The end of the year is fast approaching, and with it comes the highly anticipated (or dreaded) New Year’s Resolutions. So often we hear about people wanting to spend more time with loved ones, start a new hobby and perhaps the most popular one, to lose weight or get in shape.

More: Goodshop Sunday will help you save big and give back while holiday shopping

But why wait? Why not get started on your fitness resolutions sooner, rather than later? You’ll beat the crowds at they gyms, get a head start on everyone else and will probably be more likely to stick with what you started when February rolls around.

You don’t even have to worry about spending a chunk of change on all new apparel or equipment with these deals that don’t just save you money but also give back to a cause or charity of your choice.

ASICS

From making sustainability a part of everything they do to investing in people and communities, the running company stays true to their founding philosophy, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano - a sound mind in a sound body. Most recently ASICS athletes came together with Girls on the Run International to go the extra mile- literally- after the New York City Marathon to promote self-confidence and healthy lifestyles in young girls. You can learn more about ASICS initiatives on their Coupons for Good page or donate to a nonprofit like Girls on the Run when you use Goodshop deals.

Nike

A leader in the fitness world, Nike has some of the best shoes and apparel to kick your workouts into high gear. You can save money buying a new jacket for those winter runs and donate three percent to a cause of your choice. You can also support their goal of sustainable innovation in their products, such as the Flyknit line, or to get kids moving by visiting their Coupons for Good campaign.

Reebok

Another top fitness brand, Reebok not only provides athletic apparel for a variety of workouts but has also initiated their sustainability strategy ‘Sport needs a space’ which emphasizes the importance of maintaining the spaces where sports are played, as well as how the products are made. The Reebok Coupons for Good page goes into more detail about the company’s sustainability program.

More: 3 major fall fashion retailers that you can feel good about supporting

Bowflex

Maybe you either don’t like going to gyms or don’t want to pay the sometimes extreme membership prices. Either way you can still get in a decent workout from the comfort of your own home using both your own body weight and exercise machines, such as a traditional treadmill or something more. Bowflex offers a lot of products to choose from, and you can donate 3.5 percent of what you spend to a nonprofit or charity.

DICK’s Sporting Goods

For any and athletes out there, regardless of level, sport, age or any other criteria, DICK’s Sporting Goods can supply you with the right equipment and apparel before your next practice, workout or game. What’s even better than the money you’ll save (as well as donating 1.5 percent to a cause of your choice) is the company’s commitment to underfunded youth athletic programs across the country. The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation has a $25 million multiyear commitment and will match community donations to award $2 million each year to financially challenged youth sports teams. You can learn more about or donate to this initiative by checking out the Coupons for Good page.

More: How you can raise money for breast cancer just by shopping

I quit my job this year. It was the right decision, but it didn’t make it an easy one.

I’ve been working from home, teaching university level English courses online, for the last three and a half years. Since the day I started, I’ve had two babies for a grand total of four little men. And I’ve kept plugging away at my work, at times teaching up to four classes in an eight week term. While some online professors have an easy (or easier) job, teaching English online is brutal.

More: I'm scared, but I've stopped saying no to my husband's military dreams

I felt like I was handling it all pretty well until last year, and especially last fall after my son Benji got his ASD diagnosis. We added therapy to our weekly schedule and suddenly I was spending hours per week at the Autism Center, driving, scrambling to find babysitters, and arguing on the phone with the insurance company. The stress was overwhelming and even started affecting my health, both physically and mentally.

I’d thought about quitting my job last year but still I wavered: I was so fortunate to be a mom who could work from home when there are so many women who are dying to be in my position.

Didn’t I owe it to them to keep the “dream” alive, the dream that says, “Yes, 21st century modern woman: You may not be able to have the whole pie, but you can have a little slice of whatever you are determined to put on your plate!” 

But then a conversation with my kids put a knife in that “dream” and sealed my decision to quit. I had just finished grading for B term and told my then eight year old twins, “Guess what, boys? No more papers! I’m all done!”

“Yea!” They cheered. “Now you can spend time with us!”

Ouch.

That was it. I knew I needed a change. I wasn’t being the mom or wife I wanted or needed to be. I wasn’t being a nice person. I didn’t even like myself. I was a mean person who was strung out, exhausted, and who yelled all the time. Plus if I graded just one more paper about “The Road Less Traveled,” I might just lose my mind (or what was left of it).

More: I let my coworker blame me for everything to avoid conflict

And as fortunate as I was to be working from home, it just wasn’t worth it anymore. I can’t do it all. In fact, I didn’t want to do it all anymore. I’m kind of over it. Yet, knowing myself, it feels weird to admit that. I’ve eagerly been in school and/or working since my twins were seven months old (they are nine now). I invested years of my life into my master's degree and teaching, both on campus and online. And I was a darn-good professor too. But the truth is, I need to invest my life where my love is. I love English, and I love helping students become better writers, but it’s hard to keep loving something that doesn’t love you back. And honestly, as much as I tried to be a personable, relatable, likable, genuine, caring online professor, the thousands of students I’ve taught aren’t going to remember my name next week, much less 20 years from now.

But my kids only get one mom. I am not a blip to them. I am their whole world. And I need to move them back into the center of my world. I know this the right decision. But not all good decisions are easy. I used to get a lot of warm fuzzies telling people that I taught at a university. I felt validated by raised eyebrows and the impressed tone of voice. It made me feel like I was more than “just a mom,” like I was an intelligent human being who was making a difference in the world.

So, as much as I am saying “good riddance” to the horrific stress of being a WAHM, it comes with a bit of mourning too, a saying “goodbye” to that prideful little corner of my heart (not to mention the lost income).

But I’m ready to say hello to lots of good things too. I'll be able to say more “come in” and less “go away." There will be more time do things now and less later. I'll be able to invest more time into self-care instead of self-denial, have more energy and less exhaustion, be more kind and less irritating. I'll have far more patience and do a lot less yelling. And most importantly, I'll have more love, much more love.

