You guys, seriously, how many times are we going to get to gloat over pregnancy news this year? WE TOLD YOU SO.
This "we told you so" is dedicated with love to hottie-pants power couple Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and her fiancé, Jason Statham. The British model finally broke the news on Instagram with the requisite naked-belly-bump pic. Ho hum. We mean, oh my gosh, we never tire of the miracle of life.
“Very happy to share that Jason and I are expecting!! Lots of love Rosie x,” she captioned a picture of herself on a beach so perfect, it hurt our teeth.
Fans are flipping out because, hey, we're all beginning to think all you have to do to get pregnant and wind up on a beach is just inhale deeply once or twice through your open mouth. One fan commented: “Omg, omg, I knew it!!!!!! So happy for you, dearest Rosie!”
Everybody maybe just settle down and take a chill pill. Homo sapiens have been getting their freak on for, like, 2 million years. That's a whole lot of babies. Rosie just looks prettier than most of us partaking in the propagation of the human race. Don't haz a sad. We can't all kneel on perfect beaches with our blemish-free baby bumps.
Huntington-Whiteley told The Edit in 2015 that she was hankering to start a family with Statham. “Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that. I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure."
Except maybe your stretch mark-free belly, Rosie. That thing is a work of art. Trust us: We know.
One of the most beautiful things in women’s history happened this week, even a screenwriter couldn’t have scripted it better. Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced on the floor of the Senate as she read from a letter written by Coretta Scott King. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell instigated the shut-down using an obscure law written to prevent debates from devolving into fistfights. When asked about his decision later, McConnell said, “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." *Collective eyeroll*
Twitter caught fire with #shepersisted, as women tagged stories of women pressing forward.
Twitter Goes Wild with #ShePersisted
Twitter Goes Wild with #ShePersisted
Twitter users highlight women who persisted
Twitter users highlight women who persisted
Second only to Hillary Clinton, Warren is perhaps the most-known female legislator. She also might be the Democratic candidate for the 2020 presidential election, and she's a spectacular role model for women. Let’s get to know her a little better with a timeline of her life.
1963: May I take your order?
If you passed through Oklahoma City in 1963 Warren just might have been your waitress.
Born in Oklahoma City in 1949 Warren has said she, “Came up the hard way…out of a hard-working middle class family in an America that created opportunities for kids like me.”
At age 12 her father suffered a heart-attack that crippled the family financially and Elizabeth went to work as a waitress at her aunt’s restaurant. Her upbringing set the stage for her lifelong battle to help the working-class.
One of Oklahoma's top high school debaters, Warren graduated high school at 16 and started college on a debate scholarship. Two years in she dropped out to marry her high-school sweetheart. As her husband's job moved them around she finished her education in Houston, then enrolled in Rutgers School of Law. Passing the bar enabled her to raise their two young children while writing contracts and wills from home.
The Warren's marriage ended and Elizabeth dove into teaching. A newly enacted law that made bankruptcy easier caught her interest, and she began studying what led average people to declare insolvency.
1980: Proving her point
Warren remarried to law professor Bruce Mann (she proposed to him!) and in feminist form kept her first married name. Her stellar record as a law professor paved the way for teaching and research opportunities on her favorite topic: how people are impacted by finance law.
Warren became an outspoken advocate for consumer protection and didn't shy from the big banks and corporations that flourished during the decade.
1995: Washington D.C. calls
Warren accepted a prestigious teaching post at Harvard Law School. Over a 20-year career she has been the only teacher twice honored with the Sacks-Freund Teaching award, awarded by the law students.
Image: Wenn
Her expertise earned her an invitation to advise the National Bankruptcy Review Commission. Thus began her run-ins with Congress, as she testified against legislation that limited bankruptcy options. Her input was ultimately rejected as Congress passed more laws restricting consumer rights during bankruptcy.
2008: She tried to warn us!
Warren’s worst fears come true as the predatory lending practices she’d railed against crippled the U.S. economy. In the wake of the financial collapse, she was appointed to chair the congressional panel overseeing the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Her dogged work earned her supporters on both sides of the aisle and led the Boston Globe to name her Bostonian of the Year for 2009.
Watch her have an adorable girl moment then talk about women stepping up, at 1:02.
Elizabeth Warren is Bostonian of the year 2009
Elizabeth Warren is Bostonian of the year 2009
Angered by the lack of financial reform Warren starts to shed her diplomatic classroom persona. Ever fair, she even criticized Hilary Clinton anti-corporate rhetoric that didn't match up with her fundraising.
Way back in 2007 (before the financial collapse!) Warren had suggested a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Now that the country was in crisis they took her suggestion and created it. President Obama appointed Warren as Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Treasury Secretary charged with setting up the bureau. Democrats and consumer groups pushed for Warren to be named as the bureau's first director, but republicans vowed to block her. President Obama doesn’t even bother to nominate her.
2011: Battling corporate money
Warren announced her first political campaign, running as a Democrat for theU.S.Senate representing Massachusetts. Despite more than $5 million given to her Republican opponent by the financial sector, Warren wins.
Part of her success is attributed to a talk during a meet and greet when she challenged big business and lobbied for higher taxes. The gist is that nobody gets rich in America with using tax-funded infrastructure, but it deserves a watch to hear it the way she says it.
Elizabeth Warren on corporate taxation
Elizabeth Warren on corporate taxation
2012: Rising political star attracts haters
Warren becomes a national darling with her speech at the Democratic National Convention, where she refutes Mitt Romney’s statement that corporations are people. “Wall Street CEO’s—the same ones who wrecked our economy and destroyed millions of jobs—still strut around Congress, no shame, demanding favors and acting like we should thank them.”
But controversy swirls as it comes to light that for nearly ten years Warren listed herself as a minority in legal directories, claiming a small bit of Native American heritage. Opponents slam the new Senator while her brothers come to her defense. In the end, nothing can be proven due to poor documentation and racial prejudice that existed when her ancestors settled in Oklahoma.
2014: Is she or isn't she?
Misinformation circulates that Warren is sitting pretty in a $5.4 million dollar home while she pretends to be an advocate for the common man. (Politifact debunked the accusations.)
