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Greg Mania might be the funniest comedian you've never heard of

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At 6’2 with blond hair that adds another three inches, it’s hard to miss Greg Mania. If that wasn’t enough, his gold lamé jacket and stenciled hair would definitely catch your attention.

Mania (and yes, that’s his real name) and I met through Facebook. I started following his hilarious one-liners and jokes, often reading them out loud to my roommates. After a few months of internet stalking, a few things were clear: 1. Greg Mania is one of the funniest comedians on the internet. And 2. Greg Mania has a weird obsession with Yankee Candle.

When he invited me to meet in-person, I was expecting an over-the-top, self-absorbed comedian obsessed with his own voice. I was surprised to find a quiet and kind guy who listened as much as he talked. Not only is he a talented, hard-working comedian, he’s an all-around good person. I was able to sit down and interview him to talk about his upcoming book, comedy, and of course, Yankee Candle.

Olive: Let’s start with the coolest thing about you: hair stencils. You literally stencil pictures into your hair, how?

Mania: (Laughs) First you have design the stencil and then it’s just black hairspray from a Halloween store. “Just” - I say that like I’m just peeling a potato. But simple in theory!

Olive: I’ve never seen that done before! It’s cool, but it’s definitely not actually the coolest thing about you. So let’s talk about comedy. Why did you become a comedian?

Mania: I love to perform. I wanted to be on Broadway. I used to do ballet and studied the Fosse style. I tried to sing and that didn’t work out.

Olive: Me too! My singing voice ruined my stage career. Maybe comedy is the backup for everyone who has failed at being on Broadway, like, you fail your way into comedy.

Mania. That’s exactly what comedy is, failing your way into being funny. So I couldn’t do Broadway but I still wanted to perform. I wanted to explore the performative nature online. So I started telling jokes on Twitter and writing humorous essays on my blog. For whatever reason, my blog started becoming pretty popular on my college campus. People at Hofstra started recognizing me and that’s how it all started.

Olive: It’s interesting because you were running this blog, but you were also pretty serious about academics too, right?

Mania: Yeah, I wanted to do well academically, even when I was a club kid.

Olive: You were a Club Kid? What does that even mean?

Mania: NYC has such an iconic nightlife scene. There’s the queer scene and the punk scene, any scene you can think of -- it has it! I was in to disco and high heels. I was always an eccentric dresser but I didn’t know where I could go to find people who would appreciate that. I knew it wasn’t Applebee’s in New Jersey. So when I was 19, I started coming in to the city to find bars and nightclubs where I could dance. I was fully immersed in the nightlife scene. I was out every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and I was Go-go dancing.

Olive: Wait, what?

Mania: It started as a joke. We were at Nurse Bettie’s, a pinup bar on the Lower East Side, when one of my friends jokingly said I should Go-go. So I got on stage and started casually dancing. That became the name of the act, “Casual Go-go.” I started showing up in costumes and dancing on stage, trying to be sexy every Monday night.

Olive: That’s hilarious and ridiculous. Speaking of hilarious, tell me about your book.

Mania: It’s called Born to Be Public and it’s coming out in 2017. It chronicles my journey...ugh, journey, so hack to say journey in 2016! But it chronicles my journey from go-go dancing to my career in writing comedy.

Olive: The book is about your life and in comedy, you air your dirty laundry in public. How has that affected your relationships?

Mania: Online me is zany and over-the top. Real life me is a little shy. My main commitment is to my relationships. They always come first. I’ll never exploit them for material. People think they’re aren’t boundaries in comedy and I disagree. I don’t want to hurt people.

Olive: I totally agree. You’re working on a movie too?

Mania: I am! We are less than a week from shooting. It’s my first feature film that I wrote with my best friend Dean Dempsey and it’s called Deadman’s Barstool. I’m playing a small-time hustler and scammer named Jack. I even cut my hair off and have a mullet now.

Olive: No more hair stencils!

Mania: Just for a few months.

Olive: If someone wanted to learn more about you, your book or movie, where should they look?

Mania: I can be summoned by arranging the yarn at Jo-Ann Fabric into a pentagram. Or they can check out all of my stuff at www.Greg-mania.com

Olive: Last question: What’s the deal with Yankee Candle?

Mania: I’m their brand ambassador! They just don’t pay me. YET. Also, I’m obsessed with my apartment smelling nice, you know, in case someone comes over. No one likes someone with a smelly apartment!


Adorable and awesome names for baby girls that start with A

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There are oodles of baby names to pick through when you're expecting. Some moms-to-be have a super-easy time deciding on the perfect one, but for others, it can be a long-drawn-out process, where more names are thrown out than make it to the "maybe" list.

More: These pregnancy emojis tell it like it really is, mesh panties and all

This baby name list is perfect for those who are looking for a baby name but aren't totally sure where to go. While they all do begin with the letter A, there are many, many different types of baby names represented here. You'll see cool vintage names, such as Agatha, as well as a few traditional favorites that are coming back into style, such as Aubrey and Audrey. Don't forget supercute nickname baby names like Abby and Angie. You'll also note a few pop culture or literary names like Arwen and Arya, and several unique possibilities, such as Abena and Avita.

No matter your style, you'll probably find a few to add to your list of "possibles" for your baby-to-be.

Baby names for girls that start with A
Image: Design: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows: Image: Getty Images

More: 6 breastfeeding positions all new moms should know

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

celeb baby names
Image: Praveenkumar Palanichamy/Getty Images

How to make dinner magically appear when you come home at night

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Let's indulge in a little fantasy. You come home at the end of a busy day with hungry people to feed. And you open the freezer, praying for a miracle, and behold! There is a whole meal waiting in there for you and your family. All you have to do is pop it in the oven for 30 minutes or so.

And no, it's not Lean Cuisine frozen dinners. And it's not last night's leftovers. And it's not takeout. This is food you cooked. But how? You were at work all day. Oh my God, did you clone yourself?!?

Yes! I mean, no. This, my friends, is the mom hack known as freezer meals.

Now before you say, "Pshh, I'm not doing that!" and click away, listen to us now and believe us later: This is easier to pull off than you think, and you're going to thank yourself when you thaw out that first meal. Seriously. You are going to say aloud, "Thank you, self, for premaking this dinner. I'm welcome!" and your kids are going to think you're insane. But you're not. You're smart and resourceful.

We got tips from our friends at Once a Month Meals on how to make this freezer-meals business your tantalizingly new easier life. Here's what they told us.

More: The ultimate pantry list that will get dinner made night after night

With these simple steps, you can stock the freezer with healthy, home-cooked meals, even if you don’t consider yourself a rock-star cook.

Pick your recipes

First, you have to know what you are going to cook. Here are a few guidelines:

  • Freezable: There are a wide variety of foods that you can freeze, even ones you think that you can’t, like rice or dairy. But there are a few that don’t maintain a good taste and texture, so steer clear of those.
  • Variety and efficiency: Balance your menu by having some super-easy recipes to throw together while a more complicated recipe is simmering or baking. Look for some overlap in ingredients so that your grocery list isn’t a mile long. Try something new, but be sure to have recipes you know everyone will love too.
  • Budget: Keep things simple so you don’t overspend. Choose recipes based on ingredients you already have in the pantry. And build your menu around seasonal produce and sales. But hint, hint — freezer-cooking in itself is going to save you money.

More: 5-Day Meal Plan: When you crave slow-cooked carnitas tacos and tostadas

Prepare for the big day

I promise — this undertaking won’t be difficult if you get organized first. One step at a time.

  • Equipment: You really only need basic kitchen tools and appliances. But it is helpful to have extras so you don’t have to wash as often. You may want to consider purchasing some larger-than-normal pots and pans for large batches or investing in a few time-saving gadgets like a food processor.
  • Grocery shop: This trip is slightly more involved than your usual shop, so plan for a little extra time. And make sure to go a day (or two) before you plan to cook. Using a planning service such as Once a Month Meals will help you print a grocery list in a snap (and has other helpful planning tools) — no math required.
  • Slice and dice: Take some time to prepare all of your ingredients before you start cooking. Then you can just measure and cook instead of constantly returning to the cutting board when you have three recipes going at the same time. This might be the single most important tip to success in freezer cooking.

