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Marc Anthony's divorce could mean hope for a Jennifer Lopez reunion

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Yep, it's really over. Marc Anthony and Shannon de Lima finally confirmed they're getting a divorce after only two years of marriage.

"After much consideration, we have mutually and amicably decided to end our two year marriage," the couple said in the statement to Us Weekly. "We ask for privacy during this difficult process, and no further comments will be made from either one of us about this personal matter."

More: Jennifer Lopez just can't quit Marc Anthony

Speculation that the couple was divorcing started last month. An inside source told Us Weekly the pair was separated and headed for divorce back in November, saying, "It just was not working and they didn't have enough in common."

November was also the same month Anthony and Jennifer Lopez shared a kiss onstage during their performance at the 17th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, leaving fans wondering if the formerly married pair could ever get back together.

More: Jennifer Lopez just used Marc Anthony to confirm she & Casper Smart are over

And it sounds like they might. Another inside source told Us Weekly a reunion isn't out of the question. The source said Anthony is still in love with his ex-wife of seven years and seriously wants to get back together with Lopez.

"As soon as he heard Jennifer split with Casper [Smart], he wanted out [of his marriage]," the source reportedly told the magazine earlier this month.

More: Why is everyone so worried about Marc Anthony's "young" wife?

During Anthony and Lima's two-year marriage, the pair was friendly with Lopez and the former couple's 8-year-old twins Emme and Max. They even all posed for a family photo together after one of Anthony's concerts back in August.

marc anthony instagram with jennifer lopez photo

marc anthony instagram with jennifer lopez photo

As for Anthony and Lima, the couple began dating in 2012 shortly after Lopez and Anthony ended their marriage. Anthony and Lima tied the knot during November 2014.


The moment I realized I was polyamorous

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So my husband and I opened up our marriage and I was out exploring my sexual self with different partners. Many people do not understand why you would open up your marriage, because it involves the risk of meeting someone you fall in love with, and then your marriage is ruined.

Or is it?

Why exactly does falling in love with someone else mean that your marriage is ruined? Because we are taught that we should only love one person romantically, preferably effortlessly and for all eternity, but failing that, at least just one at a time. We are taught that we are only capable of being romantically involved with one person (at a time), and if we fall in love with someone else then we no longer love our first partner.

I would like to challenge this thought pattern!

I know for a fact that it simply is not true for many of us. We are capable of much more love than we allow ourselves and each other to feel. I will compare it to having children. Having the second (or third, fourth, etc.) child does in no way diminish the love you feel for your oldest child. There is just more love, I am sure we can all agree. Why should romantic love be any different? I don’t get it.

More: I finally realized I don't need to be having sex to be happy

I fell in love outside my marriage. I remember being overwhelmed, scared and nervous, but mostly confused. I knew beyond any doubt that I still loved my husband to bits. I still wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, I loved our sex life and his sense of humour. He is an amazing dad to our two children! Yet I was in love with someone else too, and there was no denying it.

I have never had to hide anything from my husband, so when I fell in love I told him about it. I told him I was scared and uncertain. That I still loved him. And then I started reading about it online. I read and I read and I read. And when I came upon the term ‘polyamory’ it all made sense to me in all of a sudden. I felt love for more than one person.

More: The secret to introvert-extrovert marriages

Love is not bad! Love is good! Lying is bad, hiding is bad, and denying parts of yourself is bad. But loving is inherently good. And just knowing that the term polyamory existed made me rest at ease knowing that I could be in love with two people at the same time and that it was by no means a bad thing.

I would like to put the idea in your head right now that the only reason you think falling in love with someone else will ruin your marriage is because you have been taught that it will ruin your marriage. Maybe your marriage is already in ruins, but don’t blame that on the fact that you fell in love with someone else; blame that on whatever is going on between you and your spouse.

We are hardwired to connect with other humans. We fall in love with others throughout our lives, many of us do anyway, and some relationships are meant to last a lifetime, others are not. That does not mean that one type of relationship is necessarily less authentic than another. A lifetime relationship involving raising children and paying a mortgage has a certain depth that an intense relationship spanning a few months does not. Both enrich us, teach us valuable lessons and they make us feel alive.

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

What I like about polyamory is that you do not have to leave one partner simply because you fall in love with someone else. You stay with your partner when that relationship stems from a good place because you make one another happy, and you leave your partner when your reasons to stay together aren’t positive anymore. Opening up makes you able to take a clear look at your relationship and make an informed choice to stay — not just because it is easier, or because you are afraid to be on your own, or whatever your reason might be. You stay because you love him/her. Giving someone else that freedom to objectively form an opinion about your relationship is scary, no doubt! But when they choose to stay, you know it is a conscious choice out of love and that is priceless.

It was when my husband gave me the freedom to go explore with this other man that I realised how much I loved him. It made me respect him even more and I felt infinitely grateful.

Dolores Derrian is a polyamorous, kinky, sex-positive author promoting an alternative to monogamous, vanilla living. Find her on Twitter @DoloresDerrian.

This post was originally published on BlogHer.

5 easy, brilliant ways to refresh your resume

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The prospect of writing or revising your resume is never something to look forward to. It’s no fun to catalog and format every noteworthy accomplishment in your life without sounding boring or jargon-y. Plus, chances are, if you’re spending time on your resume, you’re in the middle of a job hunt, which is a famously stressful process. So such sigh.

The good news is that once you do create a resume that you’re proud of and that reflects who you are and what you’re capable of, the job hunt becomes significantly better, simply in the knowledge that the main document you’re sending out to hiring managers and recruiters represents you beautifully and accurately. I asked resume pro Dana Leavy-Detrick, Chief Creative Scribe at Brooklyn Resume Studio, for some basic advice on how young professionals can take their resumes to the next level. Below are five brilliant (and illustrated!) tips.

More: The One Thing Never to Do Before an Interview

Show Your Personality…

Your resume is one element of many that represent who you are professionally—and that’s why it’s important to distinguish it with features that are uniquely you. “Having a strong personal brand that comes through in your visual presentation and your content is key, and should be consistent among your resume, cover letter, digital profiles, and all other job search-related marketing materials,” says Leavy-Detrick. “This means visual elements like headers, fonts, and colors should look the same and represent you well. At the same time, your voice and message should be consistent. What do you want hiring managers to know about you, and is that coming through clearly across all channels?”

…But Not Too Much Personality.

A little flair goes a long way on a piece of paper, so no need to overdo it with bright colors, signs, symbols, pictures, and other extras. “A strong resume is a balance of simple, attractive design, and impactful, well-written, description content,” says Leavy-Detrick. “You can get creative—but avoid unnecessary elements like photos, imagery, or too many bold colors. Interesting design will never outweigh poor content, nor will it make someone stand out if the rest of their resume isn’t well-written or they lack adequate experience.”

The resume at left has too much going on—different colors, fonts, and formatting, and looks busy. The resume on the right is better: It’s consistent in color scheme, fonts, and has an organized—yet unique—look.

Resume example 1
Image: StyleCaster

Be Informative Yet Succinct.

Sometimes it’s tough to know exactly how in-depth you should go into the details of your skills and experience. “In general, the most attention should be put on the more recent years, and descriptions beyond that can often be minimized, and in some cases, left off,” says Leavy-Detrick. “I like to give an in-depth overview of the role that articulates the purpose, responsibilities, and outcomes, without being overwhelming. I’ll often start out with a brief, high-level overview, in the form of a few-sentence paragraph, followed by bullet points with specific context about contributions and responsibilities.” By the same token, she says, don’t overdo it on every little detail: “It’s important to have content that’s clear, concise, and easy to read. I want to know who you are and what you can do—but I don’t need to know your life story.”

Keep it Clean.

No matter how much text you have and how many details you include on your resume, always, always be sure it’s visually pleasing to the eye—in other words, clear, organized, and with at least some areas of white space. “A clean, sophisticated presentation that reflects thoughtful design decisions is something that immediately stands out to me. If someone put thought into how the information is laid out on and flows through the page, that signifies that they optimized their resume with me—the reader—in mind.” And someone who thinks like that is probably the kind of employee anyone would want to hire.

The resume at left is full of dense text with very little white space, whereas the resume at right is broken into clear, clean sections surrounded by lots of white space—so much better.

resume example 2
Image: StyleCaster

Don’t Cut it Short

You know that conventional wisdom about keeping your resume to one page, max? That’s apparently outdated, says Leavy-Detrick. “The biggest mistake I see is when job seekers believe that a resume has to be one page, when it might be better served as a two-page document,” she says. “With everything being digital and screen-read, having a two-page resume is acceptable for more senior candidates with a lot of experience. If you try to cram the information onto one page, it can make it less effective—by sacrificing the readability of the document, or leaving out information that might otherwise be of interest to employers.” So, based on how much experience you have and how much you really believe needs to be on there, don’t necessarily live and die by the one-page rule.

More: How to Ask for a Raise (and Actually Get One)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

Camila Cabello abruptly quits Fifth Harmony & leaves fans in runis

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Fifth Harmony is about to become Fourth Harmony very soon because Camila Cabello is reportedly leaving the band.

More: Fifth Harmony responds to their slut-shamers with an important message

The group took to Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 18 to share a statement on Cabello's departure. It read: "After 4 and a half years of being together, we have been informed via her representatives that Camila has decided to leave Fifth Harmony. We wish her well."

The statement continued, "You Harmonizers have been there with us since the beginning, you've supported us, and with your love and support, we will continue on."

