Felicia Day is pregnant, and not just a little bit pregnant. She's really freaking pregnant.
The actress shared her news on Twitter with a picture of her baby bump confirming that she is, in fact, expecting a baby "in about three weeks." Oh, and it's a girl.
We know Felicia Day from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural and Eureka (not to mention the beloved Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog); she also created and wrote the award-winning web series The Guild and founded YouTube channel Geek and Sundry. What we don't know is whether she's taking this parenting trip solo (she's not married, has never confirmed her relationship status and hasn't been linked to anyone recently.)
First, Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanna Gaines were under fire for their religious views. Then, Flip or Flop's Tarek and Christina El Moussa dramatically ended their marriage. It seems like home improvement shows and their hosts have no shortage of drama lately.
Those who are suing Montelongo allege that he uses his company's $1,500 seminars to rope students into paying for more classes, costing them as much as $54,000. Montelongo, however, says that's never been a secret.
"We’ve always been very transparent about our business model," he told In Touch Weekly. "We’ve even showed it on Undercover Boss."
But attorney Christopher Wimmer, who is leading the class-action lawsuit against Montelongo, says his clients feel that "they’ve been cheated," and Montelongo's company has "a plan to defraud all of these individuals because they’re not offering genuine education services — just an opportunity to buy more products." Wimmer goes even further, and claims that Montelongo's company's "scheme has destroyed livelihoods, wrecked marriages, driven students into clinical depression and even resulted in suicide."
Montelongo's company issued a statement about the lawsuit, saying those involved are people who "decided that continuous hard work is not for them."
The statement continued, "These plaintiffs are reaching... a number of these individuals that I’ve taught how to be successful have opened up a competitive seminar company or a competitive educational online company and — are colluding to come together to try to bring down No. 1."
Justin Bieber has a spotty history with pets — and we don’t mean the kind of spots you might see on a dog or a cow. Unfortunately, this saga continues with an adorable white-haired dog, whom Bieber introduced as his “new little fluff ball Todd” on Instagram last August, as Page Sixreports. However, soon after he posted a sweet video of Todd, it seems as though he gave the dog away to a backup dancer, CJ Salvador.
Here’s where things get tricky: Salvador has just created a GoFundMe page for little Todd because he has severe hip dysplasia and will need an operation. Salvador describes his pet as a “7 month old chow chow born with a birth defect,” adding that the dog has to have an operation — or else... Long story short, by the time he turns 1, he wont [sic] be able to walk, run, let alone play,” Salvador wrote. “This condition presents us with two options,” he added. The first is to put Todd down, “which I refuse to do,” he said; the second is to “let him go through a very specialized surgery,” which apparently costs about $8,000.
The good news: The fund was only created yesterday, and $8,406 has already been raised thanks to 90 kindly pet-lovers. Todd will be able to have his surgery, and hopefully, he’ll be just fine.
But there’s something puzzling about this whole thing. Yes, this is no longer Bieber’s dog, but it seems as though the Biebs himself might want to pay for the surgery, or at least would contribute to the pup’s health care fund. As Page Six points out, this isn’t the first time Bieber has run into a problem with a pet. According to the publication, he previously had a dog named Sammy, who is now dead; a snake named Johnson, who was auctioned off for charity; a hamster, Pac, whom Bieber gave to a fan at a concert — just before its early death; a cat named Tuts, whose whereabouts are “unknown,” Page Six reports; and a Yorkshire terrier, Esther, who is still in his possession.
We don’t know the whole story behind Todd, but it does seem strange that Bieber wouldn’t help with this whole endeavor. Biebs, where are you now?
The forthcoming administration has made no secret of its desire to do away with Roe v. Wade, with Vice President-Elect Mike Pence famously saying that he wanted to consign the historic 1973 Supreme Court ruling that made abortions legal across the country to “the ash heap of history.”
President-Elect Donald Trump himself has suggested that women who get abortions should be punished and has vowed to appoint anti-abortion judges to the Supreme Court. If Roe v. Wade were wholesale overturned, each state would have the power to determine whether women could access abortion services.
However, a new survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that the majority of Americans want to see Roe v. Wade remain mostly intact. The survey data reveals that 69 percent of respondents say that the ruling should not be completely overturned.
Only 28 percent want to see it completely revoked. The survey says that the general public’s primarily positive feelings toward Roe v. Wade have remained mostly intact over the decades. Support for Roe v. Wade does have certain demographic factors, such as religious and political party affiliation. Gender alone didn’t play a significant role in terms of support — 72 percent of women surveyed didn’t want to overturn Roe v. Wade, and 67 percent of the men surveyed agreed with them.
This is a marked increase in support for Roe v. Wade. Consider that in 1992, only 60 percent of surveyed Americans were in favor of upholding Roe v. Wade. That may be some cold comfort for pro-abortion rights activists as we count down to inauguration day.
One of the best parts of dog ownership is having a friend you never worry about judging you. I personally feel I can already count on my closer friends not to judge me (or if they do, not to hold it against me), but there's always that little pinch of social paranoia with human interaction. Face-to-face, there are a hundred things to over analyze with the people we love, and I can read too much into almost anything someone says or does.
Yet with my dogs, there's no scowl over those button eyes when I need to set my head down on my desk for a minute or hide in bed for a little while mid-afternoon. There's no misreading or worrying about their quiet judgement – my dogs don't bother hiding it when they're sad, stressed, scared or overstimulated. It's some of the most truly honest interaction you can have.
Don't mistake that attitude for simplicity either, because every animal has its own personality, and you really grow to love them as unconditionally as they do you. That's mostly because relaxing, playing and generally being happy are the primary hobbies for the smaller members of the household. Of course, that lack of scrutiny could be the appeal for nearly any house pet, but with dogs we get the unconditional loyalty and added emotional connection that comes from thousands of years of history between our species. It's in their genetics to be family/pack members and do their part – which for most modern dogs means simply existing. They're essentially focused on food, fun and you and that's why they're so beneficial to our mental health.
