Forget cookies and badges. This holiday season, the Girl Scouts of America has a special message for parents of young girls. In a lengthy post published on the GSA website titled "She Doesn’t Owe Anyone a Hug. Not Even at the Holidays," the organization delved into the culture of consent, particularly around what we teach young girls.

“Have you ever insisted, ‘Uncle just got here — go give him a big hug!’ or ‘Auntie gave you that nice toy, go give her a kiss,’ when you were worried your child might not offer affection on her own?" an excerpt read. "If yes, you might want to reconsider the urge to do that in the future," the GSA writes.

More: Our Narrow View of Sexual Assault Is Letting People Get Away With It

The organization then makes a strong argument that we need to rethink how we teach kids affection. As adults, we’ve come to understand this feeling occurs naturally, and when expressing it to a loved one, it’s consensual, never forced. However, when it comes to kids, it's not uncommon for parents or even teachers to tell girls they must hug a friend or relative — even someone who gives them the willies. Some parents even suggest kids just feign affection to get through the event. But what, exactly, does that teach them? How is forcing a child to hug someone when their instincts are telling them otherwise anything but totally damaging?

“The notion of consent may seem very grown-up and like something that doesn’t pertain to children,” says Girl Scouts’ developmental psychologist Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald, “but the lessons girls learn when they’re young about setting physical boundaries and expecting them to be respected last a lifetime and can influence how she feels about herself and her body as she gets older. Plus, sadly, we know that some adults prey on children, and teaching your daughter about consent early on can help her understand her rights, know when lines are being crossed and when to go to you for help.”

More: Harvey Weinstein's Alleged Sex Crimes Brought Back Memories of My Own Harassment

For nearly six weeks, U.S. news headlines have been overwhelmed by allegations of sexual assault (that and gun violence, that is — welcome to America). Women and men have come forward in droves with lurid tales of harassment and unwelcome “affection” from men and women in positions of power. The full impact of this moment in our cultural history has yet to be seen. However, it’s clear that many of us need to rethink our complicity in so many ways. So why shouldn't this begin with our children?

Ben Affleck hasn't been immune to the flood of allegations that have been made against powerful Hollywood men in recent months. There's literally a video in existence that shows Affleck groping One Tree Hill actor Hilarie Burton on TRL years ago, something Affleck has since apologized for.

More: All the Celebrities Who Have Accused Harvey Weinstein of Sexual Misconduct — So Far

Today, though, we get to see exactly how seriously he's taking all of this. Despite hundreds of women coming forward and telling their stories of harassment, sexual assault, rape and other abuse in the entertainment industry, Affleck still thinks this is all a laughing matter.

During a press junket for his new Justice League movie, Affleck made a number of off-color jokes about potential female superheroes who could join the Justice League in another film. First, when he and his costars were asked what superheroes they'd like to see join, Ray Fisher chose the DC Comics magician Zatanna. To this, Affleck awkwardly joked, "The fishnets, right?" seemingly implying that the main draw for having Zatanna join the team would be because of how she's dressed.

More: Here's Why Alec Baldwin Is Taking a Long Break From Twitter

Then the cast was asked what they would do if Supergirl joined them, which would mean another woman (in addition to Wonder Woman) would join the male-dominated cast.

In answer to that, Affleck laughed and answered, "Are you following the news at all?" It was clear he was alluding to all the news of sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood and making some uncomfortable implication about women being in male-dominated spaces. The moment, which was recorded on video, was quickly screen-capped because his costars' faces pretty much say everything we're feeling right now about those "jokes."

No, this wasn't taken out of context. Yes, it's as disgusting as it sounds. See for yourself.

More: Matt Damon & George Clooney Reveal What They Knew About Harvey Weinstein

When it comes to Hollywood elite, Affleck is about as high up as they come. Here's hoping his status won't protect him from consequences for this kind of behavior, because he deserves whatever comes his way.

There are a lot of chain restaurants out there, and based on where you live and your food interests, you probably have your favorite spot. Some of us may have amazing memories of apps and drinks at TGI Fridays, while others are all about ending the night at Cheesecake Factory.

More: We want In-N-Out veggie burgers, and we want them now: Sign this petition

Nation’s Restaurant News looked into this phenomenon and studied which chain restaurants really did inspire the greatest loyalty from their customers.

“Survey respondents were asked if their last visit to each chain was driven by convenience or by a true desire to experience that brand,” explained the publication. “The resulting True Loyalty score is the percentage of visits that were motivated by the brand and not by circumstance.” 

More: Pizza Hut Just Revamped Its Delivery Service, & It's a Game-Changer

The results ended up being pretty interesting, with some winners surprising and others no shock at all. For example, In-N-Out came in at the top of the list, and that’s no surprise to anyone – we route our Uber at LAX to pass the In-N-Out drive-thru when we leave the airport. Sixty-two percent of respondents said they will visit for a burger even if it means going out of their way.

Papa Murphy’s, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse, Raising Cane’s, Cracker Barrel, Panera Bread, Captain D’s, Chick-fil-A and Krispy Kreme also all made it to the top 10. However, tried-and-true McDonald’s was far lower on the list — 28 percent of people say they will go only because it’s right there and convenient and are not inspired by an actual craving for McNuggets.

Whatever. They are still going, right?

In an interview with People, Sexiest Man Alive (or so they keep telling us) Blake Shelton opened up about one of his most important relationships. And no, it’s not the perpetual cuddlefest he has with girlfriend/pop star/coworker Gwen Stefani. Close. Instead, it’s Stefani’s three sons he’s perpetually trying to win over.

“For a long time, it was awkward trying to figure out what my place is and in their mind too,” Shelton said to People. The interview was in honor of Shelton recently being crowned the magazine’s 2017 Sexiest Man Alive (again, a strange and so-very-2017 decision that has furrowed many a brow across the internet. But I digress).

More: Adam Levine Says Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton's Relationship Is "Disgusting"

It seems through his relationship with Stefani, Shelton has inadvertently awakened a side of himself he’d never seen before: the dad side. “The best part for me, selfishly, is discovering a part of myself that I guess I never really knew was in there,” he continued. “It’s definitely an instinct that kind of kicks in.”

