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How George & Amal Clooney — & Their Twins — Brightened a Holiday Flight

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George and Amal Clooney took out a very particular insurance policy on a recent transatlantic flight. According to Us Weekly, the celebrity power couple wanted to make sure all the passengers on the long-haul journey were comfortable — especially with their set of 6-month-old twins on board. To win over fellow passengers, the actor and director reportedly handed out noise-canceling headphones to everyone on the plane, ensuring that even the loudest cries would be muffled.

Us adds that the other passengers — including superstar director Quentin Tarantino, because LA — were more than happy to snag a free set of headphones. They weren't just any standard-issue options, either; the magazine notes that Clooney was actually giving out custom-branded Casamigos headphones, so the new dad's generosity may have been fueled by a combination of courtesy and self-promotion. But hey, we won't fault him for it.

More:  George & Amal Clooney's Twins Are Finally Here, & Their Names Are Perfect

For those unfamiliar, Casamigos is Clooney's own brand of tequila, which he started with businessperson and husband of Cindy Crawford Rande Gerber. What started as a niche business expanded to become a veritable empire, and the brand has partnered with other huge names, such as Sprinkles Cupcakes, Sugarfina candy and Umami Burger. He and Gerber sold the company for as much as a cool billion in June 2017, so, while Clooney's raking in the big bucks by directing blockbuster hits, his side gig wasn't anything to sneeze at.

More:  George Clooney Finally Explained How He & Amal Chose the Twins' Names

As for the flight itself, sources told Us that the babies were actually well-behaved — even though the Clooneys went to such lengths to ensure nobody would hear their fussing. “George was nervous,” the source explained. “But the babies didn’t even make a peep.”

The Clooney twins, Ella and Alexander, have apparently already become quite the big personalities. Even though they're just wee little things, Clooney told Extra that the twins are already setting themselves apart from one another.

"Ella is very elegant and dainty and she has these big beautiful eyes; she looks like Amal," Clooney said. As for Alexander? "He’s just a thug, he’s a fat little boy, he laughs louder than everyone in the room; it’s the funniest thing."

For the record, George, we'd love some free headphones — but we also wouldn't mind listening to that tiny thug laugh at 30,000 feet.


John McCain's Staff Releases an Official Response to His Hospitalization

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Senator John McCain, who has been battling a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, was hospitalized this week due to complications from his cancer treatments. He was admitted on the same day his daughter, Meghan McCain, broke down during an interview with former Vice President Joe Biden on The View as they talked about how cancer has impacted both their families.

More: Joe Biden Consoled a Crying Meghan McCain on Live TV

A representative for McCain released a statement Thursday saying McCain does plan to return to work once he's discharged from the hospital.

"As ever, he remains grateful to his physicians for their excellent care, and his friends and supporters for their encouragement and good wishes," the statement read. "Senator McCain looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible."

McCain has been working in the Senate in between treatments for glioblastoma for the last six months. It's the same cancer that killed Biden's son Beau at age 46 in 2015.

More: Meghan McCain’s Controversial Twitter Pic

The same day McCain was hospitalized, Biden was a guest on The View, where a visibly emotional Meghan McCain talked to him about the cancer. Biden reassured her about her father's strength and courage and shared stories about his long-running friendship with McCain.

"We’re like two brothers who were somehow raised by different fathers or something because of our points of view," he said. "Even when your dad got mad at me, said I should get the hell off the ticket, and remember what I said about your dad? I said, I know, and I mean this sincerely, I know if I picked up the phone tonight and called John McCain and said, … ‘I need your help, come,’ he’d get on a plane and come. And I would for him."

More: Meghan McCain: I Only Have, Like, One Vuitton Purse

We hope McCain has a speedy recovery.

What You Need to Know About Marijuana & Your Sexual & Reproductive Health

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Now that marijuana has been legalized in several states, Americans are smoking weed more than ever. Naturally, this could have an impact — both positive and negative — on various aspects of their lives, including sex and fertility. To get a better idea of this relationship, Stanford recently conducted a survey in which participants were asked how many times they’ve had intercourse with a member of the opposite sex in the past four weeks and how frequently they smoked marijuana over the past year.

It turns out, those who use pot are having about 20 percent more sex than those who don’t, the findings indicated. Of those studied, 24.5 percent of men and 14.5 percent of women said they had used marijuana. Women who didn’t have marijuana in the past year had sex about six times during the previous four weeks — that number went up to 7.1 for daily pot users. Among men, the corresponding figure was 5.6 for nonusers and 6.9 for daily users.

While the study’s data may seem to point to a direct correlation between sex and marijuana, the reality of the relationship is not as easily explained.

Below are facts you’ll want to know about marijuana use and your sexual and reproductive health.

How many people use marijuana?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that more than 20 million adult Americans are current marijuana users. The drug is legal for medical or recreational use in 29 states — a number that could climb.

More: Let’s Talk About What Marijuana Can (Maybe) Do for Your Sex Drive

Can using marijuana lead to more sex?

Marijuana is linked to having more sex, but before you smoke up, keep in mind that the research doesn’t say that consuming more marijuana equals having more sex. A study by Stanford University School of Medicine found a positive correlation between sexual intercourse frequency and marijuana. While the correlation is strong, it is not causal.

“Marijuana use is very common, but its large-scale use and association with sexual frequency hasn’t been studied much in a scientific way,” Dr. Michael Eisenberg, an assistant professor of urology and senior author said in a statement.

Can using marijuana lead to better sex?

Unfortunately, marijuana doesn’t seem to impact sexual performance. The medical community has largely indicated that frequent marijuana use may actually impair sexual desire or performance. Nonetheless, the Stanford analysis of more than 50,000 Americans ages 25 to 45 found that using the illegal drug doesn’t seem to impact sexual performance. The findings were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

“Frequent marijuana use doesn’t seem to impair sexual motivation or performance. If anything, it’s associated with increased coital frequency,” Eisenberg said.

More: Sex-Positive Products We Love

Can heavy marijuana use impact chances of conceiving?

If you and your partner are trying to have a baby, marijuana might be making it more difficult. According to a study by the Oxford University Press, prolonged marijuana use may lower a male’s sperm count by nearly a third.

“The men who smoked marijuana more than once a week produced sperm counts that were 28 percent lower, on average, than those who smoked marijuana less frequently or not at all,” according to SexInfo Online.

Heavy using has also been linked to erectile dysfunction, but other studies say it stimulates activity in brain regions involved in sexual arousal and activity.

So enjoy yourself, but know when marijuana could enhance — or hurt — your sex life.

By Kristen Fischer

An Archbishop Close to Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Is Talking About Their Relationship

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We already know Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are utterly perfect for each other. I mean, have you seen them? They are a delight of modern love. But in case there were any doubt about Markle's intentions (because let's be real — we would all jump at the chance to marry a prince), there's a little more proof about how meant-to-be the future duke and duchess are.

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

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury of the Church of England, where the pair will be married, is dishing a little insider info about Harry and his wife-to-be. Appearing on BBC Radio's Four program, he revealed they share a "profound sense of commitment" and they're not just having a pompous church wedding because it's expected of the royal family.

"I am very, very sure after conversations that this is no tick-box exercise of ‘We ought to get married in church,'" he explained. "There is a profound sense of commitment, of seriousness both about faith and about their lives together, which is quite inspirational."

More: The Queen & Prince Philip Have Big Plans for Their 70th Anniversary

The wedding is currently planned for May, and Markle will be baptized and confirmed in the church before then. The royal family members are all members and supporters of the Church of England; Harry was baptized there as a baby.

Welby doesn't know yet if he will be the one to marry the couple, but that's not what's important.

"Of course it’s important because people will look at it, and they’ll see a model of how two people commit their lives to one another before God in the presence of millions of people," he said. "That’s going to be wonderful. It’s always a beautiful moment. Every wedding is profoundly beautiful."

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

This one is sure to be absolutely gorgeous, and we can't wait to see it.

My Baby Is Ruining My Marriage

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My wife is my soul mate. We’ve been together for more than eight years, and while we’ve had our disagreements like any couple, we’ve mostly had the type of relationship people dream about. For nearly all of the eight years we’ve had the privilege of coexisting, we have only fought on very rare occasions. We were proud we didn't live the kind of disparate lives so many couples lead, especially after they've been together for so long. We laughed together, traveled together, confided in one another and supported each other.

Ever since we met, my wife has been my best friend, my rock, my solitude. She is the person I can share anything with and know I’ll get honest feedback in return.