For starters, dog owners generally have lower cholesterol and fewer indicators of heart trouble. Spending time with animals can have a profound effect on everything from your blood pressure to your confidence, among a seemingly endless list of other benefits most pet owners would chime in to add to.
Just ten minutes with your dog will significantly raise levels of oxytocin (a calming hormone) in both your bodies, which elevates your mood in turn. If you've got children – or maybe kids are in your future – your little ones get the benefit that time spent bonding with animals to help them develop into balanced young adults. That's not to mention the benefit of constant contact aiding their immune systems and helping to ward off future allergens.
If you get nervous in social situations – whether you've got genuine social anxiety or just don't fancy yourself much of a people person – your pet can be a great ice breaker. I can't count the number of times I've been stopped (or stopped someone) while walking our dogs, even if it's just for a stranger to reminisce on a long-passed pet they were reminded of. You're also sharing common interests with an incredible group of people – the majority of animal lovers are incredibly caring, varied individuals from all walks of life. You're immediately part of a kind and vast community of generally fantastic folks with a common bond: The very same kind of love I'm writing about.
All of this said, you shouldn't run out to adopt a pet as some kind of miracle cure for stress instead of a medical consultation. Also bear in mind your personal financial situation. Animal care isn't cheap, and we're talking about a living creature that relies on you, not an iPad you can leave on the shelf and come back to when the mood strikes. Being unprepared will only lead to the gut-wrenching reality of having to re-home your best friend for their own benefit, and that's not something either of you should have to endure.
Part of my routine has become managing a tiny hurricane of chew toys, poo bags and stray hairs in the nose. The positives outweigh the inconveniences by too much to ignore, and the next time I stub my toe on the doggie ramp attached to the end of my bed at 3 a.m., I'll do my best to remember my words here.
The Fosters will return at the end of this month, picking up right where the finale left off with Jude and Noah. Thankfully, you don't have to wait that long to see how the drama will unfold.
Turns out, Jude's decision-making skills aren't going to improve much, at least at the beginning of the season.
In the clip, Noah and Jude have left the music festival to be alone. Noah takes Jude to a boat where he promptly lights up a joint. He and Jude both take puffs of the weed.
"Not bad, huh?" Noah comments as the boys share the joint and enjoy the view.
Unfortunately, Jude is reportedly going to learn the hard way that the risks he's taking don't come without consequences. His moms have already caught him smoking with Noah once. And they're not stupid. He'll definitely get caught again — maybe even by the police — especially since they are smoking in a public place this time.
Image: Freeform
The Fosters Season 4B premieres Jan. 31 on Freeform.
Tuesday’s news about Megyn Kelly’s exit from Fox News for a new daytime show on NBC had Days of Our Lives fans groaning. What will happen to the beloved soap?
The daytime schedule is already filled with syndicated shows on most of NBC’s affiliates. The network confirmed the show will run Monday through Friday, but the time has not been determined yet. Something has to give way, will it be DOOL?
A Hollywood Reporter article isn’t giving much reassurance to fans either. While the daily entertainment trade paper stated that the 9 a.m. hour of The Today Show was always a possibility, “the 1 p.m. [hour], when the soap Days of Our Lives currently airs, is more likely.”
To add insult to injury, the New York City market will be shifting DOOL to the 12 p.m. hour beginning Monday, Jan. 16. This changes the viewership habits of longtime fans who have become accustomed to the the 1 p.m. time slot.
DOOL was on the brink of cancellation last year until it received a one-season renewal last February. There is a second-season option that NBC can utilize, but will they now that Kelly has been brought into the fold? The show hasn't been a ratings bonanza for NBC for years and has been struggling against the three remaining soaps.
Kelly was the most discussed journalist from the 2016 presidential campaign. Her frequent sparring with President-elect Donald Trump made for constant headlines and a hotly-contested bidding war for Kelly, whose Fox News contract was up for renewal.
Soap viewers know that their favorite shows often get juggled around to make room for new daytime talk shows. This happened in 2012 when ABC shifted General Hospital for Katie Couric’s now-cancelled series. Is there enough room on the schedule for NBC to do something similar for DOOL?
While no premiere date has been announced for Kelly’s show, keep your eyes peeled for an NBC announcement on DOOL’s fate. We are crossing our fingers for all of the residents of Salem.
Carly Waddell and Evan Bass are the only successfully engaged Bachelor in Paradise Season 3 couple still standing, and they have big plans for 2017. Namely, a wedding.
"We haven't set a date yet, but it will be this year!" Bass confidently told the outlet.
Waddell added, "I told Evan, I was like, 'Whatever you want to do. You find out what you want to do, and I'll plan it.' I've never been that girl that's like, 'This is my dress, these are my flowers,' I don't care. Like, I would marry him in a courthouse and be fine."
Though the couple won't be planning to marry in a courthouse. Waddell revealed she will be looking at prospective locations in Napa this month.
Waddell also said Bachelor Nation ladies Jade Roper (who met her now-husband Tanner Tolbert on Bachelor in Paradise Season 2) and Juelia Kinney (who searched and failed to find love in Season 2) will be included in the wedding party.
carly waddell instagram pic 1
carly waddell instagram pic 1
As for Bass, he also plans on having some Bachelor Nation groomsmen, including Season 3 bachelors Wells Adams and Nick Viall, who is currently searching for love for his fourth time with the franchise on The Bachelor Season 21.
Chris Harrison may even officiate the ceremony, which means, hopefully, there's a chance it good be televised!
Bass and Waddell may not be married yet, but that doesn't mean they aren't already #couplegoals. Their Instagrams are full of adorable pics of the two sharing life together.
carly waddell instagram pic 2
carly waddell instagram pic 2
carly waddell instagram pic 3
carly waddell instagram pic 3
carly waddell instagram pic 4
carly waddell instagram pic 4
Do you think ABC should televise Waddell and Bass' wedding?
