Rocker Marilyn Manson has never been one to shy away from controversy, but his latest video is pretty crazy, even for him.

In a recently released clip from the video for his new song "Say10," Manson rips pages out of a bible and decapitates a man who clearly resembles Donald Trump as he sings about Satan and cash being the poor man's money.

Check it out — but be warned, it's pretty gruesome.

But just because Manson has created a visual that depicts him killing Trump, doesn't mean he's with her — Manson told The Daily Beast earlier this year that he would be sitting out this election because he would just be choosing between "cat shit and dog shit" if he cast a vote.

More: Lena Dunham tried to bash Donald Trump but just confused everyone

So what is the message behind "Say10" then, if it's not anti-Trump? Basically, it's Manson's take on society as a whole, using the 2016 election drama as a backdrop.

"Either way tomorrow goes, the visuals are meant to create contemplation," he told The Daily Beast on Monday, the night before the big election. "Because it’s obviously bigger than just tomorrow... It’s about the desperate acts of people who believe something that is preached by an unbeliever.

"Right now we’re in such a state of confusion when it comes to religion, politics, sexuality, and how they all tie together, and it’s being turned into a circus and a sideshow — and that’s something that I’ve been described as a ringleader of," he added. "It seems like a time for me as an artist, and as an American artist, to make something that causes a new set of questions to arise that aren’t simply statements."

More: If Donald Trump wins the U.S. election, Canada will be gaining these 9 celebs

While we're on the topic of Trump in pop culture, Manson's creation isn't the only thing he's popped up in lately. Fans of AMC's The Walking Dead spotted a Trump zombie in a recent episode of the show.

It doesn't bode well for the United States if a presidential hopeful isn't able to make it through the zombie apocalypse. Just sayin.'

Do you think Manson went too far in his gruesome new video for "Say10"?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I accidentally crossed paths with my first Dominant online when I was going through a divorce seven years ago. My first thought was to run away fast: He must be some whip-toting freak with a dungeon in his basement.

Fast-forward to today and I have three Dominant/submissive (D/s) relationships behind me (though I've had vanilla relationships, too), and I can honestly say that each relationship built on the former and has taught me profound things about my body, myself, and even life.

With so much controversy and misinformation, which I've written about before, out there around what D/s is and isn't, I want to offer up a glimpse into the REAL world of D/s. Here are the answers to the most popular questions I've been asked.

1. What do you enjoy most about D/s?

What appeals to me the most is the intense cerebral connection — the mind play and the feelings it conjures in me, sometimes all day long (the brain is, after all, the biggest sex organ). The words, the orders, the reprimands, the tone and the downright audacity for him to say it all: Never would I allow anyone else to speak to me in this way, or, over all, to have such deep access into my mind, body and heart.

And I hear myself responding in ways that similarly shock me — from mouthy and totally improper to meek and pleasing or with no air in my lungs at all. All the while I feel with my mind, heart and full body, the anticipation, the fear, the exposure, my power, his control and protection, desire and love. Through the D/s dynamic, I not only feel more alive and aware of my sexuality/sensuality, I learn and own more of myself.

More: Your kinky desires are totally normal, study says

2. I've heard of "punishment and discipline" being used in D/s relationships: What does that look like?

I can only explain this from my perspective, so I'll have to back up a bit:

I have many different aspects to my personality. For the most part, I'm pretty straight-laced: responsible, hard-working, kind, thoughtful, capable, organized, (boring). Maybe it's my upper middle-class, good girl upbringing at work, I don't know.

But some parts of me itch to go outside the lines, and those parts are bitchy, aggressive, sly, daring, bold, manipulative, and even, I'd say, immature. This is where "Delaine The Brat" comes out in the D/s relationship — and boy does she love to push.

Poking at my Dom, testing him, trying to break his rules and, in some ways, undermine his masculinity, brings me great pleasure. I'd almost describe it as glee. If he catches it — and I always kind of hope he will— I need to know he will 'put in my place' through some kind of "punishment/discipline" that we both somehow, on some level, enjoy. If he doesn't rise to the challenge, it's actually a turn-off to me.

For some people, this is where S&M comes into play. For others, it's bondage and/or spanking and/or kink. It could even involve humiliation and standing in the corner like a berated child. The submissive never knows 'exactly' what her Dom is going to do and the slight fear of the unknown can be erotic. That being said, she should always know that she is safe and won't be pushed outside her limits physically, mentally or emotionally. If this happens and she immediately wants it to stop, she can call out a mutually agreed upon "safe word."

As for me, the best way to make me behave is to ignore me.

3. But why, as a grown woman, would you possibly want to behave so childishly?

It's not all the time, it's just sometimes. And I don't know the exact answer. Why do you sometimes crave tomatoes on rye bread while I feel like grilled cheese on white? Why does it even matter if we both enjoy a good meal and are both satisfied and unharmed in the end?

All I know is that some part of me is attracted to strong, decisive, creative, powerful men who also possess the Dom 'skill set' (a topic for another article). And when I'm around that energy and reminded of it, I like how it makes me feel as a woman and sexual being. It's not that I think I'm not all of those things too, but something inside of me is appeased and awakened when I feel that in the company of my partner.

4. Why didn't you explore D/s before you got divorced?

Looking back, all I can say is that the mundaneness of raising three kids within a stable, predictable, domestic life and marriage squashed my interest in sex beyond the requisites. Only when I became single again at age 37 did I realize how much my sexual desire rouses when my mind and imagination are consistently engaged and challenged. A D/s relationship offers me that.

5. What do you want women to know most about D/s?

First, D/s is first and foremost a PART of a relationship, but it's not everything the relationship is. You need to be highly compatible in a myriad of ways beyond D/s for the relationship to be successful.

Secondly, when you love your partner, D/s becomes like this private, special journey that enables you to explore yourself and each other in intimate, breathtaking, never-ending ways. Sex is more like an extension of that journey, a vehicle if you will, that allows you to excavate, ask, dare, receive, give and explore things about yourself, and slightly beyond yourself, that you never knew existed. The power and intensity and connection to one another almost feels cosmic. It's like you're attached to one another, like muscle on bone.

More: 4 kinky handcuff sex positions because losing control is sexy

6. Do you have psychological issues?

Smile. No more than the average person.

In the real world I am a professional, a mom, capable, creative and self-reliant. But as a woman, D/s speaks to some deep and intimate part of my soul. I long to be mastered and taken and led by one amazing man I love.

But not just any many can call himself a Dom and own me. There is a ferocious tiger that guards the gates to that sacred part of me.

I encourage other women to do the same.

7. Is D/s all about whips, chains, blood and pain?

No. Please do not confuse D/s with S&M, which is sadomasochism. S&M is the dynamic where one person (the sadist) enjoys inflicting pain, often sexually, on someone who enjoys receiving it (the masochist). That being said, some people may incorporate some level of S&M into their D/s dynamic — but more often than not, it's mild to moderate and takes the form of spanking, which, let's be honest, many "vanilla" couples have tried in the throes of passion.

Please note that BDSM is divided into three areas: BD, bondage and discipline; DS, Dominance and submission; and SM, for sadomasochism. Not everyone combines all areas, nor do they do so in the same ways; it's up to the couple to decide upon and consent to together. Also, many couples don't even categorize themselves under these labels and simply call acts like blindfolding or handcuffing "kink."

More: BDSM sex tips for ‘vanilla’ couples, no red room needed

8. Is D/s largely about kinky sex then?

D/s is first and foremost an energy dynamic that flows between two people. One person, the Dom, takes on more the role of leader, guide, enforcer, protector and/or daddy, while the other person, the sub, assumes more the role of pleaser, brat, tester, baby girl, and/or servant. Many couples limit the D/s dynamic to sexual role play in the bedroom. But D/s can be expanded and applied in exciting and creative ways beyond it.

For example, a Dom may create simple yet 'unordinary' rules for his sub to follow, such as requiring she ask his permission to masturbate when he's absent. Or, the dynamic may involve much stricter rules and numerous tasks that entrust him with more control of her mind, body and behaviors. This is where the line between D/s crosses into that of Master/slave, which is much more in-depth and more of a lifestyle.