Being “just a mom” may wound my pride, but making the choice to be the mom that I want and need to be is the best decision I’ve made in a long time.

A version of this article appeared on TheBamBlog.com

More: I'm bored by my new job but scared if I leave it will look bad on my resume

Turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon—all three of December’s birthstones come in brilliant shades of blue, a welcome break from the red and green that seems to be creeping into every corner of our existence post-Thanksgiving.

Well, technically zircon comes in virtually all shades of the rainbow, but it’s most commonly heat-treated to appear blue. Word to the wise: Don’t confuse it with cubic zirconia, the man-made diamond substitute common in inexpensive jewelry—zircon is, in fact, the most ancient mineral on earth, with the oldest known crystal dating back 4.4 billion years.

More: 23 Unique Engagement Rings for the Unconventional Bride-to-Be

Turquoise, we tend to be a little more familiar with—especially if we’ve ever spent any time in Arizona or New Mexico, where much of the mineral is mined. The U.S. is the world’s biggest turquoise supplier today, although the stone’s name derives from turques, the French word for “Turks,” the people who first brought the stone to Europe.

Turquoise is considered sacred among Native Americans, who consider it a healing and protecting stone, and have used it in religious ceremonies and in jewelry for centuries. In the Navajo tribe, it is thought that casting a stone into a river will bring rainfall, while the Apache believed that turquoise (rather than, say, a pot of gold) awaited at the end of a rainbow, and had the power to make whoever found it invincible in battle.

More: 25 Ways to Wear a Dress This Winter and Not Freeze Your Ass Off

Tanzanite, finally, was only added as an alternate December birthstone by the American Gem Trade Association in 2002—only 35 years after it was first discovered. As the name suggests, the mineral is mined only in Tanzania, and is in fact the blue variety of the mineral zoisite; it was Tiffany’s that coined its name while coming up with a way to sell the gem in jewelry, marketing it as found only “in Tanzania and at Tiffany’s.”

Below, shop 17 pieces of December birthstone jewelry for every style and budget.

Katerina Makriyianni Gold-Plated Labradorite and Zircon Earrings

Katerina Makriyianni Gold-Plated Labradorite and Zircon Earrings (Net-A-Porter, $224 (was $320)

Rivera Choker

Rivera Choker (Pamela Love,$297.50 (was $425)

14K Gold Birthstone Hoop Stud

14K Gold Birthstone Hoop Stud (Shahla Karimi, $295)

Turquoise Marquise Body Chain

Turquoise Marquise Body Chain (Chan Luu, $320)

Tanzanite Cuff Ring with Pave

Tanzanite Cuff Ring with Pave (Lumo, $320)

Mociun Turquoise & Diamond Ball Cluster Necklace

Mociun Turquoise & Diamond Ball Cluster Necklace (Nordstrom, $780)

Lily Kamper Turquoise & Navy Gold Multi Column Necklace

Lily Kamper Turquoise & Navy Gold Multi Column Necklace (Avenue 32, $630)

Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard Tanzanite Bracelet

Elsa Peretti Color by the Yard Tanzanite Bracelet (Tiffany & Co, $550)

Theia Tanzanite Earrings

Theia Tanzanite Earrings (Taylor Kenney, $120)

Eva Hanusova Gem Rush Blue Topaz, Moonstone, Natural Zircon, and 14K Gold Fill Teardrop Earrings

Eva Hanusova Gem Rush Blue Topaz, Moonstone, Natural Zircon, and 14K Gold Fill Teardrop Earrings (Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, $85 (was $170)

Irene Neuwirth Turquoise Round-Link Bracelet

Irene Neuwirth Turquoise Round-Link Bracelet (Barneys New York, $2,510)

Sutra Tanzanite Double Drop Earrings

Sutra Tanzanite Double Drop Earrings (Annoushka, $21,000)

IAM by Ileana Makri Sun Eye Stud Earrings

IAM by Ileana Makri Sun Eye Stud Earrings (Ylang 23, $270)

Orb Cut Ring with Turquoise

Orb Cut Ring with Turquoise (John Hardy, $495)

Meira T Diamond and Tanzanite Bracelet

Meira T Diamond and Tanzanite Bracelet (Bloomingdale's, $975)

Sydney Evan 14K Hamsa Pendant Necklace with Turquoise, Diamonds, and Rubies

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

Gloria Steinem may be 82 years old, but she’s still in full-on go mode. In a new interview with The Guardian, she said she’s in “full-on revolt” against Donald Trump and all that comes with his impending presidency, riding the “new burst of feminist energy” that’s swirling around. And if you thought perhaps she’s go hang out at a retirement community somewhere at her age, think again. “I’m going to live to 100,” she said. “I’m never going to retire. Would I retire from life? This is my life!”

Most recently, Steinem has taken to the streets of New York City to protest Citibank’s support of the Dakota Access Pipeline, as The Guardian reports. She’s also an active tweeter and uses her celebrity to lead other women activists to the forefront. “My job is to bring people up,” she said. “I almost never speak [at functions] alone, I bring people with me so they become better known. I try to do only what I can do. But sometimes I am the only person who can get someone on the phone. Sometimes you need to send a signal to people who would otherwise not know the names.”

More: 7 things Gloria Steinem has to tell girls right now

As to whom, exactly, these new leaders are, Steinem name-checked the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Ai-jen Poo, and the founders of Black Live Matters, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi. “Ai-jen Poo organizes household workers, health care workers, food service workers that is part of a women’s ‘pink-collar ghetto,’ as we say, and it’s a union movement like the ‘30s that’s rising up, going state to state to get women covered by the labor laws,” Steinem said. She also commended Black Lives Matters’ nonviolent core and “spontaneous but effective” organization, The Guardian reported.