Fifth Harmony Instagram

Fifth Harmony Instagram

Of course, this doesn't mean it's the end for Fifth Harmony and the group's remaining members, Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, who revealed they'd be moving forward, adding, "We are four strong, committed women who will continue with Fifth Harmony as well as our solo endeavors."

More: Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello tells how Taylor Swift is really doing post-breakup

Cabello has yet to make her own statement, but it's evident from the reaction to the group's statement that her exit comes as a shock. Comments include one from im_hitomi08 who wrote, "Can't stop crying but I swear I'll continue to cheer both of 5H and Camila as a solo even if she decided to leave 5H."

"Wondering why she didn't tell them, and just a few days before Christmas, airazd commented — sentiments echoed by many, who seem to believe that Christmas is now ruined.

"I can't stop crying this is not ok," emily_bennett654 wrote, and aliseblila55 agreed, writing, "I can't stop crying."

However, not everyone is shocked by Cabello's exit. Simply.kayla__ wrote, "Why the heck I knew it after doing all the songs with other artists." And aye.its.ella commented with, "I saw this coming."

More: Fifth Harmony’s Camila Cabello sends an inspiring message to a transgender fan (PHOTO)

However, this could be a very good move for Cabello's career, as we've seen multiple times before with artists such as Zayn Malik, Beyoncé and Robbie Williams leaving groups to embark on solo careers and becoming huge successes.

Do you think Camila Cabello will be embarking on a solo career? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Your Christmas Eve midnight Mass survivor's guide

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So, you're spending a couple of hours at midnight in a large building packed with people wearing coats during which there will be a long homily and musical performances. It's Christmas Eve midnight Mass, also known as rooster's Mass. For a lot of Christmas celebrants it's a mandatory family obligation. For a lot of others it's the reason for the season, and you wouldn't think of missing out.

Whatever your feelings for midnight Mass, it is a bit of a challenge for most of us because, well, you're going to church in the middle of the night. I mean, Santa and his reindeer are flying around and most people are in bed at that hour.

I'm not a practicing member of any religion, and yet I like attending midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. What can I say; it's the pagan in me. At any rate, here are the best practices I've picked up over the years.

More: Hack your favorite fast foods into respectable holiday dishes

1. Find out what time it starts

Guess what? Midnight Mass sometimes starts at 11.

2. Go ahead and eat before Mass

First of all, let's settle the question about whether you should eat before. Maybe you've been told that you're not supposed to eat an hour before Mass. And maybe that's not a big deal because your Christmas Eve meal happened way back around 6 p.m. anyway.

At any rate, according to the Catholic Code of Canon Law, "One who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain from any food or drink, with the exception only of water and medicine, for at least the period of one hour before Holy Communion" (Canon 919).

In other words, communion doesn't happen until later on in the service, so don't panic if you had a cookie just before you left for church. Also, if you're not Catholic, none of this matters.

3. Avoid a sugar crash

That said, it's going to be a whole lot easier to stay awake through Mass if you don't give yourself a sugar crash. Have some protein and complex carbs if you can. Maybe hold back on the cookies and candy. Unless your plan is to sneak in a covert nap while you're at church, in which case, load up, Sugarboots.

More: 15-minute dinner recipes for the busy holiday season

4. Get there early

This is one of the busiest nights of the year at church, so try to show up around 15 to 20 minutes early. This isn't just so you get a good seat (because it's church, they're all good seats, technically). But it would be nice if your whole family could sit together. Even more important, it's nice if you don't have to inconvenience anyone else while trying to find a place to sit.

Also, if you arrive early enough, you can plan a graceful exit.

5. Remember to bring some cash

Think of what you'll want to contribute to the offering basket and then double it in case someone else in your party forgets to bring cash.

6. Watch the old ladies

Don't know when to stand up, sit down or kneel because you haven't been to church in 364 days? Just watch the elderly women around you. They're most likely to attend services regularly, so they know the drill.

7. Don't bring snacks

Seriously? Don't do that. It's only an hour. Maybe two. Just... no. That means no gum, either. We can hear you snapping it. And is that a Diet Coke? What is wrong with you? You can bring a chocolate bar, though, if it's high-quality dark chocolate and you share.

8. Sing along

No one cares how off-key you are. Come on; this is the fun part. Join in.

9. Yes, you have to shake hands and say, "Peace be with you"

This is also one of the best parts. Just give into the good feelings. Here's the thing — this is an opportunity to hear other people wish you well. How often does that happen? Not often enough, I think. I mean, I hate shaking strangers' hands too. Like, who are you, really? Who did you vote for? It doesn't matter. Give a little bit; get a lot back. It feels good.

More: How to build a gingerbread house without crying

10. Have a light snack if you're hungry after

OK, you're back home and everyone's grabbing last-minute gingerbread men before they hit the pillow. Is that a good idea? Why not? Have yours with milk.

In general, it's a good idea to avoid eating acidic foods like tomato sauce, spicy foods, high-fat foods and alcohol right before bed if you want to fall asleep quickly and get a solid night's rest. Better to snack on bananas, milk, yogurt, popcorn and high-glycemic rice, like jasmine (so yes to the rice pudding).

Then again, it's a holiday. Unless you're going to work early the next morning, and OK, some of us consider the early-morning gift unwrapping with the kids work, maybe don't worry about it and just eat whatever holiday food you feel like eating. Merry, merry!

30 years later, Little Shop of Horrors is still amazing

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Thirty years ago, (did I just say that out loud?) I watched Little Shop of Horrors, starring Rick Moranis, Steve Martin and Ellen Greene for the first time. I love musicals, and as it stands, I have quite a collection. But no musical has stuck with me like it has.

More: I love The Voice, but I'm not excited for Gwen to return

For those who may not be familiar, Little Shop of Horrors is a story about love, endurance and a foul-mouthed, man-eating plant from outer space, running amok at a Skid Row flower shop in the 1950s. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor. It gets me every time. Maybe it was the doo-wop music, the throwback to a (seemingly) simpler time, or the message that people can find their way out of miserable situations no matter how hopeless they feel. Whatever the case, Little Shop of Horrors is in my top five musicals of all-time and the songs are still stuck in my head. And that’s not hyperbole.

So what makes it so great?

The story

Suddenly, Seymore Little Shop of Horrors

Suddenly, Seymore Little Shop of Horrors

While I found the bloodthirsty Audrey II (that mean, mean mother from outer space) a little crass, I found myself drawn to the story and its struggle between the haves and the have-nots, the stark contrast between uptown and downtown, and the ever-present battle that rages inside each of us to do the right thing. The combination of snark and satire in the show’s writing was also one of the things I loved most. The jokes were timeless, the songs had bite, and the dialogue was fun and agile. Something about Little Shop of Horrors is so ageless that it is enjoyed by generation after generation. And the songs? So catchy! Who hasn’t spontaneously broken into a verse of "Suddenly, Seymour?" The use of archetypes as main characters will keep it fresh for decades to come.

Relatable characters

Rick Moranis Little Shop of Horrors
Image: Giphy

Rick Moranis was simply adorable in his role of Seymour Krelborn, torn between loyalty for his family business and the love of his coworker and friend, Audrey. His struggle with self-image and search for inner strength can be appreciated by most.

More: 10 Christian artists to add to your playlist right now

The actors

Steve Martin Little Shop of Horrors GIF
Image: Giphy

And let’s talk stars – with master comedy craftsmen like Steve Martin (the quasi-evil Oren Scrivello – DDS), and cameos by John Candy and Bill Murray, this movie could never have failed. Steve Martin’s character is classic and flawlessly portrayed. My favorite character, though, by far, was Audrey. She was flawed, misunderstood, and yet somehow so perfect. I appreciate that in a heroine.

The music

Little Shop of Horrors Spotify playlist

Little Shop of Horrors Spotify playlist

When I walked out of the theater the first time, I was wishing I were part of the chorus (played by Tichina Arnold, Tisha Campbell and Michelle Weeks), following the characters around, singing. For years, I imagined myself in a '50s-style dress, a bouffant and white gloves, sashaying right alongside them. And in high school, that wish was granted when I became part of the chorus of our senior production of The Wiz. You could even say Little Shop of Horrors planted a seed for greater things.

And the country seems at least as besotted with it as I am, as evidenced by public sing-alongs, screenings and celebrations that have taken place recently in honor of the movie’s 30th anniversary. Despite the blood, murder and sadism, the takeaway from this film is that sometimes the nice guy does finish first, and that no matter how bad things seem, they can always get better.

If that doesn’t make you feel good, what will?

More: 10 must hear a cappella groups

What do you love about Little Shop of Horrors? Let us know in the comments.

So Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's public breakup isn't a publicity stunt?

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Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna's relationship has been tumultuous from the start, and according to new reports, the couple has split once again — or have they?

More: Rob Kardashian may have been behind Blac Chyna's Instagram hack

In a series of Snapchats on Saturday, Dec. 17, Kardashian informed fans that Chyna had left him, and had taken their newborn daughter, Dream, with her, causing Kardashian to declare that he'd never been this heartbroken in his life. According to Us Weekly, the announcement came shortly after Chyna's Instagram account was hacked, and she later posted a very telling (and since deleted) post that seemed to suggest that she was done with Kardashian.

Kardashian and Chyna's relationship seems to have ended very abruptly, and very publicly, which has many believing that there's something suspicious about it. Woman's Day notes that there's a lot about the breakup that just doesn't add up — according to the publication, this includes Chyna's post, which promoted their TV show, Rob & Chyna, amid her alleged Instagram hack — and that it's possible that the split could be for a boost in ratings.

More: Yikes! No one predicted a Rob Kardashian & Blac Chyna breakup this quickly

Many fans seem to agree, and have taken to Twitter to share their concerns and observations.

