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Emma Watson & Her Boyfriend Broke Up & No One Even Knew

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Emma Watson is one of those celebrities who keeps her private life seriously private. That's probably why all we know about her breakup is that it happened sometime in the last six months or so.

More: Don't Ask Emma Watson About Her Boyfriend — She's Staying Mum on the Subject

Watson and William "Mack" Knight were dating for about two years before their split, which was confirmed to Us Weekly by a source close to them. The couple was last seen together on May 25, and the insider could only say that Watson and Knight went their separate ways "sometime earlier this year."

Yep, that's all the detail we're getting. Even Watson's rep is staying very tight-lipped about this, only telling Us Weekly, "I’m afraid I don’t comment on my client’s personal life."

There's a pattern there. Watson doesn't really comment on her own personal life. In February, she told Vanity Fair that she wants to keep news about her focused on her work, not what she does in her off time.

More: Emma Watson Thinks It's Weird You're Sharing Everything on Social Media

"I want to be consistent: I can’t talk about my boyfriend in an interview and then expect people not to take paparazzi pictures of me walking around outside my home. You can’t have it both ways," she explained. "I’ve noticed, in Hollywood, who you’re dating gets tied up into your film promotion and becomes part of the performance and the circus. I would hate anyone that I were with to feel like they were in any way part of a show or an act."

That was about the same time she stopped taking photos with fans because she didn't want paparazzi to have a record of where she had been or what she had been wearing on any given day, so it's safe to say she takes her privacy seriously.

More: Emma Watson's MTV Awards Speech on Gender-Neutral Acting Awards Was Iconic

That's undoubtedly why this is the first we've heard of her breakup. We're sure she's doing fine, since she's one of the strongest women around, but we're sending her some good post-breakup vibes anyway.


10 Priceless Skin Care Tips That Have Nothing to Do With Products

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There’s no shortage of skin care advice on the internet, but how much of it doesn’t require a trip to Sephora or the drugstore? Expertise aside, we’ve been hard-pressed to find priceless and easy (keyword: easy) tips outside drinking more water or prioritizing exercise. More often than not, there’s just not enough time to take in every article, tweet or infographic. Some of it requires more effort than our schedules allow. And a lot of it is just way too complicated to unravel. So, we put all our hope into an overpriced product hoping it will solve our problems overnight. Spoiler alert: It never ends well.

Regardless of where your routine falls on the spectrum of minimal to extreme, we can guarantee you’ve spent money on at least one product without knowing if it actually worked. We’ve all been there; it’s the unfortunate downside of figuring out what works for you.

But because we’re all about kicking bad habits, there’s no better time than the present to attempt a skin care makeover without breaking the bank. Yes, we’ll be hitting the gym and aiming to get our eight hours of sleep every night, but these expert tips are worth incorporating into your daily grind too.

More: The Lip Balms That Won’t Leave You High and Dry

Limit your cleansing

Less work for better results? This one’s a doozy. According to Alana Riviera of Etta+Billie, her skin has never been happier since deciding to wash her face just once a day.

“I wash my face at night to remove makeup and dirt with a gentle cream cleanser, then apply a solid face oil,” she says. “In the mornings, I rinse my face with lukewarm water, pat dry, apply a serum and a facial moisturizer. Try it; it’s a game changer.”

Practice self-awareness

Oftentimes, we’re in such a rush to fix our skin problems that we don’t take the time to really listen to our bodies. Claire Zhao, cofounder of Amareta, recommends slowing down and realizing that above all things, your skin care journey is a personal one. Ultimately, you may find that your physical challenges are linked to an emotional or mental setback, thus completely changing how you alleviate the problem.

“Get more in tune with your body, as our bodies respond to every little thing going on in and outside of us,” she says. “Skin is an organ that tells a lot about our bodies’ overall wellness. Spend some time everyday to connect skin health with how you generally feel physically and emotionally on that day. You will become more aware of changes that are taking place.”

More: The Essential Oils You Need to Stay Healthy This Winter

Accept changes

To that end, you may find that it’s best to support whatever change you’re going through instead of trying to cover it. Zhao says, “For example, anything that occurs right before your period, such as cramps, breast tenderness, blemishes, bloating is considered premenstrual syndrome.”

We tend to use pills or makeup instead of testing what works best for us individually. “Limiting salt, caffeine, and cutting out sugar will help reduce skin['s] and body’s water retention, thus reducing bloating… Find comfort in knowing that there are things you can do to support your skin.”

Shorten your shower

Few things are more satisfying than a long, hot shower, especially in the dead of winter. However, doing this everyday can actually strip your skin of its natural oils. According to Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center and consultant for HydroPeptide, “showers should be lukewarm and no more than 10 minutes. When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately.”

Slay in your sunnies

The winter sun may not be as bright, but UV rays are still running rampant year-round. Imahiyerobo-Ip says to “always wear your sunglasses. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin on our bodies and is very susceptible to damage from UV rays. Wearing sunglasses will help prevent fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin cancer.”

More: 10 Spot Treatments That Clear up Breakouts Fast

Be mindful of application

Just as K-beauty experts recommend patting instead of rubbing in skin products, Imahiyerobo-Ip recommends a similar method that won’t pull at the skin.

“Apply skin care products in a circular, upward motion. This allows products to be absorbed more effectively and also helps stimulate collagen production.”

Turn down the heat

Those subzero temps will soon arrive, which means your heating bill will be going all the way up. But like a hot shower, it’s also one of the sneakiest ways to dry out your skin. This time around, keep the house a little cooler, and if you have a humidifier, utilize that instead.

“Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture in the air that will be absorbed by your skin and hair,” says Imahiyerobo-Ip.

More: 10 Stellar Cleansers to Try if You Struggle With Acne

Master the lymphatic drainage massage

OK, this one sounds way fancier than it actually is, but we promise it’s worth practicing. According to Monastery founder Athena Hewett, products are just one part of keeping the skin supple and youthful. She and other estheticians also recommend the lymphatic drainage massage, a technique that energizes and moves toxins out of the face. You can visit a professional to have this done, but it’s just as easy to do at home.

“Press on your lymph sites; there is one located between your brows, one on each side of your nose, one on each your temples, and two above your lips,” says Hewett. “Press and roll on these areas. While you are there, give your face a little massage. Massage from the outside of the face towards the nose. Relaxing tense muscles helps them to work better in the long run. Healthy muscles fight gravity and hold your skin up nice and taught, so give them a little love.”

More: The Cutting Edge Face Masks That Warrant a Shameless Selfie or 2

Get into ice cubes

After you’re done taking that lukewarm, 10-minute shower recommended by Imahiyerobo-Ip, create the illusion of firmer, glowy skin by rubbing ice cubes on your face. According to Hewett, “cold water tightens the skin by bringing blood to the surface.”

Just remember to put a barrier on the skin first, like a cream, oil or even yogurt from the fridge.

Put in what you take out

Yes, drink your water and exercise, but be cognizant of the balance between your water intake and water loss. According to Dr. Helen Knaggs, vice president of global research and development at Nu Skin, having more or less of either one is what contributes to dry skin.

“An inadequate skin barrier will increase transepidermal water loss, where water passes through the skin into the air,” she says. “This is an invisible and unnoticeable phenomenon that differs from sweat, which can be seen and felt. TEWL can be measured and is an indicator of the skin’s barrier function.”

