You know when you go through a breakup and you’re mostly worried that you won’t get to hang out with your ex’s family anymore? Well, Jennifer Garner definitely isn’t worried about that, because she’s still friends with her ex-husband Ben Affleck’s mother.
Entertainment Tonight reported that the two went on an errand run together around Los Angeles on Tuesday, and some paparazzo snapped the sweetest picture of the two.
They're both dressed casually, wearing black sandals, loose fitting tops, Garner wears skinny jeans and Mrs. Affleck wears some nice white slacks. They walk with their arms around each other, both smiling as if laughing at a quick joke. The two haven’t commented on their day out together, and Ben hasn’t responded yet either, but with everything that’s gone on within the Affleck-Garner family, it doesn’t seem out of the ordinary for Jen to have a relationship with the grandmother of her children.
Lately, most news surrounding the ex-couple has been focused on Affleck’s new relationship with Lindsay Shookus, Emmy winner and producer for Saturday Night Live. The two have been photographed nonstop around Hollywood and New York. A source spoke with ET about how Ben’s new beau is affecting Jen, if at all. “Jen is trying to move on with her life,” said the source. “Jen is very strong. She is not embarrassed about this at all. Jen isn’t focused on dating at the moment… Her number one priority is her children and making sure they are OK during this.”
So while it’s definitely cool to think that Garner is just out on the town with her ex-mother-in-law, it’s even sweeter that the two have built such a healthy relationship outside of the divorce, especially for the sake of the kids. And even if they are just running errands, who says the two can’t have a little fun or giggle here and there? Nothing is stopping the girl power rushing through this family.
Classic bro date. Casey Affleck was reportedly seen third-wheeling with his brother Ben and his new girlfriend Lindsay Shookus at a comedy club in Hollywood.
According to Entertainment Tonight, the new hot Hollywood couple were having a casual date night at the iO Club while Shookus, producer for Saturday Night Live, was a guest of honor, scouting talent for the Emmy-winning late night show.
A source reported to ET that the couple was seated on the main floor of the club during the character comedy showcase. Casey allegedly joined the table a little later, sneaking in after the two to snag a seat next to his brother. The source said that Casey “seemed really happy and easygoing” while crashing the date.
Comedian after comedian took the stage for the 90-minute show. The only reported conversation was between Shookus and Ben between acts since the night was more of a work event for the producer than it was a date. After all, her assistants were on the date too. So Casey wasn’t even third-wheeling. More like seventh-wheeling.
“Ben and Lindsay were incredibly nice to everyone,” says ET’s source. “And having Ben there made it an even bigger night for all the comedians. They were really nice to all the staff.”
The couple and couple’s brother tried to enter and leave through the back entrance to avoid paparazzi, but were seen after the night out at Mario Batali’s restaurant Pizzeria Mozza for dinner. None of the Afflecks or Shookus were seen with an alcoholic drink all night since Ben’s recent release from rehab for alcohol addiction.
Overall, it seemed like a lovely night. No one really knows why Casey showed up, but it was cute to see Ben’s new relationship extending itself to his immediate family. Now who’s Ben going to thrid-wheel Casey with?
No dog owner can deny their pet's prolific gas-passing, but do cat owners suffer because of this same (stinky) fact of life? While pups really let 'em rip, the only potential hint a feline may have eked one out is usually an inexplicably foul smell in their general vicinity — which makes you wonder, "Can cats fart?"
In a word, yes.
Cats have all of the anatomical parts necessary to shoot noxious tail-end fumes out into the universe. So if you've ever been cuddling with your kitty and suspected the stench wafting through the air came from your best feline friend, your hunch could very well have been right.
As you've probably picked up by now, cats are typically stealth-bombers. Since they produce smaller amounts of gas, their toots are rarely audible. However, that gas is dense and super-concentrated, so they make up for in stinkiness what they lack in sound.
But why do cats fart? Is it simply a matter of indigestion, as it so often is with us humans (oh, come on... we all do it!). There are in fact myriad reasons your cat could have gas.
Causes of feline flatulence
Farting, of course, is a healthy byproduct of the digestion process in humans and many animals. It's another way the body clears the pipes, so to speak. However, if your cat suddenly seems to be breaking wind nonstop, there is probably something contributing to the odious bodily function.
Hard-to-digest food
Hey, we've all been tempted to (and have on multiple occasions) reached for the bag of cheap cat food to save a few bucks. Unfortunately though, you pretty much get what you pay for — cheap cat food is packed with cat-food fillers like corn that are tough for your cat's digestive system to break down. This can upset your cat's tummy and lead to a buildup of gut bacteria, both of which cause stinky gas. The same essentially goes for feeding your cat human food.
This is a bit of a no-win situation, but switching up your cat's diet can also cause an uptick in flatulence. So even if you were changing their diet to avoid potentially tummy-troubling foods, you could have thrown their delicate digestive system out of balance. Since the stomach is not used to the new food source, it can struggle to break it down. And we all know what that leads to.
Gulping down air
If your cat scarfs down their food like it's the last bowl on Earth, chances are good they're gulping down some extra air along with the food. This can be a big problem for dogs too, and the most common side effect is (you guessed it) bloating and gas.
Dairy products
Are you ready for some information that will rock your world? Here goes: Many adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. Despite all of the quaint imagery we've been exposed to our whole lives of cats lapping milk out of a delicate saucer, drinking said milk can actually give your cat terrible gas and the runs.
