If you watched television in the '90s, you might have believed that everyone in possession of a vagina was using a diaphragm for birth control.

It wasn’t true — by 1995, only 1.2 percent of birth control users were opting for a diaphragm.

Although the diaphragm was super-popular for the first part of the 20th century, and one-third of American couples were using them in the 1940s, they’re now seen as old-fashioned and irrelevant, with people ditching them in favor of hormonal birth control that’s more reliable and longer lasting.

More: The old-fashioned diaphragm just got a serious upgrade

“I have written one prescription for a diaphragm in the last 10 years,” said Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, an OB-GYN in Mississippi. “They interrupt the mood and are just not sexy.”

Even if you never saw that Sex and the City episode where Samantha has to help Carrie retrieve hers, you might think of diaphragms as your mother’s birth control. An object that is antique, small, fleshy — a plastic hat residing in a pink box. Why would you choose that, a barrier method that you have to insert before sex, when you could opt for something you can take orally or insert and not have to think about? Diaphragms are definitely out, especially among folks in their 20s and 30s. Right?

Not exactly. A, 30, uses a diaphragm along with a condom. “My blood pressure got really high on the pill, and I don’t like how it changed my hormones,” she said. “I tried to get an IUD, but had a really bad experience with it not fitting in correctly. I also like that I could use the diaphragm when I needed it, but not when I didn’t.”

It was A’s mom who urged her to consider a diaphragm, but actually getting one turned out to be complicated. “I talked to my nurse practitioner, who looked at me like I had three heads and said they weren’t really used any more. I had to really push. No one seemed to want to fit me for one.”

“I absolutely loved my diaphragm and missed the hell out of it,” said Kat, who lives in Los Angeles. She doesn’t use drugs of any kind, so a diaphragm was perfect for her. However, like A, she discovered there were hurdles to obtaining one.

More: 5 Ways birth control can actually be sexy

“I gave it up because I hit a point where I could not find a pharmacist in Los Angeles that carried it. Now I’m resigned to using condoms,” said Kat.

Others reported wanting to return to diaphragms, which they’d used in college or while married, but were unable to buy the contraceptive gel that accompanies the device or opted out of use because they were looking for a method that also prevented sexually transmitted infections.

Of course, there are providers who are championing the diaphragm, like Elizabeth Trattner, a self-described “huge fan of diaphragms” and a doctor of traditional Asian medicine in Florida who has been treating women for nearly 30 years. Many of Trattner’s patients live with immune system disorders or a history of cancers that prohibit the use of hormonal birth control.

“I also am a big believer of allowing your cycle to ebb and flow the way it is supposed to be for the past thousands of years,” said Trattner.

If you’re starting to think a diaphragm might be the right birth-control method for you, good news — there’s a new option out there. It’s Caya, a one-size-fits-all diaphragm that’s contoured. In order to put in a diaphragm, you need to locate your cervix and then fold the device to insert it. The small size of Caya, as well as the inclusion of indentations so you can feel where to grab it, make both retrieval and insertion easier. Caya has been distributed in Europe and the Middle East since 2013 and in the U.S. since 2015.

More: Pass on the pill: Alternatives to birth control pills

For some, diaphragms have never been obsolete, but for others looking for a barrier method that’s hormone free, the diaphragm, especially in its new iteration, might be just the thing.

Trattner explained, “As we are exposed to more xenoestrogens in our environment, coupled with the fact that many millennials are seeking more natural ways of birth control, we will actually begin to see a trend of diaphragms and cervical caps rise again.”

By Chanel Dubofsky

Originally published on HelloFlo.

Now that their kids, George and Charlotte, are headed to school, Kensington Palace has announced a lineup of duties that Prince William and the former Kate Middleton will take on this fall. Prince Harry also has a list, and none of the royals are going to have a lot of downtime.

More: Prince George & Princess Charlotte's Cutest Moments From Their Summer European Tour

"The coming months will see The Duke & Duchess & Prince Harry undertake a busy autumn programme as TRH return to royal duties & engagements," the palace tweeted Wednesday morning.

More: Queen Elizabeth II Has Hired an Equerry, & It's a Milestone Hire

Prince Harry will be traveling around Manchester supporting various mental health charities that he patronizes.

Meanwhile, William and Kate will be moving back to Kensington Palace and will spend the fall supporting their own charities, promoting families and mental health.

William will also devote some time to soccer as president of the U.K.'s professional soccer league.

This sharp increase in engagements comes after the younger royals were allegedly accused of not pulling their weight in the family. Prince Philip, 96, is also retiring this fall, so his duties have to be taken over by someone. Enter Will, Kate and Harry.

Will and Kate have been raising their children in Norfolk and have taken some flak for staying relatively secluded there. While they've attended fewer than 200 engagements a year, the queen attended 385 in 2016 alone. Sounds like the queen needs a break!

More: Prince George & Princess Charlotte Steal the Show on Royal Trip to Poland

With Prince Philip retiring and their kids going to school, it makes sense Prince William and Kate Middleton would ramp up their public image. And hey, anything that gives us more chances to see the royals is fine by us.

Earlier this summer, Beyoncé posted a very important Instagram. Botticelli’s Venus couldn’t have asked for a better birth announcement: the floaty floral robe, the seaside background, the tiny newborn nestled in the crook of each arm. The caption formally identified the babies as her month-old twins with Jay-Z: a boy dubbed Sir and a girl named Rumi. Fans collectively freaked out over Blue Ivy’s younger siblings (because there’s no headier combination than Queen Bey plus babes), leaving just a small, sad corner of the internet to grumble about one matter: those names. Amid the heart-eye emojis and gushing accolades came comments like:

• “I think Beyoncé could have done better.” 
• “Stupid names but cute babies.” 
• “These names are ridiculous.”