Steinem dispensed with the myths that millennials are more interested in “slacktivism” than rolling up their sleeves and taking action and that young women eschew the term “feminist.” Nope, Steinem said: “I had to wait for some of my friends to be born, but they are there and they’re younger than my blue jeans,” she said.

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

And if anyone was going around in La La Land before Trump was elected claiming that we had moved past racism and sexism, they’re dead wrong, Steinem added, and it’ll be much harder to deny such things going forward. “I suspect many fewer people are going to tell me we live in a post-racist, post-feminist world now,” she said. “I have never in my lifetime seen a president who was such an egotist. He’s a sociopath, a racist, a sexual predator. There are great dangers because he is dealing with heads of state,” she said.

In conclusion, Steinem quoted the opening of the Constitution, which reads, “We, the people,” not “I, the president,” as she pointed out. “He’s not my president,” she said. “I’m not going to leave the scene — are you kidding?”

Gloria Steinem, mic drop.

More: What female feminists really think of male feminists

Who isn't always in the mood for a musical? Good thing La La Land, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, comes out on Dec. 16. It's about time these two were in a musical, where they get to show off their singing and dancing skills right next to each other.

More: 5 lesser-known classic movie musicals

Until then, let's take a moment look at some of the top musical numbers from over the years. Admittedly, selecting the best and then ranking them isn't an easy feat. There are so many fanastic song and dance numbers from a slew of musicals, so it's time to honor them.

You may or may not agree with the ranking and which one we selected as no. 1, but that's OK. We all have different opinions. We just hope you enjoy watching the following musicals numbers as much as we do. Here's hoping they also get you in the mood for La La Land.

29. Pitch Perfect — Bellas finals

Yes, this is a musical and Anna Kendrick can do no wrong.

28. There's No Business Like Show Business — "There's No Business Like Show Business"

If you've seen this, you know when Ethel Merman's character looks at her son, played by Donald O'Connor, you need a box of tissues.

27. Grease 2 — "Score Tonight"

Grease 2 may have not been as successful as Grease, but this song makes up for that.

26. Mary Poppins — "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"

Humans (Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke) and animated characters dancing together could easily be a disaster, but not in Mary Poppins.

25. Les Misérables — "Do You Hear the People Sing?"

Forget about "One Day More," this performance is all about unity and is extremely powerful.

24. The King and I — "Shall We Dance?"

Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr dancing? Need we say more?

23. Sister Act 2 — "Joyful Joyful"

There are so many actors in this film and particular number, including Lauryn Hill and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Talk about nostalgia, huh?

22. Sister Act — "I Will Follow Him"

This final song is both uplifting and emotional.

21. Sister Act — "Oh Maria"

Kathy Najimy's and Wendy Makkena's characters bring this number to a whole new level.

20. The Phantom of the Opera — "The Phantom of the Opera"

Try not to get the chills when Emmy Rossum hits that note.

More: Why Hamilton is so important to the Latino community

19. The Music Man — "76 Trombones"

The only way to end a film is with a massive musical number.

18. Moulin Rouge — "Elephant Love Medley"

A mashup of popular romance songs performed by Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor? Count us in.

17. Hairspray — "You Can't Stop the Beat"

Finale numbers are always the best, just like this one.

16. Chicago — "Cell Block Tango"

Between the badass women, the singing and the amazing dancing, what more could we ask for?

15. Newsies — "King of New York"

Two names: Bill Pullman and Christian Bale.

14. Bye Bye Birdie — "Telephone Hour"

Before there was social media, this is how everyone gossiped.

13. Grease — "We Go Together"

Grease is full of hits, but there's just something special about this one.

12. The Rocky Horror Picture Show — "Time Warp"

One of the most catchy songs ever. You know you want to dance every time it comes on too.

11. Grease — "Greased Lightning"

It sure is electrifying, isn't it?

Up next: The top 10

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More: Grease Live!: All 12 musical numbers from the electrifyin' live show (VIDEOS)

9. Dreamgirls — "And I Am Telling You"

Here's exactly why Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for Dreamgirls.

8. Meet Me in St. Louis — "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

Judy Garland turned this song into a Christmas classic.

7. The Music Man — "Ya Got Trouble"

Musicals aren't only about dancing, but sometimes mainly about the singing. Robert Preston took it to a whole new level as Harold Hill.

6. Sound of Music — "Do-Re-Mi"

The one scene in Sound of Music where viewers get a mini-tour of Austria all while getting to hear Julie Andrews amazingly hit the highest note.

5. White Christmas — "Minstrel Number"

The dancing, the singing and the jokes are top-notch. Oh, and Vera-Ellen really was a dancing star.

4. West Side Story — "America"

Do we really need to explain this one?

3. Singin' in the Rain — "Make 'Em Laugh"

Donald O'Connor is a singing and dancing genius.

2. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers — Barn-raising dance

Despite the fact that men are fighting over women and trying to claim them as their own, the dancing and acrobatics in the barn-raising dance scene is phenomenal. It doesn't even need singing and shines all on its own with dance.

1. Singin' in the Rain — "Singin' in the Rain"

Gene. Kelly. There will never be anyone like him.

Who else wants to go watch musicals on a loop as preparation for La La Land?

More: How Hairspray Live became an unexpected lesson in diversity & tolerance

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

I had never even been to a strip club before I found myself unexpectedly bartending in one. A month before I had walked out on a high-pressure assistant position. I had been miserable and my health was rotten but I felt like I had failed. I didn’t have any sort of career plan to speak of or any strategy for financial stability, and all around I felt like a pathetic lame ass.

More: Sex work was the first time my fat body felt powerful

I was desperate for work, any work, and when I started at the topless bar I was convinced I had hit rock bottom. Instead I found that the little divey strip club I’d stumbled into was just the place I needed to help me toughen up my spine and learn to love myself again.

My self-esteem was in the toilet, and the confidence that the dancers exuded captivated me. I had never seen a woman look at a man so daringly before. I had never seen a woman walk around in lingerie so boldly. I had never seen the trance that a woman’s seductive dance can weave.

