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Richard Simmons' Brother Tells Fans to Chill on the Conspiracy Theories

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Unless there's a huge conspiracy involving the LAPD and Richard Simmons' family, the reportedly missing fitness guru is probably not being held hostage by his housekeeper like the rumors have been saying.

More: Richard Simmons Clarifies Transitioning Rumors, but He Shouldn't Have To

Simmons has disappeared from the public eye in recent years, sparking internet rumors run amok and a podcast dedicated to investigating Simmons' purported disappearance. But according to his older brother, Lenny Simmons, Richard is just taking some "time for himself" away from the spotlight to chill out for a little bit.

"I would just hope people [can] be a little bit more respectful and realize that he’s worked hard and he still loves people — but he needs some time for himself," Lenny Simmons said in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight. "We talk every Sunday. He calls me and we have a great conversation and then he talks to my wife. He probably talks to my wife longer than he talks to me."

More: 8 Fab Photos of Richard Simmons That Prove We Need Him Back in Our Lives

Lenny added that when he spoke to Richard this past Sunday, he was "doing great."

"He was asking about our renovations to our home. And we had just gone to see the Broadway musical, Beautiful," Lenny said.

Richard hasn't been seen in public in more than three years, and his social media channels have been quiet for nearly as long. Throughout that time, rumors have floated around about whether he's missing or ill, but talk has come to a head recently since Richard's longtime friend and masseuse, Mauro Oliveira, claimed publicly that Richard is being held hostage by his housekeeper, Teresa Reveles.

But Reveles, Lenny insists, is a "very lovely lady."

More: We Hope Richard Simmons Is OK After Reports of Paramedics at His House

"She has been a good friend of my brother for over 20 some-odd years," he added. "It stresses me to hear that people think that she is holding him hostage or that she is mean. She isn’t. She is a very nice person."

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Richard Simmons facts slideshow
Image: RHS/WENN.com

5 Lesser-Known Signs That Your Child May Be Gifted

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What exactly is a gifted child?

The term "gifted" has different meanings. Some schools and organizations use it strictly to designate people with well above-average intelligence, while others adopt a wider range of criteria. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, "gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10 percent or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports)."

More: 9 Ways to Get Your Kid to Love Museums

If you're wondering whether your child is gifted, it helps to know what signs to look for — and they might not be what you think.

1. Acting up in class

Your child's disruptive behavior in the classroom might be a sign that they're gifted. "A lot of gifted kids find the routine assignments in elementary school boring, so they'll act out, talk to friends and do other things that stimulate their minds better than adding 2+2 over and over again," explained Florida-based licensed psychologist Kathryn Esquer.

2. Low grades

If you think gifted kids always get the highest grades, think again. "Most people assume it's the precocious across-the-board child, academically excelling, who is gifted, but often the gifted child is struggling," said psychiatrist and author of The Power of Different, Dr. Gail Saltz. "A gifted child may excel in one area but struggle in another because they are gifted in one arena. A gifted child may hyperfocus on one thing to the detriment of others because they are absorbed by and able in this area and find immersion so satisfying."

Former teacher and ADHD strategist Yafa Crane Luria agreed. "You will often see D's and F's among highly gifted children that aren't being 'fed' the learning they need," she said. "Gifted kids require as special an education as special-needs kids. At least there has to be a component in the curriculum to address their skills if the whole curriculum isn't geared toward them."

More: The Coolest Subscription Boxes for Kids Who Love Getting Mail

3. Anger

Disparate uneven mental and physical development may lead to frustration, which can display as anger, in gifted children. "Gifted children tend to think quicker than their little bodies may be able to keep up with," said Esquer. " Although they may be able to solve a problem in their minds, they can't physically carry out the solution. An example of this is a child working on a time math assignment — although they can calculate the answers in their heads quickly, their fine motor skills are less developed (and more on par with their biological age) and they may become frustrated when they can't write the answers as quickly as they can solve the problem."

4. Lack of friends

Gifted children may relate better to adults and older children than kids their own age. "This can leave them isolated and potentially bullied in their classroom," said Esquer. "Gifted kids often feel frustrated when kids their own age are unable to keep up with their imagination and critical thinking. Since gifted kids are often seen as 'mini-adults,' teachers and parents may overreact to age-appropriate behaviors, such as low impulse control, in gifted kids."

5. Depression and/or anxiety

Some gifted children might display signs of depression or anxiety because of their heightened emotional sensitivity and deep, intense feelings and reactions, which they may find it difficult to verbalize or even comprehend. "A gifted child may emotionally struggle with anxiety because their intellectual capacity goes beyond their developmentally psychological capacity to manage the content they can comprehend," explained Saltz.

"Gifted children tend to take criticisms more personally than their peers," said Esquer. "Additionally, they tend to internalize failures more deeply than their peers. This may lead to gifted children developing a fear of failure — which [could] be strong enough to prevent them from even trying to attempt a task that they are unfamiliar with, such as trying out for a sports team or tackling a new homework assignment."

If you think your child is gifted and not thriving in their school environment, ask your school district for a free psychoeducational assessments to determine if your child is in need of an individualized education plan. "Wait times for these evaluations can often be several months," warned Esquer. "Working with a licensed psychologist in your community for the psychoeducational assessment can get you the answers you need quicker, and they can advocate on your behalf to the school district."

More: TV-Free Activities That Keep Toddlers Engaged and Happy

7 Insanely Cool (and Cheap) Beauty Products to Buy at Ulta Right Now

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Surprise! It’s that time of the month again! Chill — your ovaries are fine… but your wallet might not be. Because Ulta just released a bunch of brand-spankin’-new products for March, and we want approximately all of them. We understand, though, that this moment might be overwhelming for some of you who live and die by the new arrivals filter on Ulta’s website, so to make it easier on you, we’ve gone ahead and picked seven of the best, coolest and cheapest (they’re all under $20!) beauty products for you to try ASAP.

