A dramatic cat eye. A bold red lip. The perfect contour. We love a strong beauty look as much as we do an occasion to wear one, but recently, it's been the no-makeup makeup trend that we find most inspiring. No overly lined eyes, no deeply pigmented blush — just a light foundation, a nude or pale lip and maybe some brow gel and a single coat of mascara.
Case in point? Check out the magic that happens when 105-year-old James Herald Spring's family finally persuades him to let go of his fear of dropping his newborn great-grandson — and he holds the baby for the first time.
As he snuggles the baby to his chest, well... prepare for your heart to explode. Don't say we didn't warn you. The video — posted by family member Jason Zwolak on Facebook — has received over 15 million (yes, million!) views so far.
We're hoping Spring — aka "Pop" — gets at least another 10 years to spend with his great-grandson, because this duo is pretty wonderful already.
My relationship with my mother has always been the most important guiding force in my life. And as odd as it sounds, the bond we've forged over the years is in no small part due to my physical disability. We were close from the beginning, perhaps more out of necessity than anything else.
When I was born, doctors had no idea what I had and were struggling to find a diagnosis. My mom took it upon herself to pore over countless medical textbooks and journals until she found Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a genetic bone and muscular disorder; the characteristics described me perfectly and her discovery led to my diagnosis.
Image: Melissa Blake
As I got older, my disability ultimately strengthened my relationship with my mom. In fact, we grew closer in ways I'm not sure either of us could have imagined. We quickly became a team — a fierce duo ready to take on the world. Sure, part of that was because I required so much physical help, but beyond that, my disability also gave us this emotional bond that I'm so grateful for.
Through all the scary medical procedures and uncertainty that came along with growing up with a disability, we were truly there for each other. She'd comfort me in the hospital and make me laugh when I was feeling down. When I was 11, I contracted an infection in the hospital and had to be there for 31 days. Surprisingly, my mom managed to find a way to make the extended stay tolerable, whether we were going up to the top floor of the hospital at night to look out over the Chicago skyline or taking trips to the cafeteria for an afternoon lemonade. I shared this experience with my mom, as stressful as it was, and she’s one of the only other people who know what it was like.
That's not to say our entire relationship revolved around my disability. We definitely had our ups and downs apart from my medical adventures, but one thing I was always sure of? My mom was in my corner — this is something I never doubted. Whether she was always there with an encouraging word or a stern piece of advice, I knew she had my best interest at heart. Especially after my father died suddenly in 2003, we leaned on each other for survival during some very dark days. Watching the way my mother journeyed through grief gave me the strength to keep going and helped me get to where I am today.
Now, I'm seeing just how important that bond is. A funny thing happens once you become an adult. You realize your mom is human. As kids, we like to think our parents are infallible superheroes, and while they'll always retain some of their larger-than-life qualities, it's such a beautiful thing to see them as people — people who are more like you than you might have realized.
Image: Melissa Blake
These days, it sometimes feels like our roles are starting to reverse and I’m the one wanting to look after her — maybe that has something to do with my dad’s death or maybe that’s just the natural progression of our relationships to our parents. Nonetheless, I hear myself ask my mother, “Did you take your pills?” and I get the feeling that I’m becoming my mother.
We all need someone who is going to stand by us through thick and thin, and I'm grateful that my mother was that person for me. I can only hope that I've become that person for her. I have pretty big shoes to fill, but then again, I also had a good teacher. So celebrate the role models in your life this Mother's Day. Remember how strong that mother-daughter bond can be.
"We picked out 11. Yeah. ELEVEN," Johnson said. "Walked into the dressing room... and [she] started unhooking the swimsuits from the hangers and yelling 'I can see your butt!' for the whole dressing room to hear." (Ah, the joys of shopping with toddlers.)
target mom
target mom
Johnson snapped photos of herself in each of the suits to send to her friends for the thumbs-up or thumbs-down (hey, what are BFFs for?). She also captured her daughter trying on one of her bikini tops. What her daughter said knocked her out. Us too:
"I stopped for a second to see what she would say and when she turned to the mirror, she said 'Wow I just love cheetah print! I think I look beautiful! Do you think I look beautiful too?!'" Johnson recalled.
BAM. The apple definitely doesn't fall far from the tree. Johnson realized her own generally positive, openhearted attitude has made a real and lasting impression on her little girl.
"I tell her that she is beautiful every single day. She is kind walking through the mall, because I tell her she is kind everywhere else. She is polite at the order counter because she hears me when I'm polite to strangers everywhere. She gives compliments to people she doesn't know because she loves how it feels when she hears them," Johnson said. "And when we are in a dressing room, with swimsuits of all God forsaken things, there is a split moment when I have the power to say 'wow I have really gotten fat this year' OR 'wow I love this coral color on me!' And those are the words burned into my daughters [sic] brain."
What a fantastic reminder for all of us. Nice going, Mama.
Johnson wrapped up her Facebook post with a beautiful, empowering message for all moms.
"And when it comes to body image, be an example. I am not a size zero. I never will be. I have big thighs and a huge rump and for some reason the middle of my body gets more tan than the rest? But this body made a whole other body. I am strong. I am able. And I am happy. I don't have to be beautiful like you, because I am beautiful like me."