Though opting for an unconventional name is nothing new (consider 19th-century Texas governor Jim Hogg and his daughter Ima or the fact that neither "Prince" nor "Madonna" were stage names), the recent proliferation of Sirs and Saints and Apollos and Apples has triggered eye-rolling and name-shaming among folks who presumably think the world could use a few more Johns and Jennifers.

It’s not just celebrities who are getting grief for going against the grain; businesswoman Ashley McNamara agreed to her sci-fi enthusiast husband’s suggestion that they name their daughter Ripley in a nod to Sigourney Weaver’s character in the Alien film franchise. And it's been a headache from the start, McNamara says.

“The Social Security office misspelled her name on her official documents,” McNamara tells SheKnows. “And most older people I know connect the name with Ripley's Believe it or Not, so my husband is constantly correcting them and having to explain the Alien movie. She's only 2, but it's starting to get old already.”

More: Baby Girl Names With Great Meanings She Can Be Proud Of

Author Alina Adams has experienced similar confusion with the spelling and pronunciation of her 10-year-old daughter’s name, Aries. The girl’s parents wanted a name that wasn’t “overused,” but she’s often mistaken for Iris, Mary or even Heiress.

“She was born during Martin Luther King weekend,” Adams explains of the name choice. “Martin comes from Mars, and Mars is the Roman name of the Greek god Ares. I added the ‘i’ to make it more feminine.”

At least the negative feedback doesn’t faze the family. “We're an interfaith, interracial, intercultural family,” Adams says. “We've long ago learned to ignore other people's reactions to pretty much everything. No regrets." Besides, Adams adds that the name "really fits" her daughter. "She's a tough little girl who loves her unique name, and I would do it again.”

More: Beyoncé Shares First Pic of Newborn Twins Sir & Rumi

Blogger Larisha Campbell also stands by her decision to give her young daughters names inspired by X-Men: Serenity and Storm.

“Serenity's name came from months of searching for something unique,” she shares. “Her dad was watching X-Men and one of the lines had the word 'serenity' in it. He fell in love and sold me on the name. Storm's name was debated for much longer, as he wanted to keep the S name and X-Men theme, and what better way than to go with Storm? I wasn't convinced until we actually had her. She came really fast; I barely made it to the hospital and had her in triage. We agreed that with the way she ‘stormed’ into life, the name suited her perfectly.”

But not everyone gets it — including Campbell’s own family. “Relatives didn't believe us at first,” she says. “When they found out we were serious, they asked us why. Everyone who is close to us has embraced her name at this point... or at least they don't openly tell us they hate it.”

Campbell says strangers often pull a face and remark, “Oh... that’s different” when introduced to the creatively named toddlers. But as someone with an uncommon first name of her own, Larisha is quick to dismiss any criticism.

“No one is guaranteed to like any name that you pick” she notes. “People will tell you Charlotte is too old or Ashley is too common. You literally can't make everyone happy with the names you choose. Therefore, you should just find something that you and your partner love. Most kids go through a phase of not liking their name. You will never win 100 percent of the time, so just make the best decision you can.” 

More: Madonna's Twins Perform the Best Dance of All Time for Their 5th Birthday

Whether that “best decision” is Billy or Bronx Mowgli, it’s nobody’s business but your own. And you never know; despite making a conscious decision to go with a seemingly unique name that would seriously stand out, Campbell’s 4-year-old ended up with a name that’s not actually all that rare. Serenity, it turns out, has been in the top 100 most popular baby names in the U.S. since 2009.

There’s still plenty of time for Sir and Rumi to catch up, but it’s also OK if those names stay singular. After all, Grandma Tina Knowles probably got some strange looks when she busted out the name Beyoncé — and look how well that turned out.

Friends-with-benefits seems like the perfect setup if you’re not interested in being part of a couple: You get to have great sex with someone you feel comfortable with while skipping all of the trappings of a relationship. It sounds good in theory, but the reality is a little more complicated.

Friends-with-benefits is an iffy thing, especially if you want to remain friends after you’re done with the whole “with benefits” part. A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior on college students in FWB relationships found that the majority of people reported that they stayed friends with their former bed buddy after being friends with benefits, and half of them said they felt as close or closer with their friend afterward. Of course, that also means sex interfered with half of these relationships (and nearly 20 percent said they stopped being friends entirely), which isn’t so great if you actually like your friend.

More: 6 Tips For Dating Someone With Kids

That said, “people typically endorse liking friends-with-benefits relationships more than they dislike it,” says lead study author Dr. Jesse Owen, a licensed psychologist and chair of the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver.

If you’re interested in trying out a FWB situation and you have someone you think is into the idea too, here are a few things you can do to make this non-relationship a total success.

Make sure you’re both on the same page

If you’re hoping this arrangement will lead to an actual relationship or you suspect your friend is, do not pass go. “It all comes down to expectations, and that requires that both parties have their expectations aligned,” says licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula, author of Should I Stay or Should I Go? Sure, it’s possible that this will lead to something more, but it’s highly unlikely, she says — and someone is going to end up hurt if you go in with this approach.

Set boundaries

Maybe spending the night feels too couple-y to you or you know you’re going to want out if your bedmate starts to develop feelings — whatever it is, make it clear from the get-go what you are and aren’t OK with. “Every friends-with-benefits circumstance needs to be crafted differently,” Durvasula says.