An underlying medical condition
If your cat's flatulence is truly awful and happening more often, it's time to pay your veterinarian a visit — if you haven't already. Although feline farting can often be explained by one of the more innocuous causes referenced above, a more serious medical condition like malabsorption could be to blame.
Dealing with feline flatulence
Now that you know what might be causing your cat's pungent problem, you can pinpoint the appropriate course of action. Aside from visiting your vet (which we highly recommend in any case), there are several ways to troubleshoot your cat's toots.
First and foremost, ditch the subpar kitty kibble in favor of a premium-quality cat food. Sure, it'll cost a bit more, but your nose will thank you later. When you make the switch, though, do so gradually so the change doesn't cause your cat further stomach distress.
If your cat gobbles down their food and gets a gut full of extra air, try feeding them in smaller increments throughout the day. That way, they'll be less hungry and thus less tempted to scarf the meal down on the double.
Lastly, always make sure your cat has an ample supply of clean, fresh water — it flushes out odor-causing gut bacteria and helps keep your kitty's digestive system on the right track.
A morning beauty routine can range anywhere from a 10-step skin care regimen to throwing one's hair up in a messy bun and calling it a day. What's most important isn't the number of minutes spent or the amount of leave-in conditioner used, but how your routine prepares you for your day so you can be your most comfortable, confident (and perhaps moisturized) self. From a basic soap and water face-washing ritual to several applications of brow gel, here's how five SheKnows editors tackle morning beauty.
"My skin care routine is a morning ritual. I wake myself up with a foaming cleanser followed by a gentle scrub. Once out of the shower, I lightly pat on an essence and a brightening moisturizer. Depending on the day of the week, my makeup routine changes, but if it’s a workday, I’m trading in my liquid foundation for a powder formula. I love thick eyebrows and bold lips, so I can’t live without my brow gel in black and a matte-finish lipstick for a pop of color. Depending on how much time I have, I’ll also throw on mascara, a bit of blush, and some highlighter. My hair routine is less complicated and consists of parting my hair into 4 to 6 sections and curling it with a 1-1/4-inch wand for a loose, messy look. To add shine, I run whatever hair serum I have laying around through it." — Laura Valecia, assistant producer
"I have the beauty routine of my late grandmother. I shower, put a moisturizing cream on my face and use Vaseline or lip gloss on my lips. Then I straighten my hair. Unless I’ve given up on life for the day. Then I just go full-on bed-head curls and people think, 'Oh maybe she’s having a nervous breakdown or just came from the beach or can’t afford a hairbrush. I don’t regularly wear make up other than gloss, but when I have to go out, I’ll attempt eyeliner." — Reshma Gopaldas, vice president, video
"My morning beauty routine takes no more than five minutes. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser then apply an SPF 20 hydrating cream. My makeup is minimal — just nude BB cream, waterproof mascara and brow gel. I work from home, but if I'm heading out, I'll add some highlighter on my cheeks and a red lip color. Morning hair is definitely low-maintenance — if I do anything at all, I'll scrape it back in a ponytail." — Claire Gillespie, parenting editor
"I live in Arizona, and the climate completely dries out my skin, so staying moisturized is priority No. 1 for me. I start with a luxe $90 cleansing foam. I wouldn't normally drop that much money on cleanser, but it was gifted to me and it's amazing. As soon as I hop out of the shower, I balance my skin's pH with a toner and then reach for a hydrating serum. While my serum dries, I dab on some eye cream. Next, I use a cruelty-free antiaging moisturizer that's free of sulfates and parabens. I don't wear a lot for makeup because it really makes my skin break out. (If I wear any foundation, I can guarantee you I'll have at least two pimples the next day — seriously). I usually brush on a little bronzer and blush, apply a nice, thick coat of mascara on my lashes and head out the door."— Kenzie Mastroe, community editor
"First disclaimer: I have been obsessed with skin care since my late teens and obsess over it probably more than is healthy. Second disclaimer: I have insanely dry skin, so the products I use and tout are ones that have helped me see an actual difference. I usually wash my face with a gentle exfoliator — occasionally using a buffing/exfoliating sponge to remove dry skin (I'm telling you — it's so bad). Three days a week, I wash my face using a pro-collagen cleansing balm followed by facial oil. I can't live without facial oil now. It's changed my life and that's not an exaggeration. After I massage the oil into my face (counterclockwise circles around my eyes), I top it off with pro-collagen cream." — Lauren Kelly, entertainment editor
I was eight months pregnant with my son when I got a frantic call from a nurse at my OB-GYN’s office. “We need you to come in for an ultrasound immediately, and for every week from now on,” she said. Naturally, I panicked and assumed something was wrong with the baby. When I asked why, she told me this: “It’s because you’re 35.”
It’s worth pointing out that I had been 35 for a day. During all of my other doctor’s appointments when I was 34 — including one just two days before the call — everything was great. But suddenly at 35, I was considered a high-risk pregnancy. Turning another year older had shifted me into what’s known as “advanced maternal age,” a term doctors use to describe pregnant women who are 35 or older. I later found out that it’s recommended that women who hit advanced maternal age get additional screenings and testing done than younger moms… even those who are a day under 35.