Her post has been shared over 118,000 times. Was Johnson surprised by all the internet attention? Well, yes and no. "How many moms go into a dressing room with a restless toddler only to catch them criticizing themselves?" she said. "My daughter deserves to know that we're all different but all still beautiful, and even on our bad days I think most moms want their kids to feel the same way. I'm an average girl, of average size, doing the best I can to be a good momma, and that is the same as just about any other momma I know."
We think Johnson is definitely succeeding at her mission. And her daughter is one lucky little girl. Now we just want to know which bathing suits they wound up with. What? We liked the coral and leopard-print ones too.
In a worrying turn of events, the youngest member of the Hilton family, Conrad Hilton, has been ordered to seek psychiatric treatment while in the court-ordered custody of his parents, Rick and Kathy Hilton. The order came following a bizarre and troubling outburst from Hilton was in court for charges of grand theft auto and violating a restraining order. The Daily Mail reported that Hilton used a homophobic slur towards a courtroom photographer, was seen mouthing the words "Fuck you" to his parents and younger brother when they entered the courtroom, and disclosed that he "didn't have sex with hookers" while answering the judge's question about whether Hilton had the presence of mind to know why he was in court.
Now, we are learning that when Hilton appeared in court, he was allegedly already posing a risk to himself and others because E! News reported he was wearing a special smock to prevent him from harming himself or others around him. E! News reports that the judge's ruling following Hilton's troubling behavior is as follows: Hilton's court date is postponed until June 29, he has put on $90,000 bail, and he must go directly to the Menninger Health Clinic in Houston, Texas while in the custody of his father.
Various outlets are reporting that Hilton has been showing troubling signs of potential distress recently, both inside and outside the courtroom. According to Entertainment Tonight, he was arrested on charges of grand theft auto mere days ago, with an additional filing made indicating he had violated a restraining order. In the hours preceding Hilton's arrest, he has been at the home of actress E.G. Daily, his girlfriend who had filed the restraining order. The car Hilton then took which was connected to his grand theft auto charges belonged to Daily's father, Rick Salomon.
There's a special mix of dread and excitement that hits when you find out that one of your favorite stories is being remade again. Will it add to the rich, beloved history of the franchise, or will it be so terrible that you wish you could erase the memory of the entire thing?
Remakes walk a fine line. People want to see their favorite scenes and hear their favorite lines, but they also want it to be fresh and different. They want to feel nostalgia, but also be surprised. Most of all, they want the spirit of the original to live on.
Thankfully, much to my deep, deep relief, Netflix's remake of L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables story walks the line beautifully, offering generations of Anne fanatics (and hopefully a new generation of Anne fanatics who aren't yet familiar with the story) a world of Prince Edward Island that is at once familiar and sentimental but also new and exciting.
Let's take a look at what's different and what's the same when it comes to comparing the book, the 1980s miniseries and the new reboot.
Showrunner and series writer Moira Walley-Beckett, who is known for her award-winning screenwriting work for Breaking Bad, created the series knowing she wanted to give Prince Edward Island a more realistic feel for the time period, and boy does she.
From the opening scenes, we see a world that is a much harsher place than the picture the 1980s miniseries paints. The farmhouse furniture is sparse and drab, while the meals are simply made (think boiled eggs, boiled whole turnips, toast). This series' Matthew looks like he works himself to the brink every day and has dirt under his fingernails — facts that make it all the more touching when they decide to adopt Anne even though she's a girl.
There are other darker aspects too. Anne's orphan asylum is downright terrifying, and we get a much better sense of the harshness of her life before Green Gables. In general, 1890s Coastal Canada is a tough place to survive — at one strange point in the series, Anne is almost lured from a train station by a man pretending to know her and offering her candy.
Finally, while class and poverty were certainly issues in the book and more recent retellings, class is an issue that is front and center in Anne With an E. The difference between Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert's class and Anne's class is clear, while the difference between Anne's and Diana's classes is even more surprising.
It's more dramatic
Much in the tradition of Breaking Bad, the series opens with a flash-forward to Matthew galloping his plow horse through the ocean, racing to beat the train to the station and stop Anne from leaving town. It's a hint at what is to come in the series: more drama and more emotion than in the original books and movies. The change is a bit of an adjustment, but it's refreshing both to see a different interpretation as well as to get a closer peek at what Matthew, Marilla and Anne are all feeling during the story.
Everyone who has read the books and watched the miniseries feels like they know Anne Shirley. And we love her. In this retelling, Anne is exactly as wonderful, imaginative, charming and hot-tempered as she has ever been, but the reasons behind her lovable personality are explored more deeply. In Anne With an E, Anne is, as you would expect, a child of heartbreak and trauma. She has lost her parents, been physically and emotionally abused and felt alone for most of her life. It's the reason she escaped through books and pretending, but it's also something that still troubles her. While she can sometimes feel like a Pollyanna in other tellings, here, she is complex and delicate and struggling on a level we haven't seen. Not to mention that the actress, Amybeth McNulty, is absolutely fantastic in the role.
It has extra storylines
The very biggest difference that sets Anne With an E apart is that while the main storyline is intact, there are whole scenes and tangents that are 100 percent new. This would normally render a reboot unwatchable for me, but in this case, it is done with such smart editing and with such respect for the original books that it works.
