Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting in front of a heaping bowl of perfectly cooked penne pasta smothered in a thick, zesty Bolognese sauce. Or maybe a huge portion of ooey-gooey homemade macaroni and cheese so creamy you can't help but dive in is in front of you. Now imagine they're vegan.

That's right, just because you're going meat-free, doesn't mean you have to miss out on some amazing pasta action. These vegan pasta recipes are about to knock your socks off, and there are so many to try that you'll never run out of tasty options for meat-free Monday.

1. Avocado pasta recipe

Image: Damn Delicious

Avocados are a great source of energy, and their texture lends itself perfectly for creamy sauces, like in this recipe for avocado pasta.

2. Vegan Bolognese recipe

Image: Rachel Cooks

Lentils and quinoa make this recipe for vegan Bolognese a hearty and healthy option, even better when served alongside a mixed-greens salad.

More: Secret ingredient: Rice paper makes darn good vegan bacon

3. Maitake fettuccine in creamy sauce recipe

Image: Allyson Kramer

Earthy maitake mushrooms make this maitake fettuccine in creamy sauce a delicious dinner idea. If you can't find maitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms work well too.

4. Pan-fried lemony artichokes with asparagus-pistachio pesto pasta recipe

Image: Half Baked Harvest

To make this pan-fried lemony artichokes with asparagus-pistachio pesto pasta vegan, just exclude the Parmesan cheese grated in the pesto.

5. Vegan fettuccine with creamy walnut sauce recipe

Nuts are the perfect element when creating flavorful and creamy sauces for pasta, like this vegan fettuccine with creamy walnut sauce.

6. Pumpkin Alfredo recipe

Image: Allyson Kramer

Pumpkin Alfredo is something we've always wanted to make ourselves. The orange pumpkin color is similar to the comforting cheddar in traditional mac and cheese.

7. Vegan mac and cheese recipe

Sometimes you just need a dose of comfort food, like this vegan mac and cheese with crumb topping.

8. Lasagna with creamy red wine sauce recipe

Image: Allyson Kramer

Serve up a slice of this gorgeous lasagna with creamy red wine sauce, and no one will miss the animal products, such as cheese, cream and meat.

9. Vegan penne alla vodka recipe

Vodka is definitely vegan, so make sure to add a splash, and cook it down to make this luscious vegan penne alla vodka.

10. Creamy mushroom and tofu stroganoff recipe

Image: Daring Gourmet

Another comfort food favorite, this creamy mushroom and tofu stroganoff recipe is great for chilly spring nights.

11. Creamy Mexican mac and cheese recipe

Spice up your Meatless Monday nights with this version of creamy Mexican mac and cheese topped with fresh tomatoes, jalapeños and cilantro. It's the perfect spiced-up meal.

12. Linguine with chipotle-pumpkin cream sauce recipe

Image: Sarcastic Cooking

The balance between chipotle and pumpkin is one that makes this recipe for linguine with chipotle-pumpkin cream sauce shine.

13. Stuffed shells with cashew ricotta cheese recipe

Learn to make your own vegan cashew ricotta cheese with this recipe for stuffed shells with cashew ricotta cheese.

More: Vegan spinach and mushroom pizza that doesn't skimp on the gooey stuff

14. Smoky butternut mac and cheese recipe

Image: Allyson Kramer

We're drooling over this delicious-looking smoky butternut mac and cheese recipe.

Keep reading for tofu soba noodles and more!

Originally published April 2015. Updated December 2016.

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15. Tofu soba noodles recipe

Image: Damn Delicious

Craving a pasta dish with an Asian twist? These tofu soba noodles hit the spot.

16. Cilantro-basil pesto pasta recipe

Image: Vegan Family Recipes

For all the pesto lovers out there, this cilantro-basil pesto pasta is a must-try. You can use the leftover pesto for sandwiches or salads too.

17. Vegan stir-fried udon noodles recipe

Image: Simple Vegan Blog

This vegan stir-fried udon noodle recipe will remind you of the days you used to sit on the couch and eat all the Chinese food your stomach could hold. Thank goodness this recipe is healthier.

More: 11 vegan lunchbox ideas for little people who love big flavor

18. Vegan green chili mac 'n' cheese recipe

Image: Minimalist Baker

This vegan green chili mac 'n' cheese is reminiscent of those childhood instant mac 'n' cheese days, just infinitely better.

19. Vegan roasted red pepper pasta recipe

Image: Minimalist Baker

This vegan roasted red pepper pasta is the perfect combination of spicy and sweet.

20. Creamy cashew potato and pasta recipe

Image: Mind Body Green

This creamy cashew potato and pasta salad has all the nutrition and flavors you need.

21. Vegan pasta primavera recipe

Image: One Ingredient Chef

Try this healthy, vegan spin on a classic pasta primavera for a quick, flavorful dinner dish.

22. Ginger-coconut green linguine recipe

Image: Produce on Parade

This ginger-coconut green linguine is sweet but has a hint of ginger spice.

23. Garlicky white bean pasta with kale pesto recipe

Image: Healthy Recipe Ecstasy

The white bean sauce in this garlicky white bean pasta with kale pesto is a healthy alternative to the ordinary Alfredo sauce.

24. Grecian Kalamata pasta recipe

Image: Produce on Parade

This Grecian Kalamata pasta dish has its own unique Greek flair. It's filling and perfect for dinner.

25. Rustic bread lasagna recipe

This rustic bread lasagna might arguably be better than lasagna that uses pasta. The kids will love it too.

26. Vegan lemon-asparagus pasta recipe

Image: Minimalist Baker

This vegan lemon-asparagus pasta recipe is a quick fix for a weeknight dinner filled with vegetables and flavors.

27. Vegan caprese baked pasta recipe

Image: Edible Perspective

This vegan caprese baked pasta is filled with different textures and flavors that will just make you want to have more.

After a particularly difficult divorce, reality star Bethenny Frankel was inspired to help women in similar situations. So she’s teaming up with Dress for Success to create a new initiative called B Strong: Find Your Yes, Us Weekly reports. The organization will offer life coaching, financial assistance, crisis intervention and education to 10 to 15 women in the NYC area next year, with hopes to expand worldwide.

“It’s hard and I want to get off the ride, but I know that I have to just get on and keep fighting to help other people,” the former Real Housewives of New York City star told Us. “You can easily have a happy divorce where you are still family. I don’t understand why this would happen to me, but this charity will maybe be the reason.”

Frankel felt “beaten down and frustrated” on the other side of a costly four-year divorce from Jason Hoppy, which was finalized in July, she told the publication. The process of divorce included extremely difficult elements — for example, Frankel and Hoppy continued to live together for a time, which created hostile living conditions. But Frankel found that she is far from alone in this type of situation. “I have had women say to me, ‘It’s been six years since my divorce ended and I am still being tortured,’” Frankel said. “It never ends, and I imagine there are millions and millions more than the women I have spoken to. I want to be a voice of empowerment.”

So she took it upon herself to reach out to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing, networking and career assistance to women, helping them to become economically independent and self-sufficient. B Strong will build upon those offerings, Frankel said: “It’s for women in abusive situations, women at a crossroads, women in dire straits financially.”