More: No Voice Contestants Will Out-Perform the Spectacle That Is Blake & Gwen

Stefani divorced now ex-husband Gavin Rossdale in 2016. During the couple's 14-year marriage, they had three boys — Kingston, 11, Zuma, 9, and Apollo, 3 — an energetic little trio according to Shelton. He and Stefani went public with their relationship shortly after she separated from Rossdale. The two have been inseparable ever since.

And according to Shelton, her three boys are definitely keeping him on his toes. “They’re so damn funny. It’s just my first time being around it, and it’s easy to fall in love with those kids. They’re pretty special,” he said.

Hmm, maybe there's something to those trying-to-get-pregnant rumors after all?

As expected, Amber Heard‘s experience with coming out in Hollywood went less than smoothly. In an interview with Allure, the actor opened up about her sexuality and the homophobia she experienced after she went public with her attraction to women.

In the interview, Heard recalled her “coming out” moment in Hollywood. It was a few years ago when she was photographed holding hands with a woman who she was dating at the time. “I [was] holding her hand, and I realized that I have two options,” Heard said. “I can let go of her hand and, when asked about it, I can say that my private life is my private life. Or I could not let go and own it.”

More: Amber Heard Just Debuted the Most Gorgeous Millennial Pink Hair Color

And though Heard fully accepted how her life and career would change after coming out, her professional team wasn’t convinced the milestone was a right move for her public image. Considering her history of playing love interests for actors like Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp, Heard’s management warned that coming out would have long-lasting repercussions for her career.

“Everyone said, ‘You’re throwing it all away. You can’t do this to your career,'” Heard said. “And I said, ‘I cannot do this any other way. Watch me.’ ”

To this day, Heard doesn’t identify with the term “coming out.” Instead, she believes labels such as bisexual should be nixed. As much as she feels a part of the LGBTQ community, Heard doesn’t connect with words associated with the acronym and believes people should skip categorizations and simply identify as “human.”

“I didn’t come out. I was never in. It’s limiting, that LGBTQ thing,” Heard said. “It served a function as an umbrella for marginalized people to whom rights were being denied, but it loses its efficacy because of the nuanced nature of humanity. As we become more educated and expand the facts of our nature, we keep adding letters. It was a great shield, but now we’re stuck behind it. It’s so important to resist labels. I don’t care how many letters you add. At some point, it’s going to spell ‘WE ARE HUMAN.’ ”

More: Cara Delevingne Wants to Shut Down the Social Norm of Gendered Clothing

Heard may star in two anticipated D.C. superhero movies, Justice League and Aquaman, but it seems like she’s doing most of her hero work IRL. Props to her for keeping it real.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Pizza Hut is the irrefutable queen of cheesy pizza crust and has been since I was a kid. Don't believe me? Well, not only did they pioneer the holy grail of ~treat yourself~ indulgence with the creation of the stuffed-crust pizza and not only do they serve some of the cheesiest breadsticks the world over, but they have also committed to building upon their masterful invention to find a way to deliver even more cheese into our mouth holes with every bite.

More: Pizza Hut Just Revamped Its Delivery Service, & It's a Game-Changer

The latest solution? The ever-so-humbly named Ultimate Cheesy Crust Pizza. The pizza features a crust that is filled with pockets of a five-cheese blend of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Asiago and fontina. You can eat the pizza as you normally would, or you can dig in and tear one of the little cheese boats off the pizza and eat it on its own.

More: Houston-Area Pizza Hut Employees Used Kayaks to Deliver Pizza to Those in Need

This isn't Pizza Hut's first foray into the world of pizza embellishment beyond the traditional stuffed crust. In other countries, that's what they're known for — they've had hot dog-stuffed crusts in the U.K., a cream cheese- and meatball-stuffed pizza in the Middle East and even created something called the Crown Crust Carnival Pizza, which featured a pizza surrounded by a ring of cheeseburgers. And now, those of us in the USA get to finally enjoy just how extra Pizza Hut can sometimes be.

The new Ultimate Cheesy Crust Pizza is available now. It's a limited-time menu offering, though there's no word yet on when it will stop being sold, so the sooner you can try it, the better.

After Castle's unceremonious and unexpected cancellation, its stars are slowly returning to TV. Next up? Stana Katic, who will star in Amazon Prime Video's new drama thriller series Absentia. The show is set to premiere on the streaming service in 2018, in the U.S. and a number of international markets, including the U.K., Australia, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Singapore and South Korea, and Turkey.

More: Nathan Fillion's Guest Star Roles Are Redeeming Him From That Castle Debacle

In the show, Katic will play FBI agent Emily Byrne, who disappears while hunting a notorious serial killer in Boston and is eventually declared dead. Six years later, she's found, barely alive, in a remote cabin in the woods. To thicken the plot, she has no memory at all of the six years she was missing. She returns home and struggles with the fact that her husband has remarried and her son is being raised by another woman, and as if that weren't enough drama, she's soon implicated in a series of murders that took place while she was missing.

More: If Nathan Fillion Wanted To Ruin Stana Katic's Career, He'll Have To Try Again

"Absentia is an exciting new thriller which combines family and love with suspense and vindication," Amazon's Worldwide TV Content Acquisition VP, Brad Beale, told Deadline. "Prime members worldwide are going to love this well written show with remarkable performances by a terrific ensemble cast led by Stana Katic in her newest lead role."

More: Sorry, Beckett Fans, But Sister Cities Was Way Better Than Castle

Alongside Katic, Absentia will star Patrick Heusinger as Agent Byrne's husband and fellow FBI agent, Nick. Cara Theobold, Neil Jackson, Angel Bonanni, Richard Brake, Ralph Ineson, Paul Freeman, Bruno Bichir and Patrick McAuley also have roles in the series.

Because I watched a lot of daytime TV during certain parts of my life, I remember and sometimes still see commercials for law firms offering to defend folks who had been injured via transvaginal mesh implants. But I was in the dark about what they were or who these ads were directed toward.

Transvaginal mesh implants were a treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, which happens when the pelvic organs can’t be supported by tissue that secures the bladder, rectum and uterus, causing these organs to drop so they’re against the wall of the vagina. This can be caused by childbirth and also by the strength of the pelvic wall muscles eroding with age.

More: I Can’t Have Sex — Here's Why

About 300,000 surgeries are performed in the United States each year in order to correct pelvic organ prolapse, and 11 to 19 percent of women who experience issues involving the pelvic floor will need surgery. (Transvaginal mesh has also been used to treat urinary incontinence.) The mesh, made from a porous synthetic material called polypropylene, was cleared for use for these purposes in 2001, is implanted in the vagina to prevent the prolapse (it had been used in abdominal repair surgeries since the 1970s). According to Morgan Statt of ConsumerSafety.org, the mesh was approved by the FDA without clinical data, and 1 in 10 women have experienced complications as a result of the mesh implant.

