Well, well, well… Look who we’re jealous of again. It’s Chrissy Teigen. What a surprise.
This time it’s for her lavish, beautiful vacation to Bali with her husband, John Legend, and baby Luna. The last few weeks, the family took a wellness retreat to the Indonesian island to spend time enjoying the tropical atmosphere and gaining a sense of “balance” back, according to Teigen.
On Saturday, the model and Lip Sync Battle host posted a photo on Instagram with a caption explaining her time there. “We had the most beautiful, wonderful time in Bali. Como Shambhala, my body and mind have never felt so clear. Thank you for getting me to move again (first time since I was 8 months pregnant and Luna is ummmm 15 months old) and giving me some much-needed body and nutrition schooling! And thank you for dressing us in your beautiful, traditional ceremonial costumes! And don’t worry, everyone. I still love me some .99 two tacos. Balance! #notbeingpaidtosaythis.”
Teigen also posted about trying aerial yoga and meditation, adding on July 7 that she couldn’t help but laugh during the quiet moments. “Update: wellness retreat going well. I feel very well. Living amongst the monkeys and trying so hard to not laugh during meditation chants. Meditation dr was like ‘fly high into the skyyyy up up up’ and I was like where am I flying out of do get to pick the airport because I ha…in other words, I really cannot relax.”
So, yeah. While we relate to her lack of focus when it’s time to relax (a little too much), the difference between her first posts of the retreat and her more recent are stark. Any trip that includes personal growth and family time is a trip worth taking, especially when it’s in Bali. And the practices seemed to have really worked for one of Hollywood’s queens.
Like many animal-loving children, I grew up believing that I could accurately calculate my dog's age in human years by following this simple rule: one dog year equals seven human years.
It was nice, easy math for a kid, which was great because it meant I could get the answers I needed quickly and I could practice my multiplication. You've probably heard this rule before too, and so I have to warn you that the following information could come as an unpleasant surprise.
Dog years are not that simple.
As it turns out, dogs don't age according to mathematical convenience, which starts to make sense once you see the numbers.
The American Veterinary Medical Association states that the first year of a medium-size dog's life is about 15 human years. In other words, your dog goes from sweet puppy to bratty teenager all within that first year, which most puppy owners can attest to.
The second year of your dog's life is the equivalent of nine human years, putting them into young adulthood and hopefully a little more maturity. After that, it is relatively safe to estimate about five human years for every dog year.
It gets a little more complicated. You may have noticed that the AVMA used the term "medium-size" dog in their calculations. That is because the size of your dog's breed plays a large role in determining their age in human years.
For instance, a small dog can live almost twice as long as a big dog, but conversely, they tend to mature more quickly. Big dogs on the other hand mature more slowly as puppies, but then age at an accelerated rate as adults when compared to smaller breeds.
This means that any calculation about dog to human years needs to account for size too. The AKC has a helpful chart that breaks this information down for every year. The AVMA on the other hand takes a broader approach.
A 7-year-old dog, by the AVMA's reckoning, is anywhere from 44 to 56 years old. A small dog would be closer to 44, while a big dog, would be closer to 56.
A 10-year-old dog is 56 to 78 in human years.
A 15-year-old dog is 76 to 115 in human years.
And for those dogs that make it to 20, they would have lived a human life span of 96 to 120 years — pretty impressive.
So the next time you try to calculate a dog's age in human years, remember that the old rules no longer apply and follow these guidelines instead.
Ouch. Cracked phones are everyone's worst nightmare-come-true (at least once a year for most of us). From important appointments and addresses to incriminating selfies, your whole life is in your smartphone! Give yourself some peace-of-mind and check out these trustworthy smartphone accessory picks. One part safety, one part style.
1. This iPhone Case Strong Enough to Withstand Your Clumsiness
Image: SheKnows Shop
We don't suggest throwing your phone against a wall, but with this protective case, you totally can. This ultra-strong Mous Limitless Ultra-Slim iPhone Case is unlike any other iPhone case you've come across in the past. Why? It features Airo Shock Protection, an advanced smart material that significantly reduces any damage to your phone upon impact.
And thanks to the case's raised lip, your screen is less likely to come into contact with damaging materials.
2. Defy The Laws of Physics With This Anti-Gravity iPhone Case
Image: SheKnows Shop
How many times a day do you look down at your phone? Too many to count, right? News flash: looking down at your phone constantly can result in dizziness and neck aches. The Anti-Gravity iPhone Case lets you stick your phone to just about any surface, allowing you to see your phone at eye-level.
3. This iPhone Mount You Can Take Literally Anywhere
Image: SheKnows Shop
Say hello to the Unity System iPhone Mount & Case Bundle, a delightfully useful gadget you didn't even realize you needed until now. This iPhone mount is super dynamic thanks to its magnetic power, letting you use your phone hands-free just about anywhere you please. Yes, anywhere. And unlike other mounts, the Unity System iPhone mount stays secure so you never have to worry about your phone dropping and getting damaged.
4. Keep Going and Going With The CoBattery iPhone Charging Case Kit
Image: SheKnows Shop
Thanks to the CoBattery iPhone Charging Case Kit, you can have peace-of-mind knowing your phone's battery is still strong after hours of use. What makes the CoBattery iPhone Charging Case special is the fact that it runs on replaceable batteries so you never have to charge it. Pretty awesome, right? And just because it's a charging case doesn't mean you have to skimp out on much-needed outer phone protection. The CoBattery iPhone Case is cleverly built to protect your screen from harmful drops and other accidents.
