengage from the process. We see the painful truth: Just because a depressed person such as Rob Kardashian falls in love, doesn’t mean his depression is cured. The show brings us into their relationship and we discover that true love does not always bring salvation, even though Beyoncé’s song “All Night” promised it could. The Kardashians give us their real life, and it is better than any Desperate Housewives episode: It is genuine and it actually makes us feel better about ourselves.

Therefore when those eight men disguised as cops penetrated Kim Kardashian’s apartment in Paris, tied her up, held her at gunpoint and stole from her, I do not believe they were just after her jewelry. I do think they were happy to lay their dirty hands on her and call her names. I believe this was a gender based crime, and as I watch the reactions of French journalists and commentators on Twitter, and reflect on the comments my own peers have made, I sadly realize I am right.

More: I had the same placenta issue as Kim Kardashian West and nearly died

Originally published on BlogHer

Use these Star Wars kitchen gadgets, and the Force will be with you

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Use these Star Wars-themed kitchen gadgets on your home planet, and the Cooking Force will be with you — no Jedi tricks necessary.

More: Stormtrooper cheese ball for Star Wars Day

1. Star Wars R2-D2 coffee press

r2d2 french press
Image: ThinkGeek

Imagine: Every morning your trusty R2 unit greets you with hot brewed coffee. This R2-D2 coffee press would totally transform your day. But even better, the glass carafe is removable and dishwasher-safe. (ThinkGeek, $40)

2. Wear your favorite Star Wars character apron

star wars c3p0 apron

Image: Amazon.com

Whether you like Boba Fett, C-3PO, sexy Leia in a metal bikini or other characters, you can be the character you were meant to be in the kitchen just like you were at Comic-Con with one of these fun Star Wars-themed aprons. (Amazon.com, $16)

3. Millennium Falcon cutting board

millennium falcon cutting board

Image: Amazon.com

With this cutting board that looks like the Millennium Falcon, you can practice your Jedi chopping skills on any fruit or vegetable that turns to the Dark Side. Careful, though. Don't get cocky, kid. (Amazon.com, $40)

4. R2-D2 kitchen timer

r2d2 kitchen timer

Image: ThinkGeek

Getting a real R2 unit is probably cost-prohibitive, but that doesn't mean you can't let everyone's favorite adorable droid's timer version tell you when the cookies are done. (ThinkGeek, $20)

5. Darth Vader lightsaber chopsticks

darth vader chopsticks

Image: Rebelscum.com

Get your grub on Sith Lord-style with these Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) chop-sabers, and never have to worry about who gets the last dumpling again (because it will always be you, my lord). (Rebelscum.com, $10)

6. Landspeeder bottle opener

land speeder bottle opener

Image: Amazon.com

If you can't bull's-eye womp rats in your T-16 airspeeder, this landspeeder bottle opener may be more your speed. You shouldn't operate heavy machinery while drinking anyway. (Amazon.com, $21)

7. TIE fighter nutcracker

tie fighter nutcracker

Image: TheFowndry

Never send the Rebel forces to do the Empire's job. This TIE fighter nutcracker will let you destroy nutshells like you're wearing Vader's rumored crushgaunt. (TheFowndry, $36)

More: How you can turn your home into the Millennium Falcon

Next up: Darth Vader helmet toaster

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8. Lightsaber barbecue tongs

lightsaber bbq tongs

Image: Amazon.com

Become a Jedi grill master using these lightsaber barbecue tongs featuring lightsaber sound effects. (Amazon.com, $40)

9. Star Wars knife block

star wars knife block

Image: Amazon.com

Lightsabers weren't the only game in town in a time long ago in a galaxy far, far away. After seeing what Han Solo did to that tauntaun with one, it's a good thing this Star Wars knife block allows for slightly more precise juliennes. (Amazon.com, $100)

10. Han Solo in carbonite ice tray

han solo in carbonite ice cube tray

Image: Amazon.com

Since freezing your friends in carbonite is just mean, try these Han Solo in carbonite ice cube trays at your next nerd hoedown. (Amazon.com, $14) 

11. Darth Vader toaster helmet

darth vader toaster

Image: This Is Why I'm Broke

Use the Dark Side of the Force to give your toast some much-needed fatherly love with this toaster shaped like Darth Vader's helmet. It toasts the image of Vader's head on one side and the Star Wars logo on the other. (This Is Why I'm Broke, $45)