More: How to Get Rid of Relationship Anxiety

Keep up the friendship

In Owen’s study, people who didn’t stay friends said that their FWB setup was more sex-based than friendship-based, so doing friends-type things that don’t involve your bed are a good idea. “If you engage in friendship behaviors as well, it strengthens the bond even if it doesn’t progress,” Owen says.

Being a good friend means having respect, mutuality, conversation, being there for each other and shared interests, Durvasula says. Otherwise, you’re just in a booty-call situation.

Be honest with yourself

Sure, it’s possible to go into this from a completely neutral standpoint, but it’s also possible that you might develop stronger feelings for your FWB in the process. “If one person is not being honest with themselves about actually romanticizing the FWB and wanting more, it can become tricky,” Durvasula says. So, if you start to develop feelings, it’s important to speak up. Your friend might share the same feelings, but there’s a chance they don’t as well. But keeping quiet only leaves you open to getting seriously hurt.

Don’t try to hide other relationships

If you start to become interested in someone else, you don’t need to broadcast the news, but you should come clean with your FWB if it progresses. If it’s truly a neutral FWB situation, your friend should be happy for you, Durvasula points out. Owen’s research found that FWBs did not go well when people lied or were deceitful, and you definitely don’t want to be the reason your friendship ended. By the way, if you want out of the FWB situation, Durvasula recommends talking about it in person. “If a friendship can be eked out or returned [to], then great, but be aware: Once you go to a FWB and it doesn't work out, the sacrifice may be the friendship,” she says.

Did you hear the one about Richard Gere gerbilling? How about Beyoncé's fake pregnancy? Or how Katy Perry faked her own death? These wild celebrity urban myths just won't disappear, and we think we know why: They are hilarious! Take a look at seven different wacky celeb rumors we've rounded up — we're sorry to say we've debunked them all.

1. Richard Gere put a gerbil in his butt

No. No, he didn't. But this is one gross myth that has a lot of traction. The story goes that Gere was brought to the emergency room with a foreign object lodged in his nether regions. An X-ray supposedly determined that object was a gerbil. In some versions the gerbil was dead, in others, alive. We can't decide which is grosser. Then, some jokester went so far as to send out a fake press release from the ASPCA condemning Gere's gerbil abuse. But when tabloids contacted the animal welfare group, they denied it came from them. The whole thing was even referred to in Scream.

Years later, it came out that Gere believe Sylvester Stallone of all people is the one who started the rumor because of an on-set argument that got Gere fired from The Lords of Flatbush. (For the record, Stallone denies it.)

2. Beyoncé faked her pregnancy with Blue Ivy

Did you know Beyoncé totally faked her pregnancy with Blue Ivy while a secret surrogate really gave birth? This crazy rumor started when Bey wore a loose maternity dress to a TV interview, and when leaned forward while sitting down, the silky fabric of the dress slid forward and creased. This immediately started screams that she was wearing a fake belly that had folded in on itself. Problem is, you can tell her dress is not stretchy and wouldn't cling tightly enough to her skin to fold in with a fake belly (if that were even the way stomach prostheses work, which it isn't). However, Bey did get a lot of press out of it, and judging from the fact that she released an entire album berating her husband for cheating, that's all that matters. This time around, she made sure to flaunt her bare belly on Instagram constantly so we'd know for sure she really had twins in there.

3. Walt Disney is cryogenically frozen under Disneyland

While it's kinda fascinating to imagine the entertainment visionary being defrosted and brought back to life like one of his own animatrons, the truth is far more sad reality than science-fiction. Disney died of lung cancer and was cremated two days later. His ashes were buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in California. Mental Floss says the rumor probably got started because the president of the Cryonics Society of California told the Los Angeles Times Disney wanted to be frozen — but he himself admitted he had seen Disney's ashes firsthand.

4. Rod Stewart almost died from a stomachful of semen

Picture it: Rod Stewart gargling "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" while going down on a fleet of sailors, swallowing so much semen he has to have his stomach pumped. On second thought, maybe don't picture it. Stewart addressed this one in his own memoir, saying he believes his former manager Tony Toon spread the rumor as payback for Stewart firing him. "I have never orally pleasured even a solitary sailor," Stewart wrote. "And I have never had my stomach pumped, either of naval-issue semen nor of any other kind of semen."

5. Mr. Rogers was a Vietnam sniper whose sweaters covered his military tattoos

This rumor states the gentlest man in the world, Mr. Rogers, was a cold-blooded killer during the Vietnam War. Sometimes he's pegged as a Navy Seal, others as a Marine sniper with dozens of confirmed kills who always wore his cozy, long-sleeved sweaters on TV to cover up his "Born To Kill" tattoos. Even the U.S. Naval Institute says this one is false.

While he did have his general pilot's license, he never served in the military, and this so-called stone cold killer was actually an ordained Presbyterian minister who became a vegetarian because he didn't "want to eat anything that has a mother." You didn't really believe Mr. Rogers could kill a fly, let alone dozens of humans, did you? Miss Elaine would be so disappointed in you.

6. Katy Perry is really JonBenét Ramsey

Where exactly did Katy Perry come from? She claims to be the daughter of a humble preacher, but this rumor says the truth is far more sinister: The singer is actually child murder victim JonBenét Ramsey, whose death was faked to make her a star. Yeah, totally doesn't make sense no matter how you cut it, but that doesn't stop people from talking about it. Sorry, Katy.

7. Nicolas Cage is immortal &/or a vampire

Several years back, a strange photo popped up for sale on eBay. It was a Civil War-era photo of a man that happened to look exactly like actor Nicolas Cage. Obviously, this can only mean one thing: Nicolas Cage is a vampire.