Selecting products that contain a combo of humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients obviously help maintain a healthy level of moisture. But before you can think about buying anything, get familiar with your day-to-day water habits and see if you can make any adjustments there.

Who says skin care has to be complicated? These tips are almost impossible to mess up.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

3 Resources to Help You if You’re Pregnant & Afraid

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You’re pregnant, you didn’t plan to be, and you can’t imagine talking to anyone you know about it. Maybe your birth control failed and you want to know what you should do next. You might be a teenager who’s afraid to tell your parents, a person in an abusive relationship, geographically isolated from your family and friends or just not ready to tell anyone you know. You could be sure about what you want to do or overwhelmed by your options. Maybe you know what your next step is, but you just want to talk to a totally neutral party about it. Planned or not, pregnancy and the possibility of it is overwhelming, and you’re not a weirdo for needing an outlet to process how you’re feeling.

The good news is there are folks you can reach out to over the phone, even over online chat, but the key is finding the right resource. Googling “pregnancy help” will yield a lot of results, some of which will be crisis pregnancy centers, which specialize in giving out false information with the goal to get you to give birth regardless of what you want or what happens to the child you have. If you’re looking for someone to give you well-rounded advice, listen to you and respect your decision no matter what it is, check out these resources.

More: 10 of Our Favorite Pregnancy Podcasts

All-Options (formerly Backline)

888-493-0092

All-Options takes a full-spectrum approach to providing information about and support of pregnancy and parenting. That means supporting every pregnant individual (because not just women get pregnant) at any point in their pregnancy and even after, whether or not their pregnancy ends in birth and including abortionmiscarriage and adoption. If you call Talkline, All-Options’ toll-free resource, you’ll reach volunteer advocates (not mental health professionals), who will listen and help you process your emotions about being pregnant, now or previously. It’s not just pregnant folks who call Talkline, though — partners and others who want to support someone are also encouraged to call. Talkline’s advocates recognize the complex nature of the feelings pregnancy can elicit, whether or not you’ve been pregnant before, and they’re there to listen deeply, support your in your decision and connect you with resources.

All-Options’ other services include a pregnancy resource centerpregnancy options workshops and a clergy counseling hotline (888-717-5010) in which a diverse group of faith leaders support callers with questions about abortion and pregnancy.

American Pregnancy Helpline

866- 942-6466

The American Pregnancy Helpline is a free and confidential hotline providing information on pregnancy and options for teens. (You can also email a pregnancy educator at aph@thehelpline.org.) The help line and its website are projects of the American Pregnancy Association. The website, though, is a resource that presents all of your options as well as a section on myths about getting pregnant (i.e., yes, you can get pregnant if you don’t have an orgasm), information about sexual health and tips on how to tell your loved ones that you’re pregnant and planning to stay that way. The site has a lot of information on how to be healthy during your pregnancy because of its connection to the American Pregnancy Association, which is a professional organization that researches and disseminates information on pregnancy wellness for medical and other professionals who treat pregnant women, but it’s accessible and well-rounded, giving you information on all your options, including ending a pregnancy.

More: These 15 Healthy Tips Can Help Prep Your Body for Pregnancy

Planned Parenthood

Online chat

PPLM Sexual Health Hotline — 877-686-5772 option No. 3

In addition to its other services, Planned Parenthood offers an online chat option where folks can access a Planned Parenthood health educator and ask them questions about everything from treating a UTI to what to do if a condom breaks. When you chat, you’ll get actual facts, but not a diagnosis or medical advice. You can also take quizzes online at the PP site to find out if you should take a pregnancy test, get checked for an STI and find out how to proceed if you’ve missed a pill or other kind of birth control. I took the “Am I Pregnant?” quiz, and the questions include a long list of birth control options ("none" is one of them), as well as answers to questions like, “What are signs of pregnancy?” and “What is unprotected sex?” The quiz also asks if you want to get pregnant now.

While online chat isn’t the same thing as hearing a human voice, this is a great way to make sure you’re getting serious information, especially if you can’t or don’t want to risk using the phone, but you can access a computer.

If you live in Massachusetts and you are able to use a phone, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts has a Sexual Health Hotline, which you can call with your questions about birth control, abortion and more while remaining completely anonymous.

By Chanel Dubofsky

8 Tiny Homes You Can Buy on Amazon

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Tiny houses: You either love them or you hate them. They’re affordable, portable and often remarkably attractive. But they’re also crowded and cramped and require endless knowledge of regulation in order to make sure you have the right permits for where you park it. But if you're ready to simplify your life and willing to take on the challenge of learning the ins and outs of tiny life, the biggest hurdle is probably finding your itty-bitty dream home.

If you’ve been watching back-to-back reruns of Tiny House Hunters and dreaming of your own tiny home, the dream might be closer than you think. Giant online retailer Amazon actually sells these pre-fab homes, and they’re cuter than you might expect, and many of them even offer free shipping — no small thing when you’re transporting an entire house. Most of the homes lean more to the rustic than modern side. A few offer gorgeous patios that make the idea of 400 square feet indoors more appealing. And while some of them aren't much more than a frame, several have more than one room and even the ever-sought-after bathroom.

More: 9 Creative — & Cheap — Ways to Upcycle Your Old Furniture

Although they're not Prime eligible (which will hopefully keep you from impulse buying one immediately and having to explain it to your very grumpy spouse when courier shows up at your door), they're still a pretty sweet deal and something to consider if you want to take a big leap into a tiny house.

Here are the nicest homes available on Amazon.

1. Three-room red-roof cabin

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Three-room cabin
Image: Amazon

Allwood Timberline 483 SQF kit cabin, $34,900 at Amazon

More: The Scary Thing Most People Don't Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

2. One bed, one bath, one very spacious kitchen

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Spacious kitchen tiny house
Image: Amazon

Park Model RV tiny home, $51,500 at Amazon

3. Gorgeous windows on a one-room log cabin

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Big beautiful windows on a tiny house
Image: Amazon

Lakeview log cabin kit, $7,850 at Amazon

4. Wood cabin with loft

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Wood cabin with a loft
Image: Amazon

Allwood kit cabin, $18,800 at Amazon

More: How to Hang Pictures on a Wall Straight & Secure Every Single Time

5. Storage container-turned-tiny home (with bathroom!)

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Storage container turned tiny house
Image: Amazon

Prefabricated tiny home, $12,995 at Amazon

6. Cute cabin with bathroom & loft

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Cabin with bathroom
Image: Amazon

Allwood Ranger kit cabin, $19,900 at Amazon

7. RV-style tiny home

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: RV Style tiny home
Image: Amazon

Park Model RV tiny home, $64,900 at Amazon

8. Cabin with porch

The Best Tiny Houses Available on Amazon: Cabin with porch
Image: Amazon

Allwood Bella kit cabin, $17,800 at Amazon

Image: Getty Images/Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Justin Timberlake & His Son Silas Make the Perfect Workout Team

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Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are notoriously protective of their son, Silas. But Timberlake gave us a rare glimpse at the 2-year-old in an Instagram video he shared on Saturday.