In 2008, the FDA informed physicians and patients of the risks associated with transvaginal mesh, such as infection, pain during sex, UTIs, the inability to walk, nerve damage, adhesions when tissues grow into the mesh and more, including mental health issues resulting from the stress of coping with ongoing medical problems. Today, the mesh has mostly been pulled from production, and that which remains has been labeled as a high-risk product.

Lindsey Andrews is a lawyer who works with women who have been injured by transvaginal mesh implants.

“The injuries that women are suffering from this mesh implant are severe and debilitating and could have been avoided had people had the proper information,” she said.

Because the mesh is, well, mesh, the edges can cut through the skin and cause infections as well as potentially puncture the bladder, bowel and uterus. Andrews describes the material that makes up the mesh as a “breeding ground” for bacteria. The injuries caused by transvaginal mesh won’t necessarily show up right after surgery; you can be impacted years after the procedure.

“Even after multiple surgeries, doctors are sometimes unable to remove all of the mesh, which by that point has become infused to the surrounding tissue, causing lifelong problems,” reported Andrews.

More: No, Anal Sex Is Not the Solution for This Medical Problem

“These issues can be severe and lead to severe loss of quality of life,” says Michelle Llamas, a senior content writer at Drugwatch who has been writing about transvaginal mesh implants and their effects for many years. “I have spoken to many women that have lost marriages, relationships, careers and their ability to walk without a wheelchair or cane.”

The impact of transvaginal mesh implants has been met with a certain degree of tone-deafness from some medical providers, including some French gynecologists, and marketing professionals, who in emails that surfaced in August 2017 suggested women have anal sex in order to avoid the pain that resulted from vaginal sex due to the implant.

In September of this year, BuzzFeed Australia published a piece examining the impact of transvaginal mesh implants on women in the country after an inquiry looking for those who had been impacted by it revealed hundreds of women in terrible and enduring pain.

“I feel I no longer can have a sexual relationship, which has left me feeling depressed and alone,” said one woman, now 60, who was not made aware of the risks of transvaginal mesh implants when she had the surgery. Throughout the piece, women reported being unaware that over 100,000 women in the U.S. had filed lawsuits due to injuries from the implant.  “My life turned to hell [and I suffered] daily pain and discomfort,” another wrote. “Don’t use this product, ever.”

More: Is Squirting Just Peeing? A Doctor Answers Your Most Pressing Pelvic Health Questions

In order to maintain the overall health of one’s pelvic floor, doctors suggest pelvic floor therapy as well as Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles. There are options for treating pelvic organ prolapse without transvaginal mesh. You can learn from your doctor how to insert a pessary, a small plastic or silicone device that can support sagging organs, thereby eliminating the need for surgery altogether. Your own tissue, as well as organic mesh (made from animals), can be used in lieu of the polypropylene that has such devastating and interminable effects.

The bottom line is that if you're diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, know you have options that do not involve transvaginal mesh, and don't hesitate to discuss these with your doctor.

By Chanel Dubofsky

It's happened to all of us. You start a project on Pinterest that has "easy" in the title, only to find out three hours in that it's about as easy as herding cats. It's kinda ruined our faith in DIYs and crushed all our crafting spirits.

I am a notoriously bad crafter. So bad, in fact, that when my daughter asked me to make her a homemade Halloween costume last month my husband laughed so hard that soda came out of his nose. I love the idea of creating a gorgeous Thanksgiving table loaded with homemade decorations, but the reality is that my creations turn out looking more like abstract art than the Pottery Barn look I'm going for.

More: Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Crafts Kids Can Make All Fall

However, I enjoy the process of crafting and my kids love it, too. That's why I went out on the hunt for some easy Thanksgiving crafts even the least talented among us can create at home. If you're likely to hot glue your face to something by accident, these are the crafts for you.

Thanksgiving table runner for the kids' table

Create a cute, homemade table runner using a length of burlap, linen or muslin, some paint and paintbrushes. It couldn't be easier! The original instructions are for polka dots, but depending on your level of artistic skill you could do small pumpkins or even get crazy and use a shaped sponge. I think it's cute enough for the grown-ups' table, too.

Apple Candles

Another way to spruce up your holiday table, these apple candles look super simple to make. Just core out the center of an apple and place a small votive inside. Pile (carefully) in a pretty bowl! You have a sweet, homemade centerpiece.

More: These Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids Are Easy Enough for the Littlest Hands

Turkey Thanksgiving card

This sweet craft from My Paper Crane kills two, um, turkeys, with one stone. It can serve as both a holiday card and a cute table decoration. Just trace your child's hand next to your own, and decorate using markers. It would be cute to add what your family members are thankful for on the "feathers" here. If you're missing family members who are celebrating in other states, make it earlier in the month and pop it in the mail for a lovely holiday missive.

Gumdrop turkey

Who doesn't love an edible craft? This is so easy a baby could do it. Well, maybe not a baby, but you get the idea. The best part of this craft from Spearmint Baby is that there is no glue involved at all. Just get some marshmallows, gumdrops, gummy worms and some toothpicks and get to work. Later, after the dishes are done, eat these in secret so your kids don't see you doing it.

Gratitude turkey

The true spirit of Thanksgiving isn't about perfect crafts or even perfect mashed potatoes, it's about expressing gratitude for the people and things that make us happy, safe and comfortable. Get the kids in on the act and make a turkey out of a paper plate, a toilet paper roll and some construction paper. On each feather, have your kids write something for which they are grateful. This one is a keeper, so stash it away in the basement or attic so you can show them how they much they loved their Xbox — and their siblings.

Originally published November 2014. Updated November 2017.

Cats display all kinds of unusual behavior that to the new cat owner might seem confusing or even worrisome. One of these classic but weird behaviors is sleeping in the litter box.

Sleeping in your own toilet is pretty disgusting — and considering cats are so obsessed with keeping clean, it's super-confusing they would choose the litter box as a place to take a nap.

Our own precious cats would never dream of such grossness, until, that is, we uprooted them from their home. Yup, we tried to make switching to a new apartment as stress-free as possible, but moving sent our cat Bill straight for the litter box. And he didn't even have to pee.