Walley-Beckett said, "I read between the lines of the book, and just like Anne herself, I gave myself the freedom to imagine," and she does it superbly well. The scaffolding of the original story is kept intact, but missing scenes and moments are added that feel absolutely natural and right. They are scenes that add drama, complexity and depth to the story, while giving the show an opportunity to work in modern issues and ideas, like bullying, class and feminism.
In a way, the extra scenes feel like the highest-quality fan fiction, written by someone who is extremely familiar with the world and who deeply respects the author and her original intent.
Don't worry — all the best lines are still in there
Image: Netflix
Even though writer Walley-Beckett was not at all afraid to go off script and add her own imagination to the story, she is also obviously a fan of the books and shares her love of specific scenes, lines and moments. You will not watch Anne With an E waiting for your favorite line and be disappointed when it doesn't appear. As far as I can tell, all of the best lines and moments remain. It's a miracle, especially considering all of the new scenes, and it's a miracle I am thankful for.
Don't worry — everyone still pronounces "sorry" weirdly
I think every American who grew up watching the Anne of Green Gables miniseries in the '80s remembers that everyone in Canada says "sorry" in a funny way. And yep, it's still true.
As far as politicians' relationship scandals go, the French president-elect's marriage seems pretty PG. Emmanuel Macron, age 39, who recently beat alt-right candidate Marine Le Pen to become the next president of France, is married to a teacher named Brigitte Macron, age 64. Gasp!
Yes, it's a big age difference, but it's about the same as the one between Donald Trump (age 70) and Melania Trump (age 47). Do people speculate about the first couple's marriage, wondering why Melania Trump is with Donald Trump and how come she hasn't relocated from New York City to D.C. to be with her husband? Yes. Is their age gap the issue that most people focus on? Nope.
Of course, with President-elect Macron and his wife, what the public may be most scandalized by, whether they recognize it or not, is that it's a gender role-reversal. We're not shocked when a young woman pairs up with a much-older man — we're used to it. But when a man ends up with a significantly older woman, it's a different story, unfortunately.
Earlier this week, after the election results came in, President-elect Macron addressed the controversy and attention surrounding his marriage in Le Parisien. According to Harper's Bazaar U.K., he said: "If I had been 20 years older than my wife, nobody would have thought for a single second that I couldn't be [an intimate partner.] It's because she is 24 years older than me that lots of people say, 'This relationship can't be tenable, it can't be possible.'"
Macron says accusations and assumptions that he's gay and his marriage is a sham come down to misogyny, homophobia and overly homogenous views of society. "There's a big problem with the presentation of society and how they see the place of a woman," he said.
While critics like John Oliver have cited Macron's lack of political experience and ideology as reasons why he's "inoffensive to the entire population," it seems that the French president-elect has absolutely no problem taking critics of his marriage to task (which seems to bode well for the type of social policies he'll advocate for in France).
Another reason it makes sense that Macron isn't backing down is that he reportedly declared his love for Brigitte Macron at age 17 after she directed a play he was in when he was 15 and she was 39. They finally got together at ages 29 and 54, when Brigitte (whose maiden name is Trogneux) divorced her banker husband. So basically, this has been a long time coming.
Curious about what makes May-December relationships tick? According to real women we talked to, it can be anything from the excitement of getting to know someone with a different type of life experience to shared interests and plain old chemistry — the kind that defies age.
And though it might be entertaining for the public to pick apart the Macrons' marriage, we hope they'll get over it soon. An age gap certainly beats some of the stuff other married male politicians have been caught up in, from cheating with a White House intern to sexting with underage girls.
There are worse ways to be woken up in the middle of the night than a cold, wet dog nose — however, that ish gets seriously old after a while. Sure, it's adorable and endearing that our dogs want nothing but our love and attention, but do they have to beg for it 24/7? We need our beauty sleep, after all.
It's hard to fathom what in the world a dog could possibly need at 2 a.m.... every single night. It made us wonder if they actually do need anything — or if they are just looking for company.
We spoke with a couple of experts, and as it turns out, Fido may just be too smart for his own good — and is totally messing with you.
David Levin, owner of dog walking and training company Citizen Hound, says dogs learn behaviors from patterns. Basically, if it tried something once and it worked, it's going to try it again and again. So remember that one time you indulged your dog a midnight snack or a walk around the block? This might be coming back to haunt you — over and over.
Of course, your dog might have a legit reason for needing you to be up in the middle of the night. Bathroom emergencies happen to all of us, even our four-legged friends, and it might just need to get outside, pronto. Celebrity dog trainer Joel Silverman says the occasional wake-up call for that reason is not a bad thing — especially since the alternative is a mess on your floor in the morning.
"If your dog does wake you up periodically to go outside, you definitely want to encourage this behavior," says Silverman. "Remember that this is the best way he knows how to communicate!"
It's also possible that your dog didn't get enough food before you hit the hay, so make sure it's getting the recommended amounts of food every day.
Silverman says your dog might also wake you up on occasion to let you know it's sick. "He may be trying to communicate to you that he is not feeling well. While there is most likely nothing wrong, it is always a good idea to take a look. Try taking your dog out of your room and into a room that is well lit, and try to calm him down."
If you're being woken up most every night, though, your dog is probably bored.
"Some days, we're guilty of not giving our dogs the proper amount of physical stimulation," adds Levin. "Like days we've been out all day and too tired to do much besides let them out back when we get home. Being a light sleeper, I'll wake in the middle of the night and catch them just sitting up on the couch or laying with their heads up staring at the walls. I can easily imagine a more impulsive dog taking those opportunities to wake up the humans and try to alleviate that boredom."