More: Justin Timberlake Is a Big Fan of "Dad Life"

In the video, Timberlake does pushups and counts them out loud while little Silas holds on tight atop his dad's back. You can also see the silhouette of Biel filming the adorable duo.

justin timberlake and silas thanksgiving video

justin timberlake and silas thanksgiving video

Timberlake captioned the photo, "Shaking off those leftovers like... Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!"

More: Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel Share Adorable Date Night at the U.S. Open

Biel also shared some sneak peeks at the couple's Thanksgiving, including some bomb-looking pies and another of Timberlake living that "Thanksgiving dad life."

jessica biel thanksgiving instagram pic 1

jessica biel thanksgiving instagram pic 1

jessica biel thanksgiving instagram pic 2

jessica biel thanksgiving instagram pic 2

Biel and Timberlake recently celebrated their 5th anniversary in October with some sweet words to one another.

More: Justin Timberlake Was a Real-Life Hero on the Golf Course

Timberlake serenaded Biel on Facebook, singing Leon Russell’s 1970 classic, “A Song for You,” which Timberlake revealed was their first dance song.

justin timberlake facebook anniversary message

justin timberlake facebook anniversary message

"To my beautiful Jessica Biel: You have taught me so much about what a true love means," Timberlake captioned the video. "I can't put into words what these last five years have meant to me, so... "Listen to the melody ‘cause my love is in there hiding...'"

"My tender heart is yours, now until forever," Biel replied.

Talk about #familygoals!

Meghan Markle's Engagement Ring Will Pay Homage to Princess Diana

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Prince Harry isn't just planning on giving Meghan Markle his heart when he proposes, he's also apparently planning on giving her some really important diamonds.

More: The Queen Low-Key Side Hustles in Horse Racing

Us Weekly reports Prince Harry has already commissioned the ring, which will feature diamonds from a broach that belonged to his mother, Princess Diana.

A source told the outlet, "It will definitely be a summer wedding," though rumors about their engagement are already running rampant.

Markle finished shooting her series Suits and reportedly moved into Harry's house, Nottingham Cottage, which is located on the grounds of Kensington Palace.

More: Goal: To Look Half as Good at 90 as Queen Elizabeth II Does

"There are no plans for them to live separately, Meghan will move right in," an inside reported to Us Weekly.

An engagement announcement seems imminent at this point. According to Vanity Fair, London bookmarkers recently suspended betting on whether Harry and Markle will marry in 2018 because the odds are just too good that the couple will wed.

The outlet added that a royal insider said of the wedding date, "William and Kate are expecting their third baby mid April, and Harry won’t want to overshadow the birth of another prince or princess, and, of course, the Duchess will need some time to recover before she is at such a high-profile event. The most likely date is early summer 2018, which neatly ties in with Harry and Meghan’s second anniversary."

More: Source Claims the Queen Plans to Crown William & Kate King & Queen

Vanity Fair also speculates Prince Harry and Markle will follow a similar announcement style as Prince William and Kate Middleton with the engagement announced early in the day, a photo call following the announcement and then an on-camera interview. Prince William also pulled a fast one on the world and secretly proposed to Kate Middleton a month prior to the official engagement announcement. Hence the speculation that Prince Harry may have already proposed to Markle on their African holiday at the end of August.

Short Baby Boy Names for Parents Who Like to Keep It Simple

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If you want to be the best parent ever, give your kid a short name. Why not? Because seriously, would you rather write "Abe" or "Abraham" several times a day — when you're a second-grader whose cute pudgy little hand is already worn out from all those spelling words and math worksheets? Plus, short names are much easier to fit onto all those personalized tees. What? You don't think of these things before your baby is even born yet?

Classrooms and T-shirts aside, short baby names can make just as big an impact as longer ones. Especially when it's cool and quirky, a quick-to-say first name can add leeway for more middle names or offset a hard-to-pronounce last name perfectly.

Check out these short — and oh so sweet — baby boy names.

Short biblical names

Whether you see the Bible as the word of God, a historical text or an entertaining piece of fiction, there's no denying it can be a great source of baby names. Probably not what its numerous contributors originally intended, but hey — we'll take inspiration wherever we can get it. There are, of course, a lot of people in the Bible, and plenty of them have short and meaningful names.

Short contemporary names

Short names (particularly those with only one syllable) already sound sharp and modern, and these options have plenty of edge. Proof that short doesn't have to mean dull!

Short versions of longer names

If there's a long baby boy name you love, but you're pairing it with a last name that's a bit of a mouthful, why not go for an abbreviation? It's also a lovely way to pay tribute to Grandpa Augustus or Great Uncle Zachariah, but using far fewer letters. These short versions of longer names are all great baby names in their own right. And if you want to give your kid options when they're older, you could use the long name on their birth certificate, but announce (and use) the short name. That means Leo can use Leonardo in law school if he feels like getting fancy.

  • Abe (Abraham)
  • Alex (Alexander)
  • Ben (Benjamin)
  • Drew (Andrew)
  • Enzo (Lorenzo)
  • Gunn (Gunther)
  • Gus (Augustus)
  • Ike (Isaac)
  • Jay (James)
  • Joe (Joseph)
  • Leo (Leonardo) 
  • Liam (William)
  • Mike (Michael)
  • Nate (Nathaniel)
  • Rob (Robert)
  • Sam (Samuel)
  • Tim (Timothy)
  • Tom (Thomas)
  • Will (William)
  • Zac (Zachary)

If you're a no-fuss, straight-to-the-point kind of parent who doesn't want to try too hard (in which case, we applaud you), a short baby name is the perfect choice — and the options are practically endless.

short and unique baby boy names
Image: Getty Images/Design:Ashley Britton/SheKnows

8 Travel Tips for Couples so You Don’t Come Home as Exes

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They say if you really want to get to know a person, take a trip together. Traveling with anyone can reveal the good, the bad and the ugly about them (and you). It makes sense. You’re spending a condensed chunk of time together while standing in lines, splitting bills and deciding what time to leave the beach. You’re both living outside your normal routines and comfort zones.

You might learn you make a great team and return home closer than ever, says associate professor of psychology at James Madison University, Dr. Jaime Kurtz. “But, traveling with someone might reveal things that you simply don’t like and never knew before: a fear of new cultural experiences and a general sense of closed-mindedness; excessive rigidity and an inability to compromise or deviate from routines,” she writes in Psychology Today.

So, here are eight tips to make sure you depart as a couple and return as lovers, not fighters.

Manage both your expectations

Agreeing on what to see and do should be part of the planning process. “For couples taking their first trip together, figuring out the budget, itinerary, what sites you plan on seeing and how much time you’re going to spend together early on can alleviate any conflicts that might arise while on the trip,” says travel expert Lee Abbamonte.

Get real about your travel personality

There are some important personality traits that predict how well people might travel together, says Kurtz. “If someone is really open to trying exotic foods, using a local homestay or taking surfing lessons, this person might not mesh with someone low on openness, who’d be more into the McDonald’s, the Marriott and lying on the beach,” she says.

Talk about alone time before you go

“The difference between when you’re home and when you’re on vacation together is that you’re with the other person all the time,” says Abbamonte. Being together 24-7 might be too much for some couples. Make sure to discuss habits and preferences and to set boundaries. If you know you need some alone time every day, let them know and bake it into the itinerary.