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 2

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 2

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 3

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 3

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 5

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 5

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 6

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 6

More: Between pregnancy & wedding planning, Blac Chyna has no time to cheat

Plus, there's concern as to why Chyna and Kardashian chose to make their breakup so obvious — and considering that they've reportedly just renewed their show for a second season, their breakup does come at a strange time.

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 4

reactions to Rob & Chyna breakup 4

What do you think about the latest drama between Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebrity breakups 2016 slideshow
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

Check out Mark Zuckerberg's 360-degree video of his kid's first steps

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It's not uncommon for parents to post videos to Facebook of their kids doing, well, everything. Those first few steps are a particularly big milestone. But while most of us might get a few dozen likes and comments, one particular toddler's walking debut has been viewed no fewer than 13 million times.

More: Guess which state in the U.S. has affordable child care?

The star of the clip is Max Zuckerberg, the 13-month-old daughter of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, pediatrician Priscilla Chan. And, of course, this is no ordinary video; Zuckerberg filmed a 360-degree video of Max's first steps. Viewers can scroll left and right to see the whole room and witness Max running into her dad's arms after he asks her, "Come give me a hug? Yay!"

As his daughter points to the lens and says, "Da?" Zuckerberg states, "Yeah, that’s a 360 video camera. This is modern walking."

Mark Zuckerberg 360 video

Mark Zuckerberg 360 video

More: 10 amazing #SantaFAILs

Like the social media mogul says in the caption to his video, modern parents have a whole new way of sharing their kids' first steps with friends and family. Once upon a time, the date would be recorded in a baby book or filmed with a handheld camcorder. Nowadays, we have social media and 360-degree videos, and who knows what future generations of parents will do?

More: Olivia Wilde mocks breast-pump bra ad and we love her for it


I have a common bladder condition no one talks about & it's taking over my life

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The pain began around the time I started high school. I’d sit in English class, trying to concentrate on analyzing Shakespeare, but couldn’t focus because of a constant aching and fullness in my bladder. Even after I used the bathroom, that sensation remained, varying from a minor discomfort to a sharp, excruciating pain.

It took 15 years to discover that I was suffering from interstitial cystitis, a disorder that impacts up to 12 million people in the U.S. alone, 90 percent of whom are women. That means that 3 to 6 percent of all women in this country suffer from this condition, also known as painful bladder syndrome or bladder pain syndrome.

If you’ve never heard of interstitial cystitis, I’m not surprised. Many urologists (and in my experience, particularly male physicians), continue to dispute its existence, dismissing or misdiagnosing patients with these symptoms.

More: Get control of your bladder

At first, my primary care physician diagnosed me with frequent urinary tract infections that required antibiotics, but the symptoms continued even after the infections had cleared up.

My first urologist, a man in his 60s, ran a variety of humiliating and painful diagnostic tests before telling me, “You have the bladder of an old man.” It was a cruel and devastating remark to hear as an awkward, self-conscious 15-year-old girl suffering from a strange and frightening pain. I was prescribed medication for overactive bladder syndrome and sent on my way. The medication had no effect on my symptoms.

This cycle of insensitive specialists and vague diagnoses continued for more than a decade. Even when I did my research and brought up the possibility of interstitial cystitis, the doctors either told me it wasn’t a real condition or that it was simply part of my anxiety disorder, and essentially, it was all in my head.

In fact, until 1984, IC was considered a rare psychosomatic disorder in postmenopausal women, according to Vicki Ratner, founder and president emeritus of the Interstitial Cystitis Association of America. Fortunately, IC is now recognized as a condition that affects men and women of all ages and is not a psychiatric disorder, she noted.

I tried to manage my symptoms on my own and through cognitive behavioral therapy, but things only got worse when I developed anxiety around going to the bathroom.

More: Overactive bladder: Treatment for OAB

Bathroom-related anxiety took over my life. I make sure to go to the bathroom right before I leave the house. I go again when I arrive at my destination and right before I leave. I worry about car trips, flights, movie theaters, concerts and anywhere there might not be a restroom immediately accessible or where going to the bathroom will disrupt the event or annoy the people that I’m with.

I’ve avoided events and canceled plans based on my fear that I won’t be able to get to a restroom when I need to. When I find myself in a situation in which I can’t get to a bathroom, I feel trapped and terrified, and all I can think about is when I’ll be able to go again. This, in turn, brings my focus to my bladder, which only increases my urge to go.

I go to the bathroom every 1 to 2 hours, and that includes throughout the night, disrupting my sleep. Yet no matter how often I go, the pain remains, rarely letting up or passing, only eased temporarily through emptying my bladder or taking over-the-counter medications like Azo.

It wasn’t until May 2016, when I saw my first female urogynecologist, that I was finally correctly diagnosed. There’s chronic inflammation in my bladder that causes the pain as well as a decreased bladder lining that heightens nerve sensitivity. It’s a real condition with a real diagnosis and FDA-approved treatments.

Although I finally have my diagnosis, my struggle isn’t over. There’s no cure for IC. The treatments available have a lot of side effects, and there’s a great deal of trial and error to figure out which one will help.

More: What affects bladder health?

There are few FDA-approved treatments specifically for the disorder. Many are prescribed allergy medications and antidepressants for off-label treatment of the condition. I received a six-week in-office round of bladder instillations, in which medication was delivered directly into my bladder. I also attended 12 weeks of pelvic floor physical therapy, where I received massage therapy to relax my muscles, learned stretches to ease the tension in my legs and stomach and discovered new techniques for managing my urges and the anxiety that goes along with them.

It’s hard living with this invisible disability, and it's been difficult for people in my life to understand what it’s like to feel like you have to pee all day long and contend with a chronic pain equal to or worse than a UTI.

It can be awkward to talk about bladder pain since conversations around urinary issues are often considered distasteful. But the more we hide our pain and avoid discussing it, the less awareness there will be around diagnosing and treating it.

It helps me to be around friends and family who are supportive and don’t judge my constant restroom visits. I’ve also found behavioral modifications, stretches, meditation and breathing exercises to help ease and distract from the pain. I’m happy with the progress I’ve made, but I’m looking forward to a day when I don’t have to plan my fun weekend outings based on proximity to public restrooms.

Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx's luxury getaway was as discreet as their relationship

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Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx are doing nothing to squash those persistent relationship rumors, in fact, their latest getaway has done quite the opposite.

More: Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx's romance is being kept private for a reason

The notoriously private (rumored) couple reportedly took time out of their busy schedules for a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, over the weekend to celebrate Holmes' birthday (she turned age 38 on Sunday, Dec. 18), Us Weekly reports.

"Katie and Jamie took a private jet to Cabo on Friday morning from Van Nuys Airport [in Los Angeles]," an insider told the publication. "It was a quick trip in honor of Katie's birthday. It was only them and two pilots on the plane."

More: Now we'll never know the truth about Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx's romance

Upon arriving at their destination, Holmes and Foxx reportedly took a limousine to the luxe Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, where, according to the insider, they stayed in a private suite away from other guests because they wanted to be discreet — so discreet, that everything was reportedly delivered to their room and taken care of by a personal butler.

However, the luxury trip was incredibly short: Holmes and Foxx are believed to have arrived on Friday, Dec. 16, only to leave the following day, with the insider adding that Suri (Holmes' daughter whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Cruise) did not accompany the pair on their trip.

While we may never have confirmation as to Holmes and Foxx's relationship status, they do seem to enjoy each other's company, and that's good enough for us — but hey, if they're sharing a room, we're pretty sure this means they're more than just friends, right?

More: The timing of Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx's reunion is very suspicious

What do you think about Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx as a couple? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

jamie foxx katie holmes slideshow
Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN; C.Smith/WENN

Even more foods have been recalled because of that massive salmonella outbreak

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Updated Dec. 19, 2016 at 7 a.m. PT: More foods have been recalled as a result of a salmonella outbreak at a plant that processes powdered milk. Here are all the affected brands and products that we know of. Click on each respective link for full information.

Original story:

What do mac and cheese, tortilla and potato chips and monkey bread mix all have in common? Unfortunately, all are being recalled because they may contain milk powder contaminated with salmonella. We're talking at least 4 million pounds of contaminated milk.

More: Why all those huge food recalls are actually good news

Recalls are different these days. Now it's often not just about one product. It's about several seemingly different products that all happen to have the same key ingredient. Over the summer, it was flour contaminated with listeria. Now we're learning that 4 million pounds of powdered milk were seized from Valley Milk Products LLC after the FDA found the facility and its products were testing positive for salmonella.

More: Tips to avoid contaminated fruit, vegetables and meat

Brand Castle LLC recalled its monkey bread mix and Shearer's Foods LLC recalled its tortilla and potato chips because they contain the possibly contaminated powdered milk (used as flavoring). Meanwhile, TreeHouse Foods recalled three mac and cheese products, including the Great Value line sold at Walmart. They didn't call out Valley Milk Products, but their recall is due to milk product (cheese flavoring) possibly contaminated with salmonella.

More: Tips for buying safer food in a recall-mad world

Because this is a hot mess, we're going to direct you to a few different notices so you can get all the info you need.

Great Value and other brands mac and cheese recalls

In the Mix brand monkey bread mix recall

Deep River and other brands potato and tortilla chip recalls

Take a good look at the list of recalled chips because there are several different brands there you'd never know are related.

Hopefully, this is the full extent of the contaminated milk "spill," but we'll be watching and updating if more foods become involved.

