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These Upgraded Shot Recipes Are Way Classier Than They Were in College

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Who has fond memories of partying in their youth? Most of us. Late nights, good friends and many shots. But something strange happens when you get a little older. Whether it's a more demanding job, parenting or just our bodies aging, partying into the morning stops sounding like a blast and more like a flu-like nightmare. Somewhere along the way we start preferring bedtime rituals, a relaxing cup of tea and a good TV show to sky-high bar tabs.

But that doesn't mean special occasions for parties don't come up, and you can't still enjoy a good shot or two, especially if it means chilling at home with your friends while you do it. And if that's the case, you might as well make your own deluxe drinks. It's actually really easy to make your own club-style shooters, and your friends will be duly impressed, especially when they don't have to look at their credit card slip in the morning.

More: Channel Your Inner Don Draper With This Old-Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Whether you take your shots fruity or prefer something that will put a little hair on your chest, there's a shot here for everyone. Just remember to drink responsibly!

More: The Queen of England Drinks 4 Cocktails a Day, & We Are So Here for It

easy shot recipes infographic

Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

A version of this article was originally published in July 2015.


The Human Foods That Are Safe for Dogs

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We love our dogs more than anything in the world — and (more often than not) what puppy wants, puppy gets. But when it comes to dogs begging for a nibble of food made for humans, giving your pet a hard no can actually mean the difference between life and death. It doesn't matter how cute their puppy dog eyes are. When it comes to food, you absolutely know better than they do as far as what's safe.

There are many foods we treat ourselves to every day that are horrible for a canine's sensitive digestive system and can even be deadly in some instances. But that doesn't mean all human food is off-limits to dogs.

More: Do Dogs Experience Grief the Same Way Humans Do?

We've broken it down for you so you know what foods are OK — and which ones can result in death if consumed.

What's safe

Most healthy foods that are good for us are relatively good for dogs. However, it's important to research what you can feed your pup before you do it. What started out as something healthy for a dog (like ground beef or grilled chicken) can instantly be made poisonous with the addition of certain oils, wines or onions. If you can't say no to that adorable face staring up at you from the floor as you eat, check out these human foods deemed safe by the ASPCA and Modern Dog magazine.

  1. Peanut butter. This is a great source of added protein and fiber for your pup and a tablespoon on their dry food is a surefire way to get them to eat it! Make sure to choose an all-natural peanut butter that does not contain the ingredient xylitol as it can be dangerous for pets.
  2. Yogurt. This provides a great source of protein for dogs (especially Greek yogurt). Make sure to avoid the brands high in sugar and preservatives.
  3. Lean proteins (like chicken, turkey and beef). Most of these meats are found in your pet's dry and wet foods anyway and are filled with healthy fats and proteins dogs need to maintain a healthy weight and energy level. Just be sure to feed them lean proteins that have not been cooked with strange vegetables, oils or wines.
  4. Salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids are good for your dog's coat and skin health, and provide him with a healthy source of protein.
  5. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene and vitamin A and help keep your pup's digestive system on track.
  6. Rice and pasta. Plain or whole wheat pastas are a good source of energy for your dog. Just avoid feeding them fatty or acidic sauces.
  7. Apples. This dog favorite is a great healthy snack and is a great sources of vitamins A and C!
  8. Peas and green beans. Peas and green beans are a great way to infuse your pup's food with healthy, low-calorie nutrients. Peas provide extra potassium and the green beans are great sources of vitamins C and K.

Of course, these aren't the only human foods dogs can stomach, just the healthiest for them. Just be sure to look it up before you toss it to your pet!

More: How Intelligent Is Your Dog? Here's How to Find Out

What's not safe

Unless you live under a rock, you know that chocolate and cocoa are completely off limits. However, that's not the only favorite snack of yours that could poison your dog. Other everyday items, like onions and grapes could also really sicken, or kill, your best friend. Check out this list of the most poisonous foods, provided by Web MD for pets, for dogs and be sure you keep them far away from your pup's curious snout! These poisonous foods are bad for all dogs, but are even more extreme for smaller breeds, like shih tzus, Yorkies, chihuahuas and tea cup breeds.

  1. Chocolate and cocoa. The reason behind the toxicity in this sweet treat lies in the theobromine, or toxic agent. Just one bite can cause a dog to vomit or have diarrhea. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.
  2. Grapes. These popular fruits need to kept away from your pup, especially if your dog is older or sick. Something in the grapes is known to cause kidney disease in most breeds.
  3. Avocados. This healthy fruit contains persin, which is known to give dogs vomiting and diarrhea.
  4. Onions and garlic. These flavor enhancers need to be kept far away from your dog. Large volumes of these vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage, which can lead to anemia.
  5. Alcohol. Feeding your pet beer or wine isn't funny, it could be deadly. Just a drop can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing and even death. The effects are even worse in smaller breeds.
  6. Milk and dairy products. Just one slice of cheese won't kill your pet, but excessive dairy will likely negatively disrupt their digestive system, since dogs don't have as much of the lactose breaking enzyme that humans do.
  7. Coffee. Just a sip of coffee or caffeine can lead to restlessness, heart palpitations and bleeding, while a large dosage can be fatal.
  8. Gum. Xylitol, or the sweetener found in gum and candy, can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia. In addition, a dog's digestive system cannot break down gum the way humans do and the sticky substance can block up their system, which can quickly lead to death.

View human food as a treat to your pet, not as something you give them in place of their own dog food. Although the foods listed in the healthy category are good for pets, too much can upset their digestion or make it harder for them to eat their own food. A few pieces of chicken or salmon can be a great incentive if your pup is behaving or does a trick.

Pin it! What can dogs eat?
Image: Regina Ferrara/Sheknows

A version of this article was originally published in July 2012.

What Happens to Your Skin When You Pop a Pimple

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From the time we get our first pimple as preteens, zits cause a strange amount of fascination for us: how to prevent them, treat them, hide them when they appear. Some people even spend hours online watching graphic pimple-popping videos (which we won't show you here, because yikes) to satisfy their curiosity.

More: 5 Bad habits you need to break if you want clear skin

While that first landmark zit is often considered an unpleasant rite of passage that occurs right alongside teenage puberty, some dermatologists estimate that kids can start getting acne as early as 7 or 8 years old with puberty also starting at an earlier age.

Once you become a full-fledged adult, the outlook isn’t much better — the American Academy of Dermatology deems adult acne both frustrating and common. It’s perfectly normal for adults to continue getting pimples well into their 30s, 40s and 50s. This adult acne may also appear even if you never experienced acne as a teen. And because of fluctuating hormone levels, women are more susceptible to adult breakouts than men (thank you, Mother Nature).

More: The best essential oils for acne-prone skin

I’ve asked skin care experts to share exactly what happens underneath your skin the moment you squeeze that zit.

Before the pop

The blemish that just appeared in the mirror has actually been brewing under the surface for quite some time — about two months according to Dr. David E. Bank, board-certified dermatologist, author of Beautiful Skin: Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age and founder and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, New York. “What many people don't know is that it can take about eight weeks from the time a pore gets blocked to the time it erupts on the skin in the form of a pimple. In effect, by the time you are painstakingly applying topical products to a pimple that has broken out on your skin, you are about eight weeks too late,” he says.

