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John Oliver Exposes the Malice Behind Donald Trump's Proposed Budget

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Remember when John Oliver thought that his show might be able to focus on something other than the Trump presidency? So much for that. You can't blame the guy; each week, Trump comes up with something more ridiculous than the last.

More: Last Week Tonight's Lobster Supreme Court Is Not So Ridiculous After All

Sure, Oliver set aside a little time to chat about the traffic zebras in Bolivia (spoiler: they're amazing!) but the bulk of tonight's episode was — you guessed it — Trump talk. And that's perfectly understandable, given the horror of a budget that emerged last week.

More: John Oliver Explains Why Our President Hates the Trump in Trumpcare

If you're not yet in the know, the Trump administration indends to amp up defense spending while slashing a variety of very important programs. This is all, supposedly, in the name of reducing regulations and taxes, and making America open for business.

John Oliver
Image: HBO

We've all heard about how the exact programs Trump intends to cut are the ones his constituents need most. But what pundits haven't discussed in-depth is the sheer malice behind the budget's most draconian endeavors. Many of the programs receiving the axe constitute a minuscule portion of the budget, yet consistently deliver on their promises and make our country a better place. Trump is supposedly such a great businessman; he should know better than to cut departments that outperform.

More: John Oliver's Techno Number Is Exactly What Late Night Television Needs

As Oliver put it: "You don't cut these agencies as a cost-saving measure. You do it as a fuck you." He then compared Trump's awful budget to wining and dining Mitt Romney before gleefully denying the position you've dangled in front of his nose. It's not necessary and it's in very bad form, so of course, it's the approach that best fits Trump.

If there's a silver lining to all this, it's that people are finally beginning to catch on to Trump's shenanigans. Yes, we've said that before, but as mentioned earlier, a lot of people who supported Trump are going to be greatly hurt by his budget's provisions. Until then, it's up to the rest of us to keep putting on the pressure and standing up for the programs we once took for granted.

What do you think of John Oliver's take on the Trump administration's budget proposal? Is it pure malice, or does he really want to trim the fat? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

daily show correspondents slideshow
Image: ABC Family

Melissa George Speaks Out About Alleged Abuse During an Explosive Interview

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In an eye-opening new interview, Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife alum Melissa George revealed she is in the fight of her life for custody of her children. George alleges that she was the victim of abuse at the hands of her soon-to-be-ex-husband Jean David Blanc.

More: Melissa George Released From the Hospital After Alleged Attack by Boyfriend

George's abuse allegations against Blanc were a crucial portion of her in-depth interview with Australian TV program Sunday Night. From the promos attached to the interview, which has now aired, it's clear that George's pain runs deep. Over the course of the interview, it appears those allegations of abuse are connected to the intense legal battle that George is in the middle of to gain custody of her children. Along with allegations of abuse, George claimed that allegations against her character are coming from Blanc's camp in an attempt to ensure Blanc has custody of their children.

Melissa George Interview Promo

Melissa George Interview Promo

According to Us Magazine, George opened up about one allegedly brutal incident between her and Blanc. "It started with him on top of me, with my arms locked above my head. I just tried to fight for myself, which made him more angry, which made me more angry and he pushed me into the door and then struck my face and I hit the wall and fell on the floor. He stood over me and said, 'Now you're a real actress,'" George said. George managed to escape during the alleged attack, then she took an Uber to the local police station, began vomiting and was rushed to the hospital. Blanc was arrested shortly thereafter.

More: 10 Domestic Violence Facts We Should All Be Taking Very Seriously

Melissa George Interview Promo 2

Melissa George Interview Promo 2

In another promo for the interview, George appears distraught, telling the interviewer, "Take my career. I don't care anymore. I just want my babies." Those babies are sons Raphaël, 3, and Solal, who is just 16 months. George appears distressed in both promos for the interview, which is truly heartbreaking to watch.

There's been no reported comment from Blanc about the interview, but he has contested George's claims of abuse in a statement to the Daily Mail: "Regarding the supposed violence against Melissa George, I strongly contest it and have thus filed an appeal against the judgment, which is not final. I have always maintained that I had been attacked first and was only trying to protect myself. Melissa George was found guilty and charged for these offenses."

More: Sara Ramirez Is Not Thrilled That ABC Allowed a Bad Joke About Bisexuality on TV

George has been noticeably out of the spotlight for some time. Her most recent stab at television was a return to the medical drama genre in early 2016 with Heartbeat. She also has a film slated for release in Australia, The Butterfly Tree. Aside from that, it would seem the only thing important to George is remaining with her children and out of harm's way.

7 Pretty Makeup Ideas for Every Day

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Ideally, we’d all have limitless amounts of time in the morning for an incredibly intricate and precise makeup routine. We’d also ideally have the skills and finesse of a celebrity makeup artist and the patience of Buddha, but we are only human, and pretty makeup continues to be a struggle to achieve in the mornings.

So to keep you from getting so flustered in the morning that you skip your makeup routine altogether, we rounded up our favorite so-pretty (and so-easy) makeup tutorials that can and should be done every single day. Scroll down to see our favorites, and then try them out on yourself tomorrow!

Fast and subtle brows, eye shadow and contour

Fast and Subtle Brows, Eyeshadow, and Contour

Fast and Subtle Brows, Eyeshadow, and Contour

Smooth, airbrushed-looking skin and mascara

Smooth, Airbrushed-Looking Skin and Mascara

Smooth, Airbrushed-Looking Skin and Mascara

Softly contoured and bronzed skin (plus blemish coverage)


Softly Contoured and Bronzed Skin (Plus Blemish Coverag

Softly Contoured and Bronzed Skin (Plus Blemish Coverag

Simple highlighting and easy eye shadow and eyeliner

Simple Highlighting and Easy Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

Simple Highlighting and Easy Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

Glowing skin and flushed cheeks

Glowing Skin and Flushed Cheeks

Glowing Skin and Flushed Cheeks

Bold lip and natural, no-makeup makeup

Bold Lip and Natural, No-Makeup Makeup

Bold Lip and Natural, No-Makeup Makeup

Soft, matte skin and filled-in brows

Soft, Matte Skin and Filled-in Brows

Soft, Matte Skin and Filled-in Brows

7 Theories About What Happened to Richard Simmons & Why He Went 'Missing'

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There is only one more episode of Missing Richard Simmons left, and although we've learned a lot about the fitness guru, what he has accomplished and the millions of people he has touched, we still don't have a good, solid idea about why exactly he left the limelight and why he left it so abruptly.

More: Super Interesting Facts We've Learned on the Missing Richard Simmons Podcast So Far

The podcast's creator (and a former acquaintance of Richard Simmons), Dan Taberski, has floated a number of theories in the first five episodes of his show, and fans and listeners have contributed even more ideas. Next week, the show will wrap up with a few revelations — though it is unclear how big they will be — as well as one more attempt by Taberski to make personal contact with his old friend.