5. This Extremely Useful ZeroLemon iPhone 7 SlimJuicer 4000mAh Battery Case
Image: SheKnows Shop
Save yourself the headache of a dead phone when you need it most by investing in the ZeroLemon iPhone 7 SlimJuicer 4000mAh Battery Case. This battery case doesn't just give your phone an extra hour of battery life, it gives it a whopping 140% more. That means an extra 14 hours of talk time and 10 hours of browsing time. And when it's finally time to recharge, simply plug it into the wall or your computer without even removing your phone from the case.
With a plate of Saturday-morning pancakes balanced in one hand, I opened the refrigerator with the other. There they stood: maple syrup on one door, agave nectar on the other. My unsweetened breakfast was beckoning me, and a decision had to be made before my fridge alarm beeped. What was a girl to do? My syrup was shaped like a kind woman in an apron, but the label on my agave nectar read "organic," "gluten-free," and "low GI." It had to be healthy, right? I went with a generous drizzle of the agave nectar, praising myself for the rest of the day for making the "healthier" decision.
Curious about this exotic natural sweetener, I soon got to talking with two nutritional experts. To my disappointment, I had fallen for just another false food fad that fateful Saturday morning. Here’s what I learned about agave nectar.
Agave is a green, spikey-looking succulent native to Mexico and the Southwestern regions of the United States. It is most commonly used to make tequila, but the plant’s sap can also be extracted to create what is popularly sold as agave nectar.
The agave plant itself does have some proven health benefits. For thousands of years, its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties have been used to treat burns, wounds and insect bites. And according to nutritional researcher and bestselling author Dr. Jonny Bowden, consuming the plant also has some nutritional value.
Besides being a source of zinc, iron and calcium, “agave also contains fiber in the form of inulin, which also serves as a prebiotic, which is beneficial food for the good bacteria in your gut,” Bowden told SheKnows.
Sounds great, right? Well, there’s a bit of a catch. These nutritional benefits only come from agave in its raw, cooked or dried state. Absolutely none of these benefits can be found in the sweet nectar commercially produced for our grocery stores.
So what’s the truth about agave nectar?
During digestion, table sugar breaks down into half glucose and half fructose, while agave nectar breaks down into about 90 percent fructose. So, unlike sugar and corn syrups, agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which means that it’s extremely sweet without giving you a huge spike in blood sugar. This gives the syrup some health appeal on paper to certain groups like diabetics or gluten-free dieters, but the chemistry says otherwise.
Catherine Zymaris, registered dietitian nutritionist and avid food blogger, helped me understand the difference between the two.
“Fructose isn’t as easily absorbed into our bloodstream as glucose, and it actually gets filtered out by our liver,” Zymaris told SheKnows. “It’s deemed as better because it doesn’t make our blood sugar rise as quickly. But if we eat a lot of it, our liver will be taking a lot of the fructose out of the system, leading to more fatty deposits around our liver.”
In other words, just as excess glucose can lead to weight gain, so can excess fructose.
Agave nectar manufacturers seem to ignore this scientific fact, and instead use the organic nature of the sweetener to their advantage.
“They market it as some kind of healthy sugar, different from all the rest, and it is absolutely not; in some ways, because the fructose content is so high, it’s even worse,” said Bowden. “And it’s way more dangerous because people have been lead to believe it’s healthy, so they don’t exercise the same caution they do with sugar.”
This should not be news to anyone who has ever strolled down the organic section of the grocery store and been overwhelmed with nature-oriented imagery, Earth-friendly slogans and super-vague certifications. Whether we know what we’re purchasing or not, we feel good when we shop organically. We feel good when we make healthy choices. Suddenly, we’re over-rewarding ourselves for these positive behaviors.
If agave nectar isn’t the sweetening solution, what is?
If you’re looking for healthier syrup options, Bowden suggests raw organic honey or blackstrap molasses. These options do, of course, affect your blood sugar, but they include beneficial nutrients. “As for natural sweeteners, nothing beats stevia,” Bowden added.
“We shouldn’t always be trying to search for the healthy version of these treats,” Zymaris said. “It’s about moderation and listening to your own personal hunger and fullness cues. If you want a little cookie, you should honor yourself with a little cookie, but balance the rest of your diet out.”
She’s got a point. Perhaps next time I’m looking to enjoy a plate of pancakes, I should just enjoy a portioned amount of the tastier stuff rather than overindulging with the "organic" treats. And next time I’m looking for the benefits of agave, I’m gonna have to, er, take it raw.
When kale first came on the scene, we couldn't get enough — especially since it made for great low-carb chips that we could eat all day, every day. The problem is, we did eat them all day, every day, and now we're totally over them.
Thankfully, there are other ways to satisfy our cravings for a crunchy, salty snack that don't involve giving in to the cheap thrills of a bag of potato chips. There are a ton of wholesome veggie chip recipes that you can whip up at home — creative food bloggers are making chips out of everything from zucchini to mushrooms and even spinach.
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap but they do make amazing chips. Turn any brussels hater into a lover with this easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Chip recipe.
