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Fuller House No Longer Has Hope for a Michelle Tanner Return

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Those of us who have been binge-watching the first part of Fuller House Season 3 that dropped on Netflix over the weekend have been disappointed by a pair of famous faces that are still conspicuously missing. That's right. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen still haven't made that surprise appearance to reprise their shared role as Michelle Tanner (and admit it — you've totally been hoping they would turn up out of nowhere and break Netflix/the internet).

More: Things to Know About Lori Loughlin's Look-a-Like Daughter, Olivia Jade

We can't exactly blame the Olsen twins for their absence. They were on Full House when they were kids, and who really wants to relive their professional pursuits from when their age was in single digits, even if the Olsens were already massively successful child actors by then? They've gone on to build a fashion empire, and they seem pretty content to focus on that. Honestly, we can't even blame them for wanting to leave Full House in the past. Their lives. Their choices.

But Full House franchise creator Jeff Franklin just did his part to dash every tiny hope we have left for a true reunion on the revival series, Olsen twins included. In a new interview with TVLine, Franklin admitted that he's so far beyond hope that the Olsen twins will come around, he's straight-up stopped calling them to ask.

More: If You Hoped for an Olsen Twins Fuller House Cameo, Just Stop Now

"The door is open, but I’m not going to be calling them anymore to invite them. They just don’t seem interested in coming," he explained. Cue all our tears.

But he did say that the twins are still welcome should they change their minds. "It’s been three years of invitations, so they know the door is open," he explained. "It’s up to them to decide if they want to come play or not."

More: Fuller House May Have to Face the Fact That Michelle Is Never Coming Home

Sorry Franklin and Olsen twins, but there's nothing you can say that will get us to completely stop getting our hopes up.


Heidi Klum Confirms Breakup, Is Officially Single Again

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Updated Sept. 25, 2017, 8:30 a.m. PT: It's official. Heidi Klum and Vito Schnabel are over.

Klum confirmed that they've broken up after three years of dating, telling People magazine, "I believe that it is important to take time to pause and reflect."

The two had been fighting off breakup rumors for months. The rumors seemed to stem from a time when Schnabel was reportedly spotted kissing an unknown brunette woman in the back of a cab in June. He brushed off cheating allegations at the time, claiming the woman was a family friend and he was just biding her a friendly goodbye.

Now, Klum and Schnabel join the ranks of all the other high-profile celeb couples that have split this summer. Can we finally have a break from the breakups now?

Original story:

It's been a rough end to the summer, as far as love is concerned. We've had some major celebrity breakups in 2017: Fergie and Josh Duhamel, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris, Nick Viall and Vanessa Grimaldi, Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell... you get the idea. But is there another one on the way?

More: Heidi Klum Is Ridiculously Good-Looking in New Lingerie Ad

Sources say Heidi Klum and her boyfriend, Vito Schnabel, have been having some problems, but they haven't broken up quite yet, so there's still hope.

"There has been trouble in paradise for a little while," a source told Us Weekly. Those problems are apparently amplified by the fact that Klum has been spending a lot of time hanging out with British race car driver Lewis Hamilton, though the same source insists there's nothing to their relationship that isn't platonic. Rumors about Klum and Hamilton started flying after they attended the Harper's Bazaar Icons event together over the weekend.

More: We Swear Heidi Klum's Been on Vacation All Year — Just Look at These Photos

"They are friends and went to dinner together after the Harper's party," Us Weekly's source said. "But they are not dating."

Meanwhile, a rep for Klum declined to comment. Staying out of gossip?

Klum and Schnabel have been dating since 2014, two years after Klum split up with her ex-husband, Seal. In 2015, Klum appeared very much in love with Schnabel and told Entertainment Tonight as much in an interview, saying she and her younger boyfriend were "very much in love," but that she "won't get married again."

More: 5 Guesses for What Heidi Klum (the Queen of Halloween) Will Be this Year

So, is it her lack of desire to walk down the aisle that's causing trouble? Or is there actually something between Klum and Hamilton? It remains a mystery for now, but we hope everything works out for our fave Project Runway host.

Your Guide to Traveling With Sex Toys

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Look, we’re all grown-ups here, so let’s be frank: Sex toys are fun, and when they’re especially good, it would be nice not to leave them behind when we’re traveling. But the world is full of sex-toy horror stories in which accidentally activated vibrators were suspected as bombs or the TSA waved someone’s personal bestie in front of a crowd of strangers.

We don’t want that to happen to you. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide to handling your sex toys on a flight. No bomb threats. Minimal embarrassment. Super-simple.

1. Keep them from turning on

This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s the easiest thing to forget. If your toy has removable batteries, take them out and replace them when you arrive. You could also slip a small piece of plastic between the battery and the connector to keep it from turning on.

If your toy doesn’t have removable batteries, try leaving it on until the battery’s drained. You can always charge it as soon as you get to your own private room again.

If neither of these seems plausible, you can tuck the toys inside a protective item — people have had success with boots, Bubble Wrap and paper towel tubes.

More: 13 Sex Toys With Ridiculously Good Amazon Ratings

2. Keep them protected

In case a TSA agent does need to inspect your item further, it would be wise to have it protected so a stranger’s hands weren’t all over your toy. Put it inside a clear plastic bag that won’t get in the way of the agent’s inspection. If you’re keeping the toy inside a boot, the bag will also keep you from getting an unfortunate case of athlete’s vagina. (That’s a joke. Moving on!)

3. Leave the big guns at home

The TSA has made it clear that there’s nothing illegal about traveling with sex toys, and they are OK and permitted as a carry on. However, they do need to be less than 7 inches long, which is a rule for all “tools” brought on airplanes. The last thing you want is your metal dildo being mistaken for a club, so leave anything over 7 inches at home or ship it to yourself if you can’t be without it.

4. Keep lube in a container under 3.4 ounces

This is the case for all liquids on airplanes, and lube is no different. Look for travel-size options to keep things simple. Alternately, purchase lubricant once you’ve landed at your destination.

More: New to Sex Toys? These Intuitive Vibrators Are Perfect for Beginners

5. If you do get searched, be frank

You can ask to have your bag searched in private if you feel it would be more discreet, but if a TSA agent is holding your magic wand in their hand and asks you what it is, you’re better off telling them the truth. They see more toys than you probably expect.

6. Make sure your destination is toy-friendly

In many international countries, including Saudi Arabia, India and the United Arab Emirates, sex toys are still illegal. Strangely enough, Alabama also has a ban against them. Take a few moments to Google your destination before you pack.

7. If you’re bringing many toys, consider checking your bag

Although handcuffs, ties and even some whips have been approved by the TSA for carry-on, if you’re going to be nervous or embarrassed, consider checking your bag. As with earlier advice, still pack your items in plastic bags, and put them where the agent can easily reach them without having to dig through your whole pack.