If you think this might be your dog's problem, make a point of going for a long walk before bedtime. You'll probably both sleep better for it.
Silverman says if your dog is waking you up for reasons that aren't emergencies, break the cycle and re-establish good behavior. "If for some reason your dog is waking you up on a regular basis, and not interested in going outside to relieve himself, and he is healthy, you might consider putting the dog somewhere other than your bedroom."
Warning: If you have a low threshold for nausea or tolerance of creepy-crawly things, stop reading now. Because what one woman discovered in her carton of Vita Coco coconut water is deeply disturbing and may indefinitely put you off any beverage that comes in an opaque carton.
New Yorker Barbara Kline was innocently sipping her refreshing tropical drink when she discovered what appeared to be some kind of mutant octopus squid creature. Kline reported that she'd taken a few chugs before she noticed that something seemed off — the water had a weird yellow color and was super-slimy. She shook the bottle and heard a clunking, swishing sound.
She cut open the carton and discovered this repulsive mass.
Octopus in coconut water
Octopus in coconut water
Kline alleges that she's been experiencing days of vomiting and diarrhea since the incident, which occurred on April 25. Yikes! Seriously, is it safe to eat anything anymore? You think you're making a healthy choice until you find a scorpion in your spinach, a dead bat in your salad and now this.
Grubstreet reports that a Vita Coco rep has been trying to connect with Kline to rectify the situation: "We have been trying to help this consumer since April 26, 2017, and have been in touch with her every day this week... To give her 'answers' as she has requested, we or a credible laboratory need to test the original product."
Doing that seems difficult, though. The company offered to come pick the nasty creature up from Kline's house so it could be tested, but she's afraid they'll tamper with it and she'll lose the only evidence she has. She says she has been trying to get in touch with the FDA, but to no avail. The Vita Coco rep, meanwhile, thinks it's strange that she's had the product for 14 days and won't relinquish it for testing.
I'm not sure what exactly is going down right now or who is pulling shenanigans on whom. But I do know that I'm going to have a hard time drinking coconut water out of anything other than a fully transparent bottle until this all gets sorted out and we figure out what, exactly, was swimming in Kline's carton of coconut water. *Shudder*
If you Google “sexy hair” right now, you’ll find about 26 million articles and images of women with tousled, messy, curly and straight hair, because attractiveness is so damn subjective and also because Google is weird. But the one thing all of these hairstyles do have in common is volume — lots and lots of soft, bouncy, gravity-defying volume, which as anyone who has ever tried to create by themselves knows is an incredibly difficult look to get at home.
Hey, we’re big fans of sleek, flat-ironed hair too, but sometimes, we want to play around with having Victoria’s Secret-level hair. You know, the kind that looks like it’s being perpetually blown by a soft breeze from the shores of Ibiza? So we asked hairstylist and all-around wizard Jasmine Santiago to show us exactly how to create bouncy, messy, voluminous hair fit for a photo shoot sans a ton of tools (or skills). Click through our GIF-filled tutorial ahead to find out exactly how to get the look at home, and try not to freak out too much when you realize it’s only four steps long.
Surprise! Hot rollers weren't just for your mom in the '80s — they're also truly one the of best ways to get bouncy, Victoria's Secret-level volume that seriously lasts. To start, brush through your hair (if you have curls, blow them out or lightly straighten them first), then section off a 3-inch chunk of hair at your roots. Lift the hair up and pull it forward at an angle, then place a heated roller underneath the ends and roll it down, securing the roller against your scalp with the included clip. Repeat with the front sections of hair on either side of your part, then continue with the rest of your hair.
Taking your rollers out too soon is the enemy of volume and happiness. Seriously — wait until your rollers (not just your hair, but the actual rollers) are totally, 100 percent cold before unrolling them.
Image: Tory Rust
Step 3: Unravel
Now for the fun part: the big reveal. Starting with the last roller you rolled, remove the clip and gently unravel the hair. Continue unclipping and unrolling, letting your curls hang loose and untouched.
Image: Tory Rust
Step 4: Add some texture
To keep your volume from deflating by the end of the hour, you'll need to add some grip and texture to your (now) ridiculously soft hair. Blast your hair from root to tip with a veil of texturizing spray, then gently brush through your curls with a paddle brush, like the EcoTools Smoothing Detangler Brush, until your hair is soft and bouncy.
Products to try:
Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast (Living Proof, $29)
Not Your Mother's Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray (Target, $6)
Image: Tory Rust
Step 5: Become a model
Flip your part around, spray your roots with more texturizing spray and keep the volume going long enough to land a gig with Victoria's Secret. Or just show off your insanely volumized hair on social media like a normal person.
NBC’s live musicals have given us a lot in their brief, but impactful run. Every year we brace ourselves to see what is bound to be a meme-able tragedy or triumph. My favorite has been, and always will be the first iteration Sound of Music Live! for many reasons. But for the first time ever, I think NBC might test my heart and give me a new favorite live musical moment. That's because the next live NBC musical will be Jesus Christ Superstar,infamous rock opera.