More: 50 Amazing Shoes from the Fall 2017 Runways

We won’t pretend that you’ll want every single one of these products, because who in the world could ever want a $9 L.A. Girl brow kit, or a $4 Vichy face mask that promises to give you super-glowy skin? Who in their right mind would want amazing products on a budget? (Note our thick-as-hell sarcasm here.) In case you haven’t already skipped below, scroll through to see our favorite under-$20 products that may or may not already be en route to our doorsteps, then come back in April so we can corrupt your bank account all over again. Happy splurging!

Party Makeup
Image: ImaxTree

More: Then and Now: The Evolution of Gigi Hadid

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow Palette

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow Palette
Image: Ulta

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Eyeshadow Palette, $16 at Ulta

L.A. Girl Inspiring Brow Kit

L.A. Girl Inspiring Brow Kit
Image: Ulta

L.A. Girl Inspiring Brow Kit, $8.99 at Ulta

CoverGirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter

CoverGirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter
Image: Ulta

CoverGirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter, $8.99 at Ulta

Buddy Scrub Coffee Body Scrub

Buddy Scrub Coffee Body Scrub
Image: Ulta

Buddy Scrub Coffee Body Scrub, $15 at Ulta

Burt's Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil

Burt's Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil
Image: Ulta

Burt's Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil, $19.99 at Ulta

Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask duo sachet

Vichy Double Glow Peeling Mask Duo Sachet
Image: Ulta

Vichy Double Glow Peeling Mask duo sachet, $3.50 at Ulta

Couvent Des Minimes Loving Care 3 in 1 Micellar Water

Le Couvent Des Minimes Loving Care 3 in 1 Micellar Water
Image: Ulta

Couvent des Minimes Loving Care 3 in 1 Micellar Water, $19 at Ulta

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Lorde Dances Like No One Is Watching, and We Love Her for It

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Lorde is taking some flak after performing her new song "Green Light" on SNL this past weekend, and if you haven't been following the situation, you may be asking yourself why.

More: Lorde, You Look an Awful Lot Like Merida from Brave Right Now

Did she get caught lip-syncing and do an incredibly awkward jig to deflect from the mess, à la Ashlee Simpson?

Did she sing off-key and ruin the song?

Did she scandalize in barely-there clothing or tear up a picture of the pope?

No to all three, my friends. Lorde performed beautifully, singing her own song in appropriate clothing and as far as I know, she has no beef with the pontiff. Instead, Lorde stands accused of dancing weirdly.

Yeah. This is a real thing people are getting worked up about.

Here's the performance in question:

Lorde SNL

Lorde SNL

Now, let me break this down.

First, I mean, yeah. OK. Her dance moves aren't exactly the type that people are going to spend hours in front of YouTube tutorials trying to learn.

Lorde Dance
Image: Giphy

There's a reason for that.

It's because this kind of dancing can't be taught.

More: Lorde Blows Everyone Away With Brits Bowie Tribute

I guarantee you that Lorde has spent exactly zero minutes in front of the mirror or a video camera trying to see how she looks dancing. I guarantee you she never worries about how her movements will play to an audience or look mashed up into GIF form.

Lorde Dancing
Image: Giphy

How do I know this? Look at the image above.

Look at how much fun she's having! Name one other young female singer today who looks like she has this much fun performing.

I'd take a million of these unconventional Lorde dance moves over yet another singer in lingerie writhing around giving fuck-me eyes to the camera.

Lorde doesn't dance to make herself look good, to make herself look sexy or to appease the voracious male gaze. But you can tell that she feels good, she feels sexy. She's confident.

This dance comes from the roots of her soul. She's feeling the music and letting it flow through her and shoot out of her fingertips and her elbows and the wild tendrils of her hair.

We all know people who dance like this.

Lorde Dancing
Image: Giphy

They're always the most fun at parties. They're the ones you can let down your guard with. They're the girls who become your best friends because they're so unabashedly themselves that it's impossible not to love them.

More: Lorde Stays True to Her Style With a Rad Golden Globes Pantsuit

I'll tell you who I know that dances like this: my little sister Hilary and my 4-year-old daughter, Olive. Both dance like they give absolutely zero fucks; their movements are odd amalgamations of wildly flailing arms and tossing hair and swinging hips — sometimes even a few little kicks thrown in to honor Elaine.

Elaine Little kicks
Image: Giphy

And you know what? They look incredible. They look happy. They look like they're letting the music take over their bodies and transport them somewhere else entirely, away from self-awareness and self-consciousness and judgment.

When I watch them dance, I get the same smile I get when I watched Lorde on SNL.

She's always been a weird dancer.

Lorde Dancing
Image: Giphy

And I hope she always will be.

In a statement posted on her Facebook profile after the entire world became dance critics overnight, Lorde said, "one day i will do a normal dance choreographed by a nice person and I will look more like your other favourite performers but we have not yet reached that day."

No! I speak on my own behalf as well as for and Hilary and Olive and Elaine and all the other unabashedly happy "weird" dancers in the world when I say, no. Please, Lorde. Don't ever change.

More: Every GIF of Taylor Swift audience dancing that you could ever want

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

snl actors slideshow
Image: WENN

The Top-Ranked American Fast Food Chains You Never Knew About, but Should

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American fast food restaurants are like the popular kids in high school. Just because they're popular doesn't mean people actually like them. That's the thing that struck me the most about the results of a survey of 11,000 people from Market Force Information. Smaller chains were often ranked as the best of the best, even though their unfavorably rated competitors continue to do huge business.

I guess we can't always get what we want, and sometimes settle for lower quality if it's more convenient. Wait, am I writing the opening monologue of a Sex and the City episode? Romantic partners are like burgers. We're not always willing to go the literal extra mile for some In-N-Out, so we settle for a nearby Carl's Jr. Um, OK, internal Carrie, whatever you say. Moving on to the results of the survey.

