I've said it before and I’ll say it again: My hair sucks. I mean, after I mask it, wash it, blot it, heatproof it, blow-dry it, straighten it, curl it, spray it, Powder Play it and then tousle it with no fewer than three products, it’s fine. Good, even. But anything short of that, and it’s a limp, thin, probably greasy mess that looks blah. And if I dare skip Powder Play — my absolutely favorite volumizing product ever — my hair mostly just lies there, flat against my head.

More: Gorgeous Summer Hairstyles That Hide Frizzy Hair

But this isn’t about my love for Powder Play — not this time, anyway. This is about the new trick I taught myself one awful morning while in a zombie-like stupor after spending the night tending to my 1-year-old nephew who thought crying every half-hour on the half-hour was a joint idea of a good time. (Side note: Every single new-ish parent deserves an award just for showing up to work.)

In any case, I got myself up and showered, and in my haste/Twilight Zone-like daze, I sprayed my texturizing spray — you know, the step that usually comes after your hair’s dry — on my damp hair. I immediately sulked. My morning was already shot, so could stringy, piece-y hair really make it that much worse? But when I was done blow-drying my hair, it was already perfectly beachy in that I-just-got-out-of-the-ocean-and-it-totally-dried-like-this way, no additional product cocktailing needed.

Honestly, I chalked it up to some higher power — it must have known that a bad hair day would just sink me into a depression at that point — so it blessed me with gorgeous, tousled, easy beach waves. So I tested it again the next morning when I was better-rested, and yep, it was true. A little spritz of texturizing spray — I vacillate between Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and IGK Beach Club Texture Spray — on towel-dried hair lends itself to a texturized-but-not-crunchy vibe that can be hard to get if it’s your last step. Three weeks later, it still works like a charm, and I’ve tested it with a few shampoo-conditioner combos since. It seems my hair takes to it best when I use Sachajuan Ocean Mist Shampoo with Grown Alchemist Volumizing Conditioner or Kristin Ess’s Signature Conditioner.

And if you’re really committed to the beachy look — hey, it is summer — skip the round brush and rough-dry it with just your fingers. Finish with a little cream or oil on the ends for some dimension (I like Sachajuan Finish Cream or Ouai Hair Oil). Good hair days ahead, people.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

I’ve always been fascinated by nakedness and how I feel in the nude. I never felt like my body should be shielded or hidden away from the public eye.

That feeling drove me to pose as a nude model for my small college’s drawing class, and my final thesis for my photography degree included a series of nude images of myself. I’m always the first person to suggest skinny-dipping. This isn’t to say that being nude is always comfortable. Being without clothes is vulnerable — it can be terrifying. However, shedding those drapes of cloth and material always feels right for me once the first sock slips off.

Recently, I joined a Facebook group with a few hundred members. On the private page, strangers, peers and friends all share nude photos, videos and stories about their sex tales and adventures. I was immediately smitten. “These were my people,” I thought as I endlessly scrolled through the posts filled with soft skin and lacy lingerie.

More: 45 quotes on body image that aren't cheesy and will actually help

Though this wasn’t my first introduction to sharing nude photos with strangers. Ever since dabbling in webcamming and online sex work, I began to see the benefits of sharing photos of myself with people who would never actually touch or meet me. It was empowering.

While many people might find nude photos desperate, sad or shameful, I felt the complete opposite. Publicly publishing photos of my body gave me incredible confidence in a way that no partner had ever given me in the past. While I don’t require validation from another human to love my body, I do enjoy the freedom it gives me to know that my skin is floating aimlessly on the internet. I looked at my body in a new light. Sharing these images helped me admire my curves, my hip dips, the way my thighs met when I bent forward, the tattoos I might regret one day.

In 2016, Kim Kardashian posted a nude photo of herself on her Instagram account. I felt that the backlash from other celebrities like Bette Midler and Piers Morgan was disrespectful and harsh. Because the truth is that regardless of your opinions of the reality star, celebrating her body shouldn’t be met with criticism and judgment. The fact that one takes the camera into their own hands to capture nudity shouldn’t be met with heightened criticism when posing for professional nude photographs is seen as artful and classy.

Having the power to press publish and to curate what parts of me are exposed initiated a new form of self-confidence that I had never experienced in the past. The low-fi photos from my iPhone made me notice perfections that I didn’t know existed. The way the curve of my back met with my buttocks, the small of my back and the thickness in my arms.

Performing live on camera made me see areas of my body that normally weren’t in my view — I was seeing myself as a sexual object, yes. But I was taking that objectification and utilizing it for my own positivity. Even when I didn’t need the money from strangers online anymore, I found myself missing being in front of the camera. I found that being nude for strangers was just something that I simply enjoyed. It wasn’t about money or orgasms. Instead, it was about me being turned on by my own body. Self-absorption, narcissism, whatever you want to label it is something that I fell deep into. It helped me really see myself in the light and for who I truly was. I didn’t care who was admiring me on the other side or what they had to say. The strangers weren’t players in this monopoly that I had created for body-positive outlook.

More: Lammily hits the beach and reminds us to love our bodies

I don’t post my photos online for strangers to find me lovable. I find myself lovable on my own. My relationship to my body is constantly changing, as it evolves year after year, and taking nude photos aided in reclaiming my sexual agency. My control over the angle, the filter, the clothing or lack there of made me the photographer and the subject. Taking nude photos, even if they are for myself, became a crucial part of sexualizing myself in a healthy and beneficial way.

More important, I was putting myself first. I wasn’t thinking about family or friends and how they might perceive my nude photos. My choice to publicly put myself on the internet for all to see was and still is exhilarating.

I’m still naked a lot. On Fridays, I nude-model for a drawing class on the north side of the city. My phone is still filled with dates and memories of my body — the shade of my skin altering shades from season to season. I’m still a part of the summer Facebook group where we all hit likes and hearts and leave comments on each other's nudes. It’s a safe space away from cis-men and judgmental onlookers. I have my nude community and I have myself.

More: Girls star Zosia Mamet reveals how her mother influenced her body image

While not everyone finds sexuality empowering, it’s my method of choice. And as a supportive community, we should empower people to move freely through whatever avenue they choose to travel through. Loving yourself comes in all shapes and forms. Mine comes in the shape of a front-facing camera with few clothes on and my signature fishnets. Head tilted, hair down and powerful.

By S. Nicole Lane

Originally published on HelloFlo.

My two preschoolers are an endless source of unexpected questions and comments — from "What does someone’s spirit look like?" to “Isn’t it hard work having two children?”

“Sure,” I replied to the latter.