Dress for Success is available in 21 countries around the world, and Frankel hopes to eventually grow to match that wide range. For now, Frankel hopes to be a voice of empowerment for women. “The thread is women being open, getting counseling and speaking out,” she said. “There needs to be a positive female conversation — for someone to stand up and say, ‘We got this.’”

For more information about Dress for Success, head over to their website. You can also donate money or professional attire here.

Hey, Jimmy. We don’t know each other, but I feel like I know you. I know your type, certainly. You’re the guy who grew up leaping out of the coat closet and scaring the bejesus out of your mom. The whole family would crack up and she’d be like, "Oh, Jimmy!" and pretend-slap you on the chest and you were like, “Sorry, Ma!” but of course she forgave you right away. You told your girlfriend you were breaking up with her and then cracked up when you saw the look on her face. She tried to run away from you when you insisted it was just a joke, but eventually you caught her in a bear hug and you held on until everything was OK.

You’re a prankster, Jimmy. Everyone knows this. They’ve always known it.

Can I be honest? I'm not a huge fan of pranks. I think April Fool's is the worst. That said, your fake viral videos were fine, I guess. They’re not the height of hilarity, but they're harmless.

And I mean, sure, prank celebrities. Why not? Ashton Kutcher stopped doing it and someone had to take up the mantle.

But when it comes to pranking kids, Kimmel, you’ve gone too far.

Your annual I Told My Kids I Ate Their Halloween Candy and I Gave My Kids Terrible Christmas Presents video compilations aren’t funny. They’re mean. You’re encouraging parents to be mean to their kids and then sharing their kid-size reactions with the world. Why are you doing that? I mean, besides how much people seem to love them for some reason.

"Kids are like us, only smaller and unemployed"

Look, I get it, sort of. Kids are cute and unguarded. They say the darnedest things, etc. They’re like us, only smaller and unemployed. For the most part, however, they are also helpless. They depend on their parents to keep them clothed, fed and healthy. They also depend on us not to alter the fabric of reality as it exists around them. You do that to your kid, it fucks them right up. Most parents know kids are sensitive and easily thrown for a loop, even (or especially) when it comes to jokes.

And OK, one prank isn't going to send them into therapy, but should that really be the guidepost here? Stephen Colbert once explained why he didn’t let his kids watch The Colbert Report: "Kids can't understand irony or sarcasm, and I don't want them to perceive me as insincere.” Stephen Colbert is a good dad, Jimmy. Just saying.

It’s not like you’re targeting teenagers, who we all know deserve emotional torment to snap them out of their self-involved fugue states. No, these are little, little kids, kids who can barely understand much beyond the reality that Halloween and Christmas or Hanukkah is their time. Why is it funny to watch a kid’s face crumple into tears? I’m sincerely asking. I must be missing this gene.

"I got a stomachache"

In the interest of what little journalistic integrity I have, I made myself watch each video of you pranking kids on Christmas day. Jimmy, I got a stomachache. And I’m tough. Once I... OK, I’m not tough. I couldn’t think of a single example of me being tough beyond giving birth that one time, and even then I cried through the whole thing. But you know who else isn’t tough? Or shouldn’t be? Children. The children whose hearts you’ve been busy breaking with each shitty gift.

Kids have their expectations built up around the holidays so high that when it comes to opening gifts, they're already set up to lose their shit. I remember not sleeping for days because I couldn’t wait for Christmas morning to roll around. And if I had excitedly opened a beautifully wrapped gift only to find that I had just been given a can of soup? I’d still be talking about it in therapy. And if my parents recorded it and sent the moment along to be aired on national television, I’d be making that television host pay for my therapy.

I don’t know if you’re going to do your Christmas prank again this year, Jimmy Kimmel. You’ve already done the I-ate-all-your-candy Halloween fake-out. I had to stop watching that one halfway through. It’s too much, especially right now. We just elected as president a man who makes fun of the disabled, brags about his sexual assaults and bullies everyone around him. I think we’ve all had enough of the innocent and powerless being pranked. Leave the kids alone, Kimmel. Or maybe repay all the kids you've pranked by sending them their dream gifts, the ones their parents can't afford and wish they could. That's a Christmas surprise we could all get behind.

Chelsea Handler is finally revealing what went down between she and Bobby Flay after they were spotted together looking cozy at the beginning of 2016.

More: Stephanie March jokes about the consequences of divorcing Bobby Flay

In an interview with Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club, Handler revealed that she and Flay did actually go on a date, but that the relationship didn't extend past that.

In fact, Handler didn't seemed to pleased with Flay.

"I did not date Bobby Flay; I went on a date with Bobby Flay, one time," Handler explained.

And she is holding a grudge about that date because Flay, a celebrity chef, didn't cook for her at any point during the night. She added, "Is he that great of a chef that he didn’t have to cook for me? F*ck you, Bobby Flay!"

More: Bobby Flay's ex-wife details her rough year in inspiring interview

According to Page Six, the two enjoyed their date back in January at the Santa Monica restaurant Blue Plate Oysterette. A source described the dinner as "flirty."

As someone who has dined at Blue Plate Oysterette, let me just say, Flay may not have cooked for Handler but he certainly didn't skimp. Blue Plate has some of the best seafood in town and, though their prices aren't the worst, it ain't cheap.

Flay went through a messy divorce in 2015, which was finalized in July of that year. Handler, on the other hand, has never been married but was in a long-term, on-and-off relationship with hotelier André Balazs.

More: 10 Topics Chelsea Handler will discuss in her new docuseries

Handler's joking aside, it's too bad she and Flay couldn't make it work. They would have made an adorable couple!

Do you think Handler and Flay make a cute couple or is their date totally random?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Never take anything for granted on The Voice. When we saw Ali Caldwell kill it during last night's performance, we naturally assumed that she would score a much-deserved spot in the season finale. Instead, she was sent packing after a very disappointing Instant Save.

More: Miley Cyrus reminds us that The Voice is about more than just singing

From her Ariana Grande cover at the Blind Auditions to her lovely rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" last night, Caldwell has been slaying all season long. If, somehow, all that wasn't enough to convince fans that she deserved a spot in the finals, her Instant Save performance should have. Her electrifying rendition of "Sledgehammer" was nothing short of magnificent.

Caldwell is naturally gifted, of course, but she also knows how to take critiques. As a result, she's demonstrated consistent improvement this season. An appearance in the finale would have been the perfect way to cap off an amazing few months, but instead, Caldwell must say goodbye to her fans one week too soon.

More: The Voice's Billy Gilman made the right choice by ditching country music

Twitter may not have rallied enough in support of Caldwell during the Instant Save portion of tonight's episode, but they certainly voiced their disappointment after their favorite artist was sent home. A few went so far as to accuse the show of being rigged, but let's be real — that accusation gets thrown about whenever a popular contestant is sent home.

Another reason to be sad? This is it for Miley Cyrus. Yes, she's controversial, but she did an excellent job of selecting and coaching a talented team. It wasn't enough however, and Cyrus' hopes of emerging from her first season on The Voice with a win have already been dashed.