We got even closer, it seemed, when I was pregnant. She had always wanted a baby and didn’t think she would ever have one — because of her age, for one thing, and because for many years she was told gay people simply didn't have kids. In many ways, I felt that our child would be my greatest gift to her. We were lovey-dovey throughout my pregnancy, nesting and building a nursery while still enjoying all the things we always did together — taking spontaneous day trips to new quaint towns, having fancy dinners, enjoying quiet nights on the couch catching up on shows.

But then the baby came.

More: I Feel Like an Imposter Mom

At first, we were just a ball of hormones and emotions; we hugged and cried with joy in those first few days, admiring the perfect tiny human we had created from our love. Then days and nights passed, and they were long and arduous and filled with crappy diapers and crying and endless feeding sessions. Sleep was scarce and stress levels rose. We started to get snippy with each other.

“Why are you holding him like that?” I would say, judgment clear in my tone.

“Maybe if you held him differently, he would calm down,” she’d try to relay softly, but we couldn’t hide the fact that we were both upset with each other’s parenting styles.

Somehow, all of a sudden, we went from being that couple everyone envies to that couple who can't agree on anything. We started arguing over the best way to get to the store, over whether our baby needed to put a pair of socks on, you name it — it seemed we were never on the same side of an issue.

And it didn’t help that sex seemed like some foggy dream from long ago. It’s not that I even wanted sex at this point; there just wasn’t room for it in the equation anymore, not when you factored in the incredibly small window of time we had to do the one thousand chores awaiting us, let alone sleep. Sex, though, I started to realize, had always included a lot more than just the act itself or sexual satisfaction. It was also physical interaction: endorphin-generating, closeness-promoting, lovemaking goodness. Not having sex meant my wife and I weren’t bonding physically.

Or maybe we weren't even bonding at all, because it felt like we no longer had time for cuddling or kissing, either. Those lazy Sunday mornings when we’d lay in bed and touch — and whisper our dreams and plans for the future together — seemed like eons ago with no return in sight. The sharp wail of a baby needing a diaper change dovetailed with groggy, “I got it,” or “Your turn,” and there simply wasn’t room for anything more.

What little affection we had left to give all went to the baby.

More: I Didn't Realize My Mom Was Clueless Until I Had a Kid

We were nearly three months into being co-parents when I reached a point that felt close to desperation. I started questioning our relationship and whether we would ever be able to rekindle the functionality and happiness we once had. I was close to taking action of some kind, although I wasn't sure what. "Should I ask her for a sit-down talk to address this head-on?" I wondered. Or were we beyond that?

Then something incredible happened: Our baby slept eight hours straight.

My wife and I woke up feeling confused on top of an old and yet entirely new feeling — one we hadn't felt in months. We felt... rested.

That morning, my wife and I looked at each other with love in our eyes, just as we had eight years ago.

“Oh, my god,” I said. “We hated each other because we were tired.”

We shared a good, hard, ridiculous laugh, the kind that comes from deep in your gut. But it was more relief than humor that was washing over us. I was so incredibly grateful that our sudden and intense new life of constant bickering — the recurrent fights that somehow hadn’t surfaced in eight years together — had turned out to be temporary and superficial.

Of course sleep deprivation had caused our tension! Of course I didn’t really care if we took a left turn versus a right turn to go to the store! Of course I didn’t care if the baby wore socks indoors or whatever! It had all been a farce, a glitch, a temporary and understandable diversion from our normal course of tolerance and understanding.

More: The No. 1 Way to Survive Being a New Parent

In fact, when I told a friend about it, she was shocked I hadn't heard the cardinal rule: Don't consider divorce until at least two years after having a baby. That's right. Even the most perfectly matched, perfectly sweet soul mates will fight like mortal enemies under that new-parent stress.

It helped me to hear that.

The next night, our son was back to his regular shenanigans and didn’t sleep nearly as well. And now, a few months later, we’re still dealing with a terrible sleeper, which means we continue to be severely sleep-deprived ourselves — and as a result, ornery and contentious. But now, we carry the perspective of that full night of sleep: the knowledge that we don’t actually dislike one another or distrust the other’s parenting style. We’re just two exhausted people in love — and trying to keep this kid alive.

20 Small Dog Breeds That Are Beyond Cute

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The internet is full of a lot of bad things, but it's also full of adorable images and videos of our beloved pets. There's nothing that cheers you up quite as fast as a cute dog doing something peculiar. In case you need a little cheering up, we've collected the cutest small dog breeds to lift your mood.

You're not the only one with an affection for small dog breeds. The AKC's most popular breeds for 2016 included Pomeranians, Yorkies and miniature schnauzers. Uh, yeah, because they're adorable. Take a look at these tiny dogs.

1. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire Terrier
Image: aaa/Moment open/Getty images

Lovingly referred to as the "Yorkie," the Yorkshire terrier is the ultimate cutie in small breeds. Not only are they tiny (some are even "teacup"!), but the Yorkshire terrier is a small breed with a big personality and perfect as a companion on the go. Yorkies have been a "fashionable" pet since the late Victorian era.

2. Papillon

Papillon
Image: Rook76/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another breed that makes an excellent companion, the papillon is a loyal and loving friend. Great with kids and families, this pint-size pup makes an excellent watchdog. Calm but alert, it is extremely protective of its master. A papillon's most distinctive feature is its large butterfly ears.

3. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Image: Sergey Ryumin/Moment open/Getty images

Not only is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel adorable, but it loves to cuddle, too! A member of the toy group, this pup is gentle and extremely caring of its family. These dogs are considered to be very elegant, possibly the reason Charlotte York from Sex and the City had one. One of the most popular in small breeds, it's a dog worthy of all of your love.

4. Brussels griffon

 Brussels Griffon
Image: Okssi68/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Some may think that the Brussels griffon isn't the most attractive dog on the planet, but it sure is cute. A bit awkward looking, Brussels griffons are smart, adaptable and cat-friendly. What they lack in appearance they make up for with their ability to perform a variety of tricks. Not great with kids, it'll make a single owner a very happy one.

Up next: Boston terrier

A version of this article was originally published in February 2016.

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5. Boston terrier

Boston terrier
Image: Doxieone Photography/Moment/Getty Images

Just like the natives of the city it was named after, the Boston terrier is one loyal breed. It loves people, kids, cats and other dogs alike and is extremely adaptable. One of the most popular small breeds, the Boston terrier is one tiny pup that dog lovers like to have around.

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Image: Geri Lavrov/Photodisc/Getty images

The Shih Tzu's cuteness matches its vibrant and spunky personality. A breed known for its luxurious coat and adorable appearance, the Shih Tzu needs a lot of grooming to keep it looking good, including daily brushing. This dog makes a great companion for adults and older children.

7. Bichon frise

Bichon Frise
Image: thomaszobl/iStock/Getty Images Plus

It's tiny and super-fluffy: The bichon frise is the epitome of cuteness. A feisty breed, this little guy loves to play with its beloved owner. Despite the fact that it looks just like a child's toy, the bichon frise is not actually classified as a toy breed but rather one of the non-sporting group. A super-cuddlebug, the bichon frise is also very affectionate and loving toward adults and other furred friends.

8. Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Image: Laures/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another fluff ball to love up to, the Pomeranian is a compact puppy of Nordic descent. Smart and curious, this is a soft and lively breed. Excellent as a show dog, the Pomeranian is easily trained due to its incredible intelligence. Not very good with kids, this dog does amazingly well with cats.

Up next: Scottish terrier

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9. Scottish terrier

Scottish Terrier
Image: MorePixels/iStock/Getty Images Plus

There's a reason we see the Scottish terrier adorning sweaters and holiday gear — it's super-adorable! Their thick eyebrows and stout build make them resemble old men, in the most charming way. With more than just cute looks, the Scottish terrier makes a wonderful watchdog. Witty and hypoallergenic, it's another small dog breed best suited for adults and older children.

10. Cockapoo

Cockapoo
Image: Jody Trappe Photography/Moment open/Getty images

A designer breed, the cockapoo is a mix of the English cocker spaniel and the poodle. Small and cute, this breed hits every mark for a great dog. A cockapoo will never leave your side, as it loves to show affection and follow its owner. Good with kids and other animals, the cockapoo is intelligent and adaptable.