So I had to go my doctor’s office for weekly ultrasounds from then until I gave birth. Sure, it was fun to see my baby progressing, but it was also kind of a pain to take time off from work each week for testing and doctor’s office visits that really didn’t seem necessary.
I’m not the only woman who has been through this, and I definitely won’t be the last. First birth rates for women in the U.S. who are 35 to 39 years old have dramatically increased since the 1970s according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and they continue to go up. That increase is even higher for women who fall into the 40 to 44 group — their first birth rates have jumped up fourfold from the mid-'80s to 2012. It makes sense: Women are putting off having babies in order to focus on their careers, build a stable lifestyle and find the right partner first.
But know this: You shouldn’t freak out over the idea of having babies past your 35th birthday.
“Many women are having children at age 35 and over, and a pregnancy in your mid- to late-30s shouldn't be a cause for panic,” says Dr. Jennifer Haythe, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center.
It’s not like your fertility falls of a cliff at 35 while your risk of having a baby with birth defects skyrockets. That magic number is based on data that found that 35 was the age when a woman’s risk of having a baby with Down syndrome — 1 in 200 — was equal to her risk of having a miscarriage from amniocentesis, a diagnostic test that takes fluid from the amniotic sac that surrounds and protects the baby to test for chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome.
But Dr. Pari Ghodsi, an OB-GYN, says that the data is old. “This isn’t really true anymore,” she notes. According to the National Down Syndrome Society, a 35-year-old woman’s risk of having a baby with Down syndrome is 1 in 350, and Ghodsi points out that the miscarriage risk with amniocentesis ranges from about 1 in 300 to 1 in 500. (Amniocentesis is also not used as much now as it was in the past since technological advancements now allow doctors to detect Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities with a blood test and ultrasound.)
It’s no secret that fertility declines as you age, but again, it doesn’t magically torpedo once you hit 35. “This decline is directly linked to increasing age in women, and as a result, fertility gradually declines as we get older,” says women’s health expert Dr. Jennifer Wider. All women who fall into the “advanced maternal age” group don’t have the same risk of birth defects, either, she says — the risk slowly goes up as you get older. So a woman who is 40 has a greater risk of having a child with a birth defect than one who is 35. The same is true for miscarriages, Ghodsi says.
If you’re planning to have a child later in life, don’t stress out and assume that your pregnancy and future child is in trouble. While the risk of miscarriage and birth defects does increase with age, every woman and every pregnancy is different. And to maximize your fertility in your 30s, Haythe recommends eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding smoking and taking prenatal vitamins.
Just don’t let the “advanced maternal age” label scare you. Yes, it’s kind of insulting and can make you feel older than you are, but ultimately, it means you’ll have more screening and ultrasounds covered by your insurance.
My husband and I are mulling over the idea of having another baby, and I’m already a little wary of the possibility of being treated like a geriatric patient for nine months. Still, if a healthy baby is the end result, it will be worth it.
It's back-to-school season, and you know what that means: slaving away in the kitchen every single morning to create perfect lunches your kids will actually eat. Right? Wrong.
This year, think smart and buy prepackaged drinks and lunchbox add-ins that your kids will love — and you can grab in a hurry. Even smarter? Buy all the things you need for making lunch in bulk so you don't run out within the first week of school. Fewer trips to the store means more time to tackle your to-do list, and that's always a win. Here are some of our favorites:
As much as I’d like to call myself a skin care addict, I literally can’t remember the last time I got a facial. Sure, facials are an excellent way of sloughing off dead skin, destroying blackheads and combating acne, but there’s something about paying a ton of money for a treatment you need at least every month that I’m just not about. So believe me when I say my little beauty-product obsessed heart sang when I discovered a new game-changing solution: at-home facials.
Nope, these aren’t DIY masks filled with the contents of your refrigerator or hardcore chemical peels that leave your skin red and sensitive for three weeks after. Instead, at-home facials are powerful yet surprisingly gentle formulas loaded with skin-fixing ingredients like brightening and smoothing fruit acids, acne-fighting beta hydroxy acids and dark-spot- and discoloration-fading alpha hydroxy acids. Yes, it all sounds kind of intense, but we promise these acids are nothing like, well, whatever comes to mind when you hear the word “acid.”
Image: ImaxTree
Instead, fruit acids (like papaya and lemon) tend to be the gentlest and most well-tolerated of the acids followed closely by low-percentage BHAs (commonly known as salicylic acid, aka the ingredient you’ve been slathering on your zits since puberty) followed by low-percentage AHAs like lactic acid (the gentlest) and glycolic acid (the most potent). Of course, this is just a super-basic guide, because when it comes down to it, choosing the right acid totally depends not only on your skin type, but what you’re trying to target, the concentration of the acid that you’re using and how you’re using it. (Sound totally overwhelming? Check out our skin care guide to figuring out the exact products to use for your skin type).
But don’t worry, we aren’t suggesting you become an at-home chemist. Instead, we made it as easy as possible for you by rounding up the seven best at-home facials, including Drunk Elephant’s cult-favorite Babyfacial and Beauty Pie’s brand-spanking-new fruit peel, broken down into categories that fit each and every one of your skin care needs. Just layer one on your face at night for a few minutes (make sure to read the instructions — some work in as little as five minutes, while others can chill on your skin for 20 minutes), and let these straight-up miracle workers leave you with a softer, brighter and clearer face by bedtime. See our favorites below.
