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Give the adventure enthusiast on your list this holiday gift basket

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It's not easy to buy a gift for an adventure seeker, right? The last thing you want to do is get a boring gift for someone who lives for excitement. Instead, fill up a basket with everything they need for their next adventure, big or small. We filled our gift basket with these items:

This post was sponsored by Sam's Club.


Having and keeping the silver hair of your dreams

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After the platinum hair trend started to simmer down a touch, everyone got a bit bored with blonde. Hard to believe for some, but once you’ve gone to one extreme, where else is there to go? Luckily, once you’re the blondest blond, you can color your hair any color and it’ll be as vibrant as you want it to be. For those over blonde but not wanting unicorn hair just yet, silver is the obvious choice. It’s cool and uniquely off-beat but easy to dress around and doesn’t really pull your whole style in one direction or another.

Having And Keeping The Silver Hair Of Your Dreams 1
Image: Imaxtree

More: The Official Guide to Finding the Best Hair Color for Your Skin Tone

Here’s the thing though. Silver, if you can believe it or not, is actually more difficult to maintain than blonde. With blonde you have to worry about avoiding brassiness (if you’re a cool-toned platinum) but with silver, any hint of brassiness ruins the whole look. A colorist will let you know that this look isn’t for the lazy—silver and light gray hair is one of the most difficult colors to achieve because there’s no silver or gray hair dye, it needs to be mixed using other colors to create the shade you desire. Because it can be a bit difficult to translate to your colorist in words your exact desired shade of silver, definitely bring reference photos. And definitely go to a hair colorist who has done platinum and gray or silver hair colors before. This is not for beginners.

Having And Keeping The Silver Hair Of Your Dreams
Image: Imaxtree

You may walk out of the salon with a slight blue or maybe lavender tinge—don’t worry, those shades will fade into a true gray/silver. It’s just difficult to anticipate how this color will settle into itself after a couple washes.

More: Celebs Are Going Gray (and Violet) Like Crazy

As for maintenance, to keep your silver color “fading” in the direction you want, it will take some product manipulation. It’s a bit tricky because it’s not as simple as just using purple toning shampoo and calling it a day. Silver is so white it picks up what you put on it, so if you use purple shampoo and conditioner every time you wash your hair, your hair will likely turn lavender. There are other toning haircare options out there. Aveda makes a line called Blue Malva that is made specifically for silvery blondes and people with gray hair, to ward off brassiness (the conditioner is slightly color-depositing so don’t leave it on too long or else you’ll end up with blue hair). Used every once in a while, it will keep your silver from going a weird beige color. It might be best to alternate using a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo and conditioner with a purple/blue toning shampoo and conditioner for a good balance.

More: Is Gray The New Black?

Having And Keeping The Silver Hair Of Your Dreams 3
Image: Imaxtree

Nothing will do as good of a job toning as going back to your salon for a quick toning session. It will likely be less expensive than your initial color process. If you’re confident with home hair color, you can tone your hair yourself using a white/platinum toner and a low volume developer. Both can be purchased at a beauty supply shop.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com


So VPR’s James Kennedy went ahead and fat-shamed the women in the premiere

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Vanderpump Rules is back, and as expected, it's not short on drama.

More: It's sad that we have remind people that no, it's not OK to body-shame Scheana Shay

The series' fifth season premiered last night, and the SUR crew is already getting into some nasty fights.

First, there's Jax Taylor. As VPR's resident pathological liar, he's already at it again, but this time, for some reason he's spreading nasty rumors about his own girlfriend. Why does anyone still put up with this guy? During the premiere, Taylor told everyone — and I mean everyone — that he walked in on his former co-worker Kristen Doute going down on his girlfriend, Brittany Cartwright.

Cartwright, of course, denied it, because we all know by now that nothing that comes out of Taylor's mouth is ever the truth.

"I’ve kissed girls, like, drunk, but Kristen and I did not hook up, she did not go down on me," she said. "I cannot make this any more clear: I am strictly dickly."

More: Vanderpump Rules Season 5 is dedicated to Tom Schwartz & Tom Sandoval 'shippers

And when Cartwright confronted Taylor about the whole situation, she even threatened to move back to Kentucky if he doesn't "shut his fucking mouth." Taking bets right now on how many more episodes they'll last. My money's on a breakup by Episode 6.

Possibly the best part of this whole situation, by the way, is Lisa Vanderpump talking about the drama, and Doute "chowing down on [Cartwright's] Kentucky muffin," as she puts it. LOL, dying.

And of course, the drama only got worse from there. As the gang headed to the annual OK magazine party, James Kennedy and Lala Kent decided it would be fun to fat-shame everyone, making rude comments about how none of the girls "worked on their summer bodies." Kennedy even went so far as to ask Katie Maloney if she's pregnant because that's the kind of dick he is. Ugh, why is he even still on this show?

Vanderpump Rules tweet 1

Vanderpump Rules tweet 1

Vanderpump Rules tweet 2

Vanderpump Rules tweet 2

Buckle up, fam. We're in for a heck of a season.

More: Fully expect drama among Katie, Tom & Stassi on Vanderpump Rules next season

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Vanderpump Rules one-liners slideshow
Image: Bravo

Yolanda Foster compared Lyme disease to HIV and it didn't go over well

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Yolanda Foster is under fire for her Lyme disease comparison.

More: Yolanda Hadid may finally put her Lyme disease behind her, once and for all

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has been very public about her struggle with the disease for years. At a press conference in Sydney, Australia, she questioned why Lyme disease research and fundraising doesn't get the same attention as that for other diseases — like AIDS.

"We all pull together so beautifully for HIV," she said. "Lyme is three times more prevalent right now. It’s a worldwide epidemic. The first case was diagnosed in 1972, yet we haven’t done anything about it."

Unfortunately, the statistics for both illnesses aren't even close to the same. According to the Daily Mail, AIDS has caused an estimated 35 million deaths. Only 114 people have died from Lyme disease.

More: Maybe Yolanda Foster's sexy music video is bad, but she didn't make it for you

Needless to say, Foster's statement isn't being taken particularly well.

Yolanda Hadid actualy just compared Lyme disease to HIV

Yolanda Hadid actualy just compared Lyme disease to HIV

"Hey #YolandaHadid...maybe u should watch #EightiesCNN to understand how AIDS was truly a stigma & u can stop comparing Lyme to that," one person tweeted at her.

Even doctors are calling Foster out for her statement. Dr. Brad McKay told News.com.au that her comparison wasn't even close to fair.

"If HIV isn’t treated, people die," he explained. "If Lyme disease isn’t treated, then people can feel unwell for a very long time."

It seems like Foster isn't letting the negativity get her down, though. She says she's in remission from the disease and she's been celebrating by traveling the world on a spiritual journey. Most recently, she's been in Australia, where she gave her ill-fated press conference in between her kangaroo hangout seshes.