Meanwhile, she participated in the 15-hour filibuster launched in the wake of the Pulse club shootings, an effort to force Congress into enacting stronger gun regulation.
Always a powerful voice for women, Warren co-sponsored the Schedules That Work Act. The bill is designed to guarantee more stability for low-income employees, the segment most in jeopardy of having hours cut or rearranged.
Hillary Clinton wrote the profile for her political ally when TIME named Warren to its list of the Most Influential People of 2015, and rumors spread that she is shortlisted as a Veep candidate for both HRC and Bernie Sanders.
2016: Taking on big money
Warren excoriated Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf in cheer-worthy senate hearings about the giant bank’s scam to sign up new customers. Stumpf is left dumbfounded and it was glorious.
Elizabeth Warren slams Wells Fargo CEO
Elizabeth Warren slams Wells Fargo CEO
And Twitter feels the wrath of a woman who is settling in for the long haul. She takes down Ted Cruz for his ill-conceived complaints in an email to supporters about the sacrifices of running for office.
Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz 1
Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz 1
“Hey @TedCruz: Maybe you should spend less time complaining about your "significant sacrifices" - & more time doing something about theirs,” she also Tweeted before listing groups like Muslims and low-income families.
Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz 2
Elizabeth Warren takes on Ted Cruz 2
Warren also jumped into the shark tank with a whole bucket of chum, mixing it up with then-candidate Trump. In a March 2016 interview with NBC Massachusetts, she said, “I am not happy to see Donald Trump even threatening to get anywhere near the presidency. Don’t take me there. That is a form of extremism. He advocates a form of ugliness that I don’t want any part of.”
Tweetstorms erupted between the two all year. She pounded him for his comments about Alicia Machado, criticized his choice of running mate, and calling him out as a bully.
In response Trump called Warren Pocahontas, a very weak Senator, and “goofy”, saying he hoped Clinton would choose her as running-mate so he could defeat them both. Warren shot back:
Elizabeth Warren takes on Trump
Elizabeth Warren takes on Trump
Elizabeth Warren responds to Trump's Twitter attack
Elizabeth Warren responds to Trump's Twitter attack
2017: Hitting her stride
And now this tough girl from the heartland has become the inadvertent face of a growing disquiet among American women. But by no means did she become an overnight hero, and in her sixth decade I have the feeling Elizabeth Warren is pacing herself for the long haul. It's not making her any friends among Republicans, and I expect we'll be hearing a lot more about her stirring up the Senate.
Watch her make the candidate for Health and Human Services secretary squirm for, among other things, buying stock with insider knowledge. You go girl!
Every dog owner knows that few things are worse than when your poor pup is feeling under the weather. When the ailment is tummy-related, it typically doesn't warrant a trip to the vet, so it's easy to feel helpless in the situation. Happily, though, there are a few natural ways to soothe a dog's upset stomach.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should always touch base with your pup's veterinarian if your dog shows any significant changes in appetite or behavior. And you should certainly run any home cures you intend to use to provide your pooch with some much-needed relief by your vet.
Once you've got the green light, give the following natural remedies a try.
1. Fasting
Let's start with the most extreme solution, but one that is typically very effective: fasting. If a dog's tummy is constantly digesting food when it is upset, the stomach won't have time to rest and recover. Try limiting food and water for 12 to 24 hours for adult dogs, followed by a bland diet for a few days. Dogs Naturally magazine goes so far as to recommend regular fasting for adult dogs to "detoxify years of toxic build-up and restore normal homeostatic balance." Make sure you make an appointment with your vet before you decide to make fasting a part of your dog's regular routine.
2. Ginger
Have you ever sipped ginger tea or eaten a ginger chew to calm your rumbling tummy? The root of this tropical herb is favored in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbal medicine for its antiemetic properties — in other words, it curbs nausea and vomiting. In addition, it relieves (and possibly prevents) uncomfortable bloating in dogs.
3. Nux vomica (poison nut)
While something called "poison nut" certainly doesn't sound like something you would want to give your dog with an upset tummy, this homeopathic remedy is actually well-known for relieving a host of digestive issues — think everything from flatulence to vomiting and diarrhea.
Adding one (for small dogs) to two (for larger dogs) tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt to your pup's food can help soothe his stomach and start to replace healthy bacteria in the gut. Just make absolutely sure you never feed your dog a yogurt containing Xylitol or artificial sweeteners. An alternative more specifically suited to your dog's diet is a pet probiotic.
5. Pumpkin
There is a virtual plethora (yes, a plethora even!) of reasons you should consider adding pumpkin to your pup's diet. But when it comes to a pup with an upset tummy, this nutrient-rich veggie can help settle digestive issues when added to your dog's dish. Because it is high in fiber, pumpkin helps out with any bowel issues, and you can't go wrong with all the antioxidants.
6. Bananas
Like sweet potato, bananas can be added as a nutritional "filler" to your dog's food. Because bananas are loaded with vitamin C and potassium, they will help prevent bacterial growth, boost your pup's immune system and maintain an optimal fluid balance (thanks, electrolytes).
7. Oatmeal
When it comes to wonder foods, oatmeal definitely earns its reputation. You may have already used oatmeal formulas on your pup's coat to soothe dry, itchy skin or hot spots, but did you know it is also ideal for soothing an upset tummy? This has a lot to do with the abundance of natural, soluble fiber and myriad vitamins and minerals found in oatmeal. Just be sure not to use prepackaged varieties packed with sugar, which could actually make your pup's tummy more upset.
For starters, your pup will probably perk up at the sight of sweet potato in his bowl. But beyond just his excitement over this culinary treat, sweet potato packs a healing punch. It is chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber — all of which help restore a dog's digestive system.
Before you try anything
Remember, it is always crucial that you speak with your vet before giving any natural remedy to your dog. An upset tummy could be a sign of something worse, so you definitely want to check with your vet before giving your pup any kind of treatment — even if it is natural.
I’m not someone who totally hates on Valentine’s Day. I like having a day to celebrate love with a little extra flair. I’ve always enjoyed planning out special meals for me and my husband. I get a free pass on buying items not usually in our budget and drowning myself in chocolate dessert.