9. Does the Dom have all the power while the sub is pretty much a doormat?

No. This is one of the biggest myths about D/s. A true D/s relationship is based upon the needs, wants, desires and curiosities of the sub — she defines the flow and boundaries of the relationship. The Dom's job is to listen closely to her, ask questions, intuit what she says and sometimes can't, and help her creatively and safely explore her innermost self, mentally, emotionally and yes, sexually, too. Sometimes her boundaries get gently pressed, too.

This is why the four pillars of a D/s relationship are trust, communication, respect and honesty. And if one pillar is missing or one starts crumbling, the relationship becomes stunted and may even collapse.

Read more from Delaine at DelaineMoore.com.

This post was originally published on BlogHer.

I’ve always been a dude that’s in touch with his emotions, but becoming a father has really liberated my inner sap. Being the father of a 2-year-old boy has made me the kind of maudlin, sentimental crybaby who gets teary-eyed over just about everything, and not just the milestones we’re expected to shed tears over. Part of this is attributable to my own tortured upbringing. I never really had a childhood, so I’m vicariously experiencing what it’s like to have a happy, stable, loving childhood through my son, and I’m reluctant for that period to end, even though I know it must.

My wife and I were overcome with emotion when our son Declan recently turned 2. We did not weep, but I teared up with emotion every time I looked at my little dude and realized with a heavy heart that his days of being a baby were rapidly coming to an end. If something so relatively minor could overwhelm us, I can say with certainty that we will not, on any level, be able to handle the following five milestones in our son’s life with anything approaching dignity, grace or maturity.

1. First day of elementary school

I’m barely able to handle the fact that Declan goes away to preschool every morning and plays with kids his own age instead of staying home in a state of perpetual babyhood. I remember visiting his preschool for parents day and feeling more than a little melancholy that he has a whole world that he goes to every day that does not involve me, although since my wife is a teacher in his school, she has her own separation anxiety since she sees him at school but is not his teacher, which is challenging for both of them.

So when preschool and kindergarten give way to first grade and my wife and I give our son his lunch and gaze into his perfect face as he prepares to go off to the first day of class, I know that my wife and I will be crying deep, whole-body sobs that will be a profound source of embarrassment to our son. That mixture of pride and sadness, hope and a longing to hold onto the present as long as possible will be absolutely shattering, but my wife and I will try, and fail, to hold it all together.

More: 6 surprising childhood milestones

2. First heartbreak

I’m so protective, my son already makes a regular point of shooing me away so that he can handle things on his own terms, like when I shadow him on the playground to ensure that he doesn’t fall down and he pushes me away with an outstretched arm and sternly tells me, “No, Daddy!” I will be psychologically protective as well, and the mere idea that our son will experience the awful milestone of having his heart broken for the first time breaks my own heart and makes me want to alter the very nature of life to spare him from this pain, which I know is also crucial to growing up. Sadness, disappointment and rejection are fundamental parts of life and can build character, but that won’t keep us from feeling our son’s heartbreak almost as intensely as he does.

3. Leaving for college

I suspect this will be even more intense and soul-shattering for us since we’re not very good at cutting the proverbial apron strings. I think part of my difficulty letting go of Dex can be attributed to my own traumatic childhood, thanks to my mother’s abandonment and my father’s inability to take care of me due to illness. I know how cruel the outside world can be and how kind and loving it is to Declan now, so there’s a Quixotic part of me that wants to keep Declan at an age that the cruelty and loss of the adult world cannot get to him for as long as possible.

After dropping Declan off at his dorm and kissing him goodbye, after clearing away those last few boxes from the trunk so that he can begin his new life away from us, I predict that my wife and I will be so sad, in a happy sort of way, that we’ll commit ourselves to a mental hospital on the drive back to help us deal with the loss. This might seem a little extreme, but we’re a pair of extremely emotional human beings, especially when it comes to our Dex.

More: Daddy Brain: Does fatherhood change Dad's brain too?

4. Marriage

OK, I very much doubt that my wife and I will be able to handle our son getting married at all. To see him up there, gazing into the eyes of his beloved, his whole being animated with joy and enthusiasm over the decades to come, will be incredibly overwhelming.

I’m already so melancholy and overwhelmed with emotion about Declan growing bigger and more mature and adult every day. Part of me wants to freeze time and keep Declan at the age he is now forever, but I realize how deeply unhealthy that is, for me and for him. And a wedding is very concrete evidence that Declan doesn’t belong to his mom and dad anymore, but to his partner, should he choose to get married. We’ll be overjoyed that our son has found love, but our overwhelming emotion will be profound sadness that our boy is grown and will soon have a family of his own to be way too emotionally invested in. That is the nature of life, as is my wife and me losing our shit over our son.

5. Fatherhood

I am ending the list here because I am pretty much certain that merely gazing at our first grandchild for the first time will be such an intense and revelatory experience that I can’t imagine anything beyond it. Being a dad has been such a profoundly overwhelming and life-changing experience for me that I can’t wait to share it with my son. And while there’s part of me that eagerly looks forward to being grandparents, even the joyous events are a reminder of the fragility of life and our own mortality. When this happens, I will weep like a baby with overwhelming joy, but also a distinct undercurrent of sadness.

Could Vanderpump Rules be losing one of its stars this season?

More: VPR's Jax Taylor teases that he & Bethenny Frankel 'kissed a little bit' — what?

Tom Schwartz has made regular appearances on the show as star Katie Maloney's boyfriend since the beginning, but he didn't become a regular cast member until the third season, when Lisa Vanderpump hired him to be a bartender at her new West Hollywood restaurant, Pump.

Now, he and Katie are married, and there's a rumor flying that he won't last until the end of Season 5, which premiered this week. The reason he's supposedly leaving, though, is what gives us pause. According to one site, he wants to focus on his new wife and starting a family.

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

Um, does this raise a few red flags for anyone other than me? Katie had one hell of a time getting Tom to commit to just getting engaged. We watched her beg, plead and make ultimatums for four seasons before he finally decided to settle down with her. Would he really jump into starting a family so soon? I'm inclined to say no.

Katie is no stranger to pregnancy rumors — they fly around a few times during every season of VPR, and it always turns out she's definitely not pregnant. The timing this time is actually extra ridiculous, after James Kennedy body-shamed Katie during the Season 5 premiere by asking her if she's pregnant when she's very obviously not. He got destroyed on social media for that. It definitely shouldn't have started any new rumors about Katie's womb.

This season of VPR is already promising plenty of drama. I, for one, am super-excited to see Jax Taylor's latest relationship crash and burn after all the nasty lies he's been spreading about his own girlfriend. Tom Schwartz leaving the show, though? I just don't see it happening.

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

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I woke up at 5:37 a.m. to my 14-month-old’s cries. I went to check my phone, learned the news and burst intro tears. “This is impossible,” I kept repeating. “This cannot be.” I usually take the early morning shift but my husband had stayed up, too. My baby knew something was up, staring at me wide-eyed and I told him, “Mamma is very very sad.”

Full disclosure: I was (and am) an ardent Hillary Clinton supporter. The news of Trump’s victory hit me and my family hard. We all went to bed at 10 p.m., shaky but hopeful that Clinton was going to pull through in the end — and then woke up in the morning to the news that we had been very, very wrong. That our country is far more divided than we could have guessed.

I was plenty upset this morning, but one thing I didn’t worry too much about was my son Henry’s reaction. He’s 14 and has been trying out maintaining an ironic distance from much of life. I don’t normally enjoy the cynical act all that much, but this morning, it was honestly something of a relief. Don’t get me wrong. He wasn’t thrilled. But he wasn’t as devastated as, I think, 10-year-old Henry would have been.

But while I got off easy, many parents faced an enormous challenge. How do you comfort your kids, offer perspective and wisdom, when you’re struggling with the news yourself? I reached out to my community to find out how they broke the news. Their words, honestly, made me feel better. And I’m an adult! I hope they do the same for you, no matter which way you voted. We could all use a little love right now.