“But you accidentally had us," she continued, "because you didn’t now how hard it was?” Oh boy.

Then there was the time my son told me he was scared of the squirrels we saw on our walk. I assured him he didn’t need to be afraid of our bushy-tailed neighbors. Then for the rest of the walk, I could hear him repeating safety mantras from his stroller: “Squirrels are not going to catch me... Squirrels are not going to set a fire.”

Explaining why one doesn’t need to fear tiny rodent arsonists is not what I imagined when I pictured motherhood. But I’m glad it’s my reality. Below, eight other moms share how their own daily conversations have changed for the weirder — and often better — since having kids.

Writer Adele Oliveira says the her 3-year-old daughter is really into dinosaurs… and their mortality. “[She’s] obsessed with the fact that all dinosaurs are dead and will often sing songs about the ‘asteroid that hit the Earth,’” says Oliveira. “I don't know how many times and different ways I've tried to answer the question, ‘but Mommy, why did all the dinosaurs die?’” What? You never thought much about the demise of dinosaurs in your old life? Well, welcome to your new course in prehistoric reptiles — taught by a toddler.

Blogger Amy Lerner asks for a definition of “weird.” “It’s been 10-plus years since I've had a normal conversation with my husband,” she says of post-kid communication. “I don't know what's weird anymore.” Sometimes, it’s not what you talk about, but what you don’t talk about.

Of course, many parents can attest to the awkward chore that is constantly explaining what is and isn't socially acceptable to do with one’s genitals. Writer Kristi Pahr says her main topic of conversation these days is "why it's inappropriate to touch your penis at the dinner table.”

“My 2-year-old has a lot of questions about ghosts and where they go,” says writer Danielle Dreger-Babbitt. “I also never imagined that I would memorize the dialogue from Cars.” That’s a lot of talk about a couple of totally unrelated topics: spooky spirits and animated vehicles. (Or are they unrelated? We'll have to ask Dreger-Babbitt’s kid about that.)

Writer Emily Popek brings up another one many parents know and love: excrement. “SO. MUCH. POOP. TALK," she says. But seriously, why are kids so obsessed with this?

Parenting blogger Shannon Brescher Shea can commiserate. “My son picked up one of his favorite songs from the other preschool kids: ‘La la la la poo poo.’ And my brother-in-law taught him the chorus from the South Park 'Poo-Choo Train' song. (Thankfully, none of the verses though.)” When her son isn’t singing about the poo-choo train, he’s chatting about actual trains. “Not the technical details — my son is only 4 — but the idea of trains in general,” she clarifies. “Going in and out of stations, freight trains vs. the subway, and on and on.” Scintillating!

“I just signed up for a monster truck rally email list,” blogger Liz Moorhead admits, sending along a cry-face emoji to emphasize her point. And as if that weren’t bad enough, she’s also been forced to answer the age-old question “Why do we have boogers?” Because we just do, kids. That's why.

But perhaps the most unique of all: "My 4-year-old son is obsessed with mollusks — especially the octopus,” shares writer Grace Per Lee. “I have learned so much about them. Did you know the female octopus stops eating after she lays her eggs, then dies once they've hatched? Talk about a martyr mom.” Although, succumbing to endless discussions of the life cycles of mollusks is another form of martyrdom for sure.

Those who understand the scientific facts of climate change understand how dire the situation is. But does it hit home for us as much as it does for Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau?

More: Kit Harington Gives the Ultimate Dragon Impression on the Set of GoT

The actor, who plays Jaime Lannister, recently wrote an op-ed for CNN in which he essentially pleads for a better understanding from everyone, using facts that affect him and his family from their home in Greenland. Coster-Waldau explained the real-world effects of his wife’s homeland, where they have two children.

“In the considerable time I have spent there, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of rising temperatures on the delicate ecosystem of the world’s largest island,” he wrote. “In Game of Thrones...… one of the many stunning visual images on regular display is an overwhelmingly massive wall of ice. I know all too well that, were Game of Thrones a nonfiction world, that wall of ice would be seriously imperiled by climate change.”

More: Game of Thrones' Daenerys & Jon Snow Totally Got Their Eye-Flirt On

While it’s fairly poetic for Coster-Waldau to compare the real-world problems of global warming to his work, it’s sad that comparisons can be made in the first place. He further explained that Greenland is almost 80 percent covered in an ice sheet. If temperatures continue to rise, that ice sheet will continue to melt, resulting in a sea level rise of at least 20 feet around the world. To bring it back home, many parts of New York, Miami and New Orleans would be completely submerged at that level.

More: Will the HBO Hack Reveal More Walking Dead Easter Eggs in Game of Thrones?

Coster-Waldau hasn’t lost hope, though. The successful actor is also an ambassador for the United Nations Development Program and has worked on implementing a set of 17 sustainable development goals, which are plans to stop climate change in its tracks.

So, while some might not be fans of Jaime Lannister for many reasons, there are more reasons to be a fan of Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and help him instill ideas for real change into the minds of many across the world.

My friends and I took bets tonight on how many deaths there would be out of the seven major characters who went beyond the Wall.

I guessed six. Only Jon would survive.

More: Game of Thrones' Daenerys & Jon Snow Totally Got Their Eye-Flirt On

I was preparing myself for the worst because I knew this episode tonight was going to be catastrophic.

It was. It was catastrophic, but in an even more terrible way than I could have imagined.

WARNING: Do not continue reading unless you've seen Game of Thrones Season 7 Episode 6, "Beyond the Wall."

I've been prepping myself for a dragon death since that dragon crossbow was unveiled. But the horror of the dragon not only dying but then being reborn as a walker was enough to bring me to tears and then make me feel like I was going to lose my dinner within a matter of minutes.

The horror I feel cannot be described. And the horror is only going to continue, because now the White Walkers have a dragon. And the pain will only continue, because you know Daenerys is going to see it. And we have to see it. And we now know the dragons are not even a little bit safe.

More: Will the HBO Hack Reveal More Walking Dead Easter Eggs in Game of Thrones?

Thankfully, I have Twitter to help share my grief. Let these tweets help you laugh through the tears.

RIP Viserion. Although, by next season, we'll probably all be rooting for his death — again — since he'll probably be breathing ice over all of our heroes. FML.

Do you agree that this was the most depressing episode of Game of Thrones yet?

Kim Kardashian West will be taking a short break from reality TV and stepping into some familiar co-hosting duties on Live! With Kelly & Ryan on Aug. 28.

