Madonna is offering blow jobs in exchange for Clinton votes.

More: We're all getting Madonna's Donald Trump piñata for the next presidential debate

You read that right — if you support the Democrats and putting a woman in the White House, there could be oral sex in it for you.

"If you vote for Hillary Clinton, I will give you a blow job, OK?" she told the crowd at Madison Square Garden, where she was introducing Amy Schumer for a comedy set.

Of course, it's entirely possible Madge was joking when she made the offer. Except, um, it really didn't sound like she was joking because she kept going and got into some pretty specific details.

"I swear to God — and I’m good. I’m good," she said. "I’m not a douche and I’m not a tool, I take my time, I have a lot of eye contact, and I do swallow."

More: Lady Gaga's Little Monsters are furious with Mariah Carey & Madonna

Welp. Didn't know I would spend my Thursday reading and writing specifics about Madonna's BJ technique, but here we are.

Schumer didn't go quite as far as Madonna during her show, but she did "apologize" after some Donald Trump fans walked out of her show.

"I’m sorry you didn’t want me, a comedian who talks about what she believes in, to mention the biggest thing going on in our country right now," Schumer said. "How could I think it was OK to spend five minutes having a peaceful conversation with someone with different views? After the show, I want you to know that I will go straight to a rehab facility that will teach me how to make all people happy."

More: Just how intimate are these bedroom tapes with Madonna going to be?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Today we're talking about work interfering with your relationship.

More: I might lose a promotion because my coworkers are threatened by my productivity

Question:

Ever since I got this really great job, my boyfriend has said I’ve become addicted to work. Before this job, I spent all my time with him. We had a great time every weekend. We hung out at bars or friends’ houses every night, or stayed at home watching sports on our flat screen.

Now when I get up in the morning, the first thing I think about is work. At night, I lie awake mulling over work projects. When we’re watching sports at home on the couch, I drag over my iPad and focus on work projects.

I try to cover up my love of work because everyone I know has a negative attitude against workaholics. When my boss gives me assignments that require weekend work, I groan, pretending to be unhappy. Secretly, however, I’m excited because I love my work. When I think about whether I’d rather go out to a bar or complete an assignment, I’m more interested in the work project.

My boyfriend is ticked off all the time. He says it’s no fun when I’m on my iPad while he’s watching sports because I’m not watching with him. We still love each other, but I’m afraid I’ll lose him.

More: How to power through a crisis of confidence at work

Answer:

Your work gives you a sense of accomplishment and likely fulfills other needs such as making you feel important and ensuring your future by progressing your career or earning raises.

Unfortunately, if you prioritize work above connectedness with your guy, you allow work to consume too much of your life. If you want to overturn work’s hold on your life, you need to give more time and attention to your guy – including thinking of him when you first wake in the morning.

Meanwhile, your guy needs to loosen up. If you look up from your iPad during critical plays as you cuddle next to him on the couch, what’s the problem? Does he truly want a life in which he spends every evening at a bar or friends’ houses, or would he like to find something that creates a sense of accomplishment for him?

Your route forward is to decide what you truly want for your life and have an honest conversation with your guy. If you do, you may find work’s pleasures pale in comparison to the rewards you’ll find in a great relationship. At the same time, if your boyfriend can’t allow you to enjoy work as well as him, and if your friends force you to cover up what you enjoy, you may realize they aren’t what you need or want.

More: I'm losing customers because my coworker sabotaged me

© 2016, Lynne Curry. If you have a career questions you’d like Lynne to answer, write her @ lynne@thegrowthcompany.com. Lynne is an executive coach and author of Solutions and Beating the Workplace Bully, AMACOM. You can follow Lynne through her other posts on SheKnows.com, via www.workplacecoachblog.com, www.bullywhisperer.com™ or @lynnecurry10 on Twitter.

I have been damn near unbearable for my friends to hang out with for the past, oh, six months, because I cannot get over the Gilmore Girls revival. But now that we have the official date marked on our calendars for the revival, it's time to start planning the viewing party. And I've got your menu down.

More: 30 reasons why you're still 'Gilmored' 9 years after the finale

Take-out Chinese food

Chinese take-out is a staple for Lorelai and Rory's movie nights, and they rarely watch anything without a few (read: seven) boxes of sesame chicken between them. So go big, order apps, and be sure to leave everything in its proper boxes because it tastes better directly out of the container.

Pizza

Remember when Rory tries to make her mom the world's biggest pizza? *cue a chorus of "awww."* In case that's not enough for you, the Gilmore girls order pizza on a number of momentous occasions, from that painfully awkward family movie-date with Dean to when Paris and Rory jet off on spring break together and stay in watching movies. You must order the pizza – you cannot make it. Cooking food is not on brand at all.

More: Gilmore Girls: 10 Things we must see in the Netflix revival

Pop tarts

In case you're new here, pop tarts carry some symbolism in this show. When Lorelai bit into her first pop tart, it tasted like "freedom, rebellion, and independence." So make sure to crack open a box and commiserate with Lorelai on her Friday night dinners (which honestly, they had better have.)

Candy sushi

When Rory cancels her Asia trip with prep star Logan, Lorelai cheers her up (albeit briefly, because...you know) by creating Asia in their living room. This of course involves candy sushi. They agree their favorite is oreo red hot sashimi, which I can only imagine involves oreos, red hots, and...something else? Anyway, stock up on the candy aisle, and make sure you get Swedish fish and rice krispies for your sushi bar.

Pumpkin pie

Gilmore Girls is so quintessentially fall, you need pumpkin pie. Anyway, pie as a whole is just so Lorelai, so this isn't a course to skip. Don't worry, you don't need to make it (unless you want to be a stand-in Sookie), just go pick up a good one from the nearest store, light a spiced candle, and watch the fall foliage. Side note: it should not be difficult to obtain said pie, since the revival falls on the day after Thanksgiving.

Cold Beer

For the Lukelai shippers out there, their first movie night together is KIND OF like their first date, and they drink bottles of cold beer together. Or, if you're less sentimental, remember when Lorelai takes Jess' beer away from him?

And there you have your menu. Just remember, you have to get situated beforehand (you can't squish around while you watch) and under no circumstances make spaghetti and meatballs, because you don't want any fighting.

More: This Gilmore Girls cookbook is going to make fans so happy

For mom of two Alicia Keys, a huge part of being a good parent is taking time out for herself, away from her kids — but for a very specific purpose.

More: Sometimes our parents teach us what not to do to our own kids

The Grammy-winning artist and Voice coach meditates daily, and she credits it with giving her a "whole new perspective" and making her a more mindful mother to sons Egypt, 6, and Genesis, 21 months.

Keys spoke about her daily practice onstage during the Brooklyn leg of WME’s Together Tour, a national tour moderated by Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, adding that she had to rid her entire life of adversity to achieve her mindfulness goals.

"I needed to clear the negative space, the negative people in my space… [which] probably should’ve happened years ago," she said. "But now, there’s even more of a reason. My purpose is so much bigger, it’s so much bigger than me."

More: Anti-helicopter parenting playground comes with large dose of slur and sexism

If you've tried meditation and quit because it just wasn't working, Keys can relate. She admitted that it was a struggle at first and that she even fell asleep during her early attempts. But she persevered and now describes it as "a need […], a yearning, a desire" rather than a grind.

Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a mindfulness expert, says mindful parenting is remembering what is really important during our daily lives with our children. It requires paying attention to our children's needs, acknowledging that they may be different from our own and committing to finding ways for everybody's needs to be met — at least to some extent. It's about learning to be still in an increasingly hectic world and working toward a place of greater calmness in order to strengthen our bond with our kids.