"Our family will remain strong"

As they went to school (knowing that emotions would be running high), I told them to show everyone compassion and to be better than this. I also told them they were loved and that our family will remain strong — even if marriage equality is reversed, even if the ability to discriminate against our family for religious reasons becomes law, we will always be a family and will get through it together.

— Vikki R.

"We have to work harder"

Here's what my husband told my kids this morning: 

“This is how it works. A lot of people disliked him less than her. But this is why we have checks and balances. So we have to work harder to stand up for people. We have to be kinder and stronger."

— E.M.

"We got through it"

I told him the story about how when I was 10 Reagan was elected and I saw my dad cry for the first time because he was so sad and worried about the world with someone like him in charge. I told him about how scared I was and how scary it seemed at the time and how we got through it. That calmed him somewhat. Then I played the Hamilton card, reminded him about how all his heroes in that play didn't give up when things got really bad. That their love for their country overcame ridiculous odds.

— Alana R.

More: Headmaster's letter to teachers is actually genius parenting advice

"All parents want what’s best for our kids"

We talked about how there are no guarantees in life. And how character is defined not by how we behave when things are going our way, but how we behave when things aren’t.

Then I reassured them that we need to try and see the world as one in which all parents want what’s best for our kids — even if we don’t always agree on the right way to get there.

— Liz Gumbinner, Cool Mom Picks

"We can’t move away from our problems"

One of Laurel’s first questions this morning was whether we were moving to Canada (not a completely weird question given that Jon and I lived in Canada while I did my Ph.D., and I am a huge fan of Justin Trudeau). And I said, “No, we can’t move away from our problems, we need to move towards them.” Part of privilege is the ability to move away from problems — which leaves people in need behind. It’s just not an option. We need to deal with what is in front of us.

— Christine Koh, Boston Mamas

"We will stay safe"

I told my daughter, who is very anxious, that we will stick together and fight for what's right and support others who are doing the same. That nothing will change right away, that we will keep her safe and we will stay safe, that there are many other people who feel the same way that we do. That sometimes bad things happen.

— Sarah W.

"Maybe someday"

Our daughter asked if this means Hillary can have a turn next time. And we told her [that] next time there would be a different election. Eleanor said, will another girl get to be president? And we had to tell her that we honestly didn't know, but that we sure hope that there is another smart, kind woman who runs for president. Maybe someday her or one of her friends.

And then I made her go eat breakfast so I could cry in the bathroom.

— E. H.

"We have to show up for each other"

I told my kids that today is the first of many days when it is even more important for us to show up and speak up. That we have to show up for each other, and for our friends who don't have the privilege we have. To think of something that makes them feel courageous, and hold it in their heart. To take care of themselves, that we need to sleep, and drink water, and eat good food so that we have the stamina we need. And of course I told them that I love them.

 — Angie F.

"Soon you will outnumber the old white guys"

This was my son's first time voting. It was not a good way to find out that storybook endings don't always exist. He and all his friends are against bigotry and misogyny, and I said "Every year, more young people who have a different world view will turn 18. Soon you will outnumber the old white guys."

 — Jody L

"This too will pass"

I reassured her that this too will pass. Our country has always dealt well, if not belatedly, with big problems that affect a large proportion of our population and Trump's victory is no exception. This win was our country screaming out against Washington's obliviousness to the rural poverty devastating the vast majority of this nation's real estate. We need to deal with that and Trump’s election to the Presidency is a reflection of that. Whether he can deliver the jobs or not... only time will tell.

— Anne W.

"The President doesn't just get to barge in"

I reminded mine that the President doesn't just get to barge in and do things — that cooperation is needed from the Senate and the House and the court. But it felt hollow when I said it and so I pointed out that they'll be old enough to vote in the next election and that we'd just have to do our level best 'til then. Then we ate Halloween candy.

— Jenifer M.

More: 7 moms talk about turning boys into good men

"We'll all keep doing our best"

I walked them outside and said, "Look at all the people going to work and going to school. We'll all keep doing our best and the world will not end." That last part I said with more hope than conviction. But in a brutal election hangover of a morning, it was the best I could muster.

— Lili Z.

"This is how America works"

I explained this is how America works and even though the presidential election is over there are battles to be fought every day for the people we care about. He said he was afraid to go to school (we live in PA — and it went red) so I gave him some conversation tools, like "let's not talk about politics." And I said he can write or draw his feelings out.

— Dresden S.

"We will continue to work for the good"

I assured him that we as a family will continue to work for the good, to use our voices in everyday and big moments to stand with people who have not had a voice. I spoke to him of his privilege as a young, white male who is being educated and cared for and how it is time for us to dig deep, to pray, to work for the good, to hold hope — on the playground, in our jobs, in our home, in our church, in our community. We will read and pay closer attention, we will make connections with the history he is learning and where our nation is today. We will not stop talking and praying and being activists. I assured him that some very strong and smart women who were elected in Illinois bring us promise of change and more equity right here in our city and state, which is greatly needed and greatly impacting our schools.

— Jessica A.

"It will be their generation"

I told them this is why I devote my work to teaching critical thinking and media literacy at a city college. I also told them how important it is that they work hard and that it will be their generation who must [make an] effort to change the world for the better.

— Margaret P.

"Resilience was the attitude we'd have to take"

My kids are 17 and young adults. After several aghast texts and Snapchats while watching the election results from different houses, we decided resilience was the attitude we'd have to take. Then I watched Colbert and figured a bit of humor could help.

— Julie A.

"It's OK to be upset"

Both my sons (Black/Latino/Autistic) cried. My oldest is scared for his classmates. He's asking a lot of questions about what this means and I'm being honest in saying I don't know. I've told them it's OK to be upset and be sad and be angry. I've also re-affirmed their worth as human beings and told them I'll keep fighting for them and their friends. I don't know how just yet, but I will be even more engaged in confronting racism/xenophobia/sexism/hate. But I said for today we can feel what we feel.

— A.N.

"We will never live in fear"

I’m in the wrong country, but still had worried children this morning. I told them that we will never live in fear: It's a silly place to live, and people who live there make bad decisions.

— Antonia C.

"We would continue to live the way we always have"

I told them that we would continue to live the way we always have, loving God, doing good to others, and speaking up when anyone was mistreated. No one will take that away from us, ever.

 — Shari S.

"Respect the decision"

I told them that democracy doesn't always go the way we want it to go, and that our job now is to respect the decision and be our best selves despite it. I told them that all we can control is how we react and that we need to continue to be kind and helpful and defend people who are mistreated.

— Nichole E.

"We have to be kind"

I told him we voted and did our best. Now we have to be kind and look out for the rights of our friends. And keep voting. And maybe he can run for office someday and be one of the good ones.

— Susan M.

"We will stick together"

We told them that this is scary for our family because [Trump] does not support gay marriage and he will have a terrible impact on the black community. (We are a biracial gay family.) We assured them that no matter what happens in the country, we will stick together and get through it as a family."

— Cassie B.

"We're going to look into helping LGBTQ kids"

My daughter and I decided that for a start we're going to look into helping LGBTQ kids around America, by giving money to their crisis centers.

— Jennifer L.

"Our voices are sometimes all we have"

I told my sons we keep fighting. That complacency is dangerous. That we won't look away when we see something wrong. That our voices are sometimes all we have and we never should be afraid to use them. And that I love them so, so much.

— Tara L.

"We will remember to not judge"

When I told my 5-year-old this morning about Trump, we agreed that we will remember to not judge people by their politics, but by their kindness and actions, and to look out for anyone who is being hurt by people with different beliefs. Then she asked me for a heart-shaped sandwich for lunch. We can all use a heart-shaped sandwich today.

 — Meg N.

Even if you grew up eating meat and enjoying the usual holiday feast, Thanksgiving can be a little challenging as a vegan or vegetarian — unless you're cool making an entire meal out of side dishes.

But thankfully, we've been gifted with lots of recipes that feel hearty and traditional without the meat. And these meat-free and dairy-free recipes are so awesome, even non-vegetarian guests will gobble them up.

Here are some veg alternatives to add to your menu this year.