Craving the zingy taste of salt and vinegar chips? These delicious Salt & Vinegar Zucchini Chips will satisfy your taste buds in a healthy, low-carb manner.
Sweet potatoes are a natural stand-in for regular white potatoes, and they can be flavored any way you want. Try these Chili Spiced Sweet Potato Chips with Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dip.
Want something a little more exotic? Sprinkle some garam masala on Eggplant Chips and then dip them into some Cilantro Mint Raita for a delicious Indian-inspired snack.
Beets are seriously good for you and full of all sorts of antioxidants. Roasting thinly sliced beets brings out all the best flavor so try your hand at these Chili Roasted Beet Chips.
Proof positive that any vegetable can be cooked until crispy, and sometimes you don't even need an oven. These Tomato Chips are made fast and easy in your microwave!
Carrots, along with their paler cousins, parsnips, can also make wonderful chips. This recipe for Cumin Spice Carrot and Parsnip Chips is sure to please and takes only 10 minutes in the oven.
Want a really eye-catching healthy snack? Grab all of those root veggies, the turnips and parsnips and beets and roast them together for some lovely Root Vegetable Chips with Buttermilk Parsley Dipping Sauce.
Originally published February 2015. Updated July 2017.
Rejoice! The seventh season of Game of Thrones has officially begun. There's plenty we could talk about, but right now, all I'm concerned about is revisiting Ed Sheeran's Game of Thrones cameo. It's been one of the hottest topics of conversation since the Season 7 premiere aired on Sunday, and as if on cue, the internet has reacted accordingly. Minor spoilers ahead.
In the Season 7 opener, we hear Sheeran before we actually see him. Arya is riding through the forest and we first hear Sheeran's voice through the trees. He's singing a really pretty song (would you expect any less?) to a group of young soldiers. He was basically there to provide the chill music for a group of his soldier pals while they ate... well, it was tough to tell what kind of animal they were eating, but hey, that's life in Westeros for you. Even if he didn't speak much, he did look damn handsome in that armor. Take a listen (and a look) for yourself:
Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones Scene Tweet
Ed Sheeran Game of Thrones Scene Tweet
So yeah, that's basically Sheeran's role in a nutshell. It remains to be seen whether this group of young soldiers will reappear in future episodes, which would imply he would also pop up again. It was, however, a really sweet scene and it was nice to have a pleasant, quiet moment happen in an otherwise intense Game of Thrones episode.
The internet definitely had a lot of feelings about what it was like to see such a famous face pop up in Westeros. Lots of reactions were cheeky or a bit snarky, but ultimately good-natured. Some folks used their strong meme game to make their feelings known about Sheeran's cameo. Overall, Twitter provided some of the best reactions to this instantly memorable Game of Thrones scene.
There really aren't many things in life that rival the excitement of getting engaged, but once all the initial butterflies wear off, reality sets in — and the realization of how much work you have ahead hits like a brick wall. Without proper wedding checklists, planning our your perfect day can be a total recipe for a huge meltdown — especially if you're a Type A personality.
Girl, it's time to break out that printer and print off some checklists. They're going to help you get organized and make sure everything is in order, so you can sleep soundly at night without taking a entire bottle of wine to your dome.
We've gathered more than two dozen of the best workbooks, checklists and wedding guides out there. Download them, print them, or just pin 'em to your Pinterest board.
1. Martha Stewart wedding workbook
Of course, we’ve started our list off with a bang. Who is Martha Stewart if not the Goddess of Gorgeous Weddings? Martha’s downloadable wedding workbook is free and free-king amazing when it comes to attention to detail.
2. Oliverink wedding planning checklist
If thinking of the next year of your engaged life causes a mini panic attack, head on over to Etsy to purchase and download this best-selling printable PDF for just a few dollars. The 17-page, hand-designed wedding checklist might just become your new Wedding Bible. (Etsy, $3)
3. MarryThis! wedding planning timeline
This free timeline printable will keep everything — and everyone — chugging along smoothly, especially as you get closer to your wedding date.
Inquiring brides need to know when to try on gowns, when to buy, when to alter and so much more.
5. Real Simple wedding budget workbook
For the ladies who find themselves already going over on their wedding budget, as always, there’s a checklist for that. Real Simple’s user-friendly wedding budgeting worksheet helps to track your ongoing spending, while factoring in vendor estimates.
Originally published January 2013. Updated July 2017.
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6. The 6-month engagement wedding checklist
While many traditional wedding planning guides break down an engagement into a 12 or 18-month period, this quickie printable condenses it to 6.
7. Wedding cost checklist
A super-simple, one-page wedding cost checklist to help you review your total budget at-a-glance.
8. Wedding planner and guide
Trust that this incredibly detailed worksheet will help you to cover all your bases when you’re up worrying about your wedding deets at three in the morning.
9. The basic wedding planning checklist
Though minimal, this detailed wedding planning checklist includes categories for apparel, flowers, stationery, rings, reception, ceremony, rehearsal dinner, photography and more.
This “ultimate” and editable wedding planning checklist is geared toward DIY brides who may have a few more special projects to do, besides the usual stuff like ordering flowers and tasting wedding cake.
The one-stop-shop of wedding planning will only cost you $20. This complete 41-page printable and editable wedding planning kit was designed by a fellow bride who successfully planned her own wedding at a budget kept under $5,000, thanks to her ninja-organizing skills. (Paper and Oats, $20)
14. Wedding photography checklist
Trust Shutterfly to know which beautiful moments (and when) should be captured on your big day.