After an initial wave of interest and popularity, the Missing Richard Simmons podcast has faced mounting criticism in the past week, with articles from the New York Times and The Week blasting the show for butting into Simmons' private life and for fixating on celebrities while forgetting that celebrities are still people. Taberski argues that he's just concerned about his friend and thought the podcast might verify that Simmons is safe and happy, but others think that maybe we just need to let him be, no matter the cause.

Why did Simmons go from a gregarious, highly public personality to a veritable shut-in in a single day? Is it any of our business? Does he owe the public, or even his former close friends, an explanation? One of the problems with being a celebrity for almost 40 years is that people are going to wonder, whether you tell them or not.

Here're are the seven theories we have so far.

1. The knee surgery theory

The first clue that Simmons was making a change in his life came when he didn't show up for his "Slimmons" exercise class in West Hollywood three years ago. An employee soon put a notice up on the door saying that Simmons had canceled class due to a knee injury and surgery. While Taberski was able to confirm that Simmons suffered from knee problems and did have a procedure, it's unclear whether the surgery caused Simmons' odd behavior in some way or whether it contributed to depression, which then led to the odd behavior. Some even posit that the knee surgery could have resulted in an addiction to pain medications.

Taberski said that the signs on the exercise studio door went up for months, with the date refreshed, but then were eventually taken down altogether.

simmons knee surgery

simmons knee surgery

2. The dog death theory

simmons hattie twitter
Image: Celebrity News Feed/Twitter

Simmons loves people, and he also loves dogs. In fact, at one time he had eight Dalmatians, most of which were named after characters from Gone with the Wind. Taberski interviewed several people who confirmed that the dogs were a huge part of Simmons' life (when out of town, he would call them to sing to them) and happiness as well as the fact that his last dog, 17-year-old Hattie, passed away just before Simmons retreated into his home. Could he be mourning his last best friend and caught in a deep depression?

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

3. The evil housekeeper theory

By far the most outlandish theory is that Simmons is being held by his longtime housekeeper and confidant, Teresa Reveles. Some, like Simmons' former masseuse Mauro Oliveira, even think that Reveles is using some sort of witchcraft to control Simmons' mind. Others, perhaps more practically and logically, think that Reveles might be taking advantage of Simmons in order to profit financially.

While the housekeeper theory is very odd and troubling, it is also possible that the already unstable Simmons could be an easy target for emotional abuse. On the other hand, during the one over-the-phone interview he's given in the past three years, he insisted that Reveles was almost like his wife and that she would never harm him.

simmons housekeeper 1

simmons housekeeper 1

simmons housekeeper 2

simmons housekeeper 2

4. The "fat again" theory

Taberski has not floated this theory, but listeners have. After his knee surgery, the theory goes, Simmons wasn't able to exercise and he gained back some or all of the weight that he lost so many years ago. Ashamed by his appearance, he is refusing to be seen by the public. Alternatively, he might be once again struggling with an eating disorder (he has a history of bulimia and anorexia).

simmons fat again tweet

simmons fat again tweet

5. The transitioning theory

simmons gold
Image: WENN

The theory that Simmons is transitioning or has transitioned into a woman was covered in the podcast last week, and though it seems to make a lot of sense at first, it probably doesn't hold water. Simmons, who has been vague about his sexuality and gender in public (and less vague in his Slimmons classes), is famous for wearing gender-bending clothing, not to mention makeup. Could he have disappeared to quietly begin life as a woman? While this could explain why Simmons wouldn't want to be seen, the answer doesn't quite fit his personality: He has always been open about who he is and has never hidden his affinity for blurring gender lines. Plus, when the Los Angeles police department checked on him in his home, he reportedly had grown a beard!

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

6. The depressed theory

These last two theories aren't the juiciest, but they are also the most likely to be true. The first is that Simmons is just depressed. Isolation linked to depression has happened to many millions of people, but Simmons' life is usually so public, his isolation is much more pronounced. This would also be in line with his history, which certainly has periods of great sadness and mental illness.

The question is: If he is depressed, should people like Taberski leave him alone or continue to reach out?

simmons depressed tweet

simmons depressed tweet

7. The retired theory

There's also a good chance that Simmons is simply retired. After many decades in the spotlight, perhaps the 68-year-old fitness instructor wants to slow down, focus on himself and be alone. This is what he claimed in his last interview, and maybe it's what we should take at face value. Maybe Simmons spent his life giving so much to so many people that he has now entered a new, private phase.

simmons retired 1

simmons retired 1

simmons retired 2

simmons retired 2

Why do you think Richard Simmons left the limelight? Sound off in the comments.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Richard Simmons facts slideshow
Image: RHS/WENN.com

What to Do When Your Partner Says They’re a Sex Addict

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From Tiger Woods to Michael Douglas, from Rob Lowe to Charlie Sheen: Celebrities who come out with sex addiction give a glamorous facade to the so-called illness. People who overuse pornography or have trouble controlling their sexual urges will often use the “sex addict” label to explain and rationalize their behavior.

Except, as the experts at the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists declared in December 2016 : “[We do] not find sufficient empirical evidence to support the classification of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health disorder.”

So, if your partner tells you they’re a sex addict, there are a few things you need to know to clarify the situation and get the help you need. It might just have nothing to do with addiction, though.

1. “Sex addiction” isn’t real

The word “addict” has tons of negative connotations in our culture. It can be interpreted morally: “you’re weak and a bad person.” This is a very traditional view of addiction, and one that was eliminated by scientists a long time ago. From alcohol to cocaine abuse, addictive behavior has nothing to do with a person’s morality.

There’s also nothing inherently addictive about sex. In fact, sex fails on one of the hallmarks of addiction, habituation (the need for an always bigger dose to get the same high). Having five orgasms one day will not make the next day’s orgasms less pleasant.

More: BDSM & Consent: What's the Big Deal?

But saying to your partner, “Sex addiction isn’t a thing,” is not going to help them. If they’re talking to you about it, it means that they are distressed about their own behavior and want help stopping it. That’s a good thing. You don’t want to dismiss or invalidate their feelings by saying, “It isn’t real.” Consider simply listening to them to begin with. But knowing that sex addiction isn’t technically an addiction can help you get started on the right path toward helping your partner deal with their actions.

2. “Sex addiction” is more often a symptom of other issues

In psychology, we use the word “comorbidity” to talk about causes that often come together, like depression and anxiety. In the same way, people who complain of sex addiction usually come with hosts of other problems, like actual substance abuse (Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Russell Brand and Amy Winehouse are “sex addicts” who also had drug addictions) or emotional problems linked to relationships and intimacy.

Is your partner developing alcoholism? Are they using drugs? Substance abuse often causes lapses in judgment and an inability to control urges, which can translate into promiscuous behavior. In this case, dealing with the sex addiction means dealing with the underlying substance abuse problem.

More: How to Tell Your Partner You'd Like an Open Relationship

Sober people can also be promiscuous; Tiger Woods is one famous example. In this case, there’s usually a deeper emotional problem related to commitment, faithfulness and intimacy. Seeking anonymous sex is often a way for people to escape the pressure of committed relationships, especially when they are not emotionally mature enough for them. They may also have linked their self-esteem to sex, which means that any problem in the main relationship can lead to seeking sexual partners outside of it.