More: The 17 Most Common Mistakes in Relationships

Start small

For some couples, taking one big trip every two years might be all they can allow for time- and money-wise. So try a few shorter trips first since they let couples get used to extended periods of time together. “Something smaller can help two people identify and work through potential challenges they might face on a bigger trip,” says Kurtz.

Don’t let fights fester

Small irritations can become huge if they aren’t voiced. Who wants to be mad while trying to enjoy a vacation? “If you do find yourself in conflict while traveling, it’s best to address it as soon as possible,” says Kurtz. “After you’ve identified a specific problem, approach your partner with a calm, level-headed mindset — and that means doing it when you’re not triggered.”

Discuss spending before you go

It’s important that vacation spending meets each person’s expectations and that neither person feels taken advantage of or like they’re totally blowing through their budget, says Kurtz. “While working this out isn’t terribly fun, there is an upside: Navigating this potentially awkward topic can actually give you important information on how the two of you might handle other money matters in the future,” she says.

More: 9 Body Language Mistakes That Can Mess With Your Relationship

Pack your patience

If you start to feel irritated by your partner — and realistically, you probably will — stop and check in with yourself. You don’t want to take your exhaustion, jet lag or need for Starbucks out on your sweetheart. That irritation may resolve itself once you take care of your needs, says Kurtz.

Be flexible

You can’t have everything your way when traveling together. That’s where flexibility comes in. “Be willing to compromise if you have very different interests and travel styles,” says Kurtz. “Make a game of it where one person plans one day of activities and the other person plans the next.” Ask yourself what is more important: getting to see and do everything you want in the exact way you want or the health and happiness of your relationship?

Originally posted on StyleCaster.


Does My Period Really Stop When I Go Swimming?

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For those of us who get periods, we often worry about our ability to go swimming during our time of the month. My mother always assured me my period would stop whenever I entered a body of water and even in the shower under the hot stream. In turn, she said not to worry about using a tampon.

Whenever I went swimming, her allegations appeared true, and I noticed my period did seem to stop in the water. I’ve wondered about the science behind this claim and if maybe menstrual blood disperses or ceases to flow altogether.

More: Yes, you can have sex while you're on your period

I spoke with Dr. Hasan Abdessamad, a Seattle-based OB-GYN, and he says that while it may appear periods stop in bodies of water, this is simply not true.

“I am not aware of any such connection, and when I try to rationalize how water could affect periods biologically, physically or hormonally, I can’t theorize of any connection," he explains.

According to The Access Project, your “period does not stop since the coating of the uterus continues to shed. However, due to the counter-pressure of the water, the gush is impeded and does not enter the water. Additionally, if you are floating or swimming in a horizontal manner, the gravity cannot pull the flow down and out.”

While your period won’t stop when you enter a body of water, you can use a tampon or menstrual cup to avoid staining on your swimsuit. Both of these sanitary products “flow internally [and] […] you can swim while on your period. (It’s always a good idea to change your tampon right before and after you go swimming).”

More: 8 Period Fashion Products You'll Want to Snap Up This Fall

It’s a myth that periods stop flowing when people with vaginas enter bodies of water, but it’s interesting to understand how your flow is affected when you go for a swim.

By Deidre Olsen

7 Things Moms Who Homeschool Their Kids Want You to Know

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By Annamaria Houlis

Homeschooling is far from uncommon. The U.S. Department of Education says that between 2003 and 2012, the number of kids ages 5 to 17 who were taught at home rose 61.8 percent. The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics suggests that about 1.5 million students were homeschooled in 2007 and approximately 3 percent of the school-age population was homeschooled in the 2011–'12 school year.

Getting an education at home is legal across the country, and in fact, 28 states even allow homeschooled students to participate in public school interscholastic sports. Likewise, more states are considering “Tim Tebow Laws” — named after the homeschooled NFL athlete — that would allow homeschoolers access to school sports.

So, why is there so much stigma surrounding homeschooling? Contrary to popular belief, homeschooled students are still given homework, they’re still offered recess breaks, they are still taken on chaperoned field trips — and (perhaps the biggest misconception of all) they still socialize. We asked homeschooling mothers across the country what else they wish others understood about homeschooling. Here’s what they had to say.

More: 4 Misconceptions About Stay-at-Home Dads We Need to End Now

1. Homeschooled kids are, shockingly, still kids

While it can be hard to understand that homeschooled kids are just like the rest 'em, for many homeschoolers, the worst of their problems are pretty darn similar to those of kids in the school system: pimples at puberty, a crush they text too much, a big soccer game they lost (yep, homeschooled kids play sports too).

“Often people ask me why we choose to homeschool — if there is something wrong with our kids (learning disabilities, social issues, etc.),” says Jacqueline Goldman of Hollywood, Florida. “I wish people knew that it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with the child.”

2. Homeschooling parents waste no time cutting gum out of students’ hair, putting snot-rocketers in timeout or stopping class because one kid is convincing the others to eat the acorns he collected at recess

Other than the usual troublemaking, though, homeschooling parents don’t have to deal with students strolling in late or the one bully who’s always stirring trouble. Their kids are already there, and some homeschooling parents would argue that they face far fewer distractions.

“Many of us put more hours of actual learning time into a day than kids receive in a school,” explains Katrina Gallagher of Ringgold, Georgia. “The ability to better control our kids' environment (peer pressure and bullying), fit teaching methods to their needs, cut out much-wasted time and busy work and generally be the one(s) to see the 'light come on' are some of the reasons we homeschool our four children.”

More: Why Being a Mom of a Child With Special Needs Makes Me a Better Employee

3. Homeschooled kids arguably go on way cooler field trips

For globetrotting families, homeschooling their children might be the only feasible option. And that means their kids get to see and experience the world, while many other students are merely reading about it.

“The one thing I want folks to know about homeschooling is that it is not only a viable alternative, but a preferred one, especially for busy families who love to [travel],” says owner of Hip Homeschool Moms Trish Corlew, who hails from the coast of North Carolina.

4. Homeschooling parents don’t all teach the same way

Some public-school teachers put movies on all day and kick their feet up at their desks. Others turn studying for vocabulary into flash card games. Others are super-strict, boring, quirky, inattentive, supportive, engaged, negligent, considerate and so on. And just like those teachers, no two homeschooling parents are the same.

“There are multiple options for homeschooling,” explains Tangela Walker-Craft of Lakeland, Florida. “Parents can create their own curriculum. They can purchase [a] curriculum. [An] online curriculum is also an option. Online homeschool programs are available through private companies. However, many states offer [an] online curriculum that mirrors what is being taught in schools at no charge. My daughter has been homeschooled all her life. I provided her curriculum until sixth grade. She's done online school for seventh through 10th grades. She has earned top scores on state standardized tests. She enjoys homeschooling because she can work at her own pace and is not stuck at school all day.”

5. Not all homeschooled kids are like the Duggars

Contrary to popular belief, not all kids who stay home for their education do so for religious reasons. In fact, in 2008, the NCES discovered that only 36 percent of homeschooling families say that “the desire for religious or moral instruction” is their primary reason for their decision to homeschool. Other reasons parents choose to homeschool include mounting concerns surrounding the Common Core standards and children who are gifted or who have special needs not receiving the adequate attention they require.