12. Vader and stormtrooper salt and pepper shakers

vader stormtrooper salt and pepper shakers

Image: Amazon.com

Sprinkle your french fries with a little Empirical goodness with these Darth Vader and stormtrooper salt and pepper shakers. If you're truly one of the Emperor's followers, you'll put the pepper in the stormtrooper and the salt in Vader, 'cause that's how the Dark Side rolls. (Amazon.com, $16)

13. R2-D2 pepper mill

r2d2 pepper mill

Image: Amazon.com

If you prefer your pepper freshly ground with the accuracy only a droid can provide, try this R2-D2 pepper mill. (Amazon.com, $58)

14. R2-D2 pizza cutter

r2d2 pizza cutter

Image: Amazon.com

It's no surprise R2 is a popular featured character. Given all the gadgets he has hidden in his cylindrical body, we wouldn't be the least bit surprised if one of them was this R2-D2 pizza cutter with sound effects — or maybe he just used his buzz saw. (Amazon.com, $18)

15. Star Wars cookie cutters

star wars cookie cutters

Image: ThinkGeek

Because your gingerbread ninja cookie cutters are totally played out, try these Star Wars-themed cookie cutters instead. (ThinkGeek, $15)

16. Death Star tea infuser

death star tea infuser

Image: Amazon.com

Maybe the reason Darth Vader had his undies in such a wad was his lack of daily afternoon tea. Could happen. This Death Star tea infuser with TIE fighter chain holder might have made him a little less grumpy. (Amazon.com, $29)

17. R2-D2 measuring cup set

r2d2 measuring cups

Image: Amazon.com

Don't let anyone tell you these aren't the droids you're looking for. This adorable set of measuring cups can be assembled to resemble our beeping friend R2. (Amazon.com, $25)

star wars recipes

Originally published May 2015. Updated October 2016.

25 Commonly mispronounced words

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You may be familiar with the song that goes, "Potayto, potahto, tomayto, tomahto — let's call the whole thing off." As long as the English language has been around, people have been mispronouncing words, because they're often not spelled anything like how they sound.

However, there is a correct way to say every word in the English language. And some of these proper pronunciations may really surprise you, because they're different from what you've been saying your entire life. Thus SheKnows decided to compile a list of the 25 most commonly mispronounced words in the English language so you have your own personal pronunciation key to which you can always turn.

More: 6 Ways to nap at work and get away with it

Most mispronounced words

Almond — Despite how many (including myself) say it, this tasty nut is pronounced Ah-mund, not Al-mund. The "L" is silent.

Ask — Many say this word like "axe," but in fact, the "S" sound should come before the "K."

Cache — Those darn French derivative words! Despite what many feel compelled to do here — pronounce it cash-ay — it is in fact said just like the word "cash," which might be one item you find hidden in a cache.

Dessert — The after-dinner treat is pronounced "dizz-urt," not "deh-surt" like the dry place where little grows.

Espresso — Sure, drinking one may make you feel like you're on the express train, but that's actually an "S" in there, not an "X."

Genre — People often put a "J" sound at the front of this rather than a "Zh" sound, like in "vision." So the whole thing sounds like "zhon-ruh," rather than "jenner."

Hyperbole — There is no such thing as a "hyper-bowl," but rather a "hy-per-ba-lee" is a literary term meaning, "an exaggeration."

Irreverent — The first part of this one should sound like "ear" not "uh."

Liable — You always hear the wrong pronunciation of this one in movies featuring a trial. It actually has three syllables, so it's "lie-uh-ble" not "lie-bull."

Library — People often drop the first "R" here, so the word sounds like "lie-berry," instead of "lie-brary."

Moot — It is not a moot point if you pronounce this word "mute" rather than "moo-t."

Nuclear — "Nuclear" is the type of energy we get from splitting atoms. "Nucular" isn't a word. Sorry to break the news to you, former President Bush.

Picture — If you're hanging a "picture," don't forget the "C" in there, so it sounds like "pic-tshur." If you're pouring a "pitcher" of water, then it's okay to drop the "C."

Police — The men in blue are often called "poh-leece" rather than the proper "puh-leece."