But now that I’m a mom, Valentine’s Day is not quite the low-key lovefest I once enjoyed. The expectations for celebrating are on a whole new level — and the ridiculous hoops we expect moms to jump through for a Hallmark holiday are kind of out of control. Here are just a few of the ways moms are expected to outdo themselves in the name of Valentine’s Day love.
Handmade valentines
Remember when you used to be able to buy a box of Valentines at the drugstore, tape on some candy, sign your name and call it a day? Gone are those sweet and simple days. My son’s school demands handmade valentines for all 40 kids in his class. Candy is also forbidden, so there is no easy fancy-tag-plus-lollipop quick fix for this dilemma. Instead, I will spend the weekend before Valentine’s Day crafting obscenely messy and glitter-laden heart paraphernalia and begging my child to write his name on each and every one so I don’t get shamed by the teacher for forging signatures again this year.
Pinterest projects
Why are Valentine’s Day Pinterest projects somehow the most elaborate of any holiday? The other day I found myself staring into the abyss thinking about how I should make my children plush bunnies with heart patches sewn together from old sweaters and socks. I don’t even know how to sew. Really, I’d be doing myself a favor if I just deleted my whole “crafty” board, because all my nonfood-related Pinterest projects end in tears, messes and wine.
Like I said, making a special meal is totally my jam. I can spend the evening making a good rare steak and a chocolate tart and be on cloud nine. Creating a bento box of heart-shaped carrots and other themed food, however? Not so much. Want to know how long it takes to make heart-shaped homemade cheese raviolis? Because I know from experience. It takes four hours — and five years off your life expectancy.
Spectacular baking
Much like at Christmastime, even if you are not an avid baker, you are expected to make something out of this world to commemorate Valentine’s Day. I, for one, really enjoy baking, but felt compelled by the holiday to try making homemade fortune cookies, because, you guessed it, Pinterest told me it was super-easy. It was a fail of epic proportions and I’m still not sure I have full feeling in my burnt-ass fingertips.
There is one time a year when I am willing to force my kids into matching holiday outfits, and that is Christmas family photo time. This is not an enjoyable experience and it involves much bribing. Dressing them all up for school Valentine’s Day parties when one kid wants to wear camouflage snow boots and a Little Mermaid dress and the other is complaining about how itchy his button-up shirt is? Forget about it. I quit motherhood.
If you love any or all of the above, you do you, my friend. I think we should all be able to celebrate in a way that feels authentic — and not be bullied into crazy expectations because Pinterest told us to.
Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor for over 30 years, believes that there are “five basic love languages — five ways to express love emotionally” — and each person has a primary language in which they give or receive love the best.
Last week, I asked my friends how they primarily received and gave love. It was fascinating to hear them explain the specifics of their preferences — and to realize how different, and in some cases unexpected, their answers were. I think that clarifying how each person in a close relationship gives and receives love is incredibly important in effective communication of love between people.
Here are the five basic love languages that Chapman has observed.
1. Words of affirmation
Words of affirmation are typically words of appreciation or praise — thanking someone for the different ways that they show love (whether that be doing the dishes, giving a gift, spending an afternoon together, giving a massage) or praising someone for who they are, what they do and what you appreciate about them.
2. Acts of service
Acts of service are simple acts that help to make the other person’s life easier or make things run smoother — offering to do the dishes or to do errands, for example. My dad shows love through acts of service and will often change the oil in my car or take it out and fill up the gas tank.
Receiving gifts is almost always perceived as an act of love, but Chapman points out that people often don’t realize that, for some, receiving gifts is the primary way through which they feel loved. Depending on the person’s specific preferences, gifts don’t necessarily have to be material objects; they could be sentimental — a handpicked bouquet, a handwritten letter, a mixed CD.
4. Quality time
Quality time means giving someone your undivided attention — putting away your phone and distractions and truly being with that person, whether that is having a conversation or going out and doing something together.
5. Physical touch
Physical touch comes in many forms — holding hands, massaging, snuggling, etc. For some, physical touch is a very important expression of love. Of course, physical touch should always be communicated clearly and consensual!
Within these different categories, there are so many more specific ways to give or receive love — and it’s a really fun and insightful conversation to have! If you know how you and the people in your life give and receive love, then everyone can know better how to make each other feel cared for, loved and appreciated.
We were standing in line at the Starbucks inside of our local Target. I had just returned with two cup holders to attach to our shopping cart (for real, whoever came up with that idea, brilliant).
I attached them to our cart while loudly debating which drink I was going to order. I read the calorie and caffeine count of each of them to my husband, something I only care about during pregnancy, and finally made a decision. The man with the patience of a saint listened to all of it without comment before finally speaking up.
“You’ve really become the stereotypical suburban housewife, haven’t you?” I looked around the Starbucks and then into the vastness that was my favorite place on Earth. Once a week I put on shoes, bundled my toddler and I up in our coats, and made the pilgrimage to my Mecca. “I can’t believe how different you are from how you were when we met,” he said as he pushed the cart that was holding our chattering daughter.
I took a sip of my drink and then put it in the cup holder (seriously, I don’t care how shallow it makes me sound, how did we live before these cup holders), and reflected on what he said.
The person that I am today is nothing like the person that I was almost seven years ago. As a matter of fact, the person that I am today would make the person that I used to be throw up in her mouth a little bit.
And perhaps, most surprisingly is that I don’t really care.
On the night that my husband and I met, I made a drunken declaration. I was a vegetarian with five cats who never wanted to get married (again), or have any children. I was a wildly independent woman who intended to stay that way. There was some drunken making out and a proclamation that we would never see each other again.
Obviously, things didn’t go quite as planned.
I like to tease my husband and tell him that he stalked me and harassed me until I gave in and decided to go out on an actual date with him. While this is partly true (he did track me down on Facebook that very next morning), it’s not the whole story. The whole story would involve talking about his charm and wit. How he was just so funny those first few weeks when we only talked through Facebook messenger because I refused to give him my phone number. Next, it would focus on his kindness. In those early days I was hot off of the end of a bad relationship that had its final run long before our wedding day.
I wasn’t just gun shy, I was suffering from full-blown romantic PTSD. Any signs of affection or genuine interest set my teeth on edge. My future husband was patient and worked through all of it with me. Even the dozens of times in the beginning when I tried to call the whole thing off. And then, the part would come where I would tell you how he healed me. Only I won’t say that because holy shit is that a cliché.