More: Would You Wear a Burrito Wrapper Dress to Win a Free Wedding? This Woman Did

Favorite burger chain: In-N-Out. Even though In-N-Out is a West Coast chain, it still ranked the highest in the survey (probably because the folk working there are just so darn nice). It was followed by more fast-casual chains Five Guys and Smashburger (probably because their food is actually good), while traditional chains like McDonald's, Carl's Jr. and Burger King came in last.

Favorite sandwich chain: I must say, my beloved Panera Bread got the shaft on this one. It lost out to Firehouse Subs (which, TBH, I've never heard of), primarily based on the fact that while Panera has great food and healthy options, it was ranked as having the worst value. Yes, they're expensive, but the bread! It's so good! Sorry, Panera. I guess I feel obligated to give Firehouse Subs a try now.

Favorite pizza chain: Anyone who's had Pizza Hut, Little Caesars, and CiCi's pizza will not be shocked to learn that they were ranked at the bottom of the list. But the winners are all unfamiliar to me: Marco's Pizza, Papa Murphy's and Pizza Ranch. I've lived on both coasts and traveled the country, so I'm scratching my head over what these other pizza chains are. Maybe it's time to take a pizza-centered road trip?

More: Never Wait in Line for Fries Again Thanks to McDonald's Curbside Pickup

Favorite chicken chain: Chick-fil-A was the top-ranked chicken chain for the fourth year in a row. IDK guys, I boycotted them long ago after their CEO was found to have anti-LGBTQ sentiments, but they allegedly had a slight ideological turn around, and I guess all moral bets are off when it comes to fried chicken sandwiches.

Favorite Mexican chain: I'm pretty proud of Chipotle for winning this one. It's been a rough few years for the fast-casual burrito chain, which has been great for me personally (the line at lunchtime is a fraction of what it used to be), but bad for business, and I was getting worried. Luckily, it seems that time heals all wounds, and Chipotle is back on top. At the bottom? Taco Bell — it was ranked poorly for food quality, cleanliness and healthy options (despite the fact that they actually have a pretty healthy Fresco Style and Cantina Power menu and tons of vegan options too).

So, there you have it. McDonald's may have served literally billions of customers, but it's the small-town vibe you get at places like In-N-Out in busy cities that keeps people coming back for more.

More: Make McDonald's Shamrock Shake Year-Round With This Easy Copycat Recipe

What Judgments Are People Making About You Based on Your Hair Color or Texture?

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Do you ever find yourself judging a woman’s personality based on how she chooses to wear her hair? Have you ever personally faced judgments that have been made about you based on your hair?

As women, many of us feel deep connections to our hair that we cannot even begin to express in words. In reality, a woman’s hair color, style, texture and length are attached to certain stigmas that are deeply ingrained in our society’s culture. Whether people can consciously recognize it or not, there are a lot of stereotypes and identity issues surrounding women’s hair in the Western culture.

More: Sex tips and toys for when you're pregnant and horny as hell

For example, everyone has heard one too many dumb blonde jokes in their lifetime. Most people link blond hair to beauty and youth, not to maturity or intelligence. When we think of blond-haired people, we picture little girls with curly ringlets or the classic damsel in distress from a Disney movie.

In TV shows, the blond female actors often portray the childish, airy characters who require guidance and protection from men. Brunettes are seen as possessing more sophisticated and elegant qualities; try imagining Belle from Beauty and the Beast. On the other hand, brunettes are often seen as the average girl, someone who is boring or plain. In contrast, the color red is usually associated with passion, anger and sexuality. These associations help explain why redheads are often portrayed as feisty and promiscuous in the media.

More8 Foods That Just Might Trigger a Migraine

For women of color, their dark natural hair is subjected to even more misguided labels and stereotypes. Sometimes, their hair is seen as exotic and thus, desirable. But most times, dark natural hair is judged for being too unmanageable, unkempt or kinky.

These judgments about a woman’s hair often transfer over to judgments that are made about a woman’s personality overall. A woman with hair that is frizzy or curly, as opposed to sleek and straight, is often viewed as having a wild, uncontrollable and juvenile personality.

Judgments are often made against women for the way they choose to wear their hair. Long hair is seen as feminine, youthful and beautiful, but only on young women. Long hair on older women is generally viewed as distasteful. Short hair is seen as more masculine, mature and serious.

It is often assumed that women with short hair are tomboys, that they are overly disciplined or that they are lesbians. A woman who wears her hair down is viewed as being carefree and sexual, while a woman who wears her hair up is viewed as uptight and stuffy.

Are any of these stereotypes necessarily true? No, of course not. A woman’s personality is not determined by the color of hair she happened to be born with. These stereotypes are simply examples of the many personality traits we subconsciously associate with different physical features of other women.

More8 Reasons You Should Pee in the Shower (And Not Feel Gross About It)

A woman’s hair is often personally and culturally tied to her lifestyle, but this does not mean that other people can look at her appearance and make sweeping judgments about her as a person. We cannot judge a woman’s maturity, intelligence or sexuality based upon the color, texture or style of her hair.

Even though there are many unconscious biases surrounding women’s hair, we have to become more conscious of the judgments we are making about other women based merely on their physical appearance.

By Shaye DiPasquale

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Tarek & Christina El Moussa Put Their Divorce in the Hands of a Life Coach

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Here's even more proof that, despite the rumor mill wanting us all to believe Tarek and Christina El Moussa are having the most hostile divorce of all time, they're actually being total adults about it. According to TMZ, the couple has enlisted the help of celebrity life coach Tim Storey to help them work through things like their work relationship and co-parenting arrangements.