More: Sundance Head's big risks are paying off on The Voice

We're still pleased with the lineup for this year's finale (Billy Gilman, Josh Gallagher, Sundance Head, and We McDonald) but the final week of the season would have been so much better with Caldwell. We hope that she continues on with her musical career and achieves great things, even without a reality TV victory under her belt. Plenty of artists have gone on to enjoy amazing careers despite not winning, and Caldwell just might be The Voice's next big success story.

Do you think Ali Caldwell should have moved on to the finale for The Voice? What do you think of this season's finalists? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

“Why use sex toys?” our amazing Sex Educator, Laura Delarato, begins. She’s cracking jokes and making sure everyone feels comfortable.

It’s 9:00 pm on a Wednesday. I’m sitting in a class at The Pleasure Chest on the Upper East Side learning about how to incorporate sex toys into the bedroom. I’m here because I’m sexually inexperienced and my love life sucks. After a five-year dry spell, I’m trying to get my mojo back by exploring the sex and dating scene of New York City.

I’m a total noob when it comes to sex toys. I barely use them alone, let alone with a partner. I want to because I believe good sex is part of a healthy relationship. I’m hoping that I’ll find a partner who wants to explore. I’m taking copious notes, just in case I ever have sex again.

More: Porn has been warping my perspective on what satisfying sex looks like

Laura starts by clearing the air about some of the myths surrounding sex toys. The first myth, she says, is that sex toys are just for women. “Sex toys are for all bodies. What about putting a vibrator against your cheek while giving a blowjob? Or using it to relax the sphincter muscles of the anus.”

I turn to my friend, jaw agape. We both make a, “Oh, that never even crossed my mind,” face. I write down the blowjob one and place a star next to it.

More: I fell into the world of tickling fetishes and secretly loved it

The second myth, she says, is that sex toys will somehow replace the person you're having sex with. "Sex toys don’t replace people. Sex is 90% mental. You aren’t gonna hold hands with your vibrator. Women are afraid that they’ll lose the ability to orgasm from oral or penetrative sex if they become ‘addicted’ to their vibrator," she tells us. Even men, she says, think they're in competition with stimulation they won't be able to live up to. "There’s no research that suggests this is true. So using a sex toy occasionally is totally fine.”

I imagine a lot of us would like to try new things in the bedroom but are a little nervous to start. If you’re like me and a total beginner, walking into a sex store or shopping online can seem overwhelming, particularly if you want your partner to participate. Here are some of the most important steps in exploring sex toys with your partner.

1. Talk about it

People think that talking about these things can ruin the element of surprise but it’s actually a great way to begin the fantasy. Start out by imagining a scene together. “You come home and I’m wearing.... We move to the bedroom and I pull out my vibrator and run it along your arm before kissing my way downwards.” Or whatever. Build up the anticipation by fantasizing about it together. Verbalize what you want and encourage your partner to verbalize what they want.

2. Actually buy a toy

Laura explained that sex toys can fall pretty squarely into four categories. There are external toys, like vibrators and cock rings; internal toys like anal beads and dildos; jerk-off toys like the Tenga egg, which sits over the head, the most sensitive part of the penis; and sensory play toys like whips and candles.

But there are proper ways to use each of these. For example, cock rings go around both the testicles and the penis. Anal toys need a base or they could get sucked up and then stuck (talk about an awkward way to wind up in the hospital.) For sensory toys, buy objects designed specifically for sex play — a regular candle might actually burn you. And spit is not lube, it evaporates too quickly. Buy lube.

More: At my loneliest I remember that my true love hasn't found me either

3. Maintain communication with your partner while using the toy

Like anything sex-related, communication is key. Be verbal with your partner about what feels good and doesn’t feel good. Tell them where to move, how much pressure they should use. If something hurts, tell them to stop.

4. Enjoy

There’s something wonderful about finding new ways to make your partner feel good. Sex is a primal instinct and a healthy part of a good relationship. Sex toys can add another element of intimacy or fun. So, go out and explore.

Bella Hadid's Paper magazine cover is taking her hair and lip style to a whole new, amazing level.

More: Bella Hadid shows off nipple piercing in completely see-through dress

In the spread, she went platinum with her hair (just like Kim Kardashian did last year) and rocked some rainbow-colored lips. Not gonna lie, I think Hadid pulled off the platinum even better than Kim K.

Not to mention, Hadid flaunts her nipple ring in the exposing photo spread with some sheer and gorgeous outfits. Needless to say, be careful that little eyes aren't peaking as you scroll through these pics.

This isn't the first time Hadid has showed off her nips and the jewelry she's rocking along with them. She attended the Vogue Paris Fashion Week party in 2015 wearing a completely shear top.

"People say that I don't smile, or that I don't have a personality," Hadid said in her interview with Paper. This spread of photos would clearly suggest otherwise.

More: Try not to break a sweat watching Bella Hadid's Love workout video

As would her strut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, especially when she sauntered past her ex-boyfriend The Weeknd, who was a performer for the evening.

And just because she has a stunning smolder, doesn't mean she doesn't also have goals.

In the future, Hadid said she'd like to try her hand at acting. "I think it would be really fun, because it's exciting to be in front of the camera on film instead of just pictures," she said. "I have so many goals... most of the time I like to keep them to myself, because I'm really superstitious."

More: RHOBH's Yolanda Foster makes an emotional pledge to her children

Check out all of the pics from the Paper magazine spread on their website.

Do you love Bella Hadid's Paper magazine style?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

It wasn't too long ago that Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna Judd, were gracing our radios with their Grammy award-winning country duo The Judds.

More: Wynonna Judd's husband walks again after losing his leg

But in recent years, Naomi has fallen off the radar.

Now, in a new interview with Good Morning America, Naomi is finally revealing that her departure from the music biz wasn't exactly by choice.

"What I’ve been through is extreme. My final diagnosis was severe depression," Naomi told host Robin Roberts.

She continued, "Treatment resistant because they tried me on every single thing they had in their arsenal. It really felt like, if I live through this I want someone to be able to see that they can survive."

More: Naomi Judd and Wynonna Judd visit Oprah

Naomi goes into more detail about her struggles in her new memoir River of Time: My Descent into Depression and How I Emerged with Hope.

Naomi also opened up about her relationship with her daughters, Wynonna and actress Ashley Judd.

"Every day I exercised," Naomi said of her path to healing with depression. "I would walk up to Ashley’s house... and I would holler at her from her front step,” she said. “If she was home she’d come out and give me a hug. Ashley and I are so stinking much alike. We have the same mannerisms. We both read a whole lot. We both love new places. There’s such similarities."

Meanwhile, Naomi and Wynonna are on a "break."

People reports the two grew apart in 2011 while filming their OWN reality show The Judds.

More: Ashley Judd's family feud: Wynonna tracking her car!

But, overall, Naomi seems hopeful that their relationship will eventually get back on track, "We’re still a little estranged from each other. And that happens with mother, daughters. If she sees this, and I hope she does, 'cause the smartest thing is for all of us to feel known, no matter what’s goin' on. Be truthful. I think she’ll say, 'Good for you, Mom, for finally being willing to talk about the bad stuff.'"

Are you surprised to discover Naomi had such a struggle with depression? Do you think there's hope for a Naomi and Wynonna reunion?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Lukas Graham frontman Lukas Forchhammer became a dad back in September, but we've only just found out the name of his baby girl.

