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Does Shaving Your Dog’s Coat Really Keep Them Cooler?

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The heat is rising. With summer around the corner and higher temperatures sure to come, it’s time to look at ways to keep doggy cooled. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are easy for a dog’s body — after all, they primarily use panting to release excess heat, as the few sweat glands found in their paws probably release little to no sweat.

Many people try shaving their dog’s coat to keep them cooler. But is this the best method? This week, we’ll investigate whether it is and some other ways to prevent heatstroke and keep your pup chill this summer.

Heat exhaustion/heatstroke

Assisting your dog, especially double-coated breeds, in regulating body temperature is imperative in the summer. Signs of a heat stroke include difficult breathing, excessive panting, and weakness. Vet Dr. Christie Long says 50 percent of dogs with heatstroke will die, with most dying in the first 24 hours. If you notice any of the signs, call your vet immediately. While waiting for appropriate assistance during this medical emergency, you can wet your dog with lukewarm water (cold water may lower your dog's temp dangerously fast) to attempt to slowly lower body temperature. You may also want to fan your dog and offer water to drink.

To shave or not to shave…

Shaving is seen as a preventative measure for heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Though there is a lot of debate over whether pet parents should or should not shave their dog, there is good reasoning on both sides.

It’s simple — shaving does keep them cooler and can be preventative in extremely hot locations. Some breeders, however, say shaving can damage your dog’s coat and your dog’s natural defense against sunburn.

The bottom line is whether you decide to shave or not to shave is up to you. Regardless of the choice you make, it’s also good to keep doggy safe and cool in other ways too.

1. Cooling beds

This is a great tool for relief for your dog to try out in the exhaustive heat. Many retail stores carry them, so they should be easy to try out. Plus they come in a variety of styles and materials that increase your chances of finding something your dog actually likes.

More: 10 non-shedding dog breeds your black clothing will thank you for

2. Pet misters

These cool devices are easily integrated with the hose system most houses have and an absolute blast for dogs. And, hey, if you set it up in a proper location, you may get some of your yard or garden watering done at the same time.

3. Shade

Whether at the lake or in your backyard, make sure your dog has a shady area to retreat to when needed. It can be cozied up under the beach umbrella with you or under the great big oak tree.

4. Monitor temperature

Buy a digital rapid-read body thermometer and label it “dog” so you don’t confuse it with other thermometers in the house. To take doggy’s temp, Long says, “Raise the tail and find the anus directly below it. Put a little bit of lubricating oil — baby oil or cooking oil work fine — on the end of the thermometer and gently insert it about 1 centimeter into your dog’s anus. Push the button, and wait until it beeps before you read it.” You’ll probably need someone to help you with this. If your dog’s temp is high (above 103 degrees F), consider it a medical emergency and seek help immediately.

More: 12 dog breeds first-time owners should think twice about

5. Travel with water

Even if you’re taking a quick stroll around the block, always have a water source available for your dog. And be cautious. The pavement can be too hot for doggy’s paws.

6. Keep them in a cool environment

Absolutely never leave your dog unattended in a car, especially during the summer. Leave a fan on for them at home, the windows open or the air conditioner on. Keeping the air circulating will keep them cooler and happier.

7. Keep the water filled

Make sure to constantly refresh the water bowl with cool water.

With the dog days of summer right around the corner, we want to ensure we give our beloved canines what they need to prevent heatstroke so they can safely enjoy a little fun in the sun with us.

More:14 small dog breeds for people who prefer the tinier things in life

Have a question about shaving your dog? Ask the experts at PetCoach below.

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How to Remove Hair Dye From Skin

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There are a lot of things to love about dying your own hair. It's quick, it's (for the most part) easy and it saves like a million dollars. What we don't love? When some rogue box dye ends up on our skin and the frantic rubbing that ensues.

We obviously try our best to take protective measures before we apply our color, but a bit of dye inevitably somehow ends up streaking our face or neck. If we act quickly, a lightly wet a cotton ball with some warm water can do the trick — but let's be real, we usually don't notice the blobs of wayward color until it's too late.

Preventative measures

Like we mentioned above, when it comes to getting dye off the skin, the best offense is a good defense.

Before you put on your plastic gloves, apply a dab of conditioner, Vaseline or lip balm around the hairline and other areas you know are subject to dripping color (like earlobes, eyebrows, the jawline and the nape of your neck). This will provide a barrier that color can't attach to or stain. Further, having a visual cue of your danger zones can help to mentally manage your color application.

Removing hair color stains

If you're past the point of creating a color boundary and you've now got a full-blown stain to contend with, Kari Hill, expert colorist for L'Oreal Paris, advises clients that when stains are faint, patience may just be the best policy. "If there is a shadow, I tell my clients to go home and wait a bit until some of their natural oils have returned to their skin. Then I have them use an oil-based eye makeup remover with a cotton ball," shares Hill.

More: A Hair Gloss Treatment Gives You a Color & Shine Kick Without Commitment

There are loads of other old wives' tales out there when it comes to removing hair color from the skin. Though many of these will depend on how much color has seeped, how permanent the dye blend is, where it is located and how sensitive your skin is, one of these home-tested methods might just do the trick for you.

Next Up: Olive oil and baby oil

Originally published November 2011. Updated May 2017.

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1. Olive oil and baby oil

Some experts suggest dabbing a cotton ball or cotton swab in olive oil. Then gently rub on the stained area until the colors fade. Cortney Crace, a color expert at Butterfly Studio Salon, says that success with olive oil can be hit or miss because it can prove to be too concentrated of an oil and cause skin problems for some. Her alternative? Baby oil.

"Mix [face] cleanser with baby oil and apply or use some baby oil, first applying directly on the problem area, rotating in circular motions to target [the] stain, then cleanse the area," she says

More: 7 Pics of Short-Haired Celebs That'll Make You Want to Cut Your Hair

2. Makeup remover

If you have sensitive skin, this one's for you. Crace says makeup remover is a great multipurpose product that can tackle hair dye stains in most cases. "Apply on a cotton ball with hair pulled back and rub away," she says. Wait five minutes before rinsing and check the stain. It should disappear.

3. Nail polish remover

A quick Google search will bring up several articles on how nail polish remover removes hair dye from skin. According to many, it works. However, Crace isn't quick to recommend it.

"My advice is always to stray away from using nail polish remover on any part of the face," she says.

4. Hairspray

Finally, if all else fails spray a bit of hairspray onto a cotton ball. Before the color has time to dye your face, rub the cotton ball onto the stained area of skin to break the bond of color to the skin. Crace admits, she has not heard of much success with this method. So...

If at-home methods fail when trying to remove hair color stains, turn to the pros. Professional beauty supply store chains, like Sally's Beauty Supply, sell inexpensive hair color stain removal blends that should do the trick.

"Also, don't forget you can always give your local/nearest salon a visit to help remove the stain with a professional, gentle solution," says Crace.

7 Simple Routine Changes That Can Give You Healthier Skin

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We've all thought it: Taking the best possible care of our skin seems like a downright daunting task.

More: The Lip Gloss Hack That Makes Me Look Awake in Seconds

There are so many products, so many tips and tricks. How are you supposed to know what to use and what to do, and how are you supposed to have enough time to properly care for your skin?

As it turns out, skin care doesn't actually need to be that complicated. Lazy girls (like me) rejoice, because there are plenty of changes you can make to your skin care routine that are super-quick and easy, but will yield amazing results when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. A ton of it has to do with what you eat, but we'll get to that in a minute — first, certified clinical electrologist and licensed cosmetologist Berenice S. Rothenberg offered SheKnows her expertise. These are her top tips for ladies looking for simple routine changes that will have huge impacts on their skin and help them look their best.