So you have a kick-ass boss? Congrats — that's not something that comes along every day. When you have a supportive boss who wants nothing more than for you to succeed, you've got to let them know how much you appreciate them.
But choosing a present for a superior can be a little awkward. You want to pick something classy and cool, but you don't want to get them something so over-the-top that your co-workers will think you're a brownnoser. And if you get something too personal, things could get real weird, real quick.
You’ve stocked up on prenatal vitamins and downloaded three pregnancy apps. You know exactly where your little one is from a gestational development perspective — this week she’s the size of a guava and her little features are growing — and you’re planning the nursery where she’ll sleep when she comes home. You’ve been reading so much and collecting tons of advice from friends and family that you feel you’ve covered all the bases and learned about nearly every scenario.
And then you actually have the baby. You immediately realize that there are some really important things that no one told you about and that you are completely unprepared to handle.
Here are some of biggest things you’ll face that no one tells you about.
1. When you're pregnant, everyone dotes on you, but the minute the baby is born you're an old sack of potatoes
It’s not that no one cares about you anymore, but when you were pregnant, people held the door for you and asked how you were feeling and brought you chocolate ice cream and pickles at 3 in the morning. Now, it’s all about the baby. Everyone, including your partner, is obsessed with the baby and all eyes and hands are on her. Meanwhile, you will feel like an injured, emotional mess and it might appear like no one cares. Don’t worry. It’s an adjustment period, and it will level out. People won’t necessarily give you more attention and the baby less, but you’ll feel better about it all with time, and it’s quite possible you’ll end up ogling over the baby more than anyone else.
2. You will cry incessantly at first, & it doesn't mean you have postpartum depression
There is a lot of talk about postpartum depression, and more recently postpartum anxiety. Article after article asks, "Do you have the symptoms?" But what no one tells you is that even if you’re a perfectly normal new mom with no thoughts of suicide or infanticide or depression, you will still be an emotional roller coaster the first few days or weeks because you just had a baby. Your hormones are all over the place, and you’re now responsible for another life, albeit a tiny beautiful little human who bears your genetic code. You will have little to no sleep. You are going to cry. It doesn’t mean you are depressed and need meds or counseling. It means you’re a new parent, and it’s all perfectly normal. Of course, if those feelings continue to be overwhelming after several weeks or if they are coupled with an intense sadness that won’t lift, do seek help.
3. Breastfeeding is hard & might not work (& that's OK)
There is so much advice about pregnancy and birth and even caring for a newborn, but so little preparation about how breastfeeding actually works and how to get started. In fact, most people aren’t told that your supply doesn’t automatically start to flow like the Nile River the moment the baby is born, but rather takes anywhere from days to weeks to come in (longer if you have a C-section).
And babies don’t magically latch and suckle all the time. Often, it takes time for Baby to learn how to feed and for mom to learn how to navigate it all. Sometimes, it doesn’t work at all. Either mom’s supply doesn’t come in enough or at all, the baby can’t latch for any number of reasons, including a tongue tie or the baby’s underdeveloped digestive system just doesn’t agree with the breast milk and thrives on formula, contrary to popular wisdom. The advice that breast is best often glosses over just how hard the process can be, and most new moms are ill-equipped starting out. Take what comes with a grain of salt and a bucket of forgiveness and don’t feel pressured to do what others say. Do what works best for you and your baby.
4. You might not fall in love with your baby right away, & it doesn't mean you don't care
There’s nothing worse than looking at your newborn and feeling like you are more terrified than in love and that society is judging you for not loving your baby more. You are dealing with a barrage of challenges with a brand-new baby, including hormones, expectations, societal pressure, lack of sleep and an endless stream of varying degrees of helpful (or not) advice from friends and family and the internet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and to look at your new baby like it’s a monster of your own creation and you’re not sure what to do with it. You might even vacillate between feeling head over heels and resentful, and it’s all perfectly acceptable. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions, and try to give yourself a break from judgment. With time (and sleep!), you will become more confident in your abilities as a parent and be able to enjoy your little miracle more and more.
5. You will struggle to grasp your sense of self, even if you were the most confident person in the world before the baby
You love a cool glass of pinot and the Sunday paper, catching the latest play and keeping up with your favorite TV shows. Your friends would call you sophisticated, cultured, caring. And now it’s a miracle if you remember to look in the mirror before leaving the house to make sure you don’t have visible spit up on your shirt (because whether you can see it or not, it’s definitely there). You don’t have time for your favorite TV shows, and how can you possibly ever read the paper with a baby on your hip 24/7? Who have you become?
Your sense of self is completely gone. You feel like a human milk machine and bouncy chair for a demanding demon baby who just cries and poops and sleeps in short enough stints to leave you completely drained. Don’t worry! What you’re feeling is completely normal, and you will get your sense of self (and your body) back. The more your baby grows (and sleeps), the more you will feel whole again, and you’ll be able to weave some of your favorite activities back into your life. You’ll also learn how to lean into your new identity as a parent and find new things you enjoy doing with your little one without losing your sense of self.
When we think of back-to-school time, even if we haven’t had to worry about school year schedules in years, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches may come to mind. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw this post from Instagram account @JunkBanter.