More: 25 Cat Behaviors That Seem Random, but Really Aren't

This litter box hiding lasted for days. At first, he wouldn't even come out to eat — we had to leave food next to the box, and he'd take a few bites while he was still sitting inside it. However, after a few days and a lot of attention, he started venturing out into his new space.

The stress factor

According to our vet at Prospect Animal Hospital, sleeping and hiding in the litter box is a common reaction in cats to any overly stressful situation. While it may seem gross to the pet owner, a cat's litter box may feel like the only safe haven in new surroundings because it smells like it does. According to Susan Paretts of The Nest, "cats actually mark their territory with their urine and its scent can sometimes be comforting to an anxious cat."

Cats also hide in litter boxes for the same reason they hide in cardboard boxes — the smaller, enclosed space feels like added protection. Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC and expert for the Pet Health Network, told SheKnows, "This is why if you visit an animal shelter, you will often see cats in their kennels lying in their litter boxes."

If you've recently adopted another pet (especially a cat), your cat may sleep in its litter box as an act of claiming it. Cats are very territorial, and if another animal threatens their space, they'll act out in order to assert dominance.

More: Why Do Cats Knead? There's Actually 7 Ways to Answer That

Remedy: If your cat's feeling threatened by another animal, make sure there are as many litter boxes around as there are felines. If you have a dog, make sure the litter box is out of the way, so the cat doesn't feel like it has to sneak by the dog every time it wants to use it. You can also use pheromone sprays and diffusers around the litter boxes to alleviate stress.

Urinary problem

Sleeping in the litter box can also be the sign of something more serious, so you want to be sure and monitor your cat closely if it suddenly starts doing it. Dr. Celeste Clements, DVM, DACVIM, told SheKnows, "If the cat’s behavior is unusual or changed in other ways, including lack of appetite or thirst, or possibly increased thirst, or if you note a change in the pet’s social interactions, or that he or she is sleeping more, or seeming to have difficulty moving about when removed from the box, then a more serious condition or illness might be present."

This could be indicative of any number of illnesses, not just ones having to do with elimination. However, if you notice your cat (particularly if it's male) sitting or squatting in its litter box for long periods of time, scratching at the litter but producing no urine, it may have a lower urinary tract disease. According to Animal Planet, male cats can develop crystals in their urine that if left untreated, could block their ability to pass urine completely. Full blockage like this could be fatal in only 48 hours, so if you notice your cat straining to urinate more than once, take it to the vet immediately.

That being said, you shouldn't jump to the worst case scenario if your cat suddenly starts sleeping in its littler box. Just keep a close eye on it and if other unusual behaviors, like the ones listed above, start to develop, you should definitely give your vet a call.

Originally published October 2015. Updated November 2017.

For the past month or so, there has been a steady stream of news involving sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry, as well as countless others coming forward on social media using the MeToo hashtag to add their stories to the conversation. Predictably, there has been little in the way of positive news on this subject — aside from the fact that having more people speak out has empowered others to do the same thing.

Enter: Lady Gaga and former Vice President Joe Biden. They had previously teamed up to take on sexual assault when he introduced her at the 2016 Academy Awards before her performance of the Oscar-nominated song “Til It Happens To You.” Now they're back together working on an initiative to assist those across the country who have been sexually assaulted with the understanding that the detrimental effects of the assault can last far beyond the incident itself.

More: Our Narrow View of Sexual Assault Is Letting People Get Away With It

“Women who are abused end up having long-term physical and physiological problems,” the former vice president said at Glamour‘s Women of the Year Summit in New York City on Monday. “I’m working with Lady Gaga now… we [want to] set up trauma centers where women can go to get the long-term help they need to deal with these crises… We finally are recognizing the long-term impacts on the health of women and men who’ve been abused. It’s the next great frontier I want to be part of.”

Right now, a representative for Biden told Entertainment Weekly, Biden and Gaga are in the preliminary stages of planning.

“The Vice President and Lady Gaga share an interest in addressing the long-term physical and emotional effects of trauma and they have been discussing what to do about it,” the rep added.

A few weeks ago, Biden appeared with Gaga in a video she posted to Twitter praising the singer for her activism in this and other areas and noting that "no man has the right to raise a hand to a woman for any reason other than self defense. Ever. Period." At that point, Gaga chimed in adding that we shouldn't leave out the men who have been sexually assaulted.

More: Why Terry Crews Talking About Being Sexually Assaulted Is a Game-Changer

"I am a sexual assault survivor," Gaga said in the video, "and I know the effects, the aftermath, the trauma — psychological, physical, mental. It can be terrifying — waking up every day feeling unsafe in your own body."

Here's hoping this is just one of many initiatives created to provide support for those who have experienced sexual assault and other abuses and that we'll eventually get to a place where people know better than to treat others this way.

Anyone who's ever seen even an episode of The Office knows that Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski have wild chemistry with one another. It's what made them so lovable as Jim and Pam, and what made every viewer of that show root for them to fall in love.

More: John Krasinski & Jenna Fischer Finally Made The Office Fans' Dream Come True

As it turns out, that chemistry was evident from day one. In her new book, The Actor’s Life: A Survival’s Guide, Fischer writes about auditioning for The Office, meeting Krasinski and knowing immediately that they were meant to play those parts.

"He wasn’t just the best Jim — he was Jim," she wrote. "I remember the day we met. As I was being shown to the actor’s holding room, he was just being called in to read with another potential Pam… As he passed by, he introduced himself, and we shook hands. It was as if lightning struck through the center of the room."

Fischer continues, "John and I were walking out of an audition scene, and he suddenly turned to me and whispered, 'You’re my favorite Pam. I hope you get this job.' It was exactly as sweet and cute and supportive as anything Jim would say to Pam. I smiled really big and said, 'I’m so glad you said that because you’re my favorite Jim and I don’t think anyone could do it except for you.'"

Seriously, though, how perfect is that? Are you swooning yet? Because I'm swooning.

More: The Best TV Weddings of All Time

Fischer also writes about that infamously heartbreaking scene from Season 2, when Pam and Jim kiss for the first time.

"When he walked away, I felt completely transported into a new reality. I was Pam, I was talking with my mother, and my heart was breaking. I spoke into the phone, telling her I was in love with Jim, but I couldn’t confess my feelings to him. Suddenly, Jim walked in the door. I turned and saw him and my heart felt like it might burst out of my chest. I wanted so much to tell him how I felt, but before I could, he kissed me. It was perfect."

