No matter who is president, providing accessibility to sanitary products to those in poverty has always been a problem. In most parts of the world, there’s a tampon tax, or “luxury” tax, on menstrual products despite the fact that menstruation is far from a luxury. Luckily, there are legislative efforts in California and Wisconsin to eliminate the tampon tax, but it’s a slow-moving and exhaustive process that could take years.

And in the meantime, the reality is that more and more will go without access to necessary menstrual hygiene products. As Vice says, having a period isn’t a hassle if you’re homeless; it’s a nightmare “[b]ecause if you can’t muddle together enough money for food or shelter, it is unlikely you’ll be able to afford sanitary towels or tampons.”

More: The Menstrual Equity for All Act Would Increase Access to Period Products

Even EBT/food stamps don’t cover menstrual products, explains The Huffington Post. That also goes for essential paper products, including toilet paper and tissues, and other hygiene products like deodorant.

Additionally, young girls all over the world miss school because they don’t have adequate sanitary products, urging those of socio-economic privilege in school districts to take action on behalf of those who can’t.

This is why community leaders have organized tampon drives in schools, with activist groups and all over communities. For instance, according to the Lincoln Journal Star, two women from Lincoln, Nebraska, have spearheaded a local tampon drive, which collected different-size tampons and pads as well as packets of sanitary wipe and bottles of Midol, all throughout Lent. Additionally, Teen Vogue reported male students of James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Connecticut, started a tampon drive after learning most women are left without menstrual products when surprised by their periods.

However, tampon drives shouldn’t only push for free menstrual products. Keep reading if you want to take your activism to the next level.

In an op-ed for the Guardian, menstruation activist Chella Quint, who coined the term “period positive” in 2006, argues these drives aren’t enough. They’re only a temporary bandage for a larger societal issue. Instead, Quint says sex education curriculum should cover menstruation more adequately so young women aren’t vulnerable to being educated heavily from corporations that sell menstrual products. “We need to keep brands away from national curriculum-planning for menstruation education and include experts.”

More: Lunapads Is the OG Alternative Menstrual Company

She also offers calls to action for policymakers and companies. Policymakers shouldn’t allow school districts to distribute free menstrual products without teaching about reusable menstrual products and prohibit branded resources in classrooms. Companies are encouraged to remove branding from their resources, but prove their content’s credibility by consulting experts in the field.

So, as a community leader, how can you use this advice in your own tampon drive? How do you go the extra mile? Here are three quick steps.

Encourage reusable menstrual donations

When creating a list of accepted donations for your drive, include reusable products, such as menstrual cups, sponges and cloth pads. Although it’s awesome to help the environment, reusable products last longer and go farther than disposable products for those in financial need. For instance, a menstrual cup can last up to 10 years.

Advocate against corporate intervention in sex education curriculums

If your school uses educational resources provided by brands that sell menstrual products (and it probably does), push back. Try to get your hands on these resources. Sometimes, it can be painfully obvious if the resource’s content isn’t backed by scientific information and reproductive experts, which makes a great talking point to bring to the administration’s attention.

More: 3 Gender-Inclusive Menstrual Product Companies

Prepare to compromise

If your drive gains publicity and widespread attention, donations will stack up. You might even get offered a partnership, where a party will provide free menstrual products for your school. However, stick to your guns when it comes to sex education. Be ready to advocate for adequate classroom resources if brought up by the donors in return for free products.

By Danielle Corcione

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Imagine you've endured a long, harrowing birth and have been awake for nearly 40 hours straight. Now imagine asking the nurse to take your baby for an hour or two so you can get a little bit of rest before plunging into motherhood — and the nurse tells you there's no nursery anymore because it's not baby-friendly.

Say what?

Yes, there's a growing trend in hospitals to scrap nurseries completely. The move is being hailed as the baby-friendly initiative. But is it mom-friendly?

More: 7 things you won't learn about postpartum healing in birthing classes

Post-birth, many mothers do want their babies to stay with them. But many also count on nursery time to recuperate emotionally and sleep for a few hours here and there — especially if they already have small children at home and will now be returning to the usual chaos with a new family member in tow. Sounds reasonable, right?

Apparently not. Now doctors and staff at 355 designated baby-friendly hospitals in the U.S. will refuse a mother's request to take the baby off her hands for even an hour unless it's urgent.

More: My postpartum intrusive thoughts were terrifying

We kind of think postpartum sleep is an urgent matter. But hey, we're just moms — many of whom are at risk for postpartum depression. What the hell do we know?

The objective of the new no-nursery policy is to presumably encourage breastfeeding and bonding by keeping moms and babies together around the clock, which is lovely if you want that, but not so lovely if you are struggling in the aftermath of giving birth.

By the end of next year, there will be approximately 530 baby-friendly hospitals in the U.S. (That works out to be 1 in 4 births here in the States.) One of these hospitals is Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where Lori Pugsley works as the newborn family units nursing director.