Per Variety, NBC's announcement went a little something like this: "As we continue to expand the profile of our live musicals, we are thrilled to be partnering with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to bring a new live staging of the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar to NBC. Casting has just begun, but we want to fill out this classic show with as many recording artists as possible to give proper voice to what is the original rock opera score."
Well, if you want casting ideas, I've got casting ideas. For example: Adele should be Jesus. Lady Gaga should be Judas. Beyoncé should be God. And Katy Perry should be Mary. Done. It’s cast. You’re welcome.
Let's also hope NBC makes the kind of bold yet super weird decisions it made with it's Sound of Music Live! choice (aka my favorite live musical thus far). One reason is that the casting was hilariously off. No one wants to see Stephen Moyer sing on TV. And as much as I understand that after playing an antebellum vampire with a weird Louisiana accent on True Blood, WWI Austrian aristocrat wasn’t too much of a leap, it was just bizarre.
On the other hand, a lot of people want to see Carrie Underwood sing on TV, and she is kind of self-righteous milquetoast, so her being a rhyming nun wasn’t quite enough of a leap. But the real reason it’s my favorite is because of this:
SNL Sound of Music Sketch
SNL Sound of Music Sketch
Outside of Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer, that is the best SNL sketch of all time (in my opinion) and anyone who disagrees can cash me outside.
NBC plans to air Jesus Christ Superstar Live!, which takes place during the last week of Jesus’ life, Easter 2018.
Until today, I was not aware that Ryan Seacrest had a serious girlfriend, again. As far as I knew he was playing the field (and expanding his money-making empire) since breaking up with his DWTS girlfriend, newly-engaged Julianne Hough. But apparently he's not only in a relationship, he's shacking up with his very official GF Shayna Taylor now, too.
You heard that right, your chance at getting presents from someone who just signed a new 73 million dollar iHeart radio contract, and/or meeting Kelly Ripa are over. Because Shayna Taylor (OMG – anyone else notice their celebrity couple name is Rayna?!?! Nashville is liiiife.) is living together in Ryan’s new Manhattan home he relocated to from LA, since his mug will be on Live with Kelly and Ryan from now through the foreseeable future. The couple, which had previously started dating in 2013, doing serious couple things like vacationing with Seacrest's family in Uruguay and Argentina over Thanksgiving, had called it quits. But it looks like they've clearly reconnected now. So, who is she?
Taylor is a 26-year-old model, personal chef and trainer. The New Mexican-Native, turned Angeleno, and now New Yorker, Taylor is signed with Wilhelmina models, and likes to post inspirational quotes and recipes. That’s basically what my Tinder profile says I’m looking for. But outside being potentially a clone, because I don’t know how it’s possible to host a nationally syndicated morning show and radio show everyday, Ryan isn’t such a bad catch himself. Queen mother Kelly Ripa recently said of her new co-host, “He is just so professional and kind to everyone — and it’s not just ‘on-camera kind,’” Ripa told People exclusively in this week’s issue. “He doesn’t turn it on a and off. He’s kind backstage, and he’s kind first thing in the morning.”
If you have a kid with allergies, helping them enjoy summer takes a bit of work. Outdoor play means contact with plants in bloom as well as animals or substances that might trigger an allergic reaction. Cue itchy eyes, scratchy throats and runny noses.
Insisting they stay indoors will ruin their summer (and yours, because bored, whining kids are no fun for anyone) but it is possible to let them out in the sunshine and keep allergic reactions to a minimum.
It sounds obvious, but not all kids with allergies are the same. "Knowing your child's allergic triggers is the most important step," says Dr. Sujan Patel, allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. "If pollen is the problem, then when indoors, running the air conditioning rather than opening windows will be beneficial, and the same applies when in the car."
2. Check the pollen count
A weather app with a pollen count is a must for your smartphone, says primary care pediatrician and member of The Goddard School educational advisory board Dr. Jack Maypole. (Pollen.com's Allergy Alert app is free on iTunes and Google Play). If your child is symptomatic on a particular day, consulting the pollen count on the app can help inform you about what triggers are present and decide whether outdoor activities should be rescheduled for another day. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology advises outdoor play when pollen counts are at their lowest — predawn or in the late afternoon or evening.
3. Make sure all fruit is cooked
Summer means farmers markets — and lots of delicious fresh fruit. But if your child suffers from hay fever, they might have oral allergy syndrome, characterized by an itchy mouth, scratchy throat or swelling of the lips, mouth or tongue caused by cross-reacting allergens found in certain raw fruits or vegetables. According to the ACAAI, the biggest culprits are nectarines, peaches, cherries, apples, celery, carrots, string beans, snap peas and peppers. The simple solution is to cook your fruit.
4. Avoid insect stings
According to the ACAAI, most insect stings in the United States comes from wasps, yellow jackets, hornets and bees. To protect your child from an allergic reaction to insect venom, avoidance is the first line of defense. Make sure your child doesn’t walk barefoot in the grass, where stinging insects forage, or drink from open soda cans where stinging insects may be lurking. If you have a picnic outdoors, keep food covered at all times, and encourage your child to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes during outdoor play.
The ACAAI recommends removing your child's clothes and shoes as soon as they come indoors because pollen they've picked up outdoors can easily attach to them and quickly transfer to furniture and bed linen. Pollen also sticks to hair, so don't hang about before getting them in the bath or shower for a good scrub. If you have pets, get into the habit of wiping them down with pet wipes to help get rid of pollen stuck to their fur.