More: 9 Household Items That Can Double as Sex Toys

8. Be wary of hotel soaps for cleaning

Soaps often contain a moisturizer of some kind, which means oil, and oil is a quick way to ruin a silicon toy. Protect your investment by packing a small container of trusted soap or purchasing some when you land.

Upgrades to consider for travel toys

Buy toys with travel-lock features

Certain brands are now selling vibrating sex toys with travel locks to avoid any unruly buzzing in the security line. They Layaspot and the Stronic from Fun Factory are two models to consider.

Get a sex toy that doesn’t look like one

The more innocuous-looking, the fewer questions you’re likely to get in a security screening. The Lelo Ora and the Crave are two such toys, but there are plenty out there — find one that works for you.

Get a toy with a USB port

If you’re a frequent international traveler, you know that plugs and voltages change depending on the country you’re in. A USB port on your toy makes charging via laptop simple and keeps you happy.

Consider app-supported toys

If you travel away from your sexual partner a lot, app-activated toys can be a fun way to keep the spark alive between you while you’re gone. The We-Vibe is a popular and relatively inexpensive model. But definitely save it for once you’ve landed –—you’ll probably set off alarms if you wear it through screening.

Kylie Posts First Pics Since Pregnancy Rumors, Fans Think She's Kim's Surrogate

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The internet was not about to sleep in this Monday morning despite working itself into a frenzy over reportedly pregnant Kylie Jenner. And apparently, Jenner's not sleeping in either. She's back on social media posting pics to Instagram. Alas, still no mention of the possible pregnancy.

Unless you dropped your phone in the toilet on Friday, you've probably already heard the news that the cosmetics creator and her boyfriend, rapper Travis Scott, are reportedly expecting a baby. A source told Us Weekly that Jenner is "at least four months" along — which means the baby is already big enough to be practicing pouty duck-lip selfie faces in the womb. We just hope they can catch that on the ultrasound.

More: Kylie Jenner Reportedly Pregnant With Travis Scott's Baby

TMZ says that Kylie told her close pals about the pregnancy at the Day N Night Fest in Anaheim, California, earlier this September. The media outlet even took the scoop one step further, saying that Scott told his buddies that Jenner is having a girl — and that both Scott and Jenner's ex, rapper Tyga, claim the baby is theirs. Oh, boy. Time to stock up on the popcorn and check Twitter every two minutes.

Tweet baby daddy

Tweet baby daddy

So what's up with Jenner's weekend Instagram photos? What insight do they provide into this miraculous state of knocked-up affairs? Well, not much. On Sunday, Jenner posted a shot of herself and a gaggle of white-robed friends captioned, "Mornings." Are these her morning sickness ladies-in-waiting? Does she always wake up in a spa bathroom with a full squad? (Probably.) It was her first post on Instagram since all the pregnancy hullabaloo exploded at the end of last week, and it didn't really answer any of our questions. Damn it, Kylie. We're going to need a little more. Work with us here.

Kylie mornings IG

Kylie mornings IG

More: Kylie Jenner Moves on From Tyga With Beau Travis Scott

Jenner did grace us with a second recent pic — a photo of herself with BFF Jordyn Woods at Woods' 20th birthday celebration at Malibu Wines Safaris, which proves an important point: No one will bat an eyelash if you're rich and famous and not 21 but still holding your birthday fete at a winery. In the picture with the birthday girl, Jenner is — inadvertently? intentionally? — revealing a sliver of her bare tummy. But even if she's four months along, well, there wouldn't be much to see (and there isn't).

Kylie and Jordan

Kylie and Jordan

But boy are people are looking for something to see. When Jenner attended the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas on Saturday (a day after the reports surfaced that she's pregnant) photos immediately appeared on the internet of her wearing a baggy gray tee — proof, some were convinced, that a baby bump was hiding underneath.

The conspiracy theorists of the internet are keeping things extra entertaining by suggesting that Kylie is too savvy (and busy) an entrepreneur to have a baby of her own right now — which of course must mean that she is actually the surrogate for her half-sister Kim Kardashian West and her husband, Kanye West. Their third child (reportedly a girl) is expected in January 2018. Hmmmm.

Kylie baby tweet

Kylie baby tweet

Kylie baby tweet 2

Kylie baby tweet 2

So far, nothing from Jenner, Scott or the Kardashian posse directly confirms the pregnancy reports. Kris Jenner did text Ryan Seacrest at Live with Kelly and Ryan to say, "Kylie's not confirming anything," much to the obvious disappointment of the audience.

Kylie Jenner — despite her willingness to be a social media darling — has mixed feelings about all the internet attention according to a confessional filmed for her new show Life of Kylie. In it, Jenner says, "You cannot win with the internet. There's no winning. It's just unnecessary negativity. I feel like I'm in a relationship with the world sometimes."

That negativity was apparent in a crass comment by gossip guru and author Perez Hilton about the possible Jenner-Scott baby. In a YouTube video he made about the news, he said, “I’ve just got to do a slow clap, a slow clap for Kylie Jenner. She knows how to work it. She is the new Kim Kardashian. I don’t care about any of them other bitches right now. Kylie Jenner has just one-upped everybody. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Kylie Jenner has been dating rapper Travis Scott for what, um, five months, six months? And also, a reminder Kylie Jenner is 19 years old. Um, I love life. I love babies. If I were Kris Jenner, I would tell that girl to get an abortion!”

Not helping, Perez Hilton. (The backlash he's currently receiving will convince him to keep some of his opinions to himself in the future, we're hoping.)

Jenner is used to having her relationships picked apart, she said on her new show. "The hardest part about having a relationship for me is just that it's blasted all over the internet. You have to hear about other people's opinions on who you're with. It's a lot," she said. "Most of the time, it's just not true. Like you have no idea what I'm like in a relationship, what kind of bond I have with somebody else."

Alas, those internet opinions show no signs of dying down anytime soon thanks to this bombshell news.

Was Jenner in a hurry to have kids? Well, in 2015, she told Teen Vogue she looked to "the far future" when it came to having a few babies to get into her Lip Kits and draw on the walls. "I need to have a million girls. Ten years from now — in 2025 — I hope I have a kid."

Welp, here we are in 2017, not exactly Jenner's original baby timeline. But Jenner reposted some original art on Instagram the other day from Romanian illustrator @vladyart. The image makes us wonder if Kylie Jenner is embracing the dream of having a little girl of her own to do makeup with — just a little earlier than planned.

vlady art Kylie

vlady art Kylie

Kit Harington Was Punk'd on the GoT Set

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In case you ever wondered what things are like behind the scenes on the set of Game of Thrones, you should know they're not as dark and twisted and mysterious as the show itself is (thank God). As it turns out, the stars of the show like to have fun in between filming takes, and sometimes that happens, hilariously, at each other's expense.