In our first installment of Dispatches from High School, we asked our teenagers what they wanted their parents to quit saying or doing. This time, we asked what they wish their parents would give them more of.
Their answers really caught us off guard. (Spoiler: They weren't "give me money" or "go away.") We were surprised by the consistency of their responses — and, frankly, touched. (And we're scheduling more family dinners in our own households despite our kids' protests. They'll thank us later. Probably.) We hope you find these insights as enlightening as we did.
“What is the one thing you wish your parents would do more?”
"I would wish my parents would do more small family get-togethers. I know it is hard to get everyone in my family together at the same time because we are all so busy. But even just some family dinners and movie nights mean a lot to me."
— Junior
Image: SheKnows
"I wish my parents could spend more time with us during the week. It’s also very challenging because during the weekend, when I have plans with friends, that’s the time when my parents are available. It’s hard having to work out a schedule and it’s difficult having opposite time frames. Sometimes I’m thankful that my parents haven’t been home all the time because I am much more mature and independent than I would’ve been. I think looking back on it, I do wish that my parents were home more often. I remember when I was little, I found out that I saw my teachers more than I saw my parents during the week and that made me so angry and upset. Lots of my friends had moms with part-time or stay-at-home jobs, so they were always home. I wish that my parents could’ve been home more when I was super-little."
— Evan, freshman
"Sometimes I wish my parents would accept how I feel rather than trying to direct how I feel."
— Sophomore
Image: SheKnows
"My mom and I have very similar opinions on topics such as politics, clothes, relationships and much more. However, on the rare occasion when we disagree, the result usually does not end in my favor. Our most recent controversial topic had to do with college, as I am a junior in high school. I am leaning towards looking at big schools that have the option of Greek life. Unfortunately for me, my mom believes that sororities are shallow, superficial and judgmental. While some of these assumptions might contain some truth, I want to figure out my own beliefs by myself. Accepting the fact that I occasionally have different opinions is the one parenting skill which my mother could improve on. However, I understand that she believes she always knows what is best for me, and I greatly respect that. I understand that what she says is motivated by love. To love someone that much is truly a beautiful ability to have. I truly want her opinions, but I would also benefit more by engaging in research on the matter by myself, even if this means learning something the hard way."
— Junior
"My parents do so much for me and take care of me more than most kids in this world will ever experience, and I am grateful for it. I have a home, and I eat three meals a day, so right now it does not cross my mind to ask my parents for much more. If anything, they should be telling me what they wish I would do more often. If there is anything I wish they would do more of it would be for them to treat themselves a little more often — because they are rocking this whole parenting thing."
— Frederick, freshman
Image: SheKnows
"I live in a family of five people with crazy individual schedules. We are all always so busy and rarely ever have time to all be together for more than 30 minutes. I wish my parents would coordinate more family dinners throughout the week. Just one hour to ask one another about our how are day was or joke about how terrible my grade on that calculus test was. I’m not asking for a gourmet meal here — a simple bowl of ramen would suffice. It has hit me that in a year and a half, I won’t get to see my family as often, and I want to take advantage of the ability to spend time with them now before I leave home for college. Despite our insane schedules, dinner once a week isn’t a lot to ask, and I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind an hour to relax, talk to their kids and eat a delicious (probably take-out) meal."
— Lexie, junior
Image: SheKnows
"The one thing I wish my parents could do more of is criticize my work. I feel as if I’ve grown up in a bubble of positivity around my schoolwork, and as a result, I can’t take feedback without it hurting my ego. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gotten criticism over the years from my parents about my manners, my behavior, etc., but the work I create in school has always been lauded until recently, when I’ve actually started getting critiqued. Suddenly, I’m second-guessing myself since I’ve grown up with so much positive feedback. I believe it was my parents' job to help instill the belief that criticism is not just OK, but necessary as a means for advancement. It would’ve been nice to have more constructive criticism so that... now, I wouldn’t be so sensitive to it."
— Senior
"My life is pretty stressful right now since I’m in the middle of my senior year, and thus, the college process. Most of the times when I’m at home on the weekends, I’m trying to catch up on homework before going out with my friends, as we usually hang out on Saturday afternoons. It’s pretty hard to manage schoolwork as well as my social life and spending time with my parents, and when I do have time to sit down and take a breather, most of our conversations circulate around applying to college. At this point in time, I would really appreciate spending time with them in ways that do not involve talking about already stressful things, for example, going on a walk or out to the movies or dinner. I think it’s especially important right now to cherish the time that I have with them since I’ll be out of the house in less than a year."
— Senior
Image: SheKnows
"Hang out more. I know that they are busy with work and whatnot, but I would love to chill more with them and actually have a meaningful conversation over them barely responding while on a laptop. Of course, life is very busy [with] work and school, but it would be nice."
In the cover story for Vanity Fair's February issue, Pratt explained he was told he was too big for the part during his audition for Moneyball in 2011.
"That was the first time I heard someone say, 'We’re not gonna cast you — you’re too fat.' So I decided to drop the weight, like in wrestling. I couldn’t afford a trainer, so it was all running and crash-dieting and cutting alcohol."
He debuted his more defined figure in 2012's Zero Dark Thirty and the world took note. From there, Pratt became the blockbuster star he is today, with films like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic Park under his belt.
But don't worry, we haven't seen the last of the Pratt from his Parks & Recreation days.
Pratt even told Stephen Colbert during a Late Show appearance that his wife, Anna Faris, actually prefers his previous physique.
"She likes to cook and I don’t get to eat as much of her cooking as I used to..." Pratt explained. "He’s not gone forever. He’s just on vacation for a couple years, but he’s coming back."
Luckily, Pratt doesn't take his weight or himself too seriously and prefers to focus on his family. In fact, he told Vanity Fair that he's taking a hiatus from acting in 2017.