Yolanda Hadid hanging with a kangaroo

Yolanda Hadid hanging with a kangaroo


More: David Foster is wasting no time moving on from Yolanda Hadid

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

yolanda foster slideshow
Image: yolandahfoster/Instagram

This guide to burritos sure does explain a few things

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Oh, burrito. Such a simple concept. A white flour tortilla. Some beans, cheese, maybe rice, maybe kimchee. All our dreams are wrapped inside of you in a cozy bundle. You always look so big and we always say, "I don't think I can eat all of that!" But then we do, because you are delicious.

More: 29 burritos that will make you forget about Chipotle

But we have burning burrito questions. What is the difference between a California burrito and a Mission burrito? Does the chimichanga really qualify as a burrito? What even is a Kogi burrito? All these questions and more are answered by this Ultimate Guide to Burritos, created by the Fairmont San Francisco.

More: Burrito hack that doubles the stuffing without costing you more

Why the Fairmont? I'm guessing because the Fairmont and the Mission burrito are San Francisco icons. Eh, don't overthink it. Just enjoy.

Now, some of this may cause some controversy. This business of french fries in the California burrito is news to me. That's not how they do it in New York City, but then, maybe we don't know what we're doing here.

At any rate, as of tomorrow, we'll have to find something else to debate besides politics, so we're offering this burrito guide.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The Taco Cleanse: 11 Easy ways to make your tacos fit the bill
Image: SheKnows

How to prep your home for the holidays without using toxic products

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Winter is hardly home improvement season, yet we often find ourselves finishing up our summer projects at this time as we prepare our homes for holiday parties. From painting walls to deep cleaning carpets, and refinishing floors and furniture, there are plenty of indoor projects that can still be completed in colder months. The problem is, cold weather makes it more difficult to complete these projects with doors and windows open for air. This means we’re more likely to trap fumes from the potentially dangerous chemicals in cleaning and home improvement products in our homes.

More: 8 hacks to say farewell to the slow internet that's ruining your Netflix plans

If you’ve found that your home needs a little work before the holiday season approaches, there are several natural alternatives to standard cleaning and home improvement products that you can use to ensure your home is safe for yourself, your family, and your pets while you work.

I have a few recommendations of my own that I picked up during my crash course in eco-friendly home improvement after becoming a new homeowner last fall. Hopefully these will help you out as you make indoor home improvements this year!

Alternative bleach products

As much as we’d like to avoid bleach products all together, it can be difficult to deny their incredible power when it comes time to complete tough jobs like cleaning stubborn stains in your white sink or bathtub. The good news is there are alternative bleach products you can either make on your own, or purchase to brighten up your kitchen and bathroom without trapping bleach fumes in your home.

Making your own alternative bleach only requires lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and citric acid. If you would rather purchase a safer bleach product, look for chlorine-free options like Green Works or PC Green bleach.

Non-toxic paint

VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are used in most paints. Experts say that VOC-heavy paints often include toxic materials like toluene, xylene, methylene, chloride, and formaldehyde that could put you and your home at immediate risk after you’ve opened a can. Fortunately, there are low and zero VOC paint options available to make painting a bit safer for homeowners.

For winter projects that will predominantly involve work indoors, I recommend working with a zero VOC paint – these include no measurable VOCs.

If you haven’t already worked with non-toxic zero VOC paints, check out Treehugger’s guide to zero VOC paint types and brands to find an option that best fits your project and individual needs.

Ultrasonic pest repellents

If you’ve enlisted the help of a regular exterminator but still find that you have issues doing away with seasonal pests like boxelder bugs and aphids, you might be tempted to use harsh repellents in between treatments.

One eco-friendly pest repellent solution I’ve found to be extremely useful in my home in addition to regular pest control service is ultrasonic pest repellents. I did my research and found plugin pest repellents with good reviews and ratings after I noticed a boxelder bug problem toward the end of the summer.

I purchased the Crave Greens plugins off of Amazon and haven’t had an issue with boxelder bugs since I plugged them in. I recommend checking out reviews and reading descriptions carefully for different brands and devices to make sure you get the most effective plugin for your specific needs.

Eco-friendly wood stains

An eco-friendly, water-based wood stain can provide the same quality flat finish as a standard stain without exposing your home to harsh chemicals like those found in VOC-heavy formulas. Natural wood stain options use things like soybean or recycled whey protein to effectively stain furniture, floors, patios, and other wood structures safely.

Eco-friendly stains can be a bit tougher to find than other eco-friendly home improvement products, but it’s definitely worthwhile to do your research and find one that fits with your project to spare your home from harsh chemical fumes as you work on your home this season.

If you need a little help identifying eco-friendly stain options, Apartment Therapy has created a list with some excellent stains for environmentally-conscious homeowners.

More: 5 sustainable materials to help you go green at home

Natural oil-based furniture polish

Green cleaning pros say that conventional furniture polish contains harsh chemicals that could potentially cause ill effects to human health and surrounding environments with long-term exposure, even if exposure only consists of small amounts. This is because hydrocarbons like formaldehyde which can cause serious harm to humans and the environment are often used in standard polishes.

To avoid overexposure to the chemicals found in most polishes, use a natural oil-based formula that relies mostly on the conditioning powers of an oil – like coconut oil or jojoba oil – to clean and shine surfaces.

Everyday Roots has an article that provides step-by-step instructions for making your own wood polish and sealant out of things like olive oil and beeswax. The same guide also recommends using plain coconut oil to polish your furniture if you don’t have the time to make your own.

Preparing your home for the holidays is never a simple task. Adding on the responsibility of finding and purchasing products that won’t expose your home to harmful toxins certainly doesn’t make it any easier. Hopefully this guide saves you some time by providing you with the information you need to make the process of purchasing and/or creating safe products as simple as possible.

More: Just turning a home security system on isn't going to keep you safe

           

We already know 10 things about Stranger Things Season 2

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There's no doubt Stranger Things Season 1 was a huge success. It is one of the best series that has ever come to Netflix, so thankfully, there is a second season.

More: Finally there's proof Stranger Things' Steve is actually Jean-Ralphio's dad

From castings to returning characters to episode details, here's everything you need to know before commencing the binge of Season 2.

1. Episode titles

Stranger Things S2

Stranger Things S2

Thanks to this teaser, we now know the titles of each Season 2 episode. Let the speculation begin.

2. Eleven is officially back

Eleven, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

Based on how Season 1 ended, it was unclear if or how Eleven would return to Season 2. Do not fret, because Eleven is returning. Although, how many episodes she'll be featured in and if she'll play a huge part like she did in the first season remains unknown.

More: 27 moments in Stranger Things that gave us major '80s flashbacks

3. This cast photo

Stranger Things S2 cast

Stranger Things S2 cast

Not only is Eleven part of the above photo (which is obviously making a fun play on the Upside Down), but so are Dustin, Lucas, Mike, Will, Jonathan, Nancy, Steve and two new faces. The caption reads, "Back in production. See you next year."

