In the past few years, there's been major pushback against big cereal companies for selling products that contain far too much sugar to be considered a wholesome breakfast. A lot of companies have made changes to their classic formulas, reducing sugar content, adding whole grains and removing artificial colors.

More: How to make homemade apple-cinnamon Pop-Tarts

But Pop-Tarts doesn't give a damn about all that hippie whole foods nonsense, and they're leaning into indulgent breakfast treats hard with their new Jolly Rancher-flavored breakfast pastries.

The Pop-Tarts come in three different Jolly Rancher flavors: Frosted Cherry, Frosted Watermelon, and Frosted Green Apple. They'll be sweet and slightly sour, just like your favorite mouth-puckering candy, and I've gotta say I'm pretty pumped that they chose the three best Jolly Rancher flavors to create these breakfast treats, which should be arriving at your local grocery store any day now.

More: Homemade pumpkin toaster pastries

After Pop-Tarts came out with a line of soda-flavored pastries, I didn't think it was possible to make a breakfast that seemed more cartoonishly sugary and bright (that is, until Lucky Charms removed all semblance of nutrition and created boxes of straight-up marshmallows). Like, this is everything health advocates have been campaigning against, right? Dessert disguised as breakfast?

But even I must admit I'm intrigued by this latest mashup. Hey kids, do what I say, not what I do (she said, while biting into a triple-decker Jolly Rancher Pop-Tart stack).

More: Gluten-free strawberry Pop-Tarts are a copycat treat you'll love

Uh-oh. Scientists are predicting that 2017 is going to be a positively wretched year for ticks — and Lyme disease and the Powassan virus spread by the little buggers. The worst part? There's a kind of tick that most of us haven't had the displeasure of meeting yet, and encounters with them are on the rise. They're called seed ticks, and they're the stuff of nightmares. Really.

Warning: The pictures linked to in this article are pretty graphic, so if you're a tickaphobe (yes, we are sure there's an actual word for that, but we have no idea what it is), you might want to tread lightly. But we think it's important to get the word out about seed ticks — especially if your family and pets spend a lot of time outside during the summer.

More: How to remove ticks without gagging

Beka Setzer, an Ohio mother of two young daughters, posted some disturbing photos on Facebook of her daughter's nasty encounter with seed ticks last summer. Setzer's hope is that the photos — while the stuff of creepy-crawly horror flicks — will encourage other families to keep a close eye on their kids after outdoor play.

It doesn't take long, either, for these ticks to overtake a small child. Setzer's daughter Emmalee was only playing outside for 30 minutes before she was crawling with tiny, poppy-seed-like larval ticks. Despite her mom removing them immediately, Emmalee still became ill from the tick attack.

"I'm putting this out there, just a heads up for parents of kids who love to play outside," Setzer said on her Facebook post. "Emmalee was playing outside yesterday rolling around on the ground while enjoying the sprinkler. After coming inside and laying down for a nap I just happened to notice tiny (and I mean tiny) little black dots all over her legs, abdomen, arms, and armpit area. Thinking they may have just been seeds I tried to wipe then scrape one off and it was a tick! She must've been playing in or near a nest of tick larvae and was covered."

Setzer wound up trying to remove more than 100 ticks from Emmalee's body, but the next morning, Emmalee awoke with horrible spots all over her — and a very swollen lymph node. Yikes!

A doctor prescribed powerful antibiotics and antihistamines to bring down the swelling. Setzer is hoping she can help other parents avoid a scary incident like this. "I want to make every parent aware of what these look like so you can be on the lookout," she said. "They're not as easy to see as the ticks you're likely looking for on yourself or children."

Setzer shared photos of Emmalee's ordeal on Facebook so others can see the insidiously small size of these seed ticks, frequently mistaken for freckles or dirt. And they can hide easily in pet fur too.

More: "Please Don't Kill My Kid" — From a Food Allergy Mom

Seed ticks — like other ticks — can't be brushed off. So keep those tweezers on hand this summer to detach the body and head of any tick you find on yourself or a loved one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends putting the removed tick in a plastic baggie to be tested and then disinfecting the bite site. And when in doubt with any tick, call your doctor. This is serious stuff.

If Yolanda Hadid, who is easily in the top five greatest Real Housewives of all time in my opinion, couldn't tie David Foster down, we should have known that no other woman on Earth could do it, either.

More: Scorpion's Katharine McPhee dishes on a 'sexier' season and hot new album

We were sure that Foster was dating Christie Brinkley. Sure, a rep for Brinkley denied it, saying they were just friends. But that's what all celebs do when they're in a new relationship and want to keep it hush-hush. Foster and the former supermodel were spotted together a bunch around the end of 2016. As recently as last week, they were seen leaving The Stinking Rose restaurant in Beverly Hills together.

But either they were never really dating or Foster moved on quick, because he spent a very PDA-fueled night out with Katharine McPhee at every celeb's favorite hotspot, Nobu, in Malibu on Friday. An onlooker told E! News that they arrived around 8:30 p.m. and were shown to a quiet, private ocean view table in a corner.

"David and Katharine were very intimate during their dinner," the eyewitness said. "David was seen grabbing Katharine's face and kissing her cheek several times. Katharine was doing the same to David's face and they were acting as if they were a couple."

More: Katharine McPhee & more cheating celebs caught in the act

The onlooker saw the rumored couple order two bottles of red wine and a table full of sushi, then leave together in an Uber less than two hours after they arrived. We all know what happens when you pile into an Uber with your date after drinking a couple bottles of wine in less than two hours.

More: Newly divorced Katharine McPhee is dating her co-star

Have fun, you crazy kids.

Hey, ladies! Here's a pop quiz for you: 

You suspect you might be pregnant. The first thing you do is:

1. Buy an over-the-counter pregnancy test.
2. Make an appointment with your OB-GYN.
3. Get a plate out of the cupboard. Fetch some white toothpaste from the bathroom. (If you don't have white toothpaste, go to the drugstore and buy some first.) Squeeze toothpaste on plate. Once you've got your dollop of white toothpaste on a plate, add a little bit of your own urine. Then wait to see if it changes color and gets kind of frothy-looking. If it does, congratulations! You may — or may not — be pregnant!