I witnessed the female power that I had heard about but had never actually experienced. I learned that it’s not something “some women just have.” I watched dancers of all shapes, sizes, and ages cast the same spell.

Women just are sexy.

As I slowly healed from the stress of my previous job, observing the strippers began to change me. As men complimented me I started to feel like the woman they were flattering. Most customers were respectful, but those who weren’t would meet the wrath of my sass. Oddly enough, the more I stood up for myself the more my tips increased.

This new confidence directly affected my sex life. I had built up an impressive repertoire of sexy tunes from the club, and when "Flight Facilities" came on one night a spontaneous lap dance occurred for a lover. I couldn’t believe how empowered and sexy I felt. I didn’t worry about how I looked or what I was going to do next. It didn’t matter I couldn’t sling a leg over his shoulder or drop down into the splits – I just moved in a way that felt good and sensual. I let his attraction and his desire fuel me.

He couldn’t get enough.

One of my customers carved intricate spanking paddles for several of the strippers. I’d enjoyed some light spanking in the past, but I started to really explore my pleasure-pain threshold. I was reminded just how much I enjoyed a good smack to the rear, and the red marks left afterward, and embracing my fetish was enough to make each session even hotter.

More: What it's really like to be in a Dom/sub relationship

There was an S&M club next door to the bar, and I learned the owner would hold classes. Flogging, knot tying, electricity–there was something for everyone. Occasionally videos would be shot there and the dancers would often be the performers. My experience with pornography had only scratched the surface, and as I learned more about various proclivities I let myself try out a broader range of adult entertainment, thereby enriching sex with a partner as well as my solo time.

After realizing just how visual men are, I let myself take my time as I undressed for my partner. I relished watching his eyes on my body as I rode him, and I allowed his admiring gaze to take my orgasms deeper.

The fluidity of the strippers inspired me to take a pole dancing class. My class was comprised of first-timers like me, regular attendees, and one former stripper trying to bounce back post birth. Before we covered basic pole moves, we did a sensual floor warm up. I wasn’t thinking about seducing someone – I was enjoying my beautiful body. It was an incredibly liberating experience to be sexy just for the sake of it. I wasn’t thinking about my man, but that night the feeling returned and our sack session was one of the best we’d had.

I realized that how sexy I allowed myself to feel was in direct correlation to how satisfied I was in bed, and that is the key to mind-blowing sex.

I owe it all to the strip club.

"Faith Streng is a writer, actress, and sex enthusiast living in LA. Her first book, It’s Like Karaoke And Other Titty Bar Tales, is now available on Amazon. Drop her a line on Instagram @faithlouise_s

Originally published on BlogHer

More: My husband thought he hadn't cheated because they hadn't had sex

We’ve all had those mornings when you hit snooze one too many times or the kids refuse to put on their shoes for a full 20 minutes or the idea of doing anything to your hair seems as easy as scaling a mountain. We get it. And hey, you don’t need permission to wear your hair in a messy topknot for the rest of your life if you want to. But if you do want to mix up your usual hairstyle and have practically zero time for your morning 'do, then you need a bunch of fast, efficient and pretty dang cute styles willing to work with you on the go.

More: How to style your hair to flatter your face shape

So we rounded up our favorite quick hairstyles that you can do at a stoplight, in the carpool line or while you’re negotiating the shoe situation with your 6-year-old for the hundredth time this month. Scroll down to see our favorites and how to do them!

1. Gather hair loosely into a low ponytail and tie with a clear elastic. Wrap ponytail with a satin elastic, pull out face-framing layers and you’re good to go.

2. Scoop the sides of your hair back into a half-up ponytail, tie with a clear elastic and then thread the tail of the ponytail up and through the top of the hair to form the twisty sides.

3. Secure your curls in a high ponytail, pulling at the crown for volume, then wrap a sheer ribbon or scarf around your head and tie it into a bow near the front of your face.

4. Comb your hair back into a low ponytail and secure with a gold clip hair tie for an instantly jazzed-up finish.

5. Brush your hair into a half ponytail, slide in a heart-shaped metallic clip and snap it closed. Slide in a few bobby pins to keep the clip in place if your hair is especially slippery.

6. Pull your curls into a high ponytail, leaving the shorter layers loose and forward, like bangs. Massage the ponytail to form a voluminous bun.

7. Divide your hair in half at the nape of your neck and tie it in a knot, then double-knot the ends. Pin the knot in place with bobby pins and let your hair fall where it may.

8. Tie your hair into a low ponytail and braid the hair, stopping 2 inches short of the ends. Secure the ends with a clear elastic, and pull at the edges of the braid until it’s fat and wide.

All season, the haters have insisted that Billy Gilman's previous fame would automatically garner him a win on The Voice. Sundance Head just proved them wrong with a major — and majorly deserved — upset. Clearly, a recognizable name can only get you so far on The Voice.

More: The Voice's Sundance Head blew us away with his deeply personal song

He may not have come away with the official title of Season 11 winner, but Gilman is a winner in his own way. After a very successful season and a second place finish, Gilman is bound to enjoy the career revival he's been searching for as a pop musician.

Head and Gilman have both been great in their own way this season. Although Gilman is well-versed in country music, he currently represents a very different style than Head. But the vast majority of his performances have been arguably just as impressive as Head's (although Head definitely came out on top after last night's finale). Because these contestants cater to different viewers, there was going to be some contention on Twitter no matter who won.

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

Ultimately, whether you love or hate Gilman's updated style (and whether you think he had an unfair advantage) you have to admit that he's accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. He's gone from a forgotten child star to a chart-worthy singer in a few months, and, having clinched a spot in the finale (and all the accompanying press), he's bound to score a record deal and attract legions of fans at upcoming shows and tours. The future is bright for Billy Gilman.