Do you think Chris Pratt should return to his Parks & Rec body?
Each year many people make New Year's Eve resolutions of things that they would like to accomplish or change in the new year ahead. It is a great time to create goals that you would like to reach for yourself. It helps to have this new start to get yourself motivated for a new year. But what resolution will you choose? There are so many different areas of life that a person could change. One really valuable resolution that I think will help make relationships better and individuals stronger in their sense of self is to stop making excuses for yourself and others in your life.
Stop making excuses when your partner, spouse, or boyfriend/girlfriend does something that disappoints you. Be braver, be bolder, be open, and share your feelings and thoughts in productive ways to help people in your life understand you better. Don’t make excuses for someone else’s poor behaviors or choices, make decisions if this is the right friendship, relationship, or connection for you. If you have expectations of a person, and they don't meet those expectations time and time again forcing you to make an excuse for them, that's a warning sign. You need to consider that the relationship is not going to succeed if you cannot admit that this does not make you happy. If someone is always doing something that bothers you, but you are too nice to share your feelings, be open and communicate to them your worry or thoughts. You might be surprised that the other person is open to hearing your concern and working on this to better your relationship. This also means that you cannot make excuses for yourself either, take ownership of what needs to change in your life and find a productive and positive way to do this.
A lot of people who are dating or in new relationships (or even old ones for that matter) tend to allow for a lot of excuses and apologies for behaviors that are not going to be useful in this relationship. Maybe you find that your date is always canceling on you and rescheduling, or new boyfriend is never reliable or always late, and your response is to just say, "Well it's OK, they were late at work, or they are busy." Remember a pattern of behavior is different than a mistake that happens, and you have to ask some questions. If someone forgets to return your call or text, maybe once or twice is fine, but a pattern is concerning. If a pattern of behavior appears negative at the onset of dating someone new, it might be time to find a new companion or figure out if you can discuss what changes need to occur for the relationship to be healthy. You cannot expect to change another’s behavior. But, what can you do? Instead of making excuses for someone else or even yourself, you can tell the other person your feelings and thoughts and how this affects you. If it is something in yourself that you need to change, then stop making excuses for not working on the problem and changing something that would benefit you.
Excuses are sometimes necessary for things can spring up at times. But for the most part, making excuses for people or yourself is not admitting the issue exists, and if you cannot admit something is not working well, then how do you fix this in yourself or in your relationship? In 2017, take time to focus on positive changes and being mindful of your own actions and how they affect others in your life. Maybe you need to work on opening up and sharing more with your spouse. Or perhaps you need to tell your girlfriend that it bothers you when she prioritizes you last all the time. Whatever the change is, find it and make your relationships better. Communicate your thoughts and let someone else know what is bothering you about the relationship. It's only after sharing this information that the other person can work with you to make things better for the couple.
The Bachelor's Nick Viall is opening up about that one night stand with Liz, and he isn't too impressed with how she handled herself on premiere night.
"She was trying to see if I remembered her, and then weirdly liked that I didn’t," Viall said in an interview during On Air With Mario Lopez.
Despite Liz's attempted trick, Viall said he did recognize her right away, but he was caught off guard by the whole moment, especially when Liz didn't make mention of Jade and Tanner's wedding, where the two met and had their one-night stand.
"So when she was like, 'I’m kind of glad that he doesn’t remember,' I’m thinking, 'Wait,'" Viall said of watching premiere back. "I’m assuming she came at least with the hope that I might be the person she’d want to spend the rest of her life with, so it seemed odd that she was digging the fact that I didn’t remember."
Liz also lost viewer's respect when it was revealed she was the one who did the ditching following their one-night stand. Viall tried to get her number, but Liz was the one who wanted to just leave things as they were.
Liz even went so far as to tell Nick that she didn't really even know if she liked him as a person until she saw him on Bachelor in Paradise that following summer.
Needless to say, I don't see Liz making it very long on the show, otherwise, why would Viall be talking about her like this? With a start like that, maybe Liz had it right the first time: She should have just let it be.
Hey, getting your dog groomed by a pro can be expensive — which explains why so many dog owners decide to step into the groomer's shoes occasionally and take care of our own doggy's 'do. Some of us have made a regular habit of it because the convenience of saving time and money just makes sense.
And let's be real; those of us who opt to groom our own dogs basically think we're masters at it... that we can trim our dog's coat as skillfully as Edward Scissorhands could trim a shrub. While there may in fact be some impressive home groomers in the mix, most of us are probably doing it wrong.
You might be thinking, "Wait. Is there a wrong way to groom a dog?" Well, no and yes. No, because it's your dog, dude. Ultimately, if your pup seems happy and you think your dog grooming skills are on point, then you do you.
Yes, because there actually is a right way to groom your own dog — and by "right," we mean a way that makes grooming your own dog a more efficient and successful task to undertake. Consider it a life hack for DIY dog grooming, if you will.
So, what is this mystical trick I speak of? Prepare to marvel at the simplicity of this step you've likely been skipping all along: pre-bathing your dog.
If you're anything like me, you've probably been bathing your dog post-grooming. It's a great way to get rid of all of the tiny, annoying, recently-clipped hair from your dog's coat, right? You can still give your dog another bath after grooming if you feel it's necessary, but many pro groomers give dogs a pre-bath too.
The reason for this is alarmingly logical — a clean dog is just easier to groom. When you think about it, this makes perfect sense.
As poor an analogy as it may be, it makes me think of the battle that commences when I try to brush my 5-year-old daughter's hair when it is dry as opposed to when she has just taken a bath and her hair is tangle-free. It's much the same with dog's coats in that a nice shampoo bath before grooming makes it easier for the brush or clippers to glide through your dog's hair.
A fringe benefit to pre-bathing your dog before grooming is that it will extend the life of your dog grooming supplies (think clippers, scissors, combs, etc.), because they don't have to work as hard to do their job.