More: 3 ways all parents can identify with Blac Chyna's children's birthday drama

One important aspect of becoming a more mindful parent is embracing the fact that you are "good enough," says mindfulness teacher Lisa Kring. According to Kring, it's actually good for our kids to see us fail now and again in order to have a genuine role model of what it is to be human. When we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, we waste too much energy focusing on an unrealistic standard and not enough on simply being open, available and connected to our children.

Put like that, it's pretty hard to argue with Keys that this is a parenting goal we should all strive for.

As a comedy writer, I have worked on a variety of projects, from nationally renowned sketch shows like Saturday Night Live to ill-fated television pilots that never saw the light of day. Needless to say, most of those writers' rooms were led by men. So imagine my delight when I got hired to be the head writer of a television show for mothers on a new programming block entitled “NickMom.” It was a combination of comedic sketches, taped field pieces and funny panel discussions. I couldn’t believe it when my first directive was to only hire writers who were moms. That was the beginning of the best job I ever had.

The first day at work was incredible. Indeed, every member of the writing staff was a mom, including our funny and supportive host Stefanie Wilder Taylor. All five of us were giddy with excitement. Television jobs are hard to come by, so we were elated to be working and even more thrilled to finally be excused from carpooling duties.

More: NickMom: It's Nickelodeon for adults

We immediately discovered that it’s way, way, way, way, way more fun to write about parenting than to actually parent. "You mean you’re gonna pay me to write jokes about trying to change diapers on a crowded Southwest flight? Hell yeah, I’m coming back tomorrow."

Lunchtime was a grown-up playdate, and we didn’t even have to cut anyone else’s food. No more leftover mac and cheese and Capri Suns. We had everything from Thai food to Mexican to delicious Italian subs and no one ever interrupted us to go potty. One of our best finds was the CVS drugstore across the street that sold fresh sushi. We could grab lunch, nail polish and maxi pads at the same time.

Sometimes, we even put the nail polish on as we pitched jokes. Oh, the fun we had working on a mom’s show. No topic was off-limits — sex after pregnancy, tummy tucks, whether or not to circumcise. It wasn’t out of the ordinary to do crunches or leg lifts as we talked. This was our clubhouse. We even brought a small stepping machine into the writers' room to work off all the drugstore California rolls. Life was good.

But it didn’t take long for all these kick-ass, fun-loving moms to get sucked back into the real mommy world. One day when we were writing a sketch about helicopter moms, one of the writers asked to leave because she realized she forgot to pack her kid a stupid jacket in case it rained. I let her go, even though she was harshing my working-girl buzz.

Not long after, we were pitching ideas about different discipline techniques when my cellphone rang. It was my child’s teacher calling to say my 8-year-old daughter had just learned the word “fuck” and she was giving it a test-drive around the school yard. I had no idea where she learned it, and I was so fucking angry. Needless to say, that workday ended early.

We tried to carry on, but slowly, our children wormed their way into our work lives. One afternoon, when I couldn’t find a babysitter I brought my kids to the office for a few hours and they managed to start a fire in the microwave while trying to make popcorn. Yet another day when being a mom was getting in the way of writing about being a mom.

Before we knew it, the final taping was completed and our work on the show was done. After laughing our heads off every day for months and writing funny bits about motherhood, it was difficult adjusting to being at home again. My kids didn’t have any good parenting stories and they gave sloppy manicures.

More: 10 hilarious female-led comedies to binge-watch

Being on a NickMom show was one of the best jobs I ever had. It made me wish that every mom had a place to go where she could share her war stories and commiserate over the lack of sleep and everyday challenges that come with the job. So very seldom and in very few places are mothers asked to recall their biggest parenting fears and triumphs. The writers' room at Parental Discretion was a precious and safe place where we were encouraged to do nothing but that and then share it with the world. The truth is all of us were passionate about and devoted to our little ones and we couldn’t wait to see them at the end of every day. For a while though, we had our own clubhouse where, as mothers and eventual friends, we felt connected, seen and heard. Oh, and I must add, our nails looked really pretty.

I had insomnia the night of the second presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Something about the now-infamous Billy Bush bus recordings and the menacing way Trump hovered over Clinton, the "you'd be in prison" snarl, his aggressive personal attacks. I couldn't even stand to watch the entire debate, and still it sent a toxic cocktail of emotions that kept my mind racing all through the night.

The next morning, I was surprised to find just about every women I talked to had the same night.

More: Trump's comments on women showed me that words really do matter

SheKnows editorial intern Lashanda Anakwah says the Trump campaign has made her feel attacked from all sides. "As a black woman, Trump’s campaign has been a painful reminder of how little I matter in the United States, or the world for that matter, when you factor in white supremacy," she says. "Trump has repeatedly insulted black people, black life and black culture. His latest comments on The Central Park Five solidify everything I suspected about him. He clearly doesn’t see black people, or other people of color, as equals."

Anakwah fears the toxic climate created by the Trump campaign won't dissipate once the election season is over.

"The biggest and most unsettling emotion I have about this election is fear," cookbook writer and mother Nandita Godbole told me. "The lack of regard for women's rights in general is likely to set women back, back to the dark ages!"

Trump's comments about working mothers hit Godbole in a very personal way. "I lost a job once because a man thought my responsibilities as a parent would interfere with my work responsibilities, because I was a woman."

Manhattan therapist Dr. Cynthia Grace has seen election anxiety in some of her patients, and feels a lot of it comes from a new sense of vulnerability. "I think a layer of something has been removed for a lot of people, women in particular" she tells SheKnows. "And that is a sense of protection." Coming after a summer of police shootings, the election has made people of color feel as if there's no end in sight.

One patient told Grace she was tearful after watching the debate, saying that "now she feels that there's no possibility of getting any protection in society." She perceives an aggression that's been unleashed in society at large, a sense of how many people "just don't value women and are likely to be very toxic and harmful to women." It feels like this election has made the world a more dangerous place for women.

Even Michelle Obama admitted in her recent speech that Trump's words and history had "shaken me to my core in a way that I couldn't have predicted." In a way she shouldn't have predicted — I think we've all been blindsided by the toxicity of this season.

Every election is stressful. The American Psychological Association even has tips for coping with our Election Stress Disorder. But I think there's been an anxiety particular to women, especially women of color, this time around.

So how do we cope with these last few weeks of the election and whatever backlash follows its results?

SheKnows spoke with Grace and with therapist Dr. Laurie Moore for their suggestions for managing election anxiety.

More: 6 ways I've learned how to overcome fear and anxiety over the years

Don't focus on feelings of hate; focus on love, respect and empowerment for self and others

"Don't give energy to people like [Trump] by hating him," she admonishes. "Stop and instead apply the energy to self-love and self-respect." In that way, she believes, Trump and people like him lose power. And if we feel ourselves getting sucked into the negativity, "forgive yourself and choose again to have loving, empowering and respectful thoughts."

"This is a time for women to get really strong and get in touch with who we are," she tells SheKnows. It's a time to dig deep for the strength we women have the capacity to generate for ourselves, collectively, as half the human race. "We're stronger and more powerful than what Trump is screaming about, so we can make him small."

Carve out time for yoga and meditation

Self-care is "extremely important" right now, Grace told SheKnows. "What we need to do right now is shore up our support." She recommends doing yoga, meditation and getting a massage if you can. If you're not already doing yoga or meditation, now is an excellent time to start. Grace recommends meditation apps like Calm or Oprah and Deepak Chopra's Meditation Experience.