More: 200 Adorable Names for Little Dogs

11. Pekingese

Pekingese
Image: Gwenvidig/iStock/Getty Images Plus

A member of both the toy and companion groups, the Pekingese is a charming and delightful dog to be around. An intelligent pooch, it's a watchdog that prefers adults and kitty friends. These pups are usually between 7 and 14 pounds, yet they are mighty and quick to defend themselves. They have a lot of fur, so the Pekingese's luxurious coat requires regular grooming.

12. Maltese

Maltese
Image: MaR_RiiO/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The Maltese is a breed that loves to shower its owner with affection. Lively and energetic, this breed also enjoys playing with its adult owner and fur-covered friends. The Maltese loves its owner so much, however, that it often suffers from separation anxiety when left alone too long. The Maltese requires daily brushing.

Up next: Lhasa apso

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13. Lhasa apso

Lhasa Apso
Image: VKarlov/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Small yet assertive, the Lhasa apso is a companion breed that was bred to protect its family. Good with all kinds of people and pets, it makes a great addition to any family. Fearless and devoted, the Lhasa apso is a pretty pup that enjoys a good pampering, requiring lots of grooming, and cuddle sessions at the end of a busy day.

14. Skye terrier

Skye Terrier
Image: Brytta/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Made famous by Queen Victoria herself, this versatile breed can get fiercely protective or just be a friendly companion. Don't be fooled by its small size — the Skye terrier is an excellent watchdog. Smart, friendly and outgoing, this is a happy pup to have around. Fearless and loyal, the Skye terrier is a breed suited for a one-pet-only household.

15. Sussex spaniel

Sussex Spaniel
Image: Gareth Byrd/Flickr

A sporting and gun dog, the cute Sussex spaniel makes an excellent hunting and family pet. Reliable and a lover of dogs and kids, the pup is friendly, lovable and notoriously slow. Looking a bit somber, the Sussex spaniel is actually a very happy and good-natured dog and loves the company of other dogs.

16. Petit basset griffon Vendéen

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Image: Nathan150/Flickr

A hound breed, the petit basset griffon Vendéen loves to be active and will often keep itself entertained by getting into a little trouble. Adorable with its furry features, this dog requires a lot of grooming and playtime. Smart and easily trained, the petit basset griffon Vendéen makes a great family dog with its friendly and outgoing nature.

Up next: Havanese

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17. Havanese

Havanese
Image: @Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty images

There isn't a furry friend or human the Havanese doesn't like. A charming little pup, the Havanese has a soft, easy-maintenance coat. A pup that loves to cuddle, this lovable pooch enjoys the company of its owner 24/7, which is why it's nicknamed "Velcro dog."

More: Top 10 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

18. Japanese chin

Japanese Chin
Image: Justin Horrocks/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another toy breed, the darling Japanese chin also falls into the category of a companion breed. Well-mannered, affectionate and extremely loyal, this dog believes its life goal is to be at the service of its owner. Beware, however, of these pooches' jumping skills, as they can leap up great distances in just a single bound. A bit on the sensitive side, the Japanese chin does best with adults and feline siblings.

19. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Image: @Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty images

Still sometimes referred to as the "Taco Bell dog," the Chihuahua is one of the most well-known small breeds on the planet. Filled with a feisty personality and watchdog abilities to boot, this pooch is a confident and sassy breed. Best as a one-human kind of pet, the Chihuahua gets along best with cats and adult humans.

20. West Highland white terrier

West Highland White Terrier
Image: jfoto/Moment/Getty images

The West Highland white terrier is arguably the cutest dog on the entire planet. White, fluffy and a great therapy dog, there's no denying this breed's awesomeness. A "Westie" is good with kids, families, cats and pretty much everyone. Perhaps their best quality is how easily they are house-trained due to their preference for cleanliness.

Don't forget to pin this list!

Image: Karen Cox/SheKnows

‘Exotic’ Girl Names That Will Fit Your Baby Perfectly

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Every parent wants to feel like they've got the perfect name for their child — unique and special but not too trendy. And hey, the process of changing a kid's name due to baby name regret is a pain (although it's definitely doable). That's why names from other languages and countries can be so excellent — they're often recognizable but still uncommon where you live, so your child won't have a dozen kids in their preschool with the same name.

With that in mind, we scoured the globe for our favorite girl names — and it was hard to narrow them down. The picks below offer a mix of sweet and strong, and there may well be a tie-in option with your family's heritage too.

More: Unique Baby Names for Boys & Girls We Wish We'd Thought of First

Check out some of our favorite cool and exotic girl names, broken down by origin.

Irish girl names

Irish girl names have gained in popularity over the past couple of years — and we totally understand why.

French girl names

As usual, French names are as gorgeous as French girls.

Next: Spanish girl names

A version of this article was originally published in August 2011.

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Spanish girl names

These adorable Spanish names are still easy to pronounce.

More: Gender-Neutral Baby Names That Are Just a Wee Bit Out of the Box

Italian girl names

Italian girl names often have a melodic, feminine sound.

Girl names from Africa

There is no shortage of gorgeous names from various African countries. Here are just a few.

  • Adanya (Nigerian)
  • Bahati (Swahili)
  • Eshe (Swahili)
  • Kalifa (Somali)
  • Ode (Nigerian)
  • Oni (Nigerian) 

Girl names from Asia

These names from India, Japan and China are just the beginning of what Asian languages have to offer.

  • Ananta (Hindi)
  • Apala (Hindi)
  • Lian (Chinese)
  • Bo (Chinese)
  • Mariko (Japanese)
  • Saki (Japanese)

45 Vegan Christmas Recipes That Will Make Your Holiday Delicious

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Image: Cheftographer

If you're vegan and looking to create a delicious holiday feast or if you know someone you love is vegan and attending your parties, these are the tastiest vegan recipes on the internet. They're perfect for a holiday setting and even meat-eaters will love them.

More: How to create a DIY cocktail bar for your holiday party

Vegan Christmas breakfasts & beverages

Image: Veggies Don't Bite

Start Christmas morning off right with one of these vegan Christmas breakfast recipes and then cap it off with a fun dessert drink.

Vegan holiday soups

Image: Raising Sugar Free Kids

Vegans and non-vegans alike with love these delicious starts to your Christmas meal.

Vegan Christmas appetizers

Image: Cheftographer

Not only are these apps totally scrumptious, but they also look gorgeous being passed around on trays during your annual holiday party.

Vegan holiday side dishes

Give up on the same old stuffing and mashed potatoes and give these recipes a whirl.

Vegan Christmas dinner recipes

Image: Cheftographer

These are a few of our favorite vegan Christmas dinner recipes that don't disappoint.

Vegan Christmas cookie recipes

Image: My Darling Vegan

The holidays just aren't the same without cookies! Try one of these delicious vegan Christmas cookie recipes.

Vegan holiday dessert recipes

Image: Veggies Don't Bite

In the mood for something sinfully decadent this Christmas? We've got you covered.

A version of this article was originally published in November 2010.


Women Will Take a Stand Against Sexual Assault at the Golden Globes

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The 2018 Golden Globes are officially going to be the best Golden Globes to have ever aired on television and I have the only solid piece of evidence to prove this seemingly hyperbolic statement is true. On the popular internet morning show, The Morning Breath, hosts Jackie Oshry and Claudia Oshry were able to reveal (thanks to the noted approval of their publicist) that a large number of women attending the 2018 Golden Globes are opting to wear black to protest sexual assault.

More: The 2018 Golden Globe Nominations Are Full of Surprises & Snubs

At around the 7:00 minute mark in the Morning Breath's broadcast, Jackie and Claudia reveal that "all of the female actresses and attendees, or most of them at least, are standing in solidarity together in a form of protest. There all going to be wearing black, obviously to protest the injustices that have been taking place in Hollywood since forever."

Morning Breath Golden Globes Show

Morning Breath Golden Globes Show

Both Jackie and Claudia seem to be quite excited by the news — and why wouldn't they be? This coordinated sartorial initiative is certainly not unprecedented, but it's hard to ignore the striking choice of black to send a political message about the gravity of the issue — sexual assault, harassment and abuse of power — in combination with the black being worn for the entire outfit, not just a ribbon. While it's been heartachingly powerful to see many, many women and men come forward with their stories of surviving sexual assault, this choice to wear black subtly sends the message that change must come and this insidious behavior needs to end.