Either of these explanations requires support and therapy. You cannot treat the “sex addiction” without treating the underlying issues, whether they are substance-related or emotional.

3. “Sex addiction” as a symptom of a sex-negative culture

In our sexually shaming culture, having an overly strong appetite for sex (especially women) can often cause people to call it “addiction” to relieve the stress from the messages around them and avoid shame for themselves and their families. When we internalize the shame surrounding sex, it makes sense that one of the ways we might rationalize our behavior is by calling it “addiction.”

Except, some people have strong libidos. That’s just how they’re wired. There is nothing wrong with them at all. People raised with more conservative and sex-negative values may want to label their sex drive “sex addiction” because they have not been taught that sex is a natural, positive thing.

More: Yes, Your Partner Can Go Down on You During Your Period — and It Can Help With Cramps

Lack of proper sex education and a sex-negative culture cause physical and emotional harm. Slapping a scientifically unfounded “sex addiction” label on people with healthy sex drives is just one of the many ways this harm manifests itself.

What can I do?

My advice is first to listen to your partner. Sex addiction not being real doesn’t mean they’re not in pain. Remember that it’s not about you.

Then, depending on the underlying problem (substance abuse, emotional issues or plain sexual shame), you can seek out the right kind of therapy and support.

Most important, avoid sex addiction treatments. They are not supported by science or the AASECT.

The Heartbreaking First-Hand Details of Kim Kardashian West's Robbery Are Out

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Kim Kardashian West has finally told the entire story of her Paris robbery, sparing no details, and it will absolutely break your heart.

On last night's Keeping Up with the Kardashians, she explained everything about the night she was robbed at gunpoint for $10 million worth of jewelry.

Kourtney Kardashian and Kim Kardashian's stylist, Simone Harouche, were out partying with her when Kardashian West decided to go back to the hotel and rest, she said.

More: Kim Kardashian West Just Wants to Lose 7 pounds, You Guys

"What I think happened now after thinking about it so much is that there was probably a group of guys that were following us the entire trip," she explained. "I was Snapchatting that I was home and that everyone was going to out, so I think they knew Pascal [Duvier, Kardashian West's bodyguard] was out with Kourtney and that I was there by myself."

Kim kardashian tells all details of Paris Robbery

Kim kardashian tells all details of Paris Robbery

Kardashian West continued, "And I was laying in bed, like 'should I wash my face? I'm so tired. I'm in my robe, I need to get up, I need to wash my face' and then 10 minutes later, I was like dozing, dozing, and then I heard pounding up the stairs. I thought it was you and Stephanie [likely Sheppard, Kardashian West's assistant] drunk. I'm calling to them like 'hello, hello, hello,' and there's no answer."

That's when Kardashian West knew something wasn't right, she said.

"And then at that moment, when there wasn't an answer, my heart started to get really tense... My door was open like this," she explained, holding up her hands to show a slight opening, "and I saw two guys holding another guy down in police uniforms but right outside of my bedroom, five feet away. So I slid off my bed and picked up my phone and I'm like 'I don't know how to call 911 in a different country.' And so I like called Pascal and then the guy came and grabbed the phone from me, threw me on the bed, and I was like 'this is it.'"

The men had the hotel concierge handcuffed. Talking to him later, Kardashian West learned that they had threatened him with their guns and demanded he take them to her room. He also translated — the robbers didn't speak any English, and Kardashian West doesn't speak any French.

More: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West 's Love Story Begins With One Hot Room

Kardashian West continued, "I was looking at the gun, looking down back at the stairs. I have a split second in my mind to make this quick decision. Am I going to run down the stairs and either be shot in the back — it makes me so upset to think about it — but either they're going to shoot me in the back or if I make it and they don't, if the elevator doesn't open in time or the stairs are locked, then I'm fucked! There's no way out."

Instead, she said she pleaded with the concierge to tell the men that she had children at home.

"I have babies. Please, they can't understand me, but tell them I have babies at home," she said. "Please, I have a family. Let me live!"

Kardashian West explained that one of the men put duct tape over her mouth. "And then, he grabs my legs and I wasn't, you know, I had no clothes on under. He pulled me toward him at the front of the bed and I thought, 'OK, this is the moment they're going to rape me,'" she said. "I fully mentally prepped myself — and then he didn't."

Instead, he put tape around her legs and then held up the gun, she said. "I just knew that was the moment," Kardashian West recalled. "They're just totally going to shoot me in the head. I just prayed that Kourtney's going to have a normal life after she sees my dead body on the bed."

On KUWTK, Kardashian West explained that she was sure she was going to die. She was thinking about her family and praying for them to be safe when the robbers put her in the bathtub, stole her jewels and left.

Pascal and Kourtney Kardashian returned just minutes later, and they flew back to the U.S. the next day. Kardashian West disappeared from social media and the spotlight for months, but has gradually returned.

After KUWTK aired, she took to Instagram to explain how the experience made her stronger.

Kim Kardashian insta post about Paris robbery

Kim Kardashian insta post about Paris robbery

"I took a tragic horrific experience and did not let it diminish me, rather grew and evolved and allowed the experience to teach me," she wrote. "I can say I've become so much better because of it....thank you for allowing me to share my story tonight."

More: These Valentine's Day Tweets From Our Fave Feminists & Naysayers Say It All

For all the hate she's gotten for her unconventional career path, that is one brave woman.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kim k accomplishments slideshow
Image: Lionsgate

AJ McLean's Second Daughter Is Here

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AJ McLean — the most testosterone-loaded Backstreet Boys singer (check out that beard) — has two little girls now. (He wanted it that way.)

He and his wife, Rochelle, had their second daughter, Lyric Dean, on Sunday. That's a pretty cute name, you have to admit. Maybe more country than pop, but hey, sometimes you've got to change things up.

Lyric joins big sister, 4-year-old Ava Jaymes.

More: Will there be a Backstreet Boys road trip to Vegas?

"I was told by someone very dear to me that having a child will change you forever, and that was beyond true with Ava," McLean said. "We decided to try one more time because even though Ava is so independent, the idea of having a sister or brother for her became more and more important to us. Seeing the excitement and anticipation that Ava has about being a big sister is truly amazing, and the best feeling in the world."

Who knew McLean was such a softie? (Oh. Wait. We did. He was in a boy band, after all. Being sensitive and able to pen a moving but upbeat ballad at the drop of a sequined fedora is part of the job description.)

More: 15 things you never knew about the Backstreet Boys

"She's been practicing for months with her dolls, and with some of my wife's friends' babies," McLean continued about firstborn Ava. "Having two baby girls is a dream come true and we couldn't be any more proud or excited to welcome Lyric Dean McLean into the world and into our family."

McLean got all clever with their pregnancy announcement last September, posting a picture of four sneakers on Labor Day. He is clearly digging this dad thing.