More: 12 Things to Know About Kelly Ripa's Gorgeous Daughter, Lola Consuelos

The show has undergone a lot of co-host changes, from Regis Philbin to Michael Strahan and now Ryan Seacrest. The most recent change was born out of some drama when Strahan took another job with Good Morning America behind Kelly Ripa’s back.

That’s not to say that Seacrest is just a replacement, but there was plenty of co-host competition that came through before him — 67, to be exact. Kim Kardashian West was even one of them!

More: Kelly Ripa Makes Huge Announcement About Ryan Seacrest's Future

In 2012, Kardashian West co-hosted with Ripa for one day, and now she’s coming back to sit in for her on Live! While she’s in the hosting chair, she and Seacrest will sit down with Eric Dane and country singer Kellie Pickler, and she’ll also chat about the upcoming season of her new show with E!, which she co-created with Seacrest. It will be another reality show, so co-hosting talk shows doesn’t look like it’s her next career path. She’s also reported to drop some hints about the upcoming season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which is still going strong.

More: Kelly Ripa's Upcoming Vacation Fuels Rumors of Feud with Ryan Seacrest

Despite all the host drama on Live! with Kelly, Seacrest and Ripa finally found each other. “I hosted earlier this year and every time you’re in the seat, you’re thinking, ‘Gosh, if this ever works out, then this is the audition tape,’” Seacrest told People before he was chosen for the show. “I would watch the other co-hosts and be like, ‘Darn it, they’re really good. Maybe everyone can do my job.'”

While this most likely isn’t an audition for Kim Kardashian West, it’ll be an exciting co-host opportunity for her.

The Kanye/Jay-Z feud recently reached a new level when Kanye brought Jay’s wife, Beyoncé, and their daughter Blue into the mix. Jay-Z finally spoke up about it, and what can be said about the feud in conjunction with his new album, 4:44.

More: Jay-Z Raps About Cheating On Beyoncé & 'Becky With the Good Hair'

In a recent interview on the podcast Rap Radar, hosts Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller asked about Jay’s song “Kill Jay Z,” which has brought up a lot of speculation as to who could be speaking, or who is being spoken about. “It’s not even about a Kanye diss,” said Jay. “It’s not a diss. I’m talking to myself the whole time.” The question came up mostly because it features the lyrics, “I know people backstab you, I feel bad too / But this ‘F**k everybody’ attitude ain’t natural / But you ain’t the same, this ain’t KumbaYe / But you got hurt because you did cool by ’Ye / You gave him 20 million without blinkin’ / He gave you 20 minutes on stage, f**k was he thinkin’? / ‘F**k wrong with everybody?’ is what you sayin’ / But if everybody’s crazy, you’re the one that’s insane.”

More: Jay-Z Shares With the World That His Mom Is a Lesbian

Those lyrics could be seen in a lot of different ways. The rapper’s clarification definitely sheds light on the truth behind the feud though. It reveals a lot about what he thinks of his fellow rappers and world-runners, Kanye West specifically. But Jay makes it clear that this isn’t meant to be a diss track about Kanye, and instead about himself. Does the self-deprecation lend itself to fault or blame for the feud? And does it have anything to do with Kanye’s words before his hospitalization?

“The whole point is, ‘You got hurt because this person was talking about you on a stage,’” started Jay. “But what really hurt me was, you can’t bring my kid or my wife into it. Kanye’s my little brother. He’s talked about me 100 times. He made a song called ‘Big Brother.’ We’ve gotten through bigger issues. But you brought my family into it, now it’s a problem with me. That’s a real, real problem. And he knows it’s a problem.”

More: This is What the World's First Beyoncé and Jay-Z Themed Restaurant Looks Like

There hasn’t been a response from Kanye yet, but such a personal attack would deem a bigger conversation. Whether that conversation will be available to the public is yet to be seen, but there’s a lot of work to do with this relationship.

"Hey, do you have a minute? There’s something I need to talk to you about."

You’ve just received a text, call or email from someone you care about letting you know they’ve been diagnosed with an illness. Once the initial shock has settled in, your next instinct is most likely going to be to drop everything and run to them, give them a hug and tell them everything is going to be all right, but there’s a catch; you don’t know if that’s really what they want to hear or if it’s even true.

Here’s what you should know: Your friend is most likely scared shitless about what a diagnosis means to their day-to-day and how they are going to live a life that will also now include numerous trips to doctors, waiting rooms and hospitals. Most people believe that you need to physically be present in order to be helpful, but the truth of the matter is sometimes your friend will want nothing more than to be left alone. Rather than running to be by their side, here are some ideas for items and services they will actually need and will be super-grateful to have received; and they will appreciate having a friend in their lives that is thoughtful and resourceful.

More: Having Breast Cancer at 32 Put Me In Control of My Body

Give ‘em something to binge on

If your friend has been diagnosed with something that will require a lengthy treatment or a long recovery time, there’s a good chance they will be spending a lot of time inside. Like, a lot. Streaming service to the rescue! You can gift a Netflix subscription pretty easily these days via Amazon or find gift cards at most Target stores. They can invite you over to binge on their favorite or maybe they can just rest with their TV friends. Clear eyes, full hearts, keep streaming.

Your food’s here

Most people think a home-cooked meal is just what the doctor ordered, but if your friend is going through an illness that requires a medication like chemotherapy, it’s likely their tastes will change and they will have aversions to many foods. So before you break out the sheet pan to cook a lasagna the size of your head, consider a delivery service.

While meal subscription deliveries are a nice idea, your friend will likely be too tired to lift the box it comes in, much less chop an onion. Most cities throughout the U.S. now have options like Postmates or Instacart, where your friend can order from a myriad of restaurants that will fit their food cravings, and the best part: No dishes required!

More: Why Losing Your Hair During Chemo May Soon Be a Thing of the Past

Transportation gift card

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but we are all super-busy these days. From work responsibilities to whatever activities your child might be involved in, there’s barely time to shuttle yourself to and from work, let alone carve out three hours to bring your friend to their numerous doctors appointments and follow-ups, although you will want to.

News flash: Your friend knows this and will most likely feel bad asking for assistance. Rather than everyone feeling guilty about it, why not gift your friend a ride-sharing service. Lyft gift cards do not expire, and you can set the amount you want to give, so if your friend has one surgeon uptown and one downtown, they’re covered, and you know they will always have a ride.

*Knock, knock* Housekeeping!

Let’s be honest here: No one likes to clean. It doesn’t matter if you have a 450-square-foot studio or a three-bedroom house; chasing dust bunnies and folding laundry is usually last on our list of things to do. Add a medical complication on top of that and that vacuum is not going to be touched for quite some time. A quick online geo search will pull up several housekeeping services that you can give to someone. These services can bring everything needed to tidy up your friend’s house, allowing them to focus only on getting better, which can be a full-time job in itself.