What I will say instead is that he gave me the time and space that I needed to become the woman that I was meant to become.If you had interrupted my drunken rant about what my life was going to be, to tell me what my life would actually turn into, I would have never believed it.
Actually, I still don’t believe it. Seven years later, married to this man, with a two year old daughter, and another on the way? No shot. No way. No day.
Yet, here we are.
I still don’t believe that I was destined for “this life”. I believe that I was destined to spend this life with my husband. Together we were able to create what was always meant to be. Even if that means trading my career for days filled with Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Even if that means trading my tofurkey for a medium rare steak (or, let’s be real, rare when I’m not pregnant). Even if that means trading the all night parties for early morning cuddles on the couch with my daughter. Even if that means a big wedding, a fancy dress, and the whole nine yards. Even if that means trading in my size double zero jeans for maternity leggings time and time again.
I know that my husband can’t believe how different I am from when we first met. The thing that I can’t believe is how happy being different has made me.
I owe all of that to my husband. I changed, not for a man, but because of one. And it wasn’t to make him happy or to make him love me, it was because I wasn’t actually the woman that I was meant to be yet.
My story isn’t everyone’s, and that is okay. It is mine, it is ours, and I love it.
Female members of the Duggar clan typically don't work. However, 19-year-old Joy-Anna Duggar is already proving she's an exception to the rule. She's currently interning at the Arkansas House of Representatives in Little Rock, Ark. alongside her 18-year-old brother, Jedidiah Duggar. You go, girl!
While Duggar females typically don't have careers, a popular Duggar fan blog was quick to point out that the family has deep roots in politics. Jim Bob Duggar served two terms as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives following the 1997 election. They family has also spoken out in support of multiple political candidates over the years.
Joy-Anna recently made headlines for her courtship with Austin Forsyth that she announced back in November, as rumors have circulated that the pair are not adhering to the strict courtship rules the Duggars' are known for following.
An unnamed source told Radar Online, "Jim Bob and Michelle can preach all they want about their children’s chastity, but the plain fact is that their kids are like anyone else's; when they get to their late teens, their hormones are raging. Joy-Anna is no different, and she and Austin went way past the hand-holding stage a long time ago — and it led to them getting the fright of their young lives."
The source even claimed Joy-Anna and Forsyth had a pregnancy scare. Despite the rumors, the couple insist they are following the courtship rules.
Joy-Anna opened up to People magazine about the pair's relationship, saying, "We've gotten to experience so much already in our relationship. Lots of church ministries, road trips, hiking, hunting and remodeling houses together."
The couple grew up together and have known each other 15 years. When asked if she thinks they'll walk down the aisle soon, Joy-Anna told the magazine, "I'm not sure when the next step will come. You would have to ask Austin what he's thinking and my dad, but I'm excited to see what God has in store for us in the next year."
What are the Duggars' courtship rules? Check out our slideshow below.
Jenelle Evans has had a lot of exciting news to share over the past few weeks. She recently gave birth to her third child on Jan. 24. Now, the Teen Mom 2 star has just shared that she's engaged to David Eason, the father of her newborn baby, just in time for Valentine's Day.
Evans posted a photo on Saturday, Feb. 11 showing off her ring while her new fiancé held a bouquet of red roses and kissed her on the cheek. She captioned the picture, "We've decided on forever! #PerfectTiming @easondavid88."
jenelle evans engaged to david eason ring instagram pic
jenelle evans engaged to david eason ring instagram pic
Eason also shared a photo on Instagram announcing the couple's engagement. He posted a picture of Evans holding the bouquet of flowers while wearing her new ring with the caption, "I want to make a lifetime full of memories with you babe!"
david eason photo of jenelle evans engagement ring IG
david eason photo of jenelle evans engagement ring IG
Evans and Eason have both been sharing many photos on Instagram since the birth of their third child, Ensley Jolie. Evans' first Instagram photo with Ensley featured the new mom of three, Ensley and Eason all in the hospital bed together.
jenelle evans hospital bed pregnancy announcement david
jenelle evans hospital bed pregnancy announcement david
Before announcing her engagement, Evans also shared pictures from a photoshoot she and Eason did with their new daughter. The pair seem overjoyed amidst the arrival of their first child together.
jenelle evans david eason with new baby girl photo shoo
jenelle evans david eason with new baby girl photo shoo
Evans has two other children from previous relationships. She has a 7-year-old son Jace, with ex Andrew Lewis, and a 2-year-old son Kaiser, with ex-fiancé Nathan Griffith. Eason also has a daughter from a previous relationship named Maryssa.
The sun shines through the watery seas of Pisces from the 18th, however we’ll not slip out from Aquarius season quietly.
A final hurrah comes when bossy Mars connects loudly with mouthy Mercury (12.30 p.m. EST) on the 16th. Delivery comes at lightning speed when these two align — be extra careful who you talk to (and about what) on this fast and furious day.
Valentine’s is more harmonious; with the moon in lovely Libra, the feeling’s mutual and emphasis should be on sharing — despite the "me first" mantra that’s vying from the sidelines. See that you’re on the same track as others.
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Image: SheKnows
Make the most of your sociable side — you’ve got an unstoppable energy now, so lend your enthusiasm to a worthy cause. Allow camaraderie to fuel you but keep impulsiveness in check. There’s an urge to assert yourself on the 16th; be sure that when you volunteer an opinion, it’s one you believe in, not an excuse to start a fire.
You’re sizzling on Valentine’s but make room for two — remember, sharing’s caring. You’ll look to go off the radar on the 18th.
You’ve been incredibly busy lately, and while it’s paying off, it’s not your job that you’re married to — or is it? This Valentine’s Day could see you burning the midnight oil instead of dining by candlelight; however, there’s time still to plan your dream date, whatever that looks like.
Avoid overcommitting now — despite good intentions your energy’s likely to flag. You’re extra visible, so make the most of your opportunity to shine. By Saturday, you’ll be happier in a crowd.
The 13th through 15th can feel liberating and beautifully romantic; a broad-minded approach serves you well, so indulge in an adventurous spirit with abandon. Your enthusiasm is infectious when you’re open and free.