15. Wedding music checklist
Choosing the most bomb wedding playlist is hard, yet this handy printable makes it so easy.
A DIY wedding timeline wheel — used as a free printable organizer — might be the cutest thing to happen to your big day.
22. Name change checklist
After the rice has been thrown and the first kiss has been exchanged, the grown-up side of wedding planning begins. Meaning, once you get home and started unpacking all the gifts, you’re going to have to figure out how to change your name and update all your personal documents. This legal name change checklist, with a free printable PDF, makes it easy.
23. The ultimate honeymoon checklist
Just kidding — there’s still plenty of fun to be had after you get hitched, starting with a delightful honeymoon on some tropical beach somewhere. This helpful checklist will lighten the load of wedding and honeymoon planning combined by telling you exactly what to pack.
Our poor, dear bodies. We're all so totally obsessed with keeping our faces looking smooth and wrinkle-free that sometimes we totally forget about the rest of us.
Body care is probably not something you think about on a regular basis — but it definitely should be. Aside from shaving, exfoliating and maybe self-tanning, chances are you're ignoring what's going on below your chin.
Once you start really giving all of your skin the attention it deserves, however, you'll discover an otherwordly glow can extend past your neckline. We've got easy actionable tips to help you up your beauty game from head to toe.
1. Rebalance your scalp
acv rinse
acv rinse
It’s tempting to attack an itchy, flaky scalp with dandruff shampoos at the first hint of irritation. But oftentimes, you can solve scalp issues with a simple rinse to rebalance the pH of the skin.
We layer the sensitive skin under our locks with piles of product so our scalps need a serious refresher now and then. Try organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to soothe your scalp. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons with 8 ounces of warm water, pour the mixture over your hair in the shower after shampooing. Let it sit for one minute, then rinse. You can repeat this treatment once per week until things get back to normal. Bonus: It makes your hair super-shiny and strengthens the cuticle, which means healthier hair overall.
We’re all so focused on smoothing our facial skin that the neck area just south is often neglected. Beyond the obvious sunscreen and antiaging creams, consider exploring lasers for a truly soft, wrinkle-free neck.
Before you give this one a hard pass, not all laser therapy will leave you seriously in debt. You can invest in your own antiaging device. The Conture System is a much buzzed-about little machine that uses compression and vibration to tone and firm neck skin.
3. Take toning to new levels
Green tea bath
Green tea bath
Aside from a slathering of lotion here and there, our poor arms often go sadly untreated — a crime, really, since they take the brunt of the UV rays and pollution we experience on a daily basis. To tone the skin on your arms (and just generally get ultra relaxed), slip into a hot green tea bath. Green tea is believed to tone and detox the skin — and all you need is hot water and about five tea bags. Add some Epsom salts to fight inflammation and some vitamin E oil if you’re looking to soften skin.
4. Keep glowing
Turmeric
Turmeric
Studies have shown that turmeric fights inflammation and eradicates bacteria, making it perfect for igniting a glow in your skin and managing breakouts (see ya, backne!).
Make a turmeric mask for your whole body by combining equal parts turmeric (which you can find at most health food stores or buy in bulk here), honey and full-fat yogurt or coconut oil. If you are masking just your face, do 1 teaspoon of each.
Warning: This stuff stains! Be careful when you are applying. It will ruin clothes and towels with a quickness, so be extremely cautious.
5. Bumps in the road
exfoliation
exfoliation
The tops and backs of our thighs are another spot we neglect way too often.
One common complaint in this area of the body is rough little bumps called keratosis pilaris. KP is a condition that develops when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin, which can block hair follicles and cause bumps to develop. It can make the skin on the legs look rough, uneven and dull.
The key to minimizing the appearance of KP and smoothing the skin is our good old buddy exfoliation. But put down your loofah! Manual exfoliation is too intense for this delicate skin. Instead, use a product with BHA or AHA to chemically exfoliate areas with KP and get a smoother look and feel. We love Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment with 2 percent BHA or 10 percent AHA.
You've probably heard of collagen by now — it's become a huge buzzword in the beauty world. But collagen is not hype; it's the real deal, and it can help get you healthier skin on your face and body.
It’s the most abundant protein in our bodies and is responsible for healthy skin, hair and nails that have a youthful, plump look. As we get older, collagen fibers break or clump together and the signs of aging begin to show. You can fight back, however, with a slew of new collagen supplements on the market. We love Vital Proteins! They have a whole line of collagen powders that are easy to incorporate into your diet.
7. Hydrate
Hum Nutrition
Hum Nutrition
Talk about beating a dead horse, right? Yes, we know that telling you to hydrate for better skin is nothing new — but we do have something new to share; we swear it.
If you can’t stomach 64 ounces of water in a day, you can help yourself along with a new breed of supplement. Hum Nutrition’s Red Carpet Hydration Supplement is formulated to promote plump, healthy-looking skin with an intriguing blend of seeds, essential fats and vitamin E.
This post was brought to you as part of a sponsored advertising collaboration.
There’s no shortage of options for those who want to avoid sugar, including a whole range of artificial sweeteners. While people opt to skip the sugar for countless health reasons, for many, ditching those extra calories might be the main reason they reach for the Splenda or Sweet ‘N Low.