More: 5 Ways to Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Self-Care

This is a Job for the Babysitter’s Club!

In news that is shocking to no one: Having children in any city or town is expensive. The simple task of going out for dinner can add at least another $50 onto your night out (if not more) when you factor in having a babysitter that you trust staying with your children.

While dealing with an illness is nowhere near as relaxing as a night out on the town, your friend will still need someone to look after their children. Waiting rooms are typically soulless places, void of children’s entertainment, so it’s best they leave the kids at home. If your friend already has someone they trust, why not reach out and let them know that you’ll be footing their bill for a while? If they don’t, reach out to your network and see who the beloved teen on the block is. Your friend will be relieved that this is one to-do they can check off their never-ending list.

The bottom line is that we cannot be everywhere at once, even though we want to be. Helping a friend navigate an illness doesn’t always mean being by their side 24 hours a day. A simple gesture or giving a service that will make their life easier in this scary time will always be appreciated and welcomed; it’s always comforting to know they aren’t alone.

The alarm clock rings, and you hit snooze. You roll back over and try to eke out five more minutes of sleep before the familiar beep-beep-beep starts blaring again, interrupting your REM cycle for good. The rest of the morning flies by in a blur as you hastily try to get dressed, feed your family and get out the door before you're officially late to work.

And every morning as you flurry through the a.m. hours like a whirling dervish, you think to yourself, "There's gotta be a better way."

Well, there's no time like the present to take action. By making a few simple tweaks to your morning routine, you can start every day off on the right foot. Give 'em a try if you're ready to reclaim your morning sanity and actually feel joyful about the day to come.

1. Map out your morning menu

It's terribly tempting when you're running around trying to get ready in the morning to skip breakfast altogether, especially if you hadn't put any prior thought into what you would eat. However, we all know by now that breakfast is brain food, right? Besides, sliding right past breakfast isn't even an option if you have kids — tiny tummies wake up hungry, and they naturally all want something different to eat. By making note of what you (and your family members) will be eating each morning, it eliminates the chaos that comes with trying to throw something together at the last minute.

More: 5 Ways to Keep Your Hectic Life Organized

2. Steer clear of your cellphone

Also on the forbidden list: your laptop, tablet or any other tools and toys. It's no secret that social media is a giant time-sucker, but tethering yourself to any technology in the morning eats away at minutes you could be spending in more productive ways. Remove it from the equation and you may be surprised at how much time you free up — enough, let's say, to wash and style your hair before heading to work.

3. Make a checklist

It's one thing to make mental notes of what you need to accomplish. It's another thing altogether to have a physical list staring you in the face, practically begging for you to check off its items. The sheer satisfaction you'll get from making it down the entire column of tasks should be incentive enough to keep your morning cruising down the right track.

More: 25 Sweet Quotes That Celebrate the Magic of Motherhood

4. Pre-pack your lunch

Do you see a pattern forming? Meal planning makes life easier. It just does. If you wait until the eleventh hour to pack your lunch, you're leaving a lot to chance — that you won't feel too rushed to grab something, that you won't forget, that you'll pack something relatively healthy... you get the gist. When you front-load your time and forethought into packing your lunch the night before, you can breeze through the morning with the peace of mind that something yummy is waiting for you in the fridge.

5. Plan your daily pick-me-ups

If you're anything like me, you need a little sumthin' to look forward to in order to get through the day. It doesn't have to be a huge deal, just something simple that keeps you motivated enough to keep pushing — and it's gotta be a treat that doesn't take a lot of morning prep time. If you chill a bottle of iced tea (like NESTEA's yummy peach-flavored tea) and pop it in your bag to sip midday, you'll be gifted with a nice little mood lift that takes zero effort.

6. Utilize double-duty products

This doesn't mean to go out and stock up on mega-bottles of shampoo-plus-conditioner hybrids (unless you've found one that doesn't weigh down hair, in which case you should share!). Rather, we're talking two-for-one beauty products. Think a tinted moisturizer that has also has your a.m. dose of SPF or a "stain" you can use on your lips and cheeks. It may not seem like much, but these double-duty beauty products can shave valuable minutes off your morning routine.

More: 12 Things Your Cleaning Person Wants to Tell You, but Won't

7. Consider a capsule wardrobe

You've probably heard a hundred times how laying out your wardrobe the night before makes mornings much, much easier. There's a reason for the repetition — it's true, and it's true largely because we all have more clothes than we really know what to do with. Simplifying your closet to create a capsule wardrobe, though, means you'll spend less time fussing over what to wear. What is a capsule wardrobe you ask? It's when you cut your options way, way down to some basics that are easy to mix and match. You may think that having more clothes to choose from is the way to go, but it actually makes things more complicated — and any time we can make things less complicated, it's a joyous occasion. For real — you'll be surprised how much happier you will be through the rest of the day when you don't start your morning with a closet war.

This post is sponsored by NESTEA.

Are we the only ones who feel as if we’ve spent all of our earthly dollars on beauty products this summer? From humidity-fighting sprays to powerful SPFs, the last few months have called for a ton of skin care and makeup products, and our bank accounts are officially crying for mercy.

But just as we were about to practice complete self-control and rein in the spending (at least until fall), Ulta went ahead and dropped its newest August arrivals. Spoiler alert: Bye, budget goals.

More: 10 Best Ways to Wear Pink Lipstick Tonight

After reviewing Ulta’s entire new arrivals section, we’ve got good news and bad news. First, the bad: We found so many excellent products that every ounce of self-discipline has gone out the window until further notice.

Now for the good news: We've narrowed down our top five under-$15 products, including a creamy highlighter from Soap & Glory and a lightweight matte lipstick from Tarte. And because there’s no way we can actually hold back, don’t forget to stop by next month for our September favorites.

Soap & Glory Wonderbronze Highlight & Sculpt Cheek Stick

Soap & Glory Wonderbronze Highlight & Sculpt Cheek Stick (Ulta, $12)

Essence Colour Correcting Stick

Essence Colour Correcting Stick (Ulta, $4.49)

Essie Fall Nail Lacquer Collection

Essie Fall Nail Lacquer Collection  (Ulta, $9 each)

Sleek Makeup I’m Conditional Mascara

Sleek Makeup I’m Conditional Mascara (Ulta, $8.99)

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint (Ulta, $12)

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

If you've made it through the baby years, the terrible twos and that dreaded threenager stage, and you're still standing, you deserve a glass of wine and a big pat on the back. According to other parents who have been in the trenches and have lived to tell the tale, the best may be yet to come. Rumor has it that 4-year-olds leaving toddlerhood and entering the preschool age are kind of awesome. They live right there in that sweet spot where they can talk and interact and love on you — and they might also listen to reason.