A seasoned multitasker, you can divide your time between personal passions and the needs of others now; however, it’s always best to put yourself first. You’ll join group activities with ease and being among a crowd will nourish you, especially on the 16th when ideas quickly turn into action.
Home-cooked comfort food appeals on Valentine’s Day; you’re inclined to nest in privacy — with or without a lover to keep you warm. This is an incredibly productive time to make strategic power moves, be it in the bedroom, boardroom or other spaces you seek the upper hand.
Intimate conversations can facilitate a breakthrough on the 16th; steer clear of manipulation and brute force. Be open, honest and levelheaded about your position, and you’re more likely to get what you want.
Whether single or attached, you’re focused on collaboration this Valentine’s. Use your talents and you’ll seriously impress others. A member of your closest circle can help you connect with the partner you desire — someone who fuels your adventurous spirit, which is presently ready to roar.
An exciting exchange on the 16th ignites action toward your journey. Perhaps it’s the nudge you’re looking for that helps expand your horizons. From the 18th, you’ll be inclined to take commitments a step further.
You’re keen to do something sweet for others this Valentine’s Day. However, minimize your expectations lest they have other designs and fail to fall in line. You can feel good about your cleanly swept side of the street and enjoy the passions that are stirred by their spontaneous approach.
You work in an intensely dynamic duo that can become more intimate, with secrets shared that lead to new levels of trust. Thankfully, you have excellent foundations that keep the spicy flavor palatable.
It’s not like you to be overly emotional, but you might experience all the feels this Valentine’s. Aside from heart swells, relish the excitement, playfulness and fun presented in exchanges. There’s reason to suggest you’ll enjoy lavish romancing underpinned with serious intent — sincerity is expressed and shared easily.
The party’s not set to stop. On the 16th, affections are emphasized yet again with passionate affirmation. Revel in the pleasures this week. After Saturday, you’ll be focused on more routine matters.
Break out of your energetic momentum this Valentine’s, if only for a few days. You can afford to go off the radar — simply schedule date night at home — escape is the perfect antidote to your hectic workload.
You won’t be out of the action for long, as a supportive exchange Feb. 16 spurs on your activities, filling you with the confidence to press ahead. Begin to tie up matters at home. Soon your focus will shift from family to fun.
There may be an ongoing push-pull around how you direct your energy as your expanding network and personal passions both demand attention. With a renewed outlook of maturity, you’ll see sense in embracing both; Valentine’s holds space for fun and new horizons.
It’s tempting to react on the 16th when words come thick and fast. However a little forethought (and refinement) goes a long way — be sure you know what you want to express. The sentiment’s delivered in a flash.
Valentine’s Day can bring a sweet sense of validation. Your public role’s been growing — time to acknowledge your success and give yourself credit where credit’s due. You’ve been putting in the work, and home life is becoming beautifully aligned with your efforts.
A quicksilver exchange occurs between your money and domestic sector on the 16th. Be mindful of impulsive action; it’s easy to overspend or drive ahead in haste. On Saturday, bring the focus back toward connection and your community.
Embrace the light-footed pace of a social butterfly this week, taking advantage of the enthusiastic community that surrounds you and your reliable extended network. You’ve got a unique perspective, and on the 16th, the urge to impart your personal view is undeniable. Speak up, delivering a considered message with passion.
Take time out on Valentine’s to ruminate on your broader goals — it’s timely to pause and recalibrate, bouncing ideas off those close by, sharing your findings thus far. Confidence grows from Saturday.
Be confident — even if you don’t feel charged to full capacity. There’s a lot unfolding now, and it may take some time before all the puzzle pieces are revealed. In the meantime, mull it over, using intuition to guide you to a resolution you’ll be genuinely satisfied with.
Spend Valentine’s with the person you’re most invested in. It’s an intensely passionate day for you — strive for balance. It’s your time to shine from Saturday with incredible personal change around the corner.
Energy is energy in the magical practice. It has no moral compass. Your challenge during difficult times, once stress, anger or angst takes residence inside you, is to work through the emotion without passing it on to someone else. If you allow yourself to wake up angry, hurt or stressed over what someone did to you (even if it was unfair and unjustified), you inadvertently become the owner of that anger and hurt.
A life event, media story or nasty behavior on your newsfeed can striking powerful emotional chords and stress you out. Acting out of anger, even while defending yourself, passes the energy on. It is like a ball being tossed back and forth.
Does this energetic rule mean you should stay silent when people treat you unfairly? Does it mean you should roll over and pretend nothing bad is happening? Absolutely not! The key lay in how you react to negativity. You can state your case, be proactive and make seismic changes in the world when you come from a place of peace and calm. What’s more? Peace, calm and love is what you start passing into the world.
Recently, many people feel like they’ve woken up in some strange Alice Through the Looking Glass place where up is down and down is up. Tsunami-like waves of emotion have echoes across the country in recent weeks. How can you get a grip and become proactive? How can you fight against feelings of helplessness? Below are a slew of delicious morning rituals that will empower you, heal you and make you and the world a happier, healthier place.
For The Physical Soul - Movement
Does stress make you want to get your body moving? Nothing clears the mind and body like a morning exercise routine. It doesn’t matter if you unroll a yoga mat, head outside for a thirty minute walk in the woods or try a new group fitness class. Exercise and endorphins literally change the chemistry of the body. You will feel amazing and accomplished.
*Magical key ~ In magical practice, intention is everything. Take a moment to set an intention before you begin your morning movement. Envision your desired goal. Are you a runner? Imagine you are running to your desired intention. Revisit your intention at the end of your workout.
For The Activist Soul - Morning Phone Calls, Postcards and Action
Do you desire immediate gratification? Are you the type who jumps in to fix a situation? Set yourself up for success each morning to perform even five to 10 minutes of activism. Have a call list ready to go, get postcards, stamps and your favorite pens, study up on actions you can take to make a real difference at the local level. Assess personal talents and figure out how to use them.
*Magical key ~ Take a moment to center yourself before any phone call. Imagine the intern/answerer on the other end and see yourself speaking from your heart to their heart. Do the same thing with any postcard, finding just the right expression for your feelings or point of view. Consider your talents and imagine what positive effect they will have on the world as you move forward.