More: 8 Things to Know About Jason Momoa & Why We're So Obsessed

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays Jaime Lannister, just did a sit-down with Mashable in which he spilled the beans on one of the meanest yet most hilarious pranks we've ever heard of being pulled off. The victim? One Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow on GoT.

"I think the funniest one I remember was the writers, they gave Kit Harington a script where he — where Jon Snow was in a fire," Coster-Waldau explained. "And he survived the fire, but his whole face had been burned off. And Kit believed it and he was like, 'Oh man, that's just... Ugh. I'm going to be in prosthetics for like, every day. Fuck. Oh God.' And that was funny."

More: Ranking All the Worst Wigs in Game of Thrones History

While we're happy that plot twist didn't actually happen, because who wants hottie Harington without a face, we cannot stop laughing at the thought of the actor pouting about having to roll with that change. But considering how many twists and turns happen in every GoT episode, we're not even surprised he believed that one was real. You can kind of buy it when you think about it, right?

More: Kit Harington & Emilia Clarke's Cutest Moments Together

If this turns out to be a spoiler and Jon Snow actually gets his face burned off in the final season, though, we are not going to be pleased.

Meet the New Mental Health Ambassador for Global Citizen — Demi Lovato

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Demi Lovato has been sharing her struggle with mental illness publicly for years now. Over the weekend, she announced via Instagram that she’s the new mental health ambassador for Global Citizen, which describes itself as “a social action platform for a global generation that wants to solve the world’s biggest challenges.”

According to her Instagram post, Lovato will focus on “vulnerable communities around the world” to be able to use her platform to further her work on mental health and well-being.

More: How Demi Lovato's Openness About Mental Illness Helped Me Through College

Over the past year, Lovato has been working with Global Citizen to find the right partner to “help bring a bit of solace and peace to some of the displaced children in Iraq,” eventually identifying Save the Children’s HEART program (which, Lovato wrote, “offers healing, psychological support and basic education through the arts,”).

DL

DL

“My hope is that this program can bring a bit of comfort to those who need the most,” she said in her post. “This isn’t about politics or race or religion. It’s simply about humanity and protecting one another.”

More: Using Storytelling to End the Stigma of Mental Illness

This isn’t the first time Lovato has lent her name to causes related to mental health. In fact, earlier this year, she was the executive producer of a documentary called Beyond Silence, which was made in conjunction with Be Vocal — a partnership between leading mental health advocacy organizations and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals.

Lovato called her new ambassadorship an honor and said she was excited about the upcoming pilot program with Save the Children.

What to Know About the Menendez Murders Before Law & Order: True Crime Begins

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Every now and then, a crime is committed that truly grips the nation. And right up there among the most infamous are the Menendez murders — the brutal killing of José and Kitty Menendez by their own sons, Lyle and Erik.

More: Hollywood True Crime — 5 Real-Life Mysteries

It's hard to believe it's been almost 30 years since the crime occurred, which makes the recent spike in interest surrounding it all the more intriguing. Has something been overlooked? Does this case merit a re-exploration?

Quintessential crime show Law & Order is set to put their spin on the story on Sept. 26, when Law & Order: True Crime premieres. Since the miniseries is devoted entirely to the Menendez brothers, here's a briefer to jog your memory before the show tackles the troubling case.

How it all began

Late in the night on Aug. 20, 1989, a call came through to 911. "Someone killed my parents!" a seemingly frantic 21-year-old named Lyle Menendez screamed to the operator. His 18-year-old brother, Erik, was with him at the time.

Who were the Menendezes?

José Menendez, 45, was a Hollywood executive and self-made millionaire. His wife, Kitty, 47, was a former beauty queen-turned full-time homemaker. They had two children, Lyle and Erik, who were born into a life of privilege. From the outside looking in, it appeared they were living the idyllic American dream.

However, rumors circulated that José frequently had extramarital affairs and that Kitty turned to prescription drugs and alcohol to help her cope with the stress. She reportedly tried to commit suicide by overdosing on pills in 1987.

Where did the trouble with the sons begin?

It is rumored that José held the boys to extremely high and often unrealistic standards, so one can imagine his anger upon learning his sons had been caught robbing houses in the neighborhood for fun. Although he shielded them from trouble, he did reportedly greatly reduce their inheritance in his will.

Where there any signs of what was to come?

Shortly before his parent's murder, Erik collaborated with his friend and tennis coach, Craig Cignarelli, on a screenplay about a man who kills five people — starting with his own parents.

How were José & Kitty found?

According to the brothers, they came back after a night at the movies to find their parents assassinated mob-style. There were over a dozen gunshot wounds between the two, including headshots.

When did people start to suspect Lyle & Erik?

Unfortunately, the brothers were able to pull the wool over everyone's eyes at the crime scene by acting extremely distraught. Due to this, investigators let them slide and didn't wind up investigating them until two months later. In the weeks following their parents' deaths, though, the brothers went on a major shopping spree, spending half a million dollars or more.

More: The Best True Crime Audiobooks

Lyle also confided to a friend that he had deleted his parents' revised will (the one that reduced his inheritance) from their computer. Things began to fall apart shortly after. Erik first confessed to Cignarelli and later to his therapist.

What was their possible motivation?

Aside from the potential inheritance being a benefit, Lyle and Erik claimed in court as their defense that they were "punched and belt-whipped" as children. Furthermore, they accused José of molesting them from a young age. Even family members testified to this, claiming Kitty knew about the abuse and did nothing.

There was doubt

Despite compelling evidence they were guilty of the crime, the juries for both brothers couldn't make a decision during their first trials. Retrials had to be held for Lyle and Erik, at which point the juries decided they were guilty.

Where are they now?

The men were spared the death penalty by their juries, so they are both in prison to this day. Lyle is serving his sentence out at Mule Creek State Prison in California. He reportedly runs a support group for inmates who were victims of sexual abuse. He has been married twice: to model Anna Erickson in 1996, and to Rebecca Sneed in 2003.

More: The Best True Crime for Your Next Binge

Meanwhile, Erik is serving his sentence at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, also in California. According to Lyle, Erik works with terminally ill and handicapped inmates. In 1997, he married Tammi Saccoman, his prison pen pal.