"The research is abundant, and it shows the benefits of keeping a mom and baby together in a room really creates an environment that's the healthiest for the baby and the healthiest for the mothers," Pugsley said.

There is no doubt that babies and moms go together like Oreos and milk, OK? But taking away a woman's one shot at a couple of hours of sleep postpartum sounds about as healthy as, well... eating only Oreos and milk.

One (brave) dad went on record with Today to say, "We always have her here, and anything that she needs she has right here." (Um. That "anything" is your weepy, sleep-deprived partner and her increasingly painful breasts, thrilled dad. You're not the one who just squeezed a bowling ball out of your private parts and you're not the one at risk for cracked, bloody nipples for the record.)

Some moms are understandably upset by the growing shift to no nurseries.

More: My "baby-friendly" hospital made my birth experience pure misery

"I asked the nurse if she would take him to the nursery for a few hours so my husband and I could get some sleep. And she said no," one mom, Christiane Boezio, told Today. "That it was policy that the baby stay in the room."

Boezio, who had endured 48 hours of labor and zero sleep and had a toddler waiting back at home, said she desperately needed a rest to regain "mental sanity." We feel you, Christiane!

There are some doctors who fully disagree with this policy. Amy Tuteur is one of them.

Tuteur, who trained at Harvard in obstetrics and gynecology, is the author of Push Back: Guilt in the Age of Natural Parenting. She believes this trend of no-nursery hospitals is terrific for breastfeeding advocates — but not so much for infants and their sleep-deprived mothers.

Anyone who has ever tried to pack a bag for an outing full of snacks and activities knows it can be a struggle. How do you keep all the snacks cold without also packing a cooler? What kind of activities are fun for kids but also easy to bring to the beach or the park? Well, worry no more, because we have created the ultimate packing list.

Supplies:

• Wooden paddles
• A rubber ball
• Sunscreen
• GoGo squeeZ Strawberry YogurtZ and Banana YogurtZ
• Grapes
• Carrots
• Crackers
• Eco-friendly water bottles
• A blanket
• Adult sunglasses and kid sunglasses
• A Bluetooth speaker
• A large canvas tote (to put everything in)

This post was sponsored by the goodness of GoGo squeeZ® YogurtZ.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg may be the oldest liberal justice on the Supreme Court, but that certainly doesn't stop her from being one of the toughest and possibly most fit. In October, you, too will be able to workout like the Notorious RBG, thanks to a new book called The RBG Workout by her trainer, Bryant Johnson.

Can't wait until then? Here are some tips to get you started:

More: Adele Shares Her Seven-Minute Ab Workout

Ginsburg’s workout with Johnson — a 52-year-old who works in district courthouses and serves as a sergeant first class in the Army Reserves — starts out simply with five minutes on an elliptical. But that’s where the simple stops. After getting her heart pumping and her muscles warm, Ginsburg moves into her intense strength-training work.

Ginsburg’s grueling workout

Three sets of 10 to 13 reps of the following exercises (with stretching between sets):

• Bench/chest press machine, where she normally loads 70 pounds on the machine (which is more than a lot of women half her age)
• Leg curls
• Leg presses
• Chest flys
• Lat pull-downs
• Seated rows
• Standing rows

This is an overall intense and balanced workout.

More: The Best Postpartum Workouts for Each Type of Childbirth

By now, I’m sure my muscles would be screaming and my face dripping with sweat, but it seems that Ginsburg is just getting warmed up. This 83-year-old, super-fit justice gets down on the floor for another round of exercises:

• Standard planks — 30 seconds of standard planks
• Side planks — 30 seconds each side
• Full push-ups — she does 10 at a time

Back up on her feet again for legs:

• One-legged squats
• Squats and arm curls with a exercise ball (ball against the wall and squat followed by arm curls)
• Step-ups on an 18-inch platform for balance

And just when you think there can’t possibly be more, Johnson gets Ginsburg ready for the finale. He has her sit on a bench with a medicine ball, stand up and throw the ball to him. If she can’t do this exercise, Johnson tells her, she’ll need a 24/7 nurse — because that’s the movement you need to use a toilet. But something tells me she won’t be needing that 24/7 nurse any time soon!

More: The Ruth Bader Ginsburg Coloring Book You Didn't Know You Needed

The One Love Manchester concert was a rousing success on Sunday, June 4, with plenty of memorable performances to act as a balm during these increasingly troubling times. The case for this was strongest with one uniquely perfect and heartbreaking performance: Ariana Grande's One Love rendition of "Over The Rainbow."

More: The Most Powerful Speeches From Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester Concert

Grande performed the classic song during the One Love Manchester concert, and while there were plenty of songs that could bring tears in their newfound poignancy, it was this cover that really struck a chord. So much so that Grande herself appeared visibly overcome with emotion as she sang. Seriously, try not to well up watching her sing. It's a stunning and tender moment.