More: 5-Day Meal Plan: We have ways of making you love pork chops

Freeze all the things

This is it. Get the kids, pets and other dependents out from underfoot, turn on your favorite tunes and get to work.

  • Where to start: There is a method to the madness. Again, a service like Once a Month Meals will provide you with step-by-step instructions for getting the job done. But basically, you want to start with the recipes that will take the longest: slow cooker recipes and baked. Then work your way through stovetop recipes. You'll end with the easiest recipes.
  • Before you freeze it, cool it. While you are finishing up those last easy recipes or doing dishes, let your recipes completely cool to avoid freezer burn.
  • Package and freeze: You’ve reached the end! Grab your freezer-friendly containers and label first. (It is harder when they are full of food.) Fill them with deliciousness, and lay them flat to freeze for maximum space efficiency.

Now all that is left to do is enjoy your dinner — and all of your newfound free time.

What it's like to be a highly sensitive person

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I was crying. Scratch that. I was sobbing. Ugly, runny nose, red eyes, hyperventilating squawks of despair even the waterproof mascara could not contain.

My daughter was quick to console... until she learned I was intentionally reading stories I knew would break my heart. “Mom," she told me. "Stop.”

“But... but... but…” I protested, gasping. “She was laboring... and then the baby... and oh the sadness...” Incoherent blubbering, as the crocodile tears fell from under my reading glasses.

She rolled her eyes at me. “Take a B vitamin and suck it up, woman.”

Forget the dichotomy of the right-brained vs. the left-brained, the introvert vs. the extrovert, the optimist vs. the pessimist, the liberal vs. the conservative. The contrasts that most affect my life are the thinkers vs. feelers.

The differences have nothing to do with intelligence or brain dominance or gender or age. Most of us - well, let me put it this way — most of you are thinkers. You watch movies and are simply entertained. You read books and maintain the ability to fall asleep when you go to bed. You meet a suffering friend and are able to be kind and supportive without letting it ruin your day.

You listen to a song and don't feel your entire life wrapped up in the lyrics. You endure personal loss, and upon reaching the "acceptance" stage of grief, you pick up the pieces, buy a sassy orange shirt and move on along.

We feelers don’t do that. We can't do that. Believe me, we try. We often think there is something wrong with us because we dwell on everything. We feel everything deeply. Telling me to “stop it” or “get over it” is like telling me to stop breathing. The way I feel things is not a defect in my personality, nor is it simply part of who I am. It is who I am.

Now, some thinkers think you are feelers. You aren’t. Just because you can be emotional doesn’t make you a feeler. If you can reason your way out of an emotion - ever - you are a thinker. And some of you feelers assume you must be thinkers because all you do is think, think, overthink. Don’t be fooled, that’s part of what makes you a feeler.

Feelers can’t shake the emotion, whichever emotion it happens to be. I am the one laughing the loudest. The one using sarcasm to deflect pain. I won’t settle for an answer of “I’m fine” when I know you don’t mean it. I will struggle to break down those walls you build around you. I am the one not gossiping because I refuse to assume the worst about you. I will take all kinds of crap from you and for you because I don’t ever want you to have to feel the pain I have felt. Ever.

Feelers crave passion and connection. We automatically put ourselves in your shoes to better understand you. Sure, we are the criers. But we are also the entertainers. And the huggers. And the empathizers.

This does not mean we are always depressed and gloomy. Far from it. But when we are, there is no shaking it and definitely no faking it.

We take no comfort in "things will get better” or “if it is meant to be it will happen”. We only know it is not better and the thought of living without it is more than we can bear. And we feel this, not only for ourselves, but for anyone whose story we become a part of.

Unfortunately for me, it only takes 23 seconds for me to invest my heart in someone else’s story. By the time the father/daughter duo are dancing at her wedding, I’m sniffling. Before Tim McGraw mentions x-rays as a reason to “Live Like You Were Dyin’,” I’m overwhelmed. When Max grows tired of the Wild Things and wants to be where someone loves him best of all, my voice is quivering. And I am unabashedly mourning when I realize that no matter how much Noah reads to Allie from “The Notebook,” there really is no such thing as a happy ending in a Nicholas Sparks story.

Tears of laughter. Tears of loss. Tears of frustration. Tears of hope. Tears of anger. Tears of joy.

So when you see me, I will probably be crying. Or I will have just been crying. Or I’m about to cry (just give me 17 seconds.) If you’re a kindred spirit, you will give me a hug and shed a tear with me. If you’re a thinker, you will offer me a Kleenex, tell me it will be okay, and wonder what the heck is wrong with me.

Not one thing. I’m just a feeler.

This piece was originally posted on BlogHer.

Tom Hanks' hosting episode has viewers crying foul on Saturday Night Live

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Did you catch Saturday Night Live this week? The crazy combo of Tom Hanks' ninth time hosting and Lady Gaga as the musical guest had even the most jaded of former SNL fans tuning in. And while many were delighted by the episode, others were not so stoked about Hanks and what they saw in this weekend's installment.

But before we jump into that... can we talk about Gaga for a moment? Her emotional ballad "Million Reasons" showcased her amazing voice, and her piano playing put her intrinsic musical talent on full display.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

And don't forget her performance of "A-Yo." Did Gaga just go country?

Image: Giphy

Now, on to Hanks.

More: Urban Dictionary's definition of "nasty woman" probably isn't Donald Trump-approved

Alec Baldwin was back for a third time to reprise his role as Donald Trump at the final presidential debate, and — sorry, not sorry — his mimicry of The Donald is still as hilarious the third time around as it was the first. Hanks participated in the debate sketch with his dead-on impersonation of Chris Wallace, but it was his hillbilly-esque parody of Trump supporters during the "Black Jeopardy" sketch that rubbed some people the wrong way.

Tom Hanks Black Jeopardy

Tom Hanks Black Jeopardy

Many felt the big take-away from the skit was that working-class people of color and working-class white people have a lot in common, but others were put off by Hanks' liberal political leanings.

tom hanks haters

tom hanks haters

On the flip side, some viewers felt that Hanks and SNL's handling of Trump on this week's episode was too apologetic and thought they were backing down after Trump called out Baldwin and the media after last week's performance.

SNL haters

SNL haters

But, though some feelings were hurt by the skit, it seemed like there were 10 people who loved it for every one who hated it.

Tom Hanks lovers

Tom Hanks lovers

To be honest, regardless of his politics, to us, Hanks will always be a national treasure.

Image: Giphy

What did you think about Tom Hanks' ninth time hosting SNL?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs against trump slideshow
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

Where to save money on Halloween candy and decorations

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While fall is definitely my favorite season, Halloween may be one of my top three favorite holidays. The spooky holiday seems to mark the halfway point before we descend into the full-blown holiday madness leading to Thanksgiving and taking us through to Christmas.

So let’s enjoy the festivities, may they be fun, scary or both, with these sweet deals on decorations for that big bash and of course, the candy. You can’t forget the candy. That would be a truly scary sight.

Where to save money on candy

If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters to come knocking on your door, make sure to stock up on large quantities. Treat yourself to these savings and be sure to get the big bags at Kmart or be the favorite house of the neighborhood and get the king size candy bars at Costco.

Or maybe you’re throwing a fancy All Hallow’s Eve bash and want to step up your food game. Dylan’s Candy Bar is a sweets wonderland that kids crave and adults will drool over. Now you can save 20 percent of unique, spooky and delicious Halloween treats using Goodshop exclusive coupons and donate 3 percent back to your favorite cause. Or if you just want to send some silly scary treats to someone, The Popcorn Factory has plenty of popcorn and other themed treats (with free shipping) while you donate 8 percent to a nonprofit or charity.