Bank advises, “If you do see a pimple and need quick relief, start by picking up some 10 percent benzoyl peroxide — as long as you're not one of the 5 percent of the population who is allergic to it — and apply it two to three times a day. No other product can beat the potent drying, exfoliating and antibacterial effects of it, often found in Clearasil and Oxy-10. Save your money and avoid buying expensive ‘designer’ brands, which have less than 10 percent of this active ingredient.”

The pop

Dr. Margarita Lolis, board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, explains that the act of popping a pimple by applying pressure to force the pus out through the skin essentially tears the skin to cause trauma and inflammation. She says, “You are basically tearing open the top layer of your skin to expel out all the pus and debris that was trapped under the skin.”

More: What to do when your skin still thinks your a teen

It’s going to be a cold day in hell before you get a dermatologist to sign off on pimple-popping at home, but Bank admits there is one workaround. While Bank, like all other reputable skin care professionals, advises against squeezing blemishes at home, he does recommend using the right tools if you are hell-bent on doing it. “If you feel the urge and can't resist squeezing your pimple only do it in the most hygienic way possible. Go to your local pharmacy and pick up a comedone extractor (translation: pimple popper or zit extractor). This usually isn't more than $5 to $15 — they are small metal devices with a small cup on one end and a hole in the bottom. To begin, disinfect both the pimple and the extractor by cleaning them with rubbing alcohol. Gently place the extractor over the pimple and discharge the pus without scarring or driving the infection deeper into the skin.”

“Also, an effective and quick zit-zapper is to use an ice cube. Simply press an ice cube on a pimple for one full minute to reduce swelling and inflammation. The cold ice cube shouldn’t touch your skin directly, so be sure to wrap it in a soft tissue or cloth. You will notice immediately that the pimple is smaller as the ice helps to diminish the size of the pores by constricting the blood vessels underneath the skin,” Bank adds.

The post-pop & potential for scarring

If your hands have a mind of their own and the pimple has already been popped, all hope isn’t lost yet. Lolis recommends placing a Band-Aid over the popped pimple to limit the amount of bacteria exposure and to keep yourself from picking. To help a pimple heal faster, she advises, “Applying an antibiotic cream is helpful. Some pimples respond well to injections.”

While popping and picking may be human nature, Schultz reminds us once again to take it easy. Scarring the skin by popping a pimple too aggressively is rare, but it can happen. He explains, “To cause an actual scar, you need to damage the dermis, aka the second layer of skin, and most people don’t pick deep enough (ouch!) to cause a scar. One exception is when you squeeze a cyst, and it bursts under the skin (instead of on the top, in which case the pus just comes out). When the pus (oil, dead cells, bacteria) goes into the dermis or fat layer from bursting under the skin, the inflammation from the cyst contents, i.e., pus, can cause enough destruction of skin, resulting in an ice pick scar or crater-shaped scar.”

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

Chris Evans & Jenny Slate Celebrated the Holidays as a Couple

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More than likely, you had a great Christmas this year and we able to celebrate with the ones you love (as you should have done!). But, did you get to celebrate Christmas with Chris Evans? No?

Well, that might be because he was busy celebrating Christmas with Jenny Slate and honestly, truly, sincerely, that might be the best kind of Christmas present given to all of us. The mere idea that arguably the sweetest celebrity couple got to spend the holidays together is making my heart melt and actually, if it's not melting your heart, then I wonder if you're not actually a Grinch.

More: It's Confirmed: Jenny Slate & Chris Evans Are Back Together

We can confirm that Slate spent the holidays with Evans and his family not because she posted something cute on Instagram (she's actually on a holiday posting hiatus right now) nor because Evans put anything up on his social media. No, the sweet culprit who helped to spill the beans was Evans' brother, Scott.

Jenny Slate Chris Evans Xmas 1

Jenny Slate Chris Evans Xmas 1

Scott put up a photo of he and Slate snuggling together on December 26 with the caption, "Christmas with my favorite Jew!" and you can practically hear the excited squeals from fans as you gaze upon the photo. Slate looks so happy and so chill with Scott; no doubt this was a running theme during her visit with the entire Evans family.

More: Chris Evans Reuniting With His Beloved Dog Is Too Cute for Words, TBH

Evans and Slate have been stealing our hearts for the last few months after rekindling their romance in November, around the time that the rest of us caught on that something was up when it was believed Slate was in a video Evans posted of his dog. It's also clear the two have a strong bond and boatloads of love for one another and even when they were apart, they couldn't help but speak kindly about one another. In March, during the break-up period we don't like to dwell on, Evans said this about Slate: "She’s my favorite human. She's the best. I’ve never ever ever met someone in my life who has a mastery of the English language the way she does. She'll give you one sentence and there's no fat to it. You're like, 'You just chose such an unbelievable collection of words that beautifully articulate what you say.'"

More: Chris Evans Makes Sweet Statement About Jenny Slate, the World Cries

Now it seems like the only thing left for us to see from this very happy couples Christmas celebration is some photos of Slate and Evans in ugly Christmas sweaters or making Christmas cookies. Get on it, you two — we need more photos ASAP to better bask in this Christmas miracle.

What People Don't Realize About Suicide Prevention

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Suicide is a major public health concerns, and the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the rate of suicides doesn't peak during the holidays, but rather in the springtime, but it's important to be mindful of the signs year-round.

To begin with, Meghan Renzi, a licensed clinical social worker who runs Therapy and Mindfulness Practices in Bethesda, Maryland, says that a feeling of cold numbness and losing interest in our passions — or even the basic activities of daily life — is a key indicator that something is very wrong.

“Watch for warning signs,” she cautions. “It is so important for people to know what to watch for when it comes to suicide risk factors [like] withdrawal from friends and family, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in life, a decline in hygiene, abusing drugs or alcohol, hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) or lack of sleep, loss of appetite, personality changes and increased feelings of apathy.”

More: 6 Incredible Suicide-Prevention Apps Everyone Should Know

Renzi says stigma is the greatest obstacle keeping people from the help they need. “Most of us have been programmed to feel shame when it comes to mental health issues. What if we felt open to share how we actually felt?” She says anyone who has been through depression and benefitted from therapy and/or medication can help the people in their lives by candidly sharing their experiences.

Destigmatizing mental health issues is a crucial part of getting people into care. As described by Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, suicidal feelings can come from isolated but catastrophic life events, like a job loss or romantic breakup, legal charges or the death of a loved one. These feelings can also be rooted in psychiatric and mood disorders that can be diagnosed and treated.

More: Celebrating Someone Else's Suicide Is Just Plain Wrong — No Matter What They Did

She says suicidal thoughts exist on a spectrum. “Some people have what we call passive suicidal ideation, where they may feel like a burden to their family and believe it would be easier to die but have no plan to try and end their life … Then there are those who have a plan of suicide [but no intent to act on the plan] [...] Most risky are those who have a desire to end their life, a plan or plans, and are intending to act on that desire and carry out that plan.”