As for Sundance Head, well, he's obtained the notoriety that Blake Shelton believes he deserved all along. That doesn't necessarily mean that he'll achieve success as a post-reality TV artist, however, as many talented individuals have faded into obscurity after winning the show. That being said, we certainly hope that Head will enjoy a long reign on the country charts. He deserves it!

This was technically Head's night, but we expect great things from both him and runner-up Billy Gilman. We are excited to see what they do next!

More: America got it wrong with this season's finalists on The Voice

What did you think of Sundance Head's victory on The Voice? Were you rooting for him to win? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

When you have dry skin, winter can feel like a death sentence. Sounds dramatic, but when you mix cold weather conditions like sleet and harsh winds with dry, forced indoor heat, you can get majorly flaky, uncomfortable skin that’s prone to irritation and redness. You might think the solution is to douse yourself with the nearest tub of Vaseline or something equally occlusive, but unless you layer a good hydrating moisturizer for dry skin underneath it, you’ll just be sealing in the dryness.

More: The 19 best beauty products to buy at Free People this winter

Before you pick up just any moisturizer, know what to look for first: A formula with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or propylene glycol are all great options, and if your skin is particularly sensitive, make sure it’s fragrance-free. Once Ahead, seven of our favorite moisturizers for dry skin that’ll keep your complexion from flaking off this winter.

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream (Walmart, $7.34)

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Ulta, $15.99)

EltaMD Moisturizer

EltaMD Moisturizer (Dermstore, $11.50)

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (Ulta, $15.49)

Avene Tolérance Extrême Cream

Avene Tolérance Extrême Cream (Avene, $38)

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance (Dermalogica, $66)

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Cream Intense Hydration (Sephora, $30)

Alan Thicke, one of pop culture's all-time favorite TV dads, died on Dec. 13 of a heart attack. He may have been most well-known for one role in particular, but Thicke's career was so much more than that.

Growing Pains

As Dr. Jason Seaver — or as many a teenage girl referred to him, Kirk Cameron's dorky TV dad — Thicke doled out advice that was both humorous and sensitive, even if your name happened to be Boner. Thicke's character, and the family situation as a whole, was pretty advanced for its time: Dr. Seaver was a work-from-home dad who moved his psychiatry practice to a home office so he could take care of the kids while his wife Maggie went back to work as a reporter. His role earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV-Series – Comedy/Musical.

More: Remembering Growing Pains: 16 best moments from the show

Game show host

One of Thicke's first regular TV gigs was as host of Candian game show First Impressions in the late '70s. A decade later, he hosted the celeb game show Animal Crack-Ups, and a decade after that the TV version of Pictionary. in the early 2000s he led the Game Show Network's All New 3's a Crowd.

Theme songs

Thicke composed about a dozen TV theme songs for his two favorite TV genres, sitcoms and game shows. Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life themes are probably his most well-known, but he also penned the tunes for The Joker's Wild, The Diamond Head Game, Blank Check, Stumpers!, Whew!, The Wizards of Odds, Celebrity Sweepstakes, and Wheel of Fortune.

Reality TV

Thicke's first foray into reality TV came on Celebrity Wife Swap, where he switched spouses with comedian Gilbert Gottfried. It's pretty hilarious and worth a watch on YouTube. Thicke later developed his own show, Unusually Thicke, which followed the exploits of himself, third wife Tanya Callau, and son from his second marriage, Carter, with occasional appearances by his older sons, businessman Brennan and pop star Robin Thicke. The show was billed as a reality/sitcom hybrid, a fictional account of his family life presented in a reality format.

More: Robin Thicke's dad defends "Blurred Lines"

In all, Thicke's entertainment career stretched from the late '60s to his death in 2016. He shaped the TV landscape for more than one generation, and while he will be sorely missed, his influence will be felt for years to come.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Alan Thicke died on Tuesday, Dec. 13, after suffering a heart attack while playing hockey with his son, Carter, Entertainment Tonight reports. He was aged 69.

More: Alan Thicke's TV career goes deeper than you ever knew

His other son, Robin Thicke, took to Instagram to confirm the news and pay tribute to the late actor (whose career spanned five decades and saw him in roles such as the beloved Jason Seaver in the sitcom Growing Pains). Robin revealed that his dad was the "best man" he ever knew and his best friend.

However, Robin was not the only person to react to the news of Thicke's death, and social media has been filled with tributes. Among the reactions are tweets from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rob Lowe, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Ellen DeGeneres, David Hasselhoff, and Ben Stiller — all of whom were deeply touched by the legacy that Thicke left.

More: Celebrities post their memories of Florence Henderson after her death

More: Days of Our Lives loses iconic cast member Joseph Mascolo

Thicke's first wife, Gloria Loring, also took to social media to thank everyone for their kindness during this hard time, as she referred to Thicke's passing as "a shock."

Our thoughts are with his family.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

If you're really nice this year, Santa Claus may just allow you to have Bruno Mars in your passenger seat. However, James Corden doesn't have to wait for Christmas, because earlier this week he was lucky enough to have Mars join him for his Carpool Karaoke segment, as part of The Late Late Show — and can we just say, 15 minutes wasn't long enough.

More: Madonna confirms a Michael Jackson hookup on Carpool Karaoke

Every time we watch the segment we think it couldn't get any better — after all, Corden has featured stars like Lady Gaga, Madonna and former First Lady Michelle Obama. However, after falling in love with Mars' soft silk shirt and impressive hat (he has quite the collection); and hearing him impersonate Elvis Presley (that "Jailhouse Rock" rendition was something else), we're convinced that no celeb can ever top Mars' Carpool Karaoke.

Don't believe us? Just see what the internet has to say.

More: James Corden is reportedly just waiting for Jimmy Fallon to spiral out of control

More: Michelle Obama singing "Single Ladies" is the best thing we've seen all day

During the segment Mars also taught Corden a few dance moves (it's all about the shoulder action) and the pair sang some of his greatest hits, including versions of "Locked Out of Heaven," "24K Magic," "If I Knew," "Uptown Funk," "Perm" and "Grenade."