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

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There are dog people, and then there are German shepherd dog people. I would be lost without my German shepherd, and she knows it. If you are considering bringing a GSD into your home, you've probably already done a little research. But some advice can only come from an experienced GSD lover. So,here are the 10 things you really need to know before adopting a German shepherd.

1. They are smart

The first thing any prospective German shepherd adopter needs to know is that German shepherds are smart. Very smart. Scary smart. These dogs will have your routine figured out before you do, and they are extremely sensitive to human moods. How smart are German shepherds? Not only do they know what “walk” means, but they can also spell it. Backward. Have a training plan in place before you bring your GSD home, and stick to it. Their high intelligence also comes with an eagerness to please their owners. They want to use their smarts in a constructive way, so have a strategy ready to make that possible. A bored German shepherd is no fun for all parties involved.

More: 14 things only German shepherd owners know

2. They can have high-energy needs

German shepherds are working dogs. There is a reason they are frequently used as military dogs, police dogs and service dogs. They love having a job to do, and your German shepherd is no exception. Be prepared for lots of long walks with your German shepherd and then some. Take them to a large park where they can run at full speed or consider signing them up for agility course classes. Trust me, if you don't give your GSD proper and adequate exercise, they'll start taking their built up energy on your favorite belongings.

More: Top 10 large dog breeds prove that bigger is better

3. They require mental stimulation

Long walks might tire out other breeds, but not the German shepherd. In addition to daily exercise, your new German shepherd will also require some mental stimulation. Obedience classes and dog sports can be especially helpful for rescue shepherds. Classes and training give you a bonding experience that builds trust and helps your dog figure out their place in your household, and it can help you diagnose any behavior problems early on.

4. They're cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public

Don’t be surprised if your rescue German shepherd is a total cuddle bug at home but aloof and distant in public. This is trademark GSD behavior and not something to worry about.

5. German shepherds are natural guard dogs

Without proper socialization, this can sometimes turn into territorial behavior and even aggression toward strangers and other dogs. Adopting an older German shepherd means you don’t know if their previous owner took the time to socialize them. This is a risk potential GSD adopters need to be aware of so they can take the necessary precautions when bringing guests and other dogs onto their property.

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

6. They are excellent listeners

Nobody is a better listener than a German shepherd. Once you have a GSD in your life, you will never be lonely again. Those radar ears are always listening for your voice, and watching them tilt their head is sure to get a smile out of you on even the toughest day.

7. German shepherds are actually made of Velcro

It is a little-known fact about German shepherds that they are actually made of Velcro (OK, not literally). While not all shepherds are clingy, you can be sure your GSD will never be too far from you, whether you are going to the bathroom, taking a shower, gardening, watching TV, cooking or taking a nap. GSDs take loyalty very seriously.

More: I want people to stop judging my German shepherd by her looks

8. They're not ideal for first-time owners

German shepherds can be a handful. They require consistent training and a level of experience that makes them a poor choice for first-time dog owners. If you do choose to adopt a GSD for your first dog, make sure you work with an experienced trainer so that your GSD does not develop any potentially dangerous or destructive habits.

9. Not all landlords love German shepherds

Sadly, German shepherds are not always welcomed by landlords. Adopting a GSD might not be a good idea if you are renting. If you are renting, make sure to ask your landlord or property manager if you can have a GSD in your rental before you bring one home.

10. You can’t have just one

Adopting a German shepherd might seem like a harmless decision. What you might not realize is that German shepherds are like potato chips. You can't have just one. You might find yourself owning German shepherds the rest of your life, which really means you’ve been adopted into the German shepherd family — not the other way around.

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

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
Image: Thumbs up Decals/Amazon

2016 was the year of the unique baby name

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BabyCenter just released their list of the top 100 baby names of 2016 collected from almost 400,000 families throughout the year. Below, see the top 10 most popular baby names for the year.

More: Check out SheKnows baby name database with over 30,000 names to choose from

Top 10 girl names: 

  1. Sophia
  2. Emma
  3. Olivia
  4. Ava
  5. Mia
  6. Isabella
  7. Riley
  8. Aria
  9. Zoe
  10. Charlotte

Top 10 boy names:

  1. Jackson
  2. Aiden
  3. Lucas
  4. Liam
  5. Noah
  6. Ethan
  7. Mason
  8. Caden
  9. Oliver
  10. Elijah

More: 13 adorable baby portraits inspired by pop culture

Image: Tim Bish

So what changed?

This year, the top three girl names — Sophia, Emma and Olivia — held their spots from 2015. As for boy names, Jackson and Aiden continued to hold the top two spots, while Lucas moved up from fourth place to become the third most popular boy baby name for 2016.

According to the website, parents began venturing outside traditional names this year, which led to Melanie, Luna, Zane and Kai making the top 100 list for the first time. Peyton, Eliana, Mateo and Ezra were also newly popular names in 2016.

Boy names appeared to have some religious influence as well, with the names Elijah, Lucas, Noah, James and Benjamin making the top 20.

More: 14 cheap yet awesome baby shower gifts

In 2016, parents strayed from Kylie and Parker, which dropped about 20 spots, while names including Kaitlyn, Isla, Taylor, Brody, Blake and Xander dropped from the 100 completely.

As for trending names, this year, parents were heavily influenced by history, technology, pop culture and politics. Streaming shows reigned supreme with names like Arya, Maisie, Sansa, Emilia and Brienne (from Game of Thrones) all showing an increase. Other names, such as Hillary, Newton, Siri, Harley and Hennessy rose in the ranks as well.

Future names

For 2017, BabyCenter predicts Mateo, Ezra, Lincoln, Isaiah, Josiah, Grayson, Levi, Leo, Julian, Sebastian, Carson and Asher will be increasingly popular for boys, while Peyton, Eliana, Adeline, Camilla, Kinsley, Eva, Maria, Skyler, Bailey and Arya will keep rising on the list for girls.

15 unique anniversary gifts he'll actually want to keep

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Buying anniversary gifts for guys has turned into quite the art form: You want it to be thoughtful but not cheesy, romantic but not a threat to his masculinity and charming but not childish. Le sigh. Below are 16 unique gift ideas for your man that — in our humble opinion — totally hit the mark.

More: 9 gifts we're tired of getting every single year

1. Time capsule

Time capsule | Sheknows.com
Image: Amazon

Time Capsule for Two: A Snapshot Journal for Two People will give you the opportunity to preserve all of your fave special moments as a couple. It's a simple, elegant way to create a snapshot of your life today. (Amazon, $9)

2. Mix tape

Mix Tape | Sheknows.com
Image: MilkTape

"My hubby's a guitar player, so one year I put together a USB mix tape with all of our favorite acoustic tracks… with a few I've been hinting at him to learn since our first date. Hey, a girl can dream!" said Laura T. (MilkTape.com, $15)

3. Personalized couples art

Personalized Couple Art | Sheknows.com
Image: Uncommon Goods

If posing for couple photos turns him into Chandler Bing, then why not have an image sewn? This hysterically cute personalized couples art by Mary and Shelly Klein is sure to make him laugh: Select the faces, hairstyles and clothing that best reflect you as a twosome and BAM — you'll finally have an up-to-date portrait. (UncommonGoods.com, $150)

4. Personalized M&M'S

Personalized M&Ms | Sheknows.com
Image: MyMMs

Why should we be the only ones to receive chocolate? (I mean, it rocks, but still.) Add names, dates, personal messages, even photos to your fave M&M'S chocolates. (MyMMs.com, prices vary)

5. Love notes

Create a KindNotes Keepsake Jar filled with personal messages, inside jokes, even romantic coupons. No matter how much we depend on technology, nothing will ever beat an old-fashioned love note — they're the ultimate in Brownie Points. (KindNotes.com, prices vary)

6. iPhone case

iPhone Case | Sheknows.com
Image: Amazon

If your hubby's Instagram is as active as a celebrity's, he'll love this vintage camera iPhone case. It fits an iPhone 5, and is made of a durable plastic that's sure to survive all of his shenanigans. (Amazon, $12)

7. Radio cooler

Radio Cooler | Sheknows.com
Image: Home Wet Bar

Whether you're enjoying a beach day together or are having your BFFs over, keep your drinks cool while listening to your fave music with this portable radio cooler. Compatible with any smartphone, iPod and MP3 player, it's sure to make a splash. (HomeWetBar.com, $50)

8. Customized map

Customized Map | Sheknows.com
Image: Etsy

A map customized with special moments like first dates or first time traveling together is more than romantic — and it's visually appealing. (Etsy, $38)

Up next: A manly adventure


Originally published September 2014. Updated December 2016.