Turns out, it might not be that simple. A new report published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that not only did using artificial sweeteners not help people lose weight, it actually seemed to have the opposite effect. And this wasn’t just one study. The report analyzed 37 studies on artificial sweeteners, which followed more than 400,000 people across 10 years.
Observational studies found that people who drank one or more artificially sweetened beverages each day had a higher risk for weight gain, heart disease and diabetes. It is not yet clear, though, if the artificial sweeteners themselves actually cause any harm.
“I think there’s an assumption that when there are zero calories, there is zero harm,” study author Meghan Azad, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics and child health at the University of Manitoba in Canada told Time. “This research has made me appreciate that there’s more to it than calories alone.”
For now, we just know that there’s a connection between eating and drinking habits of those who tend to use artificial sweeteners and long-term weight gain, including eating more processed foods in general. What we need now is a large, long-term study that looks at the effects of using artificial sweeteners over an even longer period of time.
Perfect royal wave from the tiniest princess? Check.
Two cute royal faces peeking out of the window of the royal jet? Check.
Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment
Damn it! Don't you Windsors ever have an off day?! What do they put in the royal water in England?
Just kidding. We don't care what they put in the royal water to make William, Kate, George and Charlotte so stinkin' photogenic. We can't get enough of this foursome, and we are not ashamed of it.
Kate toted Charlotte (in a red and white floral dress, a sweet nod to Poland's flag colors) on her hip, while Prince William hung onto Prince George's hand. Prince George looked a little less than impressed with all the fuss, but kept his thoughts to himself.
Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
During the stroll across the tarmac to the VIP terminal, Princess Charlotte worked her teeny-tiny royal wave in the direction of the press. (And everyone was knocked dead from the sudden impact of cuteness. OK, no, everyone lived. But still.)
As for Kate, well, she was resplendent in a white Alexander McQueen skirt suit with beige heels and a ruby necklace. Like you expected anything different from our favorite grown-up princess. (Er, duchess. Brits, just make her a princess already, OK? This duchess stuff is silly.)
Prince William wore a dashing red tie as his salute to Poland, but Prince George opted for a red, white and blue plaid shirt and his signature English schoolboy knee-length shorts, the rebel.
The first stop on the Poland trip? A pop-in to the Presidential Palace where they will be hosted by President Andrzej Duda and first lady of Poland Agata Kornhauser-Duda (who was all over the papers last week after a video appeared of her possibly maybe kind of sort of dissing President Trump's attempt to shake her hand).
Also on the agenda: a trip to the Warsaw Rising Museum, dedicated to Polish resistance fighters who lost their lives during the uprising of 1944 seeking to free Warsaw from German occupation.
The family will also visit with young Polish entrepreneurs at a tech marketplace and enjoy a garden party in Lazienki Park topped off by a speech by William.
Whew. That would be a lot for anyone to accomplish in a day of sightseeing, let alone a family with two very tuckered-out baby royals. But Kate and William are committed to sticking together during this summer tour as much as possible. In July, they released a statement via spokesperson: “They have decided that their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, will travel with them and we expect the children to be seen in at least a couple of occasions over the course of the week."
Slow, proud clap for the royal family for their incredibly modern — and incredibly relatable — family tripping.
The foursome will head to Germany on Wednesday, and we are looking forward to seeing what ensembles they come up with. Black, red and gold might be a tougher palette to pull off.
Tina Knowles: Honey, why don't you explain to all your nice fans why you chose "Rumi" as a baby name? It's very confusing.
Beyoncé: Mom, nooooo. It's personal.
Tina Knowles: Do you mind if I say a little something on Facebook? Because I just think...
Beyoncé: Ma, don't. They've already figured it out.
Tina Knowles: Twitter?
Beyoncé: Please don't, OK? Jay will not be happy.
Tina Knowles: Fine. [Immediately posts Rumi quotes on Instagram]
Yep, we cringed a little bit when we saw Knowles — not Beyoncé — posting about the intriguing choice of "Rumi" for one of the twins' names on Instagram this Saturday. Don't get us wrong — we're obviously lapping up any Beyoncé-Jay-Z twins news we can get — but it seems like maybe Beyoncé should have been the one to confirm the deeply intimate reasons behind the name Rumi?
We're pretty sure Rumi, a 13th century poet, had no idea he would ever get 15 minutes of Instagram fame thanks to Beyoncé's mama. Tina Knowles shared some of his poetry about love in her post and wrote, "[I]t's not only beautiful but logical."
Knowles also highlighted her favorite Rumi stanzas.
Bey baby names
Bey baby names
Knowles seems to be loving the third Rumi quote the best, captioning her post, "Sometimes we are the reason we can't find love!! We have to work on ourselves first to be whole."
Another reads, "This is love, to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment." (We're guessing that explains all the gauzy veils Beyoncé has been wearing in her pregnancy and birth announcements.)
Beyoncé has been in a poetry groove for some time, a case in point being her collab with British poet Warsan Shire on Lemonade. (Shire was also the poet behind Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement, which included the refrain, "I have three hearts.") So the choice of Rumi is no big surprise to most of the internet. ("Sir" is a little more confusing, however.)