More: Even Mindy Kaling Isn't Taken Seriously At Work

It really was perfect, as any Office fan can remember. Pam and Jim made us believe in true love, and now Fischer is helping us remember that.

Brace yourselves, folks, because I come bearing good news. Another remake has been announced to hit theaters in 2019 and before you roll your eyes, please trust me when I say that if you're a woman, you're going to be super excited about this remake.

More: Taraji P. Henson Addresses Empire Exit Rumors in True Cookie Fashion

So, according to Deadline, a remake of What Women Want starring Taraji P. Henson is officially happening and it's going to take the original film in a familiar but thoroughly exciting directions. Deadline cites the synopsis thusly: "The new version [titled What Men Want] follows a female sports agent (Henson) who has been constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When she gains the power to hear men’s thoughts, she is able to shift the paradigm to her advantage as she races to sign the NBA’s next superstar."

Oh, so this film is basically about a woman making the most of her newfound gifts to boost her career and climb that corporate ladder and not sweat over having to fall in love? I say yes, yes and yes again to that, y'all.

More: Taraji P. Henson's Most Fierce Moments

It's not difficult to see why Henson is absolutely perfect for this role and why the film's original star, Mel Gibson, is absolutely not invited to the cookout. Henson has lately become best associated with roles that focus on women in positions of power, women who are smart and women who are unabashedly ambitious. Think Empire, Hidden Figures and even her upcoming film Acrimony. Basically, you don't want to mess with Henson and, if anything, the synopsis of What Men Want indicates that she will be continuing her pattern of playing completely badass women.

I can't think of a remake better suited to give voice to a generation of women living and working in the world right now, who are hustling to make their dreams happen, to climb a career ladder and even just to achieve something as simple as independence. If we're going to be faced with tons of remakes in the coming years, then why not make it meaningful, as it seems What Men Want is intent on doing? It's a foolproof move in my book.

More: All the Disney Remakes Happening Through 2019

But, alas, all good things come to those who wait. So, we'll just have to mark January 11, 2019 on our calendars because that's when What Men Want hits theaters.

A lot can happen in just one year, and perhaps nobody knows that quite as well as HGTV stars Tarek and Christina El Moussa. Both Tarek and Christina took to Instagram earlier this week to post quotes they found meaningful that also gave fans a window into where they are (emotionally, mentally and so forth) as they approach the one-year anniversary of their official split on Dec. 12.

More: Tarek El Moussa Posted From Route 91 Harvest Festival Before the Mass Shooting

For his part, Tarek took solace in the words of J.K. Rowling and chose to share a short and sweet quote while elaborating in his photo caption about what this quote means to him at this time in his life and how he's actively worked to pull himself out of a dark place over the last year.

Rowling's quote ("Rock bottom became the solid foundation upon which I built my life.") served as the springboard for this from Tarek: "This quote really stood out to me. We've all faced obstacles and for many they were so horrific they hit the lowest point of their life with no future in sight....when you are at the bottom you feel nothing but pain, misery and despair," he wrote. "Even though you can't see the light at the bottom it still exists and as time goes on that light starts to shine. Once that light starts to shine take the opportunity to reevaluate who you are and what you want to be. Take it as an opportunity to bounce back and be stronger than ever. In my opinion, rock bottom is an opportunity to start over and do it right! Happy Tuesday- T."

More: Christina El Moussa Spills on Her New Boyfriend & Co-Parenting With Tarek

Christina wrote that she "couldn't agree more" with the following David Crosby quote, which seems to imply she has not only worked to turn her pain or grief into a tool for growth and enlightenment, but that she's been dedicated to finding the positive things about life and holding on to them.

"You do not get to choose the events that come your way nor the sorrows that interrupt your life," the quote begins. "They will likely be a surprise to you, catching you off guard and unprepared. You may hold your head in your hands and lament your weak condition and wonder what you ought to do. To suffer, that is common to all. To suffer and still keep your composure, your faith, and your smile, that is remarkable. Pain will change you more profoundly than good fortune. Suffering shapes your perception of life, your values and priorities, and your goals and dreams. Your pain is changing you."

More: Chip & Joanna Gaines Ended Their Reality Show Before It Ended Them

Tarek and Christina officially announced their separation to the world on Dec. 12 of last year. Since then, the pair has frequently been a source of curiosity to the public as they've moved on and rebuilt their lives as single people, TV stars and amicable co-parents to their two children, Taylor and Brayden.

It certainly sounds like these two are in a good place now and have found a way to turn their pain or sadness over their very public split into something productive for the both of them. Hopefully, this is just the start of a good, fresh chapter in their lives because they certainly deserve it.

Halloween is officially in our rearview, but that doesn’t mean wigging out is off the table. Although women have always utilized wigs for everyday wear, I personally didn’t try it until earlier this year. It wasn’t until college that I discovered extensions, weaves and other forms of protective styling, so I’ve been admittedly hesitant to rock one simply because I had no idea how to do it.

And I’m not ashamed to also admit that the thought of a random person snatching it off gave me anxiety. In all honesty, it took a big chop for me to realize that hair is supposed to be fun, not stressful. How we choose to style our hair is often an extension of our personality, so as someone who thrives on spontaneity, I knew it was time to throw on a lace-front and live my best life.

More: How to Prep for a Major Hair Makeover

My first wig is not for the wallflower. Latched and Hooked wigs, made by founder Tiffini Gatlin, are chemical-free, pre-curled and looped protective styles that are so realistic-looking, everyone was convinced I sat in a braiding salon for days to achieve my look.

The options go from super-short to ultra-long and cover the spectrum of protective styling: crochet curls, bohemian twists and box braids to name a few.

Because I thrive on doing the most, I opted for a waist-length micro-twist wig from the Crown Collection and wore it everyday for a week. Besides being able to swing my hair back and forth once again, there are a slew of lessons I learned about how to take care of it. If you want to venture into new hair territory, here are five things to keep in mind before taking the plunge.

Finding your match

According to Gatlin, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before wig shopping. The most important ones are: “How committed will I be to maintaining it?”; “Is it appropriate for the season?”; and “What’s my budget?” Set boundaries beforehand so you won’t drive yourself crazy with the endless number of options.