More: Hearty butternut squash rice casserole is vegetarian fall comfort food

1. Tofurky roast with vegetables

Served with carrots and yams, this main course takes a paltry one and a half hours to cook compared with the traditional big turkey of the table. The Popsugar staff omnivores prepared, taste tested and reviewed this tofurky roast with vegetables recipe.

2. Root vegetable baked lasagna

Prepare a delicious combination of ricotta cheese, garlic, parsnips, turnips and cinnamon for a quintessentially fall meal of root vegetable baked lasagna.

3. Vegan ratatouille with tempeh

Buck tradition in taste and style with vegan ratatouille with tempeh as the main course on the menu, and your table will be the very picture of autumn with the reds, oranges, greens and yellows of all the roasted veggies of this dish.

4. Roasted red beet hummus recipe

You've had your share of chickpea-, black bean- and white bean-based hummus. Now Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give roasted red beet hummus a try.

5. Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings

Served with cranberries and maple syrup, these quinoa-stuffed acorn squash rings might just put your average Thanksgiving sides and regular onion rings to shame.

6. Vegetable arty tart

This vegetable arty tart can double as your Thanksgiving centerpiece.

More: Black bean burgers are a vegetarian's dream come true

7. Butternut squash, kale and crunchy pepitas taco

Why not celebrate America's original feast with fall squash and kale-based tacos?

8. Mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing

Traditional stuffing, who needs it? Try this mushroom and leek cornbread stuffing recipe -- your gluten-free and vegan guests will thank you.

9. Homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce

Pumpkin can take center stage on the dinner table this year when you serve this delish homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce.

10. Olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese

Who says Thanksgiving sides have to be boring? Opt for healthy, gourmet and easy-to-prepare with these olive oil and garlic green beans with crumbled blue cheese.

11. Vegetarian and sausage gravy and biscuits

Now your veggie guests don't have to miss out on a classic: biscuits and gravy!

12. Pumpkin curry with chickpeas

You might not find this on any other Thanksgiving menu, but that doesn't mean your dinner guests won't love this hearty, savory, pumpkin-based dish!

13. Butternut squash chipotle chili with avocado

The colors and flavors of fall combine for this Mexican- and autumn-inspired butternut squash chipotle chili recipe.

14. Maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney

Moist, mouthwatering stuffing that's vegan-friendly? What's not to like about this maple-apple cider tofu with stuffing and apple-cranberry chutney recipe?

15. Butternut squash croquettes

Cinnamon, olive oil, salt and pepper combine for the perfect sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish.

16. Vegetarian quinoa chili

Packed with veggies and black and red kidney beans, this vegetarian and gluten-free quinoa chili recipe may be the most filling and sought-after side on your holiday dinner table.

17. Shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes

Topped with sautéed wild mushrooms? Yes, please! Never ordinary in the kitchen? Try this shaved Parmesan and truffle mashed potatoes recipe.

18. Baked apple stuffed with candied ginger and almonds

You've perfected apple pie recipes, but what about baked apple? Obviously you must try it paired with wine.

19. Vegan cranberry coffee cake

Thanksgiving is truly the holiday of the cranberry, so why not celebrate the berry by making it the star of the dessert menu with this vegan cranberry coffee cake recipe?

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

20. Vegan pumpkin spice scone with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting

It's not just your guests who deserve to try these pretty scones — you do too! And yes, the cream cheese frosting is really vegan.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

On a chilly night in early March, I met up with a guy for drinks at a bar down the street from my house. Who was he? A dreamy eyed, goal oriented musician and producer. And a father. He dropped that bomb on me as we were texting one night, before our first date.

"What are you doing tonight?"

Right when I walked in, my heart leapt in my chest. I sat down, unsure of what to expect out of the night. It had been a while since I had actually enjoyed being out with someone. He was kind and curious about my endeavors as a writer. We even talked about how we had both lost parents to cancer when we were young. It was a dream date, if you will.

Then we got down to the dirty stuff (not that dirty stuff). The stuff that you don’t really want to talk about, but kind of have to. He was newly separated, but very transparent about his previous marriage. Considering he was so young, I couldn't believe he had already been married and had two kids. They were two and three, brothers, and quite seriously the light of his life. He talked about them with such happiness in his face that it was hard not to coo.

When he asked, "Wanna meet my kids?" at first, I hesitated. Not because I didn't want to, but because I was nervous. These were the most important people in his life, and I was about to meet them. I was also about to see him in the most important role in his life; being a dad.

We waited a little over three months. I really wanted to meet his ex-wife first, but somehow it didn't line up, and before I knew it, I was having a picnic in the park with two kids and a dad. My heart was basically beating out of my chest. The oldest didn't take to me at first; he was cautious and had questioning eyes. The younger of the two was friendly and inviting, asking me to play and watch him do tricks. Eventually they became a really big part of my life.

Shortly after meeting his kids, I had the opportunity to meet his ex-wife. Really, when you think about it, it isn’t typical that you would have to interact your partner's ex. At least not as frequently as in my situation. I was pleasantly surprised that there was zero animosity, and very little awkward feeling. I feel fortunate to actually enjoy the presence of my partner's ex to this day. Some people in my same situation aren’t as lucky.

It feels strange that almost two years have gone by since I set out on this relationship, but here I am. Things for all of us seem to flow pretty evenly. It isn’t often that I find myself super uncomfortable in my position. For that, I am grateful.

So what exactly does it take?

For starters, I put the children and their feelings above my own insecurity. Meaning, when they come to me crying about how they miss their mother, I comfort them. I tell them that they are lucky to have such a good mom, and that she loves them so much and she misses them just as much as they miss her (if not more). Kids are more intuitive than you think. So when you are speaking of their parents, speak with honesty. Don’t fake it. And whatever you do, don’t walk away from them in this moment because it makes you feel weird. They are showing you they need you. Be there. Of course it felt awkward at first, just as I am sure she felt awkward the first few times they mentioned me. It takes a lot of maturity to overcome some of that initial discomfort.

Next up, learn to add, not replace. I will never be these kids’ mom. I don’t want to be. They have two amazing, selfless, and loving parents who brought them into this world. When I set out on my relationship with my partner's kids, I made it clear that my only intention was to add to their lives. You can love someone else’s kids like your own, and still know your place. There are invisible boundaries – learn to respect them. Learn that sometimes, your opinion isn’t needed. Know that the sole thing you should contribute (unless otherwise asked) is unconditional love for the little ones.

The final part of my role revolves mostly around support. There have been times in the past when my partner has needed emotional support and someone to lean on. When you’re a step-parent, remember that although what you are going through may sometimes be awkward, it’s almost always ten times more painful for the person experiencing it first hand. When he feels emotional about the situation he is in as a father, I have to do my best to understand and be as supportive as possible. In all honesty, this can be hard at times, because there is nothing I can say to soothe the pain of him missing his children. All I can do is listen while he sorts through that part of his life that has nothing to do with me.

One last thing here, and probably the most important thing. As a person dating a parent, know this: they are a parent first, and a partner second. I respect his role as a father immensely. I respect that every single decision made is made with his kids in mind. If my partner was a father who didn’t put his kids first, it’s likely I would find him unattractive.

Going into this situation really sparked some anxiety. It’s been humbling, though. Sometimes frustrating and exhausting. But for every moment where it feels negative, there are a million moments where it feels so gratifying and worth it. I feel incredibly lucky to have my family. I love my partner's boys a lot. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of things more rewarding than them trusting me and getting to hold their little hands, read them books, and watch them develop personalities. Also, it’s nice to laugh at the occasional fart joke.

I feel grateful that their parents have done their part to make this all worth it.

More: My daughter and I were best friends... until I had to co-parent her kids

While Mariah Carey may be heartbroken and devastated by being blindsided and dumped by James Packer, she may have reason to be thankful. If reports about the prenuptial agreement he expected her to sign are true, she may have really dodged a bullet.