Of course, there was nothing but love in that arena on Sunday night. As the camera panned to the crowd, you could see concertgoers were just as overcome with emotion. "Over The Rainbow" gained a newer, perhaps more bittersweet context at the One Love Manchester concert, becoming an anthem for the lives lost and the call for promises of better things to come our way in the future.

More: During the Manchester Attack, Ariana Grande's Mother Helped Concertgoers

The concert was an incredible effort and for that hard work, it turned out to be a massive success. Put together in the space of a week, just days after the tragic Manchester attack which took the lives of 22 people, One Love Manchester proved to be a unifying event. Grande headlined and she was also able to bring a great many notable singers to Manchester to perform with her. This included Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Pharrell, Niall Horan, Justin Bieber and Mac Miller. Singers like Bieber and Perry took a moment to address the crowd, speaking with them about the power and necessity of love during these upsetting times.

More: Here's How You Can Watch Ariana Grande's Manchester Concert in the U.S.

All the performances went over incredibly well at One Love Manchester, but it's clear that Grande's performance of "Over The Rainbow" was one of the most poignant highlights of the concert.

Serendipity: The Hills' Lauren Conrad was helping her grandmother move when she stumbled upon the perfect vintage birth announcement to share with her Instagram fans to let them know that she's got a baby boy on the way.

“I found this adorable birth announcement while helping my Grandma move and I thought it was the perfect way to share that [husband William Tell] and I are expecting a baby boy!"

Aw. We love the excellently retro image, and would expect nothing less from the style blogger.

More: Lauren Conrad lays down 4 "ladylike laws" of pregnancy etiquette

Conrad posted another picture on Instagram — this time of a very yummy-looking cake decorated simply in berries and flowers — thanking her friends for her baby shower.

The shower was reportedly held at Conrad's parents' home in San Juan Capistrano, California, outside and by the pool. Her mother and mother-in-law hosted the party with Conrad's four best friends (no, Heidi Montag did not make the cut).

Last month, three Florida women won a high school business competition with Smart Straws, which change color if they detect common date rape drugs in drinks.

Susana Cappello, Carolina Baigorri and Victoria Roca of Gulliver Preparatory School wanted to create something to help reduce date rape, initially considering a piece of jewelry before landing on straws, which are inexpensive and easy to carry. Despite the fact that drug test kits are already available, Cappello, Baigorri and Roca doubted the kits were frequently used by college students, and aimed to create a more user-friendly product.

More: We Can't Believe We Have to Say This, but Don't Put Wasp Nest in Your Vagina

Smart Straws are the latest addition to a category of products designed to detect date rape drugs, which include nail polish, coasters, cups and a smart device. With an estimated 1 in 5 women in the United States sexually assaulted during college, this is clearly a significant problem that needs to be addressed. But are straws and coasters really the solution or just another way to ensure the blame is placed squarely on "unprepared" victims?

There's also the issue of cost. Perhaps these straws would be available for free at student health centers at colleges, but if not, is it another expense for women (or really, anyone) who want to take all available steps to prevent date rape?

This is in no way meant to diminish the work of these innovative women from Florida. It’s just that we’ve seen time and again that the more “tools” we have to assist us in our own rape prevention, the more we’re blamed when something goes wrong.

More: Finally — Lipstick for Your Labia That Glues You Shut During Your Period

This is what happened to me a few years ago when I reported my sexual assault to the NYPD. Along with the usual victim-blaming-centered questions like “What were you wearing?” the officer taking my report also asked whether I had a phone with a built-in camera. When I said that I did, he informed me that it would have really been helpful if I snapped a photo of the assailant to assist with the investigation.

The officer made it abundantly clear that because I was in possession of a phone with a camera (i.e. basically any phone from the past decade), it was my responsibility to use it to photograph sex criminals. Because I failed to do that — given the fact that I was in shock and my first instinct was to get away rather than snap a pic — I was not a “perfect victim.” I hadn’t tried hard enough.

This also reminds me of my college orientation, where the women were each given a bright red rape whistle, but at no stage where any of us — male or female — instructed not to rape or perhaps more fittingly, how to navigate consent. Unfortunately, this is only one of many ways rape culture is perpetuated, even when people — like the college counselors who handed out the rape whistles and the women in Florida who invented the straws — have the best intentions.

More: Meet the Future of Egg Freezing

If people feel empowered using these straws on a night out, that’s great and a definite step forward. But these, like any “anti-rape” technologies or strategies, cannot and should not be used as another means of victim-blaming.

Megyn Kelly's Sunday night show on her new network, NBC, finally debuted over the weekend, and it did not disappoint.

More: Megyn Kelly Made Her Much-Anticipated NBC Debut From Russia This Morning

On her premiere episode, Kelly got the first exclusive interview with Russian leader Vladimir Putin since U.S. officials started investigating Russian ties to the November election. It was a pretty wild ride to say the least, despite Kelly's pretty obvious stumbles. Still, an interview with someone as controversial as Putin makes for great TV regardless of the interviewer.