Oreos
Oreos
The account is known to leak new cookie flavors from time to time, and it appears that Oreo is coming out with their most interesting flavor yet: PB&J! These cookies appear to be rather sandwichlike golden wafers (rather than the traditional chocolate) with peanut butter and jelly-flavored filling. Yum.
While there have been jelly-flavored Oreos before — like a jelly doughnut variety earlier this year — this is the first time the PB&J concept has been used, and it has the potential to be an instant classic.
These will most likely be exclusive to Kroger stores, where the limited-edition Swedish Fish Oreos were also found last summer, although this intel hasn't been officially confirmed by Oreo as of yet.
Well, you’re not alone. According to a 2015 Gallup survey, half of employees leave their jobs to get away from a bad manager and 41 percent of American workers say they’ve been “psychologically harassed” on the job. Working for a toxic boss can in fact be extremely stressful and has been proven to lead to many types of health problems.
Here are 15 signs that you have a toxic boss.
1. They’re always right
They think they have all the answers. They promote people who validate they’re right and demote people who challenge them.
This is discouraging because it’s usually not based on performance. Their favorite has clear advantages, such as access to resources or benefits that are not made available to others.
3. They take credit for your work
If by chance you have the opportunity to work on an important project and get good results, they will present the findings and take responsibility for the work. Sometimes, you aren’t even allowed in the room.
4. They’re only interested in their own career advancement
They spend a lot of time managing up and sucking up, but they have no time or interest in mentoring you.
They aren’t interested in hearing other people’s opinions and will deliberately shut you down if you speak up.
7. They make inappropriate comments or gestures
Disparaging comments and body language such as eye rolls when you speak can be devastating. They may also demonstrate subtle (or not so subtle) gender bias.
8. They create conflict within the team
They pit one team member against another to create unhealthy competition.
Gossip can be very toxic to a work environment. Be aware if they’re sharing gossip about others. They are most likely spreading rumors about you too.
10. They put people down in public
It’s demoralizing and humiliating to have your boss say something demeaning about you in front of your colleagues or direct reports.
11. They micromanage you
They assign you a project, but then remain constantly involved in every step. They don’t allow you to think on your own or take any action independently.
12. They neglect you
This is the opposite of micromanaging. They don’t have a clue what you’re working on or the effort involved from you or your team.
13. They blame others for their mistakes
They never take responsibility for their failures and are quick to assign the blame to others.
14. They know your emotional triggers & use them to taunt you
This is truly sadistic behavior, but toxic bosses will use any means to have control over others.
They aren’t guided by any one set of principles except their own self-interest. They break the rules for their own personal gain.
As you can see from this list, working with anyone having some or all of these traits is not only damaging to your physical and emotional health, it is devastating to the overall business. One incompetent or narcissistic bad apple can take down a business if allowed to persist.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may prefer to keep things quiet and low-key, but the long-distance couple's actions speak loud and clear: Things are getting more serious by the minute. The latest proof comes by way of yet another transcontinental display of affection — Markle flew to London just ahead of her 36th birthday so she could celebrate with Harry.
According to Hello, Markle made the trip a week prior to her Aug. 4 birthday and was accompanied by her mother, Doria Radlan. Although she managed to go largely unnoticed by the public upon her arrival, her presence in the area became known when she was spotted at Waterloo station in a white blazer.
Of course, there's no official word from Harry's or Markle's camps about the visit or when Markle arrived. As Harry was observed at Google Camp in Sicily earlier in the week, one can assume the couple worked around both of their busy schedules to squeeze in time together.
And, hey, how does the expression go? If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Despite the difficulties inherent with long-distance relationships, Harry and Markle appear to be making the best of it. If the rumored timelines are right, in fact, the couple is likely celebrating (or close to) their one-year anniversary.
Based on subtle but pointed shifts Markle has made over the last year, sources speculate the Suits star could very well be gearing up for a lifetime with her prince. In addition to flying below the radar while not working, she shut down her lifestyle blog, The Tig, and resigned from her role as ambassador to the Canadian clothing company, Reitmans.
At least one "pal" close to the couple claims Harry and Markle will be "engaged by the end of summer." Since Sept. 22 kicks off the autumnal equinox, that means it could be a matter of mere weeks before Harry puts a royal ring on it. Happy birthday to Markle, indeed!
Can't get enough of Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines' gorgeous farmhouse-chic style? Well, here's something to go ahead and get excited about — the Waco home maven just revealed she is currently in the process of putting together a design book.
Although not a total shocker (fans figured this was coming at some point), the timing of the news does come as a bit of a surprise. Lately, Chip and Joanna Gaines have been largely focused on promoting Chip's upcoming memoir, Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff.
Perhaps Joanna was giving Chip the space to get his book completed and through the bulk of the promotional appearances before dropping the news of her own sure-to-be hotly anticipated tome. The Fixer Upper host seemed to suggest she couldn't wait to share the news of the book, which was a long time coming.
In an Instagram post, Joanna shared a sneak peek into the book, saying, "Day 1 of shooting images for my design book! I got so giddy when we captured the first few photos. We have been preparing for this book for so long, and I'm excited to finally see it take shape."
Joanna Gaines Book
Joanna Gaines Book
Joanna went on to explain that the book will be a "deep dive into all things home and design with lots of pretty details." She also posted a short video of herself trying to arrange a plant to get the perfect shot.