Update: Jeffrey Dean Morgan Accidentally Spilled That His Wife's Having a Girl

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Updated September 25, 2017, 12:30 p.m. ET: It was a big weekend for Walking Dead star and soon-to-be papa Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who accidentally let it slip — in front of an entire Supernatural convention crowd, no less — that his wife, Hilarie Burton, is about to have a daughter. He then quickly 'fessed up for real on Instagram, thanking the mystery photographer who captured his classic sheepish face.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Baby Girl

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Baby Girl

Original story:

Yes, we know Negan on The Walking Dead is really freaking scary. But in real life, Jeffrey Dean Morgan is total dad material (more Denny from Grey's Anatomy than Negan). He and his longtime love Hilarie Burton (of One Tree Hill) have a 7-year-old son, Augustus — and after last night's unexpected reveal at the 2017 Emmy Awards, we now know for certain they have another baby on the way.

It was a big Emmy night for baby news: Atlanta's Donald Glover gave a shoutout to his unborn son during his acceptance speech and Negan — er, Morgan — strolled casually into the Emmys with a very pregnant Burton. Double whammy baby surprise awards show!

Although Burton and Morgan didn't share much about the news, Burton's former co-star Barbara Alyn Woods spilled to Us Weekly that she spoke with Morgan at the Emmys and he confirmed the pregnancy (in case Burton's belly didn't).

More: Were Fergie & Josh Duhamel Trying for Another Baby?

Burton and Morgan have been together since 2009, and although they don't spill much about their personal lives, Burton chatted a bit about her family with the Associated Press way back in 2010. “[We’re] really happy, and we're a very good team," she said. "And we got very lucky that our family is what it is." Declining to say more, she explained, "I want to protect them like a mama wolf should.” Admirable.

This "mama wolf" also posted a very sweet shot on Instagram mid-gardening with her son.

Burton and son

Burton and son

And some visual dad-material proof: an adorable shot of Morgan with Augustus, posted to his Instagram account in August.

Morgan and son

Morgan and son

Additional weird fun fact should you find yourself playing any celebrity trivia game: Burton and Morgan are the co-owners of a candy shop in Rhinebeck, New York — along with Paul Rudd. Just a couple of guys making candy. How cliché.

This story was originally published on September 18, 2017 and was updated on September 25, 2017.


Fergie & Son Axl Enjoy a ‘Date Night’ After Her Split From Josh Duhamel

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Fergie's not letting her split from Josh Duhamel, her husband of eight years, get her down when it comes to having fun with their 4-year-old son, Axl Jack. The singer posted about their fun mother-son "date night" in NYC on Sept. 24 on her Twitter feed.

Aladdin Fergie

Aladdin Fergie

"Seeing @aladdin," tweeted Fergie with a video of Axl poking around in props backstage at the Broadway show.

She also tweeted two cute shots of Axl and herself at the Dolphins-Jets football game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, captioned, "Mommy and me at the game today. GO @MiamiDolphins."

Fergie and Axl

Fergie and Axl

This is no easy time for the singer despite the release of her much-awaited new album, Double Dutchess, which came out on Friday, Sept. 22. Fans have been hoping for her return to the music scene since her popular debut album, The Dutchess, dropped 11 years ago.

More: Were Fergie & Josh Duhamel Really Trying for Another Baby?

But music is not at the top of Fergie's priority list right now, it's clear. She and longtime love Josh Duhamel announced their separation on Sept. 14 in a statement to Us Weekly: "With absolute love and respect, we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year. To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family."

The couple was apparently trying for another baby as late as last year according to a source, who added, "[T]hey are still very friendly and get along."

Another source told Us that Duhamel left the family home this spring. "They are both really good people and committed to their son, but they are too different to make it work," according to this insider.

More: Fergie Explains Why She & Josh Duhamel Finally Announced Their Split

But why did her new album take so long? Fergie said it was an easy decision for her — she put her career aside to focus on Axl Jack.

“I’m not going to sacrifice time with my child,” Fergie said to EW about the 11-year gap in album releases. “That’s just not going to happen. They can keep banging on my door [to release an album], but I’m like, 'I’m with Axl. I’m off the grid! Bye!'"

It's not hard to see the sweet mother-son bond in Fergie's recent tweets — clearly the singer and her son love spending time together. And time with Axl is likely a welcome respite for Fergie during this transition; she admitted to Us Weekly in a recent interview that the impending split with Duhamel definitely colored the songs on her new album.

"There’s a few emotional songs on this album," she said during the interview. "I mean, I cry in a couple of the videos, so there’s definitely tears that were let out."

But it sounds like she and Duhamel, though still hurting, are doing the best job they can to co-parent amicably. Fergie recently visited Refinery29 to promote Double Dutchess and shared her thoughts on this new chapter in her life. "I think that the most inspiring thing is that you can have a beautiful thing like a child together and be great friends even if you're not a romantic couple anymore," she said.

Fergie previously confessed to People that she and Duhamel had already been split for a while prior to going public with the breakup. "Honestly, it was just getting a little weird for us with all the romantic questions. We're great friends, we love each other so much, and it just got to the point where it was getting a little weird."

Mandy Moore's Engagement Party Was So Mandy Moore

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Mandy Moore might be a superstar (especially since This Is Us became the phenomenon that it is), but she's still one of the most humble and down-to-earth stars in Hollywood. Need proof? Look no further than the engagement party she had over the weekend, which was very chill and not too far off from what one of us might plan if we had an engagement party.

More: Prepare Yourself: Mandy Moore Is Releasing New Music

Seriously, Moore's engagement party could have been anyone's engagement party.

There was wine and silly bunting decorations that spelled out Moore's name as well as her fiancé's, musician Taylor Goldsmith.

mandy moore engagement party
Image: Mandy Moore/Instagram

There were silly games of Pictionary with friends.

mandy moore engagement party
Image: Mandy Moore/Instagram

There was this goofy Mad Libs-looking game:

mandy moore engagement party
Image: Mandy Moore/Instagram

More: Mandy Moore's Pretty New Home Makes Her Even More Relatable

Basically, Moore had a totally normal, achievable tea party to celebrate her engagement. Any one of us could have thrown this party. There were no frills and it wasn't expensive or extravagant. It was just a simple, fun celebration with friends. Ugh, just when we thought we couldn't love Moore any more than we already do.

More: Mandy Moore & Claire Holt Risked Their Lives for Their New Film

Moore and Goldsmith have been dating since 2015. They keep their personal life pretty quiet. Even though Moore was the one who initially sparked engagement rumors last month by wearing her ring in public, it was her This Is Us co-star Jon Huertas who officially broke the news.

Moore posted one photo to her Instagram to commemorate the activities, thanking the friends who helped organize the party.

Mandy Moore posts pics from her engagement tea party 1

Mandy Moore posts pics from her engagement tea party 1

"My heart bursts for each and every one of these ladies," she wrote. "If you are the company you keep, then I am in excellent standing."

Congrats to Moore and Goldsmith!

Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo Celebrate Daughter Dusty Rose's 1st Birthday

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Who knew that fatherhood and marriage would turn Adam Levine into a softie who poses with giant unicorn balloons?

The Maroon 5 singer and his supermodel wife Behati Prinsloo just celebrated their daughter Dusty Rose's first birthday with a big party on Sunday, Sept. 24. Prinsloo — known best for her Victoria's Secret modeling career — posted a super-sweet pic of herself with Levine posing with not one, but three life-size (well, what we're guessing would be life-size) unicorns made from hundreds of bright balloons.

More: Behati Prinsloo Low-Key Reveals She's Expecting a Second Child

"We made it once around the sun... @adamlevine Not sure who enjoyed these wise old unicorns more, me or the kids," Prinsloo captioned the happy post.

Behati Adam

Behati Adam

Their daughter Dusty Rose (we love the rockabilly name, we admit) turned 1 on Sept. 21. Prinsloo also posted a temporary shot of the birthday girl sporting a denim vest and rainbow tutu. Can you even?

Dusty

Dusty

Dusty's biggest birthday present will have to wait for a few more months, though. She's going to be a big sister. Levine and Prinsloo recently announced that they're expecting their second child. Prinsloo revealed her baby bump on Instagram on Sept. 13, captioning the bikini shot, "ROUND 2."

behati 2

behati 2

More: Behati Prinsloo Talks "Next-Level Love" for Daughter Dusty Rose

Dusty Rose may wind up being a big sister many times over thanks to her parents' fantasies of having a massive family. "I've always wanted a family since I was a little girl... I'm an only child so I wanted, like, 10 kids," Prinsloo told Net-a-Porter in 2014. The same year, Levine told Ryan Seacrest on radio station KIIS FM, "I want to have 100 kids. I want to have more kids than would be socially responsible."

Let's hope dear Dusty Rose likes babies as much as her parents do.

How Sex Eases My Chronic Illness

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Before I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, sex wasn’t all that high on my agenda. But coming to terms with a life-changing chronic illness like MS forces you to reassess your priorities, and post-diagnosis, sex was on my brain. When an MS relapse affected my orgasms in a major way, making them all but disappear, I wondered if I’d ever get the chance to enjoy sex again. The idea that I might not was devastating because I felt as though I hadn’t had nearly enough of it.

Of course, sex is a personal choice, and it’s not for everybody. But for me, having more sex has allowed me to reclaim a part of myself that I thought was lost for good. Learning to enjoy sex again post-diagnosis was a long and sometimes tortuous journey. But two things spurred me on: a determination to rediscover my ability to orgasm and the way sex made my body feel.

More: Yes, People With Disabilities Have Sex & Deserve Sex Ed

Much of the time, my body feels awful, and I’m sure most people with chronic illnesses can relate. From nerve pain throughout my limbs to strange tremors to random stabs to the dragging ache of fatigue, there isn’t much that can alleviate the disturbances that MS causes. I’ve tried several prescribed pain-management options, but they each had terrible side effects. One gave me an out of body experience that convinced me my hand wasn’t my own. So I’ve searched for alternatives like chocolate, gin, reality TV, spin classes and orgasms. And while I’ve never had a doctor recommend having an orgasm to me to improve my nerve pain, I should have, because it works.

Here are just some of the ways that sex makes chronic illnesses better.

Exercise improves disability

As Judy Beveridge writes for the MS Trust, “You either use it or lose it with MS… You feel so much better during and after exercise, getting your heart-rate going and endorphins flowing.” While Beveridge is talking about cardio rather than sex, the same principle applies. As with any condition, an exercise plan needs to be approved by your health care professional, but in the majority of cases, exercise actually improves multiple sclerosis symptoms such as anxiety and muscle weakness, and sex is a form of exercise, so…

More: 5 Reasons feeling sexy is important for your health

Sex is a natural form of pain relief

As Natasha Turner writes for Chatelaine, “Before orgasm, oxytocin, released from the brain, surges and is accompanied by the release of endorphins, our natural pain-killing hormones… endorphins soothe nerve impulses that cause menstrual cramps, migraines and joint pain.” Basically, sex is a natural painkiller, and as someone who’s often in pain, that’s exactly what I need. Often, my body feels jittery, twitchy and achy before sex, but after, it’s so much calmer.

The desire to feel “normal” (whatever normal is…)

There’s an ableist assumption that disabled people, and those living with chronic illnesses don’t need or like sex. While this might be true for some, it’s certainly not true for everyone. One health care practitioner suggested to me that I shouldn’t worry about my sex life post-diagnosis, as companionship was more important. Eventually, she said, that’s all that’s left anyway, the insinuation being that MS made sex even more difficult, so why cause a fuss?

But having sex and being in the type of physical relationship that’s right for you is an essential part of the human experience. Ignoring a person’s sexual needs or suggesting that sex is the lowest priority when you’re disabled is ableism.

Health Central writes that being diagnosed with a lifelong illness “is a great opportunity for you to build true intimacy with your partner and to focus on other things that bring you closer together outside of sex.” While that’s all well and good, a person with a chronic illness shouldn’t be made to feel as though they have to settle for a sex-less existence. And enjoying the physical side of a relationship can help you feel connected to another person and forget your problems, even for a short time.

More: Sexual health tips

Sure, sex with a chronic illness might be different from sex pre-diagnosis, but deprivation isn’t necessarily the answer. Being able to experience all that life has to offer, including sex, can improve a person’s life, especially if they’re already living with conditions that affect their day-to-day.

By Amy Mackelden

Originally published on HelloFlo.

It's Time to Say Goodbye to ‘Sexy’ Halloween Costumes for Little Girls

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It’s that time of year again. The Halloween party invites are coming in, my kids have started debating what they’ll dress up as, and I’m not wasting any time Googling “awesome handmade Halloween costumes” because, well, I know myself. I will, without fail, be traipsing around the local costume shop in a mild panic on or around Oct. 28.

More: 40 Super-Easy Costume Ideas That'll Have You Rockin' Halloween

It’s a shopping trip I dread — not because I hate Halloween, but because I hate walking down the girls' aisle with my 7-year-old daughter. Every year, I pray for something more inspiring, more creative, more age-appropriate than the overtly sexual ensembles claiming to be witches, zombies, devils and superheroes. (Since when did Batgirl wear a mini skirt?) They don't have the word “sexy” on the packaging — sexy witch, sexy devil, etc. — but they may as well have: low cut tops, bare midriffs, corsets, short skirts and sequins galore.

Just as bad are the costumes that don’t know what they are. Is she a witch? Is she a vampire? Is she a generic fairy tale baddie? Whatever she is, she's sexy as hell, she's available in age 4-plus, and she may come with a name like Midnight Mischief, which sounds more like the name of a Mills & Boon novel. Not recommended-reading for a 4-year-old the last time I checked.