More: Christina El Moussa Isn't Trying to Cryptically Tell Fans Flip or Flop Is Over

Bringing in a life coach is a completely logical thing to do. In even the most amicable divorce, emotions can run high, and having a neutral third party around to guide and mediate is a great idea. TMZ reports that Storey, who has worked with celebs like Robert Downey Jr., Kanye West and Charlie Sheen, is helping the El Moussas work toward their goal of staying friends after they finalize their divorce. They're not working with Storey in order to reconcile or save their marriage, TMZ reports.

More: It's Hard to Believe Tarek El Moussa Would Actually Spy on Christina El Moussa

Even as rumors have said that Christina is torturing Tarek by flaunting her new boyfriend in front of him and Tarek is verbally abusing Christina on the Flip or Flop set, looking more closely at the stars themselves reveals how hard they're actually trying to keep their split amicable. They hang out as a family on holidays and on set, and every interview they've given since they announced their separation has been extremely positive.

"Tarek and I are in a good spot. We have a lot of things that we're working on, cool things coming in the future, so we're just looking forward," Christina said in a recent one. "We both travel a lot, so we're very flexible with our schedules. We both put the kids first, we just decided to really get on the same page and both make sure we're doing the best we can."

More: Tarek El Moussa Just Posted More Evidence Against the Rumors About His Divorce

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

HGTV scandals slideshow
Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

Clear-Knee Mom Jeans: The Fashion Staple We Never Needed

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If there is one thing moms need in their wardrobes, it's more transparency. Fortunately, Topshop has come out with our new favorite items of clothing: clear-knee jeans! These jeans that might actually make your brain hurt as you try to figure out how these ever ended up for sale.

I can only imagine the buyer (who must have been really hungover that day saying, "Yes! Get the Topshop Clear-Knee Mom Jeans to every Nordstrom's in the country! This denim/plastic combo is going to sell like hotcakes!").

More: How to tuck non-skinny jeans into boots without looking like a musketeer

For the price of $95, these acid-washed, awkwardly cropped, insanely high-waisted jeans come equipped with plastic panels that expose your knees for "a futuristic feel." Yes. These do scream "the future." As I'm running around in the morning trying to get my children dressed, fed and off to school, I often long to feel more futuristic. (Will these pants transport me to the day my kids have moved out of the house and I'm sitting in a café in Paris eating croissants? I hope so.)

Anyway, congratulations, moms with fabulous knees. Your moment has finally arrived. And now you have something to go with your see-through plastic blouse that's been hanging in your closet for months.

If you want to be a bummer and argue that these aren't only hilarious, I guess you could say that moms are often sitting and kneeling on the ground, helping kids zipper coats and tie shoes, which can cause wear on jeans. Be quiet. You're no fun. And we all know that a quick trip to your tailor can fix your thinning denim. There is no need to create knee windows. Calm down.

Nordstrom shoppers are having a lot fun with their reviews:

"The jeans with tin foil covering the knees are also great. Those work for dressier occasions," said Shoppergirlfun.

"Between the high waist, the capri length and the knee windows, these are a trifecta of style," commented rococo2000.

More: Skinny jeans land woman in the hospital for four days

"I'm very forgetful, so when I saw these I immediately knew they could help me stay organized. I use washable markers and write reminders and my grocery list on the see-through inserts," said Babzter.

As for us, we can't wait to find out what Topshop comes up with next. Nipple cutouts for ease of breastfeeding? See-through butts for moms who are proud of the results of all those Barre classes? Oh, wait, that's already been done.

So fine commercial

So fine commercial


These Gorgeous Photos Might Just Teach You to Love Your Postpartum Body

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We can't get enough of Mikaela Shannon's photography. Recently, she's been photographing new mothers in a series she's calling "Love Your Postpartum" — and the raw, honest images of moms are stunners.

postpartum body photo
Image: Mikaela Shannon

Shannon explained her work better than we can: 

“All of my work revolves around loving yourself and feeling beautiful,” she said. “Having a baby is a big step in life that comes with a lot of changes. I want moms to never have to feel like their body isn’t beautiful as it once was. I want moms to embrace the changes their bodies went through to bring their babes into the world.”

More: Birth photographer captures amazing car birth

Postpartum body 2
Image: Mikaela Shannon


Shannon is not yet a mom herself (we would have gotten that one wrong on a quiz), so we're especially impressed by her ability to recognize and capture the unconventional beauty in motherhood — unfiltered. Her images are full of loose bellies and heavy boobs and stretch marks and cellulite. Sure, they're private badges of honor to many moms, but they're not images we see every day in the media. Hell, we can't remember when postpartum bodies have ever had this kind of loving focus trained on them — and we're guilty of forgetting to love our own postpartum mom bods too.

Shannon says her work focuses on self-love, and we're already feeling kinder and gentler about our bodies, having seen her photos. That's pretty powerful work, if you ask us.

Postpartum body 3
Image: Mikaela Shannon

She got the idea when a few moms she knew mentioned they wanted to capture images celebrating the transformations in their postpartum bodies. Shannon posted a message in a local mothers' group seeking out participants — and it went viral. Now she has a Facebook group, where local moms (sorry, U.S., she's based in Canada) can book sessions with her. (You lucky Canadians. You already have Justin Trudeau. Stop keeping all the nice things.)

More: 20 beautiful birth photos that will take your breath away

Shannon's own story is a heartbreaker. “I was malnourished,” she said in an interview. “Adopted at age 1, and I only weighed 16 pounds. I stand behind ‘fed is best.’ I truly believe no matter how you feed your child, it doesn’t define you as a mother. Fed is always best and if you are supplying the necessities of life, who is anyone to judge?"

This woman rules, as an artist and as a person.

Check out Shannon's gorgeous images, and definitely follow her on Facebook and Instagram. (You know we are.)