More: This printable guide is about to solve all your baby-naming squabbles

It wasn't an intentional secret, however: "It just hasn't come up," the 28-year-old said at the102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball in Los Angeles. "Her name is Viola."

Viola is the first child for Forchhammer and his longtime girlfriend, Marie-Louise “Rillo” Schwartz. Since giving birth, the mom has shared some cute pics of the new arrival her Instagram.

More: Kelsey Nixon is a mom again, and her baby's name has a very personal meaning

While Forchhammer offered up various meanings of the name Viola: "It’s a chubby violin, but it’s also a flower and a color," he said the couple "just liked the name." Plenty of Italian parents do, too: it's currently the 15th most popular baby girl name in Italy. It's less popular in the U.S., dropping out of the top 1000 chart in 1972 (although it was a top 50 name from 1899 to 1911).

The most famous bearer of the name is probably Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis, and it was also the passionate heroine in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, later played by both Gwyneth Paltrow and Amanda Bynes in film adaptations of the play.

The realities of juggling a music career and parenthood were never clearer to Forchhammer than when he found out Lukas Graham are up for three Grammy awards (Song of the Year and Record of the Year for their massive hit "7 Years," plus Best Group Performance) while he was changing 10-week-old Viola's diaper. "I came back in from a truck stop and I was changing a diaper while I was being nominated for a Grammy," he revealed. "So that was a little bit of a strange victory situation right there."

More: Ikea's new parental leave policy is sweet (and Swedish)

Fatherhood is a theme that runs throughout Forchhammer's music as well as his life. "7 Years" was written in honor of his late father Eugene, who died in 2012. "It’s just amazing that I wrote a song about becoming a father and now we’re nominated for three Grammys for that song and [Viola’s] with me on tour and everything," he said. "My life is slowly but surely coming together, just like I was dreaming it would."

Now that their relationship is out in the open, Meghan Markle isn't afraid to show her love for Prince Harry.

More: Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle is the modern-day princess we need

The 35-year-old Suits actress was photographed out in Toronto, Canada on Saturday wearing a gold personalised necklace with the letters M and H on it. The 14K gold piece is from L.A. designer Maya Brenner and retails for about $240 ($60 for additional letters).

It's believed that Harry, 32, made a detour — a significant one at that — to spend Sunday with Markle on his way back to the U.K. from his 15-day tour of the Caribbean.

It's not the first time jewellery has been a talking point in the couple's relationship. They were spotted wearing matching beaded bracelets last month, thought to be picked up by Harry during a trip to Africa.

More: Prince William responds to rumours of strife with Harry over Meghan Markle

But it's not just Markle's jewellery that's been doing the talking. She may be an American but on Saturday she left her Twitter followers in no doubt as to her love of all things British, posting a picture of her rescue pup Guy wearing a sweater decorated with the Union Jack.

What's next for the world's most-talked about couple? Matching Christmas jumpers?

More: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip really are a love story for the ages

Amy Schumer fans are not going to be very happy with this latest news: she's has cancelled her Australian comedy tour.

More: Amy Schumer will make the perfect Barbie for little girls everywhere

The comedian/actress was due to arrive in Perth on Saturday and was also set to perform in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland. However, according to News.com.au, she will no longer be keeping her tour dates due to illness.

To make matters worse for Australian fans, Schumer has only performed one date in the country (a show in Melbourne while she was there to promote her movie, Train Wreck) and it doesn't seem any replacement shows have been scheduled. Promoter Live Nation stated, "Unfortunately, due to Amy Schumer’s tight schedule it is not possible to schedule replacement dates however, we will be working to confirm a return to Australia as soon as is practical."

So, we're not going to get to see Amy Schumer, but there are actually a lot of great comedians performing in the next few months. Here are 6 replacements who will keep you entertained.

1. Bill Bailey

Returning with his show, Larks in Concert, English comedian Bill Bailey will be performing a show about the tales of a traveling comedian in December.

Find out more about it here.

More: Amy Schumer apologized for her 'Formation' tribute, but her defense is problematic

2. Russell Howard

U.K. comedian Russell Howard will be embarking on his Australia and New Zealand tour, with his new live show entitled Round The World Live! And after the success of his Wonderbox tour in 2014, it's safe to say this is going to be something you don't want to miss.

Find out more about it here.

3. Jason Byrne

Irish comedian and radio host Jason Byrne will be performing his show, Propped Up, in several destinations across the country next March/April, and according to Live Nation the acclaimed show promises to be "absolutely trouser wetting."

Find out more about it here.

4. Julia Morris

Australian comedian, actress, writer, television presenter and television producer, Julia Morris is a woman of many skills — and she's also hilarious.

Throughout May and June 2017 she'll be performing her new one woman show, Lift and Separate, which tries to make sense of the day-to-day life of a woman in her 30s. Dates across the country include shows at the Sydney Opera House, Canberra Theatre Centre, Theatre Royal Hobart and Comedy Theatre Melbourne.

Find out more about it here.

More: Gabrielle Union's sick of Amy Schumer's 'insensitive and offensive' ignorance

5. Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson

Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson are merging their creative juices to produce a limited show called Gayme's Night, specially for Mardi Gras. It will be on for one night on March 3, 2017 in Sydney's York Theater Seymour Centre.

Find out more about it here.

6. Jerry Seinfeld

Sure, you're going to have to wait a little longer to see Jerry Seinfeld perform; he's heading over in August 2017 to perform in Perth Arena, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Hisense Arena, Melbourne, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, and Sydney ICC Theatre — but we have a feeling it's going to be worth the wait!

Find out more about it here.

Are there any comedians that you really want to see? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Teresa Palmer hasn't been shy about sharing her second pregnancy with the world, and she and husband, Mark Webber, are going to be welcoming their new arrival very soon.

More: Celebrity moms who share breastfeeding selfies and photos

Her son was due on Dec. 5, and has yet to make an appearance — at least according to Palmer's most recent Instagram post.

Which gives her the best excuse ever for not attending the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards on Wednesday. Basically, she'll either be about to pop, or will have just given birth.

During an interview with Daily Telegraph, Palmer revealed that she was unable to attend the prestigious event — she is nominated for the best female actor award (the second time in her career) for her role in Mel Gibson's film, Hacksaw Ridge — and that she is particularly disappointed to be missing out.

The actress had hoped that her second child would come early (her first son, Bodhi came two weeks early, and she assumed the same would be true this time around), as this would have allowed her to still go on the trip.

"I am so bummed. My dad really wanted to go to the awards with me and I kept saying if the baby comes early we will take a road trip and all go over there to Sydney," she confessed, adding, "We will be watching on TV as long as I'm not in labour."

More: Alicia Keys thinks there are better nonsexist films to watch than Snow White

How do Palmer's followers feel about her missing out on the award show? According to the recent chatter on her Instagram feed, what everyone really wants is to see pictures of her newborn.

Comments on her posts include one from itsalexvalle who wrote, "Teresa lovely wishing you all the best and sending all my love to you my lovely can't wait to see your new baby boy." Teresa.and.sarah.fans echoed these thoughts, writing, "Getting so excited to see the baby photos. Good luck for the birth. I would laugh if the baby stayed in there and came on Christmas but that's not possible."