With that being said, choosing the best styles for your face shape also make the search easier. “A round face could consider a wig that is layered and cut relatively close the face will help make the face appear narrower,” says Gatlin. “Beachy waves or wispy curls can help soften the shape of a square face… Oval faces can wear just about any wig because there is no area on their face that is more dominant than the other.” 

For heart-shaped faces, she recommends “a wig with bangs or hair that can be brought across the forehead to soften their widow['s] peak or wide forehead.”

Expect to spend at least $100 on a good synthetic wig, and if you’re looking online, steer clear of fraudulent retailers by reading customer testimonials. “The retailer should be able to provide pictures and testimony from past buyers. Social media is a great place to start,” says Gatlin.

More: The Black-Owned Hair Brands Curly Girls Can Trust

Human vs. synthetic

One of the biggest choices wig-wearers have to make is whether they want to own a human or synthetic one. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with having both, but Gatlin says it’s important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each.

While a quality human hair wig won’t be cheap and will require the same daily maintenance of your real hair and can react to weather (frizz, loss of curls), it’s also more versatile and tangle-free. On the contrary, a synthetic wig is usually more affordable and requires little to no maintenance. At the same time, you’re sacrificing versatility and will probably need to replace more often than a human one.

Both styles can be made into a lace-front, which is best described as a wig with a mesh hairline. Gatlin says, “The mesh or ‘lace’ should have neutral tone that will blend with the skin tone and looks invisible once applied to your hairline.”

Again, your choice is really a matter of preference and lifestyle, two things you should consider before buying. As someone who is constantly on the go and generally lazy with her hair routine, I fell in love with my micro-twist wig because I could throw it on and run out the door in no time.

More: The All-Time Best Sephora Products for Textured Hair

Storage & maintenance

Once you’ve bought your wig, it’s time to invest in the proper storage, whether it’s human or synthetic. According to Gatlin, a mannequin head or wig stand is your best bet since it best maintains the interiority of the wig’s shape. Alternatively, you could also place it in a wig net and store it until your next use.

Gatlin also says, “Most wigs should be washed of sweat, dust and dirt that may accumulate after normal wear… Human hair wigs can be washed and some synthetic wigs can be washed as well. There are nine different types of synthetic fibers on the market, so it’s extremely important to read the instructions or go back to the brand's website to find the care page for your particular wig.”

More: The Fiercest Celebrity Hair Transformations of 2017

Styling

If you’re rocking a synthetic wig, like my waist-length twists, avoid putting any products on it to maintain longevity. For synthetic wigs and [Latched and Hooked] braided wigs, a customer would need to make sure the synthetic fiber being used can adapt to heat and at what temperature. Water tends to be the best when styling synthetic wigs.”

When a wig becomes tangled or matted, Gatlin recommends finger detangling, since “brushing or combing daily could be too aggressive,” causing your wig to shed. And once a wig starts to lose its natural movement, that’s a sign that you should reinvest in a new one. Alternatively, if you’d rather manipulate it into a new style, get examples of the look you desire first and consult with a professional stylist who can do the work for you.

More: 29 Celebrity Braids That Were Major Hair Goals This Year

Pain relief

During my weeklong wig adventure, I had one just one complaint — it felt so tight! Although mine came equipped with an elastic band for added security (no wig snatching incidents!), my days would end with minor headaches that only ibuprofen could heal. Gatlin says this is pretty common and that you should always remove a wig if it’s pulling at your hairline.

“Unfortunately, all wigs are not one-size-fits-all. Some wigs come with adjustable straps so you are able to fit the wig to your head,” she says. Relieve your temples by placing your wig on a mannequin head overnight. This will stretch and loosen the straps or elastic band, making it more comfortable overnight.

More: 17 Celebrities Who Wore Wigs That (Almost) Beat Their Real Hair

Wig caps are also another way to protect your edges and pulse points. Those made of nylon are the most common and a godsend if your scalp is sensitive to synthetic materials. “Wig caps are optional,” says Gatlin. “If you are wearing a U-part wig or complete lace wig, you may not want to wear a cap, as wearing one would take away from the natural look of the wig. Consult your stylist or retailer for the best results.”

What are you waiting for? Trade in that winter hat for a winter wig, stat!

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Marvel and Netflix are coming together once again to bring to life the story of fictional vigilante Frank Castle, better known as The Punisher, to the mega-successful streaming platform. Frank Castle is, to put it mildly, an incredibly masculine and problematic figure. He'll surely be divisive in his methods for bringing justice back into the world, and he's filled to the brim with murky morals and even more questionable methods of operation. He's a man driven by the need for revenge, who presents himself as an enticing character to find emotional catharsis in, especially if you sit down to binge all 13 episodes of The Punisher on Netflix when it drops on Nov. 17. But while The Punisher presents itself as a rough, grim, dark take on vigilantism in 2017 thanks to Frank Castle, I find that I have to boycott this show in its entirety. Despite the fact that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Marvel, there is nothing productive to be gained from investing in this character or his world.

More: 11 Reasons the Defenders Are Actually Better Than the Avengers

The essential setup of the latest adaptation of The Punisher is this: Frank Castle is a family man and a soldier. Frank is haunted by something that happened while he was deployed overseas, events the outcomes of which have resulted in the murder of his family by those in various high-profile government organizations. Frank's task: to sadistically brutalize all those who stand in his way of finding out the truth behind why his family was murdered and why he was a target.

So yeah, it's not the breeziest thing Marvel has churned out in recent memory. That it comes swiftly on the heels of the comparatively cheerier and cheekier Thor: Ragnarok doesn't really do much to get a potential viewer psyched up for The Punisher's release or endear viewers to the Marvel brand. And sure, these two titles exist in different areas (theatrical release vs. streaming platform), but you understand the general connective tissue here and why it feels like an odd tonal shift for the world of Marvel. Even compared the admittedly dark and gritty Marvel/Netflix properties Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, The Punisher promises to be bloodier, more brutal and more heavily reliant on gun power and brute force. All in all, this new series will pack a wallop and a bang; prepare yourself.

Even though I haven't seen the series in its entirety, the trailer and promotional materials alone promise that this particular Marvel/Netflix show is going to favor violence over any kind of peaceful action. Frank is frequently seen tortured, bloodied, a shell of a man. It would be considered a parody of itself if it weren't so serious about how it's styled, which makes it somehow all the less appetizing to want to watch.