Porsche — It may sound arrogant, but this fancy car is called a "porsh-uh" not a "porsh."

Preface — That first syllable is pronounced "eh," not "ee," so the whole word sounds like "preh-fehs," not "pree-face."

Quinoa — Now that this grain has become so popular in the health-conscious world, we should try to say it right. It's just "keen-wah", not "keen-o-ah."

Silicon — As in "Silicon Valley," where (not ironically) much of it is utilized, silicon is pronounced, "sil-i-con." Many say "sil-i-cone," but that in fact refers to another, more malleable substance that you might find in breast implants.

More: The 25 worst passwords people use to 'protect' themselves online

Sour — Sour has two syllables in it, and sounds just like "power," rather than "saar."

Specific — It's hard for a lot of people to say an "S" before a "P," so it occasionally comes out like "pacific."

Supposedly — Many switch out the "D" at the end and replace it with a "B", because the letters sound so similar. However it is in fact pronounced "suh-pohs-ehd-lee."

Tack — "Tack" sans "t" at the end means tactic, whereas "tact" refers to being sensitive in dealing with matters. Just one letter swap changes the word's meaning entirely.

Triathlon — Every once in a while you'll hear another "A" thrown in the middle of this word, giving it four syllables instead of the three it actually has.

Turmeric — Alternatively, the "R" in this word is often dropped, so the word sounds like "toom-er-ick" rather than "tur-mer-ick."

Wheelbarrow — For some reason, people change "barrow" here to "barrel." What in the world is a "wheel-barrel," I ask you?

Way — This word is often pluralized for emphasis. So someone might say, "I've got a ways to go," instead of, "I've got a way to go."

More: What is one thing no feminist would ever say?

Tori Spelling's financial situation just gets worse and worse

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Poor Tori Spelling just can't seem to get her financial situation under control.

More: Tori Spelling didn’t want gifts — she just wanted your money for her birthday

Spelling's struggle to learn to be responsible with money has been heavily documented on her reality TV series True Tori and Tori and Dean.

But now there's more bad news: A judge ordered Spelling to pay American Express almost $38,000, plus $855 in court fees, after the company sued her for missing payments for more than a year.

Those who follow Spelling's shows know she's been in financial trouble for years. One of her biggest hits came when she tried to downsize and simplify her family's lives to save money and ended up selling her Encino, California, home at a loss. Spelling and her ex-husband, Dean McDermott, also owed more than $250,000 to the state of California for unpaid taxes last year.

More: We're not really sure what it means, but Tori Spelling is engaged again

In 2014, Spelling addressed her money problems on an episode of True Tori, saying, "I feel so responsible for so many people, and I can't do it. [I can't handle] the responsibility of having to take care of so many people financially, the fear of that. [It] doesn't matter. I know people look at me and they're like, 'Oh, poor you.' Like, 'Boohoo, you have so many problems.'"

And earlier this year, Spelling's mother, Candy Spelling, revealed that she's been paying the family's bills for quite some time.

"I'm not paying any back payments — just for the house, and the kids' schools and their food," Candy said.

Soon after, Spelling addressed the American Express lawsuit, saying she wanted it to "go away."

"We're not bankrupt. We're not struggling. We're fine!" she added.

More: Looks like Tori Spelling may have been lying about her financial situation, again

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Celeb lawsuits slideshow
Image: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

In honor of National Taco Day, a chat with the author of Dragons Love Tacos

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Today is National Taco Day! As a mom, the first thing this news made me think of was Adam Rubin’s hilarious kids’ book Dragons Love Tacos, which is about how to host the perfect taco party for spice-sensitive dragons.

In addition to writing Dragons Love Tacos, Rubin is the author of another awesome food-themed children’s book, Robo-Sauce. When he’s not writing books, he teaches improv to children and works for the designer game and puzzle company Art of Play.

SheKnows: How did you decide that dragons love tacos, and not hot dogs or hamburgers or princesses?

Adam Rubin: Dragons Love Tacos was inspired by a little statue that my dad kept on his desk while I was growing up. It always looked like a dragon eating a taco to me. I was kind of a weird little kid.

More: 11 picture books every preschooler will love

SK: Do you share dragons' feelings regarding spicy salsa? What are your ideal taco toppings?