Come on, guys. First of all, vampires don't age, and Cage definitely has aged since he hit the Hollywood scene in the '80s. Second of all, everyone knows that vampires can't be photographed because it involves mirrors and they don't have reflections. Duh.

For the record, John Travolta isn't a vampire either.

In honor of Season 15 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which premieres next week on Sept. 5, Ellen DeGeneres shared a picture of her 15-year-old self, and it's hard to believe it's actually her.

More: Ellen DeGeneres Called Johnny Depp Out on His BS

The photo shows DeGeneres with a mop of curly brown hair and a little smirk on her face, probably taken around 1973 if the math is correct. DeGeneres was born January 26, 1958.

It's crazy to imagine DeGeneres at this age. She was a far cry from the public figure we see today. She didn't even come out to the public until 1997.

When she did, she was iconically featured on the cover of Time with the words, "Yup, I'm gay." And she did an interview with Diane Sawyer on 20/20 shortly after that adding, "I decided this was not going to be something that I was going to live the rest of my life being ashamed of."

More: Ellen DeGeneres Wrote the Sweetest Message About Life with Portia de Rossi

No doubt, DeGeneres would have made her 15-year-old self very, very proud.

This isn't the first time DeGeneres has shared photos from her youth. She even brought her prom date onto her show back in 2011 along with a photo of the two of them off to the big dance.

"We both changed," DeGeneres said at the time of she and her date, Richard. Yup, that about sums it up. Better still, it about sums up how we all feel while looking back on prom.

More: Ellen DeGeneres Is Returning to Her Roots for Amazing Netflix Special

DeGeneres ended her tweet by encouraging fans to share their awkward 15-year-old photos on Twitter, too. I think I'll keep mine tucked safely away in my mom's closet, thank you very much.

Chip and Joanna Gaines have come up with a clever way to encourage people to help send relief funds in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

More: So This Is What Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Has Been Up To

The couple, who star in the HGTV show Fixer Upper, are selling t-shirts with the slogan, "Texas Forever" on them. All of the proceeds will go toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The campaigne has already been a success as the Gaines shared on Instagram, "Last night we announced that 100% of the proceeds from @magnolia's Texas Forever shirts that are purchased between now and September 30th will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. There has already been an overwhelming response and we couldn't be more thankful. Please be patient with us as we are working to get each and every shirt out as quickly as possible! Thank you all for jumping in — there's just something special about coming together to help neighbors in need."

As of just yesterday, the couple had already sold over 35,000 shirts.

More: 8 Reasons HGTV's Fixer Upper Is the Best Home Renovation Show

The Gaines' efforts are some good news among a sea of trouble following the hurricane. Insurance company Hannover Re predicted insurances loses as high as $3 billion while Accuweather predicted the storm will have a $190 billion effect on the economy, NBC News reports.

So far, 30 people have died.

You can join the Gaines' cause by buying a shirt, too. They are selling them for $26 on their website. Just keep in mind, shipping times will be delayed. But if you're that concerned about shipping times then you're buying a shirt for the wrong reasons. Just sayin'.

More: Chip and Joanna Gaines Are Opening a Restaurant

Aunt Becky has definitely still got it!

More: John Stamos Shares Full House Throwback with the Olsen Twins (VIDEO)

Actress Lori Loughlin showed off her gym-tastic self in a sports bra on Instagram on Monday, making us all question our life decisions. At 53, Loughlin's abs are better than most 20-year-olds.

Celebrity fitness trainer Simone De La Rue also shared the photo on her Instagram, praising Loughlin for her fitness, "@loriloughlin you are an inspiration. Beautiful inside and out. Timeless beauty... Proof that dancing keeps us young! Here's to many more years dancing together."

More: 13 Things to Know About Candace Cameron Bure's Daughter, Natasha

This isn't the first time Loughlin has given us some serious fitspiration.

"I’ll go do the Body by Simone because I don’t love doing cardio. I have to trick myself to do it," Loughlin told People of her workout routine. “They’re not hard classes, anyone can do them. They’re little dance aerobic classes. But I go and I jump around for 40 minutes and I work up a sweat and then we do some leg lifts and arms with little free weights."

More: 10 Things We Need to See in Fuller House Season 3

Aside from fitness, Loughlin shared some of her food diary secrets in a 2016 interview with People, "I try everything in moderation, but listen, if I’m at some great Italian restaurant and they bring out the wonderful bread and butter I’m the first one to dive in the basket. I do believe life is too short, but I don’t do it every day."

Excuse me, I now need to go to the gym.

We love Halloween, but if we're being honest, we're not so in love with how complicated finding a costume can get. Not to mention the fact that Halloween costumes can start looking really tacky in a heartbeat.

That's why we are pretty much swooning over these black cat nails. They're clean, chic and not complicated at all. They're just an adorable twist on a classic french manicure. And they're also the perfect complement to a black cat costume, if you like to keep things simple. Just follow this amazingly easy tutorial, throw on a black dress and some ears and you are good to go.

More: A Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Nail Design Anyone Can Do

Supplies

• China Glaze's Liquid Leather
• Spa Ritual's Joy
• Orly's White Tips (not pictured)
• small paint brush
• nail tip stickers

Directions

Step 1: Base

Start with a nude base coat. We used one that has a subtle sparkle.

More: How to Totally Master Instagram's Halloween Mermaid Makeup

Step 2: Second coat

Take one of the rounded nail tip stickers and place across the top part of your thumbnail. Paint the bottom part of your nail black and peel off the sticker.

Step 3: Get catty

Using the small paintbrush, paint two triangular ears.

Step 4: Face on

Once the black polish is dry, add the face details with white polish and the small paint brush.