Does anyone have more effortlessly perfect style than Miranda Kerr? The former Victoria's Secret model quietly married Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel in their backyard a couple of months ago, but now, we're finally being treated to one of the sweetest details from the wedding: Kerr's dress. We already knew she picked the perfect dress, even though we didn't know exactly what that dress looked like. Turns out, it's not quite what we imagined — it's better.
Instead of something new or on-trend, Kerr went with a classic, modest dress. It was simply designed with long sleeves and a sheer overlay embellished with flowers over sleek satin, and it was perfect. It was worth waiting two months to get to see. It was perfectly Kerr.
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 1
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 1
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 2
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 2
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 3
Miranda Kerr shows off her perfect Grace Kelly dress 3
That last post? It was liked by none other than Kerr's ex-husband, Orlando Bloom. That's how good she looks. She is fire.
Kerr took inspiration from celeb-turned-royal Grace Kelly for the dress, seeking out a modest, vintage-inspired design.
"A dress that fully covers you creates a sense of purity and mystery," she told Vogue. "I've had a lot of fun with fashion, and I used to be more wild, free, bohemian. But in this period of my life, my style is more pulled back. My greatest sources of inspiration have always been Grace, Audrey Hepburn, and my grandmother, who at 80 has an effortless chic: a nice pant, a white blouse, a scarf, a little heel."
Midsummer, there are few things more satisfying than a hot dog fresh off the grill, especially after hours spent soaking in the sun or swimming. But if you have been stocking up on dogs for your next cookout, you're going to want to take a look at the label, stat, because there’s been a major recall for the nastiest of reasons.
Sabrett’s parent company, Marathon Enterprises, has announced a massive recall of 7 million pounds of hot dogs after customers complained about finding tiny bits of bone and cartilage in their hot dogs. One customer even reported a mouth injury after biting down on a piece of bone. *Shudder*
The USDA issued a complete list of products that should be returned or tossed. Sabrett hot dogs and other products are sold in stores in 21 states and Washington, D.C., and this recall impacts products with use-by or sell-by dates between June 19 and Oct. 6.
There are also several private-label restaurants and food services impacted by this recall, including Nathan's Private Label, Katz's Delicatessen labels and hot dogs sold at Papaya King. People with questions about the recall can call Sabrett at 1-800-722-7388 on weekdays, the company said in a statement.
Feeling blue over this bummer of a recall? So are we. But cheer up — these tasty vegetarian BBQ recipes are so good, they'll make even carnivores forget about meat (or at least hold you over until you're convinced the hot dog you want to eat is safe and bone fragment-free).
Afghanistan is a male-dominated country — not an easy place to be born female. So the country's Sesame Street show, Baghch-e-Simsim, recently decided to create a new Muppet, Zeerak, to encourage respect for women and girls.
Zeerak, a bespectacled orange guy with a mop of multicolor hair, is pretty darn cute. His clothing is a mix of designs traditionally worn by different cultural groups of Afghanistan.
"Zeerak is an energetic & eager 4-year-old who looks up to his big sister Zari! He can’t wait to go to school with his sister when he gets older. Welcome Zeerak!" Sesame Street introduced him on its Instagram page.
In Afghanistan, less than 40 percent of children finish school, and two-thirds of those who don't finish are girls. So Zeerak is a welcome addition to the Sesame Street lineup. According to a press release from Sesame Workshop, "Zeerak, which means 'smart' and 'talented' in both Dari and Pashto, will be featured in segments that tackle topics including tolerance, respect, and gender equity." YASSS, ZEERAK!
Zeerak will also be promoting the importance of education to Afghan children. One episode shows Zeerak happily greeting his big sister Zari when she returns home from school. She explains to her adoring little brother why school and career goals are so valuable — and exciting! — and Zeerak happily takes it all in.
Zeerak says, "I love Zari so much and as much as I love Zari, I love her friends too." This may not seem like groundbreaking dialogue in the U.S., but for Afghanistan TV, this is major progress: a boy who admires and looks up to his sister and her girlfriends.
"In a male-dominant country like Afghanistan, I think you have to do some lessons for the males to respect the females," the head of the show's Afghanistan broadcaster TOLO TV, Massood Sanjer, said of Zeerak. "So by bringing a male character to the show who respects a female character, you teach the Afghan men that you have to respect your sister the same way as you do your brother."
Welcome, Zeerak. We're all very happy you're here.
Just a couple of months ago, they adopted their daughter Willa Gray Akins from Uganda.
Thomas Rhett and wife announce new adopted daughter
Thomas Rhett and wife announce new adopted daughter
And just as the adoption was being finalized, they found out that Akins was expected their first biological baby after years of struggling to conceive. "I was in complete and utter shock," Rhett said at the time. "No one is ever prepared for something like that. It is almost like we suddenly had twins."
Now, it's just a month before the new addition is due to arrive and the couple decided to pose for some of the most perfect maternity photos we have ever laid eyes on to commemorate the occasion. Seriously, look at them. They are the happiest, glowiest, most beautiful couple on the planet right now.
Thomas Rhett and Laura Akins maternity photo shoot 1
Thomas Rhett and Laura Akins maternity photo shoot 1
If that isn't proof that happiness looks good on people, no idea what is. But it gets better, fam.
They included Willa Gray in the photos because of course they did. How can so much cuteness exist within one family unit? It's no wonder they're such a beloved family on the country music scene.