If you chose 1 or 2, congratulations! You are a sane human being. If you chose 3, please, for the love of God, explain yourself. No, really. We are a little worried about you and would be totally happy to buy you a home pregnancy test if you have fallen on hard times.

We tried to figure out where this strange trend got its start (we blame you, internet — it's always your fault when people do things like pee on piles of toothpaste to make life-changing decisions). The U.K.'s Sun newspaper reported on the trend, so maybe it's a British thing. But somehow, we can't imagine Kate Middleton squatting over a china tea saucer tinkling royal wee-wee onto Colgate to find out if she's expecting the next possible heir to the throne. I mean, we can imagine it in that alternate reality kind of way, but it gives us no joy whatsoever.

More: 11 signs of early pregnancy you don't want to ignore

Thankfully, a spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Mark Kilby, was on hand to remind women that toothpaste may not be the most scientific method of determining pregnancy.

He told The Sun: "When women become pregnant, their bodies begin to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). HCG can be detected in a woman's urine by a pregnancy test. There is no evidence that toothpaste can detect HCG in a woman's urine, and women should not rely on DIY methods to confirm if they are pregnant or not."

Well said, professor. Thank you for science-ing with us.

But what if you're a crafty, DIY-type with a Pinterest board called "Fun and Major Life Decisions With Toothpaste," and you just can't resist?

You're in luck! Apparently there's quite a market for DIY pregnancy tests for those on limited budgets. The website Negative Pregnancy Test has all kinds of advice for those looking to toothpaste their way to inexpensive family planning.

So if you're curious, by all means, check out the website — and let us know your findings, would you? Because now we are really, really, really fascinated.

Again: No scientific studies have been carried out to test the "Toothpaste, Tell Me If I'm Knocked Up" theory. Like, not even one. Don't say we didn't warn you.

More: The List Is in: Can You Guess 2016's Most Popular Baby Names?

If you have kids, you may be constantly looking for offers where children get free meals or passes to museums or events where adults have to pay. This is especially true when you're traveling and expenses rack up fast. But some costs, like flights, are usually unavoidable — right? Not necessarily. British Airways announced a major family-friendly summer promotion where they're allowing up to two kids under the age of 12 to fly free between select U.K. and northern European locations.

There are caveats, of course. Families have to be flying on British Airways’ Euro Traveller ticket class, and must book between May 10 and Oct. 1 for trips taking place between June 1 and Oct. 31, 2017. And of course, kids have to be accompanied by an adult (that’d be you!) who's paying full fare. Considering this encompasses the whole summer, it’s a pretty sweet deal, even with those parameters.

“Saving every penny counts when it comes to family holidays, so flying kids for free will make it cheaper for families to see more of the UK and Europe this summer,” said Adam Daniels, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, in the airline’s blog.

More: The long flight survival guide

This isn’t the first time British Airways has had a kids-fly-free promotion. A similar sale was launched last year in order to boost summer tourism. There are also other British Airways offers to save families money, such as free kids travel on the Heathrow Express and letting kids stay for free at some Hilton Hotels.

During normal travel periods, British Airways has a policy of children under 2 who don't occupy a full seat paying 10 percent of the adult fare. Those who do occupy a seat pay 75 percent of an adult fare.

Pretty sweet, right? Sure as hell beats the free kids' meals at Pizza Hut when I was growing up, anyway.

More: 6 Foolproof Ways to Keep Kids Entertained on Long Flights

If the question, “should I cut my hair?” has been asked by you at least once in the last decade, let us answer it for you right now: Yes. Duh. Immediately. Please. Because even if the last time you chopped off your hair was in fifth grade and after it you cried hysterically on the car ride home (*raises hand*) vowing to never again cut your hair above your boobs, we’re here to tell you that you’re missing out — like, hardcore.

Because 2017 has been the year of lobbed-off cuts, with just about every celebrity taking to Instagram on a weekly basis to show off their newly cropped hair, including Bella Hadid's angled lob, Lucy Hale's chin-length bob, Zoë Kravitz's wispy pixie. And yes, we’re in love.

More: Yup, Brow Carving is the New Instagram Eyebrow Trend

Of course, we know that you’re not a celebrity or model, but it doesn’t mean you can’t copy the very same bobs, lobs and pixies you’ve seen plastered all over your Instagram. Because when it comes down to it, the only thing you really need to try out a short cut this season is a basic knowledge of your face shape — and that’s where we come in. So to give you hella inspiration (and encouragement), we’ve rounded up seven of the best celebrity haircuts broken down by face shape to make sure you pick the most flattering cut. Scroll through for our picks, and then please cut your hair right this very second (or, OK, as soon as your stylist can fit you in).

More: 13 Best Skin Care Products You Didn’t Know Were at Walmart

Long angled bob

Layered, textured lob

Choppy bob with bangs

Angled bob with long layers

Grown-out feathered pixie

Gradient bob

Layered lob

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Bachelor Nation, it's the moment we didn't know we were waiting for: A new Bachelor spin-off is coming and boy, it sounds like a doozy.

Announced at the ABC upfronts was The Bachelor Winter Games, a show which promises us that "America's favorite participants from past seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, from arch rivals to villains, will take competitive dating to a chilling new level."

More: Chris Soules' Lawyers Try & Fail to Get Felony Charges Dismissed

Ominous! I have so many questions already. Why only arch rivals and villains? What exactly is "competitive dating"?

The show description continues, "In an ode to the Winter Olympics and slated to premiere in February 2018, The Bachelor Winter Games will reunite the all-stars at a luxurious winter resort, where they will go head-to-head in winter-themed athletic challenges, including the toughest sport of all — love."