Connect with supportive people

Grace recommends spending time in places that feel safe talking with like-minded people who can affirm your feelings and help you make sense of what's going on.

Limit your exposure to triggering media

Like many mental health professionals, Grace says we should limit our exposure to triggering videos. "There's one thing I can tell you as a psychologist," Grace says, "the brain sometimes does not know the difference between something happening in reality and something we're being exposed to through the media.

So especially if you're a woman with an abuse history, don't watch videos of Trump saying hurtful things about women and people of color. Don't watch footage of his rallies. Limit your exposure to material that raises memories of your own toxic experiences. It's not helpful.

Read thoughtful analysis

On the other hand, she says reading the analysis of such events can actually be helpful. Grace says, "I think people need that to make sense of something that feels very crazy right now."

More: Women's biggest fears if Donald Trump becomes president

Get professional help

Especially if you're having sleep difficulties, Grace suggests talking with a mental health professional. "Think about talking to someone. Anyone who can listen is a good start, but if it's really affecting you emotionally, think about getting professional help, just to check in." This doesn't mean you have to commit to a long-term psychotherapy program. It could be as simple as a one-time checkup. "Go to someone that you trust and say, 'I'm not feeling well, I'm wondering what this might be related to.'"

Be gentle with yourself

By all means, don't blame yourself for feeling stressed out. "There's no reason to think that because you're having a strong reaction to this that you're weak," Grace says. "It's reasonable to feel upset or anxious about this. I feel it! All that I know [as a psychologist], I still feel it."

Take some small action today

I'm a chronic worrier, so I've been reading Robert Leahy's book The Worry Cure. One of his suggestions for cutting off that worst-case-scenario projecting into the future we often do is to take some small action, something you can do today. So if you find yourself stressing over our impending apocalypse, stop and make a donation to your candidate or volunteer for your candidate or find something you can do today to make your world a better place, however small. Help someone carry their groceries in, anything.

See this as an opportunity

Connecting with others also opens the possibility for collective healing. "Donald Trump is bringing out the most disgusting parts of what's not cleansed out of our society, the most despicable parts of it," Moore says, but this exposure could inspire us to take back our own power. I asked Grace if she saw hope for Americans to learn and evolve from this election, and she said, "I'm very optimistic by nature and a lot of this has prompted people to talk about issues in a way that we haven't done before."

It's my hope that as we do the work to build our resilience at this time, we'll find the collective power to rise and rebuild a better world together in the years to come.

More: Nasty women of the world, unite!

If you are anything like me, you’ve prayed for the day when you no longer have to worry about your period anymore. I’m not the only one who organizes her social schedule around her period, right?

The problem is that as you move into perimenopause, your body goes through a whole new series of changes, from hot flashes and insomnia to mood swings and irritability.

Fun stuff! (Low-key? It can be the worst.) The good news is that there is plenty you can do on your own to manage or even eliminate these symptoms simply by stocking your kitchen with the proper food.

Now, your gynecologist is going to have some therapies tailored just for you and your situation. These food recommendations don't replace that. It's just that eating the right foods can help support those therapies so you feel more comfortable.

Best of all, food is a great part of your therapy because it's something you can control. So here are 18 foods that not only taste good, but are filled with vitamins, nutrients and minerals that can help to support a healthy hormonal balance.

1. Whole, organic soy

Soy is full of phytoestrogens that protect your cells from damaging xenoestrogens. Try your hand at making a hot miso soup or create a colorful stir-fry with firm tofu or tempeh.

2. Flax seed

Flax seeds are full of fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Use a tablespoon of it in your morning green smoothie.

3. Tomatoes

Stress got you feeling anxious and irritable? Top your favorite salad with sweet grape tomatoes or make a homemade tomato-basil soup.

4. Wild salmon

Wild salmon is one of the best foods you can eat to get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Enjoy it marinated, glazed or simply roasted with a little salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

More: Spicy pineapple salad is anything but ordinary

5. Cabbage

Like other members of the cruciferous vegetable family, cabbage can help to balance your estrogen levels. Cabbage is great in soups, stews, stir-fry or even as a crunchy addition to a salad or a taco topper.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli is another member of the cruciferous vegetable family that is high in fiber and vitamin C. Most people tend to eat the florets; however, the stalks can be just as tasty. Simply peel the outer layer of the stalk with a vegetable peeler and chop up the tender insides. Add it to a broccoli slaw.

7. Garlic

Love Italian and Mediterranean foods? Add lots of fresh garlic (not the jarred stuff) to your salad dressings and stews. Garlic helps to improve cardiovascular health and can help prevent some cancers.

8. Lean meat

Choose to eat chicken or turkey breast instead of a fatty beef brisket in order to lose or maintain weight loss. Roasting a whole chicken is a lot easier than you think. Just add a little salt, pepper and rosemary, and you have enough meat to spread between two or three meals. No time for roasting a chicken? Head to your favorite grocery store for a freshly roasted chicken from the deli section.

9. Nuts

Walnuts, almonds and Brazil nuts are examples of good fats that contain magnesium, selenium, antioxidants, etc. Add them to a salad or eat a handful as a snack.

10. Seeds

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are foods that can help keep your complexion clear. These seeds are tasty blended into a dip or on top of a salad.

11. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a surprising source of calcium to help keep your bones strong. Enjoy them baked or steamed with your lunch or dinner — just please don’t nuke them in the microwave.

More: All about sweet potatoes, the tuber you'll want to eat all winter

12. Oranges

Full of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, etc., that can help you manage your blood sugar, oranges make a great snack with a handful of nuts in between meals. Eat the whole thing, though — don't just drink the juice.

13. Pineapple

Research shows that pineapple may be able to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Try a fresh-pressed pineapple juice made with cucumber and basil for a refreshing nonalcoholic cocktail.

14. Water

Does it get a little dry “down there”? Drink eight or more glasses of water per day to help reduce vaginal dryness. Add some sliced cucumber, lemon or any other water-filled fruit to make it more palatable.

15. Beet juice

Beet juice may be able to help improve your metabolism. Visit your favorite juice spot and add a bit of this sweet nectar to your favorite freshly pressed juice.

16. Beans and lentils

The fiber in beans and lentils helps to stabilize blood sugar and may be able to regulate mood swings. Beans and lentils can be a filling side dish or the main affair for your meatless Mondays.

17. Avocado

Enjoy the creamy goodness of an avocado to help you lower your blood pressure. Avocados are a great alternative to milk and cheese in your smoothies and salads.

18. Apple cider vinegar

A teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar added to a glass of water. It has been shown to significantly reduce blood-sugar levels in people with high insulin resistance. Try it before indulging in a high-carb meal like your favorite rice or noodle dishes.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Making A Murderer's Brendan Dassey is still a long way from freedom despite the scrutiny surrounding his case.

More: The way Making a Murderer's Steven Avery broke up with his girlfriend was harsh

In the murder investigation, which is detailed in the Netflix series, Dassey confessed to helping his uncle, Steven Avery, who was convicted and sentenced to life behind bars for the rape and murder of photographer Teresa Halbach.

But in August, a federal judge overturned Dassey's conviction, saying detectives on the case coerced Dassey into confessing to his involvement in the murder. That judge ordered that Dassey be freed from prison until his case can be reexamined by the courts. Now, Wisconsin's attorney general is fighting to keep Dassey in prison.

Attorney General Brad Schimel appealed the judge's ruling, saying that it "ignores both the facts and the law." He is also bringing up a 2013 Court of Appeals ruling that said Dassey's confession was voluntary and legitimate.