More: Jada Pinkett Smith Calls Out the Golden Globes For Being Racist

According to Us Weekly, it's still unclear which women specifically are confirmed to be wearing black as part of the protest, although it does sound like the initiative is gaining momentum with 30 women reportedly on board. An inside source tells Us Weekly that "this movement is spreading rampantly and pretty much all the nominated women and others attending are participating. All the stylists who already did fittings are now changing out their clients’ original picks for Globes (potentially shifting those dresses to the SAG Awards or other carpets)."

More: The SAG Awards Nominees Are in, & It's a Big Change From the Golden Globes

The Golden Globes frequently set the tone for awards season every year and there's no doubt in my mind that with this female-led initiative, the 2018 awards season will truly be unforgettable.

Survivor's Ashley Nolan on Betrayal & What Happened Behind the Scenes

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Her main ally on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers, but Ashley Nolan refused to do any trash talking. In our one-on-one interview with Ashley, she said there's no hard feelings toward Devon whatsoever and added that Chrissy doesn't deserve all the negativity she's been getting from other players. She also defended Ben against his haters before revealing what her plan was to win the game.

SheKnows: The plan was to vote out Ben, but when he surprised everybody with another Immunity Idol the group had to come up with a new target. As those conversations were happening at Tribal Council, what did you think was going to be the outcome?

Ashley Nolan: When Ben pulled out his Idol, it was a shock. Everybody else was like, "We're gonna stick to the plan." That didn't make sense because our plan was to vote out Ben, and he just pulled out an Idol. I figured I must be their plan. Ultimately, there was some conversation that wasn't aired from that Tribal, but it included me asking Devon what the heck he was doing. He said, "Sorry, Ash. I'm not with you." I knew it was going to be me before the votes were read.

Ben Driebergen plays hidden Immunity Idol on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: Are you angry with Devon for turning on you?

AN: Not at all. My anger was gone by the time I reached the end of the dock. I get it. It's a game. I think that's something that's becoming more common with Survivor players these days. There's not as much bitterness because it's a game. Everyone wants to win, and I think the relationship Devon and I built was true and genuine. We had a friendship, and he did what he had to do for the game. I can't hate him for that. It's a crazy game. Same thing with Chrissy. She and I didn't align together the whole game, but we even laugh about it to this day. We thoroughly enjoyed each other as people. Of all days, I get a Christmas card from Chrissy yesterday. Then I got a text from Chrissy saying, "I went back and forth on wanting to talk to you today. I just wanted to reach out. I hope everything is OK." She knew it was the night she was about to backstab me. I was like, "No worries. It's just a game. No love lost."

Ashley Nolan voted off Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: Speaking of Chrissy, many people on the jury have been very vocal about how much they dislike her. In fact, Desiree said Chrissy is one of her least favorite people on earth because of her lies. Did you see that side of Chrissy?

AN: This is all so fascinating to me. I think I'm learning more about myself when I hear these things about Chrissy. I have a blessing and a curse to just see the good side of people. I thought she was pleasant and fun. She was very motherly, which would annoy people at times. As a person, I would totally hang out with Chrissy. I just didn't get it. I don't know if it's just me when everybody else seems to have a similar opinion of her. We didn't align together, but as a person I always liked her. I still do. I think she's taking a little too much heat from people. I don't know if it's immaturity on their part or just being mean.

More: Survivor's Desiree Williams despises Chrissy Hofbeck and her immoral lies

Ashley Nolan with Chrissy Hofbeck and Ben Driebergen on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: Joe told us that he thinks Ben is a "fucking asshole." What's your take on Ben?

AN: I love Ben. I don't know what's wrong with all the haters. I called Ben my Survivor husband on multiple occasions. I thought he was a pleasure. He's seen things in life that none of us can compare. We should have compassion for each person and where they come from in life. He's doing the best with what he has in life. Did he get intense at times? Yes. I think he did the best with who he was under the stress of the game. We all have a side of us that comes out in that game that's probably not our best. I think we're all good people, and Ben's an amazing man, husband and father. That's who I saw out there.

More: Joe Mena says Ben Driebergen isn't the Survivor hero you think he is

Ben Driebergen and Ashley Nolan ready for challenge Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: Are you disappointed so many other castaways are doing so much post-game trash talking?

AN: It's unfortunate. I don't know if they really mean their words or if they're saying things for attention and hype. Is that just them? I don't know. I think it would be unfortunate to be the type of person that puts that much energy into disliking or talking badly about someone else when we were all just there to live this wonderful, friggin experience. We were all put on that island for a reason. We had something in us to do this. With all of our differences, we all had more in common being there. There's no reason to have hard feelings.

More: The mysteries of Chrissy Hofbeck's Survivor lies according to Ali Elliott

Final six castaways on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: What was your final three plan?

AN: At that point once Lauren was gone, Devon and Mike would have been my ideal final three. Mike had no other alliances. He had no say in 99% of the votes we had up to that point. I feel like it would've been easy to up my game at that final Tribal compared to his.

Ashley Nolan enjoys reward on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: What argument would you have made to beat Devon?

AN: He was telling me at a Reward that he and I had the same game. I think that was really true. He came up with Ben being a double agent. That was a point I looked at Devon with new eyes and thought he was a genius. After that, though, I came up with a couple ideas and he looked at me like I was better at the game than him. The biggest thing of all was I would hopefully be able to verbalize it better than he would. It was common in Tribal Council that he wouldn't give the best responses to Jeff. Devon was not an idiot by any means, but could he sell his game as well is I could sell mine? I think I would've beat him there.

Ashley Nolan competes in underwater challenge on Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

SK: How did you get on the show?

AN: I just went to an open casting call in my hometown. I wanted to make a video for years, and I just never did it. I went to my open casting call because my dad asked me if I was ever gonna go apply. I showed up and the next thing I know, I'm on an island with a bunch of weirdos [laughs.] I did some binge-watching before I went out just to make sure I knew the progressions the game had taken. I was definitely a fan before.

Ashley Nolan cast photo for Survivor: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Hustlers
Image: CBS

Do you think Ashley had a shot at winning the game? Join the conversation by leaving a comment in the section below.

A Game of Thrones Actor Just Revealed an Interesting Season 8 Spoiler

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Fridays are great, but you know what would make them even better? Well, specifically this Friday? A Game of Thrones Season 8 spoiler. It's been so long since we've had one of those and if you're anything like me, then you're in desperate need of some GoT news.

Thankfully, we have one of our most exciting Season 8 spoilers yet and it comes courtesy of John Bradley, who plays the bookish Maester-wannabe Samwell Tarly. Bradley recently sat down with TV Guide to chat about the show in seasons past, but during his interview, he managed to let slip a fresh and mysterious Season 8 spoiler that will have you scratching your head until the season actually premieres.

More: The Relationship Status of Every Game of Thrones Actor

While he couldn't reveal too much, Bradley was able to tell TV Guide that Season 8 would provide major tests for each character and further change them.

"Each of the characters this year is placed in a completely alien environment at some point in the season that they've never been placed in before," he explained. "The thrill is seeing how they react to it and how they respond...This season, I think, more than any other is stretching these characters."

Not to get too, too tinfoil hat about the whole thing but it's very interesting that Bradley uses the phrase "alien environment," since that could refer to a couple of things. Firstly, it's inevitable that the characters in GoT will be plunged into war, which is something only a few characters — namely Jaime, Tyrion, Jon and Daenerys — have had a taste of. War can certainly feel alienating and there's no doubt it will test each of the characters.

More:  What to Watch Until the Game of Thrones Finale Season Returns in 2019

Additionally, "alien environment" could refer to a literal location. While GoT hasn't been afraid to push its horizons wider and wider with each season, giving us a better sense of what the worlds of Westeros and Essos are like, there's definitely more to be explored. Going north of The Wall is certainly an option, perhaps someone will return to Dorne (a land we rarely get to see), or maybe we'll go somewhere we haven't seen yet.

More: 10 Game of Thrones Characters Who Look Totally Different in Real Life

But Bradley's final words on Season 8 perhaps best sum up how all GoT fans feel about this show, regardless of who we're cheering on or theorizing about: "We want to give people a payoff that they're going to be happy with. We know how militantly passionate the fans of this show can be — in a good way — and we just kind of want to give them an ending that they deserve."

How to Get a Handle on Holiday Depression

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As someone who has depression, which gets significantly worse during the holidays, I basically want to hole up in my apartment between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day and skip all that jolly crap. Unfortunately, that’s not an option, so I spoke with several mental health professionals about why the holidays can be especially rough for people, and what we can do to cope.