Step 5: Tips

Place a nail tip sticker near the tip of the rest of your nails and paint black. Remove the sticker, and wait for everything to dry.

Step 6: Top coat

Finish with clear top coat.

Give it a go and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

Originally published October 2015. Updated August 2017.

I enjoy singing along to the radio in the car as much as the next person — or dog. If I raise my voice to a certain octave, my dog howls along, although whether it is in harmony or protest is up for debate. The other day as we were driving, singing and howling, I started to wonder why exactly dogs howl.

Here is what I found out.

Call of the wild

My first thought was probably the one you’re thinking right now: duh, dogs are related to wolves. Wolves and coyotes, dogs closest wild relatives, both howl, so it makes sense that dogs howl too. In fact, given the wide range of vocalizations they share with wild canids, it would be more surprising if they didn't howl. I decided to start my research with the deceptively simple question, "Why do wolves howl?"

More: Everything You Need to Know About Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Several hours and spectacular nature documentaries later, I had my answer. While the full range of meaning behind a wolf pack's howls is not yet understood, we can guess that wolves usually howl for one of two main reasons: to warn strange wolves that they are trespassing on pack territory or to guide pack members back to the pack.

Dogs are not wolves, a fact that bears repeating, but there could be some of the same basic communicative instincts going on in your pup’s head. What your dog is trying to say, however, is probably a little different than the howls of their wild relatives.

More: Can Pets Detect Human Emotion?

Experts think that dogs howl for the following reasons:

• Attention-seeking behavior
• An alert to danger
• Contacting distant dogs (or their owner)
• Responding to high-pitched sounds (like my singing)

These behaviors are totally normal and can even be amusing.

Sometimes, though, howling can be a sign of a problem.

Howling for help

Howling at a siren is one thing, but constant howling is a little more concerning. Dogs that howl more than normal could be suffering from separation anxiety or a medical issue.

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem in dogs. If your neighbors complain that your dog howls whenever you leave the house, your dog could be howling because she is trying to get your attention and call you back home. Your dog could also just be bored.

More: When Does Dog Anxiety Become a Serious Problem?

If your dog howls when you are around for no apparent reason, you should call your veterinarian. This could be a sign of a medical condition, and it can’t hurt to rule out illness before you start looking for other triggers. Your veterinarian is also a good source of information about animal behavior and might be able to offer you some training tips to reduce your dog's unwanted howling.

In other words, howling is normal, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Unfortunately, my research did not provide me with the answer to my real question: Is my dog singing along or begging me to stop?

When you factor in vet bills, food and grooming, all dogs are pretty expensive. It's a small price to pay for undying loyalty and unconditional love, though — right? And while adopting any pet can get pricey in a hurry, there are definitely some designer dogs that cost much, much more than a pet you'd pick up from a shelter. We're talking more money than three month's rent.

Looking to drop a whole grip of cash on a dog? Check these puppies out.

More: Looking for a Running Partner? These 10 Dog Breeds Are All You

1. Tibetan mastiff

One of the more ancient breeds, the Tibetan mastiff isn't a true mastiff, despite the hefty price tag of around $3,000 per pup (Vice also reports that one recently went for $2 million!). This breed was made for working but is also a born protector. Courageous, loyal and protective, this is the guy or gal you want with you if you happen across a bear in the woods. But it really isn't appropriate for smaller homes or yards as it needs plenty of room to play.

2. Lowchen

When you adopt a Lowchen, you're getting a breed that is super cuddly and great with kids. They're very similar to a Bichon Freese, but they come at a price: Usually around two grand or more.

Originally posted October 2015. Updated August 2017.

Up next: Azawakh

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3. Azawakh

The Azawakh is a rare West African sighthound from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and the name means “land of the north.” The breed is fiercely loyal and attentive, but also is prone to health problems like heart issues and seizures. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for one.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A King Charles Spaniel will set you back anywhere from $1000 to $2300, but look at that face. These dogs are super friendly and affectionate and cuter than words can describe.

Up next: Egyptian Pharaoah Hound

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5. Egyptian Pharaoh Hound

The Egyptian Pharaoh Hound is definitely exotic looking. These pups have been bred since 4000 BC. They used to go for up to $5000, but they've come down a bit in price. You can expect to pay about $2000 now.

6. English bulldog

No, Charles Dickens didn't take over writing this article. This is actually not the same thing as the Olde English bulldogge of yore, and this American version has only been around since the '70s. It looks very much like its cousin with a more modern spelling, but it was just accepted into UKC as an official breed in 2014, perhaps contributing to the puppies being a bit spendy at $2,150 each on average.

Up next: Rottweiler

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7. Rottweiler

You'd think that Rotties wouldn't be to expensive since they're fairly common — but these guys come at a high price tag. But I guess we should expect to pay more for the ultimate watchdogs! These guys will set you back anywhere from $1000 to up to $4300.

8. Canadian Eskimo dog

Can you say gorgeous? These beautiful dogs are also super smart and strongly resemble a husky. You'll likely pay about $1000 for a Canadian Eskimo dog.

Up next: Samoyed

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9. Samoyed

Speaking of beautiful, the Samoyed is so pretty, and kinda looks like a teddy bear. Not only that, they're smart, playful and super cuddly. They cost anywhere from $1000 to $2300 to buy from a breeder.

10. Akita

Another little face we can't get enough of! The Akita originates from Japan and was used as an adaptable hunting dog. Given to families with new babies, the Akita represents health, longevity and happiness. Because the Akita is known to be aggressive, it requires training during its puppy years. Needing a confident owner, the breed is not recommended for young children and other animals. Sure is cute, though! Akitas usually cost about $1500.