More: Brad Pitt should expect a call from Making a Murder & Steven Avery soon

In the tapes of Dassey's police interview, shown on Making A Murderer, police try to reassure Dassey that if he confesses to the crime, no harm will come to him. "You don’t have to worry about things," they tell him, along with reassurances that "It's OK" and they already know what happened on the day of the murder. According to the federal judge, those words constitute "specific promises of leniency" toward Dassey, and make his confession inadmissible.

Meanwhile, since Making A Murderer debuted on Netflix, those involved in the case have faced mounting public pressure to reexamine the evidence and interviews and to free both Dassey and Avery. Wisconsin authorities say the series was biased, and so far, both men remain behind bars.

More: It sure seems like Dr. Phil had a hand in Steven Avery's latest breakup

You listening, Netflix?

More: Candace Cameron Bure's brother has seriously problematic views on marriage

It's no secret that die-hard fans of Growing Pains would love to see a reboot. And hey, what better time than the present? Reboots of classic TV shows are thriving — Fuller House, anyone?

But what do the show's stars think about returning to the small screen to reprise their old roles? At least one of them is onboard, and he wants to bring his family along with him.

In an interview with Closer Weekly, Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron reveals that his youngest son, 13-year-old James, is starting to show an interest in acting.

"He has that twinkle in his eye," Cameron said, adding that he already has the perfect role picked out for James. "It would be awesome if we could be in a reboot of Growing Pains together. He could play Mike’s son. What would we call it — Still Growing?"

More: All the misogynistic comments Kirk Cameron has ever made

Cameron starred as Mike Seaver on the show for seven seasons. But even though he's on board with the idea of a reboot, his former co-stars might be more difficult to convince.

For years, there's been talk of rebooting Growing Pains. And for years, Alan Thicke, who was iconic as Mike Seaver's dad on the show, has been skeptical about doing a remake.

"They'll trot us out on Good Morning America or the Today show for a nostalgic appearance once in a while," he said in a 2015 interview. "But I like to see that show in the time capsule, where it is in reruns, viewed nostalgically and appreciated for the time that it represents. I'm always a little wary of reboots and possibly screwing it up. I think it belongs where it is."

More: Kirk Cameron wants moms to get back in the kitchen and save Christmas

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Her journey to land a spot on Survivor stretches back a whole decade. After applying for years to be on her favorite show, Ciandre Taylor — better known as CeCe — was considered by casting for numerous seasons before ultimately picking her to be on Millennials vs. Gen-X. In our one-on-one chat with Ciandre, she explained how the casting process triggered a major disadvantage when compared with the other castaways. Plus, she revealed who she thinks is most deserving to win the game.

More: How Michaela Bradshaw became Survivor's unexpected hero

SheKnows: What was going through your mind as you were voted off?

Ciandre Taylor: When my name was written down the second time that night, I was like, "Oh my goodness. Here it is. Back to this again." I hate to say I got used to see my name at Council, but I got used to seeing name. The first time I seen my name I was like, "OK, well, I've seen that before." After the second time, I couldn't believe it was happening. We were going to vote out Michelle. Blindside. My fellow Gen-X-ers backstabbed me. It was definitely disappointing and angered me.

SK: Did you have any idea it was coming?

CT: I felt it, I'm not gonna lie. There was a couple moments after the challenge happened where I was at the beach with Chris, David and Zeke. Chris was so eager to say, "We've got Zeke. He's gonna vote out Michelle with us." We had just discussed it, so I thought that was kind of odd because Chris never discussed strategy with me or [was] eager to discuss a plan with me.

SK: You were getting votes each time you went to Tribal Council. Why were you such a target?

CT: It's so odd and crazy that it happened that way. I was pulling my weight at camp. I did the best I could at the challenges. I'm not the weakest swimmer. Dave had just learned how to swim along with me. I literally learned to swim in the 30 days I had to prepare for the show compared to everyone else who had six months. I got cast, like, 30 days before, and that was the first time I was ever in the ocean. Socially, you tend to gravitate to people who you're more familiar with and have things in common with. Me and Rachel had a little bit more things in common, so I was with her a little bit more than I was with the other ladies. Maybe they thought we were scheming to do something, but that really wasn't the case at all. We were just getting to know each other, getting water for the rest of the tribe and team-building. I think they just looked at it as putting my name down just because. I wasn't even bad in the challenge. Then the second time, I was like, "Y'all just picking. Y'all just want me out. Y'all just think I'm the weak person." It makes you wonder who's really in your corner. I thought Ken and Dave did have my back, but it's still disheartening when every single week everyone seems to be gunning for you.

More: Survivor's Lucy Huang is still angry at David about her elimination

SK: Did you find yourself going on a witch-hunt to determine who was voting against you?

CT: No. I didn't do that. In the first episode, the girls were honest about who voted for me. They didn't show that part on camera. I really pinned them down and asked why they put my name down. They said it was because they thought Rachel had the Idol. What does that have to do with me? If you think she has the Idol, why are you putting my name down? I don't have the Idol! It just didn't make sense. They thought I was in cahoots with her, but it didn't make sense. After that I didn't want to put a bigger target on my back, I just wanted to get to know everyone and play the game as I see fit from moment to moment. I did get to know the rest of the tribe, but they didn't show a lot of my bonding. They were very nice people and we did get along, so there wasn't anything that stood out that anyone did.

SK: You said you were selected for the show just 30 days before the season. How did you get on?

CT: I've been applying for the past 10 years. I'm a superfan, so I've been applying since I was 23 years old. There was always some interest from the casting directors every single time I applied. They'd give me a phone call and say they were interested, but it wasn't the right time. There was always some feedback from them that they were interested, which kept me motivated to keep applying. This particular time, I sent the tape in and didn't hear anything back from them. I just went along with my life as I usually do. Then all of a sudden I got a phone call on a Sunday, which happened to be the week of finals for casting. They called me in to be interviewed by the producers and head casting director. I was like, "Wow, how does that just happen? I got cast at the last minute in the week of finals." It was pretty crazy, especially to get your life together within 30 days to go away for seven weeks on an island and not being able to tell anyone. That's stressful in itself, whereas everyone else had six months to prepare and get familiar with the process. It was exciting, but it was a stressful time to prepare for that, especially when I really couldn't swim.

SK: Do you feel that your last-minute casting put you at a disadvantage going into the season compared to the other castaways?

CT: Oh, absolutely! If only I had six months to prepare. Normally you send in a tape, they give you a phone call and you go in for a first interview. Then you come in for a pre-final before the finals. That process happens within about a six-month period. Throughout that you're kind of getting your life together with the possibility of being picked. If I had six months, I probably would've been a superswimmer, a fish in the water. There's so much I would've done differently just to prepare, and swimming would've been the biggest thing. Physically, I would've been in way more shape than that too, but it's hard to physically prepare when I had to worry about learning to swim as well. I had to focus on the swimming versus me getting my running and endurance up. The Millennials, they don't have to worry about that. They're young, so they're endurance is what it is. They've got energy to bounce off the walls. But for me, I'm 40. I need a little bit more energy and needed to build up my endurance. I think I had a disadvantage compared to the 19 other castmates.

SK: We didn't get to see too much of your strategic moves. What was your master plan?