We think it's safe to say that this super upbeat video is bound to put you in a good mood, so, do yourself a favor and watch it.

Is Bruno Mars' Carpool Karaoke the best one yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

There's no doubt that bringing a German shepherd into my home was one of the best decisions I ever made. But I work in the veterinary field, and my job has made me acutely aware of the importance of finding a responsible German shepherd breeder. Responsible breeders choose to breed healthy and emotionally balanced dogs, which improves the quality of the dog breed and reduces the number of dogs that end up in shelters with health problems that owners can’t afford.

But how do you find a responsible breeder? After talking with vets and experts in the field like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the Humane Society, I discovered there are 10 things to look for in a German shepherd breeder that can help narrow down the list.

1. Consider adoption

If you are thinking about bringing a German shepherd into your home, the first thing you should consider is adoption. There are countless German shepherds out there in need of a good home who deserve a chance at your heart, and you have nothing to lose by contacting a shelter or adoption agency. If you're having trouble finding a German shepherd in your local shelter, try searching for a GSD-specific adoption center. You may have to drive a little further out, but there are plenty of rescue shelters that cater to just German shepherds.

More: German shepherds have unique needs — consider these 10 facts before you adopt one

2. Health testing

A responsible breeder will be transparent about any health problems in the bloodline and will test for hip and elbow problems, as the breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. A great breeder will perform additional tests for other health problems, going above and beyond what is recommended by the AKC. Don't purchase a puppy unless the breeder has had the parents evaluated by a veterinarian and gone through the OFA certification for their hips and elbows, and don’t be afraid to ask to see the records.

3. Parents on premises

One of the best ways to determine what kind of dog your puppy will grow up to be is to meet their parents, grandparents or puppies from other litters. Most breeders have at least the mother on the premises, and some will have detailed descriptions of where dogs from previous litters have ended up on their websites.

More: 14 things only German shepherd owners know

4. Visit the facility

If you can, visit the breeder’s facility. The kennel should be clean, and the puppies should be active and healthy. Malnourished, dirty, weak or skinny puppies are signs that the breeder is not taking proper care of their dogs, and is a major red flag.

5. Socialization

German shepherd puppies need socialization from a young age. Ask the breeder if the puppies have been exposed to children, other dogs and other animals. While you can certainly socialize your new puppy when you take it home, it never hurts to get a head start, especially with naturally protective dog breeds like the German shepherd.

More: 6 self-defense tips I learned from my German shepherd

6. Vaccination record

Your breeder should have an up-to-date vaccination record for the puppy, and you should receive a copy of it. If your German shepherd puppy has not received any vaccines or veterinary care, you should look for a different breeder no matter how cute the puppy is.

More: Keep your puppy healthy with this vaccination schedule

7. Appearance (sort of) matters

Looks are not everything. German shepherds come in a variety of coat colors, but don’t let a desire for a particular coloring be the only factor you consider in a breeder. On the other hand, some aspects of appearance do matter. Dogs with poor conformation (that is, an exaggerated sloped back) or unhealthy-looking coats could have underlying health problems.

8. Know what you want

You need to know what you want before you contact a breeder. Are you interested in a male or a female? Do you want to compete in a dog sport or show your puppy? Do you want to breed your puppy? Do you have small children or other pets in the house? These are the types of questions that can help the breeder select a puppy they think will be a good fit for you.

More: 12 dog breeds first-time owners should think twice about

9. Price

Breeding puppies is not cheap. The veterinary bills, food bills and the time commitment necessary to produce a high-quality, healthy puppy are substantial. If you are looking for a cheap German shepherd puppy, consider adopting.

10. Get a recommendation

Ask around your community for information about German shepherd breeders. Your vet might know of a good breeder in the area and can also caution you against breeders that regularly produce unhealthy or emotionally unstable dogs.

Supporting irresponsible breeders just perpetuates the health problems German shepherds face. When it comes to bringing a German shepherd — or any dog — into your life, there are only two choices that conscientious dog lovers can make: We can adopt, or we can support the breeders who are trying to improve the breed.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

In an attempt to educate people about post-traumatic stress disorder, Lady Gaga recently opened up about her own struggles with the illness during a segment for Today — in which she revealed that her PTSD had been caused by sexual assault.

More: Why Lady Gaga's stigma-busting PTSD confession hit home for so many

While many people applauded Gaga for her honesty and willingness to speak out about this issue, one person doubted her claims: Piers Morgan. And he took to Twitter to refute them.

Morgan first tweeted that Madonna and Gaga had both made allegations of rape, but he seemed to cast doubt on their claims writing that there was "No police complaint, no charges, no court case."

More: Lady Gaga pens moving post about coming forward after her rape (PHOTO)

Morgan also mentioned PTSD, claiming that it was something that "soldiers on battlefields" get.

However, Gaga responded to the messages in a calm and eloquent way, telling Morgan that she would like to sit down with him and discuss PTSD, adding that "it's not just a 'military' disorder. There is a mental health youth epidemic."

After an exchange in tweets, the pair agreed to have an interview to discuss the topics.

More: Lady Gaga's new tattoo honors sexual assault survivors

This should be a worthwhile interview if it does go ahead, so watch this space.

Would you be interested in watching Lady Gaga and Piers Morgan debate? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

As a naturopath, I meet with patients who want to feel good and look good too. And the great news is, what’s happening on the outside is a direct reflection of what is occurring on a cellular and hormonal level on the inside. My patients are interested in living the healthiest lives they possibly can, and want to do it as naturally as possible. They want overall vitality, to sleep well and fend off illness – and they want to actually experience hormonal harmony.