This sexualization of young girls is something the American Psychological Association has been fighting for years, even devoting a specialized task force to the cause. The APA suggest parents speak up when they see something that doesn't sit quite right with them (such as a little girl's Halloween costume that looks like something an adult would wear to an orgy). One mom did just that in 2015, calling out Party City when she couldn't find a nonsexualized "career" costume for her toddler.

When I think back to when I dressed up as a witch for Halloween, I remember the fake warts on my nose, the gray strands in my long-haired black wig and the long, sweeping cloak. I do not recall a corset top and fishnets.

If a 13-year-old wants to dress up as a "sexy" witch, I don't have a problem with that. While I'm not sure I'm completely on board with that line from Mean Girls ("Halloween is the one day a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can say anything else about it,"), I do believe that adolescent girls should be able to expose skin and explore their sexual selves — whether it's Halloween or not — without feeling ashamed or vulnerable. But I don't have a teen — or even a tween — yet. I have a 7-year-old, and I don't want her thinking the only version of Halloween costumes available to her are "sexy," or even "pretty." Because where's the creativity in that?

More: Can We Stop Calling "Gender-Neutral" a Parenting Trend Yet?

Yes, my issue with these costumes goes beyond the unnecessary sexualization of young girls. For kids, Halloween should be about fun and transformation. Their options for costume creativity should be limitless so their imaginations can run wild. Little girls who want to dress as, I don't know, Charlie Chaplin or Beetlejuice or an avocado should be celebrated for their inventiveness, not told they don't look attractive enough.

It goes both ways, of course. Not all little boys want to dress up as ghosts, ninjas, Stormtroopers or monsters. My favorite part of Halloween last year was opening my front door to a couple of young teenagers. The boy was dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz; the girl was the Tin Man. Yup, they got all the candy.

Luckily, my daughter has no desire to be a sexy witch or a sexy cheerleader or a sexy zombie. Last year, she was a bat. The year before that, she was a bat. I suspect this year may be a hat trick — although she does have a flamingo costume she likes to wear around the house.

Girl dressed as a bat for Halloween - What's with sexy costumes for kids?
Image: Claire Gillespie

I’m thankful my girl doesn’t feel the pressure to wear a sexualized Halloween costume, no matter how many of the little girls in her class do. At the annual school Halloween disco, she’ll stand out as the only 7-year-old girl dressed as a bat (or possibly a flamingo). The thing is, I don’t really want her to stand out. I think creativity should be the norm. There’s something sad about the world when a 7-year-old girl dressed as a bat is more of an oddity than an entire class of 7-year-old girls dressed in costumes that would not look out of place on a stripper.

More: A DIY Bat Costume So Easy No One Will Know It Only Took 10 Minutes

I want my daughter to grow up feeling comfortable in her sexuality — whatever form that takes — and to have the freedom to express that however she so desires. But that doesn't mean I'm OK with her being taught at such a young age that her sexuality and looks should be valued above other traits — on Halloween or any other day of the year.

Sexy witch, the show's over.

Paris & Prince Jackson Spent the Weekend Together at a Family Wedding

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Wedding season may be starting to wind down, but that doesn't mean no one is tying the knot in an early fall ceremony. And for the Jackson family, last weekend was wedding weekend.

More: What Happens in the Met Gala Bathroom Never Stays in the Met Gala Bathroom

Paris and Prince Jackson spent a lot of quality sibling time together over the weekend, because they were both members of the wedding party in their cousin Siggy Jackson's wedding. Siggy is the son of Prince and Paris' uncle Jackie Jackson, who was a member of the Jackson 5 alongside their dad, the late Michael Jackson.

Prince posted multiple photos on Instagram showing him and his sister having their fun sibling time together. In one photo, they both posed on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Prince captioned the shot, "Get you a ride or die to ride into the sunset," and tagged Paris.

More: Paris Jackson Is Ready to Follow in the Footsteps of Her Superstar Dad

Paris and Prince Jackson at a wedding over the weeknd 1

Paris and Prince Jackson at a wedding over the weeknd 1

In another photo, the two are clearly dressed for the wedding. Prince is in a black tuxedo, and Paris is leaning her head adorably toward his shoulder in a matching black dress. They're both holding black, white and red wedding bouquets.

Paris and Prince Jackson at a wedding over the weeknd 2

Paris and Prince Jackson at a wedding over the weeknd 2

"It was an honor to be a part of @officialsiggyjackson wedding with my sis @parisjackson," Prince wrote.

More: Paris and Prince Jackson Are Kind of the Cutest Siblings Ever

Siggy's wedding was held at the Jackson family's California estate, which leads us to believe the affair was probably something of a family reunion. And considering all the ups and downs the Jackson family has faced, they deserve some solid bonding time.

A PLL Spinoff Starring Sasha Pieterse & Janel Parrish Is in the Works

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If you've been languishing in a showhole ever since Pretty Little Liars ended, here's something worth crawling out for — a Pretty Little Liars spinoff is happening, and it will star two very familiar faces.

Freeform has picked up the option to pilot Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, which is based on the YA book series The Perfectionists. That book series, of course, was penned by none other than PLL author Sara Shepard.

More: Take a Deep Breath — PLL Probably Won't Cut You Off Cold Turkey at Season 7

So which Liars will be coming back to the small screen together? Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish will reportedly reprise their roles from the original series. Or, as they're known in the PLL universe, Alison DiLaurentis and Mona Vanderwaal.

This casting news has been confirmed by PLL showrunner Marlene King, who will be helming the spinoff series as well.

"I'm beyond excited to continue my collaboration with Sara Shepard, Alloy, Freeform and Warner Horizon," she said. "I can't wait to introduce our fans — and Sasha and Janel — to a new world of thrills and chills in Beacon Heights."

More: A Ranking of the Most Ridiculous Storylines That Ever Happened on Pretty Little Liars

Freeform is similarly stoked to bring the new series to primetime.

Calling PLL a "cultural phenomenon," Karey Burke, Freeform's executive vice president of programming and development, shared, "We can't wait to continue Marlene King's rich and revolutionary storytelling with a new crop of leading ladies from Beacon Heights who will hold just as many secrets and lies as Rosewood did."

It's unclear at this point how Ali and Mona will be tied into the show. In the book series, the drama centers around five new girls (as in, not Ali, Spencer, Hanna, Aria and Emily... or Mona, for that matter).