4. More Steve and Will

Steve, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

As reported by TVLine in October, both Steve (Joe Keery) and Will (Noah Schnapp) are now series regulars.

5. So many new characters

Stranger Things S2 casting

Stranger Things S2 casting

The Stranger Things cast is going to be even bigger than it was in the first season. According to TVLine, Sadie Sink (American Odyssey) will play Max, who is said to be a “tough and confident girl whose appearance, behavior and pursuits seem more typical of boys than of girls in this era." Then, there is Power Rangers' Dacre Montgomery, who is set to play Max's "hyper-confident, edgy older step-brother. He steals girlfriends away from their boyfriends, is great at drinking games, and drives a black Camaro. But lurking under his apparent charisma, is a violent and unpredictable nature."

As revealed by Entertainment Weekly, Paul Reiser (Mad About You), Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings, Goonies) and Danish actress Linnea Berthelsen will also be part of Season 2. Reiser will play Dr. Owens, "a high-ranking member within the Department of Energy on a ‘clean-up’ assignment, tasked with containing the events of last year." Astin will play Bob Newby, "a kindhearted former nerd who went to high school with Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour) and now manages the local Hawkins RadioShack." Finally, Berthelsen will play Roman, "an emotionally damaged, magnetic young woman who suffered a great loss as a child. Although she does not live in Hawkins, she is mysteriously connected to the supernatural events at the lab…"

6. All about Will

Stranger Things, Will
Image: Giphy

All of Season 1 focused on saving Will and seeing as that was accomplished in the last episode, he will become even more of a focus. In addition to Schnapp being a series regular, Matt and Ross Duffer (aka, the Duffer Brothers and the creators of Stranger Things) told reporters at the Television Critics' Association in July that the sophomore season would look into the "bigger mythology" behind Will's disappearance. Matt said, "It’s open-ended in a way that if people wanted it, and Netflix wanted it, we could explore it and continue the storyline."

7. A time jump

Mike, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

When Season 2 finally premieres, it will pick up in 1984, the Duffer Brothers revealed to EW in July. Even though it's only a one-year time jump, Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers) told Entertainment Tonight in November, "You follow these characters a year later, and you're straight back in the world of Hawkins, [Indiana], which we know and love so well. The scope feels bigger this year." Also regarding the time jump, Heaton added, "I don’t think you're gonna notice. Even though it's a year, you're falling straight back into where we left off, in a sense."

8. We'll see more than just Hawkins

Jonathan, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

The Duffer Brothers also told EW that Season 2 will travel outside of Hawkins. "We will venture a little bit outside of Hawkins," Matt said. "I will say the opening scene [of the premiere] does not take place in Hawkins."

9. There are nine episodes

Dustin, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

It's only one more episode than Season 1, but Season 2 will include nine episodes. Matt told EW, "We’re letting the story dictate it. I think if it gets any longer, it gets unwieldy for us. We want to make sure it’s manageable and we want to be able to tell a movie-like story where it’s never treading water. We want it to have the same feel and pacing as Season 1. I think if we extend it too much, it will have a very different feel."

10. Even more from the Upside Down

Joyce, Stranger Things
Image: Giphy

If you thought the Upside Down storyline was finished, you're wrong. There is so much more to learn, Matt dished to EW. "We kinda just peeled back the curtain and revealed a tiny bit of the Upside Down. So we definitely want to explore a little bit more. There’s a lot we don’t know about the Upside Down at the end of Season 1."

Stranger Things Season 2 returns in 2017.

More: The Stranger Things kids saved the 2016 Emmys with their nonstop coolness

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Stranger Things theories slideshow
Image: Netflix

Woman stops to vote on the way to give birth

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Just in case you were going to let some silly excuse like lines or the weather stop you from voting, look to Colorado resident and brand-spankin’-new mom Soshy Adelstein for inspiration.

More: 51 Donald Trump quotes that are completely ridiculous

On Nov. 4, after going into labor, the holistic health coach, along with her husband, popped by the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder’s Office to vote early real quick before heading to her final destination: the hospital. About 14 hours later, the couple’s daughter Bella Rose Brandel was born.

The couple told the Huffington Post that voting on the way to the hospital was a no-brainer. “Considering the gravity of this election, and how much we disagree with everything Donald Trump represents, it wasn’t a question to go vote. It was a priority,” said Adelstein’s husband Max Brandel.

If Adelstein and Brandel can do it, so can you. Get out and vote today — for kids like Bella Rose, for our grandkids, for everyone. If you need a little extra help, check in with your local YMCA, which is offering child care for parents who need it in order to vote.

More: The real conversations people are having about the election


Subscription boxes for kids really are the gift that keeps giving

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For most of the world, snail mail is an antiquated method of delivering messages that's hardly used anymore. But for kids, there's still a magical feeling of excitement when something pops into the mailbox — especially when that something is a super fun subscription box that shows up every month without fail.

More: Parents are panicking over this kindergarten readiness list

From craft boxes, to book subscriptions or even ideas for the Lego-obsessed, we have rounded up the best subscription boxes for kids.

KidPik
Image: KidPik

KidPik: For the fashionista

Got a girl who loves fashion but hates shopping with mom? Then KidPik is right up your alley. Aimed at girls 4 through 14, the subscription service allows little girls to set up a fashion profile (with help from parents) on their site. Then the KidPik team curates a box of goodies for her and sends it out. Each box typically has about six to seven items (tops, bottoms and accessories) at an average price of $12.50 an item. You don't pay until you get the box and decide what you want to keep, so you can always send it all back if she's not a fan. The company also offers a 30 percent discount if you decide to keep all the outfits in the box, and a "basics" line that you can buy from separately to complete her wardrobe. Currently KidPiks can be sent monthly, every three months or twice per season (eight boxes a year).

Kiwi Crate: For the crafty kid

Kiwi Crate
Image: Kiwi Crate

Geared for crafty kids ages 3 through 8, the Kiwi Crate arrives each month full of fun hands-on projects that include science experiments, art projects and build-and-play games. Each crate includes two to three projects based on a different theme each month, such as Space Hero, City Adventure and Around the World. I was sent the Rainforest theme, which included cool crafts like a jumping frog game and a craft in which kids create their own rain stick. These little boxes include everything you need for the craft (even the scissors) as well as a Highlights-esque magazine and other activities to further explore the theme. Kiwi Crate subscriptions start at $17/month and shipping is free. (If you aren’t quite sure if you want to commit, you can purchase individual activity packs on the Kiwi Crate website or at Target stores.)

Next Up: For the foodie

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Kidstir: For the foodie kid

Kidstir | Sheknows.com
Image: Kidstir

Got a budding chef or foodie on your hands? Kidstir is geared for kids ages 5 through 10 and features monthly subscription boxes filled with hands-on food adventures for kids. Kidstir would also be a great way to introduce your picky eater to healthy and nutritious foods. The first subscription box includes a personalized cookbook binder and future boxes are geared to a chapter of the cookbook, such as snacks or breakfast. Your child will love creating their own cookbook and whipping up dishes (with your help), as each box features step-by-step recipes, as well as three kid-sized tools, among other fun items. Kidstir subscriptions start at $12.95/month with free shipping.