Naturally, fans know all of Joanna's hard work will pay off in the most aesthetically pleasing ways. Predictably pumped, they flooded Joanna's Insta with words of encouragement and excitement.
Yes, our best (human) friends make for great exercising buddies, but let's be real — they also ditch out every now again. Whether it's because of a last-minute hot date or a sick kid, our BFFs have canceled a workout appointment with us on more than one occasion. A canine running partner, however, will never let you down.
And we're not talking about small dogs with stubby little legs. They're super-cute, but they can't keep up. If you're looking for a dog that will really motivate you to run faster, you need a breed that's a little more athletic. We rounded up a list of dog breeds that are not only lovable and sweet, but also naturally athletic and thrive with a daily workout (or two).
1. Dalmatian
Image: BilevichOlga/Getty Images
Best for longer and slower runs, the Dalmatian enjoys jogging with his human partner as a means to burn energy. In need of regular exercise, running is not only a healthy activity for this pup, but can create a tight bond between the two of you. An energetic and playful breed, the Dalmatian will look forward to his daily runs.
Originally published January 2014. Updated March 2017.
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2. Greyhound
Image: Westend61/Getty Images
If you're looking to train for a sprint, the greyhound is your breed of choice. The fastest breed on the block, the greyhound is known for his speed and keen eyesight. Another dog that needs an active exercise routine, the greyhound also loves companionship; knowing that he has regular running sessions with his owner will make this pup very happy.
Both active and obedient, the Labrador retriever is not only a great running partner, but a hiking buddy as well. Agile and graceful, he can handle sprints, long-distance runs and busy trails. A lover of company, he will happily tag along on any adventure that his owner wishes to take him on.
Another trail runner, the border collie is known for his athleticism. An intelligent working breed, this dog both needs and enjoys a lot of activity in his life. Best for highly active owners, he will thrive with a family that can provide him with vigorous exercise and running.
Like the border collie, the coonhound needs a lot of activity in his life to remain happy. Bred as a working dog and hunter, this dog enjoys not only following a scent, but running after it. A strong pup, the coonhound will need a running partner that can keep up with his agile abilities.
The English setter loves a fast-paced and shorter run. Intelligent and filled with endurance, this breed was also bred as a hunter. A great candidate for a running partner, the English setter can look for mischief without enough activity. With exercise, he will become a gentleman in the home and a wonderful family pet.
Not only does the German shepherd make a good running partner, he doesn't mind jogging out in the cold. Obedient and loyal, he'll love you for life if you give him the task of becoming your exercise buddy. An obedient breed, the German shepherd is sure to follow you on whatever path you choose to go.
The opposite of the German shepherd, the vizsla does well running in hotter climates. Great for longer and speedier runs, this pup has the energy to keep up with even the fastest of runners. Quiet by nature, you won't hear a peep (or bark) of complaint as he trails next to you. Just beware for a cuddle session afterwards, as the vizsla is an extremely affectionate breed.
Also a lover of distance runs, the Jack Russell terrier has the stamina to run for miles. A very athletic dog, this pup has a high amount of energy that he loves to burn. In need of obedience training, it would be best to teach him the ropes to ensure he stays on track and focused.
Steady and fast, the Weimaraner is one of the best breeds for running. Known for his ability to go long distances at great speed, this dog is strong and energetic. Also very intelligent, the Weimaraner will pick up your run schedule with ease.
Originally published December 2013. Updated August 2017.
Having just welcomed a new baby boy in early July, you might think Derick Dillard would have much more to focus on than hate-tweeting. Or that as a father, he would be filled with empathy toward children. Instead, Dillard has taken to social media to bully 16-year-old transgender TLC star Jazz Jennings.
Although the Duggars often court controversy, Dillard has attracted more than usual lately. Last week, fans took him to task for not doting on his wife, Jill (formerly Duggar) Dillard following the July C-section that brought their new son, Samuel, into the world.
Instead of keeping a low profile following that debacle, Dillard decided to target Jennings — and the TLC network — for producing the reality series, I Am Jazz.
Derick Dillard
Derick Dillard
"What an oxymoron... a 'reality' show which follows a non-reality. 'Transgender' is a myth. Gender is not fluid; it's ordained by God," Dillard wrote.
Of course, this isn't the first time the Duggar family has come under fire for pontificating about exclusion. The LGBTQ community in particular has been the source of many of the family's most toxic rants, but this may be the first time someone in the Duggar camp has openly singled out a teenager.
The internet was quick to point out how problematic such cyberbullying is — not to mention how hypocritical it is coming from the Duggar family, who (a) is profiting from the very network they say clashes with their personal beliefs and (b) contains a known pedophile and adulterer.
At the time this article was published, neither Jennings nor TLC have responded to Dillard's tweet.
Missing your period once — let alone for an extended period of time — is rarely considered a good thing by doctors unless you’re hoping to get pregnant.
The “normal” reproductive process is often altered by a variety of negative factors, including stress, rapid or sudden weight loss and polycystic ovary syndrome.
But recently, some vegan and clean-eating bloggers have been uploading blog posts with the claim that changing one’s diet in order to achieve a lighter or nonexistent period is a healthy option for people who menstruate.