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

Hormone health is so intimately connected to your innermost and outermost beauty. Many women don’t know that out-of-balance hormones can manifest in poor sleep, stubborn weight gain, and zapped energy. It can also lead to dry skin and hair, bags under your eyes, and a puffy face. So getting a woman’s hormones in balance can have a big impact on her overall health – but it also has a positive change on how attractive she feels.

For the purposes of developing your own personal beauty regimen then, let’s talk about two hormones at the center of it all: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is friend and foe, too little and we have dry, sagging skin, and our moods go south; too much and we can be bloated and irritable. Progesterone is our steadfast friend. When your progesterone levels are balanced with your estrogen, you sail through hormonal cycles, you’ve got energy, and you aren’t bogged down with PMS, bloating, fatigue, and draining, heavy periods. So how can you optimize your estrogen and progesterone levels? There are some foods you want to add in – and some you definitely want to take out.

What to avoid

Anything that interferes with healthy ovulation and liver detoxification of estrogen can cause hormonal havoc. So watch out for: 

• Heavy, greasy fatty foods
• Fast foods that are full of chemicals, calories, and sugar, but short on nutrition
• Non-organic foods that may have higher levels of xenoestrogens (aka estrogen-mimicking chemicals that could interfere with healthy liver detox of estrogen)

We all know that this stuff is bad – but for the sake of your own beauty and hormone health, let me tell you exactly why these foods take more away from you than what they give.

The last category in particular – foods containing xenoestrogens – can yield higher levels of estrogen compared to progesterone, resulting in a body state called “estrogen dominance.” Xenoestrogens are found in BPA-containing plastic, as well as in beef that may contain estrogen residues. Yikes.

There are also a few non-food items you should consider hitting the “delete” button on, such as makeup, skincare, and sexual wellness products containing methylparabens. So read the label next time you buy beauty products, which may be sabotaging your beauty after all.

More: Why natural beauty should be more appreciated

What to incorporate

Now that you’ve cleaned up your diet and beauty products, let’s talk about the nourishing stuff your body loves. Here are foods and supplements designed to support balanced hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone:

• An organic diet consisting of lean protein sources (fish, eggs, skinless poultry)
• Organic veggies (lots!)
• Leafy greens
• Whole grains

These foods all support healthy ovulation. I also highly recommend:

• The supplement chaste berry to support healthy ovulation
• Adrenal-supportive herbs like ginseng to mitigate stress (which can have an adverse effect on ovulation)

After putting yourself on this “beauty regimen,” you’ll begin to notice more energy, healthy weight maintenance, as well as even blood sugar levels, menstrual cycles, and PMS symptoms that – blessedly – begin to diminish. Here’s to optimized hormone levels, and feeling beautiful from the inside out!

More: 10 all-natural cleaning products you can make at home

Naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist practicing in Hawaii since 1993, Dr. Laurie Steelsmith is author of Great Sex, Naturally and Natural Choices for Women's Health.

Jennifer Lawrence is a notorious jokester, so it’s hard to tell if she’s for real about anything. But she announced that she’s developing a new app on last night’s The Late Late Show with James Corden, and she actually seemed pretty serious. "My idea for an app is an app where you see what you and your dog's baby would look like," she said. “Or cat… It's all in the details. It has to be very real. They sent me one prototype that's, like, me with, like, dog ears and a snout and I'm like 'No.' It's all about the features."

J. Law is an Oscar winner, so it’s extremely possible that she’s just messing with us. But she added that this insane and also kind of awesome concept was a "real drunk idea that's actually becoming a reality," saying that this is indeed “a very real app. I want to really hammer that in.”

Lawrence’s dog, Pippi, is clearly one of her great loves, so why wouldn’t she want to see what their baby would look like? Also, there’s an actual Twitter account dedicated to the ‘ship of JLaw and Pipsqueak (not sure that’s her actual nickname in this scenario, but we’re going with it), which is how you really know their love is real. It’s not maintained by Lawrence, obvs (or, for that matter, anyone else in the past year), but it’s out there.

“I have the only dog that I know that can tell the difference between chicken and turkey,” Lawrence said on an episode of Man on Red Carpet earlier this year. “She only likes chicken. She doesn’t even like fish. But she likes coconut chips… She’s so weird. She’s such a Beverly Hills Gemini.”

“She was, actually, a joy one time,” she added. “I was doing a crying scene, and she had run from upstairs, and I’m in the middle of doing a scene, and she jumped on my lap. It was so cute.” Cute. Anyone else excited to meld their face with their dog’s ASAP?

JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers showed People magazine around their Dallas home together, and I'm gagging over how perfect and in love their are.

More: JoJo Fletcher & Jordan Rodgers are giving each other gray hair

Who am I kidding? They're freaking adorable together.

The two moved in together just two weeks after going public at the show's After the Rose finale special in August and seem to be incredibly happy together.

"When we were apart, I remember thinking: 'This would be so much better if we were together,'" Fletcher told People. "As soon as it ended I was like: 'Let’s pack up, let’s move in!' It was the best thing that could have happened for our relationship."

Rodgers echoed Fletcher, "With all the craziness that comes along with the media and the show, it would have been much harder to do it not living together. And we both cherish the time we get to spend together. It was a no-brainer."

More: JoJo Fletcher & Jordan Rodgers haven't set a wedding date, but so what?

It looks like Fletcher has completely forgotten all thoughts of the man she was with before Rodgers, Ben Higgins, during The Bachelor Season 20.

"It’s so much more real," Rodgers said of their relationship after the show. "We’re growing together. We’ve learned a lot about each other. We’ve got to be able to communicate and talk and work through things like every single other human being does. I never had any doubts we’d make it work."

Fletcher agreed, "Decorating our house for Christmas, we feel this level of closeness. It’s so much better than flying in a private jet!"

"We want to keep the relationship that we both promised to want for each other," Fletcher continued. "I’ve never once doubted my decision."