“I homeschooled two through the end of sixth grade and one through the end of eighth grade,” says Leslie Elia of Cleveland, Ohio. “The one thing people should know about the homeschooling community is that we all do it for different reasons. When we were thick into the homeschool groups, I had friends that homeschooled because they thought their children were not getting enough academic stimulation, while another friend homeschooled because her child needed to work at a slower pace. We had friends [who] homeschooled so that their child could pursue their year-round sport four to six hours a day, while another traveled a lot and wanted their children to take their school with them while traveling."

"I chose to homeschool because I simply loved hanging around my kids more than the four or five hours after school and before bedtime," Elia explains. "I started with no particular curriculum, then gravitated towards a Christian curriculum, then even did an online school for a few years. With one child, I even did what is known in the field as 'unschooling' for two years. The point is: These children learn despite our efforts or lack of efforts. My oldest is finishing law school now, my middle child (the unschooled one) is entering law school in the fall, and my baby just started his undergraduate education. It all works out with love and patience.”

7. Homeschooled kids are not all wallflowers

They’re not all trapped in the house all day, devoid of basic human interaction.

“People usually look at me funny when I say that my kids are homeschooled and then ask ‘can they adjust around other children?’” says Vicky Popat of Orlando, Florida. “The stigma of children not being able talk or be around other children on a daily basis is just not true. My kids have a homeschooling group that they belong to in our community and they converse with children that are older than them and younger, as well. In fact, I feel that they speak and hold conversations like adults. We also travel a lot so they get to see whatever we are learning about firsthand and are able to speak to mere strangers. When they are told how cute they look, they say thank you and also compliment the person.”

More: This Company's New Parental Leave Policy Will Give Working Parents FOMO

8. If you want, you can do it too

Homeschooling is a big commitment, but if it’s the best option for your children, it can be worth the effort.

“Homeschooling is often portrayed as being unnecessarily difficult, causing parents to believe they are incapable of educating their own children," says Khrys Vaughan of Maryland Heights, Missouri. "This is not to say that it cannot be challenging at times, but there are vast educational resources for parents to draw from. Besides physical books, there are online homeschool campuses, local co-ops, programs provided by science centers/museums/colleges, open courseware, etc. Parents have the freedom to cater [the] curriculum to their child's needs and interests, and when their child has completed a subject, they can move on without having to wait for the next school year.”

Originally published on Fairygodboss.

How the Royal Family Celebrates the Holidays

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Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

No, that's just the sound of Queen Elizabeth's delightful corgi crew's collars jingling through Buckingham Palace. The British royal family celebrates the holidays just like any other family: huge black-tie dinners with huge feasts served on solid gold chargers. What, you don't wear your granny's 10-carat diamond necklace to set out cookies for Santa?

More: Insider Claims Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Are Engaged, They're Just Not Telling Us

OK, so maybe the royals are not quite like us. They do have some lovely holiday traditions of their own, though, and for them — like us — it's all about family.

The royal family is huge, what with all the cousins and nieces and nephews, kids and grandkids and great-grandkids, so seeing them all on Christmas Day would be quite impossible for the queen and Prince Phillip. Instead, she hosts a big pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace a few days before she leaves for Sandringham, her private retreat. The lunch gives the whole fam a chance to catch up.

Shortly after the pre-Christmas lunch — usually around Dec. 21 — the queen and Prince Philip depart for Sandringham, where they stay until well after the New Year.

But they don't spend the holidays alone! Just a couple of days later, the closer relatives start showing up: mainly the royal couple's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They begin their arrivals on Dec. 23 in order of precedence, with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the last to arrive. Most stay at Sandringham House, while Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stay just down the road at their country pile, Anmer Hall, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Catherine's family often joins them at Anmer Hall.

More: Queen Elizabeth II Has Personally Overseen Prince William's King Training

By Christmas Eve, everyone has arrived, and the party can begin! The clan all gathers to put the finishing touches on the queen's Christmas tree. Gifts are laid out on a large table in the Red Drawing Room and are opened at tea time. But don't expect diamonds and pearls wrapped up in ribbon. The royals much prefer jokey gifts or homemade items.

Later that evening, around 8 p.m., the kids are sent off to bed with their nannies and the grown-ups sit down to a formal black-tie dinner.

On Christmas morning, the family enjoys a full English breakfast, then heads off to church, walking to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene together (the queen gets a ride), and providing us with a wonderful photo op. Then it's back to Sandringham House for turkey with all the trimmings.

More: Kate Middleton Is in Recovery Mode & Dropping George Off at School

At 3 p.m., they all gather to watch the queen's Christmas speech on TV — except for the queen herself, who prefers to bow out and have a little alone time. Then the servants get to relax while the royals insist on serving them.

The fun continues on Boxing Day, when Prince Philip hosts an annual shoot. After that, they all begin to drift off to enjoy their winter breaks. For example, Camilla leaves to see her own grown children before joining Prince Charles at Birkhall, their home in Scotland. The queen and Prince Philip stay on for several more weeks, enjoying a winter break from the hustle and bustle of London life.

Sounds like a pretty jolly holiday to us!

Naya Rivera Has Been Arrested Following Alleged Drunken Domestic Dispute

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Sadly, the holidays do not appear to be the happiest time of the year for Naya Rivera. The Glee star was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery on Saturday around 9:30 p.m.

More: Naya Rivera's Tell-All Is More Like a Burn Book — and Lea Michele's In It

According to WSAZ News Channel 3, the first outlet to report the arrest, Rivera was in the Chesapeake area of Kanawha County in West Virginia when deputies were called over a domestic situation. When they arrived, deputies reportedly learned from Rivera's husband, Ryan Dorsey, that Rivera had hit him in the head and the bottom lip. Dorsey's injuries were minor and did not require medical attention.

The altercation apparently occurred as the couple were taking their 2-year-old son, Josey, for a walk down the street. The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office told WSAZ that Rivera and Dorsey began to argue over the child at some point, which led to the physical violence. Deputies also relayed that Rivera was drunk at the time of the incident.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera

More: Naya Rivera Bashed for Nearly-Naked Pregnancy Pic

To corroborate his version of events, Dorsey provided police with a cell phone video allegedly showing Rivera striking him. After being taken into custody, Rivera was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and picked up by her father-in-law.

It's possible that 911 calls pertaining to the altercation could be released later in the week, after investigators speak with the attorneys involved, per WSAZ.

More: Despite Their Divorce, Naya Rivera & Ryan Dorsey Have One Clear Priority

Rivera and Dorsey only reconciled last month after announcing their intention to divorce in November 2016. The couple, who wed in July 2014, emphasized at the time of their split that their son was and would remain their top priority.

Vanderpump Rules Star Stassi Schroeder Apologizes for #MeToo Comments

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Vanderpump Rules' Stassi Schroeder has issued a formal apology after making controversial comments about the #MeToo movement on her podcast, Straight Up with Stassi.

More: Here's What Would Make Stassi Schroeder Actually Quit VPR

Schroeder found herself in hot water over the weekend after the 29-year-old reality TV star tackled the troubling topic of sexual misconduct in Hollywood. The episode, titled "Are we on a male witch hunt?", has since been deleted but not before inciting outrage for its perceived insensitivity to victims.