Another user hiddenkearney wrote, "@teresapalmer waiting for the good news!"

Malia Obama will go off to Harvard next fall, and her younger sister Sasha isn’t far behind. But their parents — maybe you’ve heard of them, Barack and Michelle Obama — aren’t quite ready to let their babies go and become empty nesters, People reports. “She’s still a baby,” Michelle said of her eldest daughter Malia, who turned 18 in July.

Baby or not, both Malia and Sasha, who’s 15, are itching to move on — even if their parents aren’t. “They’re ready to get out, just out from their parents’ house,” President Obama said of his daughters. “The fact that their parents’ house is the White House may add to it. But Malia’s going off to college. She’s a grown woman.”

More: 26 photos of Sasha and Malia Obama growing up before our eyes

The Obamas vacate the White House next month — next month!! — and even though it’ll be bittersweet for the whole family, they acknowledged that their kids have grown up there, and that they’re excited about the next chapter. “There’s a sentimentality about this place, that they’ve had so many amazing experiences, and the staff are part of the family,” President Obama said. “It is different for them than for most kids in that when they leave, they won’t be able to come back home. Malia’s spoken about how she regrets the fact that she won’t have that home base in the same way.”

But lest you believe that Malia and Sasha are super-bummed about the upcoming move, their dad added, “They’re ready to get out of the nest. We don’t think they’re ready, but they certainly think they’re ready.”

More: Witness the moments that defined Barack Obama in new Netflix film Barry

The famous family will soon move to an 8,200-square-foot rental in the upscale Kalorama area of Washington, D.C., which is a bit of a step down from the 54,900-square-foot White House. (OK, the Obamas’ private living quarters don’t take up the whole space, but it’s safe to say their new place will be a little less grand.)

Malia graduated from D.C. private Quaker school Sidwell Friends in June, and is taking a gap year before she starts college. Last fall, President Obama said that he counseled Malia “not to stress too much” about getting into a super-prestigious school, but it turns out that she needn’t have worried about that one, the New York Times reported. “Just because it’s not some name-brand, famous, fancy school doesn’t mean that you’re not going to get a great education there,” the President told Malia.

That said, both of Malia’s parents went to law school at Harvard, so her choice makes sense. Sasha is a sophomore at Sidwell, and the family plans to stay in D.C. at least until their youngest daughter graduates. After that — who knows?

Even if you're not a professional baker, chances are you get that itch to whip up something delicious in the kitchen every now and again. But how many of us keep hardback recipes books at home anymore?

The fabulous thing about the 21st century is that inspiration is only a mouse click away. Artfully created blog posts are aplenty nowadays, and our favorite bloggers have become experts on how to virtually walk us step-by-step through making Pinterest-worthy baked goods. What a wonderful time to be alive.

So next time you get that baking itch (or just want to ogle some food porn), refer to these creative baking bloggers. You won't be sorry.

1. Bakerella

I love the catchy name of her blog — Bakerella — and all the delicious treats and recipes she shares. Blog author Angie is actually the creator of cupcake pops. She provides dozens of recipes and variations to the bite-size snack and also has recipes for everything from cakes and pies to brownies and cheesecakes. Her blog is full of fantastic photos showcasing her sweet treats and superb creativity. She even has a book — Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Treats — featuring all things cake pops. Take a look — you'll be glad you did.

Next up: SprinkleBakes

Originally published February 2013. Updated December 2016.

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2. SprinkleBakes

Heather, author of SprinkleBakes, comes from a background of fine arts and painting, and you can tell she lets her creativity shine throughout all of her recipes. Here she shares her own unique original recipes, family recipes and adaptations of her favorite recipes. Basically she's got it all — from coconut cappuccino muffins to pecan pie taffy to blue velvet cupcakes (who says they have to be red?). She released a book — SprinkleBakes: Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist — showcasing her best, most creative recipes. If you're looking for creative inspiration, SprinkleBakes is the blog for you.

More: 20 easy baking hacks that will make any novice feel like a pro

Next up: Lovin' from the Oven

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3. Lovin' from the Oven

A personal favorite, Lovin' from the Oven is a blog not just of baked goods but of easy, delicious meals too. Not to take away from the baking — blog author Kim does share more than 100 unique cookie recipes — but we like that she mixes it up. She also shares real-life stories in between all her beautiful photographs of mouthwatering treats. If you're looking for a blog of daily desserts and easy recipes, plus looking to get to know a wonderful person, Kim's blog is for you.

Next up: Joy the Baker

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4. Joy the Baker

Joy the Baker has been blogging for many years now, so her recipe index is full. She's got everything from brown butter brûléed doughnut holes (pictured above) and chai-spiced cinnamon rolls to gluten-free chocolate-peanut butter pudding and vegan dark chocolate-dipped sugar cones. Her blog truly meets every type of eater's needs, and she has a book — Joy the Baker Cookbook. And any blogger that has a specific section designated for recipes containing booze is fine by me.

Next up: Brown Eyed Baker

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5. Brown Eyed Baker

Michelle of Brown Eyed Baker says it's perfectly acceptable to eat dessert first, and I couldn't agree more. Her most popular recipes include homemade Snickers (yum!), Cherry Coke float cupcakes, grasshopper mint chocolate bark and a layered red velvet cheesecake. In addition to her one-of-a-kind baked goods, she shares recipes for meals too, such as Cajun shrimp macaroni and cheese. Michelle is self-taught, making her recipes doable for both novice and expert bakers alike, so don't be afraid to tackle a recipe or two of hers.

More: Baker's badass creations take dessert to a whole new level

Next up: Love, Cake

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6. Love, Cake

Rustic yet elegant is the perfect way to describe Love, Cake's recipe roster. From the bronzed crust of a sour cherry-almond pie overflowing with juices to the liberal dusting of powdered sugar on an apricot-custard cake, the baked goods on this blog would be at home in both a New England B&B and a SoCal bistro. Sam, the mastermind behind the recipes, is currently working on a cookbook, but she has also worked as a food editor for Good Housekeeping, Fine Cooking and Everyday Food; basically, she knows her stuff. Don't know where to start? Check out the cake recipes — after all, cake is the blog's namesake.

Next up: Sally's Baking Addiction

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7. Sally's Baking Addiction

Focusing on classic and comforting recipes often inspired by her family's favorites, Sally of Sally's Baking Addiction definitely knows her way around the kitchen. The author of two cookbooks, Sally doesn't include just recipes on her blog but also writes posts on mastering essential baking techniques and understanding ingredients. From seasonal recipes like caramel apple cinnamon scones to tutorials on making the best buttery, flaky pie crust, Sally's Baking Addiction is not to be missed.

Next up: Smitten Kitchen

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8. Smitten Kitchen

If you're looking for the perfect blend of home-style baking and modern recipes, Smitten Kitchen is the blog for you. With tons of recipes for everything from blood orange olive oil cake to dulce de leche cheesecake squares, blogger Deb Perelman has something for every sort of sweet tooth. Her savory recipes are fantastic too, but the complex yet homey desserts she churns out are what makes this one of our favorite baking blogs.