Case in point: The part where he super-low-key dissed every person in the U.S.

More: Ryan Seacrest Is at War With Megyn Kelly on Morning TV Now

That ridiculous moment came after Kelly asked him about the U.S. Justice Department's investigation into Russian influence on the election. Putin was. Not. Here. For. It. "You have created a sensation out of nothing," Putin said. "And out of this sensation you created a weapon of war against the president. You people over there…good job. Your lives must be boring."

Then, when Kelly asked whether he has a file of information on President Trump, Putin was just as incredulous. "Well this just another load of nonsense," he said. "Where would we get this information from? There was a time when he used to come to Moscow but, you know, I never met him... Have you all lost your sense over there?"

More: 11 Things We Bet You Never Knew About Megyn Kelly

Kelly's interview wasn't the best in that she lobbed Putin some real softball questions, like questions around Michael Flynn's alleged ties to Russia, which allowed Putin plenty of opportunity to plausibly deny any connection. But the U.S.-related negging that Putin was doing? That is the kind of unscripted comedic gold TV needs more of. If U.S. politics is going to be such a shit show, it should all be this fun.

The deluge of news about returning Days of Our Lives characters keeps coming at a steady pace. We already know Alison Sweeney, Chandler Massey and one possible mystery character (it may be EJ) are returning to Salem. Now, Kassie DePaiva delivers the best news ever: She is also returning to DOOL.

More: It Was Smart for DOOL's Kassie DePaiva to Keep Her Health Battle Private

Last August, DePaiva revealed that she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The course of treatment required her to be in the hospital for six weeks over a nine-week period during the summer. “My prognosis is good, I will not likely need a stem cell/bone marrow transplant, and we expect a complete cure,” she shared on her website. “I consider this just a bump in the road. I have amazing prayer warriors, family, and friends that have been extremely supportive and life-affirming throughout this.”

More: DOOL Drops the Best Casting Bomb Ever — Guess Who's Back!

DePaiva went through another three months of treatment after going public with her illness. She gave an update in February and delivered wonderful news to her fans on social media. She is cancer-free.

DePaiva admitted to Soap Opera Digest in May that her battle wasn’t easy, but she persevered through the dark days. “You really walk through the valley in [sic] the shadow of death some days,” she said to the soap magazine. “The cancer just really robs you of your humanity, but you just had to keep pushing.”

More: General Hospital Might Be Losing Another Major Character

Her clean bill of health also allowed DePaiva to return to her beloved DOOL set and bring Eve back to Salem. Soap Opera Digest confirmed last week that DePaiva’s back on the DOOL set and is expected to have her first scenes are in late October.

With all of these familiar faces back in the fold this fall, DOOL is getting a much-needed breath of fresh air. The show may have lost its way over the last year, but it seems like new head writer, Ron Carlivati, is determined to make Salem feel like Salem again. We couldn't be happier.

If tuna poke is at the top of your summer snack list, you're going to want to pay close attention to where your fish comes from. The FDA issued a recall warning for frozen tuna from Hilo Fish. According to the report, the Hawaii Department of Health discovered hepatitis A in frozen samples in early May. Hepatitis A is a very dangerous, contagious virus.

More: Creature peeks out of tuna can, terrifying woman (UPDATE)

The good news is that no one reported getting sick from the tuna — yet. But the CDC is taking no chances and advises anyone who has not had a hepatitis A vaccine and has been to Texas, California or Oklahoma — states where the fish is distributed — to get post-exposure treatment if they have recently had raw or undercooked tuna. You can never be too careful.

More: Why you shouldn't be feeding your cats canned tuna

The recalled products include frozen yellowfin tuna steaks from Sustainable Seafood Company, yellowfin tuna cubes from Santa Cruz Seafood, 8-ounce tuna steaks from Hilo Fish Company with an expiration date of Oct. 1, 2018, and 15-pound frozen yellowfin tuna cubes with an expiration date of April 4, 2019.

The FDA warning also includes a list of restaurants that have bought the recalled fish. Tuna lovers, be careful out there!

The day has finally arrived. Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial began on Monday morning. The trial, which is expected to take about two weeks, is already being closely watched by the press and public alike.

More: Bill Cosby's Sexual Assault Trial Is Putting His Paranoia in Overdrive

Cosby is clearly already trying to gain favor with the judge and jury by painting himself in a sympathetic light. By arriving at the Norristown, Pennsylvania, courthouse with a former Cosby Show co-star Keshia Knight Pulliam, Cosby made it known that he had big supporters in his corner. Rumor has it that Cosby's TV wife, Phylicia Rashad, will be making an appearance later at Cosby's trial.