Of course, there are still ups and downs in that fourth year. Your 4-year-old is full of energy, talkative and curious. They're eager to show you what they can do, and you will both be excited by their accomplishments. They constantly test their environment and will veer between feelings of security and insecurity. Your 4-year-old may also be a bossy little tyke who feels the need to be in charge. You will experience emotional highs and lows with this age, and each day will be a new challenge — for both of you.

More: Weird Things You Never Talked About Before Having Kids

We know each child is different — and what one child does at 4 might be quite different from another. However, there are some benchmarks that you will find your 4-year-old reaching this year.

4-year-old developmental milestones

Social skills for 4-year-olds

• Shows more independence — able to brush his teeth and get dressed by himself
• Demanding but also eagerly cooperative
• May be rude or even tell you to shut up — the more you emotionally react, the more he will misbehave
• Wants to be liked and to please his friends and perhaps has a best friend, which could be of either sex
• Understands about everyday things like food, money and appliances and the concept of time
• Has little sense of ownership — possession means he views all things as his
• Has learned sympathy and sadness when someone or something is in pain — that is what he wants when he is in the same situation
• Has become aware of sexuality and has a natural curiosity about it
• Shows a high degree of interest in singing, dancing and acting
• Brims over with imaginative ideas
• Tries to distinguish the difference between fantasy and reality
• May like telling "tall tales" and making up stories

Motor skills for 4-year-olds

• Jumps up and touches line 3 inches above standing reach
• Hops forward on one foot
• Uses an overhand toss to hit a target from 5 feet
• Throws small ball underhand 10 feet
• Can use a fork and a spoon
• Pedals a tricycle
• Able to handle going up and down stairs fairly well without help
• Loves movement — climbing, swinging, somersaulting and skipping
• Enjoys writing, painting, modeling, cutting, pasting and building structures
• Draws a circle, square and sometimes triangle
• Hand-drawn pictures will contain all of the essential elements like body, eyes, nose and mouth — although they won't look like people to you

Language skills for 4-year-olds

• Can count to 10 or more
• Can name at least four colors
• Has a vocabulary of more than 1,000 words
• May recognize some letters, even be able to spell his name
• Speaks more clearly and puts together sentences of four or five words
• Asks the most questions of any age
• Be able to follow two- to three-part commands, like "Put your shoes in the closet, then come downstairs with your soccer ball."
• Enjoys using the four-letter words he has heard and particularly enjoys the look on your face when he says them — don't overreact

Parenting survival tips

Learning about the world. Your 4-year-old is at an important learning stage. Let him set his own pace as you provide opportunities to encourage his enthusiasm and creativity. Take him to the zoo, museums and don't forget the art gallery. There are many good books that illustrate the spatial concepts he needs to learn like over and under, and opposites like big and small. You can reinforce these concepts with everyday objects, like balls and cups.

More: How to Help Your Kids Seamlessly Transition Back to School After Summer Break

Friends are important. Encourage your child's relationships with his friends. However, you will find that with this exposure, he will realize there are other values and opinions besides yours. Use these friendships as a way to start conversations about different rules for different families and teach your 4-year-old to follow the rules when he is visiting a friend's home.

Safety first. Physical safety is still a big issue, as motor skills have increased substantially but judgment is lacking. He will need to be reminded to wait and hold hands before crossing the street and although he probably loves water and wants to swim, never leave him unattended. If you haven't already tried swimming lessons, this is a good age to introduce them so your child can learn water safety.

Relax about sexual questions. As he expresses his normal curiosity about sexuality, don't scold or punish. Answer his questions with short age-appropriate answers. These questions and observations come at the oddest times, so be ready and armed with answers.

Make the punishment fit the crime. Don't overreact to unpleasant behaviors. Timeouts are an effective form of punishment for this age. Usually it's recommended one minute per year, so try a four-minute timeout. Be patient and remember that they are still learning their place in the world — and looking to you to help them learn.

Next up: Brain-boosting activities for 4-year-olds

Originally published March 2010. Updated August 2017.

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Parenting your 4-year-old to love learning

Michelle LaRowe is an author and career nanny who received the 2004 Nanny of the Year award by the International Nanny Association. Her books include Nanny to the Rescue!, Working Mom's 411 and A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists. LaRowe says, "Parents can best encourage their 4-year-olds to love learning by providing lots of natural learning moments. For young children, the best learning is often done through play. Get rid of the battery-operated toys and shut off the TV. Set aside times for arts and crafts, singing songs, reading and creative, hands-on play." While it may seem like a great idea to set your 4-year-old up on the couch with the iPad, it shouldn't be her go-to activity at this age.

LaRowe continued, "Capitalize on what they love and incorporate it into playtime. Does your child love flowers? Plant a garden together. Chart the growth of the flowers. Draw pictures of the garden and label the different types of flowers you planted. Doing so will encourage a love of learning and teach them that learning is indeed fun!"

Give your 4-year-old specific tasks

Mother of three children and educational consultant, Sara Lise Raff says, "Early childhood is a crucial time and can make or break a child's love of learning. As a mom, I try to provide wonderful opportunities for learning and I know it is very important for my 4-year-old daughter to receive encouragement from both my husband and myself. Children at this stage are looking for purpose. I try to give my daughter opportunities to be independent and practice real skills that have meaning."

Raff says, "I have made it a point to teach her how to make her bed, set the table and give her other tasks that demonstrate to her that what she knows and learns has an impact on our family. We try to choose schools and teachers that bring out the best in all of our children and make a conscious effort to reflect those learning techniques at home."

More: 7 Little Things You Can Do to Send Your Kid to School With Confidence

This is a critical age for building self-esteem. Let your preschooler know you're proud of his learning. Providing a warm, supportive environment is the key. As your child discovers that learning is fun, he will be self-motivated. Your 4-year-old is building a foundation for school days, which are coming sooner than you think. You want that foundation to be strong and filled with exciting learning opportunities that your child will embrace.

Going back to school after summer break isn't all bad. As your kids likely reminded you multiple times throughout the summer, they miss their friends. And whether they'd ever admit it or not, they're probably looking forward to a change of pace.

Still, that doesn't mean the transition from unfettered summer fun into the back-to-school routine will be a seamless one. If we're really being honest, the struggle is real for us mamas too — it means switching gears from summer's leisurely pace into high gear for school pickups and drop-offs, PTA meetings, sporting events, spelling bees and everything else the school year entails.