More: This Natural-Beauty Guru Wants to Give You the Best Skin of Your Life

1. Lighten up your products

"Products used in warmer weather should be lighter in texture and less oily, the better to keep pores clean and unclogged," Rothenberg said. "The low moisture levels and strong winds of the winter months have put our skin through a great amount of stress, resulting in dull, flaky, red skin." To make the transition into spring, Rothenberg says to avoid oil-based products, such as those made with mineral oil and lanolin.

2. Cleanse your skin more often

"Skin must be cleansed more often after exercise and outside activities during warm-weather months," Rothenberg explained. "A warmer climate makes skin oily and clogs pores more easily. You still need to moisturize — but use a lighter, oil-free product and be sure to apply sunscreen more often after exercising or being in the water."

3. Exfoliate

If you add just one thing to your skin care regimen, make it exfoliating, Rothenberg said.

"Exfoliation is essential for glowing skin," she added. "Skin should be exfoliated more often in the summer to break up the keratinized protein that accumulates on the skin, which accelerates during the winter months. Remove unhealthy surface cells with exfoliation to allow the products to work more effectively."

4. Avoid the sun

This is the tip we've all heard a million times, but that's because it's so important, Rothenberg explained.

"We know that you won’t sit inside on a beautiful sunny day," she said. "Therefore, sunscreen is the best defense against aging. Using an SPF of 30 is generally great for skin care protection. But use a higher SPF if you have very sensitive skin. Wrinkle prevention starts in your 20s and 30s with use of sunscreen."

5. Hydrate

This may be the simplest tip of all.

"Water and coconut water are great to keep skin glowing and nourished," Rothenberg said.

6. Switch up your diet

So much of what we eat affects our skin. Tricia Williams, executive chef, shared her favorite ingredients for healthy skin, and they all honestly sound great. She recommends snacking on berries and dark chocolate (but only in moderation and only if it's at least 75 percent dark chocolate with no added sugars) because the combination of vitamin C and flavonoids will keep skin healthy and act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. She also recommends eating foods rich in collagen, like bone broth, and full-fat foods like avocado, olive oil, coconut oil and beef tallow. Not only will these help keep your skin supple, but they help you feel full longer, which means less unhealthy snacking.

7. Match your body wash with your skin care needs

Whether you need to hydrate your skin, refresh, moisturize or restore, choose a product that suits your needs. If the body wash aisle is an intimidating labyrinth of products, go for one of my favorites — Dial. Dial has a body wash for just about every skin care need. Choose the one that's right for you and watch your skin look and feel healthier just from lathering up.

More: 13 Face Mists That Will Give You an Instant Glow

See? New routines aren't scary; they're good for your skin. Try adding in one or two routine changes at first, and when those become habits, add more.

This post was sponsored by Dial Body Wash.

Drake Made Billboard Music Awards History, Winning the Most Awards in One Night

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As is imaginably the case on a regular basis, it's a good day to be Drake. Right now, he's probably sleeping and cuddle his 13 — count 'em: 13 — Billboard Music Awards. That's a lot of awards. Drake made BBMAs history by winning 13 awards in one night, the most any artist has won at the show in a single night.

More: Drake Could Go Down in History as the Man With the Most Pregnancy Rumors

I guess we can all thank Drake and his brilliant album Views for this glowing success. Because of his work on (in my opinion) a truly spectacular album, he took home awards for: Top Male Artist, Top Rap Artist, Artist of the Year, Top Streaming Artist and Top Rap Tour, just to name a few. The man was truly on a hot streak last night and boy, did he know it.

Drake BBMAs 2017

Drake BBMAs 2017

At the end of the night, when he was accepting the Artist of the Year Award, Drake brought his entire entourage onstage. Included in that entourage were Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Drake's father, Dennis Graham. It was a celebratory moment for the rapper, who told Adele not to worry because she's be able to reclaim the title once she dropped some new music. For now, the glory belongs to Drake.

More: Drake Sympathizes With Woman Who Broke Into His Home

Drake Award BBMA 2017
Image: Giphy

More: Brace Yourself Because Drake and Rihanna Are So Awkward Now It Hurts

Cuddle up to those awards, sweet Drizzy. You've earned it.

Hey, Maybe Don't Take Parenting Advice From Reddit, OK?

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Baby won't sleep? Here's a swell idea: Maybe go on Reddit and create a motorized baby bouncer using rubber bands and the sharp whirring blades of a kitchen mixer!

And by "swell" we mean totally batshit crazy, of course.

Yes, a parenting life hack involving a baby bouncer, rubber bands or string, and a KitchenAid mixer was created by some daft soul to provide white noise and lull their infant to sleep with motion. Even though actual, safe things have been created for babies that do these things.

Can't make this stuff up. A GIF tells the whole story:

baby hack

baby hack

A-yup. Just when you thought you'd seen it all.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of sane humans in the world who were more than happy to point out the engineering flaws and potential dangers of this crazy contraption. Readers on Reddit pounced with wise observations:

1. If the baby got wiggly, the bouncer could tip backwards — right into the mixer's whirring blades.

2. The bands/fabric attaching mixer to bouncer could get tangled in the blades and pull the baby closer to the zooming blades.

3. Rubber bands could easily snap and slingshot into the baby's eyeballs or face. Fun times!

More: Ford comes up with the best crib ever — can we get it in queen size?

“Not to be a downer but someone should tell these people how f**king dangerous that is,” one commenter said. “When (not if) that piece of cloth catches, it will dump the baby into the mixing paddle where an arm or leg will likely catch, spinning the baby around in the mixer until baby dies or someone stops the mixer, whichever happens first.

“If you don’t believe me, look up the multitude of videos on youtube of industrial accidents involving spinning equipment like lathes. One piece of fabric or hair gets caught and you’re hamburger within 5 seconds, no joke. I have worked on my own KitchenAid mixer, they’re powerful machines and while it might not break an adult arm or leg, it would make quick work of a baby.

“This video to me is similar to dangling a baby off a 10 story balcony for sh**s and giggles.”

Other readers were more amused than alarmed, but also cautioned against this setup: “I could see the baby getting pulled toward it as it catches and getting whacked in the head by the paddle but getting any arm or leg into it is wildly improbable.”

Improbable or not, there are other ways to soothe a fussy baby, people. And BTW, babies really shouldn't be plopped in bouncers to sleep for long periods of time. In 2015, three-month-old Leia-Mai Smith died after being left to sleep in her baby bouncer while her mom fell asleep nearby on the sofa.

So, you guys, let's err on the side of caution when it comes to babies. Keep that mixer on the kitchen counter, and keep those rubber bands in the junk drawer, m'kay? There are other ways, we promise.

How to Keep Night Terrors in Children at Bay so the Whole Family Can Sleep

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Night terrors in children are no joke — and if you've ever experienced them yourself, you know there's a huge difference between a terror and your average nightmare. As a parent, it has to be one of the worst things to watch your child go through, especially since terrors can be so unpredictable and scary.

It's easier to keep your cool when your kid is having a night terror, however, if you know what to look for and how to react when they wake, inconsolable, in the middle of the night.

Bradi Nathan, a New Jersey mom and co-founder of MyWorkButterfly.com, says her son's night terrors began a few years back and now appear at the onset of an illness. Nathan admits there have been many nights that she felt utterly helpless as her son grasped onto her for dear life yelling, "Save me."

"The first terror arrived late at night as my husband and I were in deep REM mode," says Nathan. "It was if Jack was screaming to be saved by a burglar... like a scene out of a sci-fi movie."