I personally would be on the hunt for Jelly Belly Bertie Botts Every Flavor Jelly Beans from the Harry Potter series, because nothing says Halloween more than witches and magic.

Where to save money on decorations

Whether you’re just decorating your house to the bare minimum or trying to scare the entire neighborhood, decorations help us get into the spirit of things.

Spirit Halloween is the place to go for your spookiest Halloween decorations. You can save up to 25 percent on any item using these deals. Halloween Express offers some great coupons as well. I recommend the pumpkin carving kits while you’re picking up (fake) bloodied arms and severed heads.

Maybe you’re looking to host an equally spooky Dia de los Muertos celebration instead of the usual All Hallow’s Eve festivities. While not as specifically marketed toward Halloween, Windy City Novelties also has a lot of decorations (and coupons) to choose from for whatever occasion you and your guests will be celebrating. Oriental Trading Company has Halloween decorations on sale now, and you can save even more money while giving 2.5 percent of what you spend to your favorite cause.

Put the final touches on your awesome Halloween using more deals from Goodshop. I’ll be watching an all-time Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus.

Now a porn star is saying Donald Trump assaulted and propositioned her

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Welp, we didn't think it could happen, but things just got even worse for Donald Trump.

On Saturday, porn actress and director Jessica Drake accused Trump of sexual assault, saying that he grabbed and kissed her and two other women — without permission — in a hotel room in 2006. Drake and her attorney, Gloria Allred, also said publicly that Trump offered Drake $10,000 to have sex with him.

"Ten years ago, I was working for Wicked Pictures at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. I was at Wicked's celebrity gift room in the morning before he teed off. He flirted with me and invited me to walk along the golf course, which I did," Drake said of Trump. "He asked me for my phone number, which I gave to him. Later that evening, he invited me to his room. I said I didn't feel right going alone, so two other women came with me."

More: NBC may have actually destroyed Donald Trump's campaign on purpose

Drake went on to detail that she and the other women spent about 30 to 45 minutes in the hotel room with Trump, but that was enough time for Trump to act inappropriately.

"When I entered the room, he grabbed each of us tightly in a hug and kissed each of us without asking permission. He was wearing pajamas," she said.

But after Drake and the other women left, she alleged, Trump wasn't ready to end the evening, and an associate phoned her on his behalf.

"He said Donald wanted me to come back upstairs to his suite. I indicated that I didn't wish to return. Then Donald called. He asked me to return and have dinner with him... Then he asked me: 'What do you want? How much?'"

More: Looks like Billy Bush's sexist conversation with Donald Trump was career suicide

Drake also said that she is only seeking solidarity with Trump's other accusers, not fame or money.

"Collectively, his words and his actions are a huge testament to his character. That of uncontrollable misogyny, entitlement and being a sexual assault apologist," she said. "This is not acceptable behavior for anyone, much less a presidential candidate. I realize that in this situation, I may be but a tiny grain of sand. But clearly, this is an enormous beach."

Donald Trump accuser

Donald Trump accuser

For his part, Trump's camp says the complaint is completely unfounded.

"This story is totally false and ridiculous," a spokesperson for Trump said in a statement to the Daily Mail. "Mr. Trump does not know this person, does not remember this person and would have no interest in ever knowing her. This is just another attempt by the Clinton campaign to defame a candidate who just today is No. 1 in three different polls. Anyone who would pay thugs to incite violence at a rally against American citizens, as was released on video, will stop at nothing. Just another example of the Clinton campaign trying to rig the election."

Trump also said Saturday that he plans to take legal action against all the woman who have come forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct over the past couple weeks.

More: Shark Tank's Mark Cuban just exposed more alleged Donald Trump sexual abuse

"Every woman lied when they came forward to hurt my campaign," Trump said during a rally in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. "Total fabrication. The events never happened. Never. All of these liars will be sued after the election is over."

Donald Trump rally

Donald Trump rally

Do you think this latest accuser is the final nail in the coffin for the Trump campaign?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Celebs who support Trump, Clinton slideshow
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/TNYF/WENN.com

So what if I don't force my kids to eat their dinner?

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I’ve spent the last 40 minutes accomplishing a carefully timed feat in my kitchen. I’ve packed school lunches, my husband’s lunch and prepared pasta three ways: with meat sauce for him, with red sauce for my twin 3-year-old boys and with zoodles for myself. I even managed to load the dishwasher as I went along and remembered to pour the milk into the right colored cups this time to avoid the usual dinnertime, “Where’s my blue cup!” drama. After all that hard work I’m hangry and tired, and all I want is for the four of us to sit down for a meal together so I can feel like my efforts in the kitchen were worth it.

But as usual, my sons barely touch their carefully crafted meals.

One takes a single mouthful of pasta before declaring he’s “All done!” and wandering off to build a blanket fort. The other manages a whopping three bites before he declares himself full and asks to be excused. And while part of me wants to yell at them to get back to the table and finish their dinner, I sigh and watch them run off, because I refuse to force my kids to eat when they’re not hungry.

It’s not easy to watch them walk away from nearly full plates of food, and they do it far more often than I care to admit. Sometimes I have to literally bite my tongue or get up, leave the table and go collect myself in the bathroom alone for a few minutes in order to stop myself from strapping them into their booster seats and feeding them by hand. I hate it when they don’t eat.

I used to spend every Sunday morning hunkered down with a cup of coffee, comparing my various Pinterest boards to the weekly coupon circulars in order to come up with a weekly menu that fits our family budget, is healthy and seems like foods the kids will enjoy. Sometimes I’ll even prepare a completely separate meal for the kids if I don’t think they’ll like what their father and I are eating for dinner that night. It’s disheartening to work so hard to put together meals that I think they will enjoy just to have them snubbed.

As former 33-week preemies, I worry about my kids getting the right nutrients and growing well. When they don’t eat their breakfast on a school day, I worry about them getting hungry long before snack time. And even though I do what I can to save leftovers, when they don’t eat there’s inevitably going to be more food waste in the house. As someone who grew up in a house with limited funds, wasting food really doesn’t sit well with me.

But my concern over all of this — their growth, my own ego or the state of food insecurity in our country — is outweighed by my desire for them to have a healthy relationship with food. I want them to know when they’re hungry and when they’re full. And that’s why I will never force them to eat simply because the clock tells them it’s mealtime.

Growing up as a child, I was always encouraged to clean my plate at each meal. I was praised for eating the food that was put in front of me and scolded when I failed to eat whatever my family, mainly my grandmother, arbitrarily deemed was “enough." That thought pattern stayed with me throughout childhood and followed me through adolescence and into adulthood, where it resulted in my having a difficult relationship with food. Even now I struggle to know what full feels like. I have to fight the compulsion to eat at traditional meal times or clean my plate even if I’m not actually hungry. I didn’t want my boys growing up to deal with the same issues.

I don’t blame my family or any parent who begs their child to eat at mealtime. It’s easy to see where the idea of, “just three more bites” comes from. When my sons first started solid foods, I found myself falling into the same pattern of behavior I swore I would never adopt. The fear that my kids wouldn’t eat enough led me to push food on them. Even if they’d just had a snack or weren’t showing any signs of hunger, I’d still try to make them eat because it was, after all, time to eat. Once I realized I was doing the exact thing I swore I wouldn’t do, I was able to back off and let my kids lead the way.

I know that some people think I’m being an overly permissive parent, that I’m letting my kids walk all over me by the way I don’t insist that they eat three meals a day. I’ve had servers at restaurants raise an eyebrow when I’ve asked for a take-away bag for a clearly untouched plate of child’s food. Some even try to admonish the boys to eat on my behalf. One waitress even cut into my son’s grilled cheese with a knife and fork and tried to feed it to him.