Do you love to paint, write, read and express yourself? Julia Cameron, author of the Artist’s Way, created an innovative system for creative breakthrough. Morning Pages cut through the “noise” in the head and the emotions in the hearts so artists can get down to their creative work first thing. Morning Pages consist of three pages of handwritten pages of blurted, stream of consciousness writing. No worries of spelling, punctuation, no need to ever read them again. Grab a notebook and start writing what’s on your mind. You’ll be amazed at how light and free you feel by the time you are done.
*Magical key ~ Pure energetic expression frees the soul. Blurt writing, releases stress, anger, and angst onto the paper. This leaves the writer with a fresh blank slate state of mind. Possibility is unleashed. Space is created.
A gratitude practice is a simple and effective morning ritual that has the power to change your entire day. Choose a partner to join you in your practice. Make a commitment to send a gratitude email to this person every day. Write a list of things you are honestly grateful for no matter how big or small. Never censor your gratitude and allow your instinct to guide you. Hit the send button.
*Magical key ~ All of life is a projection of how we feel. A mind space of gratitude is powerful medicine for the psyche. There’s no room for fear and anger when you are in a space of gratitude.
The Curious Soul - Oracle/Tarot Cards
Do you delight in finding messages and clues? Flipping a daily card is meditational, quiets the mind and helps practitioners listen to their inner voice. Find a deck of oracle (oracle cards are usually centered around themes like angels or mermaids or concern healing and/or uplifting messages, etc.) or tarot cards. Shuffle the deck. Randomly pull a single card every day. Consider the card’s message with your morning drink, perhaps journal on it. Maybe you revisit the card’s message at the end of day. You may also form a question for your card based on how you feel each morning.
*Magical key ~ Pulling cards takes the focus off of yourself and places it on the table before you. This distance gives the psyche room to cultivate solutions, make intuitive discoveries and encourages personal revelations. Morning habits, devoting five minutes of time to pulling a card, is quickly ingrained. This become the basis and building block for a serious meditational practice.
The Mindful Soul - Balancing Media and Social Media
Do you strive for balance? News and social media are forms of communication. We all want to stay informed. But the mindful soul sees that news is created to provoke emotional reactions and social media does not replace real time, in-person human to human communication and interaction. The Mindful Soul resets their news and social filters so they do not become bombarded with messages. They know that they are the ones controlling their technology and not the other way around. Choose a morning activity that promotes balance. Perhaps a guided meditation on your mobile device and streaming service replaces a morning news broadcast. Perhaps, a single message of love and empowerment is sent on out social media networks each morning. Perhaps, you write morning emails to people you love and admire telling them why they inspire you.
*Magical key ~ Harnessing personal power means exerting control over what you allow into your body. This includes food, media and technology. Owning your power, balancing it out, gives you the ability to shine your beautiful light across all who cross your path. And with that, you can change the world.
A new study that was published in the North American Menopause Society’s Journal and conducted by researchers in Central and South America found that women who exercised were less likely to have severe menopause symptoms.
The science behind the observations assumed that the reason why exercise lessened severe menopause symptoms was because exercise increased levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are lower when menopause kicks in.
In December 2015, my water unexpectedly broke in my 33rd week of pregnancy. Two days later, I'd given birth to a small but completely healthy daughter.
For many, the word "premature" equals heartache — and yet I was surprised by how nontraumatic giving birth to a moderately preterm baby could be.
Of course, I was extremely lucky. I don’t wish to dismiss the stressful time that many parents of preemies, especially severely premature babies, go through. But thanks to the huge leaps forward that have been made in neonatal care, if you’re fortunate, the experience of having a preterm baby needn’t be hell.
Here’s a roundup of the wisdom I gleaned from that time, which I hope will help others in a similar position navigate those frantic, crazy and joyful first weeks.
There’s premature and then there’s really premature
Premature is a blanket term that encompasses vastly different scenarios. While in everyday speech we use the same word to describe all early arrivals, there’s a world of difference between having an extremely preterm baby and a moderately premature one like mine. It’s understandable that you might want to freak out when you hear the doctors say "premature," but if you’re giving birth a month or two early vs. three or four, the survival rates are quite different. My roommate in the hospital had given birth the day before me at 23 weeks; her daughter’s chance of survival was just 20 percent, whereas my 33-week-old's chances were far higher — 95 percent. A year later, both our girls are thriving.
Everything can still feel "normal"
Going into labor early usually means your birth plan is thrown out of the window. That doesn’t, however, mean your baby will be immediately snatched away and shoved in an incubator. Preterm labor doesn’t automatically mean a Caesarean or that you won’t get that precious skin-to-skin contact considered so crucial for bonding. Mother Nature is a smarty-pants: Many women manage to successfully breastfeed infants who are just 30 weeks old. The key is to work out quickly what your priorities are and to communicate those to the medical team. Perhaps that birth plan can be amended rather than completely trashed.
Preemie moms: Brace yourself for a chorus of "she’s so tiny!" and "She’s like a little doll!" The latter made me feel like screaming, "I gave birth to a person, not a toy!" (I somehow resisted).
While a 6-week-old baby who is 5 pounds, 5 ounces may seem miniature to others, I could vividly remember when she was first put on my chest at a mere 3 pounds 8 ounces. Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that most preemies catch up all their developmental markers by the age of 2. Also, don’t be offended if people seem reluctant to hold what they think is a tiny baby because they see them as delicate or fragile. You know how robust your child had to be to make it this far.
Baby boot camp
As a first-time mom, I was ultimately grateful for the extra time I spent in the hospital taking care of my daughter with the support of trained medical staff 24/7. Although I was discharged after three days, I was able to stay in special accommodations next to the neonatal ward where I would go every three hours around the clock to feed, change and/or bath her. The nurses were kind, approachable and caring — they never made me feel like I was pestering them when I asked for help with breastfeeding for the millionth time. Spending the holiday season in the hospital was also made a bit more bearable by their jolly demeanor and silly Santa hats. Thanks to their help, by the time my daughter was discharged, I felt totally confident in my ability to take care of her alone.