"His screams intensified, eyes rolled back, he was thrusting his tongue, yet he was sleeping the whole time," she continues. "We immediately called the pediatrician who told us not to wake him, not to touch him, and to repeatedly say, it's okay, you are safe, mommy is here. The notion is that if a child is woken out of a night terror then they will be afraid to fall back to sleep and often slip right back into in."

Night terrors or nightmares?

According to Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist specializing in child development and parenting at AhaParenting.com, nightmares are upsetting dreams that happen during REM (dream) sleep. Night terrors occur during Stage 4 Deep Sleep, or during the transition from Stage 4 to REM Sleep. In other words, during a night terror, the person is actually asleep — according to his brain waves — even if his eyes are open. In fact, most of the time the person has no recollection of the terrors.

More: ADHD Is So Much More Than Bad Behavior

The cause of night terrors

"Night terrors can occur at any age, but small children seem to suffer from them most frequently. In fact, up to 15 percent of kids reportedly experience at least one night terror," says Dr. Markham. "Scientists think night terrors may be caused by over-arousal of the central nervous system, which regulates brain activity. Most children outgrow them, probably as their brains mature, although some adults do report having night terrors when under stress. This suggests that stress could also trigger night terrors in little ones."

Dr. Markham notes that Stanford researchers have hypothesized that there is a link between childhood sleep apnea and night terrors, so it's always a good idea to have your pediatrician check your child for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can make it difficult for children to get enough rest, and there are indications that over-tiredness as well as stress can trigger night terrors in people who are prone to them.

Next Up: Best tips for the hard part

Originally published January 2010. Updated May 2017.

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13 tips for handling night terrors

night terror tips
Image: SheKnows Design

Dr. Markham offers these tips for parents:

1. Do try to keep calm yourself. It is likely that your child is not remembering these incidents and is not being traumatized by them. That said, of course you want to offer them whatever comfort you can, and keep them safe. While they will probably seem inconsolable, adults who suffer from night terrors say that they have been comforted by the calm, reassuring voices of those they love. And of course, if they'll let you hug them, then do so.

2. Do try to minimize stress in their life for now. No toilet training or other big developmental challenges if you can help it until they get out of this phase. Be sure they are not exposed to parental loud voices or other emotional stressors. Use "positive discipline" as opposed to spankings, yelling, timeouts or other stressful discipline. Minimize schedule changes and nights away from home.

3. Eliminate TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids younger than 24 months should not watch TV because it negatively impacts brain development, and TV has also been shown to be stressful for little ones who may think the conflicts dramatized on the screen are real.

4. Don't allow your little one to get over-tired, which may make her more susceptible to night terrors. Be sure they have a regular bedtime routine and are getting sufficient sleep. Often little ones need to be asleep by 7 p.m.; when they stay up later they have to summon adrenaline and other arousal hormones to keep it together. Moving to an earlier bedtime not only helps them fall asleep more easily at night but also lessens the possibility of over-arousal.

5. Do adopt a comforting bedtime ritual that includes a bath, snuggling & reading, and follow it each night, making sure that your child has an hour of soothing "wind-down" That means no music, TV, loudness, wildness, or anything particularly arousing, and no food, since digestion seems to be the source of night terrors for some people. Get more tips here on developing a bedtime ritual for kids.

6. Be aware that fevers can trigger night terrors in those who are prone.

7. Do make sure that your child is not being accidentally awakened. There is some evidence that night terrors result from being awakened during Stage 4 sleep (if there is already a predisposition). If traffic or TV or telephone noises intrude on their sleep, they could be awakening them. You might invest in a white noise machine as a precaution.

8. Don't try to force your child to wake up from a night terror. That leaves a person extremely disoriented, sometimes to the point of temporary amnesia.

More: 9 Fun Outdoor Activities to Do With Your Kid

9. Keep your little one sleeping in a crib until they outgrow their night terrors, if possible. If they have already graduated from a crib, be aware that they could easily leap out of bed during a night terror. Move anything they could trip on out of the way, be sure windows are closed and have a window guard, and use a baby gate to be sure they don't run out of their room and fall down the stairs.

10. Don't let your child get over-heated while they sleep. In particular, avoid footed pajamas. Many parents report that their child is more likely to have night terrors when overheated.

11. If your child has allergies or a cold and their tonsils are inflamed, it can make it harder to breathe, which may trigger night terrors. Ask your doctor about medicine that may help with the allergy symptoms. Some researchers report that removing the tonsils and adenoids can immediately cure night terrors in cases where they were regularly swollen and the child was having a hard time breathing at night.

12. Many parents have reported a complete cure with the radical approach of putting the child's feet into cool (not cold) water during an episode, although some parents report that the night terrors later returned.

13. I hate to wake kids for any reason, but there is evidence that you can help your child reset their arousal cycle by waking them gently 15 minutes before the night terrors usually occur. If you can see a pattern, and the night terrors are frequent, it might be worth it. If you do this for three to five days, it will hopefully interrupt the arousal cycle and prevent the night terrors from recurring.

"My advice to other parents is to try to stay calm and to reassure your child through a soft voice that it's OK, Mommy is here. Do not try to wake your child or to jar him in any way," says Nathan. "This will just exaggerate the episode. And, ride it out. Also, don't recount the happening the next day with your child; very often they will not even be aware of what has occurred. I have been told by my pediatrician that he will grow out of it. He's 9, and I'm still waiting!"

Instagram Ranks as No. 1 Worst App for Girls' Self-Esteem

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As a grown-ass adult, I personally think Twitter is the worst social media app — only because it reminds me that the world is full of people who are way more witty and hilarious than I will ever be. *Sighs, slumps on table*

But the Royal Society for Public Health surveyed almost 1,500 young people — ages 14 to 24 — to see how different social media apps are affecting their sense of self. And the subsequent report, titled #StatusofMind, said that the very worst app for young adults' mental health is Instagram, the mega-popular photo-sharing platform — not Twitter.

Most notably? Instagram was most detrimental to young women — with Snapchat sneaking in as a very close second.

But why? Is it the glossy filters, the airbrushed bikini bodies, the perfect couples, the amazing food shots or the vacations to far-off exotic destinations? Our guess: all of these things.

More: The simple secret weapon to battling low self-esteem in our daughters

The RSPH is encouraging Instagram and other apps to introduce pop-up warnings to help identify users who may be struggling with mental health problems, and — perhaps controversially — highlight when pictures of people have been manipulated, edited or filtered digitally.

"We're not asking these platforms to ban Photoshop or filters, but rather to let people know when images have been altered so that users don't take the images on face value as real," Matt Keracher, the author of the report, said to CNN. "We really want to equip young people with the tools and the knowledge to be able to navigate social media platforms — not only in a positive way, but in a way that promotes good mental health.”

But is it just all social media that's a problem for young people when it comes to self-esteem? We were surprised to learn that the report says no. Apparently, YouTube ranks highest for improving young adults' self-esteem — a very surprising finding to us.

The report also provided a sobering window into the amount of time young people spend on social media daily. Brace yourself: 91 percent of 14- to 24-year-olds are spending more than two hours a day on their apps (we have to say, we think that's a pretty conservative estimate).

More: There's a secret to staying close to your teen daughter

How did Instagram respond? Well, reps for the app say they want to ensure that the platform is a safe and supportive place for everyone.

"Every day people from all over the world use Instagram to share their own mental health journey and get support from the community. For those struggling with mental health issues, we want them to be able to access support on Instagram when and where they need it,” Michelle Napchan, Instagram head of public policy, said to the BBC.

"That's why we work in partnership with experts to give people the tools and information they need while using the app," she added, "including how to report content, get support for a friend they are worried about, or directly contact an expert to ask for advice on an issue they may be struggling with."