AR: Unlike dragons, I love spicy salsa. In fact, the spicier the better. For me, the ideal taco toppings are chopped onion, some cilantro and a bit of lime juice. I like the classic Mexican style. I like crunchy, Tex-Mex, cheese-slathered too, but I prefer to keep it simple.

SK: What ingredients from tacos and Robo-Sauce overlap?

AR: I don't think there are any taco-specific ingredients in Robo-Sauce, but there is a dragon on the box of plaxico powder, so you could try sprinkling some of that on your tortilla. Be careful, though — you may snort sparks.

SK: What are kids inherently better at (if anything) at improv than adults?

AR: Kids play make-believe all the time, so they tend to be better at using their imaginations than adults. Like anything, practice helps a lot. I think it would be great if more adults were able to maintain that joyful creativity that we all experience as children. Maybe more businesses should allow time for recess.

More: Taco Tuesday: 20 party-perfect mini tacos

SK: You work for a puzzle and game company — what is your favorite game to play these days, with grownups or anyone in particular?

AR: My favorite games to play are Shoot the Moon and Shut the Box. Shoot the Moon is a skill game that requires a lot of patience and skill. It's pretty satisfying once you master it, though, because you feel like you're defying gravity. Very neat. Shut the Box is a dice game that's really fun for groups. You can make wagers or just compete for high score. It's very high-energy. It's fun for kids too, because it's good practice with arithmetic, the play is super-tactile and the board makes great clacking sounds. It was a big hit when I brought it to Thanksgiving last year.

What foods to buy from Amazon Prime's October Pantry promotion

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Amazon has already enabled most of us to become 50 percent more hermit-like in our everyday lives. Like, when was the last time you went into an actual bookstore? I know I personally order everything from fabric glue pen refills to backpacks online, saving me a trip to the store.

This October, Amazon is making it easy to load up your pantry for the long winter with its latest Prime Pantry promotion. Amazon Prime members can choose five select items from a variety of categories, then get free shipping on their order.

Can't decide what to get? Here are our picks for shoppers of all stripes. Because the only thing better than spending my own money online is helping other people spend theirs too.

More: 19 new shows and movies to stream on Netflix, Amazon and Hulu this fall

The fitness fanatic

All you need for a successful day of action: on-the-go snack bars, a zero-calorie thirst quencher, extra protein to help you build up those muscles and a simple whole-grain breakfast.

The Halloween hero

From chocolate to lollipops, fruit snacks to chips, you'll have something for every trick-or-treater with these five goodies.

The Snacker

No need to run to the store — you can stay in your PJs and get your snack food shipped directly to your door.

The time-crunch cook

Dinner in 30 minutes? You've got it covered thanks to these helpful meal shortcuts. You'll have time to make weeknight stuffing from scratch when you're retired, but for now, the boxed stuff is a freaking lifesaver.

More: 16 Amazon reviews that are pure comic genius

The sweet tooth

It's all sugar, all the time with these supersweet treats — and no judgment from a cashier who wants to know why your grocery basket looks like an 8-year-old's.

The kitchen clean freak

Disinfect counters, get streak-free stemware, and never scrub your slow cooker again — these products will help you keep your home clean as a whistle, with minimal effort.

Prime members can take advantage of this promotion through Oct. 31, so get shopping before your time runs out.

More: Watch out, Netflix: 10 Amazon original series you should be watching

Twitter will never be the same now that Chrissy Teigen's account is private

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Chrissy Teigen isn't afraid to share her opinions with the world. Actually, one of the reasons we love her so much is that she's so vocal and readily makes her opinions known on social media. Except those epic tweets and comebacks of Teigen's that we enjoy so much are now a thing of the past, and we can't help but feel just a little depressed about it.

More: Can we give Chrissy Teigen and John Legend an award for best tweets?

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 4, Teigen decided to make her Twitter account private, although she hasn't appeared to have removed any of her 2.88 million followers.

But what sparked Teigen's decision? It looks as though Twitter just became a little too much for her.

According to Entertainment Tonight, she responded to a fan's question about her account being private by writing, "Yeah. Not strong enough anymore." She shed more light on her decision in another tweet, writing, "It's not haters or trolls or generally mean people. I just feel like I'm absorbing bad shit 24/7. My body and mind cannot handle it anymore."