Chances are that you thought you’d have another couple of weeks or months to organize the nursery, research the right stroller and stock up on diapers. Wrong. However, the bonus is that you won’t have had as much time to be tempted to buy useless gear. Being caught unprepared means that you’ll be more resourceful — the old kitchen table still hanging around from our previous apartment made the perfect change table, an ordinary pillow was the perfect prop during breastfeeding rather than a pricey Boppy one and the diaper bin with the sealed lid wasn’t a must-have after all. Friends and family are also more likely to rally around and dig through cupboards for things to pass on if they know you’re in a bit of a fix.
Parenting a newborn in the hospital vs. at home
Preemies sleep. A lot. Exercising those fledgling jaw muscles while latching onto your breast or wriggling their limbs during diaper changes uses up an enormous amount of their energy. This meant that as soon as I lay my daughter down in her cot, she fell asleep instantly. She was fed on a schedule, which gave my days a firm structure.
I assumed that this would continue once we were discharged. Within a few weeks, I was desperately rocking her to sleep while cooing a lullaby in her ear. The moral of this tale? Be prepared for the fact that parenting in the hospital is different from parenting in a home setting.
As I write this, my daughter Stella, who is now 13 months old, is burbling to herself in her play kitchen while giving her favorite plush toys a bear hug. She’s a fiercely inquisitive, sunny and sociable girl who weighs in at a strapping 23 pounds. Apart from strep throat, croup and the odd cold, she’s been healthy ever since we left the hospital on a snowy day last January. No one is saying having a preemie is all unicorns and rainbows, but then, neither is having a baby. Hang in there. You too can have a happy ending.
On last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, the cast made it clear that they aren't going to let up on the new administration — and that, in fact, they are going to double down despite President Donald Trump’s critical tweets about the show and his portrayal. Just weeks ago, the show was doing a clip or two an episode regarding the the country’s new cast of political characters, but in recent weeks, along with steadily improving ratings, the politically leaning sketches have multiplied.
Not only have the sketches become increasingly scathing, but they have also begun to include a growing number of funny ladies, especially after Melissa McCarthy’s hysterical portrayal of irritable Press Secretary Sean Spicer. This week saw a reprisal of McCarthy in that role, along with Kate McKinnon playing a drawling U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Let’s take a look back on the standout moments from last night:
Melissa McCarthy's Sean "Spicy" Spicer cold open
Melissa McCarthy Sean Spicer Cold Open
Melissa McCarthy Sean Spicer Cold Open
Tonight’s cold open did not start with Trump as it often has in recent episodes. Instead, it was Melissa McCarthy stealing the show in drag, playing a delightfully ballistic and bombastic Spicer as he continues to deal with the press through confusing rhetoric, out-of-this-world explanations and an ever-fraying temper. McCarthy had her character chewing an enormous novelty-sized piece of gum (and then throwing it at a reporter), explaining the Muslim ban through dolls (Moana is not welcome here) and finally going off the deep end. Kate McKinnon took a break from her regular role as KellyAnne Conway to play Jeff Sessions, showing that the cast responded positively to the praise they received from fans (and rumors of criticism from the White House) about handing male roles to women.
Alec Baldwin wasn’t just hosting SNL last night; he also continued to play Trump on stage, this time as the President takes the three 9th Circuit judges to The People’s Court after their decision not to uphold Trump’s Executive Order regarding immigration from Muslim countries. Baldwin’s impersonation seems to be getting more and more exaggerated and cartoonish with each episode, his mouth opening into a wide "O" as his brow wags up and down. The skit plays on Trump’s lack of understanding of the judicial process as well as his strange love affair of reality TV. The best line is perhaps when the presiding judge says, "You understand that this is a TV court, right?" and Baldwin’s Trump answers with, "That’s okay, I’m a TV president."
Due to the particularly white and male administration, there isn’t much work for female African American cast members like Leslie Jones when it comes to political parody. But Jones found a hilarious way to get in on the fun this week in a short skit in which she tries to take the Trump impersonation job from Alec Baldwin. The piece manages to poke fun at SNL itself, right along with Trump as Jones watches Baldwin’s every move and practices her Trump impression ("Drain the swap of tremendous Muslims!").
Leslie Jones Playing Donald Trump SNL
Leslie Jones Playing Donald Trump SNL
KellyAnne Conway’s Fatal Attraction spoof
KellyAnne Conway Fatal Attraction SNL
KellyAnne Conway Fatal Attraction SNL
The only possible misstep from the night was the show’s KellyAnne Conway skit, in which CNN’s Jake Tapper, played by Beck Bennett, refuses to have Conway on his show due to credibility issues only to have the counselor to the President show up at his house uninvited, à la Fatal Attraction. McKinnon’s portrayal of the truth-bending Conway is as on-point as it has been in the past, but the tone of the skit veered into dark, perhaps overly sexualized territory that had some on Twitter calling the scene sexist and inappropriate.
KellyAnne Conway Fatal Attraction SNL Sexist
KellyAnne Conway Fatal Attraction SNL Sexist
Trump SNL Obama Hillary Laughing
Trump SNL Obama Hillary Laughing
What do you think was the most successful critique of of the night? Share in the comments!
I've heard rumors that Americans are obsessed with the royals while most Brits would actually like to see the royal hierarchy abolished entirely. Politics aside, when I look at pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge rocking red carpets together, I think, "How can you not love these two?"
prince william kate middleton bafta tweet 1
prince william kate middleton bafta tweet 1
Their royal love story and happiness is infectious. Plus, they've pretty much dedicated their life to supporting cool causes and events.
The royals received a standing ovation, according to Mirror UK, when they took their seats at the show, and were then promptly teased by host Stephen Fry for their distant relationship to EastEnders star Danny Dyer.
"He is still recovering from devastating news he is related to Danny Dyer," Fry joked.
bafta 2017 prince william joke video
bafta 2017 prince william joke video
Yes, it's such a hard life for these two, who are so well-liked that even the BAFTA actors who were nominated this year weren't even mad about being upstaged by the royals. During a Facebook livestream ahead of the BAFTA Awards, nominee Viola Davis was asked if she thought the royals appearance at the show would upstage the actors. She promptly responded, "I don't care."
Red carpet arrival aside, Prince William took the stage to honor Mel Brooks with the lifetime achievement award. He joked at the start of his speech that BAFTA had "run out of actors" to present awards.