5 Effective Ways to Curb Your Work Anxiety

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Do you feel like you’re about to have a panic attack at work every other day? Are you consistently waking up from anxiety dreams at 4 a.m., then rolling over and checking your work email and never getting back to sleep? No, you’re not insane — most of us have been there at one point or another. But that still doesn’t make this situation OK.

Whether you’re intimidated by your boss or feeling like you’ve just got way too much on your plate, you’ll want to find some ways to manage your stress so it’s not debilitating. Sure, some amount of pressure is healthy and can keep you motivated. But if you’re feeling panicky most of the time, just remember that the only thing worse than the stress dreams themselves is allowing them to affect your performance at work — so you need to take some action that’ll help you chill the hell out.

It’s easier said than done, especially if you’re prone to anxiety. But there are some strategies that can help you sleep through the night — and make it through the next day.

Don’t sleep with your phone next to your bed

Seriously, don’t. Yes, there are still old-school alarm clocks, so that’s not an excuse. You’re staring at a screen for enough hours every day; it doesn’t need to be (slash absolutely shouldn’t be) the last thing you do before bed and the first thing you do when you wake up.

Checking your work email during these times is bound to spike up your nerves and make you more stressed during two moments that should be peaceful. Make a point to start and end your day without stressing about what’s to come.

At the end of the day, check tomorrow's agenda

You don’t need to write a long report each evening before heading out of the office, but jot down some notes or a quick list of things you want to accomplish the next day. Planning ahead a bit will save you from feeling overwhelmed when you arrive at your desk the next morning — plus, it'll help you put those nagging to-do's out of your mind for the rest of the evening, knowing you have a game plan.

Get moving

Maybe you feel like there’s just no time to exercise during the workday. And sometimes there isn’t. But whenever you can — even if it’s for 20 minutes two or three times a week — get your butt to the gym, to a class or jog around your ’hood. Exercise relieves stress and frustration, so even if you’re feeling overwhelmed about trying to fit in a workout, you’ll feel a lot better after getting a quick sweat session in.

Your workout can also be a good time to reflect. There’s no better time than while you’re running to try to figure out how to resolve whatever’s been keeping you up at night.

Give yourself a break

This doesn’t just mean don’t beat yourself up. Give yourself an actual break. It doesn’t have to be an hour lunch break (do those even exist?) but go outside — even if for 15 minutes — to get some sun, a coffee or some food. You’ll be more at ease and productive if you let yourself take a breather once or twice a day.

If it’s really too much, talk to your manager

You might be concerned that it will seem like you can’t handle your job. But you also may just have way too much going on — and your manager may not be able to keep track of everything you’re doing. If your workload has become unreasonable, talk to someone about it before you explode. People will respect you for being responsible and assertive about what’s doable, especially if it’s clear that you’ll be more productive if you have a bit more support.

Finally, take a step back and remember that your job is temporary. It’s only one part of your life, and while it’s an important one, you can always explore other options if it’s starting to feel like a parasite.

And if you like what you’re doing (besides the parts that cause nightmares) and you feel like your anxiety is more a function of your personality than your actual job, try to remember that work is work, and it’s going to be stressful sometimes. Everyone makes mistakes and has bad days, but no job is worth compromising your sanity.

Originally published on FairyGodBoss.


Justin Trudeau Photobombed a Bunch of Prom Kids & It's Wonderful

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While some world leaders are dropping literal bombs, Canada's Justin Trudeau is dropping photobombs.

More: Canada's 'PM Steal Yo Girl' Proves He's a One-Woman Man

Sure, we all like to focus on things like his intelligence and level headedness and diplomacy because, of course, he has a position of great power as Canada's Prime Minister. But we really should start paying more attention to the things that might not contribute to his ability to be a world leader, but help him win hearts all over the world, like how insanely attractive he is, and his awe-inspiring ability to photobomb.

His most recent bomb came over the weekend. A group of high school kids taking prom photos near the Vancouver coast didn't seem to even realize the Prime Minister jogging by in the background of their pic.

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 1

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 1

More: Justin Trudeau and his Son Won Halloween with their Awesome Themed Costumes

He was nice enough to stop and pose for a real photo with the group, though, because that's just the kind of stand up guy he is.

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 2

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 2

This is not even close to the first time Trudeau has wowed us with his ability to drop an A+ photobomb. Check out Exhibit A:

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 3

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 3

It seems like taking a nice photo at an event where Trudeau is in attendance is hardly even possible:

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 4

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 4

And then there's his crowning photobomb achievement: the time he was surfing, shirtless and crashed a wedding on the beach:

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 5

Justin Trudeau is the #1 master at photo bombing pics 5

More: Thanks to Donald Trump, Canada Officially Broke the Internet

Sigh. Why does Canada get to have the good leader?

What Is Montessori Preschool? Finally, Montessori Explained

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Because of its unique learning style, with more than a century of education to back its use, the popularity of Montessori preschool is growing among parents. By definition, the Montessori Philosophy teaches a progressive curriculum that uses child-directed learning, backed by observation and scientific research, as its core value. Instead of being traditionally taught, kids are encouraged to make their own choices in the classroom, with a teacher to guide them along the way.

At the center of Montessori education is self-direction. Most Montessori education is hands-on and encourages plenty of play and collaborative activities with the other kids in the class. Mixed-age classrooms teach children how to work together and learn from each other as they master life skills.

The origins of the Montessori method

Italian educator and physician Maria Montessori founded the Montessori movement in 1907 based on the idea that “play” is a child’s work and that learning should happen naturally through real-life experiences.

More: Want Your Kids to Do Well in School? It Could Come Down to Their Friends

Montessori concluded that children are highly motivated to learn and teach themselves when placed in a carefully designed environment and given the opportunity to work for long, uninterrupted periods of time.

In a Montessori preschool, children are grasping the same concepts as their peers in a traditional classroom, but the idea is for children to learn individually and at their own pace by moving freely around the room and choosing from a wide range of hands-on, age-appropriate activities that are designed to teach specific skills. “The primary goal of Montessori classes is to help children learn concentration, motivation, self-discipline and a love of learning,” reads the website of the Arlington County Schools’ Montessori program.

What type of learning style is Montessori?

Montessori schools aim to create a calm, child-centered learning environment with an emphasis on personal responsibility. Children are encouraged to take care of their own belongings and personal needs, such as cleaning up after themselves and preparing their own snacks. Schools aim to foster a healthy self-esteem and sense of independence, allowing children to make their own choices and teaching them basic skills like pouring themselves a glass of milk or putting their shoes on the right feet.

“Learning moves from concrete to abstract, from the big picture to small. The child makes the connection or abstraction when he or she is ready,” says Elissa Myers, a Montessori teacher at The Beddow School.Teachers at a Montessori preschool serve primarily as guides to discovery rather than providing direct instruction. “The teacher makes a connection between the instructional materials, and the children literally self-teach many skills, in independent activity,” explains Heike Larson, vice president of parent outreach at LePort Schools, a group of seven Montessori schools in California.

“Children can choose their own work, but it does not mean there isn't any structure. The classroom is very structured in its design and in how a lesson is taught. However, the child is given the freedom to learn how to make choices and do work that is engaging to him or her,” Myers adds.

Next Up: Is a Montessori preschool right for your child?

Originally published July 2013. Updated May 2017.

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Is a Montessori preschool right for your child?

Parents unfamiliar with the Montessori teaching method may be inclined to believe that a classroom of this sort is chaotic. When planning to tour a Montessori preschool for her daughter, Christina Donaghy admits she had prepared herself to witness a rule-free, out-of-control classroom and cross the school off of the list. “Instead, after just five minutes, I fell in love and couldn't imagine Olive going to any other school. The room was organized and it was quiet! Each of the children was engaged in the projects they were working on,” she explains.