More: Pumpkin carving templates from Finding Dory and other kid faves

GiftLit: For the book lover

GiftLit | Sheknows.com
Image: GiftLit

Whether your child is just starting to read or is already a bookworm, GiftLit is a great subscription box to help build up their home library. Geared for ages 2 through 12, literary experts choose the perfect books for your child’s age and reading skill. You pick the theme, including favorite fiction for boys or girls, fantasy, page turners, new releases, around the world, classics or historical fiction, and the literary experts can pick out the perfect book — or you can make your own substitutions. You can see which book will be sent each month. You can purchase a GiftLit subscription for three months ($58), six months ($115) or a 12 month ($230) gift subscription. As a bonus, 10 percent of their profits are donated to literacy programs for schools and libraries.

Next Up: For the toy lover

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Pley: For the toy lover (who is short on space)

Pley
Image: Pley

Dubbed the “Netflix of toys,” Pley, formerly SparkBox, allows you to rent toys (and LEGOs) for kids up to 4 years of age. The concept is pretty genius — after all most kids will play with toys for a period of time, get tired of them and they end up gathering dust and cluttering the house. With Pley, your child will receive fully-cleaned and sanitized toys that are matched to your child’s age. If your child happens to fall in love with a specific toy, you can even purchase it for a discounted price. Pley subscription plans start at one toy a month ($12.99), up to three toys a month, including premium toys ($29.99).

Little Passports: For the traveler

Little Passports | Sheknows.com
Image: Little Passports

Geared towards children ages 5 through 12, Little Passports is a fun way for your kids to learn about the world. Your child will learn about the world we live in with Sam and Sofia, who teach geography, history, culture and language. Your can pick the World Edition, in which your kids will join Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country each month, or the USA Edition, in which they visit two new states every month. The Little Passports subscription plans are $12 for a 12-month plan, $14 for a six-month plan or $14 for a monthly plan.

Next Up: For the gamer

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Loot Crate: For the gamer

Loot Crate | Sheknows.com
Image: Loot Crate

With Loot Crate, your kid will get a box full of “fun and expected geek and gamer gear every month.” Each month, your child receives a box of 6 to 8 cool items, including gear, snacks, toys and art. The boxes are kept a secret until they are delivered — however the theme is revealed (for example this month is Adventure). Loot Crate doesn’t give a specific age, only saying they have a wide range of demographics, are family friendly and gender neutral. Take a look at past boxes to see if it is appropriate for your child. Loot Crate subscriptions are $14/month (plus $6 shipping) for one month or $12/month for a three- or six-month plan.

Green Kid Crafts: For the science lover

Green Kid Crafts | Sheknows.com
Image: Green Kid Crafts

Green Kid Crafts subscription boxes are the perfect choice for today’s modern kids — they are educational, fun and eco-friendly. Geared towards kids ages 3 through 10, each eco-friendly box is filled with three to four creative and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities to help them learn and succeed in school. Your kids will love the themes, which include Outer Space, Nocturnal Animals, Mad Scientist and Backyard Science. Green Kid Crafts subscriptions are $19.95/month for a three-month subscription, $18.95/month for a six-month subscription or $17.95/month for a 12-month subscription.

Tell us, what is your favorite subscription box for kids?

Subscription boxes for kids
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows;Image via Getty Images

Originally published Dec. 2015. Updated September 2016.

Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry was raped and her story is far too familiar

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Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry is using her new memoir, Hustle and Heart, to make a heartbreaking confession.

More: Teen Mom’s Kailyn Lowry might regret her and Javi Marroquin’s divorce

In the book, 24-year-old Lowry opens up and tells the story of her rape, which happened when she was 16.

The book is set to hit shelves Nov. 22, but an excerpt reveals some of the traumatic details from Lowry's rape. Warning: graphic details ahead.

"A guy who'd been asking me out for a while showed up at my apartment plastered," Lowry wrote. "He said he needed to talk to me. I let him in. He grabbed me, dragged me into the bedroom and forced me down."

Lowry writes that she tried to fight back against the man, but he was "too strong" and "too rough."

"I bled. I screamed," she continued. "And when he left me, my body torn and my sheets stained with blood, I felt like I was dead."

More: Kailyn Lowry looks stunning at MTV Movie Awards despite surgery backlash

The rape was so brutal it landed Lowry in the hospital.

"The doctors stitched me up," she wrote. "The pain was unbearable. It was obvious what had happened to me. And yet I wouldn't agree to a rape kit. I was shaken and afraid and overwhelmed by chaotic ideas of what would happen if I accused Caleb of rape. I couldn't stand to think about the consequences."

The next part of Lowry's story is painfully common.

"I blamed myself for what had happened," she wrote. "I refrained from telling anyone. And even as it ate away at me, I tried to pretend it had never happened. I tried to escape into a reality in which I wasn't a victim."

Now, Lowry is speaking out for other victims of rape, which is one of the most underreported crimes in the U.S.

"If only I had stood up for myself, raised my voice and backed up my beliefs," she wrote. "If only I'd been living proof of the fact that no victim should live in shame. Then I could have turned what happened into a source of strength. I could be looking back now and feeling proud of myself."

More: Teen Mom 2's Kailyn Lowry owned right up to her plastic surgery fail

Here's how I pull off the ultimate Thanksgiving brunch

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Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Some people love the music and gift-giving of Christmas. Others love the decorating and costumes of Halloween. My love lies squarely in between them both: a holiday known for its abundance and variety of food. A holiday that has its own pants. Regardless of whether I expect to cook for four or 14, I go all out when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner prep. The upside? My guests get to experience all the fixings of a traditional Southern Thanksgiving meal. The downside? While it turns out most people eat Thanksgiving dinner at around 3 p.m., my poor guests are lucky if the collard greens are ready by then.

More: 22 make-ahead breakfasts for a crowd

The fix? I make a Thanksgiving brunch. Sure, it sounds like more work, but after doing this for the last three years, I pretty much have it down to a science. Here are a few tips I use for my family.

1. Kill two birds with one stone

Yeah, it sounds simple, but it's sometimes harder than it looks. Just like with dinner, it's important to look at the 3 Ws — who's coming to your party, what do they eat and whether they have any food allergies (OK, that last "w" was a stretch, but bear with me, I'm working a theme here). And don't discount people who say they're bringing kids; just because they're small don't mean they won't be starving (and at the most inopportune times). Just like you should do with dinner, plan for more rather than fewer; you don't want to run out of food. And don't worry about cooking too much (I have an answer for that too.)