3 Tricks to Fake an Insanely Pretty Pregnancy Glow, Every Single Day

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Alright, so the idea of a pregnancy glow is so blown out and overplayed at this point that it’s almost a cliché in itself. Because, really, what is a pregnancy glow, other than an increase in oily skin and blood flow, due to hormone fluctuations? Oh, wait, that’s literally all it is. (Plus, you know, the fact that you’re growing a human out of nothing, which is pretty glow-inducing.)

But there’s no denying that most pregnant women tend to radiate, and we feel that it’s unfair to relegate that glow to only a nine-month block of time. So we’ve broken down our three favorite tricks for getting a year-round glow, with or without a baby. Keep reading to find out how to fake perfect skin, really, really quickly—and painlessly.

More: Meet Retinol Oil: The Coolest Anti-Aging Product That Actually Works

Glowing skin 1
Image: ImaxTree

Embrace the oils.

OK, so 99-percent of the time, oily, shiny skin isn’t a super-desired look. But when it comes to getting a glowy complexion, you want to embrace facial oils—so start your morning with them. After cleansing your face and moisturizing, massage three drops of a lightweight facial oil, like Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil for dry-to-regular skin, or Plant Superfacial Organic Superlight oil for oily skin, across your face, avoiding your eyelids. Give the oils 15 minutes to sink in before applying makeup. If you’re short on time, save this one for the weekends.

Switch up your primer.

If you’re not already using a primer, then please excuse us while our brains explode into a thousand tears. Not only is primer one of the most-important products for keeping your makeup smooth, crease-free, and long-lasting, but the new wave of primers are also filled with a bunch of glow-enhancers, like tiny, tiny light-reflecting specks that give your skin a true, lit-from-within finish. And if that sounds too poetic for you, then you’ve clearly never tried Pur’s No Filter Blurring Primer or Erborian’s Glow Crème, both of which are formulated with micro-fine, pearlescent reflectors that leave your skin with the most subtle of warm glows. Before applying your makeup, gently rub a few drops of an iridescent primer over your skin (including your eyelids), wait a few minutes, then dab on your tinted moisturizer or foundation.

Lean (hard) into blush.

Hey, you should give blush a call sometime, because it’s your best friend, and you’re neglecting it. Listen, flushed skin is happy, youthful skin, and the new generation of blushes is nothing like the heavy, powdered formulas of your grandmother’s time, but is instead filled with creamy, hydrating ingredients that literally plump your skin and fine lines as soon as you massage them on. Our favorites: It Cosmetics CC+ Vitality Brightening Crème Blush and the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush. Use your fingers, or a damp BeautyBlender, to blend a sheer layer of blush over the apples of your cheeks and across your cheekbones, and then marvel at the fact that you now have the glowiest, prettiest, is-that-my-face skin you’ve ever had. And you didn’t even need to get pregnant to get it—huzzah!

Glowing skin 2
Image: ImaxTree

More: Surprise: Makeup Wipes Are Actually Really Bad For Your Skin

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com


Leaky Gut Syndrome Doesn't Just Occur in Humans — Your Dog Is Affected Too

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Surf the web long enough in search of information about gastrointestinal problems, and you’ll likely come across plenty of information about leaky gut syndrome in people. But can the same thing happen to your dog? Read on to find out.

What is “leaky gut”?

Leaky gut syndrome describes the condition that occurs when the connections between the cells of the intestinal lining — known as “tight junctions” — become loose, allowing intestinal contents to more easily pass between them.

Understanding leaky gut syndrome requires thinking for a minute about how we classify the inside of the gastrointestinal tract with relation to the rest of the body. Technically, everything from the mouth to the anus is inside the body, and the contents, which include food, intestinal bacteria and fecal material, are “dirty.” The body has ways of cleaning up intestinal contents before putting them into circulation to be utilized by the organs and tissues, most notably the detoxification processes that are completed in the liver. But of course, if substances leak across the intestinal lining, that cleanup process never occurs.

More: Do You Need to Worry About BPA Levels in Dogs?

So how does the gut get leaky?

There are lots of theories about how these important cell-to-cell connections become disrupted, but no one is completely sure of all of the possible mechanisms. In cases of Crohn’s disease and celiac disease in people, it’s thought that some genetic abnormality is at the root of the leaky cells. Certain drug therapies and an imbalance of the normal gastrointestinal flora, aka good bacteria, of the gut may also play a role.

As leaky gut syndrome gets more airtime in the world of human disease, veterinary researchers and specialists are beginning to consider what role this condition may play in the diseases we see in dogs.

The gluten connection

People with celiac disease cannot digest gluten, a protein found in wheat that subsequently shows up in bread, pasta, crackers — any food that contains flour, and potentially any food produced in a facility that processes those types of foods. Dogs can have their own type of celiac disease, known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy. This condition can be inherited in Irish setters; otherwise, it’s not thought to be widespread in the canine population.

Many people report that they seem to feel better and experience resolution of chronic GI problems like diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain when they eliminate gluten from their diet. The vast majority of these people do not have celiac disease, but many researchers believe that wheat may play a role in increasing the permeability or leakiness of the gut and contribute to these symptoms.

More: 9 of Your Most Pressing Dog Questions Answered

Is autoimmune disease caused by having a leaky gut?

Autoimmune disease in animals is on the rise, just like it is in people. Problems like hypothyroidism and diabetes in dogs are thought to be caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own normal tissue as if it were a foreign invader.

Having a leaky gut has been considered as a possible contributing factor to the development of autoimmune diseases in people. The theory is that when foreign proteins are able to cross into circulation, the body mounts an immune response against them, which may make the immune system more reactive in general and kickoff autoimmune disease.

It’s certainly a big leap to take to get from eating grains to increased risk of autoimmune disease, but many researchers believe that diet likely plays an important role in these conditions, so it’s likely that more research will focus on this connection in the future.

Food allergies may cause leaky gut

We’ve long suspected a connection between certain foods — typically proteins like chicken and beef, but also grains like corn and wheat — and allergic skin disease in dogs. Often dogs with itchy skin and chronic ear infections can get relief from changing to a hypoallergenic diet. Leaky gut syndrome may explain how the food that’s going through the GI tract can cause problems on the surface of the skin.

Many dog foods claim the titles “hypoallergenic” and “limited-ingredient,” but it’s important to understand that most of the foods that you can buy without a veterinarian’s prescription are manufactured in facilities not dedicated to production of that food. The result is that extremely sensitive individuals may still be affected by minute amounts of allergens in these foods.

Severe gastrointestinal injury can play a role

If you’ve read this far, you may be imagining gallons of foreign substances pouring into your dog’s body like water filtering out of a colander full of hot spaghetti. But we’re actually just talking about microscopic amounts — and really, that’s all it takes to potentially wreak havoc.

We’ve long suspected that puppies and dogs infected with the severe gastrointestinal virus known as parvovirus can become septicemic — meaning they have a bacterial infection in their blood — because of the gut becoming leaky due to the infection. Septicemia is an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to a complete collapse of the circulatory system. Similar conditions occur in the gut when a dog experiences heatstroke.