I’ve had family and friends comment that I’m overindulging them when I give into their request for a snack shortly after everyone else has finished eating. But as long as that snack is healthy and good for their bodies, I don’t think I’m getting scammed by a preschooler. I’d rather have them eat an apple or yogurt when they’re hungry for it than force them to choke down chicken nuggets even if they aren’t hungry right at that minute. No one’s refusing to eat their sandwich and getting rewarded with a cookie 10 minutes later.

It can be frustrating to feel like my kids are running the show when it comes to meals, but as long as their pediatrician is happy with how they are growing and developing, I need to trust that they know their own bodies and hunger cues better than I do.


Weekly horoscopes: Oct. 24 – Oct. 30

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
Image: SheKnows

Uranus, the planet of revolution and change, is the most unpredictable of all the planets in astrology. And it becomes even more unpredictable when it squares Mars, the planet of "act first and ask questions later." You can expect a lot of upset apple carts and trampled fruit on Oct. 28 when you pull a last-minute surprise about-face. But you will also discover that things not turning out the way you had planned results in finding a better way to go. Act like this is what you meant to do all along and people will wind up praising you for your foresight and wisdom.

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

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
Image: SheKnows

You're beginning to wonder if your resourcefulness works against you. It seems as though people only come to you when they need their fat pulled out of the fire or when they need help stretching a buck across the yawning abyss of debt. Your eleventh-hour solutions make you indispensable. They also lead people to take you for granted. Avoid running to the rescue on Oct. 29. The only way to get them to stop repeating bad behavior and to live within their means is to refuse to bail them out. That will send the message home faster than any lecturing and finger-wagging will.

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

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
Image: SheKnows

There's trouble brewing at work. You can tell something's up even though people will say everything's cool. The best way to deal with this is to do nothing. Let developments unfold on their own. This puts the onus on a supervisor to come forward and say what's wrong. Right now, you are protected by the wording in a contract or agreement. Nobody can do anything against you. Yet this won't stop them from trying to coerce you into saying or doing something questionable. You'll want to mind your p's and q's over the next few weeks while you carefully work out an exit strategy.

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

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
Image: SheKnows

You've been playing it safe for weeks — telling yourself that it's better to sit quietly in the passenger seat than it is to grab ahold of the reins. Usually this would work, except that you have a lot of Uranian energy coursing through your horoscope. Uranus is the planet of revolution and change. When it's powerful (like it is right now) then you want to be the person steering events and not vice-versa. This is your chance to rewrite the rules, to reset the agenda and even to reboot a flagging relationship or project. It's time for you to make your presence known!

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

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
Image: SheKnows

You've been through the drill so many times with a loved one that you'll just want to keep on scrolling, but don't. The sun/Mercury conjunction on Oct. 27 shows that this time the alarm is real. Call this person back ASAP and you'll nip a problem in the bud. Wait any longer, and you'll regret it. The other heads-up is on the 28th when Mars squares Uranus. This involves a shake-up at work that doesn't seem to concern you, but think again. The effects are far-reaching and dramatic. You may even find yourself next in line for a post you always felt was beyond reach.

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

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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It appears as though you're getting better at reading people's moods. This is a direct result of Neptune traveling through Pisces. Neptune is the planet of the unconscious in astrology. It's famous for inducing midday space-outs, fuzzy-headed math and phantasmal conversations that you remember having but nobody else does. However, there's an upside, which you'll discover for yourself when Neptune trines Mercury on Oct. 30. This is when you'll suddenly be able to decipher a loved one's hurt feelings or a friend's unexplained hesitation. This allows you to get to the bottom of a situation that has troubled you for far too long.

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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You'll want to mind your p's and q's — along with any other letters of the alphabet that you can think of — when Venus forms a conjunction to Saturn on Oct. 29. Saturn is a stickler for the facts, so you won't be able to finesse, coax or cajole in the ways that you are used to. Holding a weak hand in business? It's better to fold your cards than it is to bluff because you will only lose. The same holds true for telling white lies, because what starts out as an innocent cover-up will only come back to bite you in the derriere later.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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Your tough-love stance was a good idea when it started, but now it's beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Whatever this person's faults, they won't go away because of your zero-tolerance policy. What's needed is understanding and support. Scorpio is a fixed sign. You have a hard time relaxing your hold on the present moment and letting the future unfold on its own. Know that the heart has its reasons for doing the things it does and you would be more successful following that than you would by imposing rules that no longer fit nor serve your current situation.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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It's amazing how you can spend months (years maybe?) trying to get somewhere and then suddenly you get that big break. That's what you'll experience on Oct. 26, when your ruling planet Jupiter forms a sensational sextile to Venus in Sagittarius. This unexpected upturn in fortune will be thanks to an old colleague speaking well of you, a recommendation from a friend or some random LinkedIn search that leads an employer to check out your profile and message you. This simple development will transform the landscape of your life from a desert rife with tumbleweeds to a verdant field teeming with colorful possibilities.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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Capricorns are famous for being good with money. Nobody can squeeze a dime out of a nickel like you can. However, frugality doesn't always yield the returns that you deserve or the long-term security that you desire. That's why it pays to get an informed opinion. Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, traveling through your solar midheaven shows that there are three people who can help you capitalize on your assets and turn your dross into gold. One is a woman, another is an old cranky-type and the last is a friend of a friend. All you have to do is contact them.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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You are a firm believer in doing the right thing. This isn't based on self-righteousness. It's based on your belief that there really is such a thing as justice in the universe. You know that people who see things in terms of an eye for an eye will never escape their cycle of escalating grievances, while those who embrace their highest selves will live a more fulfilling life. It's as simple as that. You're often criticized for being either too naive or too idealistic, so it will be nice to see how your good works will be recognized and then amply rewarded on Oct. 26 and 30.

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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Everyone thinks you and your boss are best friends. If only that were true! Yes, a certain camaraderie has grown between you in recent months, but it's hard to ignore the hypocrisy, the self-serving gestures and the fact that this person is celebrated for her generosity when she takes more than she gives. You told yourself transcending this would be the professional thing to do, but it feels like you're enabling the situation. The stars hear your exasperation, but you're still months shy of being able to remedy matters. Continue to grin and bear it and you'll be rewarded for your efforts in January.

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Your weekly love horoscope

Weekly love horoscopes: Oct. 24 – Oct. 30

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 19 - April 18)
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This is one of those weeks that you wish could last forever. You and your lover are so totally in sync with each other that you don't even have to say anything out loud. And when you do, you'll both laugh hysterically because it feels like you really are reading each other's minds. It's been a long time since you felt so dreamy, romantic and elated, so drink it in. Are there complications? Of course there are — which is why you'll want to get the most out of your cloud nine experience while you can. Reality makes an uninvited reappearance next week.

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)
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It's impossible to think straight when you're in debt. You withdraw into yourself and then start obsessing about how you're going to pay back all those bills. This anxiety can also switch your sex drive into sleep-mode because any output of energy is seen as an unnecessary expenditure. You turn off to men and subsequently men turn off to you. Thank heavens the Venus/Jupiter sextile on Oct. 26 brings good news regarding money. You'll be glad to discover that finances are finally on the mend. The sextile will reboot your love life and bring your romantic energies back online.

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)
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You need to have a serious talk with your partner about whether or not the future is a place that you can get to from here. But you will have to bring more to the table than gripes and grievances. If anything, you should be prepared to discuss intimate matters like trust, sharing and your sex life. The Venus/Saturn conjunction on Oct. 29 will challenge you to explore these dark corners of your psychic closet that most people would much rather avoid. It's hard doing this, but what you get in return may be a new lease on the life of your relationship.

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)
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This week, you meet someone who looks like trouble. Everything about him will be impossibly wrong. Maybe he reminds you of your ex, he doesn't make enough money or he's impossibly chauvinistic and self-involved. So why are you going to break all those rules that you spent so much time drafting in the first place? Because he's fun. And fun is exactly what's been missing from your love life lately. Ironically, what starts out as a quick pick-me-up could turn into something more. You may regard him as just a fling, but believe it or not, he sees you as the real thing.