But before you go alleging that I'm judging a book by its cover, I dare you to say that I'm wrong. Does The Punisher promise any kind of lightness or relief from its revenge-driven plot? Does Frank feel like the kind of character you want to invest 13 hours in, emotionally or mentally? If we concede that we, as a society, like to watch TV shows because, to some degree, we look for emotional catharsis or characters we can identify with, is The Punisher then the kind of show you want to put effort into?

More: The First Trailer for Netflix's Alias Grace Will Make Your Heart Race

The fact of the matter is that I personally argue The Punisher is not worth devoting any amount of time to, even when investing the bare minimum amount of time, attention and emotion, because — without trying to sound too intensely conservative or pearl-clutch too much — this show arrives at a time when I least desire it in my life. As an American woman in 2017, I've borne witness to far too many terrible acts of hate and violence, many enacted with the use of guns by white men. I've seen how anger and ignorance can tear this nation apart with the snap of someone's fingers. While I don't demand that all TV I watch be cheerful or happy, what I do take issue with is the timing and subject matter of The Punisher, and frankly, I find the notion of stomaching 13 episodes of revenge a bitter pill to swallow.

While the team behind The Punisher has changed certain promotional events to acknowledge its connection to violence in the real world, the fact of the matter is that this show is still being released on Nov. 17. It's going to be released in the second-to-last month in one of the bitterest years in recent memory (can you remember the last time a nation was this dejected?). It's still going to deliver to us a protagonist (in the loosest sense of the word) who is cut from the same cloth as a large number of shooters who have enacted some of the worst mass shootings in American history, many from 2017 alone. Why would I want to give my time over to the storyline of a man driven by revenge yet using the same methods as men do in real life? Why not just turn on CNN and watch a live news feed?

More: What's Coming & Going on Netflix This November

And it's not just the shooting aspect of The Punisher, still a blood-freezing topic to imagine cheering for when it's a very real concern to us all, which pushes me to boycott this show — it's also the notion of revenge. Frank is driven by a need to get revenge on those who hurt him and avenge the murder of his wife and children. This is a very unstable emotion to focus at the core of a character, and it is hardly the kind of productive personality trait that feeds into a hero worth cheering for. A character driven by anger and revenge to the extent that Frank Castle is driven is tough to redeem and admittedly, Frank looks like a damn tough nut to crack in The Punisher.

Men seeking revenge for perceived slights is another familiar topic of discussion at present in America. And while Frank and, for example, modern-day male white supremacists don't feel hurt by the same groups of people nor do they enact violence against the same sorts of people, it's still a bit nauseating to know that this kind of man is such a stereotype that he can not only be found in the entertainment we watch but also the news we watch. It's hardly comforting to see men like Frank moving around in the real world, so to have Frank, their mirror, moving around in this fictional world with this same modus operandi cuts way too close to the bone to leave any room left for enjoyment or even mild excitement. Men who feed and thrive on violence, who let anger harden their hearts, who want to tear down those who are wealthy or powerful enough to seek to control them: That is not just The Punisher — it's real life too. It's just terrifying to want to immerse yourself in it for hours on end. Why go through it?

I'm sure there is something worthwhile at the core of The Punisher. Perhaps there's some greater commentary about giving up the ghosts, moving on, finding peace and not resorting to violence. But if that lesson is present, then I'd wager it's brief and fleeting and fails to stick the landing because it's truly hard to see any kind of redeeming qualities in this TV show. If anything, it promises to remind us of something we already know: violence is easy to embrace, but hard to give up. At a time when America needs to seriously reexamine its relationships to anger, hate and, yes, even violence, The Punisher seemingly fails to introduce anything productive to the conversation.

Close your eyes for a sec and imagine the most amazing wedding guest list you can even come up with. Now I'm going to take a stab at guessing some of the names that are on it. Ready? Obviously Beyoncé simply because she's the queen. Jay-Z will also be there, because he and Bey are kind of a package deal, and let's be honest, he brings the class. Maybe throw in Kris Jenner, because she'd have one glass of wine too many and create some Kardashian-level drama.

More: Serena Williams' Baby Has Her Own Instagram — Run by Her Parents

Congrats! You just envisioned the real-life wedding guest list of Serena Williams and her husband-to-be, Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian. Only you're not invited.

You know who is invited, though? Meghan Markle. A wedding with a guest list this A-list is the obvious place for a future royal to hang out. Go ahead. Take a minute to be jealous. I know I had to.

More: Unsurprisingly, Serena Williams Is Pregnancy-Craving Goals

Reports say Williams and Ohanian, who welcomed their first daughter together Sept. 1 after announcing their engagement last December, plan to tie the knot this weekend. A source close to the couple and their wedding plans reportedly told People magazine all those fab A-listers are flying out to New Orleans today to get ready to attend the festivities, set to take place at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center.

This news comes only days after we learned Williams had the absolute best bachelorette party of all time. We didn't really expect her to get married so soon after that shindig, but good on her for keeping the good times rolling.

More: Serena Williams Is Already Flaunting Her Rockin' Post-Baby Bod

Now if you'll excuse me, I will be watching all those wedding guests' Instagrams with eagle eyes all weekend looking for wedding snaps.

Updated Nov. 16, 2017, 9:00 a.m. PT: While Julia Louis Dreyfus is fighting cancer, filming for Veep's final season is on hold — but that is most definite not bad news for Veep whatsoever.

During an interview on Sirius XM's Press Pool, Veep executive producer Frank Rich gave an update on Dreyfus' health and how it's impacting the HBO show.

"Julia is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and we’re obviously postponing production of the show — we were supposed to have started now — while she’s in treatment," he said. "But the expectation is that we will shoot again. We have one more season we’re doing, which we’re incredibly excited about."

In the meantime, Dreyfus is making as many table reads as she can, so she and the cast will be ready to film once she's back on her feet.

"Rather impressively, while we wait for her to gather her full strength, around her treatment we’ve been having with the cast in Los Angeles, table reads of scripts for the final season as they’re ready. So it’s been quite something because she’s fighting a serious, what is for anybody, a real illness," Rich said. "And yet, she wants to keep working as much as circumstances allow without being crazy about it. I’ve seen her as recently as ten days ago, and watched her just be hilarious playing Selina Meyer."

Dreyfus' breast cancer diagnosis was devastating, but it's great to hear she's staying positive and looking forward to going back to work.