More: 9 Things Your Dog Doesn't Think You Understand

How can I make sure my dog doesn’t get leaky gut syndrome?

Unfortunately, no one can answer this question because as I said in the beginning, no one is completely sure what causes it except in cases of parvo or heatstroke. Dogs may benefit from probiotic therapies developed specifically for the canine microbiome — that’s the specific array of good bacteria that live in the guts of dogs — as a way to ensure that the flora remain healthy and balanced. Also, you can work with your veterinarian to avoid the unjustified use of antibiotics, since it’s highly likely that they can disrupt the gut flora.

Does your dog need to eat a gluten-free or grain-free diet? Chances are good that he’s handling both just fine. However, if he’s having chronic skin or GI problems, it’s definitely worth investigating whether he might benefit from a hypoallergenic diet.

Ask PetCoach widget

Ask PetCoach widget

This Group Has Created a Reproductive Health Guide for Women With Disabilities

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What can a disabled woman do when reproductive health guides and initiatives exclude options and advice for women with disabilities? She can create a personalized guide that offers advice about reproductive and sexual health to disabled women, their health care providers and members of the community.

The Empowered Fe Fes, a young women’s peer support group that is committed to bettering the lives of young women with disabilities, recently announced that they had collaborated to publish “‘Take Charge!’ A Reproductive Health Guide for Women with Disabilities.” The group consists of women and girls with disabilities who are ages 16 and up and live in the Chicago metropolitan area. Participants have an interest in learning more about the issues of disability rights and women’s rights and how the issues of the two oppressed groups coincide. The members of the Empowered Fe Fes are known for building and sharing campaigns about disability and women’s rights. At group meetings, discussions often center on gender inequality, self-care, self-advocacy and disability pride.

More: I want you to #KnowMe beyond my wheelchair

The Empowered Fe Fes were inspired to create the guide after learning about the lack of relevant information available to women with disabilities. All the previous information that had been made available to disabled women was either very outdated or disability-specific. There was very little information that was up-to-date, easy-to-access and relevant to the majority of women with disabilities.

While working to produce the guide, members of the Empowered Fe Fes had the opportunity to learn about and explore their own reproductive and sexual health and provide personal stories as contributions to “'Take Charge.'” The members also designed the cover art and really took control of making the guide their own.

More: Best apps for reproductive health now that we're basically on our own

The young women of The Empowered Fe Fes have created a guide for sexual health that seeks to meet the needs of a community that is often overlooked in conversations regarding sexuality. The guide tackles complex issues for young women with disabilities, who are often seen as unable to determine the course of their own lives and reproduction.

The guide effectively provides its readers with the information to advocate for themselves within a health care setting and to understand their rights as a person with a disability. “'Take Charge'” looks at disability as a natural condition rather than an exception to traditional health care. It encompasses a range of issues that a person with a disability faces and provides helpful tips and solutions to many of these problems. The guide’s topics include everything from access issues at the doctor's office to carrying a child while disabled.

The one controversy that has been sparked regarding the content of the guide is the lack of LGBTQ+ content. “'Take Charge'” neglects to address trans women’s issues or sexual orientation specifically.

While the guide clearly has room for improvement, it is nonetheless a great stride forward for women with disabilities and for reproductive justice.

More: The 18 states fighting Trump for women’s reproductive rights

By Shaye DiPasquale

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Twins' Post-Bedtime Party Goes Viral

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If you've ever seen the hard-hitting, twins anthropology documentary The Parent Trap, then you know twins are pretty much nuts. And these days, double the offspring means double the chances a family will go viral— which is exactly what happened to Susana and Jonathan Balkin when they decided to spy on their identical toddler twins, Andrew and Ryan, post-bedtime.

"We heard a whole bunch of giggling, so we started spying on them," Jonathan Balkin told Today.

Sounds legit. Using a home monitoring system, the Balkin parents were able to figure out the source of all the giggles.
Toddler twins

Toddler twins

Turns out the boys were climbing out of their cribs to create elaborate gymnastics routines, build pillow forts, and enjoy some cuddle sessions. Naturally.
The video of Andrew and Ryan getting their party on after lights-out has garnered over 11 million views. Not half bad, considering this is what half of America's toddlers probably do after their parents put them to bed.
And don't worry, dear readers. These parents are on it, safety-wise. The bookshelves are empty, and the furniture is bolted to the walls. The only things that move in this room (besides the twins) are the pillows and cushions. Whew.
"We ended up spying on them for a little while on the camera just to make sure they weren't getting into trouble," Jonathan Balkin said. "Then after a while we decided, OK, it's time to intervene and put them to bed. That didn't really work out so well." The night of the video, the boys' late-night play session went well after 10 p.m., which is super-cute for those of us who are not responsible for getting these children to sleep.

"They're just happy and joyful and so busy," Balkin also said. "They have a bond that other people who aren’t twins can appreciate."

Get some sleep, Jonathan and Susana. Maybe you can teach Ryan and Andrew to set the coffee machine the night before since they're up anyway.

Josh & Anna Duggar Announced Baby No. 5, and the Backlash Was Swift

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Generally, when a Duggar announces a pregnancy, it's no surprise. Those kids get engaged, married and pregnant one after another, almost as if they planned it that way to stay in the headlines (JK — there's just so many of them, of course they have a near-constant stream of new family announcements).

However, there has now been a Duggar pregnancy announced that we did not see coming: Josh and Anna Duggar are expecting their fifth child, a boy.

More: Jinger Duggar Wore Shorts, She Is Free

The couple made the announcement via a short statement on the family's website reading, "For nearly the last two years, we have quietly worked to save our marriage, focus on our children, and rebuild our lives together as a family. Doing so is never easy after a breach of trust. We’ve learned that a life of faith and rebuilding a life together is simply done one day at a time. As we continue our journey as a family and rebuild our lives, we are delighted to share with you that we are expecting a new baby boy later this year. Beauty comes from ashes and we cannot wait to see and kiss the face of this sweet new boy!"

This is not your average, unsurprising Duggar pregnancy for one big reason: Josh famously admitted to child molestation and infidelity in 2015, and he and Anna have stayed far out of the spotlight since then. But their disappearance from public life hasn't stopped folks from speculating about what's going on behind those closed doors, and everyone kind of assumed that Anna would GTFO of that relationship.

More: Is There a Duggar Due-Date Conspiracy?

But here we are. They're handling this life their own way, and there's nothing any of us can do but butt out and wish them the best.

Oh. Wait. The internet exists, so that will ever happen.

The backlash against Josh and Anna came hard and swift after their announcement. Twitter basically imploded with Duggar hate. And while we've seen plenty of Duggar hate on the good ol' internet, this may be as harsh as it's ever gotten.

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 1

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 1

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 2

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 2

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 3

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 3

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 4

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 4

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 5

Reactions to Josh & Anna Duggar's pregnancy 5

Probably the most damning part of this whole situation, though, is that all the other Duggar siblings, who generally get pretty excited about new pregnancies in the family, have stayed silent on this one. Something tells us there's more to the story here than "beauty from ashes."