Most of us are stuck behind a desk 40-plus hours a week — so getting the chance to hit the open road is the bomb-diggity. Wind in our hair, the chance to take in new sights every moment of every day, the freedom of no responsibilities — what's not to love?

While it seems like a nice, long road trip is nothing but perfect, the truth remains that there are moments when being in the car is monotonous and boring. But when you are armed with an arsenal of ridiculously fun road trip games, the journey truly is its own reward.

Give these a try.

1. Guess Who? (10 Questions)

This game can be played by 2 passengers at a time. One passenger thinks of a person, famous or personal connection. The other person can ask 10 yes or no questions that can lead them to figure out who the person is. The best one to start with is typically “Is this person a female (or male)?” Another good one is “Do I know this person?” Based on the yes or no answers, the player can then narrow down who it might be.

More: Your Summer Travel Checklist for Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog

2. Hot Seat

Everyone can participate in this one. The hot seat is essentially an interview game where one passenger is asked five questions by anyone else in the car and they have to answer. You can choose to allow a veto for one, so they can avoid any super-awkward questions.

3. A to Z

The objective of the game is to be the first one to spot things along the road trip that start with each letter of the alphabet in order. A for apple tree, and B for BMW will get you in the lead as the other people in the car try to catch up with their ABC call-outs along the way. Each passenger is responsible for keeping their own count, and no one can repeat the same thing twice.

More: 8 Things That Will Inevitably Happen When You Road Trip With Your Kids

4. Waze

This isn't a standard road-trip game, but it is a way to help other drivers along your trip. Waze is a community-based traffic app which allows other drivers in your area to share real-time traffic tips. There are gaming aspects, like the ability to see other friends in the area, so rest stops and arrivals can be better coordinated.

I’ll be taking a long road trip from New York to Virginia Beach in September, and definitely will be doing all of these. What are some of your favorite road-trip games?

Originally posted August 2014. Updated August 2017.

There may be a connection between women with gum disease and their increased risk of certain types of cancer according to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Specifically, women with gum disease were found to have a 14 percent higher risk of developing cancer; three times more likely when it comes to esophageal cancer.

More: Dental secrets that will make you finally take care of your teeth

Jean Wactawski-Wende, dean of the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the State University of New York at Buffalo, is the lead researcher of the study and stated, “These findings may provide a new target to test an intervention for cancer prevention — oral hygiene and periodontal disease treatment and prevention.”

While the study’s data collection was exhaustive — focusing on nearly 66,000 women between the ages of 54 to 86 — it was still unable to prove a correct cause and effect.

“There may be a connection between gum disease and cancer, but we really can’t tell how strong it is because the gum disease is self-reported,” explained Dr. Ronald Burakoff, chair of dental medicine at North Shore University Hospital, who was familiar with the study’s findings according to HealthDay.

More: How hormones affect your dental health

The study’s initial findings, though, have sparked conversation over how inflammation can play a role in making other kinds of diseases more likely. Wactawski-Wende explains further research is needed.

By Vivian Nunez

Originally published on HelloFlo.

In what seems like an uncharacteristically candid move, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is opening up about dating Olivia Munn and why he believes things were difficult. It's the first time that Rodgers has really opened up about the topic since the pair split, but it's certainly illuminating. Additionally, Rodgers went so far as to comment on the alleged drama that might exist between himself and his family, including his brother Jordan, which is yet another point of interest where this stoic athlete is concerned.

More: 9 Gloriously Strange Reasons We Love Olivia Munn

In a recent interview with ESPN the Magazine, Rodgers discussed a wide array of topics, but the most interesting points were his comments on his relationship with Munn. While he didn't outright trash her, his comments implied that things were not as sunny and loving as they appeared to be. "When you are living out a relationship in the public eye, it’s definitely...it’s difficult. It has some extra constraints because you have other opinions about your relationship, how it affects your work and, you know, just some inappropriate connections."

Inappropriate connections? That's certainly very interesting, and in combination with Rodgers' comment that there was an "increased strain" on the relationship, which most likely led to their split, it sounds like he was increasingly uncomfortable with the kind of celebrity and speculation that comes with dating an actor.

More: Olivia Munn's Quitting Aaron Rodgers Cold Turkey

Rodgers also offered comments about his views on handling the alleged drama that came about when his brother, Jordan, won JoJo Fletcher's season of The Bachelorette. Jordan's family drama stemming from possible issues with Rodgers as well as the attention his appearance on The Bachelorette brought him became a fixture of that season; now Rodgers is giving his thoughts for the record. "A lot of people have family issues. I’m not the only one that does. It needs to be handled the right way [...] I think there should be a separation between your public life and your personal life. I’ve always just felt like there should be a time when you don’t have to be on."

Very interesting, Rodgers. Very, very interesting indeed.

More: Olivia Munn Restricts Her Social Media Amid Aaron Rodgers Breakup

Munn and Rodgers, who were together from 2014 until April 2017, seem to have moved onward from their relationship. Munn reportedly quit social media cold turkey in the wake of the breakup as a way to start fresh while Rodgers kept mostly to himself.

It wasn’t so long ago that I scrolled through Facebook and Instagram and rolled my eyes at friends who posted nothing but pictures of their babies. After all, I prided myself on a personal feed filled with images of travel, food, cultural events and selfies with my wife against some cool backdrop. I posted informative long-read articles and sociopolitical insights, and I respected others who did the same.

I didn’t understand those friends who I knew were intelligent — and had once been civically engaged — and yet now only posted pictures of their mildly cute infants covered in smashed squash purée. "How had they had become so drab and one-dimensional?" I would wonder. What happened to the fiery, politically charged, outward-facing human who was more concerned about the world than about their little, insular life?