More: 21 tantalizing treats that put your Girl Scout Cookies hoard to good use

Next up: The Sugar Hit

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9. The Sugar Hit

The flavor-packed recipes on Sarah Coates' blog The Sugar Hit are as fun to read as they are to make thanks to the punchy, comic book-inspired graphics and colorful food photography on her site. Sarah owns more than 250 cookbooks (and is an author herself), and her encyclopedic cooking knowledge is on full display on her blog, where fancy recipes like almond and apple tarte fine with rum caramel intermingle with cozy basics like homemade Pop-Tarts. If you love baking as much as Sarah does, then her blog will not disappoint.

Next up: Apt. 2B Baking Co.

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10. Apt. 2B Baking Co.

Seasonal, fruit-focused desserts are the star of Apt. 2B Baking Co. You won't believe how decadent produce can be until you see author and photographer Yossy Arefi's recipes for plum-macaroon cake, pretty little summer fruit cakes and blackberry-rhubarb pie. What sets Yossy's photography apart from other bloggers? She still shoots with film, using her trusty Pentax camera, and the results are absolutely gorgeous.

Next up: Desserts with Benefits

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11. Desserts with Benefits

Not only are Desserts with Benefits' recipes obsession-worthy (hello, banana toffee chocolate pie? Yes, please!), but they're also — drum roll — healthy. That's right, Jessica (the mastermind behind the blog) uses good-for-you ingredients to make treats we can all feel great about eating. Her recipe index also categorizes all of her creations by diet, so if you have any gluten, egg, or sugar restrictions you can rest easy. Can't be that with a stick.

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The recent revelation that actress Maria Schneider wasn’t advised about what was happening in the Last Tango in Paris rape scene has turned the focus to soaps and how they have handled a difficult storyline.

More: The Last Tango in Paris is far from the first movie to become embroiled in scandal

Former General Hospital star Natalia Livingston shared with The Wrap that her own rape scene on the show in 2006 was handled with caution and care. It shows a stark contrast to how Schneider was treated by director Bernardo Bertolucci and co-star Marlon Brando.

For GH writers, they approached Livingston with the storyline before it was ever put down on paper.

“The writers were very thoughtful in the way that they approached me with the rape story. It was a big deal to them, as it was to me. It wasn’t anything that they took lightly,” she said to The Wrap. “One of the writers had her own experience with rape, and it was really, really important to her that the story be told as truthfully and realistically as possible and that we were able to help the victims in some way.”

To complicate an already sensitive issue, Livingston was dating co-star Tyler Christopher, who played her attacker in the scene.

More: Y&R and B&B aren't the only soaps with memorable crossovers

“I was dating Tyler at the time we shot the scene, which added another layer to everything and made it even harder to film those scenes,” she explained. “When you’re in a relationship, anything physical between the two of you is such a private, personal, in many ways sacred thing. But then you add a storyline like this where you have to act out this horrible, horrible thing with someone you love in your real life, and then they have to do it in front of the whole world. It’s a really hard thing.”

The actors worked together with the directors to give them specifics as to where on her body they were going to film her. Livingston said she knew “exactly what was going to happen, and Tyler knew exactly what he had to do.” There was no “creative license.”

On the set of Last Tango in Paris, it’s clear that Schneider did not have control over what was happening to her body in that scene. Brando and Bertolucci decided to use butter as a sexual lubricant without her knowledge. It was a physical and emotional violation to the actress.

In a 2007 interview, Schneider admitted that filming the scene as a 19 year old inexperienced actress left her traumatized.

More: 35 years later, GH fans learn Luke and Laura’s wedding almost didn’t happen

“Marlon said to me: 'Maria, don't worry, it's just a movie,' but even though what Marlon was doing wasn't real, I was crying real tears. I felt humiliated and to be honest, I felt a little raped, both by Marlon and by Bertolucci,” she said to the Daily Mail.

On the set of GH, Livingston described filming as an “out-of-body experience,” which took a little time to recover from, but not in a dramatic way like Schneider.

“After those scenes, there was a recovery period that Tyler and I experienced as actors, where our interactions had to be so soft and gentle,” Livingston shared. “We had to take our time in that way.”

These drastic differences in how a rape scene is approached highlight the need for understanding by everyone involved in the script — from inception of the idea to the execution of the scene. It harkens back to the fact that soaps have tackled social issues for decades in a way that is beneficial not only to the audience watching, but also to the actors.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

As we head into the home stretch for 2016, it's a time to start reflecting on just how good, bad and wild things have been over the last 12 months. For one Kanye West, 2016 has been an undeniably tough year — maybe the most fraught to date — and the proof is definitely in the pudding. Don't believe me?

It's been a roller-coaster of a year for West. He began the year by starting a Twitter feud with Wiz Khalifa, and now, in December, there are allegations that he and wife Kim Kardashian are headed for divorce. While the former is definitely true and the latter is still unconfirmed, these events and a ton of others in between cement my theory that West is just as done with 2016 as we are. 2017 can't come soon enough.

More: Kim Kardashian West & Kanye West's relationship is definitely #goals

And in case you forgot exactly what kind of hijinks West and those connected to him went through, let's take a moment to reflect. After running through this highlight (or maybe lowlight?) reel, you'll soon understand why West and Kardashian are taking a break until 2016 is over.

January: Wiz Khalifa tweets

West kicked off 2016 by coming out guns ablazing toward Wiz Khalifa. On Jan. 27, West tweeted out a list of reasons why he was allegedly better than Wiz Khalifa after Khalifa misinterpreted one of West's lyrics. After dropping some major burns like, "Your first single was corny as fuck" and "I think you dress cool. I wish I was as skinny and as tall [...] maybe I couldn't be skinny and tall but I'll settle for being the greatest artist of all time as consolation," West dropped the mic. The tweets have since been deleted and relations have been patched up, but West got off to a seriously rocky start in 2016.

February: The Life of Pablo & Bill Cosby

After much speculation about the exact title of West's latest album (remember when it was Waves? Then Swish? Ah, the good old days), he premiered his latest album to much fanfare at a listening party-slash-fashion show for his Yeezy fashion line. It was the event of all events at that point in West's year and a much-needed boost of positivity after his crazy January.

Of course, as with all things in life, it's about balance. West sent some shockwaves through through the community when he voiced his support for comedian Bill Cosby during the latter's criminal rape trial.

June: The "Famous" video

Dialing the drama up to 11, West dropped his 10-minute-long video for "Famous." The video, which depicted celebrities directly tied to West as well as those figures who are more transgressive and hot-button (like Donald Trump and George W. Bush), left many jaws agape due to its audacity. West's inclusion of a nude model of Taylor Swift only stoked the fire that Swift was unwittingly involved in a song she has no say in.

And then July rolled around.

July: The Taylor Swift spat

As if West and Kardashian wanted to make sure our summer was anything but boring, Kardashian decided to release recorded videos via her Snapchat proving that Swift gave approval for her inclusion in "Famous," despite her previous public declarations she didn't and that she, in turn, felt wronged. The West-Swift drama has been brewing for several years now; this video release only seemed to fan the flames.