According to Cosby's spokesperson, his defense team will be making good use of witnesses who praise his character. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, whose fundraising gala was attended by Cosby in 2013, will show up in the form of its president, Johnny Taylor. Ahead of Taylor’s court appearance on Cosby’s behalf, Cosby’s spokesperson told the press why Taylor was involved.

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

"[Taylor] feels Mr. Cosby has done so much for historically black colleges over his career and it’s important for him to show that support and say ‘Thank you’ because he has not been found guilty of anything," Cosby's spokesperson said. "They’re coming in to hear the truth. [Knight-Pulliam] feels the same way. She’s not here to proclaim guilt or innocence. She’s here to finally hear the truth for herself in the courtroom. She wants people to stop listening to the sensationalism and come hear the truth."

Cosby has a lot to overcome. He's been accused of sexual assault by some 60 different women, though only Andrea Constand and one other will be allowed to testify at his trial. Jurors will, however, hear parts of a damning 2005 deposition from a prior settlement with Constand in which Cosby admitted to drugging women for sex.

More: Bill Cosby's Latest Defense Is His Most Outrageous Yet

The 79-year-old comedian and actor faces up to 10 years behind bars. If convicted, that means Cosby could very well spend the rest of his life in prison.

Some people are obsessed with summer rain, others are totally in love with long days at the beach — but for us, summer is all about the seasonal produce. Seriously, there really isn't a better time of year for fresh, juicy fruit.

And while we totally enjoy a piece of ripe summer fruit on its own, when you take it and elevate it into a decadent dessert, well, that's just heaven right there.

I have a special place in my heart for mangoes. They remind me of summer vacations to my parent's homeland as a little girl and Hawaiian retreats these days with my little family. I can barely keep them in the house, my kids love to eat them freshly sliced, but if I can sneak a few, I can transform it into a Dairy Free Coconut Mango Ice Cream! The base is coconut cream, and all I need is a blender and some churning to rival a traditional cream and egg custard. The blender purées the mangoes with a little lime juice, which I whisk into the coconut cream. Sweetened with nothing more than honey, it's incredibly refreshing by the scoop.

More: You'll Never Believe How Healthy (and Easy) This Dessert Is

Dairy Free Mango Coconut Ice Cream

Makes one quart

Ingredients:

• 2 large, ripe mangoes
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 14-oz can coconut cream

Directions:

1. Prepare the bowl of an ice cream maker by chilling in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
2. Cut the mangoes on either side of the pit lengthwise. Discard pits. Scrape the mango pulp with a spoon into a blender and purée. You should have about 1 1/4 cups of mango puree.
3. Add the honey and lime juice and puree until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the mango purée and the coconut cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold — about 4 hours or overnight.
5. When the cream is chilled, transfer to an ice cream maker and churn for about 10-15 minutes until thick and at your desired consistency. Transfer to a loaf pan or similar container, lay a piece of parchment paper on top of the ice cream and chill in the freezer for at least 1 hour before scooping and serving.

Apricot Galette

With summer comes the galette. Galettes, for me, are one of the few things worthy of turning on the oven in the summer months. I especially love them because the free form nature is so forgiving for people who struggle with crimping dough (that’s me!). Take whatever fruits you have available, but definitely try it with apricots while they are in season! Get the recipe for Apricot Galette here.

Honeyed Fig Trifle

Figs are the highlight of summer for me. They are beautiful and alluring in every way. My favorite way to enjoy figs is in a Honeyed Fig Trifle, which, if you haven't discovered the magic of honey and figs together, is a "must-try." Get the recipe for Honeyed Fig Trifle with Goat Cheese Mascarpone Yogurt Cream here.

Originally published August 2015. Updated June 2017.

Summer is here, and that means it's time to keep things simple — but just because we're down to enjoy the lazy days of the season, that doesn't mean our sweet tooth magically disappears. We've just got to get a little creative with some easy two-ingredient desserts.

These simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you really, really want something sweet and homemade but are not in the mood to pull a zillion things out of the cupboard or clean up a huge mess in the kitchen.

1. Two-ingredient lemon cake bars recipe

Lemon bars are a classic citrus dessert. These bars take on the best of both worlds — cake and lemon bars. They have an intense lemon flavor with a slight cake bite. You're going to love these powdered sugar-topped bars.

Yields 9 x 13-inch pan

Ingredients:

• 1 box angel food cake mix
• 1 (22-ounce) can lemon pie filling
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the angel food cake mix and lemon pie filling.
3. Once fully mixed, add to the prepared pan, and bake for about 35 minutes, until fully cooked and the top is lightly browned.
4. Let the cake cool, cut it into bars, and if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

2. Two-ingredient doughnut recipe

Doughnuts are a delicious way to start your day. Don't worry if you have a fear of baking with yeast or just don't have the time. This recipe will save you time but still give you decadent homemade flavor. We glazed our doughnuts, but they are perfect with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar as well.