After you've bathed your dog, let him or her dry and then commence with regular grooming activities.
First, grab your comb or fine-wired brush and begin coming out your dog's coat. Be particularly mindful of any areas that are matted, giving special attention so as not to hurt your pup when you work through the mat.
Once your dog's coat has been combed through thoroughly, you can take out your clippers and start to endeavor on whatever style you dig for your dog. Clipping, of course, should start at the back of the ears with your clippers positioned so they are flat against your pup's body.
Follow the direction your dog's hair naturally lays and make long, deliberate passes with the clippers. Continue in this method until you've successfully made your way around the dog's entire body.
While you can use clippers on your dog's head, the noise could scare your pooch. Plus, wielding clippers around your dog's eyes can be kind of unnerving. If it is more comfortable, trimming around your dog's eyes, ears and mouth with scissors is always an option.
There you have it! Unless you do opt to give your dog a post-grooming bath, you're done. Give yourself (and your pup) a solid pat on the back.
We all have our favorite body parts we like to work out (hello! squats are a girl's best friend), but a lot of us have been seriously neglecting a muscle group capable of giving our upper bodies a huge lift — literally. We're talking pecs. Working these muscles is an effective way to get naturally perky boobs.
“Many women overlook working the pectoral muscles, which eventually leads to upper-body weakness,” says Angeles Burke, Celsius Director of Fitness & Wellness and one of our favorite fitness experts. "Give your 'girls' a lift by adding this exercise to your workout routine."
Here are Burke's best moves for perkier boobs. Complete four sets of 10 repetitions per exercise.
1. Incline chest fly
Image: Angeles Burke/SheKnows
Grasping a dumbbell in each hand, sit on an incline bench. Elevate your arms so they’re straight and your palms are facing each other (the dumbbells should be touching). From here, slowly open up your arms while maintaining a slight bend at the elbows until they are nearly parallel with the floor. Breathe in and push your chest out while lowering your arms. Breathe out and push your arms back up to starting position.
Quick fitness tip: Both the chest flies and the chest press can be done while lying on a bench or the floor rather than the incline bench, notes Burke. “The beginning and ending positions for both moves are the same. I feel that incorporating the different angles for each move targets the muscles in different ways and keeps your body guessing,” she says.
Grasping dumbbells in each hand, lean back on an incline bench so your back and head are pressed against the seat. Hold the dumbbells with elbows bent, so your upper arms are parallel to the ground and your forearms run perpendicular to the floor, with your palms facing forward. Exhale and push the dumbbells overhead until they meet at the top. Inhale and slowly lower your arms down to the starting position. “Since you’re also incorporating your shoulders in this move, you may notice you are a lot stronger than you were in the chest fly,” notes Burke. She suggests increasing weight to make this move more challenging. “During each set, you should really be challenged at repetition eight.”
Using a cable machine, drop the cables so they rest on the ground. Hold a handle in each hand out toward the side with your palms facing up. Exhale and pull your arms up so that your palms meet in front of your face. Inhale and use control to bring your arms back to each side. “Focus on using the chest muscles to bring the cable up and be sure not to throw your body weight into the move for assistance,” advises Burke.
4. Chest dips
Image: Angeles Burke/SheKnows
Using a dip machine, pick a weight that will provide enough assistance (i.e., one that’s not too heavy) but that will still challenge your muscles. Place your hands on each bar and put your knees on the pad below you. Start with your arms fully extended and then drop your body down and bend your elbows for a full range of motion. Push up through your palms to the starting position and repeat. “Lean forward a little bit during this move to incorporate the chest muscles a bit more,” says Burke. “If this becomes too easy, drop the knee pad and push up your body weight without assistance.”
If you’re just beginning your training, start by doing push-ups on your knees (which makes doing this exercise slightly easier). Bring your palms to the ground and walk them forward until your back is in a straight line. Keeping your back straight, look forward and drop your chest to the ground in a controlled motion, then push back up through your palms to the starting position. “If you have more strength in your shoulders and chest, start this move in a plank position,” says Burke. Push-ups may be low on your list of favorite exercises, but they’re important in the quest for a perkier chest.
Kim Kardashian West took a three-month break from social media following her robbery in Paris, France, on Oct. 3, but this week, she finally made her return.
First, she took to social media to cause a frenzy by changing her last name and dropping the "West" from her title (before adding it back mere hours later), and then she shared a photo of herself and her family on Instagram — ultimately squashing those divorce rumors about herself and Kanye West. So the only thing left was to make her selfie debut.
And on Wednesday, Jan. 3, Kardashian West returned to Snapchat and shared a selfie with her mother, Kris Jenner.
The image, which was taken while in a car, shows Kardashian West sporting her signature pout as she poses alongside Jenner. She captioned it with, "First selfie of 2017 w my mama."
Kim Kardashian Snapchat
Kim Kardashian Snapchat
The shot was shared on the Instagram account kimksnapchats, and judging by the comments on the page, fans are pleased to see Kardashian West return to the limelight after a considerable break. Comments include one from dieter_horemans who wrote, "Happy too see you on social media. I wish you and your family all the best in 2017."
Janiebundy also expressed their excitement, writing, "Welcome back love...missed you." While alberthuntsberry commented with "Love you Kim and glad you are back..."
Yes, we live in a time in which gender norms are becoming taboo, but — let's face it — they're not extinct. For the most part, we still do the whole dog and pony show to attract a potential mate and for guys, that usually involves the maintenance of facial and body hair.
But, like any primping ritual, it's hard to know if the effort you're putting in is worth it. So we decided to help the dudes out by asking several 20-something girls to tell us what they really think about eyebrow waxing, back hair, mustaches and more. Because isn't it just better to just know?
1. Is it weird when guys shave their legs?
Image: konkrete/iStock/360/Getty Images
Olivia: "Yes. I used to date a guy that did this, but it's because he was a 'triathlete.' Bro, shaving the hair is going to what? Shave five seconds off your swim time? Not a fan."