If your child is independent and enjoys playing on her own, can follow directions and has a long attention span, a Montessori preschool may be the right choice.

What is a Montessori preschool classroom like?

Montessori preschool
Image: Christina Donaghy/SheKnows

Many Montessori preschools have a range of ages learning together in one classroom (typically ages 3 to 6 for preschool) and children are encouraged to help each other learn. The goal is also to create a non-competitive learning community and encourage positive social interaction and cooperative learning.

“Montessori delivers an unshakable self-confidence and can-do attitude based on true life skills, a pro-work attitude, total ownership of learning and pride in real achievements,” says Larson.

Donaghy explains that the projects are available to the preschoolers on shelves. “If the child has never had a lesson on it then the teacher will go through it with them. Once they've had a lesson they may take that particular project down and work on it anytime. They can work alone or with a friend so they are still playing with their friends, but they are learning at the same time. When they’re finished with their ‘lesson,’ they clean it up and put everything back exactly where they got it from on the shelf. It's amazing,” she says.

More: Sixth Grader Fights Back Against School's Sexist Dress Code

“At just 4 years old, Olive is already writing, reading, counting, tying her shoes, learning about the world, reciting the continents and so much more,” says Donaghy. “Olive has always had a great desire to learn, but I attribute a lot of it to the Montessori style. When they get to choose what they want to do they are more open to doing it.”

Beyond physical concepts, there are social and emotional learning advantages as well. “Respect. Sharing. Common courtesy. These are some of the many huge life skills that Montessori instills in children,” adds Donaghy.

Celebrate The Bachelorette Season 13 Premiere with Our Epic Drinking Game

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Rachel Lindsay is ready to make history in tonight's The Bachelorette premiere (we seriously still can't believe it took the franchise an entire 33 seasons to finally cast a black bachelor or bachelorette), and you know we're going to celebrate with a stiff drink — or two or three or four.

Look, we love The Bachelorette as much as anyone else in Bachelor Nation, but we'd be kidding ourselves if we didn't own up to the predictability. It's something we soak up every season — so much so that we've created a drinking game called Predict-orette around it.

Even the most shocking moments have a hint of predictability to them. There's going to be a meltdown, someone's going to get wasted, there's going to be a fight and someone is going to show up wearing some dumbass costume.

Image: Paul Hebert/ABC

I never fails. We might as well be drinking as it happens.

More: Everything We Know About Rachel's Season of The Bachelorette Before the Premiere

So while you're watching The Bachelorette this season, fix yourself a big ol' margarita and play our drinking game.

The introductions

Take a sip anytime a guy says one of these predictable phrases:

  • "I'm not like other guys."
  • Anything involving the word "journey"
  • Our bachelorette "looks beautiful"

Also take a sip anytime...

  • A bachelor tries to be unpredictable by opting for a strange outfit
  • A bachelor goes in for a kiss on the lips
  • A bachelor makes an awful joke

The rest of the show(s)

Throw back a gulp anytime...

  • The word "journey" is said... again
  • Someone confesses the bachelorette is their "soulmate"
  • An unresolved relationship back home is uncovered
  • Someone says he or she wants to take it slow
  • The smack talk begins (only when it begins, though — take care of your liver)

Finally, finish your glass and watch in excited bliss anytime...

  • Your favorite bachelor peels off his shirt

We'll stop there to keep you from getting too sloshed, but make sure to let us know if you think we missed anything that warrants a turn on Predict-orette.

Bonus: Do a double sip anytime someone does something "shocking" for attention.

More: The Bachelorette's Rachel Lindsay Is Engaged, So Who's the Lucky Guy?

Originally published May 2013. Updated May 2017.

The Latest Mount Everest Tragedy Reminds Us All Too Much of the 1996 Disaster

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As you may have heard, four climbers lost their lives over the weekend near the top of Mount Everest. The tragic accident of course reminds us of the 1996 events that inspired the 2015 movie Everest — a grueling and heartbreaking look into the Mount Everest climb that claimed the lives of eight mountaineers over 20 years ago. The movie is pretty realistic — and at times hard to watch — but it didn't even capture all the details of the event.

After watching the movie, we — like so many other people who were intrigued and saddened by the Everest disaster — were curious about what else went down on that fateful trip that is still considered the worst loss of life ever to occur on a mountain on a single day.

We found 11 true events that didn't make it into the movie.

Everest
Image: Universal Pictures

1. Rob Hall climbed Everest a whopping five times

Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) actually summited Everest five times before he died on the mountain in 1996, more than any other climber (at that time) who wasn't a Nepalese Sherpa. Hall's body remains on the mountain to this day.

2. Jan Arnold, Rob Hall's wife, was supposed to be on the '96 climb

Rob Hall and his wife, Jan Arnold (Keira Knightley), climbed Everest together in 1993. She would have gone again in 1996 but instead stayed at home in New Zealand because she was pregnant. Two months after Hall tragically died, she gave birth to their daughter, Sarah.

MoreRob Hall's Wife Jan Arnold Reveals Her Feelings About the Film

3. Body nicknamed "Green Boots"

Green Boots
Image: via Twitter

The above body is commonly referred to as "Green Boots" and also serves as a trail marker. This corpse is believed to be that of Tsewang Paljor, who was a member of the first team of Indians to summit Everest from the northeastern passageway. He was one of the eight who died on May 10, 1996.

4. More than 250 bodies on Everest

Because conditions are so dangerous, and there is so little oxygen near the top of the mountain, if someone dies while climbing Everest, there is no safe way to bring the body down. Most deaths are due to an avalanche or falling off the mountain.

5. Beck Weathers' eye surgery

Beck Weathers
Image: Universal Pictures

In the film, climber Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin) begins to get blurred vision and can only see a couple of feet in front of him. His vision problems in real life were because of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation on his eyes that had recently undergone radial keratotomy surgery to correct his myopia or nearsightedness.

Next Up: Beck Weathers lost more than just his nose

Originally published Sept. 2015. Updated May 2017.

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6. Beck Weathers lost more than just his nose

After being exposed in the harsh and freezing blizzard, Weathers suffered terrible frostbite. He lost the bottom half of his right arm and all of the fingers on his left hand. He also lost parts of both his feet. His nose had to be amputated but was later reconstructed from tissue from his ear and forehead.

7. Author Jon Krakauer wishes he'd never climbed Everest

Everest
Image: Universal Pictures

In the film, Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly) is a journalist invited to climb Everest so he can write an article for Outside magazine. In a recent interview, Krakauer said this to The Huffington Post, "Climbing Mount Everest was the biggest mistake I've ever made in my life. I wish I'd never gone. I suffered for years of PTSD, and still suffer from what happened. I'm glad I wrote a book about it. But, you know, if I could go back and relive my life, I would never have climbed Everest."

8. Rob Hall's body found by Imax expedition

Less than two weeks after the deaths of the eight explorers on Everest, a team of filmmakers from Imax discovered Rob Hall's body on their way to the summit. They were there to shoot the 1998 documentary, also called Everest.

More: Rob Hall's Daughter, Sarah, Speaks Out About Her Father

9. Beck Weathers not the first helicopter rescue that day

Everest climbers
Image: Universal Pictures

Because of the lack of oxygen, helicopters cannot fly safely up to the top of Everest. The situation was so desperate, however, Nepalese Lt. Col. Madan Khatri Chhetri took the risk and managed to evacuate a climber named Makulu Gau ahead of Weathers. The helicopter was able to take only one passenger at a time and successfully returned to rescue Weathers.