So, basically this is like Bachelor Pad meets the athletic challenge group date (which is, objectively, the worst group date) but with the Olympics tied in somehow? And it happens at a winter resort, so there won't even be abs aplenty to keep us entertained? ABC, this doesn't sound promising. But on the other hand, it's a Bachelor spin-off, so obviously it's fine. It's happening in February 2018, when the Winter Olympics will be dominating TV, so there's that, too. While the boring sports are on (read: everything other than figure skating), there'll be something to watch.

More: Ben Higgins & Lauren Bushnell Have Officially Broken Up

Official verdict, Bachelor Nation? We're a little torn, but of course we'll tune in and give it a try.

Since The Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars are practically one show now, considering how many Bachelor alums go on to compete for the Mirror Ball, DWTS is getting a spinoff of its own. DWTS Junior will feature celeb kids and kids of celebs competing in their own dance competition alongside pro kid dancers, because of course they will.

More: The Bachelor's Nick Viall & Vanessa Grimaldi Continue to Defy the Odds

ABC, way to bring your reality TV A-game to compete with the Olympics. It's a bold move, and we can't wait to see how it plays out.

We've got some surprising as all heck news out of the Royal Family today, y'all! Oh, wait, JK, it's exactly zero surprising, because it's just more evidence that Prince Harry is about to pop the question to his girlfriend, Meghan Markle.

More: How to Dodge Questions About Your Significant Other, as Taught by Prince Harry

According to Mirror, royal insiders are saying Harry has already asked Queen Elizabeth for permission to propose to Markle, who he's been dating since last year.

"The way it’s going, the engagement will probably happen this year," a source close to the Royal Family told The Star. "Harry has got approval from the Queen to propose to Meghan, he’s already had those conversations with Her Majesty. An engagement is imminent."

More: Meghan Markle's Website Shut Down, Which Means Big News for Her

It seems like the engagement has been imminent for quite some time, though, doesn't it? Harry and Markle have been getting more and more serious. They've traveled together. They've spent tons of time together. For months, Markle has spent her time off from filming Suits in her hometown of Toronto with Harry in London, possibly even living with him at Kensington Palace, if sources there are to be believed.

This update comes right on the heels of the news that Markle scored a formal invitation to Pippa Middleton's wedding this week, which breaks the royal tradition that says guests can only come if they're married or engaged to family members. That news just made us think that if Harry and Markle aren't planning to be engaged ASAP, they already are and just haven't announced it yet because they don't want to steal Middleton's thunder right before her wedding.

More: What Meghan Markle's Royal Training Probably Includes

A royal wedding in 2018? We're betting on it.

Things seem to be heating up over at Days of Our Lives lately and we are hoping the rumors are true. Is EJ DiMera returning to Salem?

Let’s take a look at some of the clues because they certainly seem to be fitting together. SheKnows Soaps recently did an interview with Camila Banus, who plays Gabi on DOOL. She accidentally dropped a big hint that points right to EJ’s return.

More: Camila Banus Talks Gabi the Stowaway, Will's Return & a Blind Item

“There’s a mystery character coming back as well that nobody knows about,” She told SheKnows Soaps. When pressed further on whether she knew who it was, Banus let the gender of the returning character slip. “Yes, he will actually be…oh, dang it! They will actually be introducing Chandler back on the show,” she said.

Who else could it be other than EJ DiMera ushering in Will Horton’s return to Salem?

More: Young and the Restless Finally Makes a Decision on Adam Newman

Here is the other big clue lurking on the internet — audition tapes. Don’t ask me why, but for some reason the casting directors aren’t requiring actors to set these videos on private. In a newly released video, it looks like DOOL is holding auditions for a character by the name of Elvis. Remember, EJ is just a nickname. His birth name is Elvis Aaron.

Take a look at actor Tim Adell’s audition tape. Do you think DOOL is bringing back EJ to the fold in anticipation of a Will Horton/Sami Brady return?

Fans know that EJ is supposedly dead after a drug turf war, but Sami received a letter from EJ in 2015. Could both EJ and Will still be alive?

More: 8 Things to Know About General Hospital's Matt Cohen

If they are still alive, this could bring some much-needed life back on DOOL, which has struggled to find its footing lately. They are continually the lowest-rated soap left on network television, so even a small spike in ratings is a good one for NBC.

We are going to have to wait for an official announcement, but it looks like this storyline is starting to take shape. We are here and ready for it, Salem!

You've heard of coke, crack, LSD and ecstasy, but there are many other drugs out there — which are readily available, and not only from the "street." "Designer drugs like spice and other 'legal' compounds are showing up for sale in gas stations and online faster than the law can keep up," warns recovering addict Ed Hamill.

"Parents have to educate themselves," says Dr. Howard Samuels, psychologist and founder and CEO of The Hills Treatment Center. "Look up everything and know what they’re talking about in order to have an open, honest conversation with their son or daughter."

More: Should You Smoke Pot With Your Teen?

Certified parent coach Cathy Taughinbaugh agrees that talking is everything. "Teens who learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are 50 percent less likely to use drugs," she says. "Give your teen plenty of opportunities to talk with you in a positive way about what is going on in his or her life. Being a listener and staying connected to your child is one of the most powerful things you can do to help your kid make healthy choices and good decisions."

"You don’t want to be in denial and hope the experimentation will simply pass or come to the realization that your child’s use has progressed so far that he or she’s now dependent and suffering negative consequences," adds Taughinbaugh, who is also an expert author for Pro Corner on Recovery.org. "Teens experiment with drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. The first question a parent should ask is 'Why?' Teens may not be comfortable explaining why they’re experimenting, so try and work together to understand why your kid might be tempted by drugs or alcohol. This way you can begin to address the issues that he or she is facing. Some of the most common reasons teens use drugs or alcohol are because they want to relax from the stress, fit in with the group, try something new, have fun with friends or just experiment to see how drugs feel."

There are many, many drugs out there — and most of them have a seemingly endless list of alternative "street" names. Start educating yourself with these common drugs your kids are likely to know about.