Katie: "Yes! Unless he's a swimmer it's too feminine."
Vanessa: "Yes. I'm not really into guys shaving any part of their body (besides their face). It would seem like they are trying too hard and way too into their appearance."
Haley: "If it's not for a sport, then yes. It takes away his manliness."
The verdict: Unless you're a pro athlete, just don't.
2. What about when they shave their arms?
Image: wrangel/iStock/360/Getty Images
Carin: "It's not as weird as shaving their legs. Men should have some hair though unless it's just ridiculously dark and thick."
Amanda: "No! Most baseball players do this, and we all know how they look."
Jenna: "Yes!! It's so unattractive when you're lying in bed next to a guy and his second-day shaved arm rubs against yours. Ew!"
Vanessa: "I wouldn't shave my arms so I definitely wouldn't want my guy shaving his."
The verdict: Depends on the girl. Some of us don't mind, while others are so not down.
3. How do you feel about full-on beards?
Image: Jessica Peterson/Getty Images
Olivia: "Once upon a time I made out with a full-on beard. I gave it the ol' college try and lip locked with the guy several times since he was so cool, but I ultimately got tired of pulling beard hairs out of my mouth post-makeout. Plus, it made me wonder how untamed he was… well, down there. Bring on the scruff all day long because that 5 o'clock shadow is hot. But keep those trimmers handy boys."
Katie: "Ew, no. Beards freak me out. It's like making out with Santa. WTF! A little scruff (Bradley Cooper style) — yes, please if he looks sexy with it!"
Jenna: "100 percent yes! It has to be a well-manicured beard though: shaved neck, clean lines and trimmed short. My fiancé's beard is the perfect length, but it easily can get out of control. I usually have to remind him that it's time to trim it or else he starts to resemble Jesus."
Vanessa: "I like a scruffy beard but not too long. I think my guy is sexiest with a little scruff, usually about five to seven days after he shaves. It gives him a little bit of an edge without being too much of a caveman."
The verdict: Duck Dynasty-style beards are a total turnoff. David Beckham-style scruff, on the other hand, is a total turn on.
Carin: "A mustache?! Um, no… not even for the month of November. Sketchy!"
Olivia: "One question… Are you a registered sex offender? If not, ditch the mustache."
Vanessa: "Eh, some guys can pull them off but definitely not all. If a guy has a ton of confidence and it fits his 'look' I think it can be pretty cool. Otherwise, it just looks strange."
Jenna: "Hate them! I'm sorry but no matter how hot you are you can't rock a mustache. It will take any guy from a 10 to a 1."
Haley: "They remind me of my Dad so I'd prefer my man not to have one."
The verdict: Get rid of your mustache, like, now (unless you're a hipster, born in the '60s or a registered sex offender, that is).
5. To manscape or not to manscape… down there?
Image: VMJones/iStock/360/Getty Images
Jenna: "Fully shaven is just weird, but he should definitely trim it up. Ball fros are a big no-no."
Haley: "Just clean it up! Nobody wants to scrape one off the tongue, but if you're smoother than me we have a problem!"
Olivia: "For God's sake… Manscape! Manscape! Manscape! I'm not trying to come back up and cough up a hairball mid-hanky panky. I'm indifferent to the shave it all scenario. I don't hate it, and I don't love it. Kind of makes you look like a man child, but if it's all or nothing, I'll take nothing."
Carin: "Manscape for sure. I'm not trying to get hair in my mouth when I'm doing him a favor. Not completely shaved but trimmed up pretty good."
The verdict: Do it! Seriously, we're begging you. Just don't shave it all off — a trim is good.
6. Is it "girly" if a guy cleans up his eyebrows?
Image: Yuri_Arcurs/iStock/360/Getty Images
Katie: "Not as long as they don't look too manicured then there's no problem with cleaning them up a little. My man thinks it's too girly."
Vanessa: "I'm definitely guilty of shaping my guy's eyebrows. I pluck them every other month or so, mostly because it's fun and he pretends to hate it even though I know he secretly loves his newly groomed brows. A guy going out of his way to get his eyebrows waxed is a little much for me, however."
Carin: "Not girly! I secretly wish my boyfriend would let me clean his up a little."
Haley: "I prefer they stay shaped up but not too perfect. I waxed my guy's brows and at first he was embarrassed, but now he likes the natural result."
The verdict: Not at all. Please keep it natural though. Your brows should never look more perfect than ours. Oh, and don't be afraid to ask us for help.
7. How much chest hair is too much chest hair?
Image: Fred Froese/Photodisc/Getty Images
Olivia: "A very hairy chest isn't my thing. I like somewhere in between. If a guy wants to go bare, I'm cool with that too."
Katie: "I like none! I make my man shave it."
Amanda: "Chest hair is not for me. A shaved chest makes a guy look more manly, especially if he has a hot body."
Jenna: "I like a hairy chest but nothing too out of control. Just like eyebrows and beards, chest hair should also be groomed. If he has patchy chest hair, he should go ahead and shave it. If he's on the hairy side, he should definitely trim it up but not too short. I hate chest stubble. It's too pokey!"
Haley: "Well, my guy has like five chest hairs so that's good for me. Too much would be weird I think. Def don't shave it though. It grows back weird and rough."
The verdict: Depends on the girl. Super-duper hairy, however, isn't hot. Before you shave it all off though, check in with your girl first (some like the shaved look, while others don't).
8. Back hair: Is it a deal breaker?
Image: JanMika/iStock/360/Getty Images
Vanessa: "Hmm, I'm torn on this one. Again, I'm not a huge fan of guys waxing or anything like that, but back hair just isn't very sexy. I would stick with him either way though."
Amanda: "No, but get rid of that shiz!"
Olivia: "Just get rid of it! I will use the clippers on you, but please get rid of it."