For starters, we are told repeatedly — even in song — the holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year.” We see impossibly happy people in Hallmark movies and ads featuring smiling friends and families, and if what we’re feeling doesn’t match up to that, it makes us feel worse. And the days are short and dark.

“While the holidays can be a wonderfully festive time, for those who are sad or depressed, they can also be more difficult as they look around and see others who are happy and received messages about how they should be happy but may just not be feeling that way themselves,” Dr. Jephtha Tausig, a New York City-based clinical psychologist, tells SheKnows. “This can lead to anxiety and more depression.”

More: People Who Are Triggered by the Holidays Don't Owe It to Anyone to Be Jolly

Along the same lines, Nele Van Cauteren, a mental health and mindfulness expert, says when you’re depressed, you might be harsher toward yourself, thinking you will never be happy or getting stuck in comparison and feeling like a loser.

How to handle holiday depression
Image: Getty Images/Design: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

The holidays also come at the end of the year when we’re reflecting on what we have and haven’t been able to achieve, says Kinsey McManus, director of client services at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NYC Metro.

“A symptom of depression is to perceive things more negatively, and this type of review can lead to additional feelings of hopelessness and a dim view of the future,” she adds.

On top of that, when families get together, old family dynamics are often played out, which may cause increased stress and depression according to Rob Cole, director of mental health services at Banyan Treatment Center. If alcohol is added to the equation, “you have a recipe for a potential disaster rather than a celebration,” he says.

More: Ways to Beat Holiday Stress That Actually Help

And as Van Cauteren points out, alcohol could have an especially negative effect on people with depression.

It’s not just the alcohol that could have an impact. S. Frances Robbins, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, says people with depression may also forget to take medication while traveling.

Persistent depression — including throughout the holidays — can harm the body. According to Dr. Fran Walfish, Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist, depression “disrupts your stress response system, contributes to autonomic imbalance and increases blood clotting,” which can, in a direct way, contribute to heart disease.

Here’s how to cope

Almost every mental health professional I spoke with gave the same advice: to make sure to take care of yourself during the holidays and surround yourself with people who bring you joy and not stress. In theory, that’s great, but if you have family obligations, that may not be possible.

But there are parts of the holidays that are within your control. For one, Robbins suggests setting — and sticking to — a schedule and keeping up your daily routines.

And even though you may have a lot of social obligations, Sydney Ziverts, a health and nutrition investigator for ConsumerSafety.org, recommends not overscheduling yourself. “While it's extremely important to get out and socialize, those affected with depression are often fatigued and can feel overextended quickly,” she says. “Pick and choose how you're going to spend your time with others and stick to a schedule that's not overwhelming.”

More: How to Handle Emotional Eating During the Holidays

Since you don’t want to overextend yourself socially, it is a good idea to schedule some alone time and a break, Dr. Jonathan Smith, a clinical psychologist based in Chicago, suggests. On the other hand, if loneliness is a bigger challenge and a more consistent trigger for depressive feelings, then minimizing alone time is a better strategy, he adds.

Along the same lines, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, a psychiatrist practicing in Birmingham, says not to skip exercise during the holidays — not only to help counteract the calorie-dense holiday foods, but also because physical movement releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that can help ward off negative emotions.

And if you don’t respond well to the usual holiday traditions, Cole encourages his clients to develop their own — doing something they really want to do and that brings them joy to give them something to look forward to among all the other obligations.

Along the same lines, Margaret Bell, a therapist in Colorado, suggests watching something that makes you laugh because “laughing releases endorphins that help you feel better.” 

Even if your family is a stressor, know that you don’t have to face them by yourself. Jaime W. Vinck, a counselor and CEO for Sierra Tucson, suggests having a friend who understands your struggles and can talk you through a stressful situation on call. I am lucky enough to have that friend to covertly text during difficult times and highly recommend this strategy.

This isn’t specific to those with depression, but according to Dr. Don Vaughn from the department of psychology at UCLA, we could all benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement (D2 or D3) during the wintertime (unless contraindicated for your health conditions). “Depression is associated with low levels of vitamin D, which can be caused by insufficient outdoor activity or dietary intake,” he says. “In fact, people in most regions in the United States are unable to synthesize vitamin D from November to February because of inadequate sunlight at these latitudes.” 

As always, if you think you could benefit from professional help, see a therapist if possible. If you already have a therapist, the holidays may be a tricky time to make an appointment, but some may be able to see you via Skype or FaceTime if travel gets in the way.

No matter what, know you’re not alone. The holidays are hard on a lot of people — with and without depression — and caring for yourself is the first step to making it through the season.

Can Achy Joints Really Predict Rain?

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It's always helpful to know the weather forecast before stepping outside, but instead of turning to apps or the local forecast on The Weather Channel, some people rely on pain in their joints to tell them when it's going to rain. This idea has been reinforced by pop culture, folklore and likely members of your family with their own weather-predicting body parts. But according to new research from Harvard Medical School, this has no basis in actual science.

The study, published in the British Journal of Medicine, found no relationship between rainfall and joint or back pain. Researchers analyzed data from insurance claims from millions of medical appointments with daily rainfall totals from thousands of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather stations. But as Dr. Anupam Jena of Harvard Medical School's department of health care policy said in a statement, no matter how they looked at the data, researchers couldn't find a correlation between rainfall and doctor's visits for joint or back pain.

More: This Is Why Your Nose Runs in Cold Weather

Specifically, the study analyzed Medicare records of more than 11 million primary care office visits by older Americans between 2008 and 2012 and found that overall, 6.35 percent of the office visits included reports of pain on rainy days compared with 6.39 percent on dry days.

But what about all the anecdotal evidence? Do you really need to tell your Great Aunt Ida that her weather-predicting knee pain is all in her head?

"It's hard to prove a negative," Jena said, "but in this flood of data, if there was a clinically significant increase in pain, we would have expected to find at least some small, but significant, sign of the effect. We didn't."

As humans, we're pretty good at looking for patterns, Jena explained, making beliefs — like the rain-joint connection — self-fulfilling prophecies. In other words, if someone expects their elbow to hurt when it rains and it doesn't, then they forget about it. But if it does hurt and you associate it with the rain, the connection will stay with you.

More: Science Weighs In on Whether the "Man Flu" Is Real

But before completely dismissing your grandmother's magical rain-predicting hip, remember this is one (albeit very large) study that only focused on the times joint pain brought patients to the doctor's office. For so many people, chronic pain is a part of everyday life and wouldn't cause them to seek medical attention.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, though scientists may not agree on whether or how weather causes pain, some attribute it to the higher humidity that accompanies falling barometric pressure. Dr. Robert Bolash, a pain-management specialist at Cleveland Clinic, says weather changes actually can affect chronic pain — especially in joints.

“People with arthritis, neck pain or other types of musculoskeletal issues tend to report most weather-related pain,” Bolash explains. “Weather doesn’t seem to have as much effect on nerve pain, like complex regional pain syndrome or neuropathy.”

On top of that, cold weather can make it worse, causing muscles, ligaments and joints to get stiffer and more painful.

So, what can you do if you have achy joints? Bolash recommends the following:

  1. Staying limber by stretching, exercising or doing yoga regularly to help maintain joint health
  2. Exercising in water, which provides gentle resistance for sore joints while loosening stiff muscles
  3. Taking anti-inflammatory medication (as directed by your doctor)

Regardless of whether the weather is behind your discomfort, take care of yourself — and don't forget the umbrella.

Why I Became a Surrogate (It Wasn't Money)

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Becoming a surrogate was one of the easiest decisions I've made in my life to date.

People always ask me, "Why?! Why would you do that?” But the answer is simple: I did it because I wanted to help someone who was in need. It was a no-brainer for me; the woman I chose to carry for is one of my closest friends — she's like my family. And ideally, that's what friends and family are for, right? To support each other, to help each other achieve our goals. I wanted to help my friend and her husband achieve their dream of having a family.?

More: This Surrogate Mom Was Asked to Buy Her Own Child for $22,000

My husband and I have been together for 15 years. We have four gorgeous children of our own, and we are so grateful for what we have. I knew firsthand the joy of becoming a parent: the feeling of meeting your baby for the first time, that first cry and all the endless firsts after that. I wanted my friend to experience that as well. Watching her and her husband struggle to achieve something they were so desperate for was heartbreaking. I wanted to help my friend, so I offered to be her surrogate. It was that simple.