More: There May Be a Clinton Supporter in the Duggar Family After All

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Duggars dating slideshow
Image: TLC courtesy of Jim Bob Duggar

Sesame Street Introduces a New Muppet With Autism

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Julia, a new Muppet with autism, has found her way to Sesame Street.

Sesame Street autism tweet

Sesame Street autism tweet

Julia is already featured in Sesame Street books, but will join the children's series — which airs on HBO and PBS — in April. Julia's first episode will help explain autism to children.

Longtime Sesame Street writer Christine Ferraro said the show worked with autism organizations to decide which characteristics Julia should have and how best to normalize autism for all children.

More: Earlier Diagnoses of Autism Could Mean More Effective Treatment

She told Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes, "It’s tricky because autism is not one thing, because it is different for every single person who has autism."

The character of Big Bird also talked to Stahl about the first interaction he had with Julia in which she doesn't pay attention to him.

"I thought that maybe she didn't like me," said Big Bird.

"Yeah, but you know, we had to explain to Big Bird that Julia likes Big Bird," Elmo added. " It's just that Julia has autism. So sometimes it takes her a little longer to do things."

That Elmo has always been such a smart Muppet.

More: Here's How to Support Friends With a Child With Autism

Stahl points out in her piece that, with autism on the rise, "[t]he chances of a little kid 2, 3, 4 years old having some kind of a relationship with another kid with autism is pretty high."

Eventually, the goal is for Julia not to be known as the Muppet with autism but just another character on Sesame Street. The show tweeted, "Through Julia, we aim to show that all kids are amazing, and that all kids can be friends."

Sesame Street has never been a show that shied away from tough topics. Even back in 1983, when the beloved Mr. Hooper died, the series tackled it head on. Children want to make sense of their world. And I'm confident this will help many young kids (including my own) better understand this disorder. And I bet some adults too.

Eric Trump and Wife Lara Are Expecting

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Don't you just hate it when you have the perfect name for your firstborn — but you've already given it to your dog?

Eric Trump and wife Lara are having a baby boy — their first child — in September. But the name they wanted? It turns out his name is taken by another member of the household.

"We really loved the name Charlie, but we'd already named our dog that, so it's out," said Eric.

Added Lara on the name situation: "We sort of screwed ourselves over there."

We don't want to be overly snarky about how there's about to be more Trump DNA in the world. Actually we sort of did want to be snarky, but that's terribly unfair. This will be a totally innocent baby, who cannot be held responsible for any of the actions of Trumps before him. Babies are adorable bundles of potential. And we'd like to imagine that this might be the one Trump who turns it all around. Anything is possible, you guys!

More: How Ivanka Trump announced she was expecting her third child

If you can believe it, this will be the ninth grandchild of Donald Trump — the least benevolent, least grandfatherly human on the planet. Anyway. What were we saying? Babies are nice.

Science Has Two Reasons You Should Cook Dinner Tonight

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If you were planning on Seamless-ing dinner tonight, you might want to reconsider. New research from the University of Washington School of Public Health found that people who cook at home more often are likely to eat a healthier diet overall and — most unsurprisingly — save a few bucks while they're at it.

The study, conducted by Professor Adam Drewnowski of the University of Washington, proved what most of us know already, but seem to conveniently forget when time is short and our stomachs are screaming for food: “By cooking more often at home, you have a better diet at no significant cost increase,” says Drewnowski. “While if you go out more, you have a less healthy diet at a higher cost. The differences were significant, even with a relatively small study sample,” he adds.

So just how did these researchers prove that we should be spending more time in our kitchens? They used a measurement called the Healthy Eating Index, which gauges whether a person’s diet is giving them the right combination of fruits, vegetables and other elements. What they found is pretty convincing: Participants who cooked at home three times a week registered a score of 67 (weighed on a scale of 100), while those who cooked at home about six times per week had a score of about 74.

More: 21 Cute Cookware Items You Never Knew You Needed

But it’s not just the increase in healthy foods we consume at home that’s worth noting. It’s also the money we can save. Sure, high-quality foods (especially organic ones) can be pricey, but overall, grocery shopping and cooking your own ingredients in your own kitchen is a more cost-effective choice than constantly eating out. The more often you eat in, the more chances you have to use up the veggies, spices and non-perishables you've purchased, which adds up to a lot of savings over time.

While it may not seem groundbreaking, this message is one that Americans need to be educated on when it comes to how they budget for food. As it stands now, roughly half of food dollars in the U.S. are spent outside of the home. Yikes — no wonder there are such high rates of American obesity and malnutrition (more than a third of Americans are obese, while only one-fifth meet the USDA’s dietary guidelines).

What's more, millions of people falsely believe that the drive-thru is a cheaper option when trying to pinch pennies, but the study found quite the opposite. “There was no increase in costs for eating a healthier diet,” says Drewnowski. The study also debunked the idea that eating fast food is more prevalent in lower-income households — it turns out, people of all salaries are tempted by the drive-thru.

The one exception: Large families. As much as kids love the salty fries and kids' meals at McDonald's, the study found that the more mouths you have to feed, the likelier it is you'll be whipping up and serving meals at home — a wise choice, it seems.

More: 20 Healthy One-Pot Dinners


Missy Robertson Deserved a Steal During The Voice Battles

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If tonight's Battles were any indication, the remaining contestants on The Voice have a tough road ahead. Unfortunately, several talented artists have already been sent packing, and for a few, the early exit was not deserved.

More: Alicia Keys Has the Key to Winning Over Contestants on The Voice

Team Alicia's Missy Robertson, an insanely talented singer received plenty of praise this evening, but didn't make it to the next round of the competition.

Missy Robertson
Image: NBC

Robertson certainly had to put up a fight; she faced off against Anatalia Villaranda while performing "Tightrope," and they both sounded amazing. That being said, Robertson was arguably the more consistent of the two artists.

More: Blake Shelton's Steal on The Voice Was Not Cheating

The problem may not have been Robertson's vocal chops, but rather, her body language. Villaranda wasn't perfect, but she was animated. Adam Levine commented on Villaranda's energy, referring to her as a wind-up toy. He hoped, however, that Robertson's "tremendous voice" wasn't lost on the others. He even claimed, "I might be, in this moment, more attracted to what you were doing, Missy."

Tightrope video

Tightrope video

Alicia Keys struggled to choose between the two powerful singers, but she ultimately opted for Villaranda. She referred to the winner of this tough, tough Battle as the "female Bruno Mars."

More: David Cassidy's Nephew Has a Promising Future on The Voice

We get that each coach has different priorities and that it's excruciating for them to choose between two deserving artists. Not to mention, we don't see everything the coaches see. They have a lot of factors to take into account, such as each musician's potential for growth. On that basis, an argument could be made for keeping Villaranda. But that doesn't explain why none of the coaches bothered to snatch up Robertson for their own teams — especially after they offered up such effusive praise.