More: Stars try to be funny on Twitter — and this week, 9 of them actually were

We understand Teigen's decision: Twitter can be a toxic place, filled with negative comments and unwanted opinions. But still, we're really sad to see her go. In fact, the world needs more people like Teigen, who are willing to share their thoughts and opinions — and remind people that celebrities are humans, with feelings and emotions.

More: Chrissy Teigen's 'clean eating' posts piss off everyone on Twitter

Excuse us now while we reminisce about all the amazing Twitter moments Chrissy Teigen has had over the years.

Are you sad to see Chrissy Teigen go? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

14 pics of Chrissy Teigen, John Legend & baby Luna so cute we can hardly stand it
Image: Brian To/WENN

7 times Judge Judy captured what every parent has thought

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Every time you start to feel like life isn't fair, remember this: Judge Judy is the highest-paid person on television. Kind of makes you want to dance in a field of daisies, doesn't it?

No other TV celebrity is more worthy of racking up insane wealth ($47 million a year) than our very own Judge Judy Sheindlin, a retired Manhattan family court judge who has gifted TV viewers with her best, no-nonsense advice since 1996. Throughout the years, Judy has cut right through the heart of everyone's BS, reminding us there will be hell to pay if we break our apartment lease or pull a prank that leaves our BFF's car in ruins.

But she has done so much more than that for parents. Judge Judy has unknowingly dished out the best parenting advice on Earth. Here are seven Judge Judy quotes that will sum up every feeling you have about parenting and/or can and should be used against your children in a court of law.

When your kids tell a lie

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"I love the truth. If you don't tell me the truth, you're gonna be eating your shoes."

When your kids try to bargain with you

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"This is not Let's Make a Deal, and I'm not Monty Hall!" Expect to be met with blank stares since there's a possibility neither you nor your children were alive when Hall hosted this classic game show — but the cluelessness on their faces will only make it funnier.

When your kids ask why they have to listen to you

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"I'm the boss, applesauce!"

When you take away their allowance for cursing up a storm

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"That's going to be the most expensive curse word you ever said!"

When they try to get one over on you

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"Don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining." This gem works equally well on both toddlers and teens attempting to convince you that a $500 school ski trip is an investment in their education.

When you find them abusing their social media privileges

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Sure, it's dated, but with a Judy classic line like this, who cares? "What do I know about MySpace? It's an internet site where people who have nothing better to do with their time go and chat about a whole bunch of nonsense. We could eliminate a third of the problems in this country if people actually had to shovel coal into a furnace for heat rather than spending all that time they have making problems for other people by sitting at their personal computers doing things other than those which PCs were actually designed for."

When you catch your kids in mid-eye roll

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"Don't look up at the heavens. God is not going to help you with this case. Only the truth will set you free."

How to cook with almond flour, your new gluten-free baking buddy

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If you've decided to go low-carb, Paleo or gluten-free, you may be having your own private pity party memorial service for all of those yummy, fluffy, cakey baked goods you'll never get to have again. But before you sink into the depths of despair and resign yourself to healthy fruit desserts for all of time, just know that in the world of healthy eating, there's almost always a workaround. Almond flour is one of our favorite swaps for the regular flour that's now off-limits.

Why cook with almond flour?

Like sugar, there are several options for replacing flour, including combinations of soy or whey protein powders, ground flaxseeds and also soy flour. I prefer to use as many natural and whole ingredients in my recipes as possible. I like to use nut flours — and almond flour works excellently in many recipes. Not only is it high in protein and low in carbs, it's a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, shown to be essential for brain and heart health.

How to bake with almond flour

Almond flour works very well for practically all cake and muffin recipes, pancakes and some cookie recipes, too. It can also be used to make tart shells for sweet or savory dishes. The only types of dessert that do not lend themselves well to the use of almond flour are yeast bread or other non-quick bread recipes.

Almond flour can either be bought directly from the store ready-ground or it is possible to grind your own at home from natural almonds in a coffee grinder or something similar. It doesn't even matter if you don't like almonds because, strangely enough, baked goods made with almond flour do not taste of almonds unless you deliberately add almond flavoring.