6. Don't forget about indoor air
Your child may play outdoors during the summer, but you need to pay just as much attention to indoor air quality to keep pollutants to a minimum. Invest in a certified, good-quality air purifier, such as an LG PuriCare purifier, which automatically detects airborne contaminants and reduces smoke, pollen and other air pollutants. It emits colors based on detected indoor pollution level nearby — red meaning polluted and green meaning clean, so consumers can instantly check air quality. Another product is the Trane CleanEffects Whole-Home Air Filtration System, which uses revolutionary technology to remove up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles from the air inside the home, reducing harmful bacteria and allergens, like pollen, dust, pet hair and tobacco smoke.
7. Take medicine before going outside
Most allergy medicines work best when taken before exposure, says Dr. Kalpana DePasquale, a board-certified ear, nose and throat surgeon and medical expert for Jacksonville's WJXT News. This allows the medicine to prevent the body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms. "Nasal sprays and antihistamines should be taken daily in a patient with known pollen, grass and ragweed allergies," DePasquale explained. "This is how they work most effectively. But the peak effectiveness is about 1 to 2 hours after ingestion."
Dr. Robert Korn of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care recommends a trial of an over-the-counter nonsedating antihistamine like Zyrtec or Allegra if your child is displaying allergic symptoms. "It takes two to three days to work, so don't give up too soon!" said Korn. "You may want to add an OTC nasal steroid like Flonase if nasal discharge and itching are prominent. If eye itching and tearing are you main symptoms, try over-the-counter Zaditor or Alaway. This is ketotifen, which is much less expensive than a prescription, which will often not be covered by your insurance."
8. Keep your garden in shape
Keeping your lawn and garden trimmed and pruned throughout spring will stop the shorter blades from holding as much pollen from the trees and flowers, advises Jay Ayers, indoor air-quality product manager at Trane. Rather than cut flowers from the garden (no matter how beautiful they are) to display indoors, buy cut flowers from a local florist, as these are likely to have been cultivated to be pollen free.
If you line-dry your clothes and bedding outdoors when the pollen count is high, it defeats the purpose of washing them. Use a clothes dryer instead, says Ayers. Pollen travels in the air, so wash clothing and bedding once a week to stop pollutants from settling in. Remember, the washing machine must reach 130 degrees F in order to kill pollutants, dust mites and their eggs, so always use a hot water cycle.
The sale of sparkling water has doubled in the last five years. It seems we all like a little dancing on our tongues to make drinking our 64 ounces a day a little more interesting.
Whether you are trying to stay hydrated, cut back on sugary drinks like soda or lattes or just like the pop-fizz sensations, seltzer water like LaCroix seems to be what people are grabbing.
Is it the latest trend, do people just like it, or is it addictive like so many other drinks?
Whenever I try to kick my Diet Coke habit (something I do a few times a year), the first thing I reach for is a bottle of flavored sparkling water. I crave the fizz swirling around in my mouth and going down my throat. It's so much more satisfying than boring tap water. Throw in some lemon or lime, and it's even better.
But is it a healthy alternative to other drinks? The carbonic acid has been proven to wear down enamel in our teeth. And if you reach for a flavored water instead of the plain, research has shown it does as much damage to your teeth as drinking orange juice would, but is still better than soda.
SheKnows talked to a few people who prefer their water with some bubbles. We asked how it manifested and why they thought they were addicted.
"I was addicted to Diet Coke for years. In a quest to get healthier, I switched to seltzer water. I would drink a 2-liter bottle daily. I was addicted to the bubbles. I eventually weaned myself to flavored water without bubbles, and now to plain water occasionally flavored with a slice of lime or lemon. My addiction to seltzer was in my late '40s." — Heather B.
"Definitely the fizz. Helped me break my diet soda addiction — I realized I didn't even like the taste of diet soda, I just liked the fizz. Now I have a LaCroix addiction." — Christine R.
"I'm definitely addicted to the carbonation! More bubbles the better!" — Christine M.
"Yep! It's all my 4-year-old will drink too. Definitely the fizz. I like the flavored ones. Polar is the best. My grandparents made their own seltzer back in the day." — Wendy W.
"Oh we are addicts — whole family. Kid too! Refreshing taste and lime!" — Melanie L.
"I'm totally addicted to seltzer water! I drink at least 32 ounces of it a day. For me, it is the fizz. I only drink the plain kind." — Brook F.
It seems everyone is in agreement that the fizz is what keeps us coming back for more. But is it actually addictive? And is throwing back a bubbly cold one bad for our health?
SheKnows asked Dr. Philip Goglia, co-founder of G-Plans, the first online nutrition platform based on a user's metabolic body type, some questions about the growing trend. While he said it is not addictive, there are definitely some pros and cons to the drink.
He explained people usually choose seltzer water while trying to quit soda or grab it instead of plain water because they are looking for something with a taste sensation, but there is another benefit. It easily bloats you, making you feel full.
This full feeling can also be a con, though. Fizzy water is more difficult to digest because of the bubbles and can lead to dehydration and put strain on the kidneys.
"Carbonated water is also considered acidic and can cause problems with weak digestive systems, which are prone to ulcers. It can also lead to an absorption of calcium, which can make your bones weak," Goglia said.
And for people who suffer from IBS or gastroparesis, carbonated water can make gas and digestion painful.