10. Home of a goddess

Buddhists believe the Goddess of Inexhaustible Giving, Miyolangsangma, lives at the top of Mount Everest. Some climbers pray to her for a safe trip up and down the mountain.

11. 2014 Avalanche during shooting preparation

On April 18, 2014, an avalanche killed 16 people on Everest, twice as many as the 1996 disaster that took eight lives. The filming of Everest had to be put on hold until conditions were safe.

Everest

Everest

This Hot Dog Recall Could Mess With Your Memorial Day Weekend Plans

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This time of year, we want to focus on soaking up the sun and enjoying rosé al fresco, not worrying about whether the food you're devouring at that cookout or picnic is safe. But alas, sometimes a food buzzkill can't be avoided — and this time, it's hot dogs that are presenting a hazard. More than 200,000 pounds of Nathan's and Curtis hot dogs are being recalled just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Goodie!

Apparently, three customers so far have found fragments of metal in their hot dog packages, so the company has issued a recall. I know most of us don't really want to know what goes into our favorite tube steaks, but as far as mystery ingredients go, I'd say shards of metal are probably as bad as it gets. That's undoubtedly a more controversial add-on than either contender in the classic ketchup vs. mustard hot dog debate (the right answer is mustard and relish, hold the metal, end of story).

More: 11 hot dog cooking hacks that'll make your sausage sensational

The recalled dogs include 14-ounce packs of Nathan's Skinless 8 Beef Franks with an expiration date of Aug. 19, 2017, and 16-ounce packs of Curtis Beef Master Beef Franks with an expiration date of June 15, 2017. Both were sold in locations across the country, so no matter where you live, make sure you check your fridge or freezer for any of the recalled items.

If you did purchase any of the unfortunate batch of potentially contaminated hot dogs, discard them. For more information, you can contact the parent company of Nathan's and Curtis, John Morrell, at 800-722-1127.

In the meantime, maybe the star of this year's Memorial Day barbecue should be one of these veggie burgers instead.

More: 12 tips for making the best burgers you'll ever eat

What Are Yoni Eggs & Why Could They Be Dangerous?

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Having been used for over 2,000 years by Taoist, African and Native American women, the yoni eggs are meant to strengthen your pelvic floor muscle and increase orgasms.

Yoni eggs, or jade eggs, aren’t necessarily new to the world. But in January, Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog, Goop, featured an interview praising the use of the eggs as the path toward a sexual revamp. What followed was a lot of backlash from professionals, doctors and the wider public.

The eggs are inserted in the vaginal canal to increase orgasms and muscle tone. Once the stone is in, individuals are instructed to clench the egg and perform a Kegel-like exercise. There are many exercises that can be performed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscle; however, some women choose to utilize the yoni eggs to help facilitate this movement.

More: 8 ways to give your vagina some much-needed and well-deserved TLC

Shiva Rose, a beauty guru and healer, was interviewed by Goop. She said, “The jade creates kidney strength — it’s known as jing in Chinese energy, and it’s all about sexual potency, and even beauty — if your hormones are balanced, your skin will look better. It’s a holistic combination of things, where one benefit builds to another. Jade also takes away negativity and cleanses — it’s a very heavy material, very powerful.”

If yoni eggs sound like something that you’re interested in pursuing — size, crystal and drilled or undrilled are the three important factors in choosing your egg.

Small, medium or large?

With anything that you insert in your body, size matters. Large eggs are typically 35-by-50 millimeters, medium are 30-by-43 millimeters and small are 25-by-35 millimeters. Most individuals begin with a medium and move down if necessary. Unlike a dilator, yoni eggs are meant to become smaller as you continue your practice. The smaller the egg, the more dexterity your body requires to hold the egg inside.

What type of crystal?

The eggs may be made of several different gemstones, but the three most traditional are jadeblack obsidian, and rose quartz. Jade is the most popular for beginners, as it is known for being very healing for the female reproductive system.

More: 7 easy ways to keep your vagina healthy at any age

Drilled or undrilled?

If you choose a drilled yoni egg, there will be a hole near the end where you can put a string to easily remove your egg after insertion. Undrilled obviously means that you do not have the option of pulling a string to remove your egg. The egg will come out when “its healing work is done.” Some websites have stated that you can wear the eggs for 24 hours and during intercourse as well.

OK, so a lot of this may seem like hogwash for many of you readers. Alternative therapy and exercise don’t win over everyone, so let’s examine some of the pros and cons of the yoni egg.

The yoni eggs are known to increase libido, increase natural lubrication, tighten vaginal walls and create an easier childbirthing experience.

Saida Désilets, a conscious sensuality coach and author, has spent two decades supporting the yoni egg movement. She said, “Over the past 20 years of both my personal practice and professionally working with women, I’ve never had any problems with nephrite jade. However, I do follow strict hygienic protocols and insist on making sure women know how to prepare the jade egg before use and what to do after each use.”

Some say yoni eggs are not all they're cracked up to be

Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN for Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, responded to the yoni egg article with distress. She told CNN that yoni eggs cannot help with hormonal imbalances as this is, “biologically impossible.” Gunter goes on to say, “overenthusiastic Kegel exercises or incorrectly done Kegel exercises are a cause of pelvic pain and pain with sex in my practice.” She also said, “Kegel exercises are not just about the contraction, the relaxation phase is just as important.”

More: 9 Vaginal health myths we need to stop believing

Désilets responded to each of Gunter’s opinions in a blog post on her website. She said, “Personally, I have worn the Jade Egg all day long, every day for nearly two decades without a problem. In fact, its regular use and proper protocols lead to the resolution of my chronic bladder and yeast problems. So I’m actually healthier after consistent Jade Egg use.”

Another opposer to the eggs is Dr. Leena Nathan, who also weighed in with her thoughts. The OB-GYN from UCLA said, “There are no studies or evidence to show that jade eggs help with orgasms, vaginal muscle tone or hormonal balance.”

Nevertheless, the yoni egg powers on. The new-age goddess movement has supporters all over the world who swear by the egg's ability to heal and strengthen. Goop sold out of their jade eggs rather quickly, and followers insist that the eggs are beneficial. It’s up to you to decide whether your “yoni” needs the extra facilitation or not.

Gunter ends her highly viewed article by saying, “The only thing your post got right is to check with your doctor before using one. So let me give you some free advice, don’t use vaginal jade eggs.”

If you’ve had success with your yoni egg, sound off in the comments below.

By S. Nicole Lane

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Gordon Ramsay Gets Spicy & Shades Fellow Famous Chef Martha Stewart

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In case you hadn't heard, Gordon Ramsay has made a career out of being an asshole about other people's cooking, but he's kind of earned the right to do it. With a handful of successful restaurants and television shows and a lifetime dedicated to food, Ramsay's risen to the top of the celebrity chef ranks — dude knows his stuff. Lately, he's gone kind of viral for his penchant for roasting people's food photos on Twitter. He's ruthless, but it's really hilarious how much shade he throws, even when food doesn't look that bad.

More: Gordon Ramsay Doesn't Make Anything Easy for Anyone, Including His Kids

Ramsay appeared on Watch What Happens Live this week, and host Andy Cohen decided to run with that idea by showing Ramsay photos of meals that celebrities have posted to social media. He then had Ramsay critique their cooking without knowing who made the food; instead, Cohen revealed the name of the celebs afterward. Hopefully those celebs have a sense of humor, because Ramsay was as shady as he always is when he roasted their skills in the kitchen. Check out some of his responses below.