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9. A manly adventure

Manly Adventure | Sheknows.com
Image: Cloud9Living

If your man's always wanted to race cars, give him the gift of putting the pedal to the metal by purchasing a race car driving experience through Cloud 9 Living. Choose from stock car racing, racing a Ferrari, dragster racing and more. (Cloud9Living.com, prices vary)

10. Voice art

Voice Art | Sheknows.com
Image: Etsy

Let's face it: Rare art is kinda pricey. Express how you feel about your beau in a way that's easier on your wallet by transforming your voice into a one-of-a-kind canvas print. (Etsy, $20)

11. Personalized love coupons

Personalized Love Coupons | Sheknows.com
Image: Love Coups

Add a little spice to your relationship by creating a custom book of hot and steamy love coupons. Create cartoon versions of you and your beau to star on the coupons, choose a cover, and customize the text to your liking (grrr, baby!). (LoveCoups.com, $25)

More: 23 love coupons — because cheesy gifts are the best gifts

12. Shirt of the Month Club

Shirt of the Month Club | Sheknows.com
Image: Busted Tees

This gift is just as much for you as it is for him: Finally get him to throw out those ratty tees from college and replace them with this Shirt of the Month Club from Busted Tees. Each month, he'll receive a redemption code to use toward new duds. (BustedTees.com, prices vary)

13. Make memories

36 Hours | Sheknows.com
Image: Amazon

If travel is your thing — or just on your to-do list — The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA and Canada is a fun way to pick out weekend destinations. Soon you'll be attempting all 150! (Amazon, $20)

14. Rubik's Cube

Spin The Bottle | Sheknows.com
Image: Personalization Mall

Is a personalized Rubik's Cube cheesy? Heck yes. But it's also adorable. (Personalization Mall, $29)

15. Sex Panther cologne

Sex Panther Cologne | Sheknows.com
Image: Vat 19

Don't worry: This Sex Panther cologne isn't made with bits of real panther, but it does growl when opened — and 60 percent of the time, it works every time. (Vat 19 $40)

More: Last minute gift ideas that give back to charity

7 things we know about The Crown's second season — to get you super-excited

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Thanks to the popularity of the first season, Netflix original series, The Crown is coming back for Season 2 — and this is what we know about the future of the show so far.

The Crown Trailer

The Crown Trailer

More: What Netflix's The Crown gets right — and where they went rogue

1. Claire Foy and Matt Smith will return

The second season will continue with Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II, and Matt Smith will reprise his role of Prince Philip — so we have our favourites back.

2. However, the cast is changing

After Season 2, the cast is expected to have a complete overhaul, as Foy and Smith are too young to portray their ageing characters (each season will reportedly depict a passage of Queen Elizabeth II's life and will span roughly a decade).

Foy herself admitted that after Season 2 she would no longer have the role. "After two seasons, that's it, I'm gone," she told Vulture. "They're getting rid of all of us. I don't [know] how they're planning on doing it, but they're such an incredible bunch of directors and producers that it's gonna be different and exciting."

3. Spoiler alert: Princess Margaret's love life is changing

Played by Vanessa Kirby, Princess Margaret's love life is going to become even more fascinating in Season 2. She will abandon her dreams of marrying Group Captain Peter Townsend to start a romance with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones — who according to IMDb will be played by Jeremy Northam.

More: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life's last four words totally hint at another season

4. It's not going to be cheap

The Crown is actually expected to go beyond three seasons, and there are reports that it will get as many as six seasons that will span 60 years from the time of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1952. And according to IndieWire, it is the streaming giant's "most expensive production to date."

5. Peter Morgan may not return as the director

The show's creator Peter Morgan gave an interview to The Hollywood Reporter in which he hinted that he had no plans beyond Season 2. He said, "I've got to be honest with you. I cannot think beyond season two and I'm not going to think beyond season two."

6. Say goodbye to Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill, played by John Lithgow, will be replaced as prime minister as Anthony Eden takes his place.

Foy discussed the political change during an interview with Vulture. She said, "I do have some amazing new prime ministers — Jeremy Northam, who plays Anthony Eden, and then Harold Macmillan — so I'm a very lucky girl. But I've gotta say, I have a very special place in my heart for John Lithgow."

More: Fuller House pics suggest Kimmy could become a Tanner (in-law) in Season 2

7. You don't have to wait that long

The premiere date is rumoured to be November 2017, and Season 2 is believed to have been in pre-production as early as June.

Are you excited to watch Season 2 of The Crown? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


Giuliana Rancic celebrates her five-year cancer diagnosis anniversary

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Back in 2011, Giuliana Rancic made a tearful announcement on The Today Show as she revealed she had early stage breast cancer. While it was an incredibly hard time in her life, Rancic can now proudly celebrate her fifth year of being cancer-free — and she did so with a touching Instagram post.

More: Giuliana Rancic bashes a Spice Girl in her tell-all book

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 18, Rancic shared a photo of herself with her arms spread wide while standing on a beach staring into the sunshine. She captioned the post with lengthy message about her journey through breast cancer.

"Everything will be OK in the end. If it's not OK, it's not the end," she began. "Ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, this quote has been my mantra. These words have been my anthem, my inspiration, my comfort and my prayer. They gave me hope that the emotional and physical struggles that had suddenly consumed my life were NOT my life forever. That this was temporary, and I would pass through this storm and feel the sun on the other side. That I would one day feel like "me" again and be OK."

She continued, expressing her excitement that she could state that she was now five years cancer-free, calling it a "critical milestone," and revealing that while the odds of breast cancer coming back weren't zero, they were low.

While Rancic's own future is looking brighter, she also wanted to offer up some statistics on breast cancer, revealing that "this past year alone, more than 40,000 people died of breast cancer, while another 300,000 received the devastating diagnosis and began their own journeys through the storm."

Giuliana Rancic Instagram

Giuliana Rancic Instagram

More: Giuliana Rancic shouldn't be called skinny, she should be called brave

And finally, she shared her thoughts on those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, and how she intends to keep their spirit alive by continuing their fight. And for those that are still fighting the disease, Rancic offered encouragement, telling them that she was praying for them and hoping that they would be pulled through the darkest hours.

Fans have reacted to the post with love and encouragement, congratulating Rancic on her health, with some even hailing her as an inspiration.

Comments include one from lisap151 who wrote, "So so happy for you You are a beautiful and special human being." Ysram34 also shared their happiness, writing, "Praise God! @giulianarancic So happy for you and your loved ones."

More: The new attacks on Giuliana Rancic's looks go way too far (PHOTO)

While lldimino wrote, "Beautiful words. You are an inspiration!! Thankful you are well!!@giulianarancic."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

celebs battle cancer slideshow
Image: WENN, Shannen Doherty/Instagram

Mick Jagger's new baby makes his Instagram debut

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The first photo of Mick Jagger's eighth child is out. Mom Melanie Hamrick posted a sweet snap to her Instagram account Friday, sharing how in love she was with "my baby Deveraux."

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

Mick Jagger baby pic

Mick Jagger baby pic

Hamrick gave birth to her first child in New York on Dec. 8 with Jagger by her side.

Big sister Elizabeth Jagger (the rocker's daughter with Jerry Hall) shared the same picture on her own Instagram account and also revealed the new arrival's full name: Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger.

More: Get creative with these inventive (yet totally cool) baby names

Deveraux is a French name meaning "riverbank," and it definitely has an old-school, romantic quality. It's not currently in the U.S. top 1,000 list, but according to Nameberry, it has risen in popularity by 1,745 percent this week, so clearly many parents approve of Jagger and Hamrick's choice.

Their son's middle names are just as interesting. Octavian is a Latin name meaning "eighth," which is self-explanatory, really — the baby is Jagger's eighth child. And Basil is a Greek name with a meaning that fits the son of one of the kings of rock: "regal." It was a popular baby boy name at the turn of the 20th century, reaching a high of No. 328 in 1904, but it hasn't been on the list since 1970.

More: How two atheists celebrate Christmas with their kids

Jagger and Hamrick started dating in 2014 and revealed that they were expecting in July.

The most important gift you'll give this year: Soup for Syria

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The little tin of Aleppo pepper in my spice cabinet makes me heartsick. Aleppo pepper is made of the dried and crushed pods of Capsicum annuum, which grows in Syria and Turkey. It has a warm, smoky and almost tangy flavor, complex but friendly. When I see it lately, it reminds me of everything laid to waste in that great city, its rich cultural history and its people.

As you've seen in the news and probably in your Facebook feed, the people of Aleppo (and elsewhere in Syria) are suffering a horrific crisis. Homes are being bombed and families torn apart, displaced, herded, trapped. Basically these people are screwed. They are homeless, injured, in pain, cold — winter is here, they're unsure where to turn next, hopeless. Most feel the world has turned away.

I can't turn away. I won't.

At a time of year when we celebrate our abundance with gifts, when we remember a family traveling alone, in crisis somewhere in the Middle East, we live our values best when we give to those most in need. So in that spirit, cookbook writer and photographer Barbara Massaad created a cookbook to benefit the Syrian refugees, Soup for Syria.

The book includes recipes by Alice Waters, Anthony Bourdain, Yotam Ottolenghi, Mark Bittman, Claudia Roden and more.

So far, the book has collected $300,000, which helps support several charities working on the frontlines of the crisis, running hospitals and refugee camps. By buying this cookbook, you are supporting comfort for your table and for people on the other side of the world. What could possibly be more wonderful?

It's one way you can help. You can also make a direct donation to a number of organizations involved in rescue and relief efforts, including the White Helmets, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF and the International Red Cross.

7 beautiful Ryan Gosling quotes about fatherhood and family

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Ryan Gosling is many things: a thinker, a successful actor, a Hollywood heartthrob, a loving partner and also a doting dad. It's his role as a father the actor touched on during his interview for the January 2017 issue of GQ magazine.

More: You can believe Ryan Gosling & Eva Mendes got married (but you won't be right)

Here are his standout quotes on having children — he shares two daughters, Amada Lee and Esmeralda Amada, with Eva Mendes — and his own experience of childhood: Spoiler, he hated it!

1. All the clichés when it comes to being a parent are true

Before you have children you hear a lot of things about what it's like to be a parent, and Gosling can successfully confirm that just about everything you've heard is true. He said, "You hear what it's like to have kids, and all the clichés are true. I felt I knew that everything would be different, but until you experience that, there's no way to really know what people mean."