More: Kanye West thinks "everyone is out to get him"

August: Teyana Taylor's cameo

West premiered his second video from The Life of Pablo at the MTV Video Music Awards. For "Fade," West kept it simple with GOOD Music (West's music label) artist Teyana Taylor dancing with high energy and pure emotion in an empty gym. The video was iconic and brought West back into public favor. For a little while, anyway.

September: That controversial casting call

The Yeezy Season 4 casting call controversy and subsequent fashion show was another rocky point for West and his public image. While the casting call could be read as positive or negative, depending on your viewpoint, about its approach to cast solely models of color (I choose to think it's a positive move), the fashion show itself went off with a thud. The weather during the show — which was held outside, mind you — combined with the blocking of the show, where models has to stand still in the beating sun, left women collapsing during the show from exhaustion.

October: The robbery & aftermath

The events of late September and October 2016 mark a decided downturn in West's fortunes. Shortly after Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in her Paris hotel room during Paris Fashion Week, West stopped his concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City and left the venue to be with his wife. While his children were thankfully not with Kardashian during the robbery, the entire event caused her and West to stop the use of all their social media platforms while they recovered as a family.

On Kardashian's 36th birthday, Oct. 21, West compiled an incredibly sweet video made of home video footage largely shot by Kardashian's father, Robert Kardashian. The family video montage was an adorably thoughtful throwback that, many people guessed, was just the right touch for Kardashian in the weeks following her robbery.

More: Kim Kardashian won't ditch Kanye West in his time of need

November: His mid-concert rants

In the month following Kardashian's robbery, West seemed to go off the rails during his concerts. Video began to emerge of West going on extensive rants with no particular message in mind. Rather, his chats ad nauseum included wild, random statements, including the fact the he would have voted for Trump if he had bothered to vote and vaguely throwing shade at Jay Z and Beyoncé unprovoked. When the rants reached a fever pitch, West canceled the remaining dates of his The Life of Pablo tour in order to recuperate properly.

December: Hospitalization

Which brings us to now, December 2016. The first week of December has seen West exit hospitalization following his canceled tour and come up against rumors of divorce. Who knows what the rest of December holds for West? Your guess is as good as mine.

What are your thoughts on Kanye's year? Tell us in the comments.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

CBS Evening News could be getting a little bit of a shakeup.

While network execs deny the rumors, they're still out there and growing, and they say that Scott Pelley is about to be removed from his anchor position on the evening news and moved to a full-time gig on 60 Minutes.

"Pelley’s style is of slow storytelling, which doesn’t fit so well with the fast-paced evening news, but works well for 60 Minutes," an insider dished about the possible move.

More: Anchor attacked after ripping Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance to shreds

Pelley is already an anchor on 60 Minutes, and insiders close to the network say placing him on that show full time would be a smart move for CBS because viewers likely wouldn't view the move as a demotion for Pelley, even though he'd be leaving the network's most-watched program. It would also give CBS an opportunity to replace Pelley with a new anchor, which is always a way to generate speculation and buzz.

Page Six is reporting rumors that favor Norah O'Donnell to be Pelley's replacement as an anchor on CBS Evening News, but an insider told the site that wasn't likely.

"She’s staying at CBS This Morning [with Charlie Rose and Gayle King]," the source said. "The ratings are strong, and they’re a great team."

More: How dare an anchor commit the disrespectful act of wearing skinny jeans on TV

If O'Donnell did make the move to the evening news, she'd be the only female anchor on a major evening news show.

The move comes after Pelley saw a 4 percent dip in his ratings over the last year, and a 7 percent decline among the 25 to 54 age demographic, even though CBS has been insisting that his ratings are higher than ever. CBS also denies rumors that he's being moved from the evening news to 60 Minutes.

More: Price Is Right is 45! Take a look at all the celebs who've been on the show

We love traditions for a reason: they're comfy, they're cozy, they're safe. But every once and a while it's good to change up you traditional decor (read: poinsettias and cranberries) by updating your holiday table with a little twist. Ditch the centerpieces that seem to be standard at every holiday gathering, and use some of these ideas to shake up your holiday table, instead. Trust us, your guests will thank you later.

1. When in doubt, add pine cones

Pine cones and candles create a charming rustic ambiance in just about any way you arrange them. For extra holiday flair, add cinnamon sticks as shown here. You can scatter them randomly, in a circle, or put them in jars.

2. Colored burlap

Run a wide piece of painted burlap (or buy it that way) through the middle of your table and set a few vases on top. You can also wrap Mason jars with it, tie bows around pine cones, or use it to make simple napkin rings. The options are endless and it's impossible not to look festive.

3. Use literally any other flower

Your flowers don't have to be Christmas flowers to be beautiful. Pick whatever flowers jump out at you and place them in clear jars of various sizes. Add some tea light candles in between and call it good. If you want to add a Christmas touch, wrap the jars with red and green twine or ribbons.

4. Fill vases with candy canes

If you want to hide the flower stems in your centerpiece and add some Christmas flair at the same time, line a wide vase with candy canes. If you want to skip flowers altogether, you can use a series of smaller vases to make mini candy cane bouquets.

5. Say hello to cake pop bouquets!

Any bouquet you can eat gets bonus points — double bonus points if it's full of sugar. So if you're not the baking kind, order a batch from your local baker and make a cake pop bouquet. Try this recipe if you want to make your own (just switch up the colors you decorate with!).

6. Use crisp red apples

As a nod to the delicious apple pie you'd better be serving, arrange red apples in your centerpiece with some candles. Add some pine cones as a nod to tip number one and all that's missing is that scrumptious pie in the oven.

7. Put extra Christmas ornaments to good use

I don't know about you, but there are always a few stragglers in my ornament box that don't have hooks or don't fit on the tree. Use them to Christmas-fy any basic bouquet for your centerpiece.

8. Use nontraditional colors

Find some Christmas knick-knacks at the dollar store and spray paint those bad boys whatever color you want. Situate them with other Christmas decor in cups of sand... and voilà! Christmas decor with a color twist.

9. Add pops of red with roses

You can take the Valentine's Day vibe out of roses by adding Christmassy ribbons and holiday-themed add-ons to the bouquet. You get the bright red Christmas pop that poinsettias usually offer without having to actually use them.

And just like that, you're the hostess with the mostess.

This post was sponsored by Big Lots.

When Gabe and I started seriously talking about getting married, we decided to put the kids in counseling. Our reasoning was solid and very adult — they’d been through the separation of their parents in the last several years, each set had established a new household with new routines, and now more change was on the horizon.

We started with my crew. I made the appointment with a counselor who had experience with blended families, told the kids about it, and merrily drove them to their first appointment. I ignored their protests. They didn’t want to go to counseling and talk to a stranger about stuff. They didn’t have any questions about life after divorce. They certainly didn’t have any questions about blending our families. That all fell on my very deaf, I am your mother and I know best, ears.

More: I wanted 15 kids but people already shamed me for having five

The counselor, a well-dressed, middle-aged woman who looked a bit like an elementary school principal, stuck her head into the waiting room and called our name. I’d like to tell you they all got up and walked back into her office, shared their thoughts and feelings, and lived happily ever after, but that’s not exactly what happened. No one moved. Not even a muscle twitch. I am sure the counselor was thinking not only did she have to work with this group on blended family issues but also on basic name recognition.