Thomas Rhett and Laura Akins maternity photo shoot 2
Thomas Rhett and Laura Akins maternity photo shoot 2
I mean, look at Willa's face. If there is a little girl on the planet more excited about being a big sister, I would like to see her, because that is adorable.
Needless to say, country music's new favorite duo is ready to expand their family once again, and we're ready to follow along with all their adventures.
The greatest love story ever to hit the small screen on Game of Thrones may have ended in Season 4, but its real-life counterpart is still playing out.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie (aka Jon Snow and Ygritte, respectively) are so in love in real life and they're definitely not worried about who knows it. In fact, they showed it at every chance they could while at the Game of Thrones Season 7 premiere. To be perfectly honest, we're super into how lovey and happy they look in these photos.
While at the premiere, they wore outfits that perfectly complemented each other. Harington wore a slim black suit with a floral vest and Leslie wore a black and yellow gown with simple black sandals. They were the image of beauty.
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie are so in love it hurts 1
Kit Harington and Rose Leslie are so in love it hurts 1
Ever since they stepped out as an official couple for the first time at last year's Olivier Awards, they've been melting our hearts at every public event they attend — this one is no different. But what's even better is how sweetly they gush about each other in interviews.
"I think that's the really special thing about it is that we met on this show and here we are seven years down the line back here promoting season 7," Harington told reporters at the premiere. "I mean it's mad. It's such a special thing. I'm so privileged."
We love our dogs more than anything in the world — and (more often than not) what puppy wants, puppy gets. But when it comes to dogs begging for a nibble of food made for humans, giving your pet a hard no can actually mean the difference between life and death.
There are many foods we treat ourselves to everyday that are horrible for a canine's sensitive digestive system and can even be deadly in some instances. But that doesn't mean all human food is off limits to dogs.
We've broken it down for you so you know what foods are OK — and which ones can result in death if consumed.
What's safe
Most healthy foods that are good for us are relatively good for dogs. However, it's important to research what you can feed your pup before you do it. What started out as something healthy for a dog (like ground beef or grilled chicken) can instantly be made poisonous with the addition of certain oils, wines or onions. If you can't say no to that adorable face staring up at you from the floor as you eat, check out these human foods deemed safe by the ASPCA and Modern Dog magazine.
Peanut butter. This is a great source of added protein and fiber for your pup and a tablespoon on their dry food is a surefire way to get them to eat it! Make sure to choose an all-natural peanut butter that does not contain the ingredient xylitol as it can be dangerous for pets.
Yogurt. This provides a great source of protein for dogs (especially Greek yogurt). Make sure to avoid the brands high in sugar and preservatives.
Lean proteins (like chicken, turkey and beef). Most of these meats are found in your pet's dry and wet foods anyway and are filled with healthy fats and proteins dogs need to maintain a healthy weight and energy level. Just be sure to feed them lean proteins that have not been cooked with strange vegetables, oils or wines.
Salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids are good for your dog's coat and skin health, and provide him with a healthy source of protein.
Pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene and vitamin A and help keep your pup's digestive system on track.
Rice and pasta. Plain or whole wheat pastas are a good source of energy for your dog. Just avoid feeding them fatty or acidic sauces.
Apples. This dog favorite is a great healthy snack and is a great sources of vitamins A and C!
Peas and green beans. Peas and green beans are a great way to infuse your pup's food with healthy, low-calorie nutrients. Peas provide extra potassium and the green beans are great sources of vitamins C and K.
Of course, these aren't the only human foods dogs can stomach, just the healthiest for them. Just be sure to look it up before you toss it to your pet!
Unless you live under a rock, you know that chocolate and cocoa are completely off limits. However, that's not the only favorite snack of yours that could poison your dog. Other everyday items, like onions and grapes could also really sicken, or kill, your best friend. Check out this list of the most poisonous foods, provided by Web MD for pets, for dogs and be sure you keep them far away from your pup's curious snout! These poisonous foods are bad for all dogs, but are even more extreme for smaller breeds, like shih tzus, Yorkies, chihuahuas and tea cup breeds.
Chocolate and cocoa. The reason behind the toxicity in this sweet treat lies in the theobromine, or toxic agent. Just one bite can cause a dog to vomit or have diarrhea. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.
Grapes. These popular fruits need to kept away from your pup, especially if your dog is older or sick. Something in the grapes is known to cause kidney disease in most breeds.
Avocados. This healthy fruit contains persin, which is known to give dogs vomiting and diarrhea.
Onions and garlic. These flavor enhancers need to be kept far away from your dog. Large volumes of these vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia.
Alcohol. Feeding your pet beer or wine isn't funny, it could be deadly. Just a drop can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing and even death. The effects are even worse in smaller breeds.
Milk and dairy products. Just one slice of cheese won't kill your pet, but excessive dairy will likely negatively disrupt their digestive system, since dogs don't have as much of the lactose breaking enzyme that humans do.
Coffee. Just a sip of coffee or caffeine can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and bleeding, while a large dosage can be fatal.
Gum. Xylitol, or the sweetener found in gum and candy, can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia. In addition, a dog's digestive system cannot break down gum the way humans do and the sticky substance can block up their system, which can quickly lead to death.