6 Things Michelle Obama's Already Done Since Leaving the White House

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It's been almost three months since the Obamas left the White House, but for fans of the presidential couple, it feels a lot longer. What has Michelle Obama been up to, and will she leave us hanging? While millions of women are becoming activists in the shadow of the new anti-feminism administration, Obama is slowly reentering the public after an extended vacation and as a regular citizen of the United States.

Let's take a look at where she's been spotted, what she's been doing and what she might be planning for the future.

She took a much-needed vacay

Michelle Obama Tweet 1

Michelle Obama Tweet 1

First things first, Michelle and Barack Obama took a much-needed and much-deserved vacation to Necker Island in the Caribbean, which is privately owned by billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. While much of the country was reeling and unsure as Donald Trump began his presidency, the Obamas escaped the limelight to recharge and recover, promising that they would be back all fired up and ready to go.

Even though we were a bit mad at them for leaving and a bit jealous to look at the small number of pictures to leak out from their vacation, we were also happy to see them getting to relax after a long, tough run serving the American people.

More: Michelle Obama Delivers Beautiful, Emotional Last Speech as First Lady

She wrote a college recommendation letter for Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi Michelle Obama
Image: WENN

Michelle Obama also has a little time to do some small favors for friends. This week, 17-year-old Black-ish actress Yara Shahidi revealed that the former first lady penned her a letter of recommendation that she can use when she applies to college.

She is very amazing and such a supporter, which is something very surreal to say,” Shahidi told W Magazine.

With a very successful show on ABC and perhaps a spinoff show, Shahidi has said she will probably delay her schooling for at least a year. But when she's ready to go, she has a strong voice of support behind her.

She signed a big, big book deal

After their book proposals went to auction, Michelle and Barack Obama both signed book deals with Penguin Random House in late February. While no one knows the exact terms of the book deal, industry experts believe that since worldwide rights were on the table, it is probably worth at least $60 million and may make them as much as $200 million. The Obamas have said they will donate a portion of the advance to charity.

The book is expected to be a candid memoir about the former first lady's life and time in the White House. This won't be Michelle Obama's first book — she penned American Grown in 2012, a book about the White House garden and kitchens.

More: Michelle Obama Tells Oprah the Sound Advice She Gave to Melania Trump

She is still inspiring girls and forwarding feminism

Michelle Obama Tweet 2

Michelle Obama Tweet 2

Michelle Obama is continuing to make appearances much like the ones she scheduled while working in the East Wing. For example, on International Women's Day, she surprised 12 "fierce and promising" female students at a Washington, D.C., high school. The meetup was filled with hugs and advice for the young women. It was the second public high school visit she has made since her return from her island getaway.

She is continuing her crusade for kids eating healthy

Seven years after launching her Let's Move! campaign geared toward helping America's kids be healthier, Michelle Obama announced she would make a special appearance as a guest judge on the fifth season of the kids' cooking show MasterChef Junior. As someone committed to helping kids eat healthy and stay active, this is obviously a great fit for Obama now that she has a bit more time on her hands.

She is planning for her future — and having a bit of fun

Since her return from vacation, Michelle Obama has been spotted in Washington, D.C., New York City and other hot spots grabbing lunch with high-powered names, sometimes with husband Barack Obama and sometimes on her own. Some of these dates are ostensibly for pleasure, but others are business meetings in which the Obamas are planning their next big steps.

Michelle Obama Tweet 3

Michelle Obama Tweet 3

For example, earlier this week, the power couple was seen having lunch with U2 frontman and philanthropist Bono — both looking chic in sharp but casual outfits. The restaurant patrons gave them a standing ovation.

More: The Obamas Aren’t Quite Ready to See Their Daughters Grow Up

What would you like Michelle Obama to do with her newfound free time?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Michelle Obama quotes slideshow
Image: WENN

Jinger Duggar Wore Shorts, She Is Free

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As a person who writes about the Duggars occasionally, but doesn't follow them all that closely, I would have scrolled right on by the picture that has Duggar fans flippin' their lids without giving it a second thought.

More: Amy Duggar Tells a Shocking Story About Her Allegedly Abusive Father

Duggar followers cannot even handle this photo, snapped by a fan who ran into Jinger Duggar and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo on Texas A&M's campus. Why? Because Jinger is wearing shorts.

Jinger Duggar is wearing shorts and the internet cannot

Jinger Duggar is wearing shorts and the internet cannot

They are modest shorts, but shorts nonetheless. Look at all that knee she's showin'.

More: Joy-Anna Duggar's Internship Is Preparing Her for a Career in Politics

One of the first places the photo got a lot of attention was on a message board called Free Jinger, which actually exists to discuss the (remote) possibility of Jinger Duggar becoming some kind of feminist who eschews her family's fundamental religious beliefs (what a rabbit hole we're in today). Members there downright rejoiced at the sight of Duggar knees poking out of something other than a skirt.

"Wow, this is amazing!! Maybe Jinger finally is 'free,'" one wrote. Another commented, "You know that amazing liberating feeling when you turn 21 and buy your first drink in a bar? I’m feeling that type of way for her. Jinger has been freed!"

While the Duggar 'rents, Michelle and Jim Bob, have long been all about the skirts — they're how Michelle "defines herself" as a woman, after all — Jinger's hubby seems to be on a different page. He recently gave a whole sermon about how women should dress (I'm going to ignore the icky feeling I get at the idea of a man literally preaching at women about their clothes), and he threw a little shade at ultra conservative beliefs like those the Duggars subscribe to, saying, "The emphasis of the gospel is not food or clothes. Jesus does not save people to make them wear skirts."

More: Celebrities Who Opted Out of Public School and Were Home-Schooled Instead

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

duggar enraged instagram slideshow
Image: TLC

Mom Wishes She Had Never Breastfed, and We Can Relate

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It's a pretty bold statement: "I wish I never breastfed my baby."