Ice

Ice is one of the street names for methamphetamine, which may also be known as crystals, crystal, meth, rock, candy, batu, glass, LA glass, super ice, hot ice, LA crystal, Hawaiian salt, Tina, Chrissy, speed or tweak. One of the newest and deadliest forms of crystallized methamphetamine, ice is nearly 100 percent pure methamphetamine.

Odorless and smoked in glass pipes, it is more lethal than crack and cocaine and seemingly more addictive. Within seconds of smoking ice, users experience intense physical and mental exhilaration. This gives way to extreme feelings of anxiety, depression, sleeplessness and fatigue, and long-term use can lead to toxic psychosis similar to paranoid schizophrenia. The toxic ingredients in meth leads to severe tooth decay known as "meth mouth," in which the teeth become black, stained and rotting, often to the point where they have to be pulled.

Spice

Made from dried plant material and chopped up herbs, then sprayed with synthetic chemicals (cannabinoids), spice is only one name for this popular illegal drug. It also goes by K2, herbal incense, potpourri, mojo, Scooby Snax, black mamba, no more Mr. Nice Guy, annihilation, and hundreds more. It’s also known as synthetic cannabis or synthetic marijuana, but it’s actually nothing like natural marijuana. Studies into Spice have found it contains a wide range of potentially harmful chemicals, including the prescription drug phenazepam.

Spice may have a similar effect to natural marijuana because synthetic cannabinoids happen to fit into the same receptors that THC (marijuana’s mind-altering chemical) latches onto in the brain. However, some synthetic cannabinoids are up to 100 times stronger than THC and may operate on other brain receptors too. Negative side effects reported by users include high blood pressure, blurred vision, stroke, cardiac arrest, muscle spasms, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, paranoia, severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were 656 exposures to spice from Jan. 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017.

Next Up: More drugs your kids know about

{pageBreak}

Flakka

Flakka is one brand name for a synthetic cathinone, made from artificial chemicals related to amphetamines. As a stimulant, it works in a way similar to cocaine and meth, flooding the brain with the feel-good hormone dopamine, which helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Flakka can cause hyperstimulation, paranoia and hallucinations that can lead to violent delusions and self-injury.

Other names used for Flakka include bath salts, bloom, cloud nine, lunar wave, vanilla sky, white lightning and Scarface. Synthetic cathinones usually take the form of a white or brown crystal-like powder and are sold in small plastic or foil packages labeled "not for human consumption." Despite being temporarily banned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, people can buy synthetic cathinones online and in drug paraphernalia stores, where they are sometimes labeled as plant food, jewelry cleaner or phone screen cleaner.

More: Should We Confront Our Young Son About Watching Internet Porn?

W-18

A synthetic pill with no known clinical use, W-18 may also be known as beans or shady '80s among users and dealers. It’s mass-produced in homemade labs and is believed to be 10,000 times more powerful than morphine and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl (fake OxyContin.) In August 2015, a drug bust near Calgary, Canada, uncovered three W-18 pills in a batch of 110 believed to be fentanyl and the following March, a man from Florida was arrested with 2.5 pounds of W-18 he purchased in China. One month later, officials in Edmonton seized 4 kilograms of pure W-18.

AH-7921

The manmade opioid AH-7921 was developed by a pharmaceutical company in the 1970s with animal tests establishing that it is similar to morphine. Tests have never been carried out on humans, and there is no published research on its effects and toxicity on humans. Like all opioids (such as heroin and morphine), AH-7921 relieves pain and can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sleepiness. Negative side effects reported by users include itching, nausea and tremors. This drug has been linked to several deaths in the U.K. and across Europe, and in May 2016 it was placed into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. According to the World Health Organization, it isn't associated with any street names and is referred to as AH-7921 on "legal high" websites.

Behavioral changes in kids who are using drugs go way above and beyond the typical tween/teen mood swings. Look out for changes in many behaviors, says substance abuse counselor Christopher Gerhart, such as secrecy, missing money, disappearing prescriptions and “lost” possessions.

Look out for changes in your child's hygiene and appearance too, says Taughinbaugh. You might notice a smell of smoke or other unusual smells on their breath or clothes, a messy appearance, poor hygiene, red, flushed cheeks or face, track marks on their arms or legs, hiding their arms under long sleeves in warm weather or burns or soot on their fingers or lips from joints or roaches burning down.

"If your child starts to avoid all interaction, changes friends suddenly or avoids all friends in general (designer drugs are less of a group activity than it used to be and causes folks to become 'closet users') you need to ask more questions!" says Hamill. "Has a favorite sport or hobby suddenly become unimportant? Does your child go for 'walks' alone and come home and go straight to sleep? Have there been dramatic changes in their appearance or eating habits? These are all possible signs of drug use/experimentation."

If you suspect your child is using drugs, a huge number of online resources are at your disposal:

• Online drug encyclopedia Erowid is a good starting point.
• ProjectKnow is a website dedicated to providing accurate, easy-to-understand information about drugs to adolescents and their families.
• The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse is a national nonprofit focused on improving the understanding, prevention and treatment of substance use and addiction.
• Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is a site for parents who have a son or daughter struggling with substance abuse.
• Above the Influence is a website for teens to help them live above the influence of drugs or underage drinking.

More: How to Raise Grateful Kids — Not Entitled Ones

When it comes to chasing food trends, you never know what's going to hit big. I thought for sure that various new spins on rosé would be the trendy cooling treat of the summer, what with the hype over frosé and rosé 40s, but I'm starting to think the real runaway hit of the season is pickle juice.

First, we heard about a pickle juice soda that was gathering fans in Pennsylvania, Ohio and beyond. Sounds weird, right? Like, there couldn't possibly be enough people interested in such a drink to invite further expansion of the pickle-verse... or could there? Well, apparently I was wrong about this summer's hottest trend, because it turns out pickle juice ice pops, not frosé, is the breakout star of the season.

More: Is Pickle Juice Soda the Breakout Drink of the Summer?

Made by Bob's Pickle Pops and Van Holten's, these icy treats are made simply from pickle juice frozen in a tube. Van Holten's also adds electrolytes to their pops to help athletes who are worried about cramping. Yeah, pickle juice pops have taken the place of fancy sports drinks and bars — who saw that coming?