How to substitute almond flour in your recipes

To convert any regular baked recipes to low-carb using almond flour, experiment by simply replacing the volume of flour in the recipe with the same volume of almond flour. Use slightly more rising agent than the recipe suggests to allow for the heavier weight of the almond flour.

More: 13 Girl Scout cookie knockoff recipes you won’t feel guilty eating

Be sure to butter and line your pans with baking paper to help prevent sticking. After baking, foods made with almond flour do better if you leave them in the pan a few minutes before loosening carefully with a knife and turning out because the texture is generally more fragile than recipes made with wheat flour.

Now that you've got the basics down, you're ready to try out almond flour in three of our favorite recipes.

Next Up: Almond flour pancakes recipe

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almond flour pancakes
Image: Chris Gramly/E+/Getty Images

Almond flour pancakes recipe

If you're a low-carber, it is always a challenge to find a good recipe for pancakes, and there are many of them. This is my favorite recipe using, of course, ground almonds (almond flour). They can be served with any toppings you wish, just like regular pancakes. Blueberries, cream, lemon juice and a sprinkling of Splenda as a sweet topping is delicious, but they are also lovely when buttered and served with crispy bacon.

More: The complete guide to stocking a low-carb, vegetarian kitchen

Yields 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup ground almonds (almond flour)
  • 1/2 – 1 cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter for frying

Directions:

  1. Whisk the egg in a measuring jug, then mix in the almond flour and salt.
  2. Add enough cream to get a good pancake batter consistency and mix well. In a medium frying pan over medium-high heat, melt a tablespoon of butter.
  3. When the butter begins to foam, spoon about 1/4 of the mixture into the center of the pan and spread out to about 4 inches in diameter.
  4. Continue to cook for a minute or so until the edges look dry, then carefully flip over and cook for another minute until set. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Next Up: Almond flour apricot cream cake and almond flour blueberry muffins

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almond flour apricot cake
Image: Chiociolla/iStock/360/Getty Images

Almond flour apricot and almond cream cake recipe

This recipe is based on a traditional British cake called a Victoria Sandwich Cake. Victoria Sandwich Cake is a white or yellow cake, which is baked in two pans and then sandwiched together with whipped cream and strawberry jam. This is my version for low-carbers, which is made with canned apricots instead of jam and ground almonds instead of flour. I challenge any non-low-carber to realize that it isn't a regular cake.

Serves 10

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, at room temperature
  • 2 rounded tablespoons Splenda
  • 5 eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups ground almonds (almond flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 5 apricot halves from a can of apricots in water

Directions:

  1. Butter and line 2 (8-inch) round baking pans with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Mix the butter, Splenda, eggs, ground almonds, baking powder, lemon juice, vanilla extract and almond extract together in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Divide the mixture between the 2 baking pans, level the tops and bake for about 30 minutes until firm in the center.
  4. Remove the cakes from the oven and leave them on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before loosening them with a knife and turning them out onto the racks. Peel off the baking paper and leave them to cool completely.
  5. When cooled, whip the cream until fairly thick and "spreadable." Drain the apricots and chop them into small chunks, then fold them into the whipped cream.
  6. Turn one of the cakes upside-down and spread the cream mixture over it (like buttering a piece of bread). Place the other cake on top of the cream and press lightly to sandwich the cakes together. Serve cut into wedges.

almond flour blueberry muffins
Image: Chris Gramly/E+/Getty Images

Almond flour blueberry muffins recipe

This recipe can be made with any fresh or frozen berries, and you can add as much as 1-1/2 to 2 cups of berries if you prefer. My particular favorite is raspberries, although they are also delicious with the more traditional blueberries. If you are using frozen berries, there is no need to defrost them — in fact, they hold their shape better during cooking if you add them to the mixture while still frozen. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon for variation.

Yields 12

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 3 rounded tablespoons Splenda
  • 1 rounded teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions:

  1. Butter and line 12 large muffin cups with muffin tin liners. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, Splenda and baking powder. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, butter, heavy cream, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not beat). Finally, add the berries and briefly fold them in.
  3. Divide the mixture between the 12 muffin cups and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they've risen, are golden-brown and set in the middle. Leave in the pans on a cooling rack for 5 minutes, and then loosen the muffins carefully with a knife before turning out to cool completely.

Get more information on almond flour and almond meal recipes.

Originally published October 2014. Updated September 2016.

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