CT: The biggest thing I had was to the girls the day that Paul was voted out. I said, "Let's come to a consensus here and do an all-girl alliance. We can bring Ken into our alliance and have him as an extra number." We would've had a good handle on the numbers, but I always felt like when in the game, some women always kind of leave it up to the guys or go the direction the guys go. We could turn this game around. We don't have to let the guys dictate the direction of votes in the game. It was something I did propose to the ladies. They considered it, but it never became a solid plan. I also had a plan if the merge did happen that I was actually gonna flip. I was going to be with the Millennials and get in with them. I felt that they were playing the game a lot better than the Gen-X-ers were. I identify with them as well because I have teenagers, and I understand them.

More: Paul Wachter reveals which Survivor castaway has the master plan to win it all

SK: If you could vote for a winner right now, who would you pick?

CT: Ken. I think he's played a well-rounded, better game. He's more social than some of the others. He was able to speak with everyone, even when you saw him bringing in Adam. He's a physical contender in the game. He's loyal and he has a good heart. He's not a backstabber or manipulator. He's a well-rounded guy. So a winner today, I would definitely give it to Ken.

More: Adam Klein's Survivor story was so touching it had viewers in tears

SK: So who do you hope doesn't win?

CT: I'm gonna say Chris. I'm just not feeling Chris at all. No, I don't want Chris to win. He stabbed me in the back, so no. No. No. I don't want Chris to win.

What are your thoughts on Ciandre's comments? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Maybe you have heard the thumping of bottles as you walk in close proximity to teens and tweens. Perhaps you have noticed a few kids gathered in a circle getting really excited as they tossed a bottle in the air while you wondered what the heck could be so exciting. It’s the new bottle-flipping trend, which is especially popular among middle schoolers. Basically, you take a plastic bottle that's a third of the way full and try to perfectly flip it in the air so it lands upright. That’s all there is to it, and it’s huge.

If your kids are bottle-flipping, it’s quite possible you have had talks with other parents about how utterly annoying it is: The sound it makes, the fact it knocks things over and of course, your home is littered with plastic bottles. In fact, it has been banned in some schools, including my son's, which is understandable. But I would like to speak up in defense of bottle flipping, as annoying as it may be.

1. It gets kids off technology

While walking toward a high school football game a few weeks ago, I noticed something. Instead of students standing behind the bleachers with their heads down and eyes glued to their cellphones, they were gathered around in a circle flipping bottles. There were hoots and hollers and lots of cheering. The kids were communicating old-school-style — with their mouths. Sure, maybe it would have been better if they were actually watching the game, but I will take it.

More: Which middle school book series are you? (QUIZ)

2. Bottle flipping = physics

Bottle flipping works using centrifugal force, the same force that keeps water at the bottom of an open bucket while you spin it around. The bottle must be filled a third of the way with liquid. You then hold the bottle from the top so the water and center of gravity rest at the bottom of the bottle. You flip the bottle in the air, trying to get it to land on its base. Without the precise amount of liquid and the perfect toss, the bottle will not land upright.

3. It takes practice

So often, I see these kids trying over and over again to get it just right. It doesn't just happen; they have to work at it. They get so engrossed in trying to find new ways to get the bottle to do its thing, I’m convinced it teaches them to stay focused and dedicated, which are important life skills.

4. It gives them confidence

I saw the look on my son's face the first time he got his bottle to land upright — pure joy. He had been working at it for a while and was excited to see his progress. Pointless as it may seem, bottle flipping is skill its fans are trying to master. As soon as they do, it is infectiously gratifying, which is why everyone cheers for each other.

5. It gets kids outside

At least if they are in my presence, anyway. If my kids want to flip their bottles, great. They just have to take it outside where there is more room and the kids know they won't have a mess to clean up like they do when they flip bottles inside and knock over houseplants or cups of milk.

6. It’s an easy way to entertain

If you have a tangle of kids wrestling in your house, distract them with a few plastic bottles and the great outdoors. There is no assembly required (save filling the bottle if it's empty), there are no apps to download and no tiny pieces to find.

More: What would happen if adults dated like middle schoolers? (VIDEO)

7. It is cheap

Just one bottle and a little liquid is all it takes. So much cheaper than the latest iPhone.

8. Hydration!

If they want the bottle to flip correctly two-thirds of the liquid has to be gone. While I am sure some kiddos pour out the water, I have a house rule at my place that the kids must drink the water and not pour it out if they want to flip that bottle.

Every decade has its trends. I remember friendship pins, jelly bands and Hacky Sacks. This generation will forever remember their days of bottle flipping. And while it may be loud and annoying, I for one will take it over video games or listening to Caillou whine from the television screen.

Kim Kardashian West's terrifying robbery in Paris continues to affect her life.

More: Yes, people seriously think Kim Kardashian West would stage her own robbery

Kardashian has been silent on social media ever since the attack during which she was bound, gagged and held at gunpoint, then left in a bathroom while robbers stole jewelry from her Paris apartment. Now, she's also building a panic room in her Bel-Air mansion.

"She's not well. It's worse than anyone knows," a source said about Kardashian. "She's been suffering severe panic attacks and refuses to be alone. She's been having flashbacks and nightmares. She's a nervous wreck. She gets especially anxious late at night."

More: Kim Kardashian West's robbery is now a Halloween costume and we're appalled

The source said Kardashian's panic room will be built to withstand fire and massive earthquakes. It'll have security cameras built in, and could cost as much as $100,000 to build. That's in addition to her new security team — according to the insider, "Kanye has hired a company that protects government officials in war-torn countries."

West is still on his Saint Pablo Tour, which has just been extended. But that doesn't mean the robbery isn't affecting him too — the robbery and its aftermath have sparked a feud with West's longtime friend Jay Z.

During a recent tour stop, West talked to the crowd about the robbery. From a floating stage above the audience, he vented about the way Jay Z reacted after news of the incident broke.

"Don’t call me after the robbery and say, 'How you feelin?' You wanna know how I’m feelin'? Come by the house," West said. "Bring the kids by the house like we brothers."

More: Kim Kardashian is a victim — just like any other robbery victim

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

When my dog was diagnosed with demodectic mange, often referred to simply as demodex, my first thought was "ew, mange." Mange sounds gross, but I never imagined it was serious. She had it mostly around her eyes, and the dry, flaky skin didn't seem to bother her, so I wasn't overly concerned when my vet suggested that I take her to a dermatologist.

My visit to the specialist was sobering. He took some skin scrapings and confirmed my vet's suspicions — it was, in fact, demodex — and then I mentioned that her coat had thinned out and changed color too. My cocker spaniel has been described by most who meet her as "literally the softest dog ever." Recently, her legendary plush had turned coarse and thin, and her black fur had taken on a slightly reddish tint in places.

The specialist made that face that we all dread. You know what I'm talking about — the doctor face. The face that says, "that's interesting."

"I highly recommend you get her tested for Cushing’s disease," he said, effectively casting a black cloud over the rest of my dog's life. I had heard of Cushing's before, but never imagined my dog's dry skin could be a serious disease.

More: Cat-scratch fever is more serious than we thought, but there's no reason to panic

Cushing's occurs when a tumor affects either the pituitary or adrenal gland. There are two kinds of Cushing's disease. Pituitary-dependent Cushing's is much more common and usually results from a benign tumor. Adrenal-dependent Cushing's is less common, and the tumor can be benign or cancerous. These glands control steroid production in the body. To put it simply, when the body produces too many steroids, bad things happen.

If you've ever had to take a course of a steroid like prednisone, you've had a tiny peek into the world of a Cushing's dog. The flood of steroids in their system wreaks havoc on their bodies, basically breaking things down.