Jenna: "If it's just a little bit of back hair, it's not a huge deal if he keeps it, but a smooth back is much nicer to look at."
Haley: "If it's a couple, I'd pluck them. But I do appreciate that my guy doesn't have back hair."
The verdict: No, but please let us help you get rid of it ASAP.
9. Would it be weird if a guy shaved his armpits?
Image: sunemotion/iStock/360/Getty Images
Amanda: "A trim is necessary!! Shaving the armpits for a guy though… not so much."
Jenna: "Yes, it's definitely weird if a guy shaves his armpits. Trimming is totally OK, and for some guys, it's a must. If I can see your armpit hair without you raising your arms, then that's a problem."
Haley: "Yes, that is weird. My 3-year-old checks daily for his first armpit hair — it's a sign you're a real man!"
Vanessa: "Yes. I don't ever want my armpit hair to be longer than my man's, and if I skip a day of shaving I would start to feel pretty self-conscious about it."
The verdict: Yes. Trims are totally cool (and encouraged) by us though.
Amber Rose and Val Chmerkovskiy have proven they don't just make really great dance partners, they also work well as a couple — and they don't care who sees how into each other they are.
The couple has made no attempt to hide their affections for each other over the last few months, and on Wednesday, Jan. 4, Rose made her feelings for Chmerkovskiy completely clear when she took to Instagram to share a picture of herself and her new man sharing a smooch. She captioned it with a simple but very telling message: "My love."
Amber Rose Instagram
Amber Rose Instagram
The post has sparked an overwhelming reaction, and it's clear that a lot of people really approve of this relationship. Comments include one from kimndavo who wrote, "New romance is good for her."
"Awwww I love this, find happiness baby!" mayreejaymacks commented. Allisondlake agreed, writing, "THIS RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING!"
"Yes!!!!!! Love that u are so happy!!!" _iamj wrote.
Not that Rose needs anyone's approval, because she's happier than she has been in a really long time. During her Loveline podcast on Wednesday night, Jan. 4, she opened up about romance with Chmerkovskiy (although she never mentioned him by name).
Amber Rose podcast
Amber Rose podcast
Speaking of her relationship, she gushed, "It's amazing. It's so good. It's so good. It's been four months now and it's awesome. I love his family and everyone is just so great and he's great."
That said, there's one small downfall to the relationship: the highly public nature of it, which Rose revealed was hard. However, her later remarks seemed to suggest that she pays no attention to the scrutiny of her romance because she revealed that right now, her relationship is "absolutely amazing" and that she's "super-, super-happy."
DIY beauty treatments are everywhere on Pinterest and Instagram nowadays — and a ton of them are total disasters. But if you're looking for a natural, homemade way to get glowing skin that won't burn you, break you out, or just make a ginormous mess, good old-fashioned honey is where it's at.
"Raw honey is incredible for your skin thanks to its antibacterial properties and hefty serving of skin-saving antioxidants," natural beauty expert Kim Wallace, founder of kimberlyloc.com, told us. "Whether you're looking for an inexpensive DIY solution or a powerful skin treatment, raw honey can help you regain your glow."
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
Wallace shares four of the main skin-saving properties of honey.
Acne: Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention.
Aging: Full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging.
Complexion boost: It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps create a glow.
Pores: Honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog.
Wallace tells us that one of the easiest things you can do with raw honey is layer it on as a mask. “Raw honey can help unclog pores while simultaneously delivering moisture to parched skin,” she says.
Apply a thin layer of raw honey to slightly damp skin using a circular motion. Leave the honey for at least 30 minutes and then gently rinse it off with warm water. “You'll find that it easily washes away, leaving you with soft, radiant skin.”
2. Honey spot treatment
Try zapping pesky zits with honey. “If you're suffering from a breakout, reach for a swab of honey instead of an overly drying over-the-counter pimple cream,” Wallace advises. “Applied ever so lightly, you can sleep with a dab of honey on your face and awaken to less-stressed skin.” Swirl a small amount of honey onto a cotton swab and dab onto your blemish. If you want a little extra boost, Wallace suggests mixing the honey with tea tree oil and lavender oil for additional natural cleansing.
3. Honey cleanser
Though it's not meant for removing delicate eye makeup, honey still makes a good cleanser. “It is amazing at dissolving other makeup, especially when mixed with your favorite natural plant oil and spices,” Wallace tells us. She suggests creating a mixture of honey and oil (try coconut oil or jojoba oil) to form a balmy texture that is slippery enough to slide across your face. “Add in a dash of cinnamon, turmeric or nutmeg for an aromatic treat. Massage the concoction over your face, loosening up heavy makeup and moisturizing your skin at the same time.”
You can exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with a gentle scrub made with two parts honey and one part Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. “Baking soda offers light exfoliation while the honey soothes and smooths the skin,” explains Wallace. “Don't be shy about using this recipe from head to toe — your arms, legs and feet will also benefit from this simple yet effective concoction.”
5. Honey bath
Once you start dealing with dry winter skin, turn to honey to soothe. “As the seasons change, your skin can go into overdrive trying to rebalance itself to the conditions. Warm baths with soothing ingredients can keep your skin in check,” affirms Wallace. “Add two cups of honey to a running bath to create body-smoothing bliss. Soak for 15 minutes and then add a cup of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for your final 15 minutes to help rid your body of dead skin cells without irritation.”
Look, we love those classic Super Bowl snacks as much as you do. And we're not here to ruin your fun, we swear. It's just that... would it be so terrible if we managed to sneak in some extra vitamins, minerals and fiber and took away some of the junk? Nutrition educator, executive chef and founder of personalized food service Food Matters NYC (creator of the popular Xanax pudding) Tricia Williams is giving our snacks makeovers, and we think you're going to like what you taste.
Tricia: These make a great substitute for the original snack and everyone will appreciate their earthy spice and zing.