Robertson was, no doubt, disappointed, but she took the bad news well, claiming on Twitter to be "extremely humbled" by the strong support she received from her fans.

Missy Robertson tweet

Missy Robertson tweet

Hopefully, Robertson isn't too discouraged by her swift exit on The Voice. Success is the best revenge, so we hope she proves the judges wrong and makes a name for herself without the show's help.

What did you think of Missy Robertson's performance on The Voice? Did she deserve to go home so soon? Comment and share your opinion below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

The Voice contestants famous families slideshow
Image: NBC

10 Spring Fitness Tips for Everyone Itching to Get Back Outside

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Oh, heck yes! It's been one doozy of a winter, but spring is finally here — and it's time to get outside and get active again.

But let's be realistic, here. The season may technically be spring, but there's a good chance we've still got some cold days and melted snow ahead of us. That's not going to keep us from heading outside, but we'd still like to keep our feet warm and dry and clothes unmuddied — thank you very much.

Here are 10 spring fitness tips to keep you comfortable while you exercise during the winter thaw.

1. Lighten up

Trade your winter parka in for a light, packable waterproof jacket and pants. You need full-body protection against splash-back when you run through puddles, and using lightweight, packable gear ensures that you won't leave it behind to cut weight and then end up wet and cold. You'll also stay dry if it rains, snows or pours freezing rain on you — all of which can happen in the shoulder season. Even better? Being waterproof from head to toe protects you from even the most inconsiderate of puddle-splashing drivers if your workout takes you anywhere near the road.

More: 6 Weird Trending Workouts I've Tried in 2017

2. Let your footwear work for you

Abandon any thoughts of protecting your footwear from mud, slush and puddles. Let those shoes or boots sacrifice themselves to keep your feet dry — that's their job. Most waterproof boots or shoes have a waterproof bootie sewn into the body of the shoe. As long as this bootie isn't pierced and you don't step into water that's higher than its edge, your feet will stay warm and dry. If you think you might end up in over that level, which varies from shoe to shoe, you can extend your waterproof foot protection by using standard gaiters or shorter ankle gaiters. You can also sometimes get by with wearing waterproof pants that cinch down tightly over the tops of your shoes or boots. If temperatures aren't cold enough to pose a hazard to wet feet, you could also just toss on a pair of throwaway sneakers or water shoes, which are made of mesh that lets water in but also lets it drain right out again so you're not squishing around, and then splash away to your heart's content.

3. Expect the weather to change

It might be winter one day and spring the next, then flip back and forth a few times before it's done. Cope with the changing extremes by leaving room for layering underneath your waterproof jacket and pants. Check the forecast before you go and take extra layers if necessary, or even better yet, just leave an extra top and bottom layer or two in your vehicle or pack all the time. The extra air trapped between layers acts as insulation for your body, and as long as the layers are available, you can remove or add them to fine-tune your comfort.

4. Get a grip

Invest in a pair of ice grippers (like Yaktrax or Get-a-Grip) that slip on over your boots or shoes just in case you encounter water-slicked ice. Tuck them into your fanny pack or under the seat of your car so they're always nearby if you need them. Keep an extra-vigilant lookout for icy spots in areas where the snow has been packed down, then exposed to sun followed by shade. Slipping and getting hurt isn't a good way to start the spring season.

5. Stay prepared

Having a box in your car or a pack by the door always ready to go helps keep you organized and make sure that what you need is always available. There's nothing quite like leaving the house stoked for a workout only to realize that you left your warm hat, running shoes or ice grippers behind. Tuck your packable pants and jacket, an extra layer for top and bottom, extra socks, your ice grippers and your waterproof shoes with gaiters into the box or pack. If you happen to throw a bottle of water and an energy bar in there too, you'll be your own hero once that post-workout hunger and thirst set in. Also, work out a system for toting winter gear like skis or snowshoes before you leave the house. This means finding a way of strapping, tying, bungeeing or otherwise fastening them to the outside of your pack, not planning to carry them by hand if you hit a snowless spot on the trail. Some packs come ready-made with fancy doodads for toting extra gear on the exterior.

More: These Pre-workout Foods Will Crank Up Your Fat Burn

6. Remember the small things

It's easy to remember important workout gear, like your shoes or jacket, but there are a few small things that will optimize your spring fitness time. Sunglasses help shield your eyes from cold winds and spring sun all at the same time. Always have an extra pair of dry socks available. Always. Finding dry socks when you need them is just as good as finding a $20 bill in the pocket of your winter coat come next winter. And toss a plastic grocery bag or waterproof stuff sack in with your other gear to hold any wet or muddy gear separate from dry items.

7. Stay within your budget

If you're smart about your spring fitness shopping, you can get essential springtime outdoor gear — like waterproof or throwaway shoes, packable waterproof outerwear and ice grippers — for less than the cost of gas and a month's membership to the gym. That's not counting the free benefits of fresh air, sun and sky you get from working out outside.

8. Improvise if necessary

If money's too tight for spring fitness gear, you can still have fun in the mud on a budget. Use a garbage bag as your stay-dry poncho — poke or cut holes for your head and arms. Use plastic bags to keep your feet dry — slide sock-clad feet into a layer of plastic bag before donning your non-waterproof shoes. Your shoes will still get wet and muddy, but your feet won't, although be warned that they will collect sweat and condensation inside the bags. Make sure to give them a breather from time to time and change your socks frequently if you're on an extended outing. You can also make your own cheap studded shoes by putting short screws through the bottom of thrift store sneakers.

9. Take care of your spring fitness gear

Perhaps most important, take care of your spring fitness investments so they last. If your shoes or clothing are wet or muddy, rinse or wipe them clean and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated place so they won't mold or mildew. Lastly, protect anything waterproof — such as pack covers, outerwear or tent layers — from abrasion as much as possible to help prolong the life of the waterproof coating.

10. Have fun

Spring may present unpredictable weather, puddles and even a residual winter snow, but being prepared to brave the elements will make your outdoor spring workouts fun and effective.

More: 10 Stores With Cute Workout Clothes That Aren't Lululemon

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

30 Yoga poses you don't need an expensive studio to teach you

Originally published March 2009. Updated March 2017.

The Easiest (and Safest!) Way to Get Rid of Pregnancy Acne

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Let’s get real, here: Pregnancy is a wonderful, beautiful, magical thing…that makes about a billion tiny facets of life really challenging for nine months. Like, of course, the fact that your clothes don’t fit, or that your chin is covered in zits, or that you haven’t slept well in almost a year are all worth it, because you’re creating a freaking human being, but it’d also be super nice not to have to deal with something as outwardly annoying as acne, right?

More: 10 Products Celeb Hairstylists Use to Fix Split Ends FAST

Unfortunately, though, treating breakouts while pregnant isn’t as simple as it was a few months ago, because almost all of the main anti-acne products on the market contain ingredients that have been deemed unsafe—or, at least, highly risky—for pregnancy, like retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, and BHAs. Which basically leaves you with an empty medicine cabinet. But don’t freak, because there are ways to treat acne while pregnant, as long as you know where to look…and have a dermatologist friend willing to very explicitly point it out for you.