2. Plan your menu

I love menu planning. Even though I pretty much cook the same dishes every year, I always write it down in order of prep time and put it on the fridge to check off as each dish is finished. Putting it in writing keeps you on track and prevents that "Oh, crap" moment when your entire meal is ready and you realize you've forgotten to make the cranberry sauce. Try to choose recipes that can be made in advance so you can pop it in the oven and make a few on-the-fly sides (like bacon. Bacon is a side, right?). I also choose dishes that freeze well in case it doesn't all get eaten (see tip No. 1).

More: Your adulting guide to preparing a proper Thanksgiving

I also have a few vegetarian friends, so I'm sure to add at least one vegetarian dish to the menu. I love making this easy overnight strata that I can easily split and add meat to just one dish. With the kiddos, I make sure to have something they can easily eat with their hands. And don't forget your drinks. My mom and I are sensitive to OJ, so I make sure to grab a couple bottles of Simply Orange® Low Acid. Pro tip: Be sure to get enough bottles so you can make a pitcher of mimosas too. This one is perf, because it's a bit smoother than other OJs, so the taste isn't overwhelming and it doesn't shock your taste buds (which can dull the taste of bacon, amirite?).

3. Think beyond the food

I spend so much time on the menu prep that this one is still a bit more difficult for me. But when you have a house full of guests (or just two young kiddos and a hangry husband), at some point all the mini quiches and mimosas won't be enough to keep them occupied. I didn't grow up watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, but becoming a mom has taught me one major lesson. You can (usually) occupy kids with nearly anything as long as you make it into a game. Waiting six hours for dinner is no different. Enter: Thanksgiving Day parade bingo. For real, this game gives me a solid two hours of uninterrupted prep time, and (see above) the kids can snack on brunch until dinner is ready. For the grown-ups, I've heard some people watch football. If you're not one of them, getting a fun and engaging card game like Cards Against Humanity is an absolute must. If you need something a little more, ahem, family-friendly, try a board game or interactive video game (like Wii Bowling... if Wii is still a thing?).

4. Choose your wine list

Yes, this deserves its own category. If you plan on serving wine, plan in advance. Not running to the gas station for wine while your guests are waiting for you makes you seem super-fancy. Trying to ball on a budget? We've got you covered. No need to spend over $20. Let's save our money for important things like bacon and mimosas.

More: Blinis, the most versatile party food around

5. Be flexible

I'm a control freak. I hate when things don't go exactly as planned. Alas, my fave holiday is essentially a practice in things that don't go according to plan. That's why the brunch is perfect. People are eating, having fun, chatting, playing games, so when your perfectly executed Thanksgiving dinner (I know, LOLOLOLOLOL, but no one has to know it wasn't perfect) is finished, things will be fine. Remember, no one but you knows if there was supposed to be canned cranberry sauce or homemade (pro tip: if you've never made cranberry sauce before, always have a backup can), a pumpkin pie or a sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole or green beans almondine. Thanksgiving is about family, friends and food. So don't overstress yourself. They'll love you no matter what.

Just don't forget the mimosas.

This post was sponsored by Simply Orange.

Allow Olivia Wilde and her baby to take your mind off Election Day... kind of

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Even though it's Election Day, there is one thing we can all agree on: This whole election has sucked.

More: Lin-Manuel Miranda nails how we feel about Hillary Clinton — in rap, of course

But take a deep breath — it's almost over. And while we're riding out the last few hours of what has felt like years of political misery, allow Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis and their cute AF kid remind you that there's still some good in the world, even on Election Day.

Olivia Wilde brings her new baby to the polls to vote

Olivia Wilde brings her new baby to the polls to vote

The famous couple toted their 4-week-old baby girl, Daisy, along with them to the polls and commemorated baby's big day in civic duty with a sweet Insta snap.

"Baby girl's first election. It's a cool time to be alive. #tearsofjoy," Wilde caption the sweet photo, showing her beaming next to her hubby and holding little Daisy in a carrier strapped to her chest.

More: Hollywood exposed Donald Trump's lies in the presidential debate all. night. long.

Wilde followed up her first snap with a second photo, showing "I Voted" stickers that women have been placing on famous suffragette Susan B. Anthony's grave to celebrate their votes.

Olivia Wilde tweets pic of Susan B Anthony's grave

Olivia Wilde tweets pic of Susan B Anthony's grave

Let Wilde's photos be a reminder to you all what's really important today: Making sure the country moves forward today and that the future will be better than the past. So whatever way you think that'll be accomplished, vote for it. Vote for president, but vote in your local elections too — those are just as (if not more) important.

And just because we know this election season has definitely bummed you out at some point (or at a thousand points), when you get done voting, come back here and watch this live-stream of kittens.

Live stream of kittens to make election day tolerable

Live stream of kittens to make election day tolerable

More: How the hell do we explain the mess that is Donald Trump to our kids?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

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

The best tweets that sum up our feelings about the election

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Did you hear that? That sound was the collective sigh of relief that after today we will no longer have to deal with this election. Finally.

giphy

giphy

With 62 percent of adults getting their news from social media, the platforms have played an large role during this historic moment by allowing people from all over the world to voice their opinions about one of the most controversial elections of our time.

From the debates to the news coverage to the final race to the White House, social networks have proven to be a reliable source of news that is continuously growing and evolving.

More: 96 years after women got the vote, I finally get to choose a female president

One of the wonderful things about social media is the combination of news, opinions and comedy.

As usual, Twitter is blowing up on this historic day and has provided us with some much-needed comic relief, even if it is still about this freaking election.

Twitter

Twitter

It all started a few days ago, when people realized the election really was coming up fast.

2 days

2 days

conan tweet

conan tweet

ben schwartz

ben schwartz

Now that the day has arrived, as usual, Twitter holds nothing back.

clorox

clorox

gif

gif

Season Finale

Season Finale

the office

the office

Bieber

Bieber

Ricardo

Ricardo

More: Taco (Super) Tuesday: 12 tacos that won't give you heartburn like the election will

Ken Bone even got his own Twitter emoji.

ken bone

ken bone

Some have tweeted out their conflict over which candidate to vote for.

vine

vine

Others took videos at their polling location.

cat

cat

Trump voting

Trump voting

trump 2

trump 2

trump 3

trump 3

A few even tossed around the idea about moving up north to join our friendlier Canadian neighbors.

Canada

Canada

canada 2

canada 2

moose

moose

More: The Hillary Clinton coloring book that definitively declares "I'm with her"

...or even further away.

australia

australia

And of course, the idea of self-medicating with alcohol after this stressful election season...

alcohol canada

alcohol canada

wine

wine

alc

alc

Or their plans for after Nov. 8...

holiday

holiday

But no matter who you're voting for, there is one thing we can all definitely agree on.

poll

poll

Are you voting in this election? Let us know in the comments below!