One Twitter user pointed out the hypocrisy in Schroeder claiming she didn't bash victims after essentially accusing victims of lying.

"You: I'm sorry no one could make me suck a dick. I'm sorry it sounds like he thought you liked it because you were making out with him. And now that it's a trend and it's #metoo you're going to come out and accuse him because you regret it. Also you: there's no victim bashing!"

Another shared her own harrowing experience with sexual assault before tagging Schroeder with the advice, "Don't even bother apologizing this time."

"If you think a guy can't make you suck a dick.. wait till he is ripping out your hair because he's shoving your mouth up and down on his dick while tears are streaming down your face. I've agreed with all of your PC arguments until now. I'm one of those attention seeking #metoo girls as you like to say. But since i didn't handle my rape the way you wanted me to it can't be true, right?"

More: The New Vanderpump Rules Trailers Is Here!

Schroeder at first defended the podcast, tweeting, "About 5 ppl heard this podcast & everyone else read ONE quote without the backstory or context of a TWO hour episode."

Stassi Schroeder 1

Stassi Schroeder 1

However, after advertisers including Rent the Runway, Simple Contacts and Framebridge dropped Schroeder's podcast, the 29-year-old reality TV star issued an apology via Twitter.

Stassi Schroeder 2

Stassi Schroeder 2

It read: "My podcast is an outlet for me to share my unfiltered opinion with my listeners; but on my latest episode I crossed a line. It was irresponsible for me to make generalized statements about a very serious topic, such as sexual harassment, as it is not my place to speak out anyone else's experiences. I apologize. I will continue to speak my mind on my podcast, but will put more thought behind my dialogue moving forward."

More: VPR's Stassi Schroeder Defends Brittany's Mom Against Homophobia Rumors

Schroeder then called the time since the podcast went live "sobering" and asked both those who have been victimized and those who have (in their opinion) been falsely accused to share their stories with her.

Well-Intended Gifts You Shouldn't Give Someone Dealing with Infertility

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One in eight couples experience infertility. You probably know one. They might even be on your holiday list. And though you're trying to be empathetic and encouraging, it's important to be careful about the message your gift might send to a couple struggling with infertility. Too often, well-meaning gifts end up causing pain and frustration for the gift-receiver.

More: How to have a happy holiday as a new adoptive parent

With anyone going through a life crisis, as infertility truly is, it’s a tough balance to show you care when you don’t completely understand the experience they’re going through. Yet, it’s so thoughtful for someone to want to give a meaningful gift of support. In that spirit, here are some holiday gifts you should avoid giving someone going through infertility, as well as tips for what you should give.

Bad idea: Avoid the supportive or hopeful presents

You've probably given your friend pep talks during the struggle they're going through. The holidays are not a great time to further that pep talk with an “infertility support” or “hope” related presents. Although well-intentioned, items like hope stones or a piece of jewelry that says ‘believe’ are not the way to go. Someone struggling with infertility knows that they need a lot more than just hope to achieve their goals. This type of gift can be interpreted as downplaying the seriousness of their medical condition.

The possible exception to this is if they know you've been through the same struggle. Otherwise, they don’t want this type of gift from someone who doesn’t completely understand what they're going through. The gift may just become a reminder of gap between the two of you.

Bad idea: "For when you get pregnant" gifts

You may think getting a gift that your friend can use when they get pregnant are a great way to show your faith in their journey. A calendar that tracks pregnancy or a cute onesie that says “worth the wait" might seem sweet,, but really it's a painful reminder. Think about it – when they receive this gift, there is nothing they can do with it. They might hide it in a dark corner of their home so they avoid a daily reminder of their struggle and grief.

Someone struggling with infertility may buy these items for themselves, but when they receive them from someone else, they often just feel misunderstood. There will be plenty of time to give these types of gifts once they have built their family successfully. But when they’re in the midst of the infertility struggle is not the right time.

More: When you're ready to adopt but your partner isn't

Bad idea: A self-help or advice book

Yes, of course you want to help, and these books might seem like the way to do it. But trust me – your friend realizes they are sad. They fully understand they are not the same person they used to be. They are likely aware of the changes in their life, like avoiding social functions and distancing themselves from friends and family. This knowledge of how they have changed during infertility makes them even more sad.

To realize that other people see it too is just too much. Plus, they’re too busy reading everything they can get their hands on about their family building journey to read anything else. Reading a self-help book is incredibly low on the priority list.

More: 4 tips to make the adoption process way less scary

What should you give?

The very best gift is the gift of your time. Specifically, doing an activity together that takes their mind off what they’re going through, even briefly. Try some of these options:

  • A gift card to your favorite bar for a night out with drinks.
  • A complete friend date night with dinner out and a funny movie.
  • A spa package for a day of relaxation.
  • An activity that’s outside their typical comfort zone like go-cart racing, bowling or an art or cooking class. These types of activities require their concentration, so they’re forced to get their mind off their troubles.

Try to give them any gift that will take them out of their normal routine. An activity that involves spending time with you is the best gift of all.

Nicole Witt is the owner of The Adoption Consultancy, an unbiased resource serving pre-adoptive families by providing them with the education, information and guidance they need to safely adopt a newborn, usually within three to 12 months.

Prince Harry Is Officially Engaged to Meghan Markle, & We Couldn't Be Happier

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Updated Nov. 27, 2017, 3:30 a.m. PT: We've been cautiously optimistic that this news was true, but now, we can safely say it is: Prince Harry is confirmed to be engaged to Meghan Markle. Finally! The news was confirmed on Monday morning local time by Clarence House, which released an official statement about the royal engagement and when the couple will be married.

"His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. The wedding will take place in spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. His Royal Highness and Ms Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents," the Twitter announcement read. The statement also confirmed that Harry and Markle will live in Nottingham Cottage on the Kensington Palace grounds during their engagement.

Prince Harry Meghan Markle Engagement Confirmation

Prince Harry Meghan Markle Engagement Confirmation

E! News featured the reported reactions of Prince William and Kate Middleton as well as Markle's parents to this exciting news. For their part, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reportedly stated they're "very excited for Harry and Meghan," going on to say, "It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together."

Markle's parents issued a statement through Kensington Palace, remarking, "We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together."

And of course, the queen did not stay silent about this incredibly happy news. In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip "are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness."

Updated Nov. 24, 2017, 11:30 a.m. PT: It finally happened. Buckingham Palace has released an official statement on all the engagement rumors that have been heating up about Prince Harry and his longtime girlfriend, Meghan Markle. But don't get too excited, fam.

The official stance of the palace is that it "would not give a running commentary on Harry's love life" according to Elle. Seriously? Why bother giving a statement at all?

Unless, of course, they're just trying to build up hype since experts think the announcement is coming pretty much any minute. Some say it'll be a Christmas announcement, while others are expecting it first thing in 2018 to kick off the new year. Either way, word is Markle just moved in with Harry full time at Kensington Palace, and pretty much everyone with any knowledge of the royal family says this engagement announcement is imminent.

So, yep, any day now, you two.

Original story:

OK, we're going to need Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to just go ahead and announce their engagement already. Everyone knows it's coming. Heck, we've confidently suspected it for, like, a year. Now that Markle has finished filming her last ever episodes of Suits, this is obviously what's next, so why hasn't he proposed yet?