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)
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This is a tough time for your relationship. Your partner is going through a lot of intense things right now, so he's bound to be preoccupied and a tad self-absorbed. Don't let him retreat behind a wall. Even if he doesn't think that he needs a shoulder to lean on, you need to let him know that what impacts him impacts you and that you're in it together. It may feel like what you say goes in one ear and out the other, but trust that making the effort will register with him. He may even reach out to you as early as next week.

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)
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It doesn't matter how hard you work to bring home the bacon, loved ones will still find something wrong with everything you do. That's because you can't win for trying when Venus conjoins Saturn, a planet famous for cataloguing every fly in the ointment. But if you remember that the best defense is a good offense, then you might try going on the charm-offensive. Agree with their criticisms, be sympathetic toward their positions and let a smile be your umbrella. Those rainy days of Saturn won't last forever. In fact, there could even be a break in the cloud cover by the end of next week.

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)
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You're not a big fan of ultimatums, and you won't appreciate being served with one on Oct. 28. However, you know that this freak-out is all about your lover's insecurity. Most people wouldn't put up with half the shenanigans that you put up with, but then again, you're not most people. Blessed with infinite patience and indefatigable reason, you know that he will eventually calm down. That said, you still have to resist caving into his demands while avoiding adding fuel to the fire. It's not an easy tightrope to walk, but if anyone can do it without losing her balance — it's you.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)
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This week you'll hear from your ex, some guys you used to date and even that fellow you were crushing on a while back who turned you down. It's weird because you thought that everyone had moved on. Evidently, that's not the case. Get ready to listen to them wax nostalgic about missed opportunities with you and the roads not taken. You'll be unmoved (honestly, you got over them a long time ago), but be a good sport and hear them out. After they're done, you can help them to pick their egos off the ground, dust them off and send them on their way.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 -Dec. 20)
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Sometimes wanting something that you can't have now is good. It makes the heart grow in ways that it wouldn't have if you satisfied that craving or fulfilled that desire right away. This isn't something that your friends will understand. They may even try to talk you out of your new amour given how complicated and upsetting the previous one was. Nevertheless, you have formed an attachment to someone who can't be with you right now, and that story is just beginning to unfold. It won't be the exercise in futility you fear. It could even become one of the greatest romances you've ever experienced.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19)
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Don't' do anything to make yourself the target of negative attention when Venus conjoins Saturn on Oct. 29. Venus is the planet of attraction in astrology. It's her job to get everyone to like you on your cosmic Facebook page. However, Venus can elicit more ire than desire when she's in close proximity to Saturn, so you will want to watch what you say. The best way to get through the next eight days is to turn the other cheek and to be the bigger person. It won't be easy given the way that certain people will be pushing your emotional buttons, so be prepared.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 17)
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Demands at work are taking up all of your attention. In fact, things will be so hectic that even the idea of trying to get together with your boyfriend will feel like an enormous chore. This is one of those times when you just have to trust that people can take care of themselves. Your boyfriend doesn't have to be entertained 24/7. You don't have to keep coming up with fun things to do to keep his interest. In a strange way, the fact that you will be otherwise engaged over the next few weeks gives him a chance to show that he's there for you.

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 18)
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You can tell that something's up. Part of this stems from being born under psychic Pisces and another part comes from Mercury's entrance into Scorpio on Oct. 24. Mercury is the planet of the mind in astrology. Inquisitive and analytical, it gains a more prescient quality when it's in Scorpio — not unlike antennae telling you what lies ahead. Unfortunately, confirmation of your suspicions will be less forthcoming. Your boyfriend could be holding back with the truth or he could be in the dark himself. In either case, you can rest assured that you'll be getting to the bottom of things sooner rather than later.

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Your weekly horoscope

Crunchy, flavorful coatings for next-level fried food

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Sure, dredging your meats and vegetables in a simple flour coating for a quick fry is the easiest route, but it's certainly not the most delicious one. You can coat your fried items with all kinds of good stuff, from the more traditional (like crackers) to the super-surprising (like a sweet cereal) — and chances are you already have most of these items in your cupboard.

alternatives to flour

Let's face it: There's nothing yummier in the world you can do to food than coat it, deep (or shallow) fat-fry it and maybe hit it with a little salt for good measure. No matter how bad something is and no matter how good it is, it can always be better when fried to a deep golden-brown.

More: Everything you need to know about frying cheese (no, not mozzarella sticks)

Of course, we believe you can't have too much of a good thing, which is why when we fry, we make sure to coat our fried foods in the usual flour or batter and then dip the whole thing into a delicious coating. If that sounds like your kind of frying party, then get out your oil. You've got some coating to do.

1. Chex cereal

Chex (and all its imitators and generics) has a very firm, crispy exterior that stands up extremely well to frying. It also helps that the numerous varieties of Chex also taste pretty good too. All you need to do is use your hands to break up the Chex, and roll your fried foods in it for an extra bit of crunch and a nice earthy flavor too.

2. Fruity Pebbles

Something sweet doesn't work with all fried items (fried okra plus Fruity Pebbles sounds nasty), but for certain items — children's chicken fingers, fish sticks, etc. — coating the food with Fruity Pebbles can produce a nice sweet-savory combination. You will need to crush the cereal, most likely with a meat mallet or rolling pin, but other than that, Fruity Pebbles are easy to add to your meal.

More: Making the banh mi sandwich you're craving is easier than you'd think

3. Garbanzo bean flour

If you're making a batter, consider switching over to garbanzo bean flour instead of white flour. The gluten-free flour will produce batters that are much denser and have a sweeter, more intense flavor. You can also dredge your fried items in garbanzo bean flour too.

4. Brown rice flour

Brown rice flour is another great flour alternative. We really like to use it to dredge fried items because we like the hint of brown rice it gives the final product. It can also be used to make a batter.

5. Finely ground Ritz crackers

Ritz crackers have an unctuous, buttery quality that makes them ideal to coat fried foods. Why ideal? Who doesn't want more butter and fat with their fried foods! The key, though, to using Ritz crackers in your fried foods is to grind them very finely. If you have pieces more than a few millimeters to a side, then the texture of the final product will be weirdly soggy. What you want to do is make a Ritz dust and roll your fried food in that for a delicious buttery kick.

6. Bacon

Yes, that's right, you can roll some fried foods in bacon. To make this work, crisp up your bacon, and cut it into fine pieces (think bacon bits from a salad bar). Also, you're going to have to use a batter or roll the fried food in egg wash so that the bacon has something to which it can stick. If you have that, it's just a matter of rolling the food and hitting the fryer.

More: Girl, you don't need an oven to cook your Thanksgiving turkey

7. Cheddar cheese and panko

Cheddar cheese by itself cannot survive in the fryer as a coating. That's why you take a small amount of it and mix it with something like panko (or one of the other suggestions on this list, like croutons or Chex). Then coat the food normally. The end result won't be terribly cheesy; rather it will have an additional richness and saltiness that come from the cheese.

8. Croutons

More and more, store-bought croutons are being shunned in favor of homemade croutons, or they're getting left off entirely because they're carbs. With that said, a lot of packaged croutons are really delicious and come in a variety of different flavors. If you have a crouton you like, just toss a few handfuls into the blender, and pulse until you have a very coarse breadcrumb. Use that to coat as normal.

9. Cumin and rye seeds

First things first. If you're going to use cumin and rye seeds, do so sparingly. They both pack a huge punch, but if you can get them to stick using a wet batter, you're going to have a fancy, flavorful fried dish.

10. Sourdough breadcrumbs

Day-old sourdough bread makes an excellent coating because of its unique flavor, which translates to the fried food if you use it as a coating. Just pulse in a food processor until the texture of sand, and coat. Of course, that astringent tang doesn't work with all foods, but for some stronger vegetables, chicken or beef, it can be a very welcome change of pace.