More: Rosé wine and pink grapefruit ice pops make the perfect summer accessory

Bob's Pickle Pops is also going to start selling their pickle juice in bottles so you can add a splash of that salty, vinegary elixir to everything from bloody marys to smoothies (I guess?).

If you want to try out the new fad, you can search for Bob's Pickle Pops at stores in the southern U.S. and Van Holten's at the grocery store or online. Or here's a handy hack: You can also just freeze the leftover juice from a jar of pickles into an ice pop mold. Keeping up with foodie trends has never been so easy.

More: 5 Leftover pickle juice recipes that will truly wow your guests (VIDEO)

Kids always look forward to Memorial Day. It's a three-day weekend celebration of barbecues and family fun — not to mention the fact that it's pretty much the kick-off for summertime. And while it's totally fine to let our kids revel in these childhood simple pleasures, it's also super important that they know what the true meaning behind Memorial Day is.

What is Memorial Day?

Again, the true purpose of Memorial Day is one of those “blink, and you’ll miss it” kind of things since the holiday has been quickly overshadowed by early summer activities. But do a little digging, and you’ll see that Memorial Day is one of the most important holidays that we have on our calendar — especially if you or a family member has served our country.

More: Stop Thanking Veterans on Memorial Day, Just Stop!

Memorial Day first began as a holiday called Decoration Day, where graves of soldiers were decorated with wreaths, flowers and flags. This day of remembrance to honor those who died in service — started after so many lives were lost in the Civil War — was proclaimed a holiday by Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, made up of former Union soldiers, on May 30, 1868.

It was during the very first Decoration Day in 1868, where 5,000 people came to commemorate the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at the Arlington National Cemetery, that then-Ohio Congressman James Garfield said, “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”

The popularity and the importance of what would become known as Memorial Day soon spread through the North and South following the Civil War. As World War II came around, the holiday became part of the nation’s identity during wartime. Memorial Day was officially named a U.S. holiday in 1967. And in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Act that marked Memorial Day as the last Monday in May (instead of the previously observed May 30 holiday) to give all of us a celebratory three-day weekend before summer begins.

More: Terrifyingly Tiny Seed Ticks: Will You Spot Them This Summer?

How to celebrate Memorial Day with kids

If you’re anywhere near a body of water — or have access to a backyard kiddie pool — then you have your Memorial Day cut out for you. But along with the early summer fun, there are still several ways to weave patriotic themes and times of remembrance into your jam-packed weekend schedule.

Here’s an interesting thing about kids: They observe and retain far more than we give them credit for. Even seemingly “grown-up” Memorial Day activities can have a long-lasting impact and give young children a greater appreciation for our country. We suggest taking the whole family along to commemorate and observe those who have lost their lives in service — by placing flags or flowers on graves, especially those of family members; flying the American flag at your home or business at half-mast until noon; visiting local monuments dedicated to soldiers, marines and sailors; attending a Memorial Day parade; and especially, participating in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day in your local time zone.

Taking a few moments to remember is important, but there are many more interactive ways to engage your kids on this patriotic holiday:

• Start with a craft. Kids learn by doing, and children of all ages will come to better appreciate the meaning of Memorial Day by making a patriotic craft that they can enjoy all year long, like a popsicle flag or a red-white-and-blue wind sock.
• Bake a dessert. This one kills two birds with one stone since you’re probably going to be hosting or attending a Memorial Day barbecue anyway. Explain to kids the meaning of Memorial Day as you work together to decorate a cake with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and whipped cream in red, white and blue.
• Talk about your family history. If someone in your family has served, this is the perfect time to begin to introduce your family’s culture and history. Pull out the pictures, talk to older relatives and start Googling to find out more about the veterans in your family tree.
• Get involved. Instead of making this pre-summer holiday all about fun, fun, fun, use this opportunity to give back. Most veterans’ cemeteries are looking for volunteers to help on Memorial Day weekend, and kids may be welcomed with the help of a parent. Volunteering to donate or participate in a Memorial Day event lets kids contribute in a tangible way by making a difference.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using Memorial Day weekend to relax at home with the kids (since we parents rarely get to do that), please don’t forget what this important holiday is really all about. Taking a few minutes to explain its purpose to your kids, and even throwing in an activity or two, is a small way to thank those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Updated by Sarah Long on 5/16/17.

According to reports, Rosario Dawson found her 26-year-old cousin dead in her home last week.

More: Rosario Dawson is now a mother! She adopted a 12-year-old daughter

E! News reports that Vaneza Ines Vasquez was working for Dawson, who came downstairs in her Venice home to find Vasquez unconscious and unresponsive. Dawson called 911, but paramedics weren't able to revive Vasquez. She was transported to St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica, where doctors pronounced her dead.

TMZ broke the news of Vasquez's death, and according to the site, a toxicology report was run and the results are still pending. According to E! News, no autopsy report has yet been released — officials decided to defer publishing it until they have more details about Vasquez's death. TMZ reported that as of now, all signs point to natural causes — Vasquez suffered from some health problems, including migraines and hypertension, and she was seeing a doctor and had been prescribed medication.

More: Stars show off summery style at Cannes Film Festival

Members of Vasquez's family have spoken out about the tragedy, including her grandmother, who posted a sweet tribute to Facebook following Vasquez's death.

"This is when Danny broke down and Yoselynn held him. Then several of us walked over to huddle. I threw the blanket over us, creating a fortress to shield us from the strong winds and provide a more intimate experience as we mourned together in the very place Vaneza was the most at peace," she wrote alongside a photo of several members of the family huddled together on the beach. "Vaneza, my sweet, sweet beautiful baby - your passing has left me destroyed forever but I know you are at peace in Paradise. I love you, my alpha child."

More: Rosario Dawson was terrified of becoming a teen mom

Dawson has not publicly commented.

Unless you’re psychic, there’s no way to predict what your marriage will be like three, nine or 12 years in. Of course, we all hope for smooth sailing and continued closeness, but marriages — like so many things —take work, and not all newlyweds realize the full extent of what that means, standing by one another day in and day out.