More: A Definitive Timeline of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s Relationship in 2017

According to insiders, Harry already has proposed. It's just that he and his betrothed aren't telling anyone yet. In the latest issue of Us Weekly, an insider reveals that even though they haven't made their official engagement announcement, Harry and Markle have already set a date for their wedding.

"It will definitely be a summer wedding," the insider said, adding that Harry designed a ring for Markle using diamonds from a broach that belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. And apparently, even though they're not formally engaged as far as the public is concerned, Markle is moving into Harry's place at Kensington Palace pretty much now.

More: Prince Harry Pined for Meghan Markle for 2 Years Before They Started Dating

"There are no plans for them to live separately," one of Markle's friends told Us Weekly. "Meghan will move right in."

So when are they actually going to go public with all this? It's not like they'll be able to hide the fact that she has moved in. According to yet another insider, the palace is already coordinating the official engagement announcement (and the photo shoot and syndicated TV interview that will go with it), and we can expect that the official word "will likely be some time in January," this friend says. "It gives Meghan some time to get settled and will be a great start to 2018."

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Kinda, Sorta Related

Bring on the next royal wedding already, fam. We're getting impatient.


Leah Remini Blasts LAPD for Protecting the Church of Scientology

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Leah Remini is neither afraid nor cowed by the pervasive presence and power the Church of Scientology wields, as made evident in her vigilant documentation and testimony about the church's alleged harmful practices and possibly illegal behavior. It's won her an Emmy for her series about these allegations, compiled into the TV show Aftermath, but it's also made her the most prominent voice of dissent against Scientology in the public eye.

That dissenting voice is speaking up once again, and this time it is about the accusations of rape made against Scientology member Danny Masterson (he's also an actor best known for his role on That '70s Show), who has been accused of rape by four female Scientologists. Remini claims the stalled investigation on Masterson is because of the LAPD's connection to the Church of Scientology.

More: Jada Pinkett Smith Is Distancing Herself From Leah Remini & Scientology

This is a grave claim to make against two powerful institutions, especially since there's been little in the news about the LAPD to suggest they are in any way connected to Scientology in a suspicious manner (although the Church of Scientology has donated money to various LAPD-related community programs).

Speaking to The Daily Beast, Remini speaks contrary to this, claiming the captain of the LAPD's Hollywood Division has been associated with Scientology. "The captain of [LAPD’s Hollywood division], Cory Palka, goes to the Scientology Celebrity Centre often. There are pictures of him hanging at Celebrity Centre," she told The Daily Beast. Remini's implication seems to be that Palka's association with the Church of Scientology has led to possibly being influenced to the point he could help stop any legal matters or investigations that actively work against the Church of Scientology's interests.

More: Leah Remini Reveals Her Ulterior Motives for Aftermath Season 2

Interestingly, The Daily Beast's incredibly thorough report on this issue includes two notes of interest. The first is that they received this official comment from the LAPD about Captain Palka: "Captain is not making any comments." Additionally, The Daily Beast writes that "a source inside the LAPD’s Hollywood division informs us that officers wonder about Captain Palka’s seemingly cozy relationship with the Church of Scientology."

More: Leah Remini Dedicates Her Emmy Nomination to Victims of Scientology

The Church of Scientology hasn't officially commented on Remini's allegations, nor has the LAPD released a subsequent statement about Palka's alleged association with Scientology. At this time, Masterson remains gainfully employed by Netflix and stars on one of its original shows, The Ranch, while the cases against him made by those four women have seemingly stalled indefinitely.

How Much Pregnancy Weight You Gain Could Impact Your Breastfeeding Experience

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We already know there are so many factors to consider when breastfeeding. Now, recent research is suggesting that weight before and during pregnancy may also impact the process. A study published in the Journal of Human Lactation has found that delayed milk secretion — also known as lactogenesis — was more prevalent in women who were obese before they got pregnant. For women who gain excessive weight while pregnant, the second phase of lactogenesis (the stage when milk really begins to flow) could potentially be delayed.

Researchers looked at 216 women who had a body mass index of either under 30 and above 30. They found that 46.4 percent of women with a BMI under 30 had delayed lactogenesis 2 — and that rose to 57.9 percent among women who had a BMI higher than 30.

More: These 15 Healthy Tips Can Help Prep Your Body for Pregnancy

Laura Sarantinoudis-Jones, an international board-certified lactation consultant with Lucky Baby Lactation in New Jersey [full disclosure: She’s my lactation consultant] said that heavier women can improve their chances of breastfeeding successfully by seeking out professional help — especially if they do it prior to or right after birth. Some women report issues with infants latching on due to the small size of the baby’s mouth and the large size of their breasts.

She suggested that women should set up an in-home consult with an IBCLC. “Many women don’t realize that a certain amount of visits may be covered by their insurance company. You can get the help you need in the comfort of your own home,” she added.

According to previous research findings, for every five BMI units you increase (for example, going from overweight to obese class 1), your odds of initiating breastfeeding decrease. BMI was negatively correlated with both initiation and intensity of breastfeeding in this sample of overweight and obese women. Additionally, women at healthy weights nursed much longer than overweight mothers, while women who were obese nursed for a shorter period of time than those who are overweight according to a 2016 study.

Want to increase your chances of breastfeeding successfully? Sarantinoudis-Jones says to focus on staying healthy instead of the scale.

More: Pregnancy After 35 Could Be Good for Your Health

“The hardest thing for moms who have babies and breastfeeding is finding the time to focus on you. Being a new mom is exhausting,” she said. “Eat healthy, routinely exercise and be patient and kind to yourself. You are a mommy, you are tired, but don’t forget you are beautiful.”

By Kristen Fischer

How to Support Someone With Breast Cancer

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The minute I hit send on an email to my closest girlfriends letting them know I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, I was met with a flood of responses in my inbox. “What can I do?” “How can I help?” “What do you need?”

As I was about 12 hours into my diagnosis, I had no idea what I needed other than a really strong cocktail. Immediately following a breast cancer diagnosis, people find themselves in this new territory. We know there are doctors who need to be found, surgeries that will need to be scheduled, but when it comes to support, it is more of a gray area with family and friends.

Everyone wants to help, but how can they? The inner circle will want to jump into action, but that doesn’t necessarily work for everyone. Here are a few things to do — and to avoid — in order to support someone who’s recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

More: Get Ready, We're About to Drop the "Breast" Facts Ever

Do not tell them about your history with cancer

Since 1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, chances are you already know someone who has been diagnosed. Don’t regale your recently diagnosed friend with that story. “Oh, my aunt/grandmother/third cousin removed had breast cancer. She’s dead now.”

A breast cancer diagnosis is like a snowflake. They are all different. While you may want to relate to your friend or relative, the probability is you will make them feel worse. Before you launch into your cancer history, get the facts about your friend’s diagnosis. Have them tell you their story before you tell them about that coworker’s husband that you never knew that was in treatment for a year.

Do offer your support

Many want to drop whatever it is they’re doing to help someone recently diagnosed, and that’s wonderful, but before you hop in your car, why not ask them what it is they need? It's possible they might not know, but just the gesture of saying you’re available to go with them to doctor's' appointments or to sit with them during one of their chemo treatments would be a great way to show your support without being over-intrusive.