More: The Internet Isn't OK With Pretty Little Liars' Series Finale

According to the Goodreads synopsis, The Perfectionists focuses on a group of seemingly perfect girls in a seemingly perfect town who are being accused of a horrific crime: 

"In Beacon Heights, Washington, five girls — Ava, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Julie and Parker — know that you don't have to be good to be perfect. At first the girls think they have nothing in common, until they realize that they all hate Nolan Hotchkiss, who's done terrible things to each of them. They come up with the perfect way to kill him — a hypothetical murder, of course. It's just a joke... until Nolan turns up dead, in exactly the way they planned. Only, they didn't do it. And unless they find the real killer, their perfect lives will come crashing down around them."

Worth a watch? We think yes.


Sterling K. Brown Appears on Ellen, Proceeds to Strip Down & Ride Toy Train

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In case you had any lingering doubts that Sterling K. Brown deserves all the awards, let us direct your attention to the This Is Us star's debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Monday.

Appearing on Ellen alongside fellow cast members Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia — who play his parents on the NBC tearjerker — Brown was issued a challenge by the hilarious host. Since Ventimiglia appeared on the show shirtless and Moore had to ride a toy train, Brown would naturally need to ride a toy train shirtless.

(Dear Ellen, have we told you lately that we love you?)

Brown accepted the challenge, making his way to the tiny tractor as Ventimiglia and Moore goaded him. After de-shirting and locating the gas pedal, it was off to the races for the two-time Emmy winner. Hopefully DeGeneres had bottles of water on hand afterward to quench her undoubtedly thirsty audience.

Sterling K. Brown on Ellen

Sterling K. Brown on Ellen

The trio's appearance coincides with the Season 2 premiere of This Is Us on Sept. 26 at 9/8c.

A ratings powerhouse, the dramedy's first season was nominated for 10 Emmy awards. It walked away with two: a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, which went to Brown, and a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, which went to Gerald McRaney (aka Dr. Katowski).

Brown's win was particularly significant in that he is the first black actor in 19 years to win an Emmy in his category.

The It Sequel Has a Release Date, So Enjoy Sleep While You Still Can

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Here's your warning, people — the next installment of It officially has a release date, and we are T minus two years until Pennywise the Dancing Clown returns to haunt our dreams (and movie screens). On Monday, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. announced the horror sequel will arrive in theaters on Sept. 6, 2019.

More: Let's Brush Up on Your It Trivia

The first film hit theaters this fall and reinvigorated the box office after an uncharacteristically sluggish summer. In addition to breaking numerous records, it has grossed over $700 million worldwide, making it the top-grossing horror film of all time (sans adjusting for inflation).

So far, it has been revealed that screenwriter Gary Dauberman — who co-wrote the script for this year's film alongside Cary Fukunaga and Chase Palmer — has signed on to write the sequel. According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Andy Muschietti is "waiting in the wings" to join the sequel, too.

More: The 15 Creepiest Clowns in Pop Culture

In the 2017 adaptation, the action revolved around a group of kids in 1989 dubbed the Loser's Club: Mike, Stan, Eddie, Bill, Ben, Richie and Beverly. When the beast arrives in their small town of Derry in the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the kids must fight it off.

In the 2019 sequel, the action will reportedly resume with the Loser's Club as adults. Because, true to form, Pennywise returns every 27 years. Flashbacks to the past will tie the two films together.

More: 10 Extremely Scary Stephen King Books (That You Might Not Have Read Yet)

"I always insisted that if there was a second part, there would be a dialogue between the two timelines — that it would be approached like the adult life of the losers, [but] there would be flashbacks that sort of illuminate events that are not told in the first one," Muschietti told Collider in August.

Are There Any Health Benefits From Lotus Birth?

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You've heard of hospital birth, unmedicated birth, home birth and water birth… but have you heard of lotus birth? Here, we take a look at lotus births, why some parents choose this experience, what the health benefits might be — and what risks might be involved.

What is a lotus birth?

The term "lotus birth" actually doesn't have anything to do with the birth of the child at all — until after the third stage of labor, the placenta delivery. In the most basic terms, a lotus birth means that after a baby is delivered, the umbilical cord isn't cut. At all. Instead, the placenta remains attached to the baby until the cord dries up and naturally detaches a few days after birth.

Umbilical cord non-severance means that the parents must tote the placenta around along with their baby, and they typically don't just leave it as is. Instead, the placenta is treated with salt and/or herbs to help dry it out or help it smell better, because it does tend to give off a meaty scent.

Are there any health benefits?

In short, no. While it may sound like an unusual practice, particularly in a society where newborns are promptly separated from their placentas ASAP after birth, proponents claim there are benefits to be had from a lotus birth.

Some argue (note: not medical professionals) that lotus birth promotes bonding due to the fact that the placenta is still attached to the baby. Parents really don't want to lug their baby and her placenta around (and jostling and movement should be kept to a minimum anyway), so there is ample opportunity to relax with your wee bub. Each of the medical professionals interviewed for this article took the same position: That there are no health benefits to lotus births.

Are there any risks?

Not only are there no health benefits to lotus birth, but infection is a huge risk. In fact, Dr. Rob Atlas, chairman OB-GYN at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, says that he has declined to allow moms in his care to have a lotus birth.

"The function of the placenta is essentially over the minute the placenta detaches and stops pulsating and sending blood over to the newborn," he says. "There is no medical benefit to the mother or the newborn to continue to allow the umbilical cord to be attached to the placenta."

Dr. Marina Maslovaric, an OB-GYN at HM Medical in Newport Beach, California, agrees: "It is an unusual practice with no medical benefit and considerable risk, particularly the risk of massive infection."

These doctors are not alone. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the U.K. has issued a statement on lotus birth, and while they recognize that it may be appealing to some, there are risks involved. According to their statement, Dr. Patrick O'Brien, RCOG spokesperson, notes, "The placenta is particularly prone to infection as it contains blood. Within a short time after birth, once the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating, the placenta has no circulation and is essentially dead tissue."

Also, lotus birth has also been associated at least once with neonatal hepatitis (which may have been due to an infection).

Delayed cord clamping & cutting

What is not controversial is the act of delaying the cord clamping and cutting. Immediate cord clamping and cutting is a practice, post-delivery, that was once widespread, but has recently fallen out of favor among parents as well as many caregivers. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends delayed cord clamping and cutting for all healthy infants, which means caregivers wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before severing the cord so the placenta can continue to pump blood into the baby's body after birth. Benefits for the baby include increased hemoglobin and higher iron stores for the first few months of life, which can help prevent iron deficiency.

While delayed clamping and cutting may be beneficial, the fact remains there has been no scientific evidence that lotus birth has any health benefits whatsoever, and in fact, can be risky for the baby's health. As with any practice that may impact you or your baby's health, it's best to consult with a professional first.