Beyoncé’s mom sparks traumatic memories with pic of Jay Z and Solange… in an elevator

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Remember that time when Jay Z and Solange Knowles got into a fight in an elevator? Or more accurately, that time Solange freaked out on Jay Z in an elevator after the Met Gala in 2014 while Beyoncé stood idly by? Of course you do, because that was a next-level display of celebrity anger. And though they wound up releasing a statement — and there has been much speculation on the topic — we’ll never know for sure what that elevator fight was all about.

More: Did Jay Z really cheat on Beyoncé, or is Lemonade just a piece of art?

Jay-Z Beyonce, Solange and son
Image: Instagram/TMZ

So when Bey’s mom, Tina Knowles, posted a shot of Solange and Jay Z chilling in an elevator yesterday with Solange’s son Julez and her husband Alan Ferguson, you'd better believe people took notice. And though she must have realized the implications and deleted it posthaste, TMZ got a screenshot of the image for posterity, and it will now live on forever, thanks to the internet.

Beyonce Jay-Z Solange video

Beyonce Jay-Z Solange video

From two years ago until at least next century, any elevator-associated image in relation to Bey, Jay and/or Solange is automatically going to trigger memories of that fateful night. Though some speculated that Solange went wild because Jay Z was cheating, we’ll never know for sure. When Beyoncé’s Lemonade came out and some lyrics suggested that such infidelity indeed occurred — “He only want me when I'm not there / He better call Becky with the good hair,” Bey sang — the Beyhive (the singer’s legion of fans) went nuts. But from the source, we only got that very vanilla statement.

More: Beyoncé, Jay Z & Solange speak out on that elevator ride

As they put it in 2014, “There has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident,” the statement read. “But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it. Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred. They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other and we have moved forward as a united family.”

Jay-Z Beyonce, Solange
Image: Getty Images

The statement tried to paint Bey, Jay and Solange as an average fam, adding, “At the end of the day families have problems and we're no different. We love each other and above all we are family. We've put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.” Indeed. And so it was, until Beyoncé’s mother had to go and post a shot of everyone hanging out in an elevator. Oops.

More: Beyoncé's elevator explanation in "Flawless" remix is confusing

15 kickass girl-power books, as chosen by experts

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The country may be on the cusp of electing its first female president in its history. Why not celebrate the occasion by reading your little one a book from this list, hand-selected by children’s librarians, authors and editors for their up-with-girls messages. None are too girly, which means they’re great for all kids.

James Klise, school librarian, Chicago: 

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren — ages 7 – 10

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren. ages 7-10
Image: Amazon

This comes to my mind first, of course, for her strength, independence, creativity and courage. Plus, she's so fun!

Stand Straight, Ella Kate by Kate and M. Sarah Klise — ages 6 – 8

Stand Straight, Ella Kate by Kate Klise
Image: Amazon

Is it wrong to plug one of my sisters' books? This tells the story of Ella Kate Ewing, a late 19th century woman in Missouri who was considered the World's Tallest Woman. She used her height as her way to travel the world, support her parents and build herself a perfect house. A story about a proud woman who determines her own fate.

More: Use this awesome book to combat sexist superhero stereotypes

Helen McGettrick, children’s librarian at Chicago Public Library: 

Firebird by Misty Copeland and Christopher Myers — ages 6 – 8

Firebird by Misty Copeland ages 6-8
Image: Penguin Random House

This is a picture book from ballerina Misty Copeland and writer Christopher Myers with a strong message of "you can do it!" Copeland's own story is really inspiring, and I just love this book. And for anyone who thinks a book about ballet is just for girls, I will tell them that this book's biggest fan at [the elementary school I used to work at] was a first-grade boy.

El Deafo by Cece Bell — ages 8 – 12

El Deafo by Cece Bell ages 8-12
Image: Scholastic

This is a graphic novel memoir about a girl who lost her hearing at age 4. She has to wear a giant contraption to school to hear her teacher, and it leads to her inventing a superhero alter ego, El Deafo. It's funny, deftly told, charmingly drawn, and just a super-awesome book that appeals to boys and girls.

Fashion Rebels by Carlyn Cerniglia Beccia — ages 8 – 12

Fashion Rebels by Carlyn Beccia ages 8-12
Image: Fashion Rebels

This one is just fun, and profiles everyone from Cleopatra to Josephine Baker to Ellen DeGeneres.

Wendy McClure, editor at Albert Whitman & Company:

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman — ages 4 – 8

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman, ages 4-8
Image: Amazon

This one is for both girls and boys, and it introduces the simple idea of consent and how it really should start early... kids should be able to say no to a hug or a kiss if they don't want one.

Danielle Dreger-Babbitt, adult/teen services librarian — Mill Creek, Washington: 

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee and Megan Halsey — ages 8 – 12

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee and Megan Halsey ages 8-12
Image: Amazon

Detailed illustrations and collages tell tales of triumphs and hardships that inspired 26 remarkable women.

Grace for President by Kelly S DiPucchio — ages 5 – 9

Grace for President by Kelly S DiPucchio ages 5-9
Image: Amazon

Grace decides to be the first woman president, starting with her school’s mock election.

The Princess in Black by Shannon and Dean Hale — ages 5 – 8

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale ages 5-8
Image: Amazon

Princess Magnolia is also the Princess in Black who defeats monsters.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña — ages 3 – 5

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena ages 3-5
Image: Amazon

A boy’s grandmother shows him the beauty in helping others.

Heather Lambert, Tennessee feminist, mom and librarian:

The feminist experience starts with how we empower children to discover books and ends with the conversations we share about what we are reading. Reading for all of us should be an invitation to discuss values, gender roles, society and expectations.

Here are some books that:

  • Have strong female leads
  • Talk about gender identity
  • Have females who are non-sexualized
  • Have females in the STEM field
  • Celebrate males in non-conforming roles

The Wolves in the Wall by Neil Gaiman — ages 8 – 12

The Wolves in the Wall by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean ages 8-12
Image: Amazon

“Lucy hears sneaking, creeping, crumpling noises coming from inside the walls.” Gaiman’s creepy graphic novel-style picture book features a strong female lead facing her fears.

More: Popular kid's books that are actually terrible

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo — ages 4 – 8

Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo ages 4-8
Image: Amazon

This picture book about a thrill-seeking chicken features non-conforming gender roles and a strong female lead.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple — ages 3 – 8

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple ages 3-8
Image: Amazon

A book that celebrates girls of all shapes and sizes and interests highlights non-conforming gender roles and touches on gender identity

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert — ages 5 – 9

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert ages 5-9
Image: Amazon

A modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside takes on gender identity and non-conforming gender roles.


HBO might be behind the ridiculous amount of GoT spoilers on the internet

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If you're feeling like Game of Thrones Season 7 has a massive number of spoilers online, you're not wrong.

More: Game of Thrones is really failing at keeping Season 7 spoilers under wraps

But you may want to think twice about believing what others are writing on sites like Reddit about the HBO series' plot during the upcoming season.