Though people may fear disclosing their suicidal thoughts and feelings might mean instant institutionalization, Ellis-Cox is quick to dispel that notion. “Suicidal thoughts in and of themselves do not always necessitate immediate psychiatric hospitalization, but they do indicate an immediate need for a licensed mental health professional to evaluate the individual to assess risk of harm, develop a safety plan if needed and further guide treatment.”

But prompting an ailing friend or loved one to seek that treatment often feels easier said than done — especially since there’s a fear that inviting a person to talk about suicide is like driving a pick-axe through a dam and releasing the floodwaters.

“Asking someone about whether or not they are contemplating suicide does not mean that you are somehow suggesting or encouraging them to kill themselves,” Ellis-Cox explains. “Many people may feel relieved at being given the opportunity to talk openly about their thoughts with someone who cares, so ask if you are concerned and then help them get help.”

It’s terrifying to hear someone we care about describe a desire to hurt themselves, so it can be tempting to simply dismiss their pain as dramatics. However, this tendency can be dangerous. “Take threats of suicide seriously,” Ellis-Cox says. “Please do not just assume that someone is attention-seeking or trying to be manipulative.”

She advises readers to stay connected with the young people in their lives and keep an open dialogue about mental health and wellness. “Bullying is a big deal for young people, especially cyberbullying through social media sites like Facebook and YouTube. We have media reports of very young children killing themselves because of bullying. Monitor your children and their social media accounts.”

Some young people are prone to commit self-harm (like cutting or burning their skin), and while it may seem like openly suicidal behavior, Ellis-Cox cautions that this isn’t necessarily true (the clinical term for it is non-suicidal self-injury) — however, it’s vital to get children who self-harm into the proper care (which isn’t, again, always hospitalization) immediately.

MoreTalking About Depression Is Good — Investing in Mental Health Is Better

Julia Colangelo, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and social worker encourages people not to make assumptions about the kinds of people who are more susceptible to attempting suicide. “Suicide doesn’t discriminate,” she says. “No one can ever get inside the head or heart of someone who is suffering from suicidal ideation.” The best way to help people gripped by those feelings is to listen to them, honestly and unflinchingly, to remind them they are loved and cared about and encourage them to seek treatment.

If you’re looking for resources for helping a friend or loved one or trying to get information about treatment for yourself, you can turn to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling them at 1-800-273-8255.

20 Most Memorable Moments for Women in Entertainment in 2017

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There's no denying that 2017 was a long, divisive, tumultuous, rough year for many people, and for a number of reasons. However, when it comes to women in entertainment, it was actually a memorable year.

More: Star Wars: The Last Jedi Embraces Feminism With Its Female Characters

Unfortunately, women are still attempting to shatter that pesky glass ceiling and trying to break barriers that should have been broken a long time ago, especially when it comes to diversity and inclusion. But even though we're still fighting the good fight and moving forward, there are women who are helping pave the way for other women in amazing ways.

That's exactly what happened in 2017 for women in entertainment. The following moments are notable, to say the least, and these are only a few of the many ways women broke the mold this year.

It's safe to say that based on the list below, women are a force to be reckoned with and will never give up when it comes to making change, following their dreams and ensuring that other women are never mistreated and receive justice when necessary. These female entertainers deserve a much-needed round of applause.

1. The #MeToo movement

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano

The #MeToo movement took this year by storm with the hashtag that went viral thanks to Alyssa Milano tweeting on Oct. 15, "If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet." The hashtag #MeToo was created by activist Tarana Burke in 2006 as a way to support survivors of sexual violence.

Soon after the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein (his spokesperson has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex) came to light through articles in both The New York Times and The New Yorker in October, Milano rallied many victims of both sexual assault and sexual harassment on Twitter. Through this support system, many felt comfortable enough to come forward by simply saying "Me too." It became so huge, that it led to the next item on this list.

2. Time’s Person of the Year

#MeToo

#MeToo

In December, Time recognized "the silence breakers," the individuals who came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct in a variety of industries. These silence breakers included many celebrities, including Milano, Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, Taylor Swift and Terry Crews. "This reckoning appears to have sprung up overnight," Time's Person of the Year profile read. "But it has actually been simmering for years, decades, centuries." Even though this broken silence now allows the right questions to be asked, it also shows that there's a long way to go until this type of mistreatment and violence is eradicated for good.

3. Kelly Marie Tran

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Walt Disney Pictures

If you don't know this yet, when Star Wars: The Last Jedi cast Kelly Marie Tran as Rose, she became the first Asian-American woman to be cast in a lead role in a Star Wars film. It's something the 28-year-old actress is beyond thankful for and still coming to terms with. As she told People in October, "I just still can’t believe it’s all happening. I keep having to remind myself that I’m in a movie. I’ll just go to LA Fitness and go to Ralph’s and go to the grocery store — and nobody knows who I am. Then I come to these events and I’m living this weird Hannah Montana life."

4. Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle

She may no longer be acting on USA's Suits, but actress Meghan Markle's engagement to Prince Harry is a big deal — and not just because she's marrying into the British royal family. She is the first biracial, American and divorced royal fiancée. Furthermore, at 36 years old, Markle is the oldest woman to walk down the aisle at a royal wedding. Based on these facts, she's been applauded for breaking barriers. As one person tweeted after her engagement news broke, "As a woman of colour I could not be any more happier for Prince Harry and Megan Markle who'd have thought we'd see the day a black woman would be an embraced royal."

5. Wonder Woman

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

Wonder Woman will go down in history as the first major female superhero film, and it was also directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins. The film and Gal Gadot have given so much to women. To watch a woman fight, take matters into her own hands and lead a superhero movie is a true victory that made women cheer all over the world.

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

6. Tiffany Hadish

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

Even though she didn't get a 2018 Golden Globe nomination, Tiffany Hadish transformed the entertainment biz with her performance in Girls Trip. Before Hadish found herself on the map, she was a struggling actress who had previously been homeless and was working her butt off to achieve her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. As she told BuzzFeed in July, "I've been through the shit. I have come out of society's asshole, but guess what? I'm the penny you swallowed. I'm magical!"

7. Female Emmy winners

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

You never know if women will flourish at an award show outside of the Lead Actress and Supporting Actress categories. Well, they certainly did at the 2017 Emmys. So much so "that the majority of Emmys' female winners came from female-led shows," according to Bustle. Sadly, this is a rare occurrence, which makes this all the more noteworthy.

8. Reed Morano

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale has transformed television in powerful ways. So, when Reed Morano took home an Emmy for directing the drama, it was major. Morano was the first woman to win the category in 22 years. According to Variety, the last woman to take home an Emmy for directing a drama series was Mimi Leder in 1995 for an ER episode.

9. Rachel Lindsay

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

The Bachelorette has been around for a while, and in 2017 it finally cast the first woman of color as the star of the dating competition show. It was a celebration when Rachel Lindsay was announced as the Bachelorette. It's unfortunate that it took this long for the ABC reality show to finally break the color barrier, but hopefully Lindsay's season will pave the way for other Bachelorettes (and Bachelors) of color.

10. Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe

At the Emmys, Master of None's Lena Waithe took home a major win in the Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series category. She is the first African-American woman to ever win the award. Waithe and Aziz Ansari were recognized for their "Thanksgiving" episode, which followed Waithe's character, Denise, discovering her sexuality and coming out to her family and friends over the course of five Thanksgivings spanning 22 years.

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

11. Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross

There's no denying that Tracee Ellis Ross dazzles as Bow in black-ish. She proved her talent when she won the best actress category for a comedy or musical television series at the Golden Globes. This was also the first time a black woman took home the award since Debbie Allen won in 1983 for Fame. Ross said during her speech, "This is for all the women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas and thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important. But I want you to know that I see you. We see you."

12. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Most memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

In no surprise whatsoever, Julia Louis-Dreyfus won again at this year's Emmys for her leading comedic role in Veep (her sixth time). This win also made her, as reported by Bustle, "the actor [who] has the most Emmys for playing the same role — not just the winningest woman, but the leader of the pack overall." Leave it to Louis-Dreyfus to achieve such an accomplishment.

13. Octavia Spencer

Most memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

At the 2017 Academy Awards, Octavia Spencer was nominated in the supporting actress category for her role in Hidden Figures. She didn't win, but just being nominated was huge. According to Slate, by being nominated a second time (she took home an Oscar in the same category for The Help in 2011), Spencer made history. No black woman who has ever won an Oscar has ever been nominated for another one — that is, until Spencer.

14. Viola Davis

Viola Davis

Viola Davis

According to Fortune, by finally winning an Oscar for her supporting role in Fences, Viola Davis became "the first black person to win what's considered the Triple Crown of acting." Davis has won an Academy Award, two Tony awards and an Emmy. As reported by The Washington Times, after Davis won her Oscar, "she became the 23rd person to achieve the triple crown of acting." The publication also reported, "There are indeed more than 22 actors who’ve received all three awards, but they did so for reasons other than just acting — or the awards were non-competitive in nature, such as an honorary Oscar."

15. Joi McMillon

Joi McMillon #2

Joi McMillon #2

Another black woman found herself making history at the Oscars this year: Moonlight's Joi McMillon. She is the first black woman to ever be nominated in the Best Editing category. She didn't win, but it's still a huge accomplishment.

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

16. "Miss Golden Globe"

Golden Globes Ambassador

Golden Globes Ambassador

For 74 years, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association gave the title of either "Miss Golden Globe" or "Mr. Golden Globe" to the daughter(s) or son(s) of a celebrity who assist in handing out the awards. Well, that all changed in November, when the HFPA announced it was changing the title to "Golden Globes Ambassador." Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's daughter Simone Garcia Johnson will be the first to hold the gender-netural title at the 75th Golden Globes in January.

17. Recognizing women 50 and over

Memorable moments for women in entertainment in 2017
Image: Giphy

The saying is usually that women over 40 can't find a job, especially in Hollywood. Well, at the Emmys, it spoke volumes when several women 50 years of age and older took home the golden statue. Nicole Kidman, 50, won an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category for Big Little Lies. Ann Dowd, 61, won her first Emmy ever for The Handmaid's Tale. Laura Dern, 50, won in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category for Big Little Lies. And as previously mentioned, Dreyfus, 56, made history for her sixth Veep win.

18. Doctor Who's first female lead

Doctor Who

Doctor Who

In July, Doctor Who announced who would be playing the next Doctor. For the first time ever, a woman was cast in the role — Broadchurch's Jodie Whittaker. "It’s more than an honor to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope," Whittaker said, according to Variety. "I can’t wait." Of course, it didn't go without controversy, but women continue to prevail.

19. Oprah's Cecil B. DeMille honor

Oprah, Cecil B. DeMille

Oprah, Cecil B. DeMille

This huge honor won't occur until 2018 at the Golden Globes, but in December, it was announced that Oprah Winfrey will receive the Cecil B. DeMille award for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. As reported by Deadline, "Winfrey makes history as the first black woman ever to receive the honor." Just imagine what her speech will be like.

20. The SAG Awards' first host

Kristen Bell SAG host

Kristen Bell SAG host

In December, it was announced that Kristen Bell will be the first host ever for the 2018 SAG Awards. As executive producer for the SAG Awards Kathy Connell said, according to Deadline, "This has been a year in which assumptions have been challenged, stereotypes have been shattered and precedents have been broken. We decided to capture the cultural mood by casting aside one of our own traditions, and we’re thrilled to have such a talented performer like Bell help us do so."

Furthermore, next year's SAG presenters will be only women, rather than the traditional male and female pair. "We’re an awards show," Connell told Entertainment Weekly. "We’re not trying to proselytize to anyone — the idea was to salute our women. So many of our women have been very, very brave, as have other women in other industries this year, and we thought it was an opportunity to salute our women because it’s not just about one issue." She continued, "We just thought we wanted to acknowledge as many wonderful women on our stage this year as we could, while we’re celebrating the best performances by women and men of the year."

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

There's no doubt women will continue pushing forward and be just as spectacular as they were in 2017.

25 Tips to Enjoy Anal Sex From Someone Who Loves It

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While anal sex is definitely more out there than it used to be, it still isn't exactly mainstream yet. Despite the fact that we've been experiencing a sexual revolution of sorts over the past couple of decades and feel more comfortable discussing acts that were previously taboo, the term "anal sex" is often still met with a cringe. Yup, war stories heard from friends have led many people to declare that hole an "exit only" zone.

On the other hand, it seems that a ton of people are doing it: A review conducted on anal in 2010 confirmed that up to 40 percent of people have tried it at least once. And thanks to plugs, pegging, and toys, you don't need a person with a penis - or another person at all, really, in order to try it.

For every female we've heard of attempting anal sex, I also know at least half a dozen women who refuse to ever do it because of some awful anecdote or another. Typically it starts with a clueless partner trying to shove it in, hoping that they'll enjoy the experience — only to have the event end in trauma and pain. How's a person ever supposed to give anal sex another try when it feels that bad the first time?

I've been lucky enough to have the opposite encounters with anal sex. The first time I did it was with a steady boyfriend who happened to be experienced in getting women comfortable with butt stuff. I'd even have fun, he promised. A little lube, some coaching and a lot of talking about it later, I was no longer an anal sex virgin. And I even enjoyed it!

Since then, it's become something that I order off the menu once in a while. Although I do have to seriously be in the mood for it, I've had plenty of orgasms during anal sex. Recently, I even had a pretty powerful orgasm with anal-only stimulation (meaning, he wasn't touching any other part of my body).

More: 7 Car Sex Positions That Go Way Beyond Missionary

This would all be perfectly fine behind closed doors, but I was pretty shocked to see an episode of The Mindy Project with some pretty negative (and unrealistic) things to say about anal sex. In "I Slipped," Mindy's boyfriend Danny tries the surprise approach and she is, of course, shocked. When she goes to her friend Peter for advice, he gives her a few tips on sex positions — before admitting that no woman ever will enjoy butt action. The show doesn't go on to correct this sexist remark, as Mindy has to take a heavy sedative later on to give it another try.