But that's just what Australian reality star Maddi Carter said about nursing her 4-month-old son, Marlow. In a brave — and honest — Instagram post, Carter said that she quit breastfeeding three weeks ago.

Quit Breastfeeding Insta

Quit Breastfeeding Insta

Does she regret the choice?

Not even a little bit. And we completely understand why.

More: Breastfeeding essentials to make nursing life easier

She spelled it out in the Instagram caption: “I’m a better mum and better wife,” Carter wrote. “I have more energy. I actually have gaps where bub is NOT on my body so I get to miss him a little. I have more time for my other son. I am more affectionate towards my husband.”

We know Carter is not alone in these thoughts because we had them too. Breastfeeding can be terribly difficult. The fact of the matter is, it's just not for every mom. And if we could start supporting each mother in her choices — not just the ones who mother exactly as we do — well, that's a world we'd like to live in.

More: Breastfeeding was a luxury this mom couldn't afford

The former House Rules stars added, “I don’t dread going out in public. I enjoy my clothes again as I’m not leaking everywhere or having to wear uncomfortable maternity bras. I’m able to leave the house by myself without getting anxiety. I’m able to go to the gym again.”

Hell, yes. There's nothing shallow about this thinking. We appreciate it when moms get real about the need for serious self-care. If we're not taking care of ourselves, how can we take care of our kids?

And if the mom-shamers come after Carter, she sounds like she's going to be just fine. This is a mom who knows what she wants and knows how important that is.

“There are so many different ways to be a mum,” she said. “But what many mums forget is that MUM HAS TO BE HAPPY TOO.”

Say Yes to the Dress Will Celebrate Every Woman by Spotlighting a Transgender Bride

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Another day, another milestone for the fashion-forward hit TLC show, Say Yes to the Dress.

More: Woman Sues Say Yes to the Dress For Ruining Her Wedding

Say Yes to the Dress will feature a transgender bride for the second time in the history of the show (the first was Precious Davis, who was on Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta). However, it's the first time a transgender bride has been featured on the original SYTTD. The lucky bride-to-be, New Jersey native Gabrielle Gibson, will be part of an upcoming episode tracking her special journey to the altar.

Gabrielle Gibson SYTTD FB

Gabrielle Gibson SYTTD FB

Huffington Post reports that Gibson will be married in November in a country chic wedding. The dress that Gibson ultimately landed on can be seen in her Facebook announcement that she would be featured on the show. Gibson broke the news in late February, writing, "[t]his so super exciting and surreal to me all at the same time. I litterally [sic] just wanted to go to Klinefields [sic] just to say I went there with my mom!!! And surprise next thing you know I'm picked to be on Say Yes to the Dress!!!! It was an amazing experience and the crew was an absolute dream. And I can't wait for everyone to be apart of mine and Jaden's story!!!"

More: Gay Military Couple's Wedding Photo Proves We've Come a Long Way

Gibson's excitement is infectious and she couldn't look more beautiful in her lacy mermaid-cut gown. She definitely looks every bit the picturesque bride. It's so heartwarming to see stories like Gibson's being told on a show that has (almost actively, in my opinion) focused on the heteronormative aspects of shopping for bridal gowns. Gibson's story adds a necessary but precious side to the bridal experience.

More: 9 Series Bringing Transgender Struggles to the Forefront

Congratulations are definitely in order for Gibson and her fiancé.

Take Your Finances From Overwhelming to Easy-Breezy With These 7 Steps

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When it comes to managing money, things can get overwhelming fast.

It can be tempting to apply for a new credit card with better rewards or open a new bank account with higher interest. But doing those things can quickly lead to a wallet full of plastic or a mailbox full of bank statements, and the clutter only causes more stress.

money stress gif
Image: Giphy

More: I Let a Drug Company Test Its Meds on Me Because I Was Flat Broke

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to simplify your finances in seven easy steps.

1. Consolidate bank accounts

At most, you should have two bank accounts: a local account, which can be a large bank or something like a local credit union, to house the checking account you use daily and an online account that yields higher interest for housing the majority of your savings.

2. Cut down on credit cards

With credit cards, it’s pretty much the same thing: Forbes recommends having just two. One should be a card with 1.5 to 2 percent cash back on purchases, and the other should be a card with great mileage or point rewards. If you do have more cards than that, remember to just pay off their balances and then put them somewhere safe so you don’t use them again — closing credit cards can ding your credit score.

3. Switch to a wireless carrier with no annual contract

Cellphone plans are notorious for coming with hidden costs and surprise bills, meaning your monthly bill is probably full of unwanted surprises. Switching to a phone carrier that doesn't require an annual contract, like Cricket Wireless doesn’t even mean giving up your favorite smartphone model — it just means knowing exactly how much you’re paying, and never a penny more. And forget about coverage worries. With Cricket, you'll still get nationwide reliable connectivity, all wrapped up in a simple, straight-forward plan that won't leave you scratching your head.

4. Consolidate retirement accounts

Retirement accounts are easy to simplify. Your 401(k)s from past employers can be converted into IRAs or sometimes even rolled over into a new 401(k). Multiple IRA accounts can be consolidated into one. Even though changing jobs often means starting a new retirement account, they can almost always be consolidated into just one.

More: Why Saving Money Is Harder for Millennials... and How to Change That

5. Streamline insurance

Some kinds of insurance, like health insurance, have to be purchased individually. But for other accounts, like car, rental, homeowners and life insurance, they can all be purchased from the same provider. Not only does that simplify things, but many providers offer discounts to customers who purchase multiple kinds of insurance from one agency.

6. Reduce subscriptions

Are you using everything you get in your monthly Ipsy bag? Really listening to Spotify and Apple Music? Does your household really need Netflix, Hulu and HBO Go? Cutting down on subscriptions you don’t use is a great way to simplify your finances and save some cash every month. A simple way to do it is with Trim, a site that will send you a text with all the services you subscribe to and allow you to cancel the ones you don’t want just by replying with another text.