More: Mariah Carey's (now useless) engagement ring could feed a third-world country

According to the Daily Mail, Carey was presented with a number of potential agreements that set serious restrictions on her access to Packer's fortune, treating her more like a gold digger than an extremely successful woman who is wealthy in her own right.

The first agreement Carey was reportedly shown offered her only $1 million per full year of marriage to Packer. For perspective, she's worth around $500 million on her own, while Packer is reportedly worth around $3.5 billion.

The response that Carey's lawyers reportedly gave to that? "Mariah earns that in 45 minutes for a private performance. This is insulting!"

More: Mariah Carey reportedly blindsided by split from fiancé James Packer

The next offer sent to Carey bumped her yearly cash allowance up to $6 million, and offered her use of just one of Packer's private jets — seriously, it was specifically stipulated that she would not be allowed to use any more than one of them. "It shall not be appropriate to provide a second airplane for Mariah's use, or the use of her children," was the wording reportedly used in the email sent to Carey's camp.

It's no wonder Carey didn't exactly appreciate these prenups. She's an independently and extremely wealthy woman, and she will continue to be regardless of whom she marries. This relationship was obviously not about Packer's money for her, but the agreements drawn up by his lawyers make it seem like he might have thought that it was. That would be a tough pill for any woman to swallow.

More: Scientology may be the real culprit behind Mariah Carey & James Packer's breakup

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I got mad at my husband last night over the election. Not because we were on opposing sides — quite the opposite. We both volunteered and raised money for Hillary Clinton, so we were both tense when it first became apparent that the night was not going to go the way we had hoped — and frankly, expected.

“She’s going to lose,” my husband declared, but I chalked this up to his weird election obsession. Much the way my dad likes to call a baseball, basketball or football game over before it’s actually over, I figured my husband was doing the same, trying to out-CNN CNN.

I told him to shush, but he got back to it when it looked like the Democrats would not take back the House or Senate. “We don’t know that,” I said. “Yes. We do,” he said. Both his news and the way he delivered it bothered me so I went upstairs to watch The Crown and check in on Pantsuit Nation for hopeful news.

More: Ask a Raging Feminist: Is the male feminist real or simply a unicorn?

Then my husband came upstairs and delivered the deathblow — that Donald Trump was going to win the election. I refused to believe this, and got mad at my him for being alarmist. “It’s just — HE’S GOING TO BE PRESIDENT AND THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN DO” he shouted. We’re not shouters, so this was a big deal. “Stop making this about you!” I said in return.

My husband then went out in the backyard to kick a ball against a fence in the cold. We went to bed in separate beds, ostensibly because he had to get up for a 6 a.m. appointment, but also, I really couldn’t deal with him. He wanted to talk and vent and I didn’t. I wanted to pretend like this wasn’t happening.

This morning, like many women in America, I have found comfort in my like-minded female friends as we share stories from last night and check in on each other. Something surprising is that I learned I wasn’t alone last night in terms of my marital strife — many women I know had tense nights with their spouses.

“I was so mad at my husband for giving up so early and then infecting our kids with pessimism,” said my friend M.

“My husband wanted to cuddle for comfort. I found his touch not comforting in the least,” one friend, R., told me.

“My white husband is not acknowledging how this will affect his wife and children of color,” says J. “It makes me tired.”

E. told me she texted her husband this morning, "If you get any messages or hear any comments whatsoever from your rich white male 'friends' who voted for [Trump] gloating about this, you better grow a fucking backbone and speak up.”

So, why are we so angry with our male partners? I found two women’s stories particularly revealing. “In times of crisis and sadness, I freeze up and go inside my head,” says my friend E.J. “I can't comfort anyone and I'm not terribly warm or empathetic. My husband was visibly distraught and looking for comfort and I just could not be that for him.” I totally identified. Last night, my husband came to me saying he wanted to talk it out, have a hug, something, and I was just not in the mood to provide. This is a fight we have repeatedly — he seeks comfort, but I’m just not a big comforter and I resent having to fake it. And being asked to fake it — being asked to comfort a man last night? Therein lies the other explanation for so many wives’ election night frustration. My friend J. summed it up to me in a text: “I finally told my husband that as a man he can't possibly understand how I feel. Case closed.”

Of course, maybe the simpler answer is we all were just tired and on edge last night. Or who knows? Maybe for many of us, our partners were secretly avatars of our opponents. Something was not held back from them the way it was for us. And so we raged at the nearest, most convenient man.

More: 11 things feminists should brace themselves for now that Donald Trump has won

Around 1:30 this morning, I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep. Despite my promises to myself not to do so, I checked my phone and saw The New York Times’ headline "Trump on Verge of Major Upset." I went back to bed and tossed and turned. Finally, I crept upstairs to the guest bedroom where my husband was sleeping.

“You up?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said. “I think I want that hug now.” I got in bed with him and he held me. I tried to sleep, failed, went downstairs and watched Friends at 3 a.m. He came down and got in bed with me. I held him. Neither of us slept. But it was good to have someone to not sleep with, even if it was a white American man.

No one really knows what, exactly, last night’s news means for women’s health and reproductive rights yet, but we have some hints. We know Donald Trump is pro-life and wants to defund Planned Parenthood. We know he’s pledged to ask Congress to end the Affordable Care Act on his first day as president — seriously, here’s a quote from his website: “On day one of the Trump Administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare.” Couldn’t be clearer than that.

The ACA is vital for thousands of reasons, one of which is that yearly visits to the gynecologist and birth control are covered without a copay. Also, it did away with annual or lifetime dollar amounts on health care benefits, which is vital for those who have chronic health conditions, and also ended the insane guideline that allowed insurers to deny health care to those with preexisting conditions. And the list goes on.

More: Benefits of an IUD

If he’s successful in nixing the ACA — and he likely will be — it may no longer be free (with insurance) to access many aspects of women’s health care, and it might become exceedingly difficult to get an abortion. And that’s why Twitter is blowing up today about the importance of going out and getting yourself a lasting birth control option ASAP — namely, an IUD.

Trump has gone on the record to say he’s pro-life. “I’m totally against abortion, having to do with Planned Parenthood,” he said during a CNN-Telemundo Republican debate on Feb. 25. Though he acknowledged that Planned Parenthood is important — “Millions and millions of women — cervical cancer, breast cancer — are helped by Planned Parenthood,” he said — in the next breath, he denounced it. “I wouldn't fund it. I would defund it because of the abortion factor, which they say is 3 percent. I don't know what percentage it is. They say it's 3 percent. But I would defund it because I'm pro-life. But millions of women are helped by Planned Parenthood.” 

Yep. Those are the illustrious words of the president-elect. So — if you were thinking of securing some lasting birth control, now’s the time to consider an IUD.

More: Everything you ever wanted to know about the IUD

Chicago Med is about to get even more exciting. The midseason finale will reveal that someone is pregnant. There's already been one birth in Season 1 when Natalie was pregnant, so who could it be this time around? Well, the options are endless.

More: It's official — Chicago P.D.'s Burgess is finally getting a promotion

While chatting with reporters at NBC's Chicago One Day event in October, executive producer Andrew Schneider accidentally dropped a major spoiler. After revealing that there will be a time jump between Episodes 8 and 9 (mainly due to Thursday night football), he said, "It isn’t that we need to make that jump, but we do use the jump. For instance, [spoiler] is pregnant."

Upon realizing he let that juicy detail slip, he said, "Don’t spoil it. … Don’t say she’s pregnant. You see, this is the thing, we are always juggling six episodes in our heads, what’s shooting, what’s prepping, what’s on the air, so we make terrible mistakes sometimes."

The pregnancy will be revealed in Episode 8, but we aren't going to be the ones to spoil who is pregnant. Though, that doesn't mean we can't speculate. There are actually quite a few options, so let's discuss.

1. Natalie

Even though Natalie had a baby in Season 1, there's always a chance she could be pregnant. It doesn't seem likely that she would become pregnant again so soon, but Chicago Med certainly likes to surprise its viewers.

2. Nina

Wouldn't it be something if Nina is pregnant? It would certainly change things up for the Will-and-Natalie dynamic.