More: How to Pull "Teachable Moments" Out of Thin Air When You Have Kids

Of course, you're a pro at this by now. Between the parenting under your belt and your own personal back-to-school experience way back when, you've got a solid grasp on what it takes to make the transition as painlessly as possible.

What about your kiddos, though? How can you make the move from summer to back-to-school a stress-free process? Here are a few ways to get your little students back into the swing of things.

Start going to sleep (& waking up) earlier

One of summer's greatest joys is the ability to play from sunup to sundown, running around with neighborhood friends until dark creeps in and it's time to call it a night. Not surprisingly, going from this sort of wild abandon straight to waking up at the break of dawn to get ready for school can be jarring for your little ones. To minimize the shock factor, start your bedtime routine around 10 to 15 minutes earlier each night for the week before school starts back. You'll also need to start waking them up 10 to 15 minutes earlier until the alarm clock doesn't seem like public enemy No. 1 in your household.

Talk to them about any anxiety they might have

It's totally natural for kids to have anxiety going into a new school year — especially if they are in a new school system or making the jump from elementary to middle or middle to high school. A week or two before school starts back, carve out some time with each kid to discuss any worries they have heading into their new grade level. In doing so, you'll not only be building their confidence and taking a load off their little shoulders, but you can also head off any big problems at the pass.

More: 10 Gluten-Free After-School Snacks You May Want to Steal From Your Kids

Find your healthy-eating groove again

If you've managed to steer clear of snacks and sugary treats over the summer, kudos to you. But if (like many of us), you've been far more flexible than normal where your kids' cuisine is concerned, getting back on track before school starts will help them adjust to a schedule that doesn't include free-range grazing. Bonus? It'll increase the odds they'll make healthier choices when they do buy lunch or snacks at school.

Get them pumped up

Sure, they'll probably moan and groan a bit for good measure prior to the start of school. In their defense, it's not easy leaving behind the carefree spirit of summer for textbooks and lessons. And even though they'll enjoy it once the school years gets rolling, your kids might need help seeing the silver lining. Try planning a back-to-school shopping trip and letting them pick out something special for the school year, like a cool new pair of kicks. Another idea? Plan one final end-of-summer hurrah — think: a fun-filled family vacay — to signal the shift from summer to school year.

This post is sponsored by Target.

It's not particularly difficult to see the cachet of casting a Friends alum in a brand-new, highly anticipated sitcom. With more than a decade of experience working on a hit show and leading the pack as one of the most lauded comedic TV actors of the era, who wouldn't want some of that Friends good fortune as part of their show?

Well, it turns out this was almost the case when Matt LeBlanc was almost cast in Modern Family in the role of Phil Dunphy. Can you even picture it?

More: Matt LeBlanc Opens Up About His Dark Days After Friends

In a recent interview with USA Today, LeBlanc revealed that he was in contention for the role alongside the actor who actually got to play Phil, Ty Burrell. "I remember reading it thinking, this is a really good script, [but] I’m not the guy for this. I’d be doing the project an injustice to take this. I know what I can do, I know what I can’t do." Wait, let me get this straight: LeBlanc couldn't imagine himself in the role of a goofy, well-meaning dad where a knack for slapstick performance and dopey charm are basically intrinsic to the character? Like... his most famous character, Joey Tribbiani? That's nutty.

More: Matt LeBlanc Cheating Rumors: Why We Think They May Be True

Of course, it's not like LeBlanc has been hurting for work since he finished his run on Friends in 2004. In recent years, he's maintained his lively comedic career with roles in shows like Episodes and Man With a Plan — a show where he happens to play a dad, no less.

More: Matt LeBlanc Will Have Big Shoes to Fill in His New Role as Top Gear Host

Either way, it looks like things worked out for the best. Not only do we get to enjoy LeBlanc is his own sitcom, but we get to laugh on the regular with Burrell in Modern Family. Some things just have a way of working themselves out to marvelous results, don't you think?

Lately, Scientology's critics have really been leaning in. Leah Remini, one of the most outspoken celebrities to go publicly against the religion, just got nominated for an Emmy for her docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath, and she's featuring more ex-Scientologists and their stories and criticisms of the Church in the upcoming second season.

More: As a Woman, Here’s How I Would Resist if I Lived During The Handmaid's Tale

Elisabeth Moss, who was raised as a Scientologist from when she was young, usually stays quiet about her participation in the controversial church. But people have been quietly noting the strange juxtaposition between her leading role in Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale and her involvement in Scientology, which is heavily rumored to be oppressive toward women.

That came to a head this week on Moss' Instagram page, and she chose to make a rare public statement about Scientology and her beliefs.

On Instagram, she shared a photo of herself attending an event for The Handmaid's Tale, writing in the caption, "Love this adaptation so much."

More: Elisabeth Moss Picks Her Most Awkward Make-Out Scene on Mad Men

In the comments, one follower wrote, "Question though, does it make you think twice about Scientology? Both Gilead and Scientology both believe that all outside sources (AKA news) are wrong or evil…it's just very interesting."

Moss responded directly to the question, writing, "That's actually not true at all about Scientology. Religious freedom and tolerance and understanding the truth and equal rights for every race, religion, and creed are extremely important to me. The most important things to me probably. And so Gilead and THT hit me on a very personal level. Thanks for the interesting question!"

She later deleted the entire post, then reposted the photo with comments closed. Elle grabbed a screenshot of the comments before she did that.

More: Jon Hamm Gets Elisabeth Moss to Reveal Her Girl Crush

We don't know why Moss would make a rare statement in support of the church and then suddenly delete it, but it only raises more questions about the secretive nature of Scientology.

Rose Byrne of Bridesmaids and X-Men: Apocalypse confirmed to Australia's Jones magazine that she is indeed pregnant with her second child with partner Bobby Cannavale.

"I'm a little tired but feeling good," Byrne told Jones. "Everyone was very sweet on set today, and you always get a little bit more attention when you're pregnant, which is fabulous." (True story — unless you're taking the A train at rush hour in Manhattan.)

More: A Promising New Treatment for Peanut Allergies?

Byrne and Cannavale are generally pretty low-key when it comes to sharing info about their private life — but Byrne seems to have made an exception with a new baby on the way.

The two actors are parents to a son, Rocco, 19 months. Cannavale also has an adult son, Jake Cannavale, 22 (who's an actor and musician in his own right), with actor Jenny Lumet.