Original story:

Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus is bringing out the claws for her fight against breast cancer. In a new Instagram post, the actress revealed that she's kicking chemo's butt — with a little help from Katy Perry.

More: We Can't Watch Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Emmys Acceptance Speech Without Ugly-Crying

"Chemo #2: finito. We are NOT fucking around here," Louis-Dreyfus posted before launching into lyrics from Perry's anthemic 2013 hit "Roar," quoting, "I've got the eye of the tiger. The Fighter dancing through the fire cuz I am a champion and you're going to hear me ROAR."

In addition to Perry, Louis-Dreyfus thanked her Veep co-stars Tony Hale and Timothy Simons for "their hilarious and loving inspiration." What that inspiration is, she did not elucidate, but we can only imagine how uplifting they must be on set.

The post marks Louis-Dreyfus' triumphant return following a brief absence from social media after news broke of her breast cancer diagnosis.

More: Heartfelt Reactions to Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Cancer Diagnosis Pour In

Louis-Dreyfus — who reportedly found out the day after her historic Emmy win — shared the news on her official Twitter account in late September. "1 in 8 women get breast cancer. Today, I'm the one," she said, adding, "The good news is that I have the most glorious group of supportive and caring family and friends, and fantastic insurance through my union."

In that initial post, the star called for universal healthcare, pointing out that "not all women are so lucky" to have the kind of insurance coverage she does.

More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis

And this much is clear: Louis-Dreyfus is a fighter. It seems like a foregone conclusion that she will not only beat this cancer but also work tirelessly to ensure that universal healthcare inches closer to becoming reality in the near future.

Go get 'em, JLD!

If you ask us, there's a very strong case for learning how to make candles at home. A candle is such a simple thing, but for some reason, lighting one up can suddenly make us feel like we're sitting in the lap of luxury. Maybe it's the smell — or maybe it's the romantic glow — but we're all twitterpated over a nice, strong scented candle.

What we don't love is how frickin' expensive the things are! You're telling us it costs $30-plus for some wax and essential oils that are going to last about a week? Hard pass. Enter this easy candle tutorial. It's pretty much everything you you want in a store-bought candle, but the supplies aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg. And the end product is even better than the store-bought variety because you can personalize it with your favorite scents and colors. They're perfect for decorating your own home, and they make for great gifts too.

How to make scented candles

Supplies:

• Wax flakes
• Pre-waxed candle wicks
• Containers for candles
• Nontoxic crayon or candle color block
• Essential oils
• Glass container
• Saucepan or pot
• Skewers or chopsticks
• Tape
• Stove
• Scissors

Directions:

Note: You’ll want to start off by cleaning your glass containers. Using regular dish soap will do the job; just make sure you dry them thoroughly when you’re done.

Step 1: Setting up your wicks

To set up the candlewicks in your containers, you’ll want to lay the metal piece flat against the bottom. Then, use your chopsticks/skewers to hold up the wicks, and tape the ends of the chopsticks to keep everything in place.

More: DIY Homemade Bath Bombs in Six Easy Steps

Step 2: Measuring the wax flakes

Measure out the amount of candle wax flakes you’ll need for each of your containers. The rule of thumb is two times the amount of wax flakes to fill each container.

Step 3: Melting the wax

Fill a saucepan with water to about the halfway mark. Place your measured amount of wax flakes in the glass container. Then place the glass container in the saucepan. Be sure the water level is low enough, so it won’t splash into the wax flakes when it starts to boil. Turn your stove on to medium-high, and use a metal spoon to stir occasionally.

Step 4: Adding color to your candles

This is an optional step. Your candles will come out a naturally milky white, but if you’d like to add a little color, you can use a nontoxic crayon or candle color block. I typically use 1/8-inch of red crayon per 16-ounces of wax flakes to get a soft pastel color. Want a brighter color? Use a little bit more, only adding color a bit at a time. Like food coloring, a small amount goes a long way. Simply melt your color along with your wax flakes. Warning: The color will look a lot brighter in the melted mixture but will turn a milky color as it cools.

Next Up: Add scent

Originally published December 2015. Updated November 2017.

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Step 5: Add scent

Once all the wax is completely melted, remove the wax mixture from the stove. My rule of thumb is 10 drops of essential oil per 16 ounces of wax. It makes for a moderately scented candle. Use less or more depending on taste, and feel free to experiment and mix oils to create a scent of your own. Add the measured amount of essential oil to your wax mixture and give it a good stir to make sure it’s well mixed.

Step 6: Pouring the wax

Make sure your containers are in a good location where they won’t need to be moved for a few hours. Then slowly pour your melted wax mixture into your containers.

More: This DIY Hot Air Balloon Mobile Is Perfect for a Baby's Room

Step 7: Setting your candle

Allow 3 to 4 hours for your candles to cool and solidify. It’s best to let them solidify at room temperature, so the cooling process is gradual. This prevents cracks in the wax.

It's no secret that nuts have some pretty great health benefits, but we can now add one more to the list: They help improve brainwave function.

According to a recent study by researchers at Loma Linda University Health, regularly eating nuts can help with cognition, healing, learning, memory and other key brain activities.

But before you go out and buy a Costco-size bag of pecans, you should know that not all nuts are created equal — at least when it comes to their value to our brains. Researchers tested six varieties of nuts — almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts — and found they all had high levels of antioxidants, with walnuts having the highest concentrations.

More: Does Cinnamon Have Any Health Benefits?

Pistachios — which are my personal favorite — produced the greatest gamma wave response of all the nuts tested, which is necessary for enhancing cognitive processing, information retention, learning, perception and rapid eye movement during sleep. (I'm totally using this as an excuse to splurge on this luxury nut next time I'm food shopping.)

Technically, peanuts are legumes, but since they literally have "nut" in their name and most of us put them in that category anyway, they were included in the study. Turns out, they produced the highest delta response, which can help with immunity, natural healing and deep sleep.

This study comes after others that have found additional health benefits of eating nuts, including potentially contributing to a healthy heart and reducing inflammation.

More: What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger?

"This study provides significant beneficial findings by demonstrating that nuts are as good for your brain as they are for the rest of your body," Dr. Lee Berk, associate dean for research at the LLU School of Allied Health Professions said in a release.

Of course, a lot of people are allergic to nuts, so if that's the case for you, you're going to have to improve your brainwave function in another way. Otherwise, get crackin'!