There have definitely been pretty major GoT leaks in the past. Before Season 5 started airing, multiple episodes were released online, causing the people at HBO to pretty much shit a collective brick. Since then, the network has upped its security measures by a ton, presumably to prevent the internet from figuring out what's going to happen before episodes air. They don't even send advanced screeners to the media for review anymore. This is serious stuff.

More: For the love of Dothraki, someone confirm Drogo's return for GoT Season 7

So three weeks ago, when a Reddit user posted the entire plot of Season 7 online, we all looked to HBO to see how seriously we should take this thing. There's some evidence that seems to point to the leak being real information, like how the user's Reddit profile was deleted soon after making the post, and legit GoT spoiler sites have confirmed some of the information.

But HBO has been super-chill about this. Suspiciously chill.

Now, because of the network's silence about this leak, some fans are speculating that HBO itself is releasing fake information to throw us all off the trail. If it's true, they probably should have pretended to be mad about all the spoilers and made it a little more convincing. But still, it doesn't seem outside the realm of possibility. And all the uncertainty just means one thing: We have to watch GoT Season 7 to see what's actually going to happen. Darn.

More: If Game of Thrones really kills off Sansa & Arya Stark, we'll freak

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Game of Thrones FB Season 6 slideshow
Image: Graphics by Alaina Urquhart-White/SheKnows; photos provided by HBO

The important news you missed because of this godforsaken election

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It's election day, and the soon "Who will be President?" will no longer dominate the airwaves. If you're wondering what you missed while we debated Trump's tweets 24 hours a day, welcome. First, let me just say, this is far from a comprehensive list. This is meant to be a mere taste of some of the things we missed because of this embarrassment of an election stealing all our attention.

Here are some interesting and/or alarming events from the USA and around the world that you might have missed:

1. The Malheur Wildlife Refuge Occupation case

Remember January 2016 (back when Donald Trump was just a hilarious goon in the mix of 16 other Republican candidates who were literally all more qualified than he was)? Remember that whole thing in Oregon where an armed militia took over a government building for 40 days, vandalizing it, pooping everywhere, and generally being obnoxious and destructive all in the name of their cause, which was…something about government land belonging to states? I’m not sure. But they were mad that two guys were charged with arson on federal land and were apparently also guided by God.

Well seven of those men, including the two guys leading the damn thing, were acquitted last month. Yes, acquitted. People are shouting “WHITE PRIVILEGE” as loudly as they can but no one is listening. I personally find it a freaky precedent to set. Militias and their legality are a fuzzy, confusing and sometimes contradictory subject. This clarifies it slightly, in a way I find pretty disconcerting. I don’t think it’s far-fetched to say this might embolden other militia types to act, and with the alt-right coming out of the woodwork lately I feel “emboldening” is the last thing any of us wants for them.

2. Holy shit guys, the Philippines

Rodrigo Duterte mass-murdering his citizens in the Philippines.

His target: drug dealers and users (and suspected drug dealers and users). His method? I wasn’t kidding. Mass murder.

This guy is baaaaaad news, folks. My good friend Adam Tod Brown wrote about this on Cracked more than once AND talked about it on his podcast, and I recommend reading/listening to his take because he’s smart and he even predicted Donald Trump way back when everyone laughed at him for it.

Duterte. For reals. He and his death squads as of September had killed 3,000 and over 700,000 had surrendered–keeping in mind that they might die too, and also that their conditions are utterly atrocious. And the worst part? Duterte has a nice comfy 76% approval rating among his people.

Not to mention the fact that Duterte is making things weird with the U.S., bringing China and Russia into it and generally causing a whole lot of discomfort in the international community.

3. Aleppo

To be fair, the U.S. Presidential election did bring a certain amount of attention to Aleppo when Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson was literally like “and what is Aleppo?” when asked what he’d do about it if he were President. Everyone collectively rolled their eyes and went “GOD, Gary, don’t you know anything?” while they pretended they all knew what Aleppo was.

That said, people still really don’t seem to realize the humanitarian crisis occurring there and the level of involvement Russia plays in it. Aleppo is a major point of contention in the Syrian war and astonishing numbers of civilians - many of them children - are losing their lives. I wrote about the basics of the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of Gary Johnson having what he calls his “Aleppo moment,” but for more information about the politics of it, I recommend checking out this recent piece from the BBC as well as this piece from NPR.

4. Mosul

The short version, because let’s be real that’s all I understand too: Mosul, a city in Iraq, is the last major ISIS stronghold, which would be a really big deal to take back. There are a crap-ton of troops currently deployed in this effort which started last month. ISIS leader al-Baghdadi is believed to be hiding there, and his capture could crumble the structure of the terrorist organization. The fighting here continues. This is not a battle to be overlooked. Fair warning: I’m linking to Wikipedia for this one. I like the way the article is set up; it makes it easy to find the information you need including the latest updates. Don’t judge me.

5. Important ballot measures from various states:

Hey, did you know we’re voting for a LOT more than just the President on November 8? There’s a lot of talk about the Senate, and some about the House, so I’m not going to get into that. But not too many folks are talking about the ballot measures, of which there are many. A few that stand out to me:

  1. Colorado, removal of “exception to slavery” clause: in short, the Colorado constitution, like the US constitution, allows for an exception to the anti-slavery amendment for forced, unpaid labor for those convicted of a crime. This ballot measure seeks to remove that exception. This, if it passes, won’t close prisons or anything, but it will force changes in the direction of one of the greatest complaints about the criminal justice system, which is that it is merely a modern version of slavery; the rich profiting off the free labor of others, mainly people of color, and many imprisoned on drug charges that should be considered minor. This could be a major step for civil rights.
  2. California, legalization of marijuana: California will be voting to legalize recreational marijuana. While they are not the first state to do so, they will, if it passes, be the largest state by far to legalize it, and this could be a huge step toward getting it legalized on a federal scale.
  3. Minimum wage, 5 states: Arizona, Colorado, Maine, South Dakota and Washington are all voting on measures related to minimum wage and/or paid time off.
  4. California, drug prices: Proposition 61 in California is a measure to standardize drug prices so that state agencies pay no more than the VA for prescription drugs.
  5. Maine, ranked choice voting: Maine will be voting to change the way they vote! The proposed system would have voters ranking their choices of candidates for U.S. senators, U.S. representatives, governor, state senators, and state representatives in order of preference.

6. Geert Wilders and populism in Europe:

Already charged and acquitted of hate speech for his comments about Islam in 2011, Dutch politician Geert Wilders is again on trial for hate speech–a crime, in the Netherlands–for his comments about Moroccans.

This fuckhead with terrible hair (why do they all have terrible hair?) is a pretty good representation of the populist freakout going on in Europe, so…fuck that guy. He’s also arguing that he has a right to say those things because of the freedom of speech and is boycotting his own trial over it. He claims that “if speaking about this is punishable, then the Netherlands is no longer a free country but a dictatorship.”