More: JoJo Fletcher couldn't care less what Jordan Rodgers' vengeful ex has to say

Check out a video of their People photo shoot below.

The two are planning a 2017 wedding but said they are enjoying this time now to simply date and continue building their relationship.

Do you think Jordan Rodgers and JoJo Fletcher have staying power?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Ah, the annual office holiday party—such an interesting, mandatory event that requires you to not only look like you put some effort into your appearance, but also not enough effort that you look like the fanciest person there. It’s like a first date…but with your boss. Fun, right?

More: 8 quick and easy hairstyles for when you have absolutely no time

But since you already have the outfit and the makeup and the number-of-drinks-to-appropriately-drink to worry about (although, for your sake, we hope you don’t need to “worry” about any of these things), we figured we’d take away any hair stress with five totally doable, and relatively quick, hairstyles. Each requires just a few bobby pins and hair ties, and each can be done on almost every hair length and type. Scroll down to see our favorites, and get ready to feel somewhat less self-conscious during your next holiday office party.

Triple-Bun Updo

Section off your hair into a half-up ponytail, then twist the ends into a bun and pin in place. Then, scoop and twist the sides of your hair (the inch of hair above your ears) back and into another bun, clipping it in place with a gold barrette. Twist the remaining hair hanging loosely into a bun at the nape of your neck and pin in place.

Teeny, Tiny, Side Braid

Not a fan of updos? Snazz up your usual loose hairstyle by taking the two-inch section of hair above your ear and braid it back behind your ear, tying it off with a tiny clear elastic. Lightly curl the rest of your hair for a soft, wavy finish.

Side Twist-Back

Make a side part, then, on the side with less hair, create three loose, one-inch twists in a row, twisting to the back of our head, then pinning each in place with a bobby pin that matches your hair color.

Twist-Out Bun

Create deep side part, then flat-twist one side of your hair (using a two-strand twist) from the edge of your hairline to the back of your head, pinning the twist in place at the nape of your neck. Gather the rest of your hair—pulling a few face-framing curls out to drape across your forehead, first—and twist and pin it into a low chignon.

Gold-Looped Pony

Scoop your hair into a half-ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic a few inches above the nape of your neck (this style should look loose and carefree, so keep the ponytail low). Slip a gold hair cuff, like the L. Erickson Cuff Ponytail Holder, over your ponytail and twist and wrap it around the clear elastic. On the last pass over your ponytail, pull your hair only halfway through the cuff, forming a little loop of hair.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The finale of Kim Zolciak's reality show Don't Be Tardy revealed that she is still struggling with heart problems following her stroke and blood clot a year ago.

More: Kim Zolciak's daughter didn't get a nose job, and she has video to prove it

Zolciak went for a heart checkup and had an abnormal EKG. Though the doctor assured her that it wasn't necessarily something serious, more testing was required.

"Just wanted to give you some news on your ultrasound. Things look great, but I did see a small abnormality on your EKG," the doctor explained. "It's probably going to turn out to be OK, but I would like to refer you to an electrophysiologist that works on the electrical aspect of the heart."

"I've never had an abnormal EKG, even after my stroke," Zolciak revealed to the cameras amid moment of she and her husband Kroy Biermann looking worried at the doctor's office.

"That's pretty serious," Zolciak added.

More: Think Kim Zolciak regrets letting Brielle get lip injections? Think again

Check out the full clip below.

Luckily, we know that Zolciak is OK following filming of the show.

She has been active on Instagram, promoting her businesses.

And spending time with her kids ahead of the holidays.

Zolciak was forced to leave Dancing with the Stars Season 22 at the end of 2015 after she suffered a mini-stroke due to a genetic condition with her heart.

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

Do you think the show made Zociak's health scare seem more intense than it really was?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

So many divorcing celebrities keep the details out of the media, meaning lots of questions when our favorite couples split.

More: Sia's going to have a lot of heartbreak to use for new songs

HGTV stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa are doing just the opposite, owning up to their problems and laying it all out there for their fans amid their separation.

The El Moussas star on HGTV's Flip or Flop, and they've been married for seven years. They have two kids, 6-year-old daughter Taylor and 1-year-old son Brayden. They announced their split by issuing a joint statement to People magazine, in which they admitted to and explained an incident that caused the police to be called to their home.

"Like many couples, we have had challenges in our marriage," the El Moussas wrote. "We had an unfortunate misunderstanding about six months ago and the police were called to our house in an abundance of caution. There was no violence and no charges were filed."

More: Soon Johnny Depp & Amber Heard will never have to hear each other's names again

Police reports from that incident say that police were sent to the El Moussas' Orange County home to respond to a "call of a possibly suicidal male with a gun." The reports say Tarek was outside the home with a gun, but dropped it when police in a helicopter spotted him and commanded him to. At the time, he told police that he didn't intend to hurt anyone, but he wanted to "blow off some steam."

They also wrote that they've been to marriage counseling to attempt to sort out their relationship, but ultimately made the decision to separate while they consider "the future of [their] marriage."

The statement continued, "During the process, we are committed to our kids and being the best parents we can be. We will continue to work through this process civilly and cooperatively, and plan to continue our professional life together."

More: No, Angelina Jolie's not moving to London, but she may be moving to LA

Update — December 14, 2016 at 6:20 p.m.

The El Moussas appeared together on the cover of People in their first major interview since announcing their split.

The couple addressed their relationship both privately and professionally, with their hosting job on Flip or Flop.

"We have both dated other people following the separation, but neither of us is ready to announce anything in terms of another relationship," the couple said. Adding, "We plan to continue our professional life together by being professional, by doing our jobs well, by being prepared, and by working hard."

The El Moussas are also gearing up for the release of their book, Flip Your Life, which will be available in March 2017.

"The most difficult part of the decision to separate was the kids," the couple said. "We want the best for them, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure that."

Though they are separated, they told People that, for now, they have no plans to file divorce paperwork.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.