"According to a study in the Journal of Nutrition, when sparkling water was consumed by women over the course of one month straight, there were significant reductions in their levels of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, which leads to heart disease," Goglia explained. "There was also a significant increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol (generally taken to reduce heart disease risk). This is interesting because of the high levels of sodium in sparkling water, which should increase blood pressure. Researchers believe this didn't happen due to the fact that sparkling waters tend to be rich in bicarbonate, which balances out the negative effects of sodium within the body."
It seems like so many others, moderation is key when it comes to sparkling water. It is definitely healthier than juice, soda or alcohol, but too much can affect our digestive systems, and Goglia also cautions, "too much can leach calcium from bones and teeth."
Before Survivor: Game Changers started, Sarah Lacina told CBS producers that she had a very different strategy going into the season than she had during Season 28, when she finished in 11th place.
For Game Changers, she was going to put aside morals and honor in order to go for the gold. "I’m more cutthroat now. I’m not out there to make friends and I’m willing to go against my word," said the small-town Iowa police officer. "I will do whatever it takes to win. The only purpose for me going back out there is to win a million dollars.I don’t care about making friends or what anyone thinks of me. They’ll get over it."
Welp.
Sarah was living up to her promises. Two weeks ago, she "shuffled the deck" and took out Debbie, one of the biggest threats to her plan. After spending last week in the shadows, she was back at work, this time orchestrating a move that not only landed her with the legacy advantage but also involved stabbing her best friend in the back. Hey, it's just a game!
Sarah survivor fools
Sarah survivor fools
Sierra's fatal mistake
Sierra has been playing well this season, staying under the radar for the most part and not rustling too many feathers. She's strong in challenges without being too threatening, and she's helpful and non-annoying in camp. But she made a huge, huge mistake last night when she:
Trusted Sarah as a friend and
Told someone about her legacy advantage.
Yes, there they were, alone on the beach, talking about their friendship, and how it was a real, genuine friendship. Sierra opened up and told Sarah that not only could they plot to use her legacy advantage together, but if anything happened to Sierra, she'll will the advantage to Sarah. That was all Sarah needed to hear before the wheels started turning in her head. Why have an alliance based in real friendship when she could have the advantage all to herself?
As the episode continued, it seemed clear that the deck was once again reshuffling (a weekly occurrence this season) and two people were on the chopping block: Sierra and Andrea. Considering her strong strategy work last week paired with her recent challenge wins, getting rid of Andrea ASAP looked like a great idea. Yet as soon as Sarah realized she had a chance to get the legacy advantage, she got to work swinging a few votes in Sierra's favor.
At tribal council, we watched as Sierra was taken down and Andrea lived on until next week's episode. Sarah looked upset and confused when Sierra got her torch extinguished and leaves the set without willing the advantage to Sarah, but viewers get to see a short clip of Sierra saying something along the lines of: "I'm willing my legacy advantage to Sarah, and I hope she kicks butt! Boy, I hope she didn't vote for me!"
Yep, it was a little awkward.
sarah and sierra survivor
sarah and sierra survivor
Sarah's evolution to bad cop
Sarah continued to prove that she is indeed not past cold, hard, mean strategy this season — and I kind of love it. It's a game after all, and after her first time around the block, Sarah seems to have realized it. The pushover is gone, and in her place is a cold blooded strategist aiming for Sandra-levels of greatness. Could there be an amazing Sarah-Andrea in our future? Or a Sarah-Cirie showdown? We kind of hope so, although we don't even know who we're rooting for.
Other notes from this week's episode:
For the reward challenge, players got a chance to briefly see their loved ones, while the winners got to bring their loved ones to a lovely beach BBQ. It is always super fun to see the player's relatives, but we were really won over by Cierie's son, who just graduated from high school and who totally thinks his mom is a badass. The best moment was when he asked where the bathroom was:
Cirie's son on survivor
Cirie's son on survivor
We are still of the opinion that Tai is flying under the radar this season in a way that could mean an ultimate win. Not only do attempts to oust him peter out every week, but the man has two immunity idols to his name at this point and there are only seven other players left. Tai has shown that he's a game changer, but that sometimes he can make big mistakes in strategy. If he can play it cool, he might have a chance at this.
We also met Tai's partner, Mark (not Mark the Chicken), and their few moments together were adorable. We are definitely Team Tai.
tai cats survivor
tai cats survivor
Finally, I can't help but notice that women are absolutely ruling the roost this season. The biggest players right now are Sarah, Sierra, Cirie, and Michaela. Each of these women are busy moving chess pieces, making and breaking alliances, and making adept maneuvers regarding the long game. It's hard not to feel that players like Culpepper and Troyzan are just the pawns.
First let me say that Usher is holding it to-ge-ther. "Yeah" came out when I was still on the Bar and Bat Mitzvah circuit, and he doesn't look like he's aged a day. Also am I mature enough to not mention his, um, pants. Like what they are revealing? No, I'm not that mature. And, OK, Usher, daddy, we see you. Not only is he sexy, he also secretly married his longtime girlfriend and manager, Grace Miguel, and they now have two kids, and it's just so low key and cute. (Like, thanks for not marrying a supermodel. Not that marrying a supermodel is bad, but every. Famous. Dude. Does it. Let us non-supermodel women think we have a chance sometimes OK?) As low-key and cute as he is on that paddleboard.