More: Ladies, we have an explanation for your dog's fascination with your period

Symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs

Demodex and changes to my dog's coat were just a few of the symptoms of Cushing's disease in dogs. The list is long, but worth familiarizing yourself with, especially if you own a miniature poodle, dachshund, boxer, Boston terrier or a beagle, as these breeds are prone to the disease.

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased hunger
• Heat intolerance
• Lethargy
• Potbelly appearance
• Panting
• Obesity
• Weakness
• Recurring urinary tract infections (ouch)
• Hair loss
• Thinning skin
• Bruising
• Changes in skin color
• Demodex
• Seborrhea (scaly patches and red skin)
• Calcinosis cutis (calcium deposits on the skin)
• Papules (aka, zits)
• Varicose veins

And those are just the common symptoms.

My dog developed quite a few of these symptoms as time went on. We got her a pee mat and doggy diapers to help deal with her accidents while we figured out the right dosage for her meds. Her skin is thinner now and doesn't heal as quickly, but the good news is that her hair did grow back just as plush as ever and she is back to her super-soft self.

More: Inquiring (and grossed out) minds want to know: Why do dogs eat poop?

Diagnosing Cushing's

When the specialist first told me to get my dog tested for Cushing's, I was relieved. A test sounds so simple, and we are conditioned to associate tests with accuracy.

Cushing's is not that simple. Diagnosing a dog with Cushing's is complicated. After assessing the clinical signs (aka, symptoms), my vet ran blood work to look for markers of the disease. If you're familiar with blood work, those markers are abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase and blood urea nitrogen. If, like me, you are not that familiar with blood work, then all that is mostly gibberish and what you actually need to know is that your vet knows what to look for.

My dog's blood work had these warning signs, so next they analyzed her urine to get a urine cortisol to creatinine ratio. This test is tricky and not always conclusive, so to confirm results, they then performed a final test.

There are two "final test" choices: an LDDS test and an ACTH stimulation test. LDDS stands for low-dose dexamethasone suppression and measures cortisol levels over a period of time by suppressing cortisol levels with dexamethasone. ACTH also measures cortisol levels over time using the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic) hormone to stimulate the production of cortisol.

Our vet recommended the LDDS test, which confirmed her diagnosis. She had Cushing's.

More: Dog allergies 101: How to spot and treat them

Treating Cushing's

Cushing's Disease is described by veterinarians as "insidious." It is slowly progressive, and in most cases there is no cure, just treatment.

The course of treatment for Cushing's depends on several variables, including where the tumor is, what kind of tumor it is, the state of the pituitary gland and the dog's health. What works for one Cushing's dog might not work for another, and so the best judge of the dog's treatment is the veterinarian, as frustrating as that can be for those of us who consider ourselves Google doctors.

Medication

There are two main drugs used to treat Cushing's, mitotane and trilostane. These drugs suppress cortisol levels and require testing every few months to measure their effectiveness.

Surgery

Surgically removing the pituitary gland or pituitary gland tumor is another option, although early diagnosis improves the prognosis according to a 2005 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine. Surgically removing the adrenal gland or adrenal gland tumor is also possible. In both cases, surgery comes with risks and complications that owners need to weigh carefully.

Radiation

Radiation is indicated in certain cases of pituitary-dependent Cushing's and is generally very effective.

We opted for medication for a variety of medical reasons, and now we monitor her carefully. We've learned that when she starts drinking more water, urinating more or losing hair, it is time to take her to the vet to get her tested and her medication adjusted.

It's been two years since my dog's diagnosis and my cocker spaniel has shown no signs of slowing down, which gives me a lot of hope. She is comfortable, carefree and completely unaware that her body is breaking down on her. We have our fingers crossed that things stay that way.

My dog's Cushing's diagnosis was heartbreaking, but we are dealing with it. I did learn one very important lesson from this whole ordeal: Never underestimate the importance of taking your pets to the vet, even if the issue doesn't seem serious at the time.

If you open up a kid’s clothing catalog or hop on a website advertising children’s toys, clothes or other paraphernalia, you’ll likely see small humans who look happy and clean. No grape juice stains on the shirt, no mismatched socks or messy hair. Images of kids pouting or picking their noses? Nope, none of that. It’s advertising and we don’t expect it to look real.

Or do we?

The advertising industry has made great strides with diversity. Go to any website that sells stuff for kids and you’ll see racial and ethnic diversity among the models. Sure, you’ll see little blond girls with blue eyes and rosy cheeks, but you’ll also see children of color, children with distinctly Asian features and children of mixed race. Kids in catalogs look like our kids.

Or do they?

More: My husband's vasectomy gave me back my mom mojo

Megan Nash is a mom who has been trying to get her 15-month-old son, Asher, into modeling. Asher has an adorable, pudgy baby face, a button nose and strawberry-blond hair. He’s super-photogenic and loves to make silly faces. Nash has been submitting photos of her son to a modeling agency in Georgia called C2 Kids in an attempt to get him featured in ad campaigns for various companies, such as the famous children’s clothing brand OshKosh B’Gosh.

Did I mention Asher has Down syndrome?

The modeling agency owner told Nash that she didn’t send Asher’s picture forward for the OshKosh campaign because the company “didn’t specify special needs.”

Nash is on a mission to make advertising more diverse. The Facebook page Kids with Down Syndrome posted photos of Asher and called out the C2 agency and OshKosh for lack of inclusiveness. The page challenged their 350,000-plus followers: “let’s make a difference — share so they see Asher.” To date, over 104,000 people have answered that call.

More: Susan Sarandon's new grandchild has a high-ranking name

Nash’s message is clear: Change the world’s view on people with disabilities and teach people that kids and adults with special needs are not trends that come and go with advertising. She has a point. We want to identify with the people we see in advertisements and magazines. If something is going to be relatable to us as consumers, we want to see how it fits into our family. We want to see just a little bit of “Hey, we see you and we’re including you.” 

I totally get this. One of my sons has a limb difference. I refuse to call it a special need or a disability because it isn’t either of those things, but he looks different, doesn’t he? Maybe you don't notice right away, but you notice.

I don’t see kids who look like Zack in magazines or catalogs unless the focus is limb differences or special needs. So I think Megan Nash is onto something. And others agree. Nordstrom’s July catalog featured a model in a wheelchair. Parents magazine has a child with Down syndrome on their cover.

Nash says, “I want people to realize that all children with Down syndrome and other disabilities are incredible human beings and we want OshKosh to ideally want to help the world’s perception. So many other companies have started doing it so it’s really just a matter of 'when will they?'” 

An OshKosh B’Gosh corporate spokesperson has confirmed that they’ve been in touch with Nash and are planning a meeting with her and Asher. It looks like the “let’s make a difference — share so they see Asher” has worked.

More: Sometimes parents teach us what not to do to our own kids

Moms who have kids with Down syndrome buy clothes for their kids. Moms who have kids in wheelchairs buy clothes for their kids. As a mom of a kid with a not-so-typical anatomy, I’ve spent a crap-ton of money on OshKosh and Carter's clothes, and I would have been over the moon to see a kid who looked like my kid in one of their advertisements. A children's clothing company shouldn't have to specify to an ad or modeling agency that they're open to models with special needs. That should be a given. It shouldn't be a discussion.

Get with the program, OshKosh. Asher is seriously adorable and an extra chromosome shouldn’t be a deciding factor in whether or not you put him in your ads. He really makes me want to go out and buy some overalls.

It's no secret that I love The Voice and think it's one of the best shows on television. When I heard the news yesterday that Gwen was returning to her coach's chair in February for Season 12, replacing Miley Cyrus, you'd think I'd have jumped for joy.