“Many girls who lose their period often worry and try numerous things to get it back,” says Miliany Bonet of the popular blog RawVeganLiving in one of her viral blog posts titled "Is Losing Your Period a Sign That Your Body is Healthy & Clean?" In the post, Bonet goes on to imply that most of what people are taught about menstrual cycles are entirely inaccurate and that society has wrongly marketed menstruation as a healthy occurrence.
When Broadly interviewed Bonet for a profile on vegan bloggers who believe in changing their diet to alter the menstrual cycle, she further emphasized her strong beliefs against society’s views on menstruation.
“The industry has done a great job of brainwashing too many women into thinking that if they do not get their periods on a monthly basis, that something is wrong with their body and hormones,” says Bonet.
Back in 2012, vlogger Freelee the Banana Girl released a controversial YouTube video called “How I lost my period on a RAW VEGAN Diet,” in which she expresses her belief that menstruation indicates toxicity leaving the body. In her own words, “A lot of people are having these heavy, heavy periods and painful periods because they have a toxic body or have a toxic diet.”
But experts insist that heavy periods are not a result of any sort of toxicity in the body, but rather potential signs of more common causes such as infections, endometriosis or an IUD.
Lauren Streicher, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, told Shape magazine, “There is no scientific basis to the idea that a period indicates the body is shedding toxins.”
Experts agree that diet can definitely affect menstruation, particularly a diet that is low-calorie or vegan might reduce flow. In comments reported by HelloGiggles, women’s health expert Dr. Jennifer Wider states, “Increased fruit, vegetable, and water consumption can… regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms of PMS.”
But the complete absence of a normal period — amenorrhea — is something that ought to be addressed by a doctor, as it might be a sign that something is seriously wrong with the body.
Hot on the heels of her husband's impressive showing at the 2017 Stanley Cups, Carrie Underwood is proving once more that she'll always be Mike Fisher's No. 1 fan. In a touching tribute, the country superstar took to Instagram to express her pride and support following Fisher's surprise retirement.
On Thursday, Aug. 3, The Tennessean newspaper published a heartfelt letter by Fisher, who is the captain of the Nashville Predators' hockey team. In it, the 37-year-old explained that hanging up his skates was by no means an easy call.
"This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but I know I've made the right one. I've decided to retire from the NHL. I kept praying for peace about the next step in my life. A peace that said, 'this is God's will for your future. A peace that said whether or not this was the right time to walk away," Fisher shared.
"I don't believe it came in a single instance or some aha moment, but as time passed, I gradually became certain that it was right for me to retire," he continued. "I believe God gave me the ability to play hockey, and I was helped by dozens of individuals along the way, so it's not just up to me on when it's time to say goodbye."
Ultimately, Fisher feels good about the decision to move on, noting that he is "looking forward to a future that includes a lot more time with [his] family." Underwood, who was a constant (and outspoken!) presence at Fisher's games, seems pretty stoked about that part too.
Carrie Underwood Mike Fisher
Carrie Underwood Mike Fisher
In response to the news breaking, she posted a photo of Fisher during a game, saying, "Captain @mfisher1212, I sure am going to miss watching you play and cheering you on with the rest of Smashville, but I so look forward to seeing what God has in store for you in this next chapter of your life."
She went on to applaud the effort he always gives on the rink — and off.
"Isaiah and I love you so much and are so excited to be able to have you home a lot more," she gushed. "We can't wait to cheer on the @predsnhl WITH you in the stands!"
John Legend has a very sweet tour manager: his 16-month-old daughter, Luna.
Legend's family continues to melt us like a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. When the singer headed off on his 53-city Darkness and Light tour in May, there was no way he was going without wife Chrissy Teigen and their toddler, Luna.
Teigen, a superstar in her own right, recently spoke in depth to Us Weekly about going on tour with Luna in tow.
"[W]e never thought of not bringing her with us," she said. "In each city we try and get an AirBnb, so we can cook and have a normal life."
(For the record, Legend and Teigen's Airbnb rentals are not exactly what we'd call "normal life," with price tags of up to $10,000 a night, like this posh place where the family stayed in Kansas City. But hey, we're just mortals. What do we know? And the larger point she's making is well-taken.)
Tour life suits Luna, who loves to be on the go according to Teigen.
"We’re always on the bus. Luna loves her car seat. She points at everything like, 'Trees!' That leaves us to take a breather," Teigen said. "It’s a lot of watching movies and bingeing Handmaid’s Tale."
Like a lot of other toddlers, though, Luna could do without the air travel (and like a lot of us parents, it sounds like Legend and Teigen could do without that part too):
"We try to avoid [flying]. She just did a long flight from Bali and nailed it — on the way home. On the way there, I was going to have a panic attack. Before I had kids, I was hyperaware of them crying. So I feel like I know when it’s too loud. I get up and apologize. But kids are going to be kids. They’re going to scream. I’m never going to be the parent pretending my kid is not doing that."
Teigen also noted that Luna needs her essentials to travel well. "Basically if she has her ba-ba and her lovey that goes over her face when she sleeps, she’s set. She has her colors book, her animal faces book, her Sesame Street bath time book."
Luna loves Sesame Street, but she's less of a fan of loud concert halls and stadiums. Mom and daughter don't watch from the wings because Luna gets overwhelmed.
"We tend to stay in the soundboard," Teigen said. "And it’s also bedtime — she’s only seen a few shows."