View human food as a treat to your pet, not as something you give them in place of their own dog food. Although the foods listed in the healthy category are good for pets, too much can upset their digestion or make it harder for them to eat their own food. A few pieces of chicken or salmon can be a great incentive if your pup is behaving or does a trick.
The trailer appears to be focusing hard on the drama of the show almost being canceled without commenting on why it was almost canceled. There are probably a plethora of reasons the trailer eschews full facts in favor of glibness. This includes various legal issues and the fact that it's probably a bad look for ABC to just throw in that there were allegations of sexual misconduct. I get it, but whatever the creative team went with here is just a bit... off-putting, especially if you've been closely following the events of the show's ill-fated production.
BIP S4 Trailer
BIP S4 Trailer
Using B-roll footage of a beach front in the middle of a violent storm, the trailer shows captions of real tweets that were sent out when the news of BIP's possible cancellation came out. The tweets range from one Twitter user reportedly writing, "Honestly very upset," to another tweet stating, "My whole summer is ruined," with a crying emoji face. It totally downplays the very real and troubling nature of the circumstance behind that possible cancellation. Also, posting these tweets, which really make the drama look superficial instead of a very real problem, is not exactly the most tactful thing to do. Then again, the dramatic voice-over doesn't really help either. It goes a little something like this: "The sun had almost set. Summer was almost ruined. Paradise was almost lost... until it wasn't."
Uh, BIP, things were almost "ruined" because serious allegations were made on set, not because an unforeseen hurricane kicked up in the beginning of production and caused crabs to fall out of margarita glasses (that's another super-weird visual in the trailer).
Then the trailer cuts to this happier, more chipper tone where cast members are looking pretty stoked that BIP is back. We are left with a happy-looking Robby in the confessional booth and a premiere date. Y'all, this is very odd and very uncomfortable.
Listen, I get that the show has to be promoted. I get that there are viewers to please and money to be made and ratings to be had. But if you wanted to go for that, why not focus on what you filmed after you resumed filming, which began once Warner Bros. had completed their investigation of those allegations of sexual misconduct? Why bring the whole timeline together into one trailer and make it look like a PR stunt that you pulled for dramatic effect?
This trailer is a very out-of-touch entry into this BIP Season 4 narrative and honestly? It's very uncomfortable too.
Jessica Alba, actor and co-founder of The Honest Company, took to Instagram on Monday to share news that she and her equally photogenic husband Cash Warren are expecting their third child together.
Alba baby 3
Alba baby 3
“Cash and I are officially going to be outnumbered, ” Alba captioned the sweet shot of her and her daughters — Haven, 6, and Honor, 9. In the pic, she and her girls are holding number balloons 1, 2 and 3. She also added the hashtags “#babyonboard #herewegoagain #blessed."
Alba talked to People about her life as a mom, saying that she's always working on "being open and curious and trying to better myself.”
Alba added, “I don’t try to pretend like I have all the answers and I certainly don’t think I’m perfect. So when my kids say something, instead of me being so reactive, I think about how I can be better.” Good advice for all of us moms for sure.
Alba's Instagram pics show a happy (and did we mention ridiculously photogenic?) family eager to welcome a new baby. She says what works best for her family is boundaries and structure.
“I find that my kids thrive when they know where the boundaries are and the comfort zone and where they can be creative and play,” she said. “But it’s having enough sleep, having proper nutrition that really helps that. And having enough activity.”
On Monday, July 16, Pink shared a photo of herself making dinner with son Jameson, 7 months, and daughter Willow, 6.
Pink cooking
Pink cooking
In the pic, Jameson — in a front-wearing baby carrier — looks enthralled by his mother's sautéing of some green veggies. Willow is perched on the counter (gasp!), taking in the scene.
Want to guess what the self-appointed parenting cops were up in arms about? Well, they're happy to fill you in.
“Cute photo but please don’t cook wearing the baby. I’ve read some really horrific stories about terrible accidents that have occurred doing this,” said one.
"I babywear all the time except when I’m cooking hot meals," said another. "The better alternative, I suppose if you really must, would be wearing the baby on your back. Not directly facing the hot stove.”
We have a hunch that Pink knows what she's doing, folks. She's not frying a whole chicken, for God's sake. Look, moms and dads cook while kids watch and help. It happens. If you really want to make a difference in children's lives, hey, maybe foster a few or go visit sick kids at a local hospital or something. Sitting on your duff and snarking at celeb moms on the internet is not going to change the world for the better. Yes, this is tough love, but it's time you knew the truth.
And so what? She's still a pop rock star. And a rockin' mom. And no children were harmed in the making of her dinner.
This is not Pink's first mom-shaming rodeo. The mommy police are hot on her tail most of the time. When she was pregnant with Jameson in November 2016, Pink posted a humorous shot of herself in her kitchen on Instagram, captioned, “When microwaving your decaf coffee becomes an excuse to sit on the floor and rest for a while."
That completely relatable pic brought out all the haters and unemployed advice columnists.
“Don’t use microwaves! Bad for u!” shrieked one.
“Please don’t stand in front of microwave with baby belly," bossed another.
Aaaand this is why we love Pink so much... Her response was to tweet an article about mom-shaming with the words, “Enjoy over a cup of coffee.” Heh.
She's also referred to herself on Twitter as a "mommy shamer shamer." Which we find deeply awesome. Cook on — and rock on — Mama Pink. We'll keep raising a glass to you.