A Quick Guide to How to Tell the Difference Between Cysts, Lumps & Tumors

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Nothing is scarier than finding a lump somewhere in your body. Scratch that, nothing is scarier than finding a lump, going to the doctor and having a million tests run on you — only to leave horribly afraid and with pretty much zero answers about what is happening. Or worse yet, you're given a vague explanation about the lump and told not to worry about it. Right.

The above scenario happens all-too often. It's a frightening situation that nobody wants to be in — but it can be avoided if you arm yourself with knowledge about the different kinds of lumps commonly found in the body and know what questions to ask your doctor to get better, clearer answers about what is going on.

More: How Sex Eases My Chronic Illness

Here's the rundown on lumps and masses, followed by a list of specific questions you can be prepared to ask your physician.

The lump difference

Many types of lumps can form throughout the body — and despite pervasive fears, not all link to cancer. The most common lumps that women develop include:

Cysts

Cysts are sacs filled with fluid, air or other materials, often making them somewhat soft to the touch. They can form anywhere in the body — including bones, organs and soft tissue — and can be caused by infections, excessive production from sebaceous glands, chronic inflammatory conditions, hormones, obstructions to the flow of fluids or foreign bodies. Some cysts are discovered during physical examinations, while others require ultrasound imaging for diagnosis.

Cysts are most commonly benign (i.e., noncancerous) but can be indicators of more serious problems elsewhere and can pose health risks if ruptured. Therefore, many physicians remove cysts and have pathologists examine them.

Tumors

Tumors, commonly referred to as neoplasms, are abnormal tissue masses that can grow on nearly any body part. Though tumor tissue usually grows faster than normal tissue, not all tumors are harmful. Benign tumors aren’t dangerous unless they interfere with normal bodily functions.

However, malignant (i.e., cancerous) tumors can pose serious health risks by invading surrounding tissues or spawning additional tumors. That’s why most physicians recommend biopsies to determine the tumor’s nature or grade.

More: 3 Gynecologists on What Happens to Your Mind When You're Ovulating

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are common benign growths women develop during childbearing years. Fibroids vary in shape, size and location, but they’re commonly firm, rubbery masses distinct from their surroundings. An estimated 75 percent of women develop fibroids, though many go unnoticed.

A small percentage of women can experience chronic symptoms from fibroids — such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain — and may need them surgically removed or treated through hormone therapy.

Polyps

Polyps are abnormal growths on any tissue with a blood supply. Most polyps are benign, but they can grow to be malignant. Women who develop polyps within their uterine linings or cervixes may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping and abdominal pain. Doctors usually elect to remove polyps for further testing.

What to Ask Your Doctor About Your Lump

Educating yourself about lumps is only the first step; the next is making a doctor’s appointment for a proper examination and diagnosis.

Instead of going to your consultation afraid, prepare a list of questions to help you better understand your situation, such as:

  • What type of growth do you believe this to be?
  • What is the likelihood that my lump is benign? Malignant? Precancerous?
  • Can you explain the tests that will be performed?
  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
  • What are the possible side effects of my treatment options?
  • Could this condition affect my ability to have children?
  • How likely is this to be a recurring health problem?
  • Does this lump increase my risk for cancer?

Finding a lump can be unsettling, but empowering yourself with information can help you eliminate fear and turn your next consultation into a productive discussion about how to get your health back on track.

Dr. Judy Wolf is the chief medical officer at Vermillion, Inc. She received her medical degree from the Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, and her clinical and research interests are in gynecologic cancers — specifically ovarian cancer.

Originally published November 2015. Updated September 2017.

6 Creepy Halloween Makeup Tips That Will Totally Freak Out the Neighbors

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Whatever happened to the days when Halloween was actually supposed to be scary? The ghost, goblins, witches and ghouls that used to roam our streets on Oct. 31st have been replaced with sexy nurses, (non-frightening) movie characters and super elaborate costumes that are cool — but totally not scary.

We're here to bring back the fright and invite you to join us. All it takes is a little makeup and these quick tips that will have you well on your way to scaring the crap out of your neighbors

1. Base

Vampire makeup
Image: totiredtothinkofanythingfunny/Imgur

A base of makeup will help your colors go on smoothly and stay in place long enough to get through a Halloween party or a long night of trick-or-treating. Instead of paying for expensive makeup bases from Halloween stores, try using your regular foundation. If you're going to cover your face with another color, no one will even know the first layer is there. If you want to look pale — for a vampire or zombie costume, for example — use a foundation that's a few shades lighter than your normal color. To add a slight tint to the base layer, mix an eyeshadow of your selected shade into liquid foundation. Do the mixing on the back of your hand, not in the bottle or on your face, and apply the makeup with a sponge to get even coverage.

More: An Adorable Skeleton Mani Is Yours With This Halloween Nail Design Tutorial

2. Outline

Steam punk makeup
Image: sara le dapperfish/Flickr

Outline your entire face before you color anything in. This way, if you realize it's not going to work, it'll be much easier to get rid of what you've done so far. Try using colored eyeliner instead of makeup pencils; they smudge less and have better staying power. You can probably find some in great colors at a low price at a grocery or drug store. There's no need to go with a big name brand for just one night.

3. Eyes

Skeleton on Halloween
Image: aliceharry001/Imgur

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and on Halloween, they're the key to your costume. Focus on your eyes when you apply your makeup, because that's usually the first place people look. Take extra time applying makeup in that area, and consider using temporary colored contacts if they suit your costume. If you're going to be a fairy or other mythical creature, all you may need is color and maybe a few crystal tattoos around your eyes.

Next Up: Blood

Originally published September 2011. Updated September 2017.

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4. Blood

Halloween blood
Image: philippe leroyer/Flickr

If you're going for gore, make your own non-toxic blood. This is especially important with children, as well as with costumes that call for blood near the mouth, like vampires. To make your own fake blood, mix three parts corn syrup with one part water, then add red food coloring slowly until you get the color you want. If you want a darker, brownish tone to the blood, add some chocolate syrup. To thicken it, slowly mix in corn starch until it reaches the desired consistency. This mixture will be very sticky at first, but that quality helps it stay put during application.

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

5. Set it

Zombie makeup
Image: HannahCass4/Imgur

To make sure your makeup stays put all night, set it with a light dusting of face powder. If you don't want it to be noticeable, try translucent powder from your regular makeup stash. For a matte look to finish the job, use baby powder. Be careful not to use too much, unless you're going for a complete white-out.

6. The rest of your skin

Black swan
Image: abstrusa/Flickr

If you want your makeup to be convincing, don't stop with your face. Remember to add makeup to any skin that will show once your costume is in place, including your neck and hands. Cover these spots after your costume is on so you can be sure to cover all the needed areas and to prevent smearing when you get dressed.

Pro tip: Pair up with someone and do each other's makeup. It's much easier to get it right when you aren't looking in a mirror.

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