3. Maggie

Maggie doesn't seem to be seeing anyone at the moment, but it would definitely be shocking to learn she's pregnant, wouldn't it?

4. April

April is the one character who continues to face big obstacles in her life. At the end of Season 1, she learned she has tuberculosis, so what if she is now pregnant? As Yaya DaCosta told reporters at the NBC event in October about Med's winter finale, "Bombs have been dropped, for sure. There are cliffhangers." She even said about April, "She’s going through it." Hmm... what could that mean?

More: Next time a real creep won't leave you alone, refer to Sophia Bush's letter

5. Sarah

Sarah Reese has been having such an exciting career, maybe it's time to spice up her life a bit? She and boyfriend Joey could certainly be expecting a little one.

6. Vicki

If Dr. Ethan Choi is still seeing Dr. Vicki Glass, then maybe they are the couple who may soon be parents? Ethan seems to have his hands full with his parrot, but I'm sure he could handle a kid on top of it.

7. Robin

Seeing as Connor and Robin are going to be romantically involved, what if she gets pregnant? It seems unlikely, especially based on what Colin Donnell told reporters at One Chicago Day. "It’s definitely a slow burn," Donnell said about their romance. "We’re not jumping into bed together straight away, which is lovely, I think. It doesn’t necessarily rub Dr. Charles the right way. There’s a bit of a history and certainly Connor has his own screwed-up family history. Couple that with Dr. Charles’ personal issues and the way he hasn’t exactly been there for his daughter, as well, so two potential tornadoes hitting one another."

It will definitely be interesting to see how viewers react to the pregnancy and to see how the show handles it moving forward.

Chicago Med airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

More: Sophia Bush on starting a new chapter and distrusting other women

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The unthinkable has happened: A candidate endorsed by the KKK has won the presidency of the United States. What can we do to prevent America from falling into a pit of complete darkness? Be the light you wish to see in the world.

Lots of people are telling you what to do. Here's how we can support women, people of color, religious freedom, the LGBT community and human rights despite the results of the election.

More: Nasty women of the world, unite

Elected representatives

Since 1985, Emily's List has supported pro-choice Democratic women candidates seeking office. According to their website, they have "helped elect over 100 pro-choice Democratic women to the House, 19 to the Senate, 11 to governors' seats, and hundreds of women to state and local office."

Financial donations to Emily's List help us get and maintain representation in our government. Their website has multiple ways you can donate to the cause, as well as a running list of candidates they are supporting in both local and national elections.

Pro-choice health organizations

Planned Parenthood is just one of many important organizations that provide and protect health care for women and families. The Center for Reproductive Rights "uses the law to advance reproductive freedom as a fundamental human right that all governments are legally obligated to protect, respect, and fulfill," according to their website, and donations made to the group directly support their legal fights. The National Abortion Federation is a professional organization of abortion providers, and donations help keep those providers safe. The National Network of Abortion Funds removes "financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic and reproductive justice."

More: 11 things feminists should brace themselves for if Donald Trump wins

Civil rights groups

The ACLU, NAACP, Border Angels and the Council on American-Islamic Relations all focus on defending rights guaranteed in our Constitution to individuals. Monetary donations are great; getting involved in grassroots community activism is even better.

LGBT issues

GLAAD works with the media to encourage "powerful stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality." ACT UP spreads AIDs awareness through activism and protests homophobic political candidates. The National LGBT Task Force seeks to advance "an inclusive social agenda that secures fundamental protections" for LGBT people.

Environmental Issues

EarthJustice is a nonprofit environmental law group working to protect the environment from corporate interests, and they represent their clients free of charge — so donations are extremely helpful to their cause. Greenpeace also supports a myriad of environmental causes, and you can get involved either with monetary donations or becoming an activist.

Send a thank you note

And last but not least, consider sending Hillary Clinton a note letting her know how much her campaign has meant to you and that you still stand with her and for all she hoped to accomplish — and that you won't stop fighting for those things.

Hillary for America
Post Office Box 5256
New York, NY 10185-5256

Together, we might just be able to save some of the momentum we gained in the last eight years.

So, in what embarrassing way have you emoted today? Did you yell at your spouse? Did you cry somewhere inappropriate? Has the news of Donald Trump’s ascendancy knocked you so out of alignment you’re unsure what’s going to come out of your mouth from one minute to the next?

I started tearing up this morning on the way to work — the eerie silence on the subway, the way everyone politely looked down at their phones instead of the usual jostling and stage-sighing. It was that post-tragedy NYC, the one where we’re all holding ourselves carefully like cups that might spill, and we know that everyone else is too. There’s community in that, an intimate enough community that I cried quietly all the way to midtown.

When I got to work, I ran into the arms of Alice, our parenting editor (we don’t normally begin the days with bear hugs at the SheKnows offices, but today it felt like the only rational greeting). Somewhere between that hug and Clinton’s concession, I managed to cry off all my mascara. (Why was I even wearing mascara? Did I tell myself as I got dressed in the quiet, rainy-day gloom of my apartment that to not put on a smidge of makeup would be the equivalent of admitting defeat? Maybe.)

When Lena Dunham asked Gloria Steinem about crying, Steinem gave this advice: "A woman who was an executive told me once that she got angry in work situations where she needed to get angry, cried, and just kept talking through it. She had mostly men working for her, so it wasn't so easy to be understood. And she would just say to them, 'I am crying because I'm angry. You may think I'm sad. I am not sad. This is the way I get angry.' And I've always wanted to do that. It's still my goal.” This is intriguing — own the crying, keep going. Sheryl Sandberg endorses this model: “I cry at work,” she admitted in 2013. "I think we are all of us emotional beings and it's OK for us to share that emotion at work.”

Watching Clinton seem to choke up but still concede with a combination of the same steely-eyed steadiness she demonstrated at the DNC just a couple of months ago, you’d have to have an uncommonly sturdy armature to not be moved to a few tears. But the content of her speech, the emotional call to arms she issued, her acknowledgment and plea that “this loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it” is exactly the kind of rallying cry we need to wipe our tears and keep moving. Because today, we’re emotional and we’re scared and we’re licking our wounds, but we won’t be doing this forever. As everyone keeps reminding us, and we have to keep reminding each other in the days to come, we’ve got a lot of work to do.

Or, if you prefer, look to one of the best feminist tomes of all time, Harriet the Spy. Harriet’s spy notebook has just been discovered by her classmates, who’ve all turned against her, and she receives a letter from her cherished former nanny, Ole Golly: “If you’re missing me, I want you to know I’m not missing you,” Ole Golly writes. “I never miss anything or anyone because it all becomes a lovely memory. I guard my memories and love them, but I don’t get in them and lie down.” If you end up crying a little at work, it’s not such a big deal. Cry, but keep fighting. Our challenge right now is to feel the feelings, but — tempting as it may be — not to get in them and lie down.

Blythe Hill never set out to create a movement. As the Dressember founder recalls, back in 2009, it was just a love of puns and a desire to bring a little creativity into her life that led her to wear dresses during the last month of the year. For the first four years, it was just that — a styling challenge and a laugh among friends.

It wasn’t until a considerable number of girlfriends signed on that Hill realized she could use her fashion choices to raise money. Like Movember, a movement that encourages men not to shave during the month of November to raise money for charity, Dressember participants ask for donations from friends and family in exchange for wearing the titular garment all month long.

In 2013, she took the plunge, registering Dressember as a nonprofit and aligning the project with International Justice Mission, the world’s largest anti-slavery organization. To hear Hill tell it, it was an obvious partnership. “I’ve been passionate about human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, for a number of years,” the former photographer/accounts manager explains. “But I also felt like I was hitting a wall because I didn’t feel like I could reroute my whole career. It felt like there was nothing I could do unless I moved to India and became a social worker.”

Their goal with the inaugural year was to raise $25,000, which was exceeded in three days. Thanks to the event’s popularity and a steadily growing internet presence, the number of donations and participants grows yearly. (Hill speaks warmly of talking to self-organized Dressember teams across the United States.) In 2015, dress-clad women across the world raised $918,000 on behalf of Dressember. Hill estimates that over 10,000 people will participate this year, pulling in upwards of $1.5 million — a staggering number by any measure.