Being on tour as a family has also served as an opportunity to explore all sorts of "local aquariums, education centers and museums." Judging from this adorable family pic from Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, which Teigen posted on Instagram, Luna is loving all the family adventures.
Luna zoo
Luna zoo
She added, "She’s still so young but I want to go! I drag her around. It’s fun to look up activities or tweet and ask for things to do. I get great answers!"
Welp, they've done it again — Property Brothers' Drew and Jonathan Scott have given us all yet another reason to fangirl over the super-talented (and sweet) siblings by throwing their parents a surprise vow renewal ceremony... in Scotland!
Prepare to feel all the feels, because the photos are sure to give you a major case of heart-eye emoji.
According to People, the festive family affair was the brainchild of the twins and their older brother-slash-sometimes-guest-star J.D. The siblings' parents, Jim and Joanne, were celebrating their impressive 51st wedding anniversary.
And what better way to recommit to their love than by flying the whole fam to Scotland for a kilt-filled vacay? The location holds significance for the family, as Jim was born there and several family members still call the country home.
It appears the HGTV stars planned the once-in-a-lifetime getaway because their parents never officially had a ceremony. "They had originally eloped, so they never had a real wedding," Jonathan explained recently during a Facebook Live stream. "So after 50 years of marriage, this August we're going to Scotland and we're going to renew their vows."
Say it with me now: "Awwwwwwww!"
Held at the ruins of St. Kentigern's Church, the intimate ceremony was attended by the happy couple and their sons, of course, as well as Drew's fiancée Linda Phan, Jonathan's longtime love Jacinta Kuznetsov and J.D.'s girlfriend Annalee Belle.
Want to hear something that will melt your heart even more? In its former glory, the site where the Scotts renewed their vows was the same sacred land upon which real-life "Braveheart" William Wallace married his wife, Marion Braidfute.
On a hot summer night in 1967, racial tensions that had long been simmering in the Midwest urban center of Detroit came to an explosive head, resulting in days of riots and leaving dozens dead. Detroit, the new historical thriller by Kathryn Bigelow, examines these days of violence and police brutality through the lens of the Algiers Motel incident. No movie can capture the full scope of the 12th Street riot and the long history of racism, harassment and police violence that led up to it, and we can pretty much guarantee your whitewashed history books never talked about it — so we're going to fill you in on the details of that night and the nights before and after it.
Warning: This history may be disturbing to read and there will also be mild spoilers about the film as a result.
Detroit trailer
Detroit trailer
1. Tensions were already high between the black population & police
Despite being held up as the "model for police-community relations" by the Department of Justice, that kumbaya feeling did not extend to the black community. According to historian Sidney Fine in his book Violence in the Model City, the Detroit PD was 93 percent white compared to a general population that was 30 percent black; 45 percent of the white cops working in black neighborhoods were "extremely anti-Negro" and an additional 34 percent were "prejudiced." Groups of black men were frequently stopped, frisked and arrested if they didn't have ID. Black women complained of being accused of prostitution for simply walking down the street. A few weeks before the riots, a black prostitute was found shot to death, and while police blamed her pimp, rumors spread police had killed her.
2. What should've been a celebration became the 12th Street riot
In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 23, 1967, police raided an unlicensed after-hours bar in the Near West Side of Detroit. Expecting to find a few patrons, they were instead confronted by 82 black men celebrating the return of two GIs from Vietnam. As police began to detain all of them, a large crowd of onlookers gathered and tensioned finally boiled over.
As Suzanne E. Smith explained in her book Dancing in the Street, blacks felt that raids by white police on after-hours social clubs were racially motivated since there was still so much discrimination at Detroit bars and restaurants.
3. Police killed a 4-year-old little girl
Five days of violent civil unrest left 43 dead, almost 1,200 injured, over 2,000 buildings destroyed and led to over 7,200 arrests. Twenty-four of the black victims were verified to have been shot by store owners or security guards. Four-year-old Tanya Blanding's body was found riddled with bullets after the National Guard fired a machine gun into her apartment building, mistaking her uncle's cigarette lighter for a sniper. Three black teenagers — Carl Cooper, 17, Fred Temple, 18, and Aubrey Pollard, 19 — were killed in the Algiers Motel incident upon which Detroit is based.
4. The victims of the Algiers Motel incident never saw justice
The death of Carl Cooper was never fully explained by police, and no arrests were made. The National Guard, state troopers and Detroit police on the scene all denied being the first in the building, and Detroit PD Officers David Senak, Ronald August, and Robert Paille (whose names were changed in the movie) initially tried to pin the killing on the hotel's other occupants.
Black security guard Melvin Dismukes was charged and tried in the assaults before any of the white police and was acquitted.
August admitted to killing Aubrey Pollard, claiming self-defense, and Paille said he killed Fred Temple in self-defense after the others were allowed to leave the hotel. A pathologist hired by the Detroit Free Press disputed this, concluding that all three men had been shot twice at close range from behind while lying down or sitting. Pollard had wounds on the backs of his forearms, indicating they were held up in surrender. Nine other people were allegedly beaten and tortured by police, seven black men and two white women.
None of the deaths were reported to the Detroit Police Homicide Bureau as required. While one officer was brought up on murder charges and all faced conspiracy charges, all were acquitted by their all-white juries. The Pollard and Temple families later filed lawsuits against the officers and received paltry settlements of $62,500 each.