But I did not.

Though Gwen's relationship with Blake Shelton is one of the most interesting (and intriguing) pieces of Hollywood gossip I've heard in a while, that's not the reason I sighed. Rather, it's because I think that although her coaching was respectable, I feel her performance in the 'makeover' department has been a global disappointment.

More: America got it wrong with outrageous elimination on The Voice

During the 'transformation' period, the point in the competition where contestants undergo makeovers and wardrobe adjustments to further solidify their stage presence, I felt Gwen's creative visions have missed the mark, leaving her team feeling uncomfortable, and, in some cases, returning to their previous looks.

I'm not sure whether contestants' wishes weren't heard during this process, or if they left their fate in the show's hands, but it appeared some walked away without gaining the new self-concept for which they may have been searching.

More: Miley Cyrus' outfits aren't the point of The Voice

It's clear that Gwen is all about reinvention, and that she's obviously a creative spirit. But her transformations reminded me of her Harujuku Girls, whom she 'dressed wicked' and 'gave names'. Except the Voicecontestants were already dressed, and already had names.

Is that the real essence of The Voice? To turn an artist into someone he or she is not? And further, should so much time and energy be applied towards changing a contestant's physical appearance?

It would be my hope to see Gwen return as the fierce spirit she is and nurture primarily the voices of each of her contestants, to ask for input and feedback during transformations, and to simply allow the unique beauty of each artist to shine through. I hope her return ushers an era of appreciation of natural beauty, following in Alicia Keys' much-celebrated footsteps.

And, most of all, that she remains true the show's core value: That the voice is the factor that truly counts.

More: The Voice coaches made a huge mistake not saving Ethan Tucker

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Broadway star and actress Audra McDonald is now a mom of two! The Tony winner welcomed her first child with husband Will Swenson on Wednesday, and shared the lovely news with a cute Instagram pic.

More: Susan Sarandon's new grandchild has a high-ranking name

What in the world is sweeter than a newborn foot?

McDonald also disclosed the name of the new addition — daughter Sally James McDonald-Swenson — and revealed that her moniker is a tribute to Swenson's late mother Sally and McDonald's late father Stanley James.

McDonald is also mom to daughter Zoe Madeline, 12, and Swenson has two sons from a previous relationship, Sawyer, 12, and Bridger, 15. The couple married in October 2012 at their home in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

Originally a diminutive of Sarah, Sally has long been a name in its own right. Meaning "princess," it was popular in the 18th century and again from the 1920s to the 1960s, but since then, it's gradually dropped out of the U.S. baby name chart. However, it's a popular choice in Sweden, sitting comfortably in the top 100 at No. 81.

More: Alicia Keys credits daily meditation with making her a better mom

Famous bearers of the name include actress Sally Field, the first American woman in space Sally Ride and Australian professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.

Pop culture references include Sally Draper from TV's Mad Men, Sally Freedman in Judy Blume's Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself, Cabaret protagonist Sally Bowles, Sally Brown from the Peanuts comic strip and the songs Mustang Sally (Wilson Pickett), Sally Cinnamon (The Stone Roses) and Long Tall Sally (Little Richard).

Welcome to the world, Sally James McDonald-Swenson.

More: 8 reasons why bottle flipping is more than just an annoying fad

It's that time of year again! Once the leaves start to fall, we get to put on our thinking caps to come up with something totally bananas that is guaranteed to win any costume contest. Three may be a crowd in most social circles, but not when it comes to taking it to the next level on Halloween.

For the most creative costumes that are sending a very, shall we say, "specific" message, more is always better. Gather up your two besties or a few handsome strangers, and try one of these group or trio Halloween costume sets on for size:

1. The social network

The totally obsessed social media-ites will love to go as their favorite site. Use an iron to transfer a Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook or Tumblr logo, or use your artistic skills to recreate the logo on a T-shirt. Go for the gold by adding "likes," "hashtags" or your very own group handle. Obviously, you'll be constantly taking selfies all night long.

2. The beekeeper and his hive

Whether or not you have a baby, this bee costume is great for a trio. DIY a bee costume with a black and yellow outfit, create the beekeeper's ensemble with some coveralls and tulle, and make the bee hive using foam piping and twine. Put the three together and you'll have costumes people will be buzzing about until next year.

3. Rock, paper, scissors... I win!

Solve any disagreement at this year's party by going as rock, paper and scissors. Another costume idea perfect for a trio, the scissors and paper are made out of painted poster board, while the rock is constructed of tulle. Randomly play a game with each other for a few laughs.

More: 16 Amazon reviews that are pure comic genius

4. Steaming hot lattes

Have a group of Starbucks junkies? Go as your favorite lattes! Using a white dress (or shirt, if you feel more comfortable), enlarge the logo on your computer, adhere it using an iron-on transfer, and display your drink and name with a Sharpie. Make steaming noises and randomly tip over, just like a real latte would.

5. I'd like S'more

Create a costume that the group can enjoy once the party is over with this s'mores creation, which is great for a group of five. Two can be the graham crackers with cardboard cutouts, while one is in all white as a marshmallow, another is the fire in red, and last but not least, somebody's gotta be the chocolate bar with a candy bar headband.

6. Hipster princesses

Inspired by the princess Instagrams and Pinterest memes, this blogger and her lady friends laced up their boots and created a few tutus to resemble a couple of hipster Disney princesses. This is an easy costume — you can wear your favorite princess's colors with a flannel cover-up and dark-rimmed glasses for the full effect.

7. An homage to your favorite celeb

This group Halloween costume deserves a slow clap. These clever ladies went as nearly every Will Ferrell movie ever made — because he's kind of a big deal. You can try the same interpretation with your favorite celebrity, with dozens of costume ideas to choose from.

Next Up: The human hamburger

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8. The human hamburger

Not only is this stand-out group costume sure to turn heads on the street, but it's fairly easy to make, and it looks good enough to eat. Reddit users provide their tips on making the human hamburger costume here. And when your hard work is done, the fun begins — you get to go shopping for a pair of lettuce or tomato-colored shoes.

9. Roaring '20s

Channel this year's Great Gatsby craze by turning you and your friends into a gaggle of flapper girls. Travel with a group of guys in full zoot suits and gangster wear. Make this funny by adding your own modern-day flair, such as bling jewelry or pink hair. (Halloween Costumes, $30-$60)

More: We made a life-size Angry Birds game because why not?!

10. Crush on some candy

Have a group of friends who never let you down by sending you lives on Candy Crush? Get them together and go as your favorite sweet addiction. Just beware, some people may want to actually nibble the goods. (Costume Craze, $32-$44)

11. Take a trip down the rabbit hole

She's got a new show on ABC and is an all-time favorite Disney character, so take your group on a fun adventure with Alice and her Wonderland crew. Turn this into a hilarious scene with crazy exaggerated makeup. (Buy Costumes, $40-$190)

12. Back to Never-Neverland

As picture-perfect as this family ensemble looks, esthetician, blogger and makeup artist Kristian Nightengale says that pulling it together was really quite easy. She scored her daughter's adorable outfit from Etsy and made the adorable little Tinker Bell shoes. She found the grown-up costumes on Amazon.