Surrogate and model Rosie Luik and family
Image: Courtesy of Rosie Luik

Actually, I first attempted to donate my eggs three times — undergoing the required fertility treatment and harvesting in a hope that my friend could carry the baby herself. But that didn't work, so in 2010, I became an altruistic surrogate (in Australia, surrogacy is only legalif it is altruistic; there can be no financial gain for the surrogate or her family), pregnant with twins from an anonymous donor's egg.

More: How TV Is Finally Getting Older Pregnancies Right

The pregnancy was quite tough; I had terrible morning sickness, and I was hospitalized at the start of it. And it was different than my other pregnancies in that you know going into surrogacy that the babies are not yours — but your job is still to carry them into the world safely. At this point, my husband and I already had three young children, so to throw a pregnancy — a twin pregnancy at that — into the mix was a challenge. I was worn down with the daily responsibilities of caring for my own young children and keeping our home running as normally as possible; it's no surprise I went into early labor at 28 weeks.

I spent three weeks at the hospital trying to keep the twins inside for as long as we could. Being away from my family was difficult, mentally and emotionally, but I knew I had to keep the babies safe and sound for as long as I could. Every day on the inside meant the twins were just a little bit stronger and just a little bit more ready for the outside. And after an emergency C-section at 33 weeks in March 2011, they were born. I was the first legal altruistic surrogate to twins in our state of Queensland, Australia. ?

The look on my friend’s face when she saw her babies for the first time was incredible — and something I will never forget. My job had been to bring these beautiful babies safely into the world, and the feeling of achieving that goal was amazing. ?

After the birth, however, part of the placenta remained unnoticed inside my uterus for weeks. I suffered many complications because of this. I had no idea at the time of the twins' birth it would be the start of a whole new chapter in our lives — including weeks and months at a time spent in the hospital, dozens of surgeries and years of recovery before I felt like I could start functioning as a mom and wife and just as a person again. But on the bright side, there are now two beautiful twin girls who are in this world because I carried them, and that means so much to me.

It was amazing — and so fulfilling — to see my friend with her babies the day I gave birth to them. And now, six years on, it’s amazing to know that I contributed in that way to someone’s happiness. My children have known about the surrogacy since the beginning, and they all have fond memories of the twins. These days, though, life has taken my friend and I down different paths, and due to my health issues and our financial situation post-surrogacy, we ended up moving quite a distance away from each other. But as with everything that happened post-surrogacy, my husband and I have taken the “it is what it is” approach. I can longer physically carry a baby and am disappointed that I can't be a surrogate again; there are two couples who are very special to us whom I would have loved to help in the same way.

More: Perez Hilton Welcomes 3rd Child Via Surrogate

For my husband and me, without the choice to have more babies of our own, we try to stay lighthearted about it. Maybe it was for the best — because we probably wouldn’t have stopped at four!

When people ask, "Do you regret being a surrogate? Would you do it all over again if you could?" my answers are a resounding, “Never" and "Absolutely."

6 Postpartum Fitness Tips That Won't Scare the Life Out of You

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OK, first of all, one postpartum fitness tip is more important than all others: Do not compare yourself to other people and other people's bodies. This holds true whether those people are moms or not and whether they’ve just given birth or not. (And it especially holds true if they alter their gym selfies before they put them on Instagram — in fact, we suggest unfollowing those people for the foreseeable future.) 

Your body is amazing just the way it is — stretch marks, saggy skin, droopy boobs, what have you. Deadlifting 1.5 times your body weight, cranking out 20 push-ups, running a marathon in less than four hours — none of these things compare to giving birth to a child (however that birth happened).

More: 10 Postpartum Tips That Will Save Your Sanity

And ignore all that "bounce back after baby," "get your prepregnancy body" and "it took nine months to put the weight on; it'll take nine months to take it off" crap. It might take you a lot longer than nine months to lose your "baby weight," and you might never weigh what you did pre-baby — and that's absolutely fine.

The Office on Women's Health says gradual weight loss over several months is the safest way to go (especially if you're breastfeeding, as it ensures your weight loss won't affect your milk supply or the baby's growth). But aside from making sure you don't lose too much weight too quickly, we suggest this: Just don't think about your weight at all. Ditch the scales, focus on how you feel instead, and work on coming to terms with the fact that your body might not ever look like it did before you got pregnant. Pregnancy and childbirth do all sorts of weird and wonderful things that go far beyond weight gain.

Having said that, getting back into fitness after having a baby can have huge benefits. It’s no secret that working out raises your endorphin levels, boosting mood and helping to reduce the risk of depression. Exercise is a vital part of any lifestyle — with the benefits too numerous to list. Heart health, strong bones, increased energy and better sleep patterns are just a few.

We’re totally giving you permission to spend most of your postpartum time sitting on the sofa snuggling your newborn and marveling at how amazing you are for having brought a whole new person into the world. And if you had a C-section delivery, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests you really take your time (about eight weeks) returning to even gentle exercise.

Chances are, when you're ready to get back into exercising, you'll know. So we tapped fitness experts Lisa Druxman of Fit4Mom and Dempsey Marks of PreGame Fit for their best advice on postpartum exercise. These ladies know what they’re talking about.

More: 7 Things You Won't Learn About Postpartum Recovery in Birthing Class

1. Start slowly

Marks' first tip is to start any exercise program slowly. "Your body has gone through a tremendous transformation in the time leading up to giving birth," she says. "[It] has prepared for birth for more than nine months. So be gentle, start sensibly and build gradually. Always consult your doctor about how soon you can start your exercise program."

Marks recommends walking as the best first postpartum exercise because it's easy on your body and you can do it with your baby in tow — either strapped on in a carrier or pushed in a stroller. Start with 30 minutes and add five-minute increments until you are up to an hour per walk.

2. Perfect your posture

Some of the changes your body went through during pregnancy result in the head jutting forward, the shoulders rounding and the hips tilting forward, reveals Druxman. She recommends regular posture checks: Bring your head back, your shoulders back, stand or sit tall, and bring your hips to a neutral position. And if you feel things aren't quite right in your vaginal or belly areas, consider visiting a pelvic health physiotherapist, who can check out your pelvic floor as well as give recommendations on diastasis recti (when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, resulting in a bulge).

3. BYOBaby

Why not have fun, get fit and make new friends at the same time? Druxman recommends joining a parent-baby exercise class such as Stroller Strides, which are run by certified trainers and help ensure you are restoring your body in the healthiest way.

More: A Fitness Studio Saved My Postpartum Mental Health

4. Give the abs attention

Many new moms want to focus on their abdominals, says Marks, but it's easy to go too far too quickly. Marks recommends starting with a plank. "It is the single best core-conditioning exercise, but it also works your glutes and hamstrings, supports proper posture and improves balance," she explains. "Begin by holding your elbows directly under your shoulders with [your] wrists in line with your elbows. Push your body up, head tucked in and legs together, as if you are doing a push-up, and hold for 10 seconds. You can gradually increase the holding time as you grow stronger."

Another great ab exercise is the pelvic tilt, which targets the lower abdominals and also benefits the entire lower pelvic area. "You will be amazed how powerful and effective this easy little exercise is," insists Marks. "You will also notice a change quickly, especially if you work up to two to three sets per day. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent, feet flat and arms at your sides. Begin by drawing in and tightening your tummy and tilt your pelvis while pressing your back to the floor and squeezing your buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds."

5. Fuel up

Your postpartum diet is just as important as your postpartum fitness. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals advises eating at least 1,800 calories per day with well-balanced, healthy food choices that include foods rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and folate. And don't forget to hydrate! Druxman recommends keeping a water bottle by your bed, in your stroller and around the house — especially wherever you nurse.

6. Look beyond the body

Physical exercise is great, but there are many other ways to strengthen your postpartum health — including your mental health. The early postpartum months are a great time to learn meditation, says Druxman. She suggests using nursing and napping times to try breathing exercises; meditation apps like Calm or Expectful can provide just the guidance you need.

Postpartum fitness tips
Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Kevin Hart Cheated on His Wife & Is Finally Confessing His Guilt

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The cheating scandal that rocked Kevin Hart and his wife, Eniko Parrish, is still pretty fresh. But he's being as transparent about it as he can, and opening up once again with details and to own up to his mistakes.