Anyone who hopes for a long, healthy marriage would probably love any insider intel that can help make that happen. That's why we asked self-proclaimed happily married women what they wish they'd known as newlyweds. Maybe their advice will help you if a wedding is in your near future (or recent past).

What's right for your marriage is right for you

"What I didn't know when I was a newlywed is that I should treat my relationship as its own entity. Every decision that’s right for your marriage is best for both of you, not one person individually. For instance, when my husband and I moved from New York to Atlanta, I didn’t want to leave New York, but the pros for our life together in Atlanta outweighed the pros for our old life. Our decision had more to do with where our life together would thrive versus either one of our individual wants, feelings or desires." — Kristen, 33, Atlanta, Georgia; married four years

Address conflict head-on

“Don't hold onto negatives from the past; it creates resentment. Resolve issues as soon as they occur to avoid bitterness festering in the marriage. This also means that you must forgive your spouse genuinely to be able to move forward without resentment. A disagreement doesn't have to turn into an argument. We often get defensive when our spouse doesn't share our feelings or opinions, but there's no need to do so since that will create unnecessary conflict.” — Lauren, 28, Nashville, Tennessee; married three years

Learn to embrace change

“Contrary to popular opinion, people change. Or perhaps it's less that they change, and more that they reveal their true selves after challenges like job loss, illness or death. My husband and I weathered the tragedy of 9/11 as New Yorkers, my unexpected stroke at 33, his unexpected heart attack in his early 30s, a child with Down syndrome and a child diagnosed with autism. Sometimes you need to change to survive these challenges and with that, your relationship will change drastically.” — Gina, 51, Allentown, Pennsylvania; married 19 years

Enjoy your youthful lust while you have it

“I thought our sexual energy would be parallel throughout our marriage, but it became perpendicular as we got older. Women's sex drives go into stealth mode as they age, while men's sex engines go into the shop. As men get older they don't perform the way they did in their 20s, so women had better appreciate everything they can get when they're younger. I understand the cougars now! Also, lubrication is your friend when you're exhausted and he can't sleep!” — Shannon, 40, Charlotte, North Carolina; married 22 years

Happiness is evolving, not static

“Ours is an arranged marriage, which is different than most Western marriages. I wish I knew that marriage is like a plant. You need to water it every day with care to let it grow. Also, happiness in marriage is not a destination. It is an everyday process.” — Surabhi, 35, New Delhi, India; married eight years

Don't forget that kids leave the nest

“I wish I had realized that once your child leaves home, it's just you and your husband. Kids leave, a husband is forever and we all need to remember that!” — Jane, 66, Burbank, California; married 36 years

Prioritize fun

“I've learned things during my second marriage that would've been helpful during my first. Date each other as often as possible! Make time for each other. There's more fun dating after marriage than before because you know the person you're going home with and you get to go home with them without feeling guilty — ha.” — Shellye, 46, Arlington, Texas; married eight years

You can love each other more with time

“There's no perfect marriage. It takes time and effort. You can either grow apart or grow together. Sadly, it can be very easy to grow apart because life gets hectic. I have seen many relationships deteriorate because of life. People try to stay because of the kids and I see now why affairs occur as a result. My life as a wife keeps growing in ways I didn't think possible. Because of everything my husband and I have gone through, I can unequivocally say I love my husband more as a wife than I did as a newlywed; which I didn't think was possible.” — Jill, 35, Charlotte, North Carolina; married eight years

Show your kids the ups and downs of marriage

“I've learned that it's imperative, if you have children, to show them visually what it looks like to come out intact from the other side of a fight with your spouse. Children model in their future relationships what is shown (or not shown) in what they see. I wish I had learned earlier that it can be healthy for them to see the process of a disagreement — and the making up too — as long as you keep them out of the bedroom during the making up!” — Naomi, 40, Washington D.C.; married 14 years

Looks matter less over time

“He will always think I'm beautiful, even if I don't have my 25-year-old body anymore. And he's still handsome, even with gray hair and a bit of a paunch.” — Welmoed, 57, Frederick, Maryland; married 31 years

Appreciate the moments alone

“I really wish I'd known that the time we had together, just the two of us, was precious and to appreciate it more. As we've grown into a family and each become busier with our careers, finding time to be alone together has become a huge challenge. There's also the importance of friendship. There have been some challenging moments, of course, but having a solid friendship, things in common and a shared sense of humor makes the challenges fleeting and our foundation stronger.” — Jacqueline, 30, Stamford, Connecticut; married four years

None of Bill Cosby's previous defenses have helped change the public's perception of him, so he's trying a new one. He's saying racism could be the cause of the more than 50 different women's sexual assault allegations against him. Yeah. Let that sink in while I go bang my head against a wall for a few.

More: Bill Cosby Is Teaching His Daughter's Kids "Family Values" — Ugh

This theory actually started with Cosby's daughter, Ensa Cosby, who told The Breakfast Club, "I believe that racism has played a big role in all aspects of this scandal. The accusations against my father have been one-sided from the beginning. I've witnessed my father's reputation and legendary works be dismissed without any proof... My father has been publicly lynched in the media."

Shortly afterward, Bill gave his first interview in more than two years, sitting down with Sirius XM radio host Michael Smerconish who asked about his daughter's claims that the allegations against him are rooted in racism.

"Could be," Cosby replied. "Could be. I can't say anything, but there are certain things that I look at, and I apply to the situation, and there are so many tentacles. So many different — 'nefarious' is a great word. I just truly believe that some of it may very well be that."

More: Bill Cosby is still set to stand trial for criminal sexual assault charges

Smerconish brought up the EXTREMELY OBVIOUS FACT THAT I'M YELLING FOR ABSOLUTE EMPHASIS BECAUSE THIS IS ALL SO RIDICULOUS: COSBY'S ACCUSERS HAVE BEEN BOTH BLACK AND WHITE, SO COME THE ONNNNN (admittedly my words, not Smerconish's).