Originally published Jan. 2015. Updated Oct. 2016.

Over Lululemon? Believe it or not, there are alternatives

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It wasn't that long ago that Lululemon had the market cornered on fashionable exercise apparel. The brand was so popular, in fact, that they had women (and men) lining up all over the U.S. who were happy to shell out upwards of $300 for a single outfit.

But a couple of body shaming and see-through pants scandals later, the fad has faded and Lulu is quickly going the way of Ed Hardy and Affliction. Word is spreading like wildfire: Lululemon is not the be-all, end-all when it comes to super cute yoga and workout attire. And did we mention that their newest leggings will run you a cool $298?

Personally, I still own a few pieces of Lulu — I'm not about to throw a $100 pair of yoga pants away because the brand isn't totally in style anymore — but I've also discovered some new brands that I'm pretty impressed with.

Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

1. Kira Grace:

YogaClothes
Image: KiraGrace

I bless the day I discovered Kira Grace. Their clothing is simple, but oh so beautiful. The fabric they use is thin enough for hot yoga, but also stands up to pounding it gets from running. The fits are flattering and the tops are supportive. I can't say enough about this brand. The above leggings are $98, which is steep, true. But the quality is high and the price point is similar to Lulu and what you get feels like a whole lot more. These are outfits you truly want to wear to coffee after yoga is done.

2. Om Shanti:

YogaPants
Image: OmShanti

Om Shanti is really just for yoga. If you want clothing that also will take you on runs and through a spin class or two, this is probably not the brand. But what they lack in versatility, they make up for in style. And how. These pants have flair for days. My two pairs of these pants get more attention than any other pants I own. They are beautifully cut and their weight, while not versatile, really is perfect for hot yoga — and since I take at least one class daily, that makes them perfect for me. The above pants are $75, but they also have crops that run about $70 and loose fitting tank tops and other great clothing to help bring out the inner yogini.

More: I made the switch to natural deodorant and I'll never look back

3. Onzie:

YogaPants
Image: Onzie

This company makes absolutely stunning sports bras with fancy backs that would make any one want to try out a backless top. But they also make perfect leggings for hot yoga that manage to be both effortlessly comfortable as well as highly stylish. I get compliments on my Onzie pants all the time. The skull print, in particular, has been a big hit.

4. YogaSmoga:

yoga top
Image: YogaSmoga

Before YogaSmoga, I mostly wore yoga tops with built in shelf bras. These are fantastic for running as well. But what I loved about the tanks I got from YogaSmoga is the fact that they worked almost entirely for yoga. They have tight bottoms that stay put when you invert, but they have loose middles that feel flowing and cool in hot yoga. I also like the open backs that show off pretty sports bras. It's a win all around!

More: 5 yoga fusion classes to rev up your practice

5. Montiel Activewear:

Montiel
Image: Montiel

Simple yoga clothing that feels good on, moves with the body, and makes you look hot, too? Yes, please! The pants featured here (Lea Leggings in lilac grey, $74) are incredibly comfortable and also lift and firm the butt in ways I never knew possible. Their comfy tops and sports bras round out the look and their simple covers are effortless and incredibly stylish. Plus they are less expensive than Lulu.

6. Liquido:

Liquido

Image: Liquido

These leggings feel sturdy, which makes them perfect for both running and yoga. They also have a great length, as in, no bagging at the ankles, but they are not crops, either. They have tons of fun patterns and at $89 feel like a little bit of a saving. Liquido also has great tanks, some with writing, that will make you feel perfectly yogic, indeed.

7. Vimmia:

Vimmia
Image: Vimmia

These leggings are as versatile and as high quality as anything Lululemon puts out. If you are looking for an all-around great legging, look no further. Their capris seem pricey at $92, but they really seem like they will last a few years and will carry you through hard cardio, hot yoga and more. The only issue I see is that they tend to get hot, which is why I would choose the capris over the long leggings for a heated vinyasa class.

Originally published March 2016. Updated Oct. 2016.

It's like Tara Reid can't step out in public without getting skinny-shamed

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How long has Tara Reid been famous? According to IMDb, her first major role was in The Big Lebowski in 1998. That was almost 20 years ago, fam. She's been famous for almost two decades. And guess what? She's been thin that entire time.

More: You want to talk about Tara Reid's 'skinny' body? Sure, let's do it

So why is it that Reid is like an international lightning rod for skinny-shaming? It's like the girl can't even go out in public without people telling her to eat more, go to rehab, get off drugs, etc., etc., etc. And you know something? She's still healthy, she's still a happy mom and wife, and she's still thin. Time for you all to get over it, internet.

The latest incident comes after Reid dressed up in a skimpy Greek goddess costume at Maxim's Halloween party. It was like she was wearing a giant middle finger to all her haters, because that costume showed off every slender inch of her. Naturally, the trolls came running.

Tara Reid skinny shamed in Halloween costume 1

Tara Reid skinny shamed in Halloween costume 1

More: Tara Reid should have handled her awkward interview with Jenny McCarthy better

Reid has spent years addressing eating disorder and drug use rumors because of her small frame. She's clearly reached a pretty Zen state of not giving a fuck, because she posted a photo and a video of herself in the costume on her Instagram, where the trolls, of course, went at it.

Tara Reid skinny shamed in Halloween costume 2

Tara Reid skinny shamed in Halloween costume 2

"U look sick. Please get some help and start feeling better about life. :(" one commenter wrote. Another added, "beautiful, please eat food to look healthy."

Who gave these trolls the right to decide what's right for Reid, a perfect stranger? News flash, you guys: Some people are naturally thin. You don't have any more right to shame them than you do to shame someone who's overweight.

More: Tara Reid third-degree burns Jenny McCarthy while addressing the walkout

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs attacked slideshow
Image: Apega/WENN

When I was attacked by internet trolls, I looked to Leslie Jones

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Dear Leslie Jones,

All I want to say is thank you. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for standing up to the trolls who wanted nothing more than to ruin your life. Thank you for showing them that women are stronger than their hateful words.

More: Leslie Jones talks about being naked on CNN: 'I just wanted to be beautiful, y'all!'

When I saw the news of the despicable attack against you in August, I was disgusted. I couldn't believe that some sad, small men could be so pissed about your role in a movie that they would deface your website with racist memes and spread your most personal images and information on social media. And then, as if that weren't enough, I watched in horror as more trolls took to Twitter to make vicious jokes at your expense. I remember one in particular, a man who said he felt sorry for your hackers for having to see your nude photos. It made me sick to my stomach.

But watching you address the attack on Saturday Night Live this week gave me so much hope. Throughout everything, you've held your head up high, and your hilarious takedown of your trolls on Saturday night was everything.

Leslie Jones takes down trolls on SNL

Leslie Jones takes down trolls on SNL

I laughed out loud when you explained why internet trolls have nothing on the ones you've faced in real life.

"Do you think some words on the internet can hurt me? I once had a crazy bitch try to beat me with a shovel at the bus stop because I took her spot on the bench. Now that's a troll! Real trolls ain't tappin' on keyboards. They're swinging shovels.," you said, and I realized you were right. Those trolls stick to the internet because they're too cowardly to face their targets in real life.

The attack against you was particularly poignant because it happened at the same time that I was facing an online attack of my own. I'm never shy about tweeting my opinions. But right around the same time you were attacked, a celebrity replied to one of my tweets. Suddenly, a lot more than the 500 or so people who follow me (mostly friends and colleagues) were paying attention to my political opinion, and a lot of them didn't agree.

After three days of death and rape threats, I realized I was shaking every time I opened my Twitter app, but it was like a compulsion. I couldn't stop. So I deactivated my Twitter account.

Still, what happened to me was the tiniest fraction of what you endured, Leslie. Honestly, the hate that I was getting was probably pretty comparable to what you get on a daily basis, just for being a woman who exists in the public eye online. It gave me so much perspective about how strong you really are, and the way you've handled yourself with class, grace and humor has been a healing inspiration for me.