Gordon Ramsey tears apart celebs' cooking on WWHL 1

Gordon Ramsey tears apart celebs' cooking on WWHL 1

More: What Would Gordon Ramsay Say About Your Food? (QUIZ)

On Chrissy Teigen's meatball sub:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"Yeah, it looks disgusting. It looks like a seagull shit all over it."

On Martha Stewart's iceberg wedge with homemade Russian dressing:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"That looks like it’s caught a disease."

On Kristin Cavallari's zucchini bread French toast:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"Disgusting. It looks like a log stuck in the toilet."

On Priyanka Chopra's soup:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"Oh shit. It looks like a dog’s dinner."

On Minka Kelly's avocado toast:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"Dry, insipid and just bland looking."

On Sarah Michelle Gellar's baked egg in a potato basket:

Gordon Ramsey roasts celeb food
Image: Bravo

"I mean, what a stupid fucking idea."

Gordon, we have mad respect for you and what you do in the kitchen. But sorry, we would eat any one of those meals (even Martha Stewart's, though she really should work on her food photography, because she did make that salad look gross as hell).

More: Gordon Ramsay Totally Slammed Bobby Flay With Immature Insult

Would you eat these celebs' food? Head down to the comments and let us know.


Beyoncé's Push Party Is Predictably Fab — Complete With Henna Tattoos

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Sure, at our baby showers, we were lucky if there was a diaper cake and seven-layer fiesta dip, and we could stay in our maternity sweatpants.

Queen Bey does baby showers a wee bit differently from us mortals, as you may have guessed. After all, she slayed the pregnancy announcement and tore up the babymoon in high style. What else were you expecting for a shower at the Beyhive?

More: Does Beyoncé's pregnancy photoshoot hold hidden messages? We sure think so

On Saturday, Beyoncé celebrated the impending arrival of her demigods — er, twins — with a "Carter push party."

Now, we're not really sure what Jay Z will be "pushing" (stroller? paparazzi that get too close?), but we're going with it.

Beyoncé mom, Tina Knowles Lawson, in true mom fashion (celebs: Their moms are just like ours) shared photos and videos from the star-studded event. Wondering about the guest list? Oh, no biggie. Just Serena Williams (also packing a baby on board), La La Anthony (gotta love that first name) and Destiny's Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams rocking gorgeous African-inspired outfits.

bey push2

bey push2

“Happy Carter push party,” Beyoncé's mom manages to get the guests to yell on camera. Because that's how moms do at baby showers, y'all.

Bey Push Party

Bey Push Party

On Sunday, Beyoncé decided to post some photos of the fete too, showing that baby bump decorated in elaborate henna patterns (yeah, we forgot the sacred henna tattoos at our baby showers too).

Bey appears in the photos to be having a grand old time dancing with her hubby.

bey pics push

bey pics push

Bey and Jay

Bey and Jay

Despite parting ways in 2005, Beyoncé and her Destiny's Child bandmates have stayed super-close, uniting occasionally for special performances and galas like Los Angeles Inaugural Wearable Art's back in April.
Michelle Williams is clearly impressed by her old bandmate's fab and fierce prepartum style:

“You know what? She’s holding it down for so many other women that are with child," she said at the push party. "[She's] showing them, 'OK, still be as fierce as you feel and as you can,' because some women do have a hard time and don’t feel as great all the time."

We think it's a nice thought — just not maybe super-realistic for most women to get in touch with their inner fertility goddesses of fierceness when really, they just want to put their feet up on the couch and watch Netflix until the blessed day.

The million-dollar question, for all its swirling speculation, remains unanswered: What's the sex of Beyoncé's twins?

Grandma Tina weighed in on Extra in April. "I would be happy with whatever God gives me," she said, adding that she really has "no idea" if Beyoncé will be having boys, girls or one of each.

More: Beyoncé's rocking the secret codes in her pregnancy photos

The thing that's indisputable is that Lawson is over the moon about becoming a grandmother again.

“It’s the biggest blessing. I’m so excited!” Lawson said, also adding that her daughter is feeling just great during the last days of the pregnancy.

What are Bey and Jay up to besides henna baby bumps and cool photo shoots? They've been hiring decorators for the twins' nurseries, natch.

The whole NYC-originated Carter family plans on staying in Los Angeles according to a source who spoke to People. "It's their home base now, and this is where Blue goes to preschool. They’re all very happy in L.A.”

And we're all very happy that they're very happy. Just hurry up and pop out those gorgeous twins, Queen Bey. Your subjects are getting restless.

Everything We Know About Pippa Middleton's Wedding After Scouring the Internet

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Since Pippa Middleton broke all our hearts and didn't televise her wedding, we were left to scour the internet for every scrap of information we could find about her Saturday ceremony. It wasn't much, but for you, loyal readers, we've compiled everything we know so we can all get our fix of the latest royal-adjacent wedding news.

More: Meghan Markle Was Super-Stealthy at Pippa Middleton's Wedding

Middleton's "something old" might look familiar

Pippa Middleton's wedding
Image: WENN.com

Those diamond drop earrings Middleton was rocking? They're the same ones she wore to Duchess of Cambridge the former Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011.

Pippa Middleton's wedding
Image: Anwar Hussein/WENN.com

Also, can we take this moment to talk about Middleton's wedding dress? It's perfection.

Pippa Middleton's wedding
Image: WENN.com

More: Kate Middleton Was the Royal Discipliner at Pippa's Wedding

The best man made the worst speech

James Matthews' best man, Justin Johannsen, took the mic just before midnight after everyone finished a five-course meal, according to the Daily Mail. Then, he gave a best man speech that is giving us so much secondhand cringe from reading it, we can only imagine how guests must have felt when they were hearing it.

First, he made this super-cringey dog joke: "Now to the love of James' life: beautiful, energetic, loyal, soft-mouthed, comes on command, great behind. But that is enough about James' spaniel, Rafa, I'm here to talk about James' love, Pippa."

Then he made us all roll our eyes with an equally bad joke about honeymoon sex: "With the wedding shadowed in secrecy, I can reveal, and wish the bride and groom a happy honeymoon in North Wales. At least that's where I presume they are going as I heard Spencer saying that after the wedding, he [James] was going to Bangor for two weeks."

Why didn't someone take the mic away from this guy?

More: Don't Expect the Queen to Show Up at Pippa Middleton's Wedding

Security was serious at this gig

According to Elle, each guest at the wedding was required to show a photo ID and give a unique password assigned to that guest. Still, someone took video of the best man speech and sent it to the Daily Mail, so so much for vetting all of those 300 guests.

Meghan Markle didn't go to the ceremony

Speculation has been wild about Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle's involvement in Middleton's big day. Now, we finally know that the family didn't break with their "no ring, no bring" tradition — Markle didn't attend the church ceremony. She did go to Middleton's reception, where she wasn't seated next to her BF. But even though they couldn't sit together, Harry made his feelings for his allegedly soon-to-be fiancée very clear — he reportedly drove three hours round trip to personally pick her up and take her to the reception.

Pamela Anderson's Still Rocking the Natural Look, & We Love It

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Pamela Anderson is our new role model for aging gracefully.

Anderson, 49, appeared at the Cannes Film Festival over the weekend rocking her toned-down look. She wore a noticeably demure black dress with her hair slicked back and minimal makeup. It was a departure from what her fans are accustomed to seeing, but in the best possible way. She looks straight up amaze. Check her out:

Pamela Anderson at Cannes
Image: Radoslaw Nawrocki/WENN.com

The former Baywatch star has always been gorgeous, but this look really suits her. Highlighting her natural beauty with such minimal makeup and a gorgeous but simple dress is the way for her to go. We can only hope we look this good when we're pushing 50.

Her new look definitely caught the attention of the Twitterverse, who took note of the fact that she looked like a whole new person.