"Let me put it to you this way: When you look at the power structure, and when you look at individuals, there are some people who can very well be motivated by whether or not they're going to work," Cosby replied. "Or whether or not they might be able to get back at someone. So, if it's in terms of whatever the choice is, I think that you can also examine individuals and situations and they will come out differently. So, it's not all — not every — but I do think that there's some."

So if it's not about racism, it's about... revenge? But if Cosby's morality is as squeaky-clean as he keeps maintaining it is despite, once again, more than 50 women accusing him of sexual assault, why would anyone want revenge against him?

More: Bill Cosby might plead guilty to sexual assault — if it keeps him out of prison

His story is full of holes, but who's even surprised? #Canceled

Are you sitting down? Maybe you should sit down for this. OK, here goes — Grey's Anatomy is getting a spin-off! ABC Network president Channing Dungey made the exciting announcement this week, and we are here for it.

More: Grey's Anatomy's Season 13 Finale Promo Is Here, & Warning: It's a Doozy

That's not even the best part, though. The spin-off will focus on firefighters in a Seattle firehouse. Grey's Anatomy AND firefighters? It's like a hug from Jesus, y'all.

Naturally, you want all the deets.

So do we, but right now the show is still in the baby steps development phase. What we do know is that it is slated to hit our TVs for the 2017 to 2018 season. Stacy McKee, Grey's resident EP, will write and execute produce the series alongside Shonda Rhimes (of course) and Betsy Beers.

According to the network, the show will take us on the journey alongside Seattle's bravest as they "risk their lives and their hearts both in the line of duty and off the clock."

How is this a Grey's spin-off, you ask? Well, we're apparently going to meet the characters during an episode of Grey's next season before the spin-off itself officially drops into the mid-season rotation. No word on exactly when we'll meet them, but it will clearly occur in the front half of Season 14.

More: OMG, Did Grey's Anatomy Just Kill Off [SPOILER]?

Explained Dungey of the decision, "No one can interweave the jeopardy firefighters face in the line of duty with the drama in their personal lives quite like Shonda, and Grey's signature Seattle setting is the perfect backdrop for this exciting spin-off."

Yes, please! Given that this move mirrors rival network NBC's Chicago-based trifecta of Chicago P.D., Chicago Med and Chicago Fire, inquiring minds will undoubtedly be on the lookout for news of a Seattle-based police spin-off in the near future.

Grey's aficionados have been down the spin-off road with Rhimes before — Private Practice, which centered on the life of Derek Shepherd's ex-wife, Addison, ran for six seasons before going off the air. And while it had its ups and downs, it was a solid series and one more reason to embrace being invested in the good doctors of Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital.

More: 32 Most Shocking Moments from Every Grey's Anatomy Finale Over the Last 13 Years

If this, ahem, steamy new spin-off is made of the same mettle (which we've no reason to doubt), fans better grab a box of tissues and buckle down for yet another wild ride on Rhimes' latest emotional rollercoaster.

Are you excited about this spin-off? Sound off below!

It's been a hot minute since Taylor Swift has been seen with a rumored romance. Scratch that — it's been a hot minute since Taylor Swift has been seen, period. The pop superstar has essentially been hiding from the paparazzi this year... until now.

For the first time since January, photogs caught the now-elusive entertainer on camera while she visited her mom, Andrea Swift, in Nashville over Mother's Day Weekend.

More: Taylor Swift Adds Feminist Clout to Her Ongoing Sexual Assault Case

While that in and of itself proved to be big news in T. Swizzle's world, another revelation has catapulted Swift into the headlines. The scoop? She's back on the dating scene, thanks to her current coupling with British actor Joe Alwyn.

According to The Sun, who was the first to report the pairing, Swift has been seeing her Brit boyfriend on the sly for several months and is "besotted" with the 26-year-old rising star.

Sources told the site that the pair has been trying hard to keep their budding romance under wraps in order to avoid a Hiddleswift-style media circus. To do so, Swift has reportedly been going incognito while in London by wearing scarves and hats to disguise herself.

However, a source supposedly close to the couple insists that Swift was forthcoming about her new romance with family and friends.

More: Now Taylor Swift's Written Something About Ed Sheeran

"This isn't a new couple or a secret relationship — the only people this has been a secret to is the media because all of us, Taylor and Joe's closest friends and their families, were aware they have been together for several months and have known each other for a long time," said the source.

In fact, The Sun reports that Swift is actually renting a home in North London to enable her to spend as much time as possible with her new man.

So who is Joe Alwyn?

His two (and really only) movie roles were in Ang Lee's 2016 film Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, in which he played the lead role, and 2017's The Sense of an Ending. According to IMDB, he's slated to appear in The Favourite — opposite Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Holt — next year.

More: Harry Styles Is Definitely Not Talking About Taylor Swift on His New Album

And although his roster of roles is currently brief, he's already been dubbed "Hollywood's Next Big Thing" by The Hollywood Reporter.

Natural talent is always abundant on The Voice, but particularly in Season 12, featuring the likes of Chris Blue and Lauren Duski. But the contestants who immediately achieve front runner status are not always the most enjoyable to watch, despite their performances being more consistently strong. Sometimes, it's more rewarding to see continued growth throughout the entirety of a season. When a contestant peaks at the right moment, it's a wonder to behold.

More: Vanessa Ferguson Earned Her Save on The Voice Fair & Square

Such is the case with Aliyah Moulden, who began the show as a bundle of nerves but has slowly, week by week, come into her own. She is the contestant Blake Shelton has always wanted to have, as he recently admitted when complimenting Moulden's exceptional performance.

Moulden's hard work clearly paid off, as she has been voted through to the finale! Talk about an achievement for someone who had her fair share of rocky moments this season.

So what, exactly, is it that fans love so much about Moulden? She's talented, sure, but that's true of everybody in the Top 4. Ultimately, it comes down to this: Moulden is an extremely coachable contestant. She takes Shelton's on-point feedback to heart, and works hard to apply it. As a result, she has shown steady growth throughout the course of the season. She's just 15, but with a work ethic like that, she's bound to achieve a great deal in the near future.