In light of this seriously damaging view, we decided to give you a few tips on how you actually can enjoy anal sex. And no, it doesn't make you a perv to own your sexuality.

1. Don't go straight for penetration. First and foremost, invest time in the foreplay. You should be highly aroused before going there, and having an orgasm (or three) beforehand never hurt either.

2. A glass of wine and romance can help. Don't just decide to do it and go for it. While you don't want to drink so much that you get too numb, a drink or two to relax may be just what you both need.

3. Try getting to know yourself first. Just as with any good sex, trying something yourself first may help you relax. Try gently massaging the outer opening of your anus next time you are masturbating.

4. Yes, you might feel really naughty. We all know that this is a bit of a taboo subject, and it's OK to feel a bit weird, dirty or uncomfortable doing it. It's natural, but it's also 100 percent natural to experiment.

5. It's a mess. Dark sheets help. Yes, we're talking about your butt and things can get a little messy. If you're shy or scared, use dark sheets to keep things from getting too weird looking later.

More: 11 Clitoris Facts You'll Think About the Next Time You Have Sex

6. External stimulation at first. Just as when you tried it yourself, have your partner start by gently massaging the outside of the anus. Start slow and have him pause when you start to feel funny.

7. Be sure to stock up on lube. The most important part is to have good lube that you trust, and be sure to use it on both yourself and whatever will be penetrating you for maximum ease. Water-based lubricants work great.

8. The rules about using condoms. If your partner has a penis and is using it, you must use a condom. And you absolutely must switch condoms in between vaginal and anal penetration.

9. Relax, but yes it might hurt a bit. You're reading this because you don't want it to hurt, right? Well, I promise it'll be OK but yes, it might hurt a bit at the start. The key is to pause as you need to.

10. Get ready to take full control. This one is key, OK? You are the one that needs to be in control. This is a different experience for you, and you need to gently guide your partner in, not the other way around.

skama

skama

Next Up: 15 more anal sex tips

A version of this article was originally published in October 2014.

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11. Double the pleasure stimulation. One of the surefire ways to enjoy the experience is to simultaneously be receiving, ahem, additional stimulation. Have your partner use their other hand to rub your clit or, once you're really into it, use a vibrator either on your clitoris or for vaginal penetration.

12. No need to get an enema or wax. You don't need to get an enema (ew) or get a wax back there. While you certainly can if you want to, it's not a must to enjoy the experience.

13. Make sure you practice your breathing. One of the most essential things I've learned in my, well, practice is that relaxed breathing is key. When your partner is about to make the grand entrance, so to speak, inhale a deep breath and then slowly breathe out as they enter.

14. Start with a position you can relax in. Some people prefer doggy style, and knees turned in can open the hips and take pressure off the sphincter muscle. However, many people prefer to lie flat on their backs with a pillow under the butt to start. Try whatever way makes you feel most comfortable.

15. You can try starting with sex toys. An easy way to start is by having your partner start with a little penetration, either during sex or cunnilingus, using a small or bullet vibrator (turned off, if that's easier). A finger works fine, too, and should be used to stretch you out slowly before anything larger gets involved.

16. Be open to having an orgasm. Yes, an anal sex orgasm is possible! The female cul-de-sac (the sensitive area on the lower wall of the vagina) makes one possible without other stimulation. You can also have an orgasm if you are having anal sex and your partner is simultaneously stimulating your clitoris or vagina.

17. What it feels like when they start. Look, there's no way to put this nicely. When your partner begins to slide in, you need to exhale, relax and push out as if you are using the restroom. The pressure from your partner's penis or toy will probably make it feel, at least at first, as if you indeed are using the restroom. Relax. You're not. Your nerve endings are tricking you. Have your partner stop just after the head is in, and give yourself a few minutes to get used to the discomfort and pain.

18. Eat fiber. You'll basically feel really full. With the note above, it's probably good to mention that there is a small chance that you will have leftover feces in your anal canal. Eating a fiber-rich diet always helps, but don't be afraid if this happens. It's natural, and yes, a bit gross.

19. It's OK to start really, really slow. Just after your partner is in, have them slowly (very slowly!) rock back and forth. Allow about five to 10 minutes for your muscles to start loosening up and for that weird "wait, am I pooping?" moment to subside.

20. Remember what this is really about. This isn't about you fulfilling some sort of fantasy. This is about your mutual enjoyment, so focus on yourself as much as on your partner. They need to understand and be patient until you're comfortable to keep going.

21. Bad experiences happen because they're too eager. Another reason why you need to be in control? Simply going in fast or having vigorous anal sex is exactly why people get injured and have bad experiences. If your partner is not good at controlling himself, lie on the side so that you can stop them with your hands and they can have easier access to stimulate your clitoris.

22. Have them talk you through the discomfort. It's important to keep the lines of communication open throughout this process. Make sure your partner is constantly checking in on how you're feeling (especially at the start) and make sure you're honest about how you're feeling. If you've gone far enough for tonight, that's OK too. There's nothing wrong with not getting to the finish line just yet. You can try some of the early stuff, and pause. Remember, take it slow. We're not in a rush here.

More: The Sex Hack That Basically Saved My Marriage

23. You'll might need baby wipes. Just saying. Keep baby wipes nearby in case you do have an incident with leftover feces. Have them by the bed so that your partner can quickly grab one and clean up when they pulls out.

24. Let your partner be attentive and communicative. You should both be communicating before, during and after the act about your feelings on it. Be open and understanding to their desires, but demand the same.

25. In the end, it's OK if it's not for you. But yay if it is! Give yourself points for trying something new, and don't hesitate to try it a few times if the first time you just weren't feeling it. While it may not be my favorite thing on the menu, a good time once in a while can be pure magic.

Pin it! Super-Honest Anal Sex Tips
Image: Regina Ferrara/SheKnows

There Is No Magical Position or Food to Help Conceive a Boy or Girl

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When it comes to conception, there are plenty of rumors floating around about the best sex positions if you want to end up with a boy or tricks to conceiving a girl. The problem is they’re just that — rumors — and not in any way informed by science or medicine.

And it’s not just me discounting your friend’s advice to have sex against the wall, upside down, then jump on one leg for 10 minutes — it’s coming from doctors. According to Dr. Aaron Styera reproductive endocrinologist, founding partner and co-medical director of CCRM Boston, there is currently no evidence that conceiving a boy or a girl is more likely with specific sexual positions.

More: Just Because Someone Has Boy-Girl Twins, Doesn't Mean They're "Done"

“Sperm has the same size and weight, and same speed of swimming whether it contains [an] X or a Y chromosome, and there are no known sex positions, foods, etc., that affect which chromosome[s] containing sperm are more likely to end up in the woman’s womb and fallopian tube,” Dr. Salli Tazuke, the co-founder and co-medical director of CCRM San Francisco told SheKnows. “It is pure chance of 50-50.”

So what can you do if you want to conceive naturally and attempt to control the biological sex of your baby?

Not much, it turns out.

“In reality, there are no foods, lifestyle habits or methods before, during or after sex that will influence the sex of the baby conceived,” Styer explained. Rather, the sex of the baby is determined at the time when the woman’s egg is fertilized by sperm. The unfertilized egg carries an X chromosome, while the sperm can carry an X or a Y chromosome.