Ahead of what promises to be a very busy season, we caught up with Hill to discuss courage, change and — of course — what she’ll be wearing starting Dec. 1.

SheKnows: Have you met any of the people whose lives have been impacted by Dressember's funds?

Blythe Hill: I’ve met a handful of International Justice Mission’s clients. One of my first field office visits was to IJM’s Guatemala office. There was a girl there who was 13 who had a 2-month-old baby. That was heartbreaking. They actually didn’t know the paternity of the child. She had been raped by her father, her grandfather and her uncle within the same week. Horrific abuse. I think of girls like that. It’s so daunting and it’s so dark.

But the whole reason I met her was because they had a pinning ceremony where they pin these “I am a hero” pins on children who have testified in court. You’d think that the room would be filled with a sad, somber tone. But it was the complete opposite. There was so much hope and light. I just looked at these kids and they were triumphant. Beaming. To be honored in that way — it was amazing. It was a good reminder that yes, this is a dark situation, but the work that they’re doing changes their story. It doesn’t stop at the abuse. There can be justice and healing and their stories can continue in a really positive direction.

SK: What kind of feedback are you getting from participants?

BH: Women will write in stories about how the act of putting on a dress every day is a physical reminder. It’s like putting on a uniform of advocacy. The routine of it, just to be thinking about what it’s all for and the dignity of all women. But also for yourself. I feel like there’s this thread of personal freedom and dignity that women step into. A lot of it is so abstract that I don’t understand, but it’s so powerful for so many women. We get emails from people saying, “I don’t totally understand it, but because of Dressember, I’ll never be the same again.” It’s super-beautiful. It’s a community of women who have different experiences with it, but as a whole, make so much of an impact together. It’s been amazing that something I’ve created out of my own passion has become so many things to different people. So many good things. A community and an opportunity for other women to advocate who were maybe feeling powerless in the same way that I was.

SK: Since this did start as a styling challenge—what are you planning on wearing in December?

BH: The last few years I’ve worn the same dress every day just to show that it can be done. You don’t need to go buy a bunch of dresses! Last year was the first year that we had an official Dressember dress in partnership with another organization that offers employment to women rescued out of sex trafficking in Nepal. Last year, I had the same dress in two colors. This year we have three different styles in two colors each. I feel like I’ll have a field day this year with the different options!

SK: If you could tell 2009 Blythe anything, would you give her a hint about what’s ahead?

BH: I would go back to 2012 and say, “You need to just go for this, it will be great.” It was just a personal style challenge for four years. I really could have done it a year earlier. But I was scared. Just being OK to fail. That was something I needed to grow past. Fear of failure.

Let me get this out of the way. I believe Adam Klein is going to win Survivor: Millennials Vs. Gen-X — or at least get damn close. Proof of his potential to go much deeper was evident throughout the merge episode as he literally became everybody's target without getting voted off.

Impressive.

Adam is a guy to root for. He's a fan of the game who is willing to do whatever it takes to win it all. I respect that. His head is in the right place, and it's somebody like him who deserves to win every season. He reminds me of mashup of former castaways Spencer Bledsoe and Rob Cesternino, whom Jeff Probst once labeled as "the smartest player to never win." I just hope Adam can overcome the "to never win" aspect. His biggest hurdle is obviously himself because his willingness to flip on anybody at any time may backfire. I have faith.

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

Food thief

From somebody as strategic as Adam, we now found ourselves with Taylor. Once the three tribes became one, the 13 remaining castaways gathered for the traditional merge feast. After filling their faces, Taylor took things one step further. While the rest of his tribe was snoozing the night away, he stole some of their leftovers and hoarded them for himself. Hilariously, the self-proclaimed canning genius didn't get away with snatching their stash unnoticed. He was caught in the act when the clanking mason jars woke Bret from his Fijian slumber. Although Bret let it slide, Adam, however, saw the moment as an opportunity.

As Taylor snuck away from camp with the extra food, Adam climbed out of the shelter and followed. Adam promised he wouldn't tattle on Taylor for his selfish antics. Instead, he wanted this to be the moment they might be able to solidify a plan to target somebody like Will.

Taylor wasn't even considering that scheme, though, because his distrust for Adam was already thicker than the dirt on David's T-shirt — especially after his girlfriend, Figgy, was unexpectedly ousted.

More: Survivor's Figgy & Taylor didn't just break up — they're not even speaking

Disappointing outcome

The saving grace for Adam was Zeke. He overheard Jay and Taylor plotting a blindside against Adam. This is where things got strategically interesting. With Adam's back against the wall, David made the suggestion of piling their votes against Michelle. Huh? They were certain she didn't have an Immunity Idol and believed nobody in her alliance would ever see her as the target.

The plan worked and Michelle became the first member of the jury in this latest blindside. But I truly don't believe it was her time to go. She fell victim to nothing more than circumstance. In this situation, Taylor would have been the better vote for several reasons:

• He's very physical and could easily win upcoming challenges.
• He's clearly not there to play the game because his brain is in other places. #LoveGoggles, anyone?
• He's already lost trust of many on the tribe by selfishly stealing their food and then revealing to the group at Tribal Council it was for a "medical emergency." When everybody is starving, that's really not the smartest move, dude.
• Listening to his "bro" talk is tiresome.
• His clueless strategies, or lack thereof, could poison the success of more deserving players like Adam.

Do you think the tribe should have voted Taylor off instead of Michelle? Join the conversation and leave a comment below now!

“Do you want to see a movie tonight?’ a text from my friend pings on my phone.
“No,” I type back, “Bad back day.”
“What’s wrong?”
“The same old injury.”
“Oh. You should still come tonight. It will be fun!”

More: I lost my memory and suffered from debilitating PTSD after my riding accident

How do I talk to you about the pain I’m in? Do I tell you my back hurts or do I say that sitting still for a two-hour movie makes me feel like I have a knife shoved up my spine?

Chronic pain is an elusive topic that only makes sense to those currently dealing with it, and it’s nearly impossible to talk about it when you don’t have a diagnosis. Saying “My back hurts,” is usually greeted with a chorus of “Mine does, too. I think I slept wrong,” from the misunderstanding or the judgmental shrug of the unsympathetic.

When I displaced and fractured my sacrum, the doctors assured me I’d be better and back to normal in three or four months. That was four years ago. Now, I find myself trapped in a medical Groundhog’s Day, repeating the same round of X-rays, MRIs, and physical therapy sessions, with a different cast of doctors but always the same non-results. The pain is real, but the diagnosis elusive.

I never understood the importance of a diagnosis until I found myself without one. “My back hurts,” is a conversation killer whether you are talking to friends or doctors. What does pain mean if it doesn’t have a label?

No one wants to talk about pain, especially when it’s not accompanied by a neat and tidy diagnosis. Pain is messy and hard to define. My greatest enemy at the doctor’s office is the pain scale. Pain is pain until you are required to rate it. On a scale of one to ten, how do you rate your pain? Are you a smiley two or an unamused six? No one is going to care unless you are a crying ten.

I feel lost when I look at the pain scale. Personally, I’m more of a Michael Jackson “Smile, though your heart is aching” kind of girl, but a smile doesn’t mean I’m not in a lot of pain. Case in point, when I fell and broke my sacrum, I got up and continued training. I didn’t even go see a doctor until two weeks later because I thought that if I ignored the pain it would go away. I didn’t want to be that girl who cried every time she got hurt.

More: 6 ways I've learned to cope on the most overwhelming days

But, there’s a fine line between being a cry baby and being open about the pain you are in. When you don’t have a diagnosis and you say you hurt, people think you are being whiny. So, how do you talk about pain when nobody wants to listen?

Pain, by itself, is too vague a word to gain anyone’s understanding, but with a diagnosis it commands – if not empathy – at least some token of sympathy. A diagnosis is an inarguable medical fact that answers the dreaded question “What’s wrong with me?” More importantly, a diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment.