I cheerfully led the kids back into her office, explained our back story (as I saw it), and at the counselor’s invitation, excused myself so they could speak freely about their views on our situation. Walking down the hallway, I was relieved that we were getting help. The kids could share their thoughts and concerns, I could learn about how to address them, and we’d ride off into the sunset. Check — family blended.

The woman who returned my children to me 45 minutes later looked a bit bewildered. She asked to speak with me privately, and it was then that I learned that no one had said anything in 45 minutes. I take that back – Simon had said one thing. She’d asked if they had thoughts or concerns about the upcoming changes to our family and he had politely responded that they did not. After that, silence.

More: I didn’t baptize my kids because I want them to find their own faith

We tried three more times. The kids were happy to answer questions about school or dance or Pokémon, but did not offer any insight into how they were thinking or feeling, and had no questions about blended families. I gave up. Maybe it would all be fine.

Fast forward several months later. As we’d been spending more and more time together, we noticed people staring at us. It’s our normal now — we are a huge family and people aren’t used to seeing that much anymore. Once people noticed the three distinct ages of our kiddos, and the fact that we have a boy and a girl of each age, they couldn’t help themselves: We began to hear Brady Bunch references everywhere we went.

“What’s the Brady Bunch?” the kids asked. “Why are people calling us that?” Gabe and I explained the premise of the show, and the pop quiz began. “Which one am I?” “Do they have pets?” “How old are they?” “Do they all get along?” We could answer those questions.

Two days later we received our green shaggy carpet-covered DVD box set, and sat down a to watch the first episode, when Mr. and Mrs. Brady get married. Four minutes in, we paused to answer the onslaught of questions about our upcoming wedding. Would it also be outside? Did the girls’ dresses have to match? Would pets be allowed? That’s how we worked our way through the first full season. Watching a 20-minute episode often took the better part of an hour. Lots of the questions were simple and safe to ask — would we have a treehouse? Would we have an Alice? Those paved the way for the harder, more nervous ones — would we have the same last name? Would they have to call me Mom? Would we change schools? Share rooms? It seemed that asking questions while they were all together, at home, facing a screen, they felt safe.

More: I started teaching my kids about gender identity as toddlers

Watching a family blend made it easier to ask questions, and gave us a shared inventory of examples to talk about. The kids identified with the Bradys. They began to call themselves by the Brady kids names, and even asked if they could trick-or-treat as the famous family. The ridiculously outdated norms and styles made it an easy comedic target for the older two, while the younger four appreciated the simple, straightforward storytelling. We spent that whole winter curled up on the couch and spread out on the floor watching the The Brady Bunch.

By the time we got married and moved that spring, the kids had asked and we had answered what felt like a million questions. Lottie confessed to me once that she was feeling nervous, “just like Cindy did.” Sara was accused of dominating the family’s collective attention — Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. Our family, once a weird, unspeakable unknown, had a precedent. There were others like us out there. We were normal, and the feelings and concerns they had were normal too. We’d arrived at the destination we’d hoped for months earlier when we started counseling. We were right that preparation was important. We’d just gotten there a different way.

Kate is a blogger at ThisLifeInProgess.com.

As the time draws nearer for Fuller House Season 2 to drop on Netflix, it's only natural that we would be deeply curious about what to expect in the coming season. Ahead of the second season's release on December 9, SheKnows spoke with Fuller House creator Jeff Franklin about what we can expect to see during the second go-round, including exciting Easter eggs for diehard fans, new relationships that are in development, the return of some classic Full House friends, and even the possibility of a wedding. Wait, a wedding?

More: Candace Cameron Bure: How Fuller House brings the Tanners into the 21st century

Well, before anyone marches down the aisle, there's a few people that actually have to couple up this season.

Bring on the romances

The eldest Tanner women are both about to get embroiled in some serious romances. After cautiously dipping her toe back into the dating pool following the death of her husband, DJ Tanner will find herself in the middle of a love triangle. When asked why it would appear she's moving so quickly into a complicated set-up, Franklin revealed: "DJ – we left her in kind of a weird place at the end of Season 1. She was not ready to begin a relationship after having these two guys court her pretty seriously and suddenly she found herself in this triangle and she kind of opted out of it at the end of the summer, but when we pick her back up, she's made a decision about who she would like to try a relationship but in the mean time Steve and Matt have found new girlfriends so that's how we begin Season 2. [...] At the end of season 2 we will know what her decision is and I think we have a lot of interesting wrinkles as far as that storyline goes."

While DJ is busy trying to weigh which of her two love interests is a better fit for her and her sons, younger sister Stephanie is really forging her own path. "Stephanie begins a singing career and she also begins a new and unexpected relationship with Kimmy's brother, Jimmy Gibbler," Franklin told us. Jimmy Gibbler, you may recall, is Kimmy's younger brother and he's not the only new face on the scene. While Jimmy is busy shaking up things for Stephanie, there will be plenty of other new faces in season 2 to accompany the ones we've grown to love.

The Tanner squad is seriously growing

Franklin was quick to list some new characters and trust me, you're going to be just as excited as I am: "We're going to meet the girlfriend's of Matt and Steve. We're goign to meet a new girl that comes into Max's life, which is really pretty cool. We're going to see Paco again – Jaxon's friend and Lola's back, and Taylor's back, Max's frenemy. We meet Taylor's dad in a fun story. We're going to see a lot of faces from the past. There's a high school reunion episode where we see Viper and Kathy Santoni. So a lot of faces from DJ and Kimmy's past will show up. Also Gia's in the show this season and Girl Talk is going to make a reunion appearance."

With all of the hubbub around the new faces showing up in the lives of the Gibblers and Tanners, it may be easy to forget that there are some big changes happening in regards to a particularly old face in the Fuller House crowd: Uncle Joey. It was recently revealed via TV Line that we will finally meet Uncle Joey's wife and children in the second season; if you're a fan of Full House, you'd be surprised to learn this, mostly because many of us thought he would always be a bachelor.

Will they somehow bring Michelle's character back?

Speaking of older faces, is there any chance — at all — that Michelle will come back? "I don't want to close the door on any ideas but it's not my favorite idea to recast that role. [...] I'm still hopeful maybe some day they'll come back and you know, play with us a little but I don't know. It's not my first choice. [Elizabeth Olsen] is about the only recasting that would make the most sense to me, but I still think it would be great to have the Olsen twins back. It would just complete the picture for all of us. And I think we all would love it. It's been disappointing so far but I'm hoping someday that will change."

More: Fuller House may have to face the fact that Michelle is never coming home

The whole season has one overarching theme

Perhaps the most fun part of Fuller House Season 2 is that the entire season will be holiday-centric. For Franklin, this was the best part of planning the season and, assuredly, it will keep the season as fun and festive as the timing of its December release. "We knew we'd be coming back on the air in the last quarter of the year, so we thought it'd be fun to do a bunch of holiday shows and wrap the season around the holidays. We have a huge cast of characters and a very large extended family on the show, so it seemed like a great idea to get everyone together. They're always feel good shows so we started with the idea that we were going to do a bunch of holiday shows. So we do Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. It was a lot of fun, I love the way it all turned out."

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