So thank you, Leslie, from me, and from all other women who need a little strength from one of our own.

More: Don't tell Leslie Jones to ignore or mute her haters on Twitter

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs attacked slideshow
Image: Apega/WENN

Let's hope in Law and Order: SVU world, Brock Turner gets what he deserves

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Law and Order: SVU has never shied away from the controversial cases we see in the news.

More: SVU's latest episode makes us feel even worse about Steven Avery's conviction

And now, our favorite detective, Olivia Benson, is about to take on the SVU world version of Brock Turner, a real-life rapist who, because of his supposedly bright future, only served about three months in prison after being convicted of felony sexual assault.

Most of us know the horrific details of Turner's story by now. He, a star swimmer on the Stanford University team, found an unconscious 22-year-old woman behind a dumpster late at night and decided to have his way with her. Turner was interrupted during the act by two international students, who chased and tackled him when he tried to run. One of them cried recounting the story to police because what he had seen Turner doing to the woman was so horrific.

Despite there being two eyewitnesses in the case, Turner wasn't even tried for actual rape, only felony sexual assault after two rape charges initially filed against him were dropped. He was convicted on three counts, and after prosecutors recommended six years in prison, Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Turner to just six months. He was released after three.

More: Law & Order: SVU's Olivia Benson has been the strongest woman on TV for 17 years

Now, the universe where Law And Order: SVU takes place is a lot safer for women than the real world, because there, women are taken seriously, their stories are believed and they're treated with respect by police who give everything they've got to put rapists behind bars. It's a stark difference from real life, where less than 1 percent of accused rapists will ever see a jail cell.

Image: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

But according to a promo for the Brock Turner-inspired episode of the series, there will (obviously) be a wrench thrown into things. Apparently, guest star Anthony Edwards will play the sergeant who was Benson's first-ever SVU partner, and it's his son who's accused of the rape. The video shows him asking Benson for help getting his son off without punishment.

SVU Brock Turner preview

SVU Brock Turner preview

Luckily, the Benson we know and love would never let that fly. It's why we watch the show — because seeing someone advocate so tirelessly for victims of sexual assault gives us a nice break from real life, where that's woefully rare.

More: SVU's great because Olivia Benson tirelessly defends rape victims

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Mariska Hargitay through the years
Image: NBC

Halloween chocolate-covered pretzels with spooky eyes lookin' right at you

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Who doesn't love chocolate covered pretzels? I am a fan of the dark chocolate ones; however, my daughters prefer the ones covered in white chocolate. Meeting them halfway, I made these spooky little guys with both, dark and white chocolate, and we all lived happily ever after...

More: How to make a scary Halloween haunted house out of graham crackers

These are really easy to do and they are truly delicious. I love passing these out as little party favors or treats for the kids. Besides, the combo of sweet and salty seems to be everyone's favorite, lately.

Whatever the occasion, you can get creative and use sprinkles, crushed Oreos, crushed candy canes for Christmas, crushed nuts, etc... The possibilities are endless. These Halloween treats use just pretzels and chocolate.

More: Make Halloween monstrously fun with homemade Frankenstein treats

Chocolate Covered Halloween Pretzles
Image: Katerina Petrovska/SheKnows

Halloween chocolate covered pretzels recipe

Serves 20

Prep time: 20 minutes | Inactive time: 2 hours | Total time: 2 Hours and 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening, divided
  • 1 bag large thin pretzels
  • Wax paper

Directions:

  1. Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside.
  2. Combine the dark chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening in a microwave safe bowl; microwave on high for 30 seconds.
  3. Remove the bowl and stir; the chocolate will continue to melt as you stir. If needed, microwave in 10 second increments until all is melted and smooth.
  4. Using a fork, grab a pretzel and dip it into the melted chocolate.
  5. Remove the pretzel from the chocolate and shake off all the excess.
  6. Place the pretzel on previously lined baking sheet.
  7. Continue to do this with the rest of your pretzels.
  8. Refrigerate them for 20 minutes.
  9. In the meantime, combine white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of shortening in a microwave safe bowl; microwave on high for 30 seconds.
  10. Remove and stir; the chocolate will continue to melt as you stir. If needed, microwave in 10 second increments until all is melted and smooth.
  11. Allow to cool.
  12. Stir and spoon into a piping bag.
  13. Pipe white chocolate into the two top pretzel holes; allow to set for a bit.
  14. Place mini chocolate chips in the middle of the white chocolate to make the eyes.
  15. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  16. Remove and serve immediately.

More: The ultimate Halloween candy and booze pairing guide

Chocolate Covered Halloween Pretzles
Image: Katerina Petrovska/SheKnows

Nev Schulman and Laura Perlongo's new baby name is as unique as they are

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Congratulations to Nev Schulman and Laura Perlongo, who have welcomed their first child.

More: DJ Khaled Snapchatted his kid's birth, and mothers everywhere went "no"

Freelance copywriter Perlongo shared a family photo taken shortly after their daughter Cleo James was born, and the caption says pretty much everything about those initial post-birth hours. Basically, it's all a bit of a blur.

Nev Schulman baby born

Nev Schulman baby born

And the new dad also shared some new baby cuteness on Instagram, posting a picture of him enjoying some skin-to-skin time with his daughter.

Nev Schulman baby born 2

Nev Schulman baby born 2

More: How pregnancy and breastfeeding cured me of disordered eating

A Greek name meaning "glory," Cleo sets itself apart from other girl names thanks to its quirky "o" ending. A short version of Cleopatra — one of the most powerful women in history — this name definitely packs a punch. Other famous bearers of the name are British jazz singer Cleo Laine and American silent film actress Cleo Madison. Another celebrity parent who chose Cleo for his daughter is Friends star David Schwimmer; however, it hasn't ranked in the U.S. top baby name chart since the 1950s.

The couple has made headlines in the run up to the birth — but for all the right reasons. First of all, their pregnancy announcement was a killer. Then Perlongo rocked up to the MTV VMAs exposing her beautiful baby bump in a silver body chain and open jacket. Catfish star Schulman was the biggest fan of his fiancée's barely-there look, gushing, "I’m just so happy to be the guy on the red carpet with the pregnant lady who is killing it, just looking incredible. She was already beautiful and now she’s, like, times-10 beautiful."

The creative couple has also used their parenthood journey to draw attention to the need for paid parental leave in the U.S., making an ad to highlight the totally sexist fact that across the world, mothers get an average of 106 days of paid leave after their child is born, while dads only get an average of seven. They also pointed out that the U.S. is the only industrialized country that doesn’t offer paid maternity leave.

Nev Schulman parental leave video

Nev Schulman parental leave video

If that's what we get from this couple during their pregnancy, we can't wait to see what they put out there now that their baby is born.

More: Adorable and awesome names for baby girls that start with A

It's time for hilarious no-bake vampire doughnuts to rise yet again

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Beware, mere mortals, for the no-bake vampire doughnut is back — yes, the Halloween treat that delivers the most laughs for the least effort. All you need are a dozen doughnuts, vampire fangs, decorative eyes and colored food gel. You will rule the night! Or at least, you will rule your Halloween party.

More: 21 no-bake chocolate desserts that couldn't be easier

This fun food project will keep you from being "bored to death" this Halloween:

Creepy vampire doughnuts recipe
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

I'll be honest here: I am not a baker. In fact, I hate baking. I truly despise it. I think my main reason is that with baking, sticking to a solid recipe is a must, whereas with cooking, you have the freedom to go with the flow. That said, I was cruising around the net and came across this idea on Pinterest, and I had to try it out. I love the fact that these are no-bake and that you can swing by your favorite doughnut shop and just grab some fresh doughnuts for this idea. These are simple, cute and perfect for those who don't care to bake but want something that really stands out on the dessert table.