Quite literally, we’re obsessed with makeup brushes. There’s just something weirdly exhilarating about a new, perfectly clean set of brushes that brings us back to our elementary school days, where brand-new notebooks were the only thing worth living for during back-to-school shopping. And though we may have graduated from our beloved Mead college-ruled ‘book, our love of perfectly untouched makeup brushes has only intensified, moving past the basic black-and-silver sets to the pastel, rainbow and minimalist variety. You know, the kind that practically requires an Instagram photo to make your many followers incredibly jealous.
But the sad reality of fancy makeup brushes is that all too often, they’re stupid expensive. So we set out on a mission to find the coolest, most Instagram-worthy makeup brushes that not only work incredibly well, but are also under $20, so you can fuel your brush obsession while staying on good terms with your bank account. Just remember that even though these rose gold, marble and unicorn-themed brushes are basically mini pieces of art, they’re still, you know, makeup brushes, so don’t be afraid to actually use them. Scroll through — as if you haven’t already — to see them all.
Screw all of my married girlfriends. Every single one of you dragged me to bars — nay, strip clubs — made me drink nameless things that could probably power a car, wear ugly matching outfits, hold people’s hair and then eat drunk snacks for your bachelorette parties. And then eat tea sandwiches with your aunts for your bridal shower. (JK, you know I had a good time doing all of that. I love strippers and aunts). But Serena Williams, who does most things better than normal people, just took her Bridal Shower to the next level. Because duh.
To celebrate her upcoming nuptials, the tennis star jetted down to Miami with 20 friends and family members, including her mother Oracene, and sisters Venus, Lyn and Isha. Not only did they go to Miami, they stayed in the wellness hotel, 1 Hotel and Homes, that features the world’s first Spartan Gym (which sounds crazy, those people fought like hell and started training when they were like 10), and Chef Matthew Kenney’s vegan restaurant Plnthouse.
People got the exclusive deets on what was a well and fun time had by all. Williams’ friend Lara Shriftman said, “It was a really magical time with a lot of love for Serena.” How could it not have been!? We all have love and magic in our hearts for Serena Williams. Friend and L.A. event planner revealed, “The shower really reflected Serena’s girlie and detail-oriented personality.”
Williams, 35, who is also adorably pregnant, kicked off the event with yoga and meditation by a rooftop pool, followed by foot massages. They then retreated to a private yacht, with Williams’ finacé, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. They then went back to the hotel for wedding-themed games, as you do. But you probably usually do it in like a family member or friend’s backyard. They did it in a suite with its own private wellness guru and decor inspired by nature.
There’s been a. Lot. Of. Plane drama recently. And it doesn’t seem it will be stopping anytime soon. Earlier this week a bit of an Instagram mystery arose over a bizarre subject: on what kind of plane Bow Wow was traveling on.
But then a savage lurker put him on blast after both seeing his post, and then seeing him on her domestic flight in coach.
Bow Wow Tweet
Bow Wow Tweet
Of course it’s become many memes, and even the #BowWowChallenge which is basically just dragging Bow Wow.
Bow Wow Challenge
Bow Wow Challenge
Bow Wow Challenge 2
Bow Wow Challenge 2
The rapper has finally spoken up about the mess though, going on Hot 97 today to say the following: ““I love it, because people don’t understand the scientific method to my madness. I’m about to have to the biggest show on WE tv, period. It’s a scientific method to my madness. You gotta just watch the show. Everything’s for the show.” The show in question is his upcoming Growing Up Hip Hop in Atlanta.
All I’m going to say is that there must be some very tired writers somewhere right now trying to write a plane joke into a TV show that’s already been filmed. Bless you. And bless Bow Wow.
Do you think he was just covering? Tell us in the comments!
If you're all about making lists, then you already know how magical they can be — but if making lists isn't your thing, you need to hop on board, ASAP. These things are serious game-changers, especially when it comes time to pack your kids up for summer camp.
When you're preparing to ship off your children for extended periods of time, organization is essential. Leaving a woobie, a toothbrush or some SPF behind can mean the difference between a horrible experience and a summer they'll cherish forever.
Things to remember while packing for camp
Before you get started, be sure to peruse any packing lists that might have already been supplied by your child's camp. There may be things like bedding and towels that you don't want to overlook.
Wash all new clothing before packing, and remember to mark everything your child will be taking — from socks to soap cases — with his or her name or initials.
Now, armed with an empty truck and your camping checklist, calculate how much clothing your child will need. The Summer Camp Handbook recommends you pack your kid enough clothes to last one-and-a-half times the number of days they'll be at camp for camps that run a week or less (they probably don't provide laundry service), or the number of days between laundry service for camps longer than one week.
Comforts of home, like a family photo or a stuffed animal (just be sure it's replaceable!)
Entertainment, like books, hackey sacks, and deck of cards
Small backpack or tote for day-trips
According to The Summer Camp Handbook author and psychologist Dr. Christopher Thurber, the most important thing to remember about packing for camp should be to give yourself plenty of time to help your child pack. This can help ease nerves about heading off away from home.
"When you pack together and take your time, your excitement about summer camp can rub off on your child while also ensuring that nothing is forgotten when it comes to checking off your summer camp packing list," says Dr. Thurber.
That way, you can relax knowing they have everything they need while away and can focus on having fun!