“If sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, a girl or female (XX) will be conceived,” he added. “If the sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, then a boy or male (XY) will be conceived.”

MoreKnowing When to Draw the Line on Fertility Treatments

Myths

Aside from the idea that certain sex positions will result in conceiving boys or girls, there are plenty of other fertility myths floating around. One Tazuke has encountered in practice is the notion that sperm that will result in conceiving a boy will swim faster and die sooner, so if you want a boy, it’s best to have sex on the day of ovulation in the missionary position to allow the sperm to be closer to the egg.

Turns out, sperm can survive in the genital tract up to six days in a woman, while the egg is only good for fertilization for about 24 hours after ovulation. She said that this myth is not true and again, “a pure chance.”

What do these physicians tell their patients who may believe in these myths/claims that come with no medical evidence?

“Wish we had so much control over our body and biology!” Tazuke said. “There is always ‘natural selection’ and the best egg/sperm ends up as an embryo that grow[s] and implant[s] to hopefully become a healthy baby, whether it is a girl or a boy.” She added that in the end, it’s a good thing we don’t “because in certain cultures, a certain sex offspring is favored and we would end up with too many of boys (or girls) and be very skewed.”

Styer has heard it all when it comes to myths surrounding foods to eat to control conception. Specifically, to influence the sex of the baby, he has heard misconceptions including that foods rich in potassium and sodium help you conceive a boy, while foods that are high in calcium and magnesium increase your chances of having a girl. Again, these are just myths.

MoreMy Male Partner Won't Agree to a Sperm Analysis — Now What?

Styer said he begins his discussion with his patients “by reviewing what we know is most effective for conception: The ideal time of intercourse should ideally begin four days prior to the day of ovulation and continue through the day of ovulation.” He then reassures them that myths surrounding conception are very common, yet unproven, and will not improve their success and reviews that there is no reliable evidence to support the benefits of specific foods, medications or sexual activities.

Is there anything that does work?

According to Styer, “The best lifestyle interventions to optimize fertility include a well-balanced diet, taking a multivitamin supplement which include[s] folic acid, daily recommended vitamin D and calcium, maintaining an appropriate body weight, abstinence from tobacco and recreational drugs and avoiding excessive caffeine intake.”

This is also a great time to point out that no matter what genitalia your baby emerges with from the womb, it may not match their gender identity. All these myths surrounding influencing the biological sex of your baby can be damaging and hurtful to those dealing with gender dysphoria, so let's keep that in mind when discussing conception and reproduction.

A version of this article was originally published in August 2017.


Dan Is Officially Alive & Well in the Roseanne Reboot Promo

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With revivals of nostalgic old TV shows still wildly popular, we're seeing a new trend emerge: completely ignoring everything that happened in a show's series finale for the sake of its revival. We saw it with Will & Grace, and now we're going to see it with Roseanne.

More: The Roseanne Cast May Have Gotten Older, but They Look Exactly the Same

Fans of the original Roseanne surely remember the 1997 series finale in which Dan (John Goodman's character) was tragically killed and then the family won the lottery. It was weird and kind of overdone, and honestly, the show is better off without it having happened, which is good news, because Dan is definitely alive and well in the revival even though we don't quite know how.

According to Us Weekly, the show is going to use Dan's death (and apparently his return from the dead) as a big joke in the pilot episode of the revival. In the promo, we get a little bit of a taste of how the new Roseanne is going to treat this whole situation with humor, but not a lot of details on how they plan to actually explain that the traumatic death of a beloved main character never happened.

First promo vid for the Revival of Roseanne w Dan alive

First promo vid for the Revival of Roseanne w Dan alive

In the promo, Dan is lamenting the current Chicago Bulls team and says, "I still think the Bulls of ’96-’97 would have beat these guys anytime."

Roseanne replies, "You can’t live in the past, Dan! When things are gone, they’re gone forever," and then lets out her signature laugh. It's a double-sided joke — both Dan and the series were presumably "gone forever" and both are now back.

The promos for the Roseanne revival are really leaning into Dan's return on the show, and he seems to be the focus of the majority of early promos for the revival. We may not know what to expect when it comes to the plot, but it sure is good to see how Dan and Roseanne are doing in their golden years.

Roseanne 2018 Concussion Promo

Roseanne 2018 Concussion Promo

More: Roseanne Barr Reveals Serious Medical Condition That Could Change Her Career

There's still time to speculate about how ABC will handle bringing Dan back from the dead before Roseanne premieres on March 27.

Got a theory on how Roseanne will bring Dan back? Share it down in the comments.

Pregnant Women Are Using More Marijuana — Is That a Bad Thing?

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Even if you've never been pregnant, you're probably well aware that gestating a human baby in your body for the better part of a year can be stressful and uncomfortable. Pregnant people handle this in different ways — like trying to rest more or drinking herbal tea — and thanks to new research, we now know that using marijuana is gaining popularity too.

Researchers at Columbia University analyzed data from the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2002 through 2014 and found a 62 percent increase in pregnant people who reported using marijuana in the 30 days prior to taking the survey over that 12-year period. Specifically, 3.9 percent of pregnant people surveyed had used cannabis in the previous month compared to 7.6 percent of reproductive-age women who weren't pregnant.

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

If this increase sounds high, it follows national trends among nonpregnant people. In fact, between 2001 and 2013, marijuana use among adults in the U.S. more than doubled.

So we know marijuana use has gone up among pregnant people, but how does this affect the health of the resulting babies?

According to the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, we don't really know. The findings from previous research have been mixed, with human and animal studies indicating prenatal marijuana exposure may be associated with poor health outcomes for babies, including low birth weight and impaired neurodevelopment.

More: Here's What You Need to Know About Marijuana & Your Sexual & Reproductive Health

It should go without saying pregnant people shouldn't smoke marijuana or be around those who do according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The organization also recommends that OB-GYNs shouldn't prescribe or suggest the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes during preconception, pregnancy and lactation. It also points to the lack of research on the effects of marijuana use on lactation and breastfeeding, so it's best to opt for alternative therapies that are proven safe for use at that time.

Cleaning Hacks You Haven't Already Heard a Thousand Times

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There seem to be so many cleaning hacks floating around the internet that finding hacks is a hack all by itself. Still, there’s something alluring about the idea that we can get cleaning done faster, smarter and cheaper. Who doesn’t want to believe that with a little ingenuity, we could find a way to drastically reduce the time we spend wiping counters and scrubbing toilets or find a way never to dust again? (Who am I kidding? I never dust anyway.)

Of course, we’re assuming you, like us, know the basics of cleaning hacks, like putting a lemon in the microwave to loosen grime, using vinegar and water as an all purpose cleaner or walking around the house in mop socks. But we wanted to find hacks that instantly make sense but haven’t gained as much traction... the ones that make you go — oh, duh!

So here you are: a handful of creative cleaning hacks that might make your next chore day a little easier.

1. Put water in your dustpan

Spray or rinse your dustpan with water before sweeping and more of the dirt will stay in the pan

2. Keep your trash from smelling bad

Put cotton balls infused with essential oil (you only need a drop or two) at the bottom of your trash can to keep it smelling fresh.