Yields 8 doughnuts plus 8 doughnut holes

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 (8-count) can jumbo buttermilk biscuits
• Doughnut glaze (optional recipe follows)

Directions:

1. To a medium pot, add about 3 – 4 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 360 degrees F.
2. While the oil is heating, open the biscuits, and cut out the middles using a small, 1-1/2-inch cookie cutter (or doughnut cutter).
3. Fry the doughnuts and holes in the hot oil for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown on each side. Fry the doughnuts in batches so you don't crowd the pan.
4. Dip the doughnuts in glaze if desired.

Doughnut glaze recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 – 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and heavy cream.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more heavy cream. If the mixture is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

3. Two-ingredient strawberry fudge recipe

Strawberry fudge is simple and easy to throw together with this two-ingredient recipe. This dish is sweet and full of strawberry flavor. We cut our fudge into heart shapes, but you can easily cut it into squares as well.

Yields 8 x 8-inch dish

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces white chocolate, melted
• 1 container whipped strawberry frosting
• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, and set it aside.
2. To a medium mixing bowl, add the melted white chocolate and whipped strawberry frosting. Stir until completely combined.
3. Stir a few sprinkles into the chocolate-frosting mixture, if desired.
4. Add the mixture to the prepared pan, and refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting.

Originally published February 2014. Updated June 2017.

Live With Kelly and Ryan is visiting Niagara Falls for a few days this week, which made it the perfect time for the show to go full Canadian. What's more Canadian than the country's prime minister, Justin Trudeau? He's basically the perfect guest for daytime TV because he's smart and interesting and politically relevant, but let's be real: He's also super-hot.

More: Ryan Seacrest, Evergreen TV Host, Is Co-hosting Live With Kelly Ripa

That little fact was not lost on hosts Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, who brought up Trudeau's looks during his Monday interview — the first time a Canadian prime minister has appeared on Live.

"How does your wife feel about you being named the sexiest politician alive?" Ripa asked Trudeau, and thank goodness, because it's something we've all been wondering.

"My wife’s the one who doesn’t believe it. She’s like, ‘Really?’ She knows what I look like when I get up in the morning," Trudeau answered.

More: Jennifer Lopez Just Answered Our Most Burning Question About Marc Anthony

Bless Ripa, because she asked the question we were all thinking: "Is it so different than this?" referencing Trudeau's appearance during the interview. His response? "A little messier." Come on, man. That sounds even hotter.

Of course, the interview couldn't be all fun. Trudeau also delved into Canada's relationship with the United States and Donald Trump, which seems a little strained these days, especially when compared to the Trudeau-Obama bromance we saw before November.

More: Caitlyn Jenner Steamrolled Kelly Ripa During a 15-Minute Live! Interview

"We have a good, constructive working relationship and that’s the important part of it," Trudeau said, clearly choosing his words in the interest of diplomacy. "Today is World Environment Day. [Trump and I] don’t agree on that, because I think there’s a lot of good jobs in the environment that we’re building for. But we both agree that the most important responsibility of a leader is to create good jobs for middle-class people across our countries and we’re connected on that."

Think Canada will trade us Trudeau for Trump? No? Shoot.

At last, someone is listening to women about the everyday struggles face, including the unending quest for a bra that will have our back — er, our front — all day long. Scientists have now created a world where bras can secretly fight bacteria on our bodies while still providing us with confidence and support. They’re called antimicrobial bras, and they’re pretty awesome.

What does 'antimicrobial' even mean?

First, it might help to understand what a microbe is. Basically, microbes are the tiniest single-cell organisms that often take the form of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. They’re found pretty much anywhere on Earth — soil, water, the surface of plants, the skins of animals, you name it. While we’re fans of some bacteria (shoutout to our good friends Gouda, mozzarella and cheddar), others can cause serious infections and diseases — that’s why we wash our hands after using the restroom and scrub down our cutting boards after slicing poultry.

More: Warning: This Bacteria Could Be Hiding In Your Salad

The problem is that while we commonly associate these everyday spaces with germs, we rarely give thought to another equally germy place: the fibers of our bras.

This shouldn’t be too surprising. Cramped rides on public transportation, long nights at surprisingly unpleasant bars, miscellaneous piles of stuff on your bedroom floor: Bras are with us through it all. While they’re certainly great friends, bras literally cling to our bodies for the majority of the day, making them absolute microbe magnets.

Bacterial microbes multiply in dark, damp and warm places. And when they pair with our body’s natural oils and perspiration, some foul odors inevitably arise. Hello, summertime boob sweat; good afternoon, funky-smelling bra cups.

Enter, an unsung hero: The antimicrobial bra

Scientists have heard these woes and provided us with an easy solution: a bra that keeps microbes out in the first place, keeping the girls feeling fresh all day long.

More: Men Try Wearing Bras With Hilarious Results (VIDEO)

So how do antimicrobial bras work? The science behind the fabric is just a bit of chemistry.