2. He can't believe how lucky he is

Gosling counts his lucky stars because not only does he have an amazing woman in his life who's a fantastic mother, he also views his children as "dream babies." "I only know what it's like to have my kids," he said. "And in my situation, Eva's the dream mother, and they're dream babies, and it's like a dream that I'm having right now. I'm dreaming it all. So I feel so lucky."

3. Becoming a father was not premeditated

During his interview, Gosling revealed that although he never really thought about becoming a father, when it happened, it fast became one of the most incredible experiences of his life.

"It's not something I really thought about [becoming a father], or even thought I wanted," he admitted. "I didn't have a romanticized idea of it.… It came about in a very surprising and kind of organic way. There was nothing kind of premeditated about it, you know. It just suddenly was: My life had changed. And thank God it did."

More: Let's stop patting Ryan Gosling on the back for being an equal parent

4. Being a parent can be absolute chaos

Gosling spoke about how becoming a parent affects everything else in your life, but it's a special kind of change. He said, "There's a kind of chaos in it that I love. Maybe in my life I sort of put myself in situations that were chaotic, outside of my life. And now I have it at home, and I don't have to go looking for it."

5. He wants to get fatherhood right

Gosling comes from a broken home (his parents divorced when he was aged 13) and he was raised by his mother.

Speaking about wanting to be a great parent and do things right, he told GQ: "When you meet your kids you realize that they deserve great parents. And then you have your marching orders and you have to try and become the person that they deserve."

6. Sometimes you just have to let go

We all know that there are certain traits about ourselves that are less than desirable, and as a parent you worry that you may pass on those bad qualities. However, Gosling has realized that sometimes it's just best to stop worrying.

"You're nervous that they'll get all the qualities of yourself that you have been struggling with, and then you realize that they're not you. And it's a relief..." he said.

More: The way Eva Mendes chose her second daughter's name is beautiful

7. He hated being a kid

Gosling, surprisingly, didn't much care for being a child. However, he was lucky enough to have a mother who understood him. Speaking about his feelings as a kid, he said, "I just felt this sense of: I have a limited amount of time and, you know, I've got to get started. I also didn't like the arbitrariness of control that people seemed to have over me."

Animal crafts you can make with your kids

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Looking for a fun craft you can do with the kids? These animal crafts (which we've alphabetized from A to Z) are cute, easy, and made mostly out of materials you already have lying around the house.

Alligator clothespin craft

Alligator animal craft | Sheknows.com

Bring your kid's love for alligators to life with an animal clothespin craft that is quick and easy to make.

Supplies:

  • Clothespin
  • Green paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Green pipe cleaner
  • Scissors
  • Green construction paper
  • Wiggle eyes
  • Craft glue
  • Red paint

Directions:

  1. Paint your clothespin green everywhere except the bottom.
  2. While your clothespin dries, cut 2 pieces from your green pipe cleaner to form the legs and arms, then bend in a V shape and bend again at the ends for feet and hands.
  3. Glue the pipe cleaner legs and arms inside the clothespin — one towards the back and one inside where the clip will open.
  4. Next, cut a strip of construction paper the same width as your clothespin and accordion fold it down the length of the strip.
  5. Now, place 2 dabs of glue on top of the clothespin leaving enough for the alligator's nose and affix the eyes. You'll also need to run a line of glue down the alligator's back and attach the accordion-folded construction paper to form bumps. You may need to lay it on its back until your glue is set.
  6. Finally, use your paintbrush to add a little red tongue just inside the clip's opening to make your friendly alligator animal craft complete.

Up next: Bear craft

Originally published February 2014. Updated December 2016.

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Bear cardboard tube craft

Bear animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Toilet paper tube or any empty cardboard roll
  • Brown paint
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Brown construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Black marker
  • Craft glue

Directions:

  1. Paint your toilet paper tube brown and set aside to dry.
  2. Next, cut 2 strips of brown paper 6 inches long, for the arms and legs. Round the ends for the hands and feet.
  3. Then, cut out a bear-shaped face from the brown construction paper. You can use a pencil to sketch it out first or freehand this simple shape.
  4. Use your black marker to draw a friendly bear face, paws and toenail lines on your bear's face, hands and feet.
  5. Finally, wrap the arm strips near the top of the tube and adhere with glue, then repeat with the leg strips at the bottom and glue as well. Glue your bear's face to the front top of the tube and your craft is ready!

Up next: Camel craft

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Camel egg carton craft

Camel animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Cardboard egg carton
  • Scissors
  • Brown paint
  • Paintbrush
  • 4 Orange or yellow pipe cleaners
  • Brown construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Black marker
  • Hot glue gun

Directions:

  1. Cut out 2 sections from a cardboard egg carton, leaving them attached to one another.
  2. Next, paint your egg carton brown and set aside to dry.
  3. Then cut a 2-inch strip of brown construction paper twice as wide as you want your tail to be and fold in half lengthwise. Cut small slits into the end to form frill for the tail.
  4. Now cut a head and neck shape from the brown construction paper for the camel's head. Use the marker to draw shapes for the eye, mouth and a crease in the ear area.
  5. Next, you'll need to wind your pipe cleaner around the width of your 2 fingers to form a spring-like shape. At the end you'll attach to the egg carton, bend at a 45-degree angle, then at the other end, form a 2-loop camel toe shape and bend flat to give your camel feet to stand on. Repeat with all 4 pipe cleaners.
  6. Use your scissors to cut a slit at the front of your camel to insert the neck and a slit at the back to insert the tail. Add a dab of hot glue to your slits and insert your construction paper head and tail.
  7. Once dry, turn your camel upside down so you can glue the pipe cleaner legs just inside the egg carton's edges and with hot glue. Give them a second to dry to ensure they don't move when you place your camel craft upright again and your animal craft is desert-ready!

Up next: Dog craft

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Dog pom-pom craft

Dog animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Yarn in the color of your choice
  • Scissors
  • Black felt
  • Red pipe cleaner
  • Wiggle eyes
  • Craft glue

Directions:

  1. First, cut a 6-inch length of yarn and lay it horizontally on the table.
  2. Next, hold your hand with your palm facing you and hold the end of the yarn in your palm under your thumb and wrap the yarn around your hand around 150 times. Cut with scissors at the end. Hint — you can use 2 different colors of yarn to make this process move twice as quickly.
  3. Slip the yarn wrap from your fingers and carefully lay it on the table on top of the piece of yarn you previously cut. Make sure that the extra length of yarn runs across the middle of your yarn wrap perpendicular to your looped ends.
  4. Bring the 2 ends of the loose length of yarn together and tie them in a knot as tightly as you can. You'll now use the scissors to snip the yarn loops into individual pieces to form your pom-pom shape.
  5. Once your loops are all clipped, fluff out and arrange in a ball shape, being mindful not to pull out any loose ends that may become separated from your pom-pom.
  6. Next, cut 2 long oval ear shapes and a small oval nose from your black felt and glue to the sides and front of your pom-pom dog with craft glue.
  7. Cut a small piece of red pipe cleaner and bend to form a U shape for the tongue. Glue under the nose of your animal craft, then glue the wiggle eyes above the nose.
  8. Once dry, your dog animal craft is just as cute as a puppy — without all the mess that comes along with having a dog.

Up next: Elephant craft

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Elephant handprint craft

Elephant animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Construction paper or card stock
  • Gray poster paint
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Markers
  • A hand

Directions:

  1. Dip your paintbrush into the gray paint and cover the palm and fingers of your child's hand.
  2. Place her hand palm down on the construction paper towards the top of the paper, with fingers spread out. Remove hand carefully to leave a gray handprint behind and set aside to dry.
  3. Now, spin your handprint around so that the fingers of the print are pointing down and begin sketching an ear shape, add an eye, sprinkle in lines on the trunk and draw a tail on the back end of your elephant craft.
  4. Finally, let your kid create an outdoor scene on the rest of the paper to complete this keepsake handprint animal craft.

Up next: Frog craft

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Frog paper plate craft

Frog animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper plate
  • Green poster paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Green construction paper
  • Pink construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Wiggle eyes
  • Craft glue

Directions:

  1. Fold your paper plate in half and paint top outside and bottom inside green. Set aside to dry.
  2. Next, cut out 2 frog leg shapes and 2 frog arm shapes from the green construction paper. Hint — double up the paper to make the sets of arms and legs symmetrical.
  3. Cut an 8-inch strip of pink construction paper to form a tongue — you can wrap it around your finger or a pencil if you want to make it a curly tongue.
  4. Glue the legs and arms to the bottom of the plate and the tongue inside the frog's "mouth."
  5. Finally, glue the wiggle eyes to the top of your plate to create a pair of cute peepers for your frog animal craft and it's lily-pad ready.

Up next: Goat craft

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Goat animal craft

Goat animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper bag
  • White card stock
  • White construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Craft glue
  • Scissors
  • Pink colored pencil
  • Black colored pencil
  • 2 Clothespins

Directions:

  1. Measure the white card stock to cover the base and front of your paper bag and cut to size — keep in mind that you won't need to cover the bag under the fold where the goat's "mouth" will be. Attach with craft glue.
  2. Cut a circle from your white construction paper to form the goat's muzzle and draw on a nose and mouth with colored pencils. Glue the top half of your circle to the front of your goat puppet.
  3. Next, cut 2 large leaf-like shapes for the ears, crease in the middle along one half of the ear, add a bit of craft glue and fold over the top of each side of the goat's face.
  4. Cut out a large triangle shape from the white construction paper for the goat's beard, cutting several times to form fringe along 1 point of the triangle. Affix just under the goat's mouth with craft glue.
  5. Glue the wiggle eyes to the front of the puppet above the goat's muzzle.
  6. Finally, clip the clothespins to the top edge of the puppet to form the horns and your goat animal craft is ready to play.