7. Get debt-free

Not only does owing money cost you more in the long run, but it’s a huge source of stress. Paying off debt won’t happen overnight, but making a plan to do it as efficiently as possible can really simplify your life. Sites like ReadyForZero and The Balance provide free tools that help people make a plan and stick to it to pay off debt.

More: If You Haven't Frozen Your Kid's Credit, You'd Better Get On That

This post was sponsored by Cricket Wireless.

Angelina Jolie Won't Let Divorce Slow Her Down in Her Humanitarian Work

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Angelina Jolie is continuing to symbolically shun any turmoil surrounding her ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt, as proven by her recent moving speech given at the United Nations.

More: Angelina Jolie Got a Huge, Painful Tattoo "Binding" Her to Brad Pitt

Jolie delivered a speech in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees earlier this week. In the speech, as reported on by People magazine, Jolie "called for people to 'keep the flame of internationalism alive' and warned against the rising tide of 'nationalism masquerading as patriotism.'" Jolie's UNHCR speech was part of a lecture given "in memory of the U.N. official who lost his life at the Iraqi bombing of the U.N. Baghdad office in 2003."

Angelina Jolie UNHCR Speech

Angelina Jolie UNHCR Speech

In the speech, Jolie called herself an "internationalist," which is meant to indicate that rather than keeping her view of the world small and locked in on one country, she chooses to consider and participate in the affairs of every nation. She declared, "I am a proud American and I am an internationalist. I believe anyone committed to human rights is. It means seeing the world with a sense of fairness and humility and recognizing our own humanity in the struggles of others. It stems from a love of one’s country, but not at the expense of others. From patriotism, but not from narrow nationalism. And that a strong nation, like a strong person, helps others to rise up and be independent."

More: Brad Who? Angelina Jolie Looks Happier and Healthier Than Ever

Jolie's words are strong, resolute and rooted in a deep love of humanity. She has held the position during her lifelong dedication to humanitarian work. This speech serves as yet another reminder that Jolie is not simply an actor, but she is a woman who is actively committed to serving the needs of others before herself and is dedicated to making the world a better place.

More: While Angelina Jolie Seeks World Domination, Brad Pitt Delivers Balloons

Clearly not interested in letting idle chatter about her divorce from Pitt slow her down, Jolie's speech is also a declaration of her independence. She will be just fine without Pitt because she is doing the work that fulfills her the most.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Celebs who give back
Image: WENN

Samantha Bee Wants You to Stop Protesting and Start Voting

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Donald Trump loves to downplay the liberal resistance, claiming that it's instigated by Democratic operatives. Unfortunately, for once, he's right — no, there is no grand scheme orchestrated by maniacal liberals, but he is correct that the resistance is way less powerful than protesters claim. Why else are seemingly strong Democratic candidates losing local elections as of late?

More: Samantha Bee Is Spot On With Her Kellyanne Conway and Cersei Lannister Comparison

Clearly, the same people who are willing to march outside in the cold all day can't be bothered to actually vote. Turnout in recent elections has been dismal, as Samantha Bee pointed out during tonight's episode of Full Frontal.

Upset by her party's clear nonchalance, Bee exclaimed, "I take back all the times I defended liberal snowflakes against the charge that they need participation trophies." And she's right — you don't deserve a trophy if you don't even participate!

More: Samantha Bee Is Alarmed by How Much the GOP Has Changed

According to some delusional pundits, Democrats are currently going out of their way to vote for their favorite candidates. Apparently, they're willing to crawl over broken glass in order to get out the vote (according to Bee, this is Jeff Sessions' new plan for Election Day).

Samantha Bee
Image: TBS

As Bee points out, it will take a Democratic Congress to either impeach Trump or severely limit his power. How in the world are we supposed to achieve that if all the people who profess to hate Trump stay home on voting day?

More: Samantha Bee's Take on Paul Ryan Suggests a Tough Four Years

To be fair, this isn't all on voters. Clearly, candidates are not doing a good job of getting out the vote. Local politicians need to make a more compelling case for why their constituents should appear at the polls during a month other than November. People should know exactly when local elections take place and how they can participate.

There's nothing wrong with showing up at a protest. It's a great way to voice your support or dissent. Ultimately, however, the voting booth is more important. It's high time we do our research, keep up to date on local elections and actually bother to vote.

Do you agree with Samantha Bee? Do Democrats need to stop emphasizing protests and start showing up at the voting booth? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Samantha Bee quotes slideshow
Image: TBS

A 30-Day Money Challenge to Save You Loads of Cash

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If building up your savings account feels just about as likely as finding the cure to cancer, then it's time to reevaluate your finances. While saving money isn't always easy, it's not as complicated as you might think. What it requires is a keen awareness of personal priorities and a game plan to help you reach your goals.

More: 6 Ways to Save Loads of Money on a New Phone

This 30-day money challenge provides simple, daily steps you can take to analyze your current financial state while tapering the outward flow of money from your accounts. Best of all? You don't have to (completely) cut back on little indulgences like your daily morning coffee. Rather, the goal is to help you re-prioritize your expenses and plan ahead when making purchases, making it easier to save money without completely disrupting your life.

More: 10 Ways to Save Major $$$ Without Even Noticing

Before you kick off the 30-day program, familiarize yourself with each of the challenges. Some require more planning and forethought, while others require extra time. Track your savings using a spreadsheet or notebook so at the end of the month you can accurately assess your results. Good luck, and happy savings!

Image: Michaela Early/SheKnows

More: 14 Gorgeous Phone Cases You Need to Buy Right Now

This post was sponsored by Cricket Wireless.