As it turns out, silver has some useful antimicrobial properties. Silver ions, or single charged silver atoms, break down the cell walls of those unwanted odor-causing microbes to prevent them from metabolizing and reproducing. Textile engineers have taken advantage of this chemical interaction and developed technology that weaves tiny silver nanoparticles into fabric. (While the threat of these particles washing out into aquatic ecosystems initially caused some environmental concern, recent studies have shown that silver nanoparticles pose no increased risk to these environments)

This manufacturing technique has been commonly used to prevent odor and bacteria build-up in bed sheets, socks and athletic clothing. Recently, these lifesaving properties have been appearing among the brands of our favorite intimate-wear as well.

More: Now Your Sports Bra Can Measure Your Heart Rate and Fitness Level

What does an antimicrobial bra look like?

Despite their slightly nerdy name, these bras can actually be pretty chic. Antimicrobial bras are typically made of nylon, polyester and spandex and rarely include itchy lace or annoying underwire. There are some wired bras out there that come with antimicrobial features, but these are harder to come by. Since their purpose is to eliminate odor, these antimicrobial fibers are more often found in sports bras. It's logical: more sweat, more bacteria growth. Wearing an antimicrobial bra during your workout is an obvious must. Here are some of our favorites.

Reebok Women’s Front Interest V-neck seamless sports bra: With a cute cross-back design and killer front-strap action, this brightly colored sports bra will keep you dry and fresh all throughout your workout.

Victoria Sport seamless strappy sport bra: A netted, plunged neckline and a banded back provide the most stylish support while fighting bacteria as you move. As a bonus, it comes in seven different colors, making it the perfect final touch to your workout gear.

Goddess wirefree sports bra: This sleek, ultra-supportive bra nicks microbes in the bud while providing padding in the straps for extra comfort. Feel good, smell good, do good!

Under Armour Women’s Armour Low: While keeping you odor-free, this sweetheart-neckline sports bra gives you lightweight, flexible support. Trust us — it’s cute enough to be worn in or out of the gym!

8-in-1 Evolution bra by Knixwear: Made especially for your unique shape, these reversible bras mold to your body without creating any unnecessary seams or bumps beneath your clothes. They offer eight different strap adjustments to match any of your outfits and even offer a 30-day guarantee.

OK — so maybe antimicrobial bras aren’t the best pick for a sexy date night. But thanks to the undying trend of athleisure, rocking a sporty bra is actually acceptable in most social situations. So shop on, bra hunters — get one in every color!

More: 8 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Workout Clothes (but Should!)

But what about all of my other bras?

Antimicrobial sports bras are rather durable and are made to be washed and dried over and over. But the truth is, you’d likely throw your sweaty sports bra in the wash regardless of how fresh it smelled. The real culprits are your everyday work or going-out bras.

Of course, you could go the just-wash-your-damn-bra route. But when you’re rushing to get ready, it’s likely that you simply give your bra a superficial glance over as you say to yourself, “I can get away with wearing it just one more time, right?”

How many times are we actually going to part with our favorite bra? The answer: not many.

Luckily, you don’t need to part ways with your faves or restock your entire underwear drawer, all thanks to antimicrobial bra liners. These practically invisible swaths of fabric slide right under your bra to keep the area under your breasts dry and odor-free throughout the day. The liners, rather than your bra itself, can be thrown right into the wash after each wear. As a bonus, they help to keep your bra from irritating your skin as you move. It’s literally genius.

While we sure don’t want the government telling us what to do with our bodies, scientists may be onto something here.

Despite the fact that it hasn't been officially confirmed, Katy Perry is sticking to her story that she's getting paid $25 million to be a judge on the revival of American Idol that's coming this fall, which is low-key enough money to buy several private islands. And while there are former judges who seem to be pretty OK with Perry's payday, there are others who are less than thrilled.

More: Katy Perry's Thoughts on Ending Her Feud With Taylor Swift Are Confusing

First, Paula Abdul, who was one of the series' original judges and left after eight seasons — reportedly because she felt like she deserved to make more than Fox would give her for the job. She did an interview with Entertainment Tonight during which she was asked about Perry's paycheck, and she didn't seem to have a problem with another woman making that cash money.

"Good for her," Abdul said. "Let's just put it on the record: I was not getting $25 million."

More: Calvin Harris, Katy Perry & Taylor Swift Officially Enter a Shade Love Triangle

Another judge who isn't quite so pleased? Mariah Carey.

Carey was asked by paparazzi about Perry's salary, and her response was less than gracious: a sarcastic "great" through clenched teeth as she hustled by. We know Carey is a diva, but can't she be happy for a colleague?

More: Ruby Rose Defends Taylor Swift From Katy Perry's Shady Lyrics in "Swish Swish"

Of course, we don't even know for sure that Perry's making that much. She claims Idol is paying her $25 million, but an insider at ABC has denied that figure, telling reporters that Perry "is not getting $25 million."