Up next: Horse craft

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Horse craft for kids

Horse animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Long cardboard tube
  • Paper lunch bag
  • Newspaper or scrap paper
  • Hot glue gun
  • Black construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Black yarn

Directions:

  1. First, stuff your paper lunch bag 2/3 of the way full with recyclable paper such as newspaper.
  2. Run a few lines of hot glue around the top 2 inches of your cardboard tube and wrap the end of your stuffed lunch bag around the glued area and twist. This will keep the head of this horse craft attached to your cardboard tube stick.
  3. Then cut 2 circles from the black construction paper for the horse's nostrils, make a small slit into 1 side of the circle to the middle, then overlap and glue to give the nostrils a more 3-dimensional look. Hot glue to the front of your horse animal craft's muzzle.
  4. Cut 2 leaf-shaped pieces from the black construction paper for the horse's ears, repeating the same slit, overlap and glue technique to give the ears a more realistic appearance. Attach with hot glue to the sides of your horse's head.
  5. Then cut 20 pieces of 24-inch-long yarn and tie in knots around the neck of your cardboard tube to form a mane. Tie 2 more pieces of yarn of the same length to the top of the neck, then loop, knot and glue to the top of the horse head to form bangs for your paper bag stick horse.
  6. Finally, sketch some eyes and a smiley mouth on your fun animal craft and your paper bag horse is ready to ride!

Up next: Iguana craft

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Iguana paper craft

Iquana animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Green card stock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • 2 Wiggle eyes
  • Glue
  • Sequins

Directions:

  1. First, sketch an iguana shape onto a piece of green card stock. Help your child cut it out with scissors, but save the scraps for the dorsal crests that run down the back.
  2. Take a long strip of scrap paper and fold it in half lengthwise to make a long, skinny strip. Then, use scissors to make a zigzag pattern along the folded side, cutting halfway into the strip.
  3. Once your dorsal crests are cut, create a crease along each side of the folded strip to form flaps for gluing to your iguana. Run a thin strip of glue under the flaps and secure to the back of your iguana craft.
  4. Finally, use glue to attach the eyes to the head and glue sequins down the iguana's back and your animal craft is ready for fun.

Up next: Jaguar craft

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Jaguar spoon craft

Jaquar animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • 3 wooden craft sticks
  • 1 Plastic spoon
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Yellow, brown and black markers
  • Yellow card stock scraps
  • Yellow pipe cleaner

Directions:

  1. Have your youngster color the back of the spoon with the yellow marker. Allow the spoon to dry.
  2. Then, let your little one color all 3 craft sticks yellow, then randomly make spots on the craft sticks with the brown marker.
  3. Glue 1 craft stick along the handle of the back of the spoon to form the jaguar's body.
  4. Cut 2 of the craft sticks in half to form the 4 legs and glue the cut edge to the front side of the spoon, with the colored sides facing the back to match the body.
  5. Use small scraps of yellow card stock to cut out little ears. Make a small mark to form the inside of the ears and glue to the top of the spoon.
  6. Glue the yellow pipe cleaner to the back end of the jaguar and use the black marker to complete with a cute little face on the back of the spoon. Your jaguar craft is ready for fun.

Up next: Kangaroo craft

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Kangaroo paper cup craft

Kangaroo animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper cup
  • Orange card stock
  • Yellow card stock
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Glue
  • Black marker

Directions:

  1. Measure your cup and cut a strip of yellow card stock to wrap around the outside of the cup. Secure with glue and set aside to dry.
  2. Use your pencil to sketch a bowling pin shape on the orange card stock to form your kangaroo craft's body and let your kiddo cut the shape out.
  3. Then, on the same orange card stock, sketch a pear shape for the head, 2 leaf shapes for the ears, 2 arms, 2 legs and a tail. Help your child cut out with safety scissors.
  4. Now, cut 2 smaller leaf shapes from the yellow card stock to form the inside of the kangaroo's ears. You may want to assist in cutting out these small details.
  5. Time to glue your pieces together. Start by gluing the ear details to the ears and the head to the narrow top of the body. Next, glue the body to the back of the cup, covering the seam of the yellow paper. Follow with the legs sticking out the sides of the cup, the arms just under the outside rim of the cup (leaving the hands unglued) and finish off with the tail on the back of the body sticking out just above 1 of the legs of the kangaroo.
  6. Finally, add on 2 eyes and a cute nose with your black marker and your kangaroo cup craft is ready to fill with fun!

Up next: Lion craft

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Lion paper plate craft

Lion animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper plate
  • Yellow marker
  • Brown, yellow and orange construction paper
  • Brown and black markers
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Wiggly eyes

Directions:

  1. Have your youngster color the back of the paper plate with a yellow marker. It's OK to leave the ridged edge uncolored because it will be covered with the paper mane, but let your kiddo go to town if he wants to.
  2. While your child is coloring the plate, cut even strips of brown, yellow and orange construction paper about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. There is no right or wrong amount to cut, so long as you have enough to make it around the diameter of your plate.
  3. Next, keeping your plate facedown, run a bead of glue around the inside rim of the back of the plate and help your youngster glue 1 edge of each strip of paper along the edge of the plate to form a mane.
  4. While the mane of your lion craft is drying, cut 2 ears and a nose shape from the brown construction paper and let your kiddo glue them to the yellow part of the plate in the appropriate places.
  5. Finally, glue 2 large wiggle eyes to the lion's face and use your brown marker to draw the details on the yellow surface to create a ferociously cute lion craft your kids will love!

Up next: Monkey craft

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Monkey foam mask craft

Monkey animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Dark brown craft foam sheet
  • Light brown craft foam sheet
  • Monkey mask template
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Craft stick
  • Black marker

Directions:

  1. Print the monkey mask template onto a white sheet of paper. Cut out the pieces to use as a guide.
  2. Using the white paper as a template against the foam, cut out the mouth and the ears from the light brown foam sheet and the face and nose from the dark brown foam sheet.
  3. Glue the pieces together according to the template, adding the craft stick to the back of the mask and adhering with glue on the side that matches your child's dominant hand (i.e. glue to right side of the mask if your child is right-handed). Allow to dry and your monkey mask craft is ready for some wild fun.

Up next: Nightingale craft

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Nightingale paper bird craft

Nightingale animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Yellow and brown card stock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Brown marker
  • Fishing line or yarn

Directions:

  1. Use your pencil to sketch out a bird shape for your nightingale's body, tail and beak on the yellow card stock, measuring approximately 8 x 4-inches tall. Have your youngster use scissors to cut the shape out.
  2. Cut an 8 x 6-inch strip of brown cardstock for the wings. Fan fold it along the long edge and crease gently.
  3. Cut a 1-inch slit in the middle towards the top of your bird where the wings will go.
  4. Now, with your brown paper folded in its accordion shape, feed it through the slit until your paper sits evenly on each side of your bird's body. Gently open the folds on either side. Tip — you can add a bead of glue on either side of the bird's body along the wing's slit if your wings are having trouble staying level.
  5. Finally, use your marker to draw the eye on your nightingale craft and color in the beak. You can also glue a piece of fishing line or yarn to the top of your bird and hang it in your kiddo's room.

Up next: Octopus craft

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Octopus sock craft

Octopus animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Long sock
  • Dry beans
  • Sewing scissors
  • Buttons
  • Quick-drying glue

Directions:

  1. First, fill your clean sock with enough beans to form a ball about the size of your fist. Tie the neck of the sock into a tight knot to secure the beans and the ball shape.
  2. Use your sewing scissors to cut the neck of your sock into eight equal strips, cutting from the opening up to the knot.
  3. Have your youngster help tie a knot in the bottom of each of your strips, which have now formed the tentacles.
  4. Glue 2 buttons to the ball part of your octopus and your sock octopus craft is ready for some deep sea shenanigans.

Up next: Penguin craft

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Penguin paper cup craft

Penguin animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper cup
  • Black felt
  • Scissors
  • Quick-drying glue
  • Gold glitter craft foam sheet
  • 2 Wiggle eyes

Directions:

  1. First, turn your cup upside down and measure the felt to wrap around your cup once, leaving enough above the cup to overlap the bottom of the cup and enough below to wrap over the rim and inside the cup. Cut with scissors and secure with glue.
  2. While your felt-covered cup is drying, use the glitter foam sheet and cut a triangle for the beak and 2 large ovals for feet.
  3. Use your black felt scraps to cut out 2 leaf shapes to form the flippers of your penguin.
  4. Then, making sure your cup is still turned upside down, use glue to secure the wiggle eyes to the front of your cup, followed by the upside down glitter triangle below the eyes for the beak and a felt flipper on each of the sides.
  5. Add a bead of glue underneath the rim of the cup in the front and set on top of the glitter foam feet — just make sure you leave most of the feet sticking out for an extra helping of cuteness!

Up next: Quail craft

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Quail finger puppet craft

Quail animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Computer and printer
  • Quail template
  • Pencil
  • Light brown, dark brown and green craft foam sheets
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Black marker

Directions:

  1. Print out the quail template and lay on top of your light brown foam sheet.
  2. Next, using a firm touch without tearing through the paper, trace the body of your quail template just enough to make an impression on the form. Use the impression as a cutting guide.
  3. Using your template, lay it on top of the dark brown foam sheet and trace the wing and the head feather of the quail. Cut out along the impression with the scissors.
  4. Cut out 2 pieces of green foam that are 2 x 2-1/2-inches long. Glue along the 2 long sides to adhere the 2 piece together, but leave the top and the bottom open. Once dry, fringe-cut the top edge of the front piece only to form grass, cutting down to about 2/3 of the way down.
  5. Glue your wing and head feather to your quail's body, then glue your animal craft to the fringed piece of foam grass.
  6. Use the black marker to draw an eye on your quail's face and draw 2 legs under your quail's body on the green foam and your quail finger puppet is ready for action.