5 Pretty Braids You Can Actually Do on Short Hair

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If you have short hair, you know the struggles of attempting an updo without every layer popping out, let alone trying to recreate one of the intricate braids seen on your Instagram feed. But trust us when we say doing braids on short hair is totally possible, as long as you have a bit of patience (and a ton of bobby pins).

More: 9 Young Creatives Who Are Making Black History

And to prove it to you, we rounded up our favorite braids tutorials that are specifically done on short-haired vloggers, so there are zero reasons for you not to be able to try one of these out on yourself. Just grab a mirror, take it slow, and then marvel at your handiwork. We promise you’ll get at least a billion compliments on these styles.

More: 35 So-Pretty Eye Makeup Ideas to Try Now

Braids for short hair
Image: ImaxTree

The Waterfall Braid

The Waterfall Braid

The Waterfall Braid

The Loose, Messy, Crown Braid

The Loose, Messy, Crown Braid

The Loose, Messy, Crown Braid

Reverse, Wraparound Braids

Reverse, Wraparound Braids

Reverse, Wraparound Braids

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch Braids

Double Dutch Braids

Braided Bangs (A.k.a. The Best Way to Disguise a Grown-Out Pixie)

Braided Bangs (A.k.a. The Best Way to Disguise a Grown-

Braided Bangs (A.k.a. The Best Way to Disguise a Grown-

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

Demi Lovato Used a Powerful Picture to Celebrate Her Sobriety on Instagram

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Demi Lovato is once again celebrating one of the few anniversaries that may be truly meaningful to her: her date of sobriety.

More: Demi Lovato Gets Touching "Sobriety" Message From Wilmer Valderrama

On her Instagram, Lovato showed a graphic of her sobriety and in the process, she proved to everyone that she is one of the most dedicated women in the business. That dedication manifests itself quite clearly in Lovato's pursuit of happiness through sobriety. This picture, which details how long she has been sober in different ways, paints a very succinct picture of a long journey in recovery.

Demi Lovato Instagram Sober

Demi Lovato Instagram Sober

Lovato wrote a touching caption underneath the photo, where she was honest about how tough the last five years have been. In the first part of her caption, she states, "So grateful. It's been quite the journey. So many ups and downs. So many times I wanted to relapse but sat on my hands and begged God to relieve the obsession." I cannot fathom how long and winding a road Lovato has traveled in order to be five years sober, healthy and happy. Can you?

She goes on to write: "I'm so proud of myself but I couldn't have done it without my higher power (God), my family, friends, and everyone else who supported me. Feeling humbled and joyful today. Thank you guys for sticking by my side and believing in me."

More: Demi Lovato Shares a Huge Milestone With Her Fans

Demi Lovato Instagram Freckles

Demi Lovato Instagram Freckles

That said, these last five years, Lovato has proven (not that she needs to prove anything to anyone) that she is ready to fight for her life, her family and her career. She is no quitter when it comes to chasing success. She's rebooted her musical career following her exit from rehab five years ago and she's built up a community around herself that supports her journey. She's become a mental health advocate after speaking openly about her demons of substance abuse, eating disorders and depression.

More: As a Person With Anxiety, Watching Demi Lovato's Mental Health Doc Is a Revelation

Lovato is a true inspiration to us all.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

53 celebrities who have struggled with drug and alcohol addictions
Image: Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images

Why Your Hands Swell Up When You Exercise

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Things I secrectly googled

It never fails. About 15 minutes into my morning jog, I notice my hands start to feel tight and my fingers puff up like sausages. As I run through the list of reasons why my hands suddenly look like they belong to someone else, the swelling gets worse and I begin to think something is seriously wrong. But apparently, I’m not alone in my swelling situation because this annoying little occurrence actually happens to many fitness enthusiasts.

Swelling of the hands is a common reaction to exercising, and it’s even more common when your hands are swinging at your sides. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise increases blood flow to your heart and lungs, as well as to the muscles you're working. Consequently, this can reduce blood flow to your hands, making them cooler. In turn, the blood vessels in your hands may react by opening wider — which could lead to hand swelling.

More: What No One Tells You About Post-chemo Weight Gain

As you continue to exercise, your muscles generate heat that makes your system push blood to the vessels closest to the surface of your body to dissipate heat. The result: Blood pools in the veins of your fingers, and when you finish running or walking, you can’t take off your wedding band.

And while it may feel like a scary situation when it’s happening to you, it’s usually not the result of any serious medical condition. In most cases, the swelling goes away within about an hour or so after you have cooled down from exercising, but if it continues or is accompanied by any other symptoms, it might be best to contact your doctor.

More: Now You Can Work Out Like the Notorious RBG

Here are a few tips for reducing hand and finger swelling during exercise:

Remove your rings prior to exercise

You might also want to loosen anything you have around your wrist, such as a watch or activity tracker.

Do a few arm circles every couple of minutes

Remember the old windmills you used to do as a kid in PE class? Well, it’s time to start circling your arms again while you run or walk.

Don’t clench your hands

It’s important to relax your hands and not make a fist. Also, remember to stretch your fingers out every couple of minutes.

Put your hands up

Place your hands on top of your head for a few seconds and then raise them over your head and pump your fists. Yes, you might look a little ridiculous to the cars passing by, but it’s almost guaranteed to help decrease the puffiness. And as a side note, this is also a handy trick to get rid of the nasty side stitch that can happen when power-walking or running.

More: Adele Shares Her Seven-Minute Ab Workout

Make sure you're wearing the right gear

Exercise clothes shouldn't be too tight. Also, leave your shoes loose enough to allow for proper circulation to the feet.

Stay hydrated

If your exercise session is going to be longer than an hour and you'll be sweating pretty heavily, make sure your daily intake of water and salt is balanced. Try to drink at least two glasses of water one to two hours before you exercise and then take in 7 to 10 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise. Finish off with an additional 8 ounces within 30 minutes of the end of your activity.

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