More: How to Get 12 Types of Stains Out of Your Clothes

3. Clean your large rugs at the car wash

clean large rugs

clean large rugs

4. Use a cereal container as a car trash can

car trash can

car trash can

5. Use an old pillowcase to clean your ceiling fan

pillow case for ceiling fans

pillow case for ceiling fans

6. Use a lint roller to dust

It works great on most surfaces, but especially lampshades.

More: How to Make Your Own Candles (& Save a Ton of Cash)

7. Remove pet hair from furniture & carpet with a squeegee

Cleaning hack: Use a squeegee on pet hair
Image: Thesteelman86/Reddit

8. Clean your sofa using baking soda

Yep, no upholstery device needed. Get more details here. Baking soda also works well to deodorize mattresses and spot-clean carpets.

More: How to Get the Modern Southwest Look That's Taking Over IG Feeds

9. Use a drill & DIY brush attachment to polish grout

grout cleaner drill

grout cleaner drill

10. Store bar soap in a sponge

What drips into the sponge can be used for cleaning later and helps to keep soap scum from building up wherever you keep the soap. Skip to 2:40 in the video above for a demonstration.

Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez Blended Their Families for the Holidays

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Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are really taking their love to the next level lately. It's now been nearly a year since the pair started dating, and they seem stronger and more in love all the time. So it just makes sense that they would take a big step and celebrate Christmas together — with all their kids as a huge blended family.

More: Milo Ventimiglia & Jennifer Lopez Are Going to Be On-Screen Lovers

Lopez and Rodriguez combined their families for a sunny holiday in Miami and then documented it pretty thoroughly on social media, giving us a glimpse into their first Christmas as a blended family. Lopez posted a photo of the whole family together, from kids to grandparents, in matching Christmas pajamas, writing, "Hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas full of joy and laughter, surrounded by all of your loved ones... sending everyone lots of love and good wishes for this holiday season!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS."

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family

In a video post, Rodriguez lounged in the pool while Lopez, who was holding the camera, asked, "So this is what Christmas Eve is like in Miami, huh?" before panning the camera around to show a beautifully set banquet table covered with a gold tablecloth. Clearly, Christmas Eve dinner was gorgeous at the Lopez-Rodriguez house.

More: Jennifer Lopez Is Resurrecting Jenny From the Block for a New Music Video

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family2

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family2

Even Rodriguez got in on sharing the fun, posting a sweet photo of himself and his love cuddling in some Christmas PJs.

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family3

A Rod and J Lo celebrated Xmas together w their family3

More: J.Lo & A-Rod Are Taking the Big Leap Into Domesticity

Here's to the many more Christmases we hope these two spend together — and with their loved ones in tow!

18 Movies You Need to See Before Award Season

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Award season is upon us. The Golden Globe nominations have been announced, and it's just the first show in a month of entertainment awards for movies and television.

After the Golden Globes on Jan. 7, we've got the People's Choice Awards on the 10th and the Critics' Choice Awards on the 11th. Then it's the SAG Awards on the 21st and finally the Oscars on March 4.

Keep the popcorn on hand, grab your cozy slippers and settle into the couch because these are the must-see movies making waves for award season 2018.

1. The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water is leading Golden Globe nominations with seven under its belt. It's also a strong contender to be an Oscar darling in 2018.

Synopsis: "In a 1960s research facility, a mute janitor forms a relationship with an aquatic creature."

the shape of water trailer

the shape of water trailer

2. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Nominated for six Golden Globes, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is getting a lot of buzz. The colorful trailer doesn't hurt either. NSFW.

Synopsis: "A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit."

three billboards trailer

three billboards trailer

3. The Disaster Artist

So bad yet so good. James Franco and brother Dave Franco team up to make this movie about the making of Tommy Wiseau's cult-classic, The Room.

Synopsis: "When Greg Sestero, an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true."

the disaster artist trailer

the disaster artist trailer

4. Lady Bird

Saoirse Ronan and Odeya Rush beautifully capture the mother-daughter relationship in this coming-of-age story.

Synopsis: "In the early 2000s, an artistically-inclined seventeen year-old comes of age in Sacramento, California."

lady bird trailer

lady bird trailer

5. Mudbound

Mudbound has been getting buzz for a while now, and with two Golden Globe nominations, it seems that buzz was well-deserved.

Synopsis: "Two men return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war."

mudbound trailer

mudbound trailer

6. Call Me By Your Name

A complicated and controversial coming-of-age story about a young boy who has a relationship with an older man.

Synopsis: "In Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen year-old Elio begins a relationship with visiting Oliver, his father's research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape."

call me by your name trailer

call me by your name trailer

7. Darkest Hour

Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill promises to be a brilliant and fascinating character study into one of England's most beloved prime ministers.

Synopsis: "During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds."

darkest hour trailer

darkest hour trailer

8. The Greatest Showman

Musicals have a good past at the Oscars with films like Chicago and La La Land, and The Greatest Showman could very well follow suit.

Synopsis: "Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation."

greatest showman trailer

greatest showman trailer

9. All the Money in the World

Despite the last-minute casting swap between Kevin Spacey and Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World is being deemed an overwhelming success. It's nabbed three Golden Globe nominations.

Synopsis: "The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom."

all the money in the world trailer

all the money in the world trailer

10. Dunkirk

It's been a while since Dunkirk was in the news, but that doesn't mean Academy voters have forgotten its powerful storyline.

Synopsis: "Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire and France are surrounded by the German Army, and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II."

dunkirk trailer

dunkirk trailer

11. The Post

Anything Meryl Streep touches turns into Oscar gold. Throw in Tom Hanks and a captivating story, and this is a movie the Academy can't ignore.

Synopsis: "A cover-up that spanned four U.S. Presidents pushed the country's first female newspaper publisher and a hard-driving editor to join an unprecedented battle between journalist and government."

the post trailer

the post trailer

12. I, Tonya

Margot Robbie's transformation for I, Tonya is worth the watch. Plus, the story of Tonya Harding and her career downfall is one for the records.

Synopsis: "Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes."

i tonya trailer

i tonya trailer

13. Phantom Thread

This is Daniel Day-Lewis' final film, so obviously the voters will take note.

Synopsis: "Set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover."

phantom thread trailer

phantom thread trailer

14. Roman J. Esq.

Denzel Washington is an absolute master of the screen. Though the movie has gotten mixed reviews, Washington's character work has not gone unnoticed.

Synopsis: "Roman J. Israel, Esq., a driven, idealistic defense attorney, finds himself in a tumultuous series of events that lead to a crisis and the necessity for extreme action."

roman j esq trailer

roman j esq trailer

15. Molly's Game

Aaron Sorkin wanted to show a new kind of heroine in Molly's Game. Though the actual crimes took place about a decade ago, the themes of this movie about a woman trying to survive no matter the cost are definitely timely.