When Jones asked Byrne if she expects to have a couple of young performers or artists on her hands someday, Byrne mused that her kids might be rebels and veer away from acting.

More: Weird Things You Never Talked About Before Having Kids

"I remember doing the film The Rage in Placid Lake years ago with Ben Lee, about the kid who rebelled against his bohemian parents and became an accountant," she said. "Maybe my kids will want to do something really different, like run a granola company or become accountants themselves."

Byrne and Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire, Spy, The Sopranos) are not only ridiculously photogenic partners in love. The two have also worked on three projects together: Annie and Adult Beginners in 2014 and Spy in 2015.

Byrne spoke about motherhood last summer in Australia's Daily Telegraph (Byrne, an Aussie, clearly saves all her best sound bites for her native country's media outlets).

“You have this huge responsibility you didn’t have before — there’s someone you have to keep alive! I also like to think Rocco has brought out better qualities in me,” Byrne said about her toddler.

“I was already becoming my parents, even before I had Rocco,” she said. “You know how that happens? One day, you’re like, ‘I’ve turned into my parents!’”

More: How to Survive 2 Kids Under the Age of 2

She and Cannavale have nothing but praise for each other, professionally and personally.

“I love working with Bobby. You know, aside from our personal relationship, he’s just a fantastic actor,” she said. “As actors, your schedules are often on other sides of the world, so we were in the same place for once. It’s nice for us.”

Cannavale has also been known to post family photos; he shared one of little Rocco working in the kitchen recently on Instagram.

And on July 2, Cannavale posted a sweet picture of the couple enjoying Santorini, Greece — an island that is almost as good-looking as Byrne and Cannavale. Almost.

We admit we melted a little when Cannavale raved about Byrne upon winning an Emmy in 2013 (for Outstanding Supporting Actor in Boardwalk Empire). In his acceptance speech, Cannavale said, “And I want to thank the love of my life, Rose.” Chivalry may or may not be dead, but now we certainly are.

There's no word yet on the sex or due date of the Byrne-Cannavale clan's newest addition, but it's a pretty lucky kid already.

We know. We know. It seems like Halloween keeps getting pushed on us earlier and earlier every year — but if you are looking into DIYing your own costume creation this year, August is when you gotta start the brainstorming process. Although, this super-cute homemade cupcake costume is so easy to put together, you're definitely going to have some time to spare.

More: Praise Be to the Fall Gods! Halo Top Releases Low-Cal Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

If you are so over dressing up in a scary costume, this sweet DIY is for you.

Supplies:

• Large tub
• Saw or box cutter
• One large bag of poly fill
• One bag of small multicolored pom-poms
• One yard of tulle
• 4 large pieces of poster board (color of your choice)
• Hot glue gun
• Headband
• Scissors
• Toilet paper roll
• Ribbon
• Sheet of colored felt
• Gold paperweight (can be found at party supply stores)
• Pink tights

Directions:

1. The cupcake

With a steady hand and a friend to help, grab a saw or box cutter and cut off the bottom of the tub. The amount you cut off will depend on your height and the length you want the cupcake to be.

More: Starbucks' New Horchata Beverage Is a Delicious Fall Preview

2. The cupcake wrapper

Fold each piece of paper in approximately two-inch sections like an accordion. Fold four pieces of poster board to assure you'll have enough to wrap around the tub.

Next Up: Get gluing

Originally published October 2013. Updated August 2017.

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3. Get gluing

Apply hot glue to the tub in small sections right below the top lip. Glue each piece of poster board one by one. The glue dries quickly, so glue, then place the board, and so on. Use caution with the hot glue gun to prevent painful burns.

4. The frosting

Grab medium-sized clumps of the poly fill and roll into a more secure bunch. Apply glue to the top of the lip of the bin and place down. Continue all the way around the top, stacking the poly fill higher. Remember to keep a hole in the center to stand in.

5. Tulle time

Cut a large piece of tulle or use the entire yard and place it over the poly fill. Hot-glue the edges of the tulle on the outside of the lip of the tub, against the poster board and on the inside. This will keep the frosting from falling off and losing shape.

6. Sprinkles

Hot-glue the mini pom-poms to the tulle. This will create a sprinkle effect and add some color to the cupcake.

7. Straps

Tie two pieces of ribbon to the two handles so they're hidden by the tulle, or hot-glue the ribbon to the inside of the bin. Measure the ribbon prior to cutting to be sure the straps are long enough.

8. Make the candle headband

Grab an empty toilet paper roll and wrap it in a piece of colored felt. Hot-glue a piece of ribbon around the roll. Stick the paperweight inside the roll and hot-glue it into place. Put hot glue on the headband and secure your DIY candle!

If this cupcake costume doesn't hit your "sweet spot," we've still got loads of Halloween costume ideas at the ready. Like our cutie cupcake, this DIY bat costume is clever and quick — and perfect for people who love to dress in all black. We also can't get enough of this homegrown (and affordable) Katniss Everdeen costume, along with other DIY favorites like Flo the Progressive Lady, Dora the Explorer, and Rosie the Riveter. And when you're really pressed for time (read: you totally forgot to buy your Halloween gear), there are at least 19 last-minute Halloween costumes you can pull together using only makeup.

We humans like to escape soaring temperatures by kicking back with a frosty treat — so why should things be any different for our pets? Dogs totally appreciate the cooling effect of frozen tasties when it's super-hot and it's not hard to hook them up.

Fall might technically be right around the corner, but let's be real. Most of the country still has a solid two months of hot weather left. We've got some recipes for frozen treats your dog will go crazy for... but if you're not so much into the DIY, we've got some store-bought recommendations too.

Frosty Paws

Frosty Paws by Purina makes a line of frozen ice cream treats that looks eerily similar to those little cups of ice cream we used to enjoy as children. Frosty Paws come in Original and Peanut Butter, and they have no artificial colors, flavors or added sugar. They're available in the frozen section of most grocery stores or at pet supply stores.

More: 4 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active & Entertained in Hot Weather

Dogsters

These vet-approved little cups of goodness are described as "ice-cream style," but dogs don't seem to know they're not the real thing. They come in a peanut butter and cheese flavor or you can opt for a minty flavor to help freshen your dog's breath.

More: Should You Add Olive Oil to Your Dog's Diet?

Make your own

Easy treats: For a quick version of frozen pet treats, all you need is a can of wet food. Pick your favorite variety and pour the contents into a plastic bag with one corner snipped off. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and pipe out shapes like dog bones, paw prints or hearts. Stick the sheet in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. When frozen, peel off the treats and store them in an air-tight container.