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 1

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 1

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 2

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 2

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 3

Twitter reactions to Pam Andersons new look at Cannes 3

Anderson's transformation may look extreme, but she's addressed aging before, and her new glam look is just her taking her own good advice.

"I actually like aging," she told W magazine last year. "I have great older female role models in my life, including my amazing mom, who have glitz, glamour, and all sorts of fun. Getting older isn’t the end. I know I have so much to look forward to."

If getting older means looking this glam, sign us up.

Applause, Please: More Americans Than Ever Are in Interracial Marriages

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If you had any doubt that legislative changes and political battles were worth the fight to improve lives and relationships, this study will slash it. According to a new Pew Research Center analysis, 1 out of 10 married Americans (or 11 million total) have a spouse of a different race or ethnicity, making that number the highest ever in American history. Progress!

One in 6 American newlyweds (17 percent) were married to someone of a different race or ethnicity in 2015. Compare that number to the dismal 3 percent in 1967 — the year the Supreme Court ruled in the Loving v. Virginia decision that interracial marriages were legal — and it’s easy to see how this new data shows just how momentous that ruling was.

Other notable statistics from the analysis: The most common interracial marriages were between Hispanic and white spouses at 42 percent, followed white and Asian spouses (15 percent), and white/multiracial spouses (12 percent). Black newlyweds had the most dramatic increase from 5 to 18 percent (triple the number since 1980).

More: 10 Lessons I Learned From My Multicultural Marriage

So which places had the lowest percentages of interracial marriages? Asheville, North Carolina, and Jackson, Mississippi, both with 3 percent. This drastic difference points to a significant number of intermarried couples living in metropolitan areas (18 percent) vs. non-metro areas (11 percent).

And while many Americans welcome this upward trend and hope it continues to grow, there are plenty who, bafflingly and depressingly, still don't embrace interracial marriages. Pew data reports that 13 percent of adults in the South say that more interracial marriage is a bad thing for society, with 11 percent of those living in the Midwest feeling the same. Wow. Really, guys?

The report also pointed out the substantial difference between how Democrats and Republicans feel about interracial relationships. About 49 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents see intermarriage as a good thing for society (which actually seems kind of low!), while less than 1 in 3, or 28 percent, of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents see it the same.

Getting a little heated just reading that? Scroll back up to the part that made you smile about 1 in 10 Americans marrying partners of another race. We are going in the right direction, regardless of how much some people might try to stop us. If we all stay engaged and active in the fight against bigotry and hate, open-mindedness and progress will win out in the end — the numbers are proof.

More: What It's Like to Be a Decade Older or Younger Than Your S.O.

6 Mistakes Women Make in Bed According to Porn Stars

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Ever decided to have a night in for one and found yourself in the mood for a little solo action, switching from a Netflix binge to an X-rated video sesh? When you’re browsing to find a film that matches your kink, you might have stopped and wondered how adult film actresses become so good at their jobs. While it might be tough to spot what’s real and what’s faked, porn stars have mastered the art of getting it on and have had enough sex to know where some women might struggle.

While there's no right or wrong when it comes to your sexuality, there are some tweaks you can make that’ll help you — and your partner — get more out of your sex life. In other words, these "mistakes" are really just opportunities to unleash your inner vixen who's not only worthy of post-coital applause, but deserves to experience even more pleasure.

Here, porn stars share common things women do that could be stopping them from having even better sex.

You don't seek feedback

During your annual review at work, your employer likely gives you actionable feedback that you can work through and use to make adjustments to your efficiency and effectiveness. Adult film star Joanna Angel suggests applying the same idea to your performance during sex. While communicating is important, what’s also essential, according to Angel, is paying attention to your partner and how he or she responds to what you do.

“Some people aren't even experienced enough to know exactly what they want, so feel around, look them in the eyes, see what makes them smile and moan louder,” says Angel. What makes him hard or her wet? What vibrators does she love or cock rings can he not resist? How can you be more attentive?

You never take control

All couples develop different rhythms for sex depending on your lifestyle and preferences. But there's one big ask that nearly everyone has, says adult film star Julia Ann: mutual initiation. Letting your partner take the reigns might be second nature for you personally, but shifting that mindset could make your partner feel more desired — and sexier.

“Some women have been raised to believe — consciously or subconsciously — that their partners should initiate sex and they should follow along," says Julia Ann. "I've fallen into that pattern too. Of course I think my partner is sexy and I want them to know that they're wanted, so I have to take a proactive approach to change the way I've been wired. I can see the difference in our relationship when I take the dominant position, grab them and tell them that I want them.”

You don’t prioritize foreplay

For some people (especially women) foreplay and the buildup of sexual anticipation is key to ultimately reaching orgasm. But for others (many men, for instance) foreplay is simply a means to an end. “For me, foreplay helps me feel sexual so that my body will engage, but my partner’s idea of foreplay is getting my vagina wet so we can have intercourse," says Julia Ann.

To make foreplay more passionate and longer lasting, Julia Ann says to get into the habit of talking dirty and explaining how, why, when and where you're turned on by your partner's finger, tongue, whatever. This will make the experience hotter and more engaging for your partner, meaning he or she might not rush as quickly to the finish line. The idea is that you have to explain and show what will make you feel the sexiest and most turned on.

You don’t take your time

Though sex might be the ideal finale for you and your partner, Julia Ann says that not taking time to be truly intimate, feel every touch and linger on each other’s body is a mistake that too many couples make.

She suggests going back to those early stages of dating when you hadn’t yet settled into your go-to positions for quickies. “Those moments were exhilarating and all your senses were alive," she says. "Those feelings can and should be an ongoing part of your sex life. Ask yourself what made those moments so much fun. Maybe it was the talking and flirting, or perhaps it was the time you parked and kissed and rubbed each other with all your clothes on for what seemed like hours?" No matter how you fill the time, it's key to carve out plenty of time so you don't feel rushed.

You worry about being awkward

Unrealistic porn standards aside, sex is messy, unpredictable and sometimes just plain weird. But while you might worry about how your body looks, how you’re moving and what your partner is thinking, Julia Ann says focusing on insecurities takes away from the experience. And the truth is, if you don’t like something, you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up and make a move — literally.

“The biggest mistake I make in bed is not letting my lover know when I don't like something at the time. I'm so worried about frustrating them that I ‘grin and bear’ things I shouldn't,” says Julia Ann. “Sadly, my fears put us both in a bad position and to make it worse, my partner doesn't even know about it. Take charge of your needs, which includes telling him or her what's working or not working — even if it feels uncomfortable.

You don't make eye contact

Think about the last time you were on top of your partner during sex. Did you kiss them deeply and connect your bodies together in a meaningful way? Adult film actress Tasha Reign says that being in the moment and making an effort to show your dedication to your lover will make your relationship and your sex life stronger.

“We're all in our heads too much," says Reign. "It's important to let go and really be present. Intimacy is not achieved through simple penetration but through really connecting with your significant other on a personal level. Make eye contact. Hear and feel them. Be present."

You don't ask for oral sex

One of women's biggest mistakes according to Reign is not pushing to get what you really need out of an orgasm, especially if it means oral sex. “Too many women make the mistake of not demanding head," she says. "That's right, getting eaten out feels amazing! Let's ask for it more. Guide [your partner] into the direction that they should go and help them bring you to orgasm — so worth it," she says.

Even if cunnilingus isn't what brings you home every time, it's an awesome way to get to know what works for your body and what doesn't. Plus, it'll bring you closer to your partner. So don't shy away from receiving attention down there — like the rest of these little changes, it can take your pleasure and connection to the next level.

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