More: Combine cake batter and cheesecake for the dreamiest no-bake dessert ever

Creepy vampire doughnuts recipe
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

Creepy vampire doughnuts recipe

Adapted from Pinterest

Even non-bakers can make an impressive and cute little treat for Halloween. Just pick up a dozen store-bought doughnuts and some plastic fake teeth to make these funny but eerie no-bake vampire treats.

Yields 12

Prep time: 20 minutes | Inactive time: 20 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 12 pairs plastic fake vampire teeth
  • 1 dozen doughnuts (I used glazed doughnuts)
  • 24 mini candy eyes (or white and black decorating gel)
  • Red decorating gel

Directions:

  1. Take a pair of the vampire teeth, and hold them closed.
  2. Gently place the teeth in the center of a doughnut, and then carefully allow the teeth to open. Wiggle the teeth so that they fit perfectly into the center of the doughnut, and place the doughnut onto a serving plate.
  3. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts and vampire teeth until all the vampires are made.
  4. For each pair of vampire eyes, lightly moisten the backs of 2 candy eyes, and gently press them to the doughnut so they stick. If using the black and white decorating gels to make the eyes, then first place 2 drops of white gel onto each doughnut, followed by a smaller drop of black gel directly onto each white gel eye.
  5. Use the red decorating gel to draw blood around the teeth of the doughnuts.
  6. If desired, use the black gel to draw a widow's peak onto each doughnut or on random doughnuts.
  7. Allow the gel to dry about 20 minutes, and serve.

More: Baked vanilla-maple doughnuts prove deep-fried treats aren't always better

vampire doughnuts
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows


Creepy vampire doughnuts recipe
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows

Originally published October 2014. Updated September 2016.

Kim Zolciak may finally have gone too far with the latest picture of her kid

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It's not like Kim Zolciak to succumb to internet pressure, but her latest Instagram picture of one of her youngest children caused such a stir that she deleted it.

More: Nev Schulman and Laura Perlongo give their new baby a name as unique as they are

Zolciak shared a topless photo of her 2-year-old daughter Kaia, which had two heart emojis over the child's nipples. When followers slammed her move, the 38-year-old mom of six quickly took the post down.

A little context might help explain why Zolciak chose to post this image in the first place. She was poking fun at the plastic surgery rumors she faces, writing in the caption, "If you zoom in on my nose you will see my mom is already molding my face to look just like hers… as I stand there in anticipation I can’t wait to see what my face will look like. #SamePlasticSurgeon #StartingAnArmyOfKims #WeDontLookAlikeCuzOfGenes #ItsPhotoshop #ImToughLikeMyBrothers #FellFlatOnMyFace #HappyFridayHaveAGreatWeekend."

"Ya I gotta say, I would NEVER post a pic like this of MY 3 yr old Kaia," commented one critic. "There’s too many sickos out here just waiting for sh*t like this to pop up. You could have put a shirt on her if you really needed a pic of her like this. Never have minded any other posts until now. This one is too much."

"No one wants to see a child injured, poor thing, glad she’s a tough chic. However, as a mother of 3 girls, I have to disagree with the posting of a photo with hearts over her chest. All you had to do was crop the photo to only show her face,” wrote another. "Why objectify her so young?"

More: So what if I don't force my kids to eat their dinner?

Another person posted, "There are more creeps than you’d ever realize on social media. Don’t assume people look like their photo. I would not want a pervert ogling photos of my young daughter. It’s not worth it, not even close. This is also how dangerous stalkers are bred. Please think."

Some even deemed the photo "pedophile bait," and others said they intended to report the picture to Instagram for being "inappropriate." However, Zolciak deleted it before any further action could be taken.

Zolciak is no stranger to social media controversy. A few months ago, she was heavily criticized for Snapchatting her son's hospital visit. And in June she shocked fans by revealing that she and her husband Kroy Biermann had put an electric dog collar on her 14-year-old daughter. Clearly, she's not too bothered about the fuss she causes — all press is good press, right? But on this occasion, it seems she's realized she's overstepped the mark and wanted to erase all traces of the controversy from her social media account.

It's important to point out, however, that some of Zolciak's Instagram followers supported her. They clapped back at the "miserable people" making a big deal out of what was simply an innocent photo of a toddler whose romper top had fallen down. And they may have a point. Is posting a topless photo of a young child inappropriate or are the negative reactions to it more harmful?

More: We don't want our son to be Cubs haters like us

The women of SNL are killing it this season, and these sketches prove it

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We're only three episodes into Season 42 of NBC's Saturday Night Live, but it's already clear that the women of SNL are bringing it this season.

More: Donald Trump's first presidential action would probably be canceling SNL

Yes, we all knew Kate McKinnon was great at impressions and that Cecily Strong can pretty much play anything, but whether it's election coverage or digital shorts, the female cast members of SNL have proven they're the ones to tune in for. Even with Alec Baldwin making headlines for being this season's Donald Trump, the women of SNL, particularly McKinnon as Hillary Clinton, have succeeded in overshadowing him episode after episode. So, what's their secret? Well, McKinnon, Strong, Aidy Bryant, Vanessa Bayer, Leslie Jones, Sasheer Zamata and newcomer Melissa Villaseñor are, first and foremost, talented comedic performers, but their appeal goes beyond just a talent for comedy.

There's something special about seeing a group of smart, funny ladies together that makes SNL better. It's true that each performer has their solo moments, but all in all, I think it's fair to say that the women of SNL deliver the best sketches when they are together, like in last weekend's standout Beyoncé parody "Melaniade." Bottom line: Together or apart, the women of SNL dominate week after week. Need proof? Here are the five best SNL sketches of the season featuring female performers.

More: Lin-Manuel Miranda's SNL skit about immigrants is a must-watch

1. "Melaniade"

SNL

SNL

Of course, this Beyoncé Lemonade parody is a must watch. Not only is it a fantastically faithful parody of "Sorry," it's also a wonderful way of doing a political skit in a creative way.

2. "A Day Off"

SNL

SNL

McKinnon's Kellyanne Conway is superb in this digital short and somehow she manages to find some empathy for Donald Trump's campaign manager.

3. "Mr. Robot"

SNL

SNL

I love Leslie Jones, and that love only grew when she overcame online bullies and returned to Twitter despite criminals hacking into her personal files and posting nude photos on her official website. But Jones didn't just refuse to let the trolls keep her offline. She made fun of the entire hack on SNL in this Mr. Robot parody! Talk about rising above it.

4. "Crucible Cast Party"

SNL

SNL

"Crucible Cast Party" was the first Saturday Night Live music video of the season, and boy was it good. Even though the highlight was, obviously, a braces-wearing Lin-Manuel Miranda, the hilariously awkward performances from Bayer, Bryant and McKinnon make it 100 percent gold.

5. "Chonk"

SNL

SNL

"Chonk" might be Saturday Night Live's best parody commercial in years. A brutal take on how the fashion industry tries to empower women while also knocking them down a peg, "Chonk" imagines a store that caters to all sizes and "unique" body types... CHONK. The men's store, of course, is just called "Normal Clothes." It's a smart, accurate and relatable sketch for any woman made greater by the women of SNL we all love.

6. "A Girl's Halloween"

A Girl's Halloween SNL sketch

A Girl's Halloween SNL sketch

Episode 4 not only brought us David S. Pumpkins — a skit that instantly became an SNL classic — but it also delivered on the most accurate depiction of nearly every woman's Halloween night out. From getting ready and setting false expectations for the night, to drunkenly trying to get home, pretty sure it's safe to say we can all relate to this. Bravo, ladies.

More: Sorry, haters, Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump on SNL was damn near perfect

You might have noticed I chose not to include the debate sketches even though, yes, McKinnon's Clinton is perfection. There's a lot more to the women of SNL than just political sketches. And with the election (mercifully) coming to an end, we might be seeing less of McKinnon's wonderful Hillary Clinton. But thanks to these sketches, we know there's plenty more for her and the other women of SNL to do.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

snl actors slideshow
Image: WENN
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