Ingredients:
Spice mix:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon red pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon green pepper powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon tomato powder
1 pinch ancho chili powder
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
Chip dough:
1-1/2 cups quinoa flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 – 1 cup water, lukewarm
Directions:
Blend all of the spice mix ingredients together in a spice grinder or Vitamix, and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
In a mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the quinoa flour and sea salt together. Add water gradually.
As the dough gathers into a ball, continue kneading with the hook for 2 minutes.
Leave the dough to rest for 1 hour covered with a damp towel.
Pinch off the dough into 1-1/2-inch balls.
Dust the counter and rolling pin with quinoa flour. Roll each ball into rounds 8 inches in diameter, the size of a tortilla. Set them aside on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
Heat a skillet on low to medium heat.
Spray the pan lightly with high heat oil, like canola or safflower oil. Cook the tortilla on one side for 30 seconds on the heated skillet. Then turn the tortilla over and heat the other side for another 30 seconds. The tortilla should rise and be golden in color.
Remove the quinoa tortilla from the skillet. Allow it to cool.
Cut the quinoa tortillas into 6 triangles.
Bake them in the oven until crispy.
Remove them from the oven and toss immediately with the spice mix. Enjoy!
Tricia: This hummus is such a beautiful dish, particularly in the winter. Not only is the tahini quite high in calcium, the garbanzos offer a good deal of fiber and some healthy protein. What’s more, the sweet potatoes offer an incredibly sweet flavor that enhances the zesty tahini taste. This root offers double the fiber of regular potatoes and is packed with quality vitamins, including vitamins A, C and B6. Its mineral value, including potassium and magnesium, is also fantastic for your blood cells and blood pressure.
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
3 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons water
1 cup cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Poke holes in the sweet potatoes, and bake them for 45 minutes or until soft.
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool.
Place the sweet potatoes, oil, water, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper in a food processor.
Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy.
Serve with sliced vegetables, on whole grain bread or any other healthful food of your choice.
Tricia: Restaurant chicken wings are often coated with white flour and fried in vegetable oil. I like to bake my wings until they are super-crispy and then toss them in our vegetable-based Buffalo sauce. Chewing on chicken wings provides the body with a healthy amount of animal fat. Eating the meat off the bones helps support a healthy and flexible bone structure. You could eat bone broth for the same health benefits, but wings are so much more fun!
For the Buffalo sauce
Yields: 1 quart
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (6 ounces), medium dice
1 medium carrot (6 ounces), medium dice
1 large or 2 small red bell peppers (7 ounces), medium dice
2 stalks celery (5 ounces), medium dice
1/4 tablespoon tomato paste
2 jalapeño peppers (seeds included), medium dice
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoon maple syrup
2 cups water
2 teaspoons sea salt
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add all the vegetables and sauté until soft but not brown (about 15 minutes). Add tomato paste, jalapeños, pepper flakes and cayenne. Stir for 30 seconds. Add vinegar, maple syrup and water.
Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.
Pour the cooled mixture into the blender and purée on high until the mixture is smooth. Salt to taste.
For the “blue cheese” dipping sauce
Yields: 2 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup (5 ounces) raw cashews
1-1/4 cups water
4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
5 teaspoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Directions:
Soak the cashews in water for 30 minutes. Purée in a blender until smooth and creamy.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend until thoroughly incorporated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
For the Buffalo chicken wings
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings split
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup Buffalo wing sauce
“Blue cheese” dipping sauce
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt and canola oil. Spread the wings evenly on a parchment-covered sheet tray.
Place the wings in a heated oven for 30 minutes. Turn the wings and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Wings should be golden brown and crunchy when they're done.
While wings are cooking, heat one cup of Buffalo sauce in a small saucepan.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with sauce and serve with blue cheese dipping sauce.
We know celebrities aren’t immune to hardship or trauma just because of their success. But it really hits home when a star is frank about their health issues. Shannen Doherty’s latest breast cancer photos show just how equally refreshing and heartbreaking that can be.
Her photos, which document the moment she had to shave her head, are not the typical filtered, glossy snaps we've come to believe celebrities constantly live in. They're pretty damn raw.
Shannen Doherty1
Shannen Doherty1
It's one of many moments that any woman who has ever faced cancer or who ever will face cancer dreads. Avoids. Prays they don't have to do. And it's not about vanity; it's about identity. You see yourself change before your eyes, already bearing the burden of so much change and fear. I can only imagine that it feels like a confirmation of, yes, you are in fact fighting cancer. Any shred of denial likely goes with the hair.
She spoke to Dr. Oz earlier this year on Entertainment Tonightabout her breast cancer, and he later opened up about the interview, saying, "She had to come to grips with the fear — sometimes that fear has paralyzed her over the past year." He continued, "That's why a bright woman has sat with a cancer in her breast for that long. We run from the things we fear — I think she's embracing it now."
Shannen Doherty2
Shannen Doherty2
It's heartbreaking, but it's something so many women can relate to (about 1 in 8 women, to be exact). Even if you've never battled cancer, you know that hardship is easier to face when you have support and a sense of community — when you know you're not the only one. So the very act of sharing these photos of a moment that is so less than perfect is actually quite perfect. There's a mood in them that is, yes, sad, but it's also comforting to see her friends and family standing with her.
Shannen Doherty3
Shannen Doherty3
I'm sure many women are thanking Doherty for putting this out there without a coat of sugar, and we're definitely sending happy thoughts in her direction.
Shannen Doherty4
Shannen Doherty4
In Doherty's "chemo day" post, she shows us that, sure, there are bad days, but you have to remind yourself to wipe the tears, pull your chin up and #fightlikeagirl.
Shannen Doherty chemo post
Shannen Doherty chemo post
Even while getting her chemo, Doherty still manages to put a smile on her face.
Shannen Doherty chemo video post
Shannen Doherty chemo video post
Just one day after chemo, Doherty hit the gym to move her body and shake her booty — to help with the healing process.