More: Kevin Hart & Eniko Parrish Welcome Baby Boy

"I’m guilty, regardless of how it happened and what was involved, the shit that I can’t talk about, I’m guilty. I’m wrong," Hart said during an appearance on Power 105.1 FM show The Breakfast Club. "It’s beyond irresponsible. There’s no way around it. That’s Kevin Hart in his dumbest moment. That’s not the finest hour of my life. With that being said, you make your bed, you lay in it."

Hart first admitted to cheating on Parrish in an Instagram post in October, when he said someone was trying to extort money out of him with a "sexually provocative" video of him and a woman who was not Parrish, who was eight months pregnant with their son at the time. Hart apologized to Parrish in the post. Parrish has since given birth to their son, now 3 weeks old, but has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since the scandal started to play out.

"You don’t plan to fuck up," Hart continued. "You fuck up, and then you go, 'Oh shit, I fucked up'... I’m gonna go home, I’m gonna address it, I’m gonna make my wife fully aware of what’s going on in the situation that I have now put us in and I’m hoping that she has a heart to where she can forgive me and understand that this is not going to be a reoccurring thing and allow me to recover from my fucking massive mistake. That’s what I’m trying to do not only as a man, but within teaching a lesson to my son."

More: Kevin Hart & Eniko Parrish Share Baby's Name at... a Jungle Shower

Hart also said he has a "thick skin" about the criticism he's deservedly received in the aftermath of the Instagram post, but the one thing he has said he can't stand for is people saying the whole ordeal was some kind of karma for Parrish, who Hart started dating while he was still married to his previous wife, Torrei Hart. Kevin and Parrish both claim that he and his ex were separated, living in separate homes, and their marriage was over when the relationship began.

20 Real-Life Wonder Women Who Gave Us Hope in 2017

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In 2017, women decided to storm the gates — both literally and figuratively. Millions poured into the streets for the Women's March on Washington, and hundreds have come forward in the last several months to out sexual predators for their abhorrent behavior.

At the head of the pack were activists, journalists, social media commentators, celebrities, producers, directors and more. Women from every industry stepped forward and said collectively, "Enough is enough."

More: 9 Badass Women Who Are Giving Us Faith in Humanity Right Now

To celebrate these women, we've rounded up a (brief) list of 20 real-life women who embodied the tenets of superheroes this year. We'd love to hear from you in the comments about women you want to honor, as well — let's kick off 2018 with a loud, beautiful bang.

1. Tarana Burke

Tarana Burke on CBS News

Tarana Burke on CBS News

Activist Tarana Burke created the #MeToo movement over a decade ago, though it wasn't until actor Alyssa Milano tweeted the words that it took off as a hashtag. Burke's tireless advocacy work is aimed at helping the most marginalized people — women of color especially — who lack the same privilege as white women to accuse and seek refuge from their abusers.

Burke was named one of the Silence Breakers in Time's 2017 Person of the Year issue, though many have noted that her absence from the issue's cover is glaring.

2. Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union on Weinstein

Gabrielle Union on Weinstein

Actor and activist Gabrielle Union has been speaking out for years about rape culture and sexual violence. Her new book, We're Going to Need More Wine, is a collection of personal essays that dig deep into her experiences — including her own rape, her relationships and life as a black woman. Tarana Burke credits Union as "one of the few examples of resilience [she] could point to" when she started doing workshops with black survivors.

3. Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong'o accuses Harvey Weinstein

Lupita Nyong'o accuses Harvey Weinstein

Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o has had a banner career year. Having already been involved in the Star Wars franchise, her casting in the upcoming Black Panther film has had everyone buzzing — especially after seeing the trailer.

Nyong'o was also one of dozens of women to come forward about sexual harassment from film mogul Harvey Weinstein and one of the only women Weinstein's team actually responded to in the press. Nyong'o also called out Grazia U.K. for editing her hair in a cover photo. This star continues to shine, regardless of how many people try to knock her down. We're constantly in awe.

4. Kesha

Kesha

Kesha

Kesha fought tooth and nail for the right to make new music without her abuser, Dr. Luke, whom Sony fired earlier this year. Her newest release, Rainbow, was the first album she recorded without his input — and it was a smash. It was clearly shaped by her legal battle and her experiences as a survivor, but what no one could have predicted was that Rainbow would become an anthem for 2017 (#MeToo).

More: 16 Most Empowering Songs for Women in 2017 So Far

5. Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman on Harvey Weinstein

Uma Thurman on Harvey Weinstein

Uma Thurman embodied all our rage when she told a reporter she wasn’t yet ready to speak about the wave of sexual assault allegations that stormed through Hollywood this fall. She gave us a snippet of her thoughts in an Instagram post on Thanksgiving, but we're still waiting to hear the entirety of what she has to say. When she's ready, we will be too.

6. Heather Heyer

Heather Heyer's Mom on Ellen

Heather Heyer's Mom on Ellen

Activist Heather Heyer was killed in Charlottesville, Virginia when a neo-Nazi drove a car into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white supremacist rally. Her name and the quote in her last Facebook cover photo became rallying cries for those resisting white supremacist gatherings all over the country.

The Heather Heyer Foundation was founded in Heyer's name to provide scholarships and financial assistance to those in need who are passionate about civil rights and social change. In the wake of her death, Heyer's mother, Susan Bro, encouraged people to follow in her footsteps, stand up for social justice and keep fighting.

7. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande - One Last Time at One Love Manchester

Ariana Grande - One Last Time at One Love Manchester

Following a terrorist attack at her Manchester show that killed 22 people and left 59 injured, Ariana Grande and her team pulled together a fundraiser concert in just a couple of weeks. The One Love Manchester show raised $13 million in funds to help bombing victims and their families.

8. Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran Red Carpet Interview

Kelly Marie Tran Red Carpet Interview

The first Asian woman to be cast in a lead role in the Star Wars franchise, Kelly Marie Tran has spent the whole year making us smile uncontrollably at her enthusiasm. She broke down crying at the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere, and we all cried along with her. Representation matters.

More: 11 Times Princess Leia Was the Embodiment of Resistance Goals

9. Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson at SDCC 17

Tessa Thompson at SDCC 17

Tessa Thompson has come a long way from Veronica Mars. She most recently debuted her Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Valkyrie, in Thor: Ragnarok and came out in full support of the character’s canonical bisexuality (although it was never confirmed in the film, which is a representation issue for sure).

10. Danica Roem

Meet Danica Roem - Broadly

Meet Danica Roem - Broadly

Danica Roem became the first openly trans woman to be elected to a state legislature in November after running on a platform that was purely based on policy. To make the victory even sweeter, she beat a legislator who fought (and lost) to ban transgender people from being allowed to use public restrooms. Way to go, Virginia.

11. Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay in Essence

Ava DuVernay in Essence

Writer, director and producer Ava DuVernay was everywhere this year, and we loved it! In addition to her incredible work on Queen Sugar, she put hope into the hearts of everyone when the first trailer for Disney’s A Wrinkle In Time premiered. Her attention to detail and focus on bringing black girls to the forefront of incredible stories is so, so inspiring.

12. Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay - 2017 National Book Festival

Roxane Gay - 2017 National Book Festival

Author Roxane Gay faced a ridiculous amount of fat shame this year when she released Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body. Gay shot down her critics with aplomb and penned dozens of critical essays and op-eds that called attention to some of the worst things in 2017. What a badass.

More: 5 Empowering Books Your Daughter Needs to Read Right Now

13. Keah Brown

@Keah_Maria #DisabledandCute

@Keah_Maria #DisabledandCute

Keah Brown created the #DisabledAndCute hashtag earlier this year and got nationwide media attention when it went viral. Her incredibly personal, sharp-witted writing about the experience of being a black woman with cerebral palsy will be collected into a book of essays, The Pretty One, coming soon from Atria Books.

14. Patty Jenkins

Patty Jenkins on Late Night with Seth Meyers

Patty Jenkins on Late Night with Seth Meyers

The first woman to direct a DCEU film blew the entire franchise out of the water. Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman made $821.8 million at the box office, and we’re so ready to see her take on the rest of the world too.

15. Issa Rae

Issa Rae ESSENCE Speech

Issa Rae ESSENCE Speech

Issa Rae's rise from YouTube star to celebrated actor, writer and director is one for the books. Her HBO series Insecure aired its second season this year, and she unapologetically acknowledged the series is not made for men or for white people. Rae carved out a space for herself on a white-dominated network, and it's awesome to see her (and Insecure) thrive.

16. Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe - Women's March

Janelle Monáe - Women's March

Janelle Monáe delivered a fiery speech at the Women’s March on Washington in January just months after launching the women's empowerment movement #FemTheFuture, which had its inaugural brunch last fall.

17. Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez on HuffPost

Gina Rodriguez on HuffPost

Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez dedicates weekly posts on her Instagram account to #MovementMondays wherein she highlights a different person of color in the entertainment industry. These posts offer accolades and exposure to the accomplishments of actors, writers, producers, activists and more — and Rodriguez's 2.1 million followers are always stoked in the comments.

Seeing her uplift others each week is super-inspiring, especially when celebrities are so often seen tearing each other down. Rodriguez has also spoken candidly about her experience as a Latina in Hollywood and how she's often criticized for not being "Latina enough."

More: Why Gina Rodriguez Is the Role Model I Want for My Daughter

18. Zoë Quinn

Zoë Quinn at Strand Books

Zoë Quinn at Strand Books

In 2014, video game developer Zoë Quinn’s ex-boyfriend posted a blog that sparked the Gamergate controversy, wherein men in the gaming community went on a target harassment campaign against Quinn and other women, including Brianna Wu and Anita Sarkeesian.

Quinn's book Crash Override: How Gamergate (Nearly) Destroyed My Life and How We Can Win the Fight Against Online Hate hit stores in September. It details her experiences with online harassment and offers solutions for combating the problem at every level. Quinn has become a voice for the voiceless in gaming and online harassment, and her social media presence and grassroots organizing are so important.

19. Lauren Duca

Lauren Duca Shorty Awards

Lauren Duca Shorty Awards

One year ago, journalist Lauren Duca wrote an article for Teen Vogue arguing that Trump was gaslighting America. She then launched the Thigh-High Politics column, taking an insult hurled at her and reclaiming it for her sharp political commentary pieces.

Duca has been the subject of intense, targeted harassment from several high-profile men — including "pharmabro" Martin Shkreli, who was banned from Twitter because of his obsession with her. Despite these threats to her well-being, Duca has never stopped delivering critical think pieces. Her 2017 Shorty Award for Best in Journalism was well-deserved.

20. Janet Mock

Janet Mock on Wendy Williams

Janet Mock on Wendy Williams

Trans author, activist and TV host Janet Mock has long been an important voice in the transgender rights movement. She released her second book, Surpassing Certainty: What My Twenties Taught Me, in June, and her insightful commentary in every interview has been a breath of fresh air.

James Corden Welcomes Baby, Initially Names Her Beyoncé

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On Tuesday night, James Corden skipped his typical hosting duties on The Late Late Show after his wife, Julia Carey, went into labor. The new baby’s early arrival completely caught the couple off guard. They were unprepared... to say the least.

“This all started over the weekend. My wife started experiencing some sort of pain in her stomach. We checked it out,” the host explained in his opening monologue on Thursday, Dec. 14. “We thought it had gone away, and we went into a routine checkup on Tuesday, and suddenly the doctors turn to us and say, ‘Oh, no this is probably happening today and this baby could arrive in the next few hours.’”

More: Your Favorite Movie Character Could Be Excellent Baby Name Material

Thankfully, Corden’s longtime pal Harry Styles was free to fill in that night. Actor Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad fame hosted on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Carey gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

But because the parents weren’t quite ready for the new addition to the family, when it came down to choosing the perfect name, Corden did was he does best: comedy. "I looked at the doctor, and I said, ‘We're going to call her Beyoncé.”

Corden explained that his wife — surely exhausted and in no laughing mood — didn’t think this was particularly funny. Neither did the nurse, who took Corden’s joke as a directive and began writing “Beyoncé” on the newborn’s paperwork.

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

"I had to go over to her and go ‘Excuse me, there's only Beyoncé,'" Corden concluded.

This is the third child for the couple, who already have a son (Max, 6) and another daughter (Carey, 3). As for their newborn’s actual name, Corden confessed they still haven't quite decided. James, might we suggest the most popular girl’s name in 2017? Or if you just can’t let go of Beyoncé, perhaps go Queen Bey-adjacent with a Destiny’s Child reference (see: Kelly or Michelle)?

Check out the video below.

James Corden

James Corden

A New Aldi Location Might Be Opening Near You Soon

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Grocery store chain Aldi is opening up 12 new stores in the United States this holiday season ahead of the end of the year. Known for its inexpensive and vast selection of wines as well as its affordable prices, Aldi is definitely a grocer to be on watch for in your area.

More: This Hack Lets You Shop at Costco Without a Membership (or Pants)

The store already operates nearly 2,000 locations in the United States according to Refinery29, but has big expansion plans heading into 2018. According to Aldi's website, here are the details on the when and where of the new locations:

Thursday, Dec. 14

  • Chula Vista, California
  • Escondido, California
  • Glendora, California
  • Fort Pierce, Florida
  • Elkridge (Columbia), Maryland
  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia

Friday, Dec. 15

  • Columbia, Missouri

Wednesday, Dec. 20

  • Birmingham, Alabama

Thursday, Dec. 21

  • Lake Worth, Florida
  • Cazenovia, New York
  • Fayetteville, North Carolina

The grocer plans to have 2,500 locations in the United States by 2022, a huge expansion in the next four years. They will also be remodeling 1,300 of their current locations.

More: Nutrition Label Confusion & How to Avoid It

In a June statement, CEO Jason Hart said, "We pioneered a grocery model built around value, convenience, quality and selection and now ALDI is one of America’s favorite and fastest growing retailers. We’re growing at a time when other retailers are struggling. We are giving our customers what they want, which is more organic produce, antibiotic-free meats and fresh healthier options across the store, all at unmatched prices up to 50 percent lower than traditional grocery stores."

This is definitely a supermarket trend we can get behind, and we hope Aldi continues to expand and become even more accessible in 2018.

Matt Damon Tried to Discuss Sexual Misconduct (Again) & It Just Isn't Good

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It might really be time for someone to tell Matt Damon to just stop talking. About sexual misconduct, that is.

Case in point: Damon, who clearly thinks that women have said enough about the wave of sexual misconduct allegations coming out of Hollywood, felt it was his turn to weigh in. As a regularly participating member of this culture, he could have said something short and sweet and simple, and we wouldn't be having this conversation. But, unfortunately, that's not what happened.

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

Damon started out by saying, "I think we’re in this watershed moment. I think it’s great. I think it’s wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories, and it’s totally necessary."

This is fine. This is great. But he didn't stop there. "I do believe that there’s a spectrum of behavior, right? And we’re going to have to figure — you know, there’s a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldn’t be conflated, right?" Damon said.

More: Matt Damon Denies Having Any Knowledge of Harvey Weinstein's Misconduct

Wait... Was anyone confusing child rape and butt pats as similar behaviors? We sure hope not.

He continued, "You know, we see somebody like Al Franken, right? I personally would have preferred if they had an Ethics Committee investigation, you know what I mean? It’s like at what point — you know, we’re so energized to kind of get retribution, I think."

It's true that we are energized for retribution. But it's also true that men have gotten away with using and abusing women with next to no retribution for all of history, and finally getting some of that has us a little excited. So, we don't really think we're the gender in the wrong, here, guys.

Believe it or not, Damon continued on.

"And we live in this culture of outrage and injury, and, you know, that we’re going to have to correct enough to kind of go, 'Wait a minute. None of us came here perfect.' You know what I mean? The Louis C.K. thing, I don’t know all the details. I don’t do deep dives on this, but I did see his statement, which kind of, which [was] arresting to me. When he came out and said, 'I did this. I did these things. These women are all telling the truth.' And I just remember thinking, 'Well, that’s the sign of somebody who — well, we can work with that'... Like, when I’m raising my kids, this constant personal responsibility is as important as anything else they learn before they go off in the world."

More: Matt Damon Confesses He's Been Naive About America's Racism

We would suggest Matt Damon or anyone for that matter do a little research before trying to discuss something as serious as sexual misconduct and/or assault. Louis C.K. admitted that accusations made against him were true; his accusers said that he routinely took off his clothes and masturbated in front of unconsenting women and that he threatened their careers in comedy if they told him no or sought any retribution for that behavior. While Louis C.K. did admit to this behavior, he'd already been ousted, so it wasn't really a stand-up move. He didn't find the error of his ways (publicly, at least) until the reports were published and consequences were setting. It's probably better to teach kids and society as a whole to proactively take responsibility for your actions — not only when you're caught. An apology can only fix so many things.

What do you think of Matt Damon's take on the sexual misconduct allegations in Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below.

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