Fruity treats: Small pieces of frozen fruit like apples, bananas or even small berries are the perfect tasty treat for your dog. The plus side is that you can enjoy these treats too! Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain types of fruit, so dish these out sparingly and pay attention to any signs of discomfort. Remember that grapes are toxic to dogs and should never be fed to them, even in small quantities.

Peanut butter treats: While most dogs would be satisfied with just a plain ice cube to munch on, they’ll love some with even more flavor. Blend peanut butter, cooked sweet potato and unsweetened applesauce in a blender until smooth and combined. Pour the ingredients into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until they are frozen. Pop out a treat every time your dog needs a little cool refreshment.

More: 7 Little Ways to Boost Your Dog's Mental Health

Pupsicle recipe

Yields 6

For a special treat your dog will really love, make a dog-friendly Popsicle. The flavor options are endless, so get creative and adjust the flavor to fit your dog’s preferences or to fit the ingredients you have on hand. This version that includes mint will help bust bad breath in addition to being a much loved treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sodium, organic chicken broth
• 1/2 cup unsweetened, organic apple sauce
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed
• 1 jar organic chicken and rice baby food (or flavor of your choice)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

Supplies needed:

• Popsicle mold or ice cube tray
• 6 jerky pet treats
• Blender

Directions:

1. Blend ingredients in a blender or food processor until combined. Pour into an ice cube tray or mold and stick a jerky stick in each Popsicle.
2. Freeze until solid, and then serve as needed.

Originally posted June 2012. Updated August 2017.

American Horror Story: Cult has come full circle.

More: The American Horror Story: Cult Cast Just Gave a Bunch of Upcoming-Season Deets

We've been speculating like crazy about what the new season has in store. Early rumors told us it would be based on the 2016 U.S. presidential election, but every clue we've received since then seemed to point away from that. The new season is called "Cult," which outwardly seemed to have little to do with politics. Sneak peeks have included lots of bees and lots of clowns — again, things that don't really seem to relate to the election at all.

Just days before the season's Sept. 5 premiere date, a video of the opening credits has surfaced on Twitter. And while it doesn't exactly give anything away, it confirms the election aspect of the show once and for all.

More: The Next Celebrity to Play Donald Trump: It Could Be Sarah Paulson

There are definitely still bees, and there are definitely still clowns. But for the first time, we see the faces of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton — albeit as rubber masks — confirming that the presidential election will play some part in the upcoming season. There's also a whole lot of blood, so that's unsettling.

Commenters on Twitter have already taken note that only five names are featured in the opening credits: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Cheyenne Jackson, Alison Pill and Billie Lourd. Other big names who have confirmed they're taking part in the season, like Billy Eichner and Colton Haynes, were left off, leading to questions about those actors' involvement and whether they'll be regulars or just guest stars.

More: American Horror Story: Cult Released the Official Guest Star & Character List

Just over two weeks to go until some of these questions get answered, fam. Who's ready?

In case you blinked and missed the fact that pop legend Madonna now has six (six!) children, well, we've got the proof for you — thanks to Madonna herself.

Madonna posted a rare shot of her whole family to Instagram on Aug. 18. Madonna and entourage — sons Rocco, 17, and David, 11; daughters Lourdes, 20, Mercy James, 11; and twins Stella and Esther, 4 — looked to be having a blast at the singer's birthday bash in Lecce, Italy, on Aug. 17. The singer just entered the final year of her 50s if you can believe it.

More: Lake Bell Finally Reveals Newborn Son's Name

As always (did you really expect any less from Madge?), Madonna was rocking a killer corset dress and perfectly on-trend beige hat. And don't even get us started on her fashionista kids — especially her girls, who wore coordinating Dolce & Gabbana outfits (which you can do when your mom is Madonna).

Everyone looked over-the-top happy. We especially loved a shot that Madonna shared of a snuggle between her and Lourdes.

More: Kim and Kanye Are Officially Trying for Baby No. 3, Possibly With Surrogate

The breakdown of the family unit, in case you're curious: Madonna is the biological mom of Lourdes (dad is Carlos Leon) and Rocco (dad is Guy Ritchie) and the adoptive mom of Stella, Esther, Mercy and David.

Stella and Esther were the last two to join the family — Madonna adopted them in February of this year. We loved her (uncharacteristically emotional) announcement on Instagram.

"I can officially confirm I have completed the process of adopting twin sisters from Malawi and am overjoyed that they are now part of our family,” Madonna captioned the pic. “I am deeply grateful to all those in Malawi who helped make this possible, and I ask the media please to respect our privacy during this transitional time."

More: Rose Byrne Expecting Second Child with Bobby Cannavale

For Madonna, like for all of us parents, raising kids isn't easy; she and eldest son Rocco notoriously — and publicly — sparred in 2016 over where he should live. (Rocco wanted to live in London with his dad, but Madonna had legal physical custody.) Things got kind of ugly when Rocco posted to Instagram that he was "so glad" to no longer be living with his mother; he has since deleted the post.

Nevertheless, Madonna and all of her kids seem to be getting on famously now, and it looks like the Material Girl had a seriously fabulous birthday. HBD, Madonna — we can't wait to see what comes next.

John Stamos is allegedly getting older, but fam, he is not aging. Not one bit.

More: John Stamos Attended His Ex-TV Son's Wedding This Weekend

For his 54th birthday, Stamos posted a photo to Instagram that shows him taking a steamy rinse-off in an outdoor shower. His sculpted rear is partially obscured by some palm fronds, and it's just your average photo that a man the age of a typical grandparent posts on social media, really.

Behold:

"#54 and clean," he wrote in the caption. "Thanks for the birthday wishes!"

More: Wait, Were John Stamos & Ashley Benson Ever Really a Thing?

It's truly swoon-worthy. Just ask any of the nearly 6,000 people who commented on the pic, many making the easy joke: "Have mercy."

This photo may seem like proof that Stamos does not age, like, at all. I mean, look at him. But earlier in the day, he posted a birthday throwback that showed him as a youngster, proving that he has in fact gotten older, even though he seemingly stopped aging at 20-something years old.

"It’s a wonder just how much of life sits before me eagerly (almost impatiently) waiting to reveal it's gentle, imperfect, often unimaginable beauty," he wrote. "When I’ve been willing to suspend my judgment, hold my criticism, proactively find the positive, and most importantly embrace wonder, I’ve found authentic happiness. To stumble safely this far together is a real wonder. Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes. Sending you much, much love!"

More: This Picture of Lea Michele & John Stamos Kissing May Be Our Undoing

Keep on being ageless and perfect, John Stamos, you beautiful national treasure.