Up next: Rabbit craft

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Rabbit soap craft

Rabbit animal craft | Sheknows.com


Supplies:

  • Standard-sized washcloth (any color)
  • Rubber band
  • Bar soap
  • 2 Wiggle eyes
  • Scrap of pink craft foam sheet
  • Scissors
  • 2 Small scraps of black yarn
  • Cotton ball
  • Craft glue

Directions:

  1. First, lay your washcloth on a flat surface with 1 corner closest to you creating a diamond shape.
  2. Place the bar of soap at 1 corner — with the wide side of the soap closest to you — and begin rolling it up in the washcloth until you the reach the opposite corner. You should have created a long roll with the soap lengthwise in the center.
  3. Next, bring the 2 long ends of the washcloth to meet in the center of the rolled-up soap and secure tightly against the soap roll with a rubber band. Loosen ends to lay out to the sides to create the rabbit's ears. Tuck the end of your washcloth roll back under the ears slightly for a more finished look.
  4. Glue your wiggle eyes and pink foam nose to your rabbit's face on the side opposite of the washcloth end you've tucked.
  5. Glue the 2 small scraps of black yarn in a rabbit-mouth shape under the nose and glue the cotton ball to the back and your rabbit animal craft is as cute as a button.

Up next: Snake craft

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Snake skin animal craft

Snake animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Packing bubble wrap
  • Scissors
  • Green paint
  • Foam brush
  • Wiggle eyes
  • Red chenille stem
  • Glue

Directions:

  1. First, lay out a square of bubble wrap for your kiddo to cut out in a freehand snake shape. You may want to help your youngsters complete this step as the bubble wrap can be tricky for little kids to cut. Don't forget to create a head!
  2. Using a foam brush, have your child add green paint to the bubble side of the packing material, brushing on just enough to color the bubbles. You want to be able to see through the clear material for the most part.
  3. Once you've allowed a little time to dry, glue 2 wiggle eyes to the head of your snake.
  4. Cut a small piece of chenille stem and bend into a Y-shape to form the snake's tongue. Glue to the front of your snake's head and your snake skin craft is complete.

Up next: Turtle craft

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Turtle craft for kids

Turtle animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Paper bowl
  • Green and brown paint
  • Foam paintbrush
  • Green card stock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • 2 Wiggle eyes
  • Craft glue

Directions:

  1. Lay your card stock on a flat surface and place the paper bowl facedown on the center of the paper.
  2. Trace the perimeter of the bowl. Once your circle is complete, remove your bowl and add on shapes for the head, four legs and a triangle-shaped tail. Cut out with scissors and set aside.
  3. Next, help your kiddo paint the back side of the paper bowl with green paint. Once the entire "shell" is covered, have him go back and add brown spots all over the shell by gently pressing down with the foam brush and lifting straight up. The foam brush will form a turtle shell-like shape. Set aside to dry.
  4. Go back to your turtle body cutout and glue the eyes onto the head shape.
  5. Finally, once the bowl is dry enough to handle, add a bead of glue along the underside perimeter of your bowl and glue it on top of your turtle craft's body cutout, then press down gently. Once the glue is dry your turtle animal craft is ready to race the hare.

Up next: Urchin craft

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Urchin sponge animal craft

Urchin animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • 5 Kitchen sponges in any color
  • Scissors
  • Yarn

Directions:

  1. First, cut each of your sponges into 3 pieces lengthwise so you end up with 15 sponge strips.
  2. Lay down your strips in stacks 4 wide and 4 tall, laying the same way. One stack will be only three strips tall, but it won't matter once you fluff out your urchin craft.
  3. Lay the yarn on your tabletop lengthwise and set your stack of sponge strips on top of the yarn in a perpendicular direction. Your sponges should be facing up and down and your yarn should be running side to side.
  4. Now, bring the ends of your yarn to the center of your sponge stack and tie in a single knot to cinch the sponge strips in the center. It is helpful if you have a second set of hands to hold down your knot with a finger to ensure your yarn — and your sponges — stay nice and tight. Snip off the yarn from your spool and trim off the excess.
  5. Finally, fluff and maneuver your sponge strips to form a sphere shape and your kids will have an urchin craft they won't have to worry about getting poked with.
Tip: Submerge your urchin sponge animal in water and let your kids play with it in the tub or outdoors — it's a lot easier than filling up hundreds of water balloons!

Up next: Vulture craft

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Vulture handprint craft

Vulture animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Card stock paper
  • Black paint
  • Red or rust-colored paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Cotton ball
  • Glue
  • Markers

Directions:

  1. First, paint your child's palm and 4 fingers with black paint and his thumb with red paint. Do not be stingy with the paint or the handprint will not be solid enough.
  2. Next, place your youngster's hand straight down on the center of the paper, press down gently and be careful not to wiggle their fingers, then lift straight up leaving a handprint behind.
  3. Once you've washed your kiddo's hands and left the handprint a little time to dry, spin the paper around so the fingers of your handprint are upside down — or facing towards you.
  4. Gently pull on the ends of the cotton ball to make your puff a little longer, creating a collar of feathers for your vulture. Glue it onto the spot where the red and the black paint meet at the base of the print of your child's thumb.
  5. Use markers to draw a yellow beak, an eye and a perch for your child's vulture handprint craft, and your bird of prey is ready for display.

Up next: Walrus craft

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Walrus foam craft

Walrus animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Brown craft foam sheet
  • Plastic drinking straw
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • 2 Wiggle eyes
  • 2 Yellow pom-poms
  • Black marker

Directions:

  1. First, take the brown foam sheet and cut out a circle for your walrus animal craft's head, a larger oval for the body, 2 flippers and a tail. For the flippers, you can double up your foam sheet to cut out 2 identical pieces at the same time.
  2. Glue 2 wiggle eyes to the round head piece and glue 2 pom-poms under the eyes for the cheeks.
  3. Have your child measure out how long he wants the straw tusks to be and cut them with scissors. Glue to the back of the walrus' head behind where the pom-pom pieces are glued.
  4. Glue 1 flipper on either side of the oval, making sure you can still see the back flipper once they are attached. Add on the tail to the opposite end of the oval.
  5. Finally, glue your walrus' head to the front of the walrus' body and your fun craft is ready to brave the cold.

Up next: X-ray fish craft

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X-ray fish craft

X-ray fish animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • White card stock and yellow card stock
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Cotton swabs
  • Glue
  • 1 Wiggle eye

Directions:

  1. Sketch out a fish shape on the yellow card stock and have your youngster cut it out with safety scissors.
  2. Next, cut cotton swabs in varying lengths and help your child arrange them in a skeletal shape on the fish, then glue them down.
  3. Glue a wiggle eye to the face of the fish, adding on a gill, smile, tail and fin markings while the glue dries.
  4. Now, let your kiddo create waves and bubbles on the white card stock to give his x-ray fish craft an underwater scene in which to swim.
  5. Finally, glue the x-ray fish to the water scene on the white cardstock and your child has his very own fuss-free fish!

Up next: Yak craft

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Yak puzzle piece animal craft

Yak animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

  • Spare puzzle piece
  • Dark brown and light brown paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Dark brown craft foam sheet
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • 2 Wiggle eyes
  • 2 Bendable drinking straws
  • Black marker

Directions:

  1. Find a puzzle piece with 3 knobs on it to form 2 ears and the beard of the yak craft.
  2. Paint the entire front of the puzzle piece dark brown.
  3. Next, paint the inside of the ears and the muzzle a light brown color.
  4. Glue the 2 wiggle eyes just above the light brown muzzle you've painted.
  5. Once you have the eyes in place, roughly measure the width of the top of your puzzle piece and cut out 2 wavy hair pieces. Keep in mind that these 2 toupees will form the long shaggy hair for which the yak is known — so make sure they don't match up exactly. Glue them one on top of the other at the top of your puzzle piece, allowing them to slightly overlap the wiggle eyes if possible.
  6. Roughly measure the knob at the bottom of your puzzle piece and cut a shaggy beard shape from the brown craft form. Glue over the bottom knob of your puzzle piece.
  7. Finally, leaving the bendy side of your straws intact, measure out 2 horns and cut the excess with your scissors. Glue to the back of your puzzle piece behind the shaggy hairpiece. Draw on the nostrils and a smile and you won't even recognize the puzzle piece that once was!

Up next: Zebra craft

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Zebra marble paint craft

Zebra animal craft | Sheknows.com

Supplies:

Directions:

  1. First, print out the zebra template on your computer and let your kiddo cut it out. It doesn't have to be perfect, but the closer your child can cut out the shape, the better the zebra craft will look in the end.
  2. Lay your zebra cutout in the shirt box lid and place 3 to 4 tiny drops of black paint near — but not on — your zebra shape. The key to successful marble painting is to avoid adding too much paint to each dot. A little goes a long way once those marbles start rolling around.
  3. Have your child shake and move the shirt box around, causing the marbles to roll through the paint and across your zebra cutout to form varying stripes and patterns.
  4. Once the paint is dry, you can remove the zebra from the box and admire your youngster's work of art.

More: Dollar store crafts for kids that don't look like they just cost a buck

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