There's definitely something to be said for classic old-fashioned baby names, but lately we're kinda loving the new-school crop of gender-neutral names that are totally in style.

Other famous parents opted for unisex middle names. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Bruce Willis named baby girls Gloria Ray and Mabel Ray, while. A.J. McLean and Jessica Capshaw named their daughters Ava Jaymes and Poppy James.

Open your mind and consider these surprising gender-neutral names for baby boys and girls alike. Use them as first names, middle names or both.

• Adrian
• Arron
• Blaine
• Blair
• Brett
• Carmen
• Carson

• Dallas
• Dana
• Drew
• Elisha
• Ellery
• Emerson
• Evan

Rachael Leigh Cook paired a feminine first name with a gender-neutral middle name: Charlotte Easton.

• Florian
• Glen
• Gracyn
• Hadley
• Hunter
• Ira
• Israel
• Julian

• Kelsey
• Kendall
• Lane
• London
• Marley
• Mason
• Michael
• Montana

• Nevada
• Orion
• Parker
• Paxton
• Peyton
• Phoenix
• Pressly
• Quinn
• Reese
• Riley

Jack Huston and Shannan Click named their daughter Sage Lavinia.

• Scout
• Skye
• Spencer
• Tyler
• Tyne
• Wyatt
• Wynne
• Zane

Originally published December 2015. Updated June 2017.

Is your sex life a little on the “not happening” side lately? Well, according to a study published in the journal Menopause, your sleep (or lack thereof) might be partly to blame.

The data analyzed 93,668 women ages 50 to 79 and found that a short sleep duration (defined as fewer than seven to eight hours per night) was associated with lower odds of sexual satisfaction. This is definitely not something women dealing with all the other unpleasant side effects of menopause need.

Sleep problems are known to increase with age, so it comes as no surprise that older women are less likely to be sexually active if they slept fewer than seven to eight hours per night. And for women over 70 who slept less than five hours a night, they were 30 percent less likely to be sexually active than the group who racked up seven to eight hours a night. Whoa! I don’t know about you, but having an active sex life for as long as I can is certainly on my bucket list.

More: 7 Sex Moves That Help Solve (Almost) Any Problem

Luckily, health care providers are acknowledging these issues and communicating with women about ways to counteract the physical and emotional challenges of getting older. “Women and healthcare providers need to recognize the link between menopause symptoms and inadequate sleep and their effects on sexual satisfaction,” says North American Menopause Society executive director Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, according to ScienceDaily. "There are effective treatment options to help with sleep disruption and sexual satisfaction, including hormone therapy, which this study confirmed to be effective at menopause for symptomatic women."

And don’t think you’re immune to having less sex just because you're younger than the women in the Menopause research. In fact, another study looked at college students' sleep and sex patterns and found that for those in romantic relationships, every extra hour they slept corresponded to higher sexual desire, greater vaginal lubrication and a 14 percent increase in the chances of getting frisky the next day, according to an article on CNN. Hey, that's nothing to sneeze at!

More: My Marriage Is Sex-Free & There's Nothing Wrong With It

Adding to the complexity of this less-sleep-equals-less-sex cycle is the fact that simply having sex can relax you and can lead to better sleep. So if you’re struggling to get this whole “sleep more” pattern down, it’s still in your best interest to get busy — even if you're not super in the mood — and release some of that tension (which may, as a result, lead to more zzz's).

I don't know about you, but looks like it’s lights out for me an hour earlier tonight!

Can we just get a round of applause for the classy and impressive way Ariana Grande has handled everything since the terrorist bombing at her Manchester concert last month? She has proven over and over again that she is a class act, from offering to pay for victims' funerals to personally calling them to holding a benefit concert back in Manchester. Go ahead with that applause; I'll wait.

More: Here's the Most Emotional Performance From Ariana Grande's Benefit Concert

And in that same vein, can we just boo Piers Morgan right on outta here? Right after the attack, he called Grande out for returning to her hometown in Florida, you know, like a scared, traumatized person has every right to do.

"I expected her to stay, visit & comfort her wounded fans & relatives of those who died," he said at the time. "Because it struck me as odd that the Queen would visit the wounded fans & not the star who they had paid to watch. If the Queen can visit the victims in hospital, so can the star they paid to see."

More: Now There's Video Footage of the Queen's Visits with Manchester Bombing Victims

Clearly, watching his career crash and burn isn't something Morgan wants to do right now, though, because he has changed his tune when it comes to Grande. On the night of her One Love Manchester concert Sunday, he publicly apologized and had only glowing things to say.

"I misjudged you, @ArianaGrande & I apologize," he tweeted. "You're an admirable young woman & this is a magnificent night. Respect."

More: The Most Powerful Speeches From Ariana Grande's One Love Manchester Concert

Grande hasn't responded to the tweet, but if you ask us, that apology was the least he could do, and Grande doesn't owe him the time of day. Praise hands for Grande, y'all.