MoreUnderstanding the Lumps & Bumps in Your Breasts

Do not send them online articles

The first thing I was told when I was diagnosed was, “Get off Google,” and it was the best advice I was given. The internet is a mess of stories about breast cancer patients who were cured by prayer, by eating kale, by meditating. Most of these are bullshit. Do not send these stories to your friend or relative. They're probably already working with a specialist; let the pros handle this one.

Do take the time to educate yourself

Most of what we know about breast cancer is what we see on TV or again, what we read online. A lot of it isn’t necessarily true or it’s true, but doesn’t pertain to your friend/family member’s current diagnosis. It’s OK to ask the specifics about their diagnosis and consult an oncologist independently. Your friend will appreciate that you took the time to understand the nuances of their diagnosis and treatment and it will allow you to better understand what support they may need.

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

Do not tell them everything will be fine

Bottom line is you don’t know that and the truth of the matter is everything will not be fine. Everything will be difficult. Everything will be a challenge. Some days will be better than others, and the probability that your loved one will emerge victorious is probable. But until they get the all-clear from a medical professional, keep the definiteness to yourself. Instead, be present, be positive within reason, be accommodating and most important, be the ear they’ll need while fighting.

7 Quick LinkedIn Tweaks That Make a Big Difference

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When you’re ready to find a new job, it makes sense that you’d use LinkedIn as part of your search. But there’s a big difference between simply being on LinkedIn and having an amazing profile that makes it easy for recruiters to find you — and that can really impact your job search.

“There are more than 450,000 recruiters searching for you on LinkedIn,” says Abby Kohut, a career consultant at Absolutely Abby. “It’s really the No. 1 tool for recruiters these days.”

It’s also likely that your LinkedIn profile will be one of the top results when someone searches your name, says Miriam Salpeter, a social media strategist and founder of Keppie Careers. “Since the vast majority of people will Google your name before they hire you for a job or a gig, it's in your best interest to ensure what they find tells the right story,” she says.

Sure, you already know that you should have a nice, professional-looking head shot and that you need to fill in your past experience, but there are certain tweaks to your profile that can take it to the next level. We got career coaches and LinkedIn experts to spill.

Use keywords

Job titles are great, but they tend to vary from company to company, which is why it’s so important to use keywords in your profile. “You have to list job descriptions just like you do on your résumé,” Kohut says. Recruiters are searching by those words — not by titles — so having the right phrases in your profile matters. To find the best ones for you, simply type a few words you think describe your work into the LinkedIn search bar. The most popular keywords will come up first.

Create a profile summary

It’s one extra step you probably don’t want to take when you’re pressed for time, but your profile summary matters. “Adding a summary of 40 words or more makes your profile more likely to turn up in a future employer’s search,” says LinkedIn career expert Blair Decembrele. She recommends including the skills and keywords that you have and want to be known for here, too. And, if you’re stumped, look at the job listings that you’re interested in and add some of those words to your profile summary.

Turn on the Open Candidates option

Recruiters may just stumble upon your profile, but turning on the Open Candidates feature in the Career Interests dashboard lets them know you’re open to new opportunities. This makes you twice as likely to show up in search results, Decembrele says.

Update your Career Interests

This feature, which is linked with the Open Candidates option, allows you to give recruiters more information about what you’re looking for. For example, you can list the company size you prefer, where you’re located, and the type of work you want (full-time, part-time, freelance, etc.). “This makes it easier for them to classify you as a good candidate for the role you’re pursuing,” Decembrele says.

Get endorsements

Ask friends and colleagues to create endorsements for you — they’re basically like mini references that recruiters can eyeball. “The best endorsements come from people who are also well regarded and endorsed for the skills they say you have,” Salpeter says. Not only can it make you look good, but it also helps boost the odds you’ll show up in a recruiter’s search. “This is another piece of the algorithm LinkedIn uses to decide if your profile is a good result in a search,” Salpeter says.

Showcase your portfolio

Featuring samples of your work can help move a recruiter from curious to very interested, Kohut says. Obviously, this doesn’t work for every career, but if you’re in a field that’s visual or where you have an online footprint, it’s a good idea to showcase it.

Make your contact information visible

Unless you’re a first-level connection with a recruiter, they can’t just message you without requesting you as a connection. That’s why Kohut recommends having your email address on your profile. Otherwise, it may take them longer to get in touch with you, and another candidate could come along in the meantime.

The Mexican Christmas Recipes Your Holiday Is Missing

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Mexican food is spicy, flavorful and delicious. Whether it's been part of your holiday tradition forever or you're looking to add it now, these are the recipes that will wow everyone around your holiday table.

From a festive punch to an assembly-line of tamales to cinnamon-sugar tortillas, enjoy these tasty traditional recipes.

Mexican Christmas punch (ponche Navideño Mexicano)

Image: The Mija Chronicles

If you are keen on a good mulled cider, you are going to love this Mexican punch. Traditional recipes call for cinnamon, tejocotes (a small yellow fruit that resembles crabapples), piloncillo (raw sugar cane), and seasonal fruits like guavas, apples, pears and oranges — and it's served piping hot.

The Mija Chronicles recipe is perfect for those chilly December nights.

More: White Christmas sangria will get you in the holiday spirit, snow or no snow

Tamales

Tamale party

Tamale party

Tamale parties are a huge Christmas tradition in many Mexican families. Family members gather together to form an assembly line in the kitchen to joyfully roll tamales before enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Yvette of Muy Bueno walks you through how to make tamales step by step in the video above.

Christmas salted cod (bacalao Navideño)

Image: Patti Jinich

Bacalao Navideño is a mouth-watering combo of cod slow-simmered with roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, olives, parsley, and raisins — and it's commonly served for Christmas Eve dinner. Not unlike its Christmas turkey and ham counterparts, bacalao Navideño leftovers make for an amazing sandwich!

Just be aware that getting bacalao Navideño right takes a little time — Pati Jinich's recipe suggests you begin preparing your salt cod 48 hours before you wish to make the dish.

Roasted pork leg in adobo sauce (pierna de puerco adobada)

Image: Mexico in My Kitchen

Roasted pork in adobo sauce truly melts in your mouth. The tastes of roasted garlic, bay leaves, oregano, black pepper, cumin and orange blend perfectly with the juicy pork — and the combination of Mexico in My Kitchen's recipe with tamales is out of this world.

Easy cinnamon buñuelos recipe

Image: La Cocina De Leslie

No Christmas feast is complete without dessert, and buñuelos hit the spot.

Buñuelos are crispy, flaky, golden fried tortillas covered with cinnamon and sugar. They're traditionally a bit tricky to make, but La Cocina De Leslie's recipe is pretty easy to whip up, and it goes perfectly with her café con leche.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 flour tortillas
  • 1-1/2 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and the cinnamon. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil.
  3. Carefully place a tortilla in the hot oil.
  4. Fry the tortilla until light golden brown on both sides.
  5. Transfer the fried tortilla to a plate lined with paper towels.
  6. Let it sit for a minute to absorb the excess oil, then place the tortilla in the bowl with the cinnamon and sugar.
  7. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the tortilla, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
  8. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Originally published December 2011. Updated November 2017.

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