More: Shania Twain Should Be a Permanent Judge on The Voice

People vote for different artists for different reasons, and that's fine. Many will simply vote for the person they believe has consistently been the strongest all season. Others, however, will reward perseverance and sacrifice, which Moulden brings to the competition in spades. This type of voter is bound to choose Moulden, in recognition not only of her natural talent, but also of her willingness to cultivate that talent and make the most of this unique opportunity.

No matter who emerges victorious next week, Moulden should be very, very proud of all that she's accomplished. She should use the final results as fuel to continue refining her craft and growing as a performer. She is destined for great things!

More: Vanessa Ferguson Earned Her Save on The Voice Fair & Square

Do you think Aliyah Moulden deserves to win The Voice Season 12? Comment and share your opinion below.

I've been blond to some degree for the entirety of my 28 years of life, but started bleaching my hair three years ago. And as a double-processed blonde, I’ve dabbled in some science for the sake of maintaining the integrity, health and color of my hair. Through my studies (read: asking our beauty editor, Chloe), I’ve learned that not only do I have to eschew regular shampoos because of the way they could dull my color, but I also had to worry about things like sulfates, tonality, UV protection, breakage and most of all, how to maintain a color that simply never seemed white enough for me. That’s when I started experimenting with purple shampoos and conditioners, and now I can confidently say I have tried just about every single one ever invented. (Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any chemical explosions during the process.)

More: 16 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Just Dyed Their Hair Blond

“Violet tones neutralize or remove orange and yellow, or as you call brassy tones, that may develop with time in color-treated blond hair,” says Joseph Cincotta, a cosmetic chemist, who warns that these dyes might cause a temporary blue hue on extra-porous hair. “Typically, water-soluble dyes that are used in shampoos will last until your [next] shampoo. Conditioners and toners may also contain temporary dyes that could last three shampoos.”

Ahead, my ranking and reviews of five of the best purple shampoos and conditioners on the market.

More: How I Care for My Platinum Hair

Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color

As a huge fan of all things Oribe, I was slightly disappointed after using this shampoo and conditioner for a couple of weeks straight. Despite having a delightful scent and fantastic packaging, I found this particular duo to be incredibly drying. It did, however, neutralize any yellow/golden tones, so snaps for that. If your hair isn't as brittle as mine, you might have better luck, but I give this pair one star.

Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color (Oribe, $46) & Bright Blonde Conditioner for Beautiful Color (Oribe, $48)

Redken Blonde Idol Shampoo & Custom Tone Violet Conditioner

This shampoo helped keep my hair vibrant and bright, and as an added bonus is pH-balancing and sulfate-free. The conditioner has a dial that allows you to control how much violet pigment you want to use, so as both a control freak and craft enthusiast, I appreciated the DIY aspect. However, as a conditioner, I didn't find it to be as deeply moisturizing as others, so it comes in fourth.

Redken Blonde Idol Shampoo (Ulta, $34) & Redken Blonde Idol Custom Tone Violet Conditioner (Ulta, $32)

R+Co Sunset Boulevard Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner

This shampoo and conditioner weren't purple as I expected, but rather, a pearlescent white hue; that said, it wasn't as much of a heavy-duty color protector as the others that contain more violet dye. As a result, I use this every other wash to keep my color from looking too lilac-y. This one places third.

R+Co Sunset Boulevard Blonde Shampoo (Barneys, $29) & R+Co Sunset Boulevard Blonde Conditioner (Barneys, $29)

Sachajuan Silver Shampoo & Conditioner

As a Sachajuan devotee, I was relieved that it didn't disappoint. (Also, "silver" is misleading, as the formula is, in fact, bright purple.) This shampoo and conditioner pairing not only kept my brassy tones at bay, but it also kept my hair hydrated and shiny. Plus, it has UV filters, which kept my color from fading with sun exposure. This one gets the runner-up spot.

Sachajuan Silver Shampoo (Sephora, $31) & Sachajuan Silver Conditioner (Sephora, $33)

Davines Alchemic Shampoo & Conditioner Silver

I have to say, out of any purple hair product I've used, this shampoo and conditioner duo is my favorite. The shampoo is less opaque than others with similar properties, but deposits just the right amount of purple to cancel out any brassiness going on and makes my hair feel super-clean. The conditioner (which is a super-fun, bright violet) is really thick (almost putty-like), hydrating and just feels super-nourishing. Together, they make the perfect pairing.

Alchemic Shampoo Silver (Davines, $25.50) & Alchemic Conditioner Silver (Davines, $29.50)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

When it comes to Nutella, it's hard to go wrong. Let's be real; we're totally down to eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon — but it's also nice to indulge in a warm, hazelnutty, chocolaty treat every now and again too. Well, my friends, this three-ingredient Nutella cookie recipe is the best of both worlds. The simplicity of plain Nutella crossed with warm gooeyness of a baked good. Perfection.

Whip up a batch over the weekend, and they're guaranteed to be gone in two days. They are that good.

More: Slow Cooker Sunday: 17 Ways Nutella Could Be Waiting for You Under That Lid

3-ingredient Nutella cookie recipe

Adapted from A Busy Nest

Yields 20

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Nutella
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
2. To the bowl of an electric mixer, add all the ingredients, and mix until well combined.
3. The mixture will be thick but should be moist enough to roll into balls the size of 2 tablespoons.
4. Add the balls to the baking sheet, and flatten them slightly with your fingertips or the bottom of a glass.
5. Bake for about 7 minutes, until they are cooked around the edges and still slightly soft in the middle. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then cool on a baking rack.
6. Continue until all the cookies have been made.

More: 3 Luscious Nutella Cocktails Guaranteed to Bring a Little Magic to Your Day

Note: You can also roll your cookie balls into some sugar to give them a little sparkle. For best results use Nutella from a freshly-opened can, not older, dried-out Nutella.

Originally published September 2014. Updated May 2017.