This case is a big deal because it calls up the question of what is and isn’t protected under free speech laws–note that there are exceptions to it even here in the U.S., if fewer than in Europe–and the argument about the balance between freedom of speech and freedom from discrimination.

It also draws attention to the rise of populism in Europe and how obvious it is, from a global perspective, that Trump is far from an anomaly, and that the sentiments that gave rise to his candidacy are not likely to go away anytime soon, even if he loses.

Interested in keeping up? Check out the NPR One app, which caters updates to you and makes it simple and easy for you to keep up with everything that’s happening. Interested in something more light-hearted? Check out Unpopular Opinion–Adam Tod Brown’s super-awesome podcast–and Race Wars, another awesome podcast featuring one of my favorite writers/people ever, Erin Gloria Ryan. I like people with three names, I guess.

Oh, and don’t forget to VOTE!

This post was originally published on Comic Wisdom and BlogHer,

What rift? Amy Duggar blames bad timing for her absence from Jinger's wedding

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It's no secret that Amy King (née Duggar) is somewhat of the Duggar family black sheep. She lives a much more liberal lifestyle than her famous cousins — doling out front-hugs, kissing while courting and she even *gasp* admitted that she wasn't a virgin when she got married.

So when the news hit the internet recently that King wasn't at Jinger Duggar's wedding to Jeremy Vuolo over the weekend, rumors started flying that it was because there was some kind of rift — and the gossip mill wondered if King was even invited to the latest Duggar nuptials.

Jinger Duggar wedding

Jinger Duggar wedding

But King took some time to clear things up on Tuesday, and wants everyone to know her absence from the wedding was purely due to bad timing.

More: There may be a Clinton supporter in the Duggar family after all

"I was absolutely invited. I love my family!" King told Entertainment Tonight. "There is no rift between me and my cousins at all. It was just wrong timing... We already had something scheduled."

Turns out King's husband Dillon had big plans to attend the 2017 SEMA automotive products trade show, and his truck was even being sponsored at the Las Vegas event. Dillon is in the industry — he owns a hydrographics company called Wet Ink Design.

"This was planned a year in advance, so there was no way I could let my husband go without me," King explained. "I let my family know I loved them and that I couldn’t make it."

"Love you Jinger!" she added. "My heart is back home but my feet are in Vegas! Miss you."

Her heart might be back home in Arkansas, but King is certainly letting her hair down in Vegas. She's been posting up a storm on Instagram as she in her husband take in the sights at SEMA and on the strip. She even had an election meets Pretty Woman moment in a festive red, white and blue ensemble.

Jinger Duggar in Vegas

Jinger Duggar in Vegas

Do you think King's prior engagement in Las Vegas is a good reason for missing her cousin's wedding?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Duggars dating slideshow
Image: TLC courtesy of Jim Bob Duggar

The 10 best dark spot correctors at every price point

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Unless you’re one of the lucky few on this earth to have been born with #flawless skin, you’ve more likely than not struggled with skin imperfections at some point or another. Dark spots in particular are a real pain for anyone who has to deal with them — so hard to remove once they’re there!

Some cases are severe enough to need the help of a dermatologist, but some can be helped at home, provided you’re armed with the best dark spot correctors around. But if you’re wondering why you have dark spots in the first place, start here:

Genes

Sometimes the luck of the draw may not actually be so lucky—skin can just have uneven pigment naturally. Often spots can fade away with time, but some stay unless they’re treated.

More: The Foods That Help Protect You Against the Sun

Sun Damage

Easily prevented by using a strong enough SPF (all year long, not just in the summer) but if you already have dark spots from sun damage, there is still hope.

Acne Scars

As much as you may want to end a pimple‘s life immediately, it’s best not to touch it. Popping zits can lead to scarring and dark spots that are a significantly bigger pain in the ass than the original pimple. Fair warning.

More: 10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Dark Spots

Up ahead, we’ve rounded up the best dark spot correctors at every price range, to finally shed some light on those dark problems.

1. Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector

Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector
Image: Shiseido

(Shiseido, $175)

2. Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Image: Kiehl's

(Kiehl's, $50) 

3. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
Image: Clinque

(Clinique, $50)

4. Proactiv+ Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Proactiv+ Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Image: Proactiv

(Proactiv+ Advanced Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $35)

5.Verso Skincare Dark Spot Fix

Verso Skincare Dark Spot Fix
Image: Sephora

(Sephora, $150)

6. L'Oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Serum Corrector

L'Oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Serum Corrector
Image: Walmart

(Walmart, $22)

7. Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector
Image: Target

(Target, $15)

8. Fresh Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence

Fresh Peony Spot-Correcting Brightening Essence
Image: Fresh

(Fresh, $67)

9. Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum
Image: Murad

 (Murad, $60)

10. Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector

Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector, $20
Image: Burt's Bees

(Burt's Bees, $20)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

Sorry, but Scott Disick is trippin' if he thinks he's getting Kourtney K. back

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Over the years, Kourtney Kardashian stood by Scott Disick through his horrible behavior and substance abuse problems — until, well, she just couldn't put herself through the agony of staying with him anymore.

Kardashian and Disick have pretty much been off-and-on for the duration of their 10-year relationship, but they split in the summer of 2015 and, for the first time, the split stuck. Kardashian must have finally realized that she'll never be able to change Disick, and it seems she would be right — save for a couple very brief failed attempts at quitting his hard-partying ways, he still club hops and hosts events at watering holes on a regular basis.

Scott Disick insta

Scott Disick insta

But now, Disick reportedly wants to clean up — for reals, this time — in a last ditch effort to get Kardashian and the rest of his family back.

More: Why Kourtney Kardashian needs to dump Scott Disick's ass, once and for all

"He’s been eating clean, exercising and looking after the kids," a source recently told In Touch magazine. "And most importantly, he’s three or four weeks sober now."

Disick might have gained some new-found clarity in his sobriety.

"Scott’s the first to admit he put Kourtney and the kids through hell and he doesn’t probably deserve any sympathy, let alone a reunion," the source added. "But he’s giving it a try and wants to prove that he’s capable of being a better person, for the kids as much as himself."

It's great that Disick has decided to clean up and get healthy, but is it too little, too late? After all of the times he was out all night partying while Kardashian stayed home alone with the kids worrying about him and their young family, it's hard to imagine that things could ever return to a cohesive unit. Kardashian seems to have gotten her life together, and Disick is probably barking up the wrong tree if he thinks he's going to get her back.

More: Scott Disick needs to take care of himself before he worries about Kourtney K.

Even Disick admitted last spring that he wasn't ready for a reconciliation, at that point.

"There are things we both have to work on," he said in an interview. "We're at a good place, [but] I don't think either of us wants any more than where we're at."

What do you think? Does Disick have a snow ball's chance in hell of of getting back with Kardashian?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kourtney and scott through the years
Image: Denise Truscello/WireImage
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