As I shuffle from a head and spine specialist to a physical therapist to a pain specialist, I start to wonder if this injury isn’t some cosmic joke. The insipid, no-nonsense faces all assure me that pain isn’t unusual with the type of injury I had, but no one can explain why I’m still in so much pain when the fracture has healed. Perhaps it’s nerve damage or pelvic malalignment or SI joint dysfunction. Instead, of a concrete diagnosis they encourage me to “live normally” and to “be active,” and I wonder if they know what it’s like to be in pain every day.

More: The hardest part of my back injury isn’t the pain, it’s the judgement

We’ve all wasted too many precious minutes at the nail salon staring at rows of gorgeous lacquers, stumped on where to even begin. Luckily, we’ve enlisted some of the top pros in the business to guide us through the best nail polish colors of the moment — and help you deal with this ultimate #firstworldproblem. From rich purples to vivid blues, here’s exactly which hue to pick for your next mani.

Deep Burgundy: This rich shade is, according to manicurist Miss Pop, a “re-Vamp, pun intended” from the ’90s, and she’s all for it. She suggests Essie’s In the Lobby, a rich wine that will make you feel like you’re in a time warp. Manicurist Geraldine Holford recommends Dior Vernis Cosmopolite, a brand-new take on burgundy that can be worn with just one coat, and flatters any skin tone. (L to R: Dior Vernis Cosmopolite, $27; Essie’s In the Lobby, $8; Chanel Coup De Coeur, $27)

Lush Greens: Camouflage greens are also in, and Chanel’s Vert Obscur is your surefire way to stand out with the trend notes Miss Pop. If you want a moodier take on the hue, manicurist Fleury Rose recommends using Illamasqua’s Rampage, a perfect hunter green shade, and layering it over one coat of black polish. (L to R: Illamasqua Rampage, $18; NARS Night Porter, $20; Chanel Vert Obscur, $27)

Vivid Purple: A classic fall shade, we’re always on the hunt for that perfect purple that doesn’t read too “black” once applied. Deborah Lippmann’s Miss Independent is just that according to Miss Pop—it’s a “vampy eggplant” that picks up a bit of a ’70s vibe, perfect for this coming season. If you’re looking for purple with a hint of shimmer, try out Essie’s Frock ‘n Roll, which Fleury notes will make you the vampiest siren at any party. (Essie Frock ‘n Roll, $8; Deborah Lippmann Miss Independent, $18; Dolce&Gabbana Amethyst, $27)

Charcoal Gray: If you want to take the sophisticated route with your nail shade, try out a gray as seen at shows such as Proenza Schouler and Wes Gordon. Manicurist Geraldine recommends Priti NYC Lambstail Cactus, a dark gray polish with extremely fine glitter pieces. “This shade has stood the test of time because it’s flat out chic,” she says. “It pairs perfectly with all of your fall clothing and is equally appropriate at the office or late-night on the town.” (L to R: Priti NYC Lambstail Cactus, $15; Zoya Tris, $9; China Glaze Ever Glaze Coastal Mist, $7)

Dark Blue: Spotted at shows such as Costello Tagliapetra and Karen Walker, jewel tone blues will be a go-to as the weather cools down. To get that hint of metallic that we all love, Fleury recommends Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy in All In because it gives a “disco in an opium den vibe.” She warns though, always stick to dark, sparkly finishes when choosing metallic blue polishes, otherwise you can veer into bad ’80s territory. (L to R: Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy All In, $5; Dior Darling Blue, $27; Essie Spun in Luxe, $8)

Classic Neutrals: Neutrals will always be a must-have, no matter what the season. Holford notes that Smith and Cult’s Feathers and Flesh is “the new standard in nude polish—it’s a universally flattering shade that has a slight shimmer, so it picks up the colors in your skin, creating the perfect nude just for you.” (L to R: Smith and Cult Feathers and Flesh, $18; I Cannoli Wear OPI, $9.50; Sally Hansen Gray-t Escape, $8)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

What do you get when you cross a young Jude Law with a real-life familial royal connection? James Middleton, the younger brother of Pippa Middleton and the former Kate Middleton.

We always knew that Pippa and Kate had a younger sibling, but somehow it slipped by us just how dead sexy baby bro is — until now. James has stepped out of the shadows of his famous older sisters to claim his title as the hottest Middleton out there.

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry are serious — like, ‘meeting the family’ serious

Here's a little to know about James.

1. He's a baker

James' parents own a party-planning company called Party Pieces, which Kate and Pippa have both worked for at one point or another during their professional careers. James was inspired to start his own company called Cake Kit Company before moving on to co-found a company called Boomf, which makes marshmallows personalized with pictures on them.

Pretty sweet gig. And James has no shortness of ambition, either.

"There is no doubt about it, James would like to be the next Richard Branson," a friend told The Telegraph in 2011. "He is surfing on the crest of a wave at the moment. All his friends think he will make serious money."

2. He's taken

James has been dating British TV star Donna Air for over three years now, and it sounds like things are getting serious.

More: Kate Middleton isn't in Pippa's wedding, but it's all good

"She makes me very happy and I think I make her very happy. I want children," he said in a recent interview with the Daily Mail. "I've said that before. I will have children, but you'll have to wait."

3. He wants the world to know he's his own man

He might not get as much press as Pippa and Kate, but that doesn't mean James isn't out there doing his thing.

"It’s always been, whether at school or now, that I am Pippa and Catherine’s little brother. It’s probably going to be the story of my life," he told the Daily Mail. "[But] I am James Middleton. I am very proud to be 'the little brother of…' but, equally, they are proud that I am who I am."

4. He looks pretty good decked out in bike-racing gear

Um, hello. Yes, we would like a ride on your bike, please.

5. Mama Middleton isn't too fond of his beard

Facial hair is all the rage right now, but James' mom isn't too keen on his beard.

"My mother looks at it and says, 'When are you going to get rid of it?' but then that’s because she wants me to be her little boy," he told the Daily Mail.

More: Kate Middleton attended a movie premiere in a *gasp* high-slit dress

6. He's skilled at weeding out phonies

Being the member of a famous family has its benefits, but it also brings out hangers-on who aren't genuine. But James isn't too worried about it.

"When somebody is interested in me for other reasons, I can spot it a mile off," he says. "All I want to do in my life is be known as me and for what I do."

7. He dropped out of college

James may be super-ambitious when it comes to business, but he left college after just one year.

"But I have other skills such as building bonfires and bleeding radiators and fixing boilers, slightly fun stuff," he told the Mail.

8. His childhood with Kate and Pippa wasn't always easy

"I have always joked that I have three mothers," he said. "I couldn’t get away with anything as a kid. Whether I got a bad mark at prep school or was told off by somebody, it would always end up getting back to my parents."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Brad Pitt has certainly had a rough go of it since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce in September, and there's no doubt that the investigation he's been subjected to after being accused of child abuse has taken its toll.

But finally some good news for Pitt: Sources are now claiming that the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services' investigation has officially been concluded, and Pitt has been cleared of all the allegations against him concerning the treatment of his children.

"It was a full and thorough investigation and the determination has been made that no charges should be brought," a source told People magazine, adding that there was no evidence found that Pitt had abused his children.

More: We see you Justin Theroux, with your subtle Brad Pitt shade-throwing ways

"The likely next step is a referral to family court so that the matter of custody can be determined; there is no permanent custody agreement currently in place, only an arrangement pending the outcome of this investigation. Now, with this conclusion, custody can be determined," the source further explained.

The child abuse allegations stemmed from an incident on Sept. 14, in which Pitt was accused of getting drunk and verbally and physically abusive towards his oldest son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt.

Jolie's camp issued a response to People about the investigation ending, and it was extremely similar to the statement issued just days ago regarding the custody battle Jolie and Pitt are currently engaged in.

"The job of the DCFS is to make sure the children are in a safe and secure situation. As we said earlier this week, childcare professionals encouraged a legal agreement accepted and signed by both sides that was in the best interest of the children," Jolie's rep told People on Wednesday. "Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their 8-week involvement, the DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal."

And hopefully now that Pitt has been cleared of abuse charges, he can begin to heal now, too.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.