I also didn’t understand the many “likes” and comments these photos received — the “OMG, he’s so beautiful!” and the “Your baby is so perfect.” I never quite got why people assumed that just because someone was small, they were automatically worthy of praise.

And then I had a baby.

More: I'm a Good Mom, Even if I Don't Like Playing With My Kids

Of course, there are a million things in life that are worth doing — things that are more fulfilling to many than having a baby. And of course, not having having a child is the right decision for so many people. It’s just that for me, and I imagine for some others, I was shocked to discover that having a baby far surpassed anything I’d ever done before — and it takes effort to refrain from shouting this from the rooftops.

I’ve been proud to share the articles I’ve written with family and friends. I’ve loved sharing images from my many travels and watching as friends ogled and commented. I was filled with pride when I shared news of jobs I landed, adventures I embarked on, things I learned and especially the day I married my wife.

I love the experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to have. But none of them come close to the profound pride and love I feel for this new little human — whom I had the ultimate privilege of growing inside me.

Of all the things I’ve produced, this kid is by far my biggest accomplishment. I know baby-making has been happening for literally millions of years since single-celled amoebas evolved into mating species, but it still feels like a freaking miracle to grow a person inside your gut. The best I thing my belly had ever harbored prior to this fetus was a well-sourced hamburger.

More: My Postpartum Depression Didn't Look Like What I Expected

I watched tepidly via ultrasound those pregnant months (still judging baby-obsessed others) as the fish-like creature grew into what looked like an alien and then a baby. And then one day, he was ripped from my body and entered the world. It was then that I realized this baby was an actual person. He was a human being of my own creation. I mean, I was pretty proud of myself the one time I made a decoupage mask, and now look what I had made.

It was all I could do not to stop every stranger on the street and say, “I made a baby!” I knew it was ridiculous, and yet I couldn’t help it. I was so grateful for this new human, I sent gifts to the doctor, the nurses, the anesthesiologist, my co-workers and others. I wanted to send a gift to anyone who got us a gift, but my wife convinced me I was going too far.

The photo album in my phone went from a diverse range of stunning sunsets and cool events to 100 percent baby pictures. I wanted to capture every expression on his perfect little face, to document every moment so I wouldn’t miss a thing even though I was there.

I posted a flurry of baby pictures on social media (with the privacy setting adjusted so that only known entities could see), and didn’t realize until weeks later when I looked back that I hadn’t posted anything else. North Korea was threatening nuclear war, Syrian children were risking life and limb to get medical care in the war-torn cities they called home, boy soldiers were kidnapped and forced to murder in the name of Boko Haram and Gulf Coast cities were losing their homes to flooding. But I just posted pictures of my baby. Here’s my baby half-smiling. Here’s my baby sleeping. Here’s my baby sleeping but with the sunlight hitting him at a different angle. Here’s my baby sleeping with a different outfit on. Here he is wearing a goofy hat.

It’s not that I stopped caring about the world around me; it’s just that for a little while, my baby became my world. I saw in him the potential for a future world that was better than the one we were in. I saw in him all the beauty and innocence in a world where newspaper headlines reflect the opposite.

More: Whitney Port Reveals Struggle With Breastfeeding in Emotional Video

Perhaps obsession with our babies is hormonal or nature’s way of making sure we protect them because they’re helpless little beings. Regardless, I'm now forced to admit I understand where all those friends were coming from when their feeds went from adult to parent.

Now, several months later, the hormones have subsided and I’ve gone back to work, and my little guy, while still an enigma and the love of my life, is a bit less of a mystery and more a part of the family and our everyday. I’ve gone back to posting about other things in the world. But I still intersperse that content with photos of my son — and I may never stop.

It has been more than two decades since Alicia Machado’s reign as Miss Universe, but people still feel the need to comment on her body. The most recent incident was last week at a Spanish-language award show on Telemundo, where Machado attended and posted a photo of herself wearing a lacy red jumpsuit.

This was apparently too much for the internet, who proceeded to flood her Instagram post with their thoughts on her weight.

More: Why Are We So Fascinated by Celebrity Body-Shaming?

“As a public figure, you’re overweight in my opinion. Those clothes do not suit her,” one person commented.

Another one wrote, “You look chubby. I don’t know if it’s your undergarments, but the extra pounds are noticeable.”

Do these people think they’re helping? Do they honestly think that Machado, after putting on the outfit and probably feeling like the beautiful boss she is, read the comments and thought “Wow, these people have a made a great point. I should change, or at the very least, put on some different undergarments.” 

Nope. Like Kelly Clarkson, Ariel Winter and so many others before her, Machado hit back, confirming that she has, in fact, gained weight, and that it’s for her acting career. She also let her critics know that there’s more where that came from. She responded to one of the comments saying that she has another five pounds to gain “to appear even fatter” for her next character.

More: Kelly Clarkson Has No Time for Twitter Body-Shamers

If Machado looks or sounds familiar, aside from being Miss Universe 1996, it’s because she also came up during the 2016 American presidential election. Last year, she spoke out about how then-candidate Donald Trump — who owned the pageant at the time — called her “Miss Piggy” while she was Miss Universe. Never one to let an opportunity to cut down a woman based on appearance pass him by, Trump defended his comments from 20 years prior, saying that she “gained a massive amount of weight” which he said was a “problem” for a titleholder. This triggered an outpouring of hateful comments about Machado’s body from Trump supporters.

But then — like now — Machado wasn’t having any of it, telling People en Español: “They won’t intimidate me because I’m backed up by the truth. As long as I’m firm and strong in my convictions, I’m at peace and moving forward.”