13. Walking the plank

Want to make them say "Aarrrr" this Halloween? Get on the plank and dress up the group as an awesome family of pirates. And remember to talk like a pirate the entire evening for the full effect. (Halloween Costumes, $20-$150)

Next Up: The heroic bunch

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14. The heroic bunch

Go as DC Comic characters, Justice League, Marvel heroes or a little bit of each. Whichever combo you all agree upon, you'll look like a great group to save the world from evil villains! Stay in character all night to get a chuckle out of guests. (Buy Costumes $25-$55)

15. For the colorful group

The wild and crazy bunch will look appropriate as a box of crayons. You'll look fabulous in the shade of your choice, and the cone-topped heads are the cherry on the top. (Kohl's, $28-$52)

More: I was that secret shopper quietly judging everyone in the store

16. Channel your inner spirit animal

As straightforward as they are, these animal Halloween costumes are flippin' adorable. Dressing up in a collection of adults' and kids' animal costumes is guaranteed to get you more than a few "awwws" while you trick-or-treat.

17. Fruits of the loom

If you're looking for a crowd-pleaser, sometimes it really is this easy. Grown men and women (and maybe a few kids too) dressed up as fruits and vegetables are going to get a laugh.

18. When the Force is with you

Star Wars is so hot right now, even for the littlest fans among us. While this Halloween costume is epic in and of itself, you can also save it to wear to the opening of the next movie. #winning

19. Jeff Goldblum would approve

Jurassic Park is yet another timeless blockbuster that's making a comeback — both on the big screen and for Halloween. And on the plus side, if your kid has insisted on dressing like a dinosaur and can't be reasoned with, you'll have a fierce costume (and cage) to match.

20. The perfect Halloween treat

Maybe we saved the best for last, because this one is oh-so-cute and so very easy. If you've got a few pals who are looking for a Halloween costume that is as simple as it is chic, this DIY milkshake costume tutorial makes for a fun girls' night project. We'll bring the wine.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published Oct. 2013. Updated Oct. 2016.

To all the parents who are unapologetic lovers of Halloween — your spookiest dreams are finally coming true.

Dressing up as the gory, the ghoulish and the downright disturbing isn't just for grown-ups anymore. Say goodbye to the cutesy Nemo costumes and hello to a little fright, because kids are getting in on the action — and it's way too easy to dress your toddler up as an evil Chucky doll to get some stares (and probably some high-fives) this Halloween.

More: Enough Halloween coloring pages to keep your kids busy all fall

Warning: These scary baby costumes aren't for the squeamish:

1. Chucky and the Bride of Chucky

Remember Chucky from the 1988 movie Child’s Play? You know, the cute red-haired doll that's possessed with the soul of a serial killer? This cute little guy has the costume down perfectly, from the red hair to the “Good Guys” overalls and even the face stitches. Mom and dad couldn’t leave sister out of the fun, of course, as she is dressed as the Bride of Chucky. Brianna, the mother of these creepy/cute kids says the costumes only cost about $40 and she used stuff she already had around the house.

2. Baby Saw

If I saw this creepy baby costume coming toward me, I would seriously run the other way. This kid is bound to give his parents nightmares wearing the mask of the serial killer “Jigsaw” from the movie Saw. I may never look at a tricycle the same way.

3. Baby Zombie

Vampires are sooo last year. This year, it's all about the zombie — and babies make the perfect walking dead. After all, they already have the stumbling walk and the drooling down pat. This baby zombie has it all — from the tattered and bloody clothes to the blackened eyes. Bonus points for the parents who staged these shots at an actual cemetery.

"I was sitting there watching my baby walk around and couldn't help but think that he walked like a little zombie (he was also growling at people like a little zombie), so we decided that he should be one for Halloween!" said his dad Cedar.

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4. Baby Joker

Forget about dressing your baby up as Batman — The Joker is way creepier. This little dude not only has the green hair and red smile painted on — but he has the creepy stare down as well. Hopefully some of his first words have included the catchphrase, "Why so serious?"

5. Baby Alien

This baby chicken costume would be adorable… if it weren’t for the disgusting alien popping out of his chest. Quick, someone call Ripley!

Next Up: Clockwork Orange

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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6. Clockwork Orange

Stanley Kubrick definitely would have approved this creepy Clockwork Orange-inspired costume, however the friendly neighborhood preschool teacher might not. Either way, we have to give points to the parents for being creative with their Alex DeLarge costume, including the one-eyed eyelashes and the “milk-plus” mocktail.

7. Scary Scarecrow

What was the inspiration behind this scary scarecrow? Mom Lisa says dad always dresses as a scary scarecrow for Halloween, so 3-month-old Cameron is following in his creepy footsteps.

"The mask is homemade out of leather, cheesecloth and liquid latex and painted creepy with raffia as the hair," Lisa told Costume-Works.com. "The mask is lined with soft, black fleece and was very comfortable for him to wear. The black shirt has burlap glued to it and the 'rice paddy rake' was used as a hayfork since it was the right size."

More: 15 needlessly sexy Halloween costumes for little girls

8. Baby Edward Scissorhands

The only people that can make this creepy Edward Scissorhands costume look cute are an itty-bitty… and Johnny Depp.

"The blades are made of plastic and foam, and mounted on modified shin guards (so Gabe can have his hands free for trick or treating of course!)," his mom said of her "pocket-sized Edward Scissorhands."

9. Zombie mom

This gross costume works well if you go trick-or-treating with your baby in a front carrier, such as the Baby Bjorn. This Zombie mom has her baby busting out of her bloody shirt… and it looks like he is nibbling on a brain for a treat. Yum.

10. Lobster baby

This Lobster baby costume is cute, but also a little creepy at the same time. Call us crazy, but there's something about a cute baby sitting in a pot on the stove that makes us feel a little uneasy. Yes, the baby is obviously fine, but it still creeps us out a bit.

Tell us: What is your favorite creepy baby Halloween costume? Weigh in below!

Originally published Oct. 2013. Updated Oct. 2016.

Just because you love your kids to death doesn't mean they don't drive you bat-crap crazy every day. Being a parent is like being a passenger on the wildest emotional roller coaster ever constructed. One minute, it's amazing — the next, you're wondering if it's too early to drink. (Spoiler alert: It usually is.) For those moments when your kids aren't being the angelic, snuggly cuties you portray them to be on Instagram, take comfort in these 10 hilarious parenting tweets that let moms and dads everywhere know they're not alone. (Like, ever, because #parenting.)

1. Who's in?

2. Doesn't always help

3. Pretty much

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4. #Awkward

5. Fun times!

6. May the odds be ever in your favor

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7. Nice try

8. Brilliant

9. Pretty good ideas

More: Telling my 5-year-old about sexual consent was just as awful as it sounds

10. More trouble than it's worth

Cumberbitches, here's something else for you to obsess over: Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter are believed to be expecting baby No. 2.

More: Benedict Cumberbatch gets candid about his 'obsessive, deluded fans'

According to E! News, the couple is adding to their family. The beans may have been spilled Thursday, when Cumberbatch and Hunter appeared on the red carpet in Los Angeles together to promote the actor's upcoming movie Doctor Strange. However, Hunter's black strapless gown wasn't shedding any light on the pregnancy rumors.

The couple welcomed their first child, son Christopher Carlton Cumberbatch, in June 2015, four months after their Valentine's Day wedding on England's Isle of Wight. The actor previously said he hoped to add to his brood, joking he might "go for a (Cumber)batch of boys."

However, it may be some time before Cumberbatch confirms the pregnancy — he's pretty protective of his privacy and earlier this year voiced his concerns about his "obsessive" fans, even accusing them of stalking him.

Congratulations to the couple if the pregnancy rumors are true. And let's hope they're ready for even more attention than they got the first time around — because those fans ain't going anywhere.

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