Well, she may not have been much of a household name before tonight, but she sure will be. At the 2017 Grammys, Joy Villa's pro-Trump dress caused dropped jaws, a mild bout of Twitter apoplexy and a whole lot of confusion. What are we looking at here, exactly?
So, if you're like me, you may have been slightly confused when Villa rocked up to the Grammys red carpet. You may have been wondering, "What's this lovely young recording artist doing taking off her big white cape?" Then, you may have exclaimed, "Wait, is she wearing a Make America Great Again dress?" Then you may have cried out, "Oh God, is there someone openly supporting Trump at the Grammys?" And then you may have just burst into flames from confusion, as I did.
Joy Villa Tweet
Joy Villa Tweet
Listen, Villa can wear what she wants. She can even say what she wants (bless up to the First Amendment). But the Grammys are not exactly the kind of venue to make that kind of political statement. It's a more liberal, celebratory, engaging environment. The music industry, much like the film industry, is one that stands on a platform of inclusive politics, choosing to celebrate all kinds of artists rather than home in on one specific kind of person.
While Villa absolutely falls within that categorization, it's even more confounding to understand why she wore what she wore. On her Twitter, Villa failed to give even the briefest explanation of her wardrobe. Confusingly, her Twitter bio lists her as a Grammy-nominated recording artist, "vegan, fitness, feminist." While those adjectives are apolitical in nature and cannot be applied to only one political affiliation, it's just a bit out of step with the image Villa presented on the Grammys red carpet, no?
But all the best to Villa tonight at the Grammys. She let her dress do the talking on the Grammys red carpet on Sunday; we can only hope she clears the air come Monday.
CeeLo Green's Grammys outfit was more like a costume than a fashion statement — and it was Twitter gold. The singer covered himself head to toe in gold, and when I say head to toe, I am not exaggerating. Even his face was dusted with the metallic shade.
Everyone, stop what you're doing. You can go home now because you've been upstaged. We've all been upstaged because Blue Ivy's 2017 Grammys look confirms she was not only the greatest person in attendance, but she knows how to paid tribute to a musical legend like a boss.
The musical legend in question was Prince and it would appear that Blue Ivy was directly channeling the icon in her stunningly edgy yet appropriate Grammys outfit. Blue Ivy appeared to be clad head-to-toe in pink jumpsuit realness with black lapels and a fluffy white shirt underneath. She kept the accessories to a minimum and sported a braid. She was dressed for her age, yet was sending a strong, empowered vibe via the pantsuit.
Buzzfeed Blue Ivy Grammys
Buzzfeed Blue Ivy Grammys
She was all sass once seated in the Staples Center for the Grammys. She was preciously perched on her dad, Jay-Z's, lap and was accompanied by her grandmother, Tina Knowles. The whole brood had a front row seat to the utter gloriousness that was Beyoncé's 2017 Grammys performance. But let's not lose sight of what's important and that's Blue Ivy.
Channeling Prince, whose music is (I think it's fair to say) beloved by all and who was himself a symbol of freedom and positive artistic expression, is not a bad way to go. At five years old, though, Blue Ivy is simply proclaiming herself to be one of the greats with her bold sartorial choices. You have to hand it to her: She looks amazing.
Meghan Markle went public with Prince Harry and promptly went radio silent with everything else, especially and most importantly her Instagram, which was previously filled with a constant stream of gorgeous pics.
Rumor has it, the royals are pretty particular about their social media game so, after two months without a peep, Markle finally broken her Instagram silence with a positive message for the world that seems to suggest she's looking to fit in with the royals.
meghan markle instagram pic 1
meghan markle instagram pic 1
"Sending good vibes - always in all ways #nobadenergy#bethechange," Markle captioned the pic.
Markle shouldn't have any #badenergy right now. She's dating one of the, if not the, most eligible bachelors in the world. Plus, she's continuing her philanthropic efforts with a recent five-day trip to India to empower women and girls.
First step, positive message for the world. Next step, date night pic with Prince Harry?
I'm all for a good positive message for the world, don't get me wrong. But let's not kid ourselves. We're all following Markle on social media because we're hoping for some romantic, sweet messages to her beau thang.
Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly planning to jet set off to Verbier, Switzerland for a ski trip getaway over Valentine's Day. This isn't a romantic couples trip, however. According to Forbes, it would be an opportunity to continue Markle's "soft opening" into the royal world by introducing her to Prince Harry's friend who are apparently eager to get to know Prince Harry's flame.
Beyoncé not only sang "Love Drought" and "Sandcastles," two deep cuts from her watershed album Lemonade, but she also created an epic introduction video that acted as an art installation before she even took the stage. If you dare, take a moment to relive the gloriousness, but please don't die in the process.
Full Beyonce Grammys Performance
Full Beyonce Grammys Performance
Now, in case you've managed to hold on to your soul, your wig and the breath in your damn lungs, then maybe you will agree with me that Beyoncé's Grammys performance was beyond anything from your wildest dreams. She literally came to slay and, friend, I think she did exactly that. There was no way any of us could have been prepared to witness pregnant Beyoncé sing so beautifully or dance so perfectly, but that is what she did.
Beyoncé's Mother Nature vibe seemed to imply that she was not only an otherworldly being, but she also somehow invented pregnancy — I mean, maybe she did — which, frankly, is on-brand for the multi-talented singer. There was no moment wasted during her performance, flush with florals and gold and pastel linens, which again gave off a feeling of supernatural wonder mixed with purity of spirit. If I had the time, I'd write a thesis about it because there's just so much to unpack.
Beyonce 2017 Grammys
Beyonce 2017 Grammys
I mean, look at this. Can you believe we were alive to see this happen?
Beyoncé's performance was truly a revelation. A beautiful, beautiful revelation that will surely become one of the greatest pop culture moments of 2017.
Beyonce Grammys Performance Revelation
Beyonce Grammys Performance Revelation
Beyoncé can now officially add Holy Spirit to her resumé. Slay all day, Bey.
The Grammys can be split into two parts: LBBP (Life Before Beyoncé's Performance) and LABP (Life After Beyoncé's Performance). I think we could all use a refresher on what all those other moments were.