That’s right, Alicia — move forward and wear red lacy jumpsuits while you’re at it, because you look amazing.

Twenty years ago today, in 1997, Princess Diana was killed in a tragic car crash in Paris. The royal family has been paying tribute to her all week, and today, her longtime friend Elton John weighed in.

More: 18 Iconic Photos of Princess Diana That Will Always Live On

The singer posted a throwback photo to Instagram showing a much younger version of himself posing with Diana before her death. In the caption, he wrote, "20 years ago today, the world lost an angel."

John and Diana were always close, and he rewrote his hit "Candle in the Wind" to perform at her funeral, which was broadcast all around the world, and proceeds from sales of the reworked track were largely given to charities Diana supported. To this day, it remains one of the most poignant remembrances of Diana in the wake of her passing.

More: Princes William & Harry Plan Private Ceremony to Honor Princess Diana's Memory

John also opened up about his relationship with Diana in the recent HBO and ITV documentary, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.

"She had that incredible ability — which [Harry] kind of inherited — to make people feel at ease and make them feel that everything’s gonna be all right," he said. "I haven’t experienced many people in my life who have that ability, but she could walk into a room of people and make them feel as if everything was great."

More: A New Princess Diana TV Special Will Focus on Conspiracy Theories

Both of Diana's sons, William and Harry, have carried on her legacy through their own charitable works, and they've both spoken openly as they've grown older about trying to help their mother live on through them and their deeds. We think they've done a great job, and Diana would be proud of the way her family and friends have continued to honor her.

We've seen the heart-wrenching photos: Texans wading through chest-high floodwaters, cradling terrified pets and frightened children as they attempt to find shelter, clothing and food in the wake of the hurricane, now downgraded to a tropical depression, though it's still wreaking havoc, Harvey.

It's natural to feel helpless, but there's plenty you can do to ease the suffering — especially for families with small children.

More: Preparing Your Family for a Disaster

Currently, parents of babies and toddlers are struggling to find diapers for their children. It sounds like such a small thing — until you remember how many clean diapers it takes to get through one day with one child.

The Texas Diaper Bank (yes! It's really a thing!) is accepting diaper donations, and there are three super-simple ways you can donate them online. Ready?

• Texas Diaper Bank website
• Amazon Wish List
• Jet.com

It's not just diapers that these families need — many families have lost everything they own. So the Texas Diaper Bank is asking for additional baby care items. “Any brand and any size baby diapers, pull-ups, adult diapers, formula, and wipes. We need primarily the larger sizes of diapers, pull-ups, and adult diapers. New or gently used baby items — clothes, blankets, bottles, breast pumps, small toys, etc. Please refrain from donating cloth diapers — many families will not be able to wash them.”

The Texas Diaper Bank posted a helpful FAQ to its Facebook page.

The organization has been working for families since 1997 on a crusade to "close the diaper gap" for small children as well as older children with disabilities and seniors in 10 counties in south Texas.

More: Sandra Bullock Donated $1M to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims

You can also donate menstrual products to Texas women (periods don't quit just because a natural disaster strikes). Here's our roundup of ways to help on that front.

We're on it! How about you? Let's get affected Texas families back on their feet — in any way we can.

It's not every day we hear dudes diving into discussions about fertility, including in vitro fertilization. So it was refreshing to hear John Legend's thoughtful, candid take on the process — and on his 4-year marriage to Chrissy Teigen.

Recently, the singer spoke with Cosmopolitan about the challenges he and Teigen have encountered during their IVF journey. Said adventure has happily has resulted in their now-16-month-old daughter, Luna, who frequents both her parents' social media accounts regularly (and adorably). Of course, not everyone who undergoes IVF is as lucky.

Legend — a Grammy and an Oscar winner — said that "having a baby is a big challenge for a couple, and going through that together strengthens your bond, because if you make it through [having a child], you know you can make it through anything."

More: Chrissy Teigen Is Not Pregnant (Yet!) So You Can All Chill Out For Now

Legend said he and Teigen are hoping to conceive more kids via IVF — and he feels fortunate to be living in a time when this is an option for their family. “I think it’s especially difficult when you can’t conceive naturally. You want to feel like everything’s working properly and want everything to be perfect, but sometimes it’s not. I wouldn’t say we can’t conceive naturally, but I would say that it’s enough of a challenge where it felt like we needed help," Legend continued. "We’re lucky that we’re living in an age where we can conceive in other ways. [IVF] brought us Luna and hopefully, it will bring us a few more awesome kids, too.”

Teigen talked to People last year about their decision to have a girl first. “I’ve made this decision. Not only am I having a girl, but I picked the girl from her little embryo,” Teigen explained. “I picked her and was like, ‘Let’s put in the girl.’”

But the couple is planning on a boy too.

Teigen added, “A boy will come along. We’ll get there too, so it’s not like we really have to pick.”

Legend also told Cosmopolitan that he's got Teigen's back, no matter what. Recently, Teigen decided she needed to cut back on her alcohol consumption — and Legend couldn't have been more supportive.

More: John Legend Supports Chrissy Teigen's Resolve to Cut Back on Alcohol

“We discuss everything that’s on our minds. When she was thinking about how she wanted to drink less, we talked about it,” Legend said. "I want her to be happy and to live the fullest, most awesome life she can, and I want us to do it together. Whenever she sets her mind to anything, I always tell her, ‘I want to support you and help you do it.’”

One thing never seems to change. These two are #CoupleGoals all the way, all the time. We're grateful to them for speaking so openly — as a united, loving team — about their struggles (with infertility and everything else).

We will never be royals, but we will never stop covering them and their breeding habits, either.