Pregnancy acne
Image: ImaxTree

“Yes, there are definitely ways to safely deal with acne during pregnancy, though you need to be diligent and consistent in order for them to work,” says dermatologist Mona Gohara, queen of Yale School of Medicine. Unlike most acne treatments that are as easy as popping a pill or slapping on some zit cream, pregnancy-approved treatments require a bit more patience. Gohara’s weapon of choice? Light therapy. “Light devices, which can come in the form of masks or handheld devices, emit a blue and red light that are target the bacteria in your skin that causes inflammation,” she says. “They act as topical antibiotics and are incredibly anti-inflammatory, which can be really beneficial for the inflamed hormonal acne that comes from pregnancy.”

This is one of those times were price really does matter, so if you want faster results akin to those you’d get in the derm’s office, we suggest investing in the Tria Positively Clear Acne Clearing Blue Light for $169, though you can also get cheaper results with the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask, which will only cost you $35 (although it only lasts for a month). Either way, though, you’ll need to use your device every single day—and each session can take up to 15 minutes—to notice results, so consistency is key, here.

Pregnancy acne 2
Image: ImaxTree

Of course, if your acne is truly bothering you, and the therapies aren’t working fast enough for you, Gohara notes that other prescription-level treatments may be available, though you’ll need to head to your derm to get them. “I’ll often prescribe topical azelaic acid to my pregnant patients, which is a type of antibotics, in conjunction with light therapy,” she says, “but you’ll need to speak with your dermatologist to make sure it’s right for you.”

Yeah, yeah, yeah—none of this is as easy as giving you a magical pill and tonic that washes away your acne overnight, but the alternatives are definitely not worth the risk, especially when that risk involves your baby. So try out a light-therapy device at home, or head to your doctor to see which treatments are safest for you. Just remember: Acne (thankfully) isn’t forever.

More: The Best Mousse That Makes Every Single Hair Type Look Better

Originally posted on StyleCaster.com

After a Decade Together, Mel B Is Divorcing Husband Stephen Belafonte

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Another celebrity couple is headed to divorce court. Spice Girl Mel B, otherwise known as Melanie Brown, is divorcing husband Stephen Belafonte after a decade of marriage.

More: Mel C & Victoria Beckham Had a Nostalgic Spice Girls Reunion on New Year's Eve

According to People magazine, who was able to obtain the divorce papers, it appears that the former Spice Girl has been separated from Belafonte since late December 2016. Adding further interest, the divorce papers state she is asking for joint legal and physical custody of their 5-year-old daughter, Madison, but is requesting the ability for the court to award spousal support. These papers indicate that there is the potential for an amicable split if we are to glean from these actions some level of sensibility in separation. That said, no official comment has been issued from Brown or Belafonte, so it's unclear what either party is feeling about this situation.

Mel B. Stephen Belafonte Insta

Mel B. Stephen Belafonte Insta

Over the last decade, Brown and Belafonte have weathered a fair amount of good times and bad. There were unsubstantiated rumors of abuse that circulated in 2014 when Brown missed out on a few of her X-Factor UK commitments. When she showed up to work, allegedly appearing a bit worse for wear, the rumors began. Both Belafonte and Brown vehemently denied these rumors.

More: The Spice Girls Change Their Name and Hint at Possible Reunion Tour

Additionally, the couple married in secret in Las Vegas in 2007. This allegedly caused a rift between Brown and her family, who reportedly did not like Belafonte. Given this information, Us speculates that the recent death of Brown's father has led to her reconciling with her family and this reconciliation has possibly contributed to her separation and subsequent divorce from Belafonte.

More: Mel B's Husband Slams "Disgusting" Physical Abuse Claims

With no official statement given and the appearance of a relatively amicable split, let's hope that there are only better times ahead for Brown and Belafonte as they go their separate ways.

Easter Games for Kids That Go Beyond the Same Old Egg Hunt

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Everybody loves an Easter egg hunt, but they really only last a couple hours before the kids are in need of some other form of entertainment — not to mention some physical activity to burn off all the sugar from the candy they loaded up on during the hunt.

Instead of doing the same old, same old this year, consider starting a new tradition by hosting a backyard Easter party/field day. These fun games will ensure everyone (including the adults) will be having a blast until the sun goes down.

1. Easter egg hunt outside-the-box

Golden Easter egg hunt
Image: Conor McClure/Flickr

An Easter egg hunt is to be expected — which is exactly why you have to mix it up this year. Keep parents and kids on their toes with a new and interesting interpretation of the traditional Easter egg hunt. Try an egg hunt "upgrade" like a dusk hunt, treasure hunt, egg puzzle or golden egg hunt instead. You can also up the ante by throwing out the candy altogether and filling eggs with fun prizes, like stickers, movie tickets or even some cold, hard cash.

More: Easter Egg Hunt Ideas You Haven't Tried Before

2. Egg toss

Easter egg toss
Image: Scott Ableman/Flickr

Each child should partner up to create teams of two, with each team given one raw egg. For the first round, the partners stand just three feet apart and toss the egg to each other. If the egg breaks, then the team is eliminated. After each round, the partners take a giant step back (becoming even further apart) and toss the egg again. The rounds continue until there is just one team left — the egg toss champions!

Next Up: Bunny hop sack race

Updated by Sarah Long on 3/20/17

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3. Bunny hop sack race

Bunny hop race
Image: Caiaimage/Robert Daly/OJO+/Getty Images

Kids always love a good old-fashioned sack race. Call it a bunny hop race and give each child an old pillowcase or burlap sack to hop in.

4. Pin the tail on the rabbit

Pin the tail
Image: Image Source/Getty Images

Print out a big picture of Peter Rabbit and hang it on the wall to play this Easter twist of the classic party game. Use cotton balls with double-sided tape for tails.

Next Up: Egg relay

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5. Egg relay

Egg relay race
Image: Blaise Hayward/DigitalVision/Getty Images

In this Easter relay race, participants carry eggs on spoons and then transfer the egg to their teammate's spoon. First team to complete the race without breaking their egg is declared the winner. Little kids also love the "nose nudge" game where players get down on their hands and knees and push eggs with their noses. The first player across the finish line wins the big prize.

6. Coloring contest

Easter coloring page
Image: SheKnows Design

After an active afternoon of egg hunting, kids are going to need some downtime before they dive into their candy spoils. Wrap your party up with a good, old-fashioned coloring contest — choosing from 20 cute coloring pages we created for this very reason. For older kids, put it to a vote and award the coloring contest winner the grand prize, like a giant chocolate bunny. For younger kids, compliment their artistry, give them each a chocolate egg for their effort and call it a day.

More: How I Found Inner Peace on the Yoga Mat With My Toddler

Easter party games for kids
Gabriela Arellano/SheKnows;Image via Getty Images

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Easter basket gift ideas
Image: nicolesy/Getty Images
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