Synopsis: "The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target."

mollys game trailer

mollys game trailer

16. Get Out

Haunting and eerie, Get Out is still one of the highest-rated movies of 2017. It has a 99 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Synopsis: "It's time for a young African American to meet with his white girlfriend's parents for a weekend in their secluded estate in the woods, but before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare."

get out trialer

get out trialer

17. The Florida Project

The Florida Project got a lot of buzz at the Cannes Film Festival, and it seems the buzz is carrying over to award season.

Synopsis: "Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World."

the florida project trailer

the florida project trailer

18. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Don't knock it. The Last Jedi is being hailed by many as the best film in the franchise yet. Though it is an underdog in terms of awards, Star Wars: The Last Jedi could very well nab some nominations.

Synopsis: "Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order."

the last jedi trailer

the last jedi trailer

Which movies were your favorites of 2017?

Ben Affleck Continues Addiction Treatment, Spends Christmas With Ex & Kids

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This Christmas, estranged co-parents Ben Affleck and ex-wife Jennifer Garner reunited as a one big, happy-ish family.

According to People, the former couple placed their differences aside and celebrated the holiday along with their three children: Violet, 12, Seraphina, 8, and Samuel, 5.

In March, Affleck explained to fans on social media that he had gone back to rehab for alcohol addiction. “I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront,” Affleck wrote in a Facebook post. “I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step.”

More: Ben Affleck Doesn't Need A Girlfriend or a Wife — He Just Needs Matt Damon

As we know, recovery is a lifelong process, and Affleck is committed to his; he's reportedly been spotted at various treatment centers in LA this month.

In April 2015, Affleck and Garner called it quits one day after their 10th anniversary. A few weeks later, tabloid and gossip sites claimed Affleck had reportedly cheated on Garner with the family's nanny. However, as Garner explained in a 2016 Vanity Fair interview, “nannygate” had nothing to do with their separation. “We had been separated for months before I ever heard about the nanny. She had nothing to do with our decision to divorce. She was not a part of the equation,” Garner said.

More: Jennifer Garner Addresses Unauthorized Divorce BS for the Record

Affleck and Garner officially filed for divorce in April 2017. Despite the drama, the couple has remained on amicable terms — and if this holiday reunion is any indication, it's clear they're putting their kids first.

Rihanna Reacts to Her Cousin's Violent Murder

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Rihanna and her family are mourning after her cousin, Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne, who lived in her home country of Barbados, was shot and killed the day after Christmas. Alleyne was only 21 years old.

More: The 50 Best Celebrity Fashion Moments of 2017

Through BET's coverage of the incident, local news sources report that Alleyne was walking near his home in the evening, around 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 26. He was reportedly approached by a man he allegedly did not recognize and who shot Alleyne multiple times before running off. Alleyne died later at a local hospital. The man who allegedly shot him has not been identified or caught.

According to BET, police are investigating the murder. Rihanna took to Instagram to confirm the terrible news, posting a series of photos of herself and Alleyne. In one photo, they're standing side by side with their arms wrapped around one another. In another, Rihanna makes a face for the camera while Alleyne kisses her cheek from behind her. The two appeared to be very close. From her caption, we know Rihanna was in Barbados at the time of the attack, likely spending Christmas there with her family.

More: Rihanna Calls Out Donald Trump for Neglecting Hurricane Maria Victims

Rihanna confirms her cousin was shot and killed on inst

Rihanna confirms her cousin was shot and killed on inst

"RIP cousin…can’t believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!" she wrote. "Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body! Love you always man!"

After a string of emojis including a heart, a crying face and prayer hands, Rihanna also called for an end to gun violence with a hashtag. This horrific incident comes mere weeks after Rihanna used her platform to speak out against bullying, specifically in the tragic cases of 13-year-old Rosalie Avila and 10-year-old Ashawnty Davis.

More: Rihanna's Opinion About Casting Transgender Models Has Divided the Internet

Our thoughts are with Rihanna and her family after such a heartbreaking, terrible event.


Chrissy Teigen Live Tweets Hilariously Bizarre Flight Reversal

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Holiday air travel has long lost its glamour — we’re kind of used to it too. We’ll have flight delays, cancellations, missed connections. We may deal with rude or unruly fellow passengers or weird flight dramas. It appears that is also true if you are Chrissy Teigen. Celebrities really are just like us.

More: More celebrities need to take Chrissy Teigen's lead regarding stretch marks

Last night, Teigen — our favorite person to follow on Twitter — tweeted that the flight from LA to Tokyo she was on with husband John Legend was inexplicably turning around and heading back.

chrissy 1

chrissy 1

"A flying first for me: 4 hours into an 11 hour flight and we are turning around because we have a passenger who isn’t supposed to be on this plane,” Teigen tweeted. “Why...why do we all gotta go back, I do not know.”

Teigen went on to share that the flight crew claimed a passenger had mistakenly boarded the Tokyo-bound flight, forcing the pilot to turn back to LAX.

But why? Why didn’t they make that passenger go back once they reached their final destination? Why did an entire plane have to reverse course on an already-long flight and start over?

“During the flight, the cabin crew became aware that one of the passengers boarded the incorrect flight and notified the pilot,” All Nippon Airways said in a statement. “As part of the airline’s security procedure, the pilot in command decided to return to the originating airport, where the passenger was disembarked.”

Meanwhile, Teigen, who is currently pregnant with her second child, was not having this. Not at all. And her reactions were hilarious.

chrissy 2

chrissy 2

“They keep saying the person had a United ticket. We are on ANA,” she went on to tweet. “So basically the boarding pass scanner is just a beedoop machine that makes beedoop noises that register to nowhere.”

Beedoop, indeed. After turning around midway thru the flight to Tokyo and returning to LAX, Teigen and Legend spent a few hours in an LAX lounge before getting back on a plane and heading on another flight to Tokyo. As of the publication of this article, the duo is currently in air, and we can’t wait for her life updates when she lands.

More: Chrissy Teigen's cookbook Cravings: Just as sweet and salty as she is

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chrissy 3

Sounds like a really annoying flight to have been on, but we imagine getting to share the experience with Chrissy Teigen made it better for everyone involved.

13 Things You Don't Know About Chloë Grace Moretz

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Twenty-year-old Chloë Grace Moretz is kind of a big deal. Though she's barely out of her teenage years, she has more than 60 acting credits to her name. You might know her from her first big role as a child star in 2005's The Amityville Horror, or maybe you prefer the kick-ass Moretz we see in, well, Kick-Ass 2. Either way, Moretz is everywhere, and we've got the scoop on the fun facts you might not know about this soon-to-be super-famous actor and model.

With how far she's come and how much she's done in her first two decades, it's hard not to appreciate what makes Moretz so unique.

1. She's dating Brooklyn Beckham

Bad news, boys and girls — Moretz is off the market. Though she claims that people don't really care about her love life (yeah, right), she spilled to Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live that she and Brooklyn, son of Victoria and David Beckham, are officially in a relationship. Cue the sounds of hearts breaking all over the world.

2. She's not afraid to speak her mind

Looking for further proof that Moretz is all grown up? In the wake of the most recent Kim Kardashian West nude selfie scandal on Twitter (we know, we know, it's hard to keep up), Moretz took a hard-line stance against baring it for all the internet to see. Though she found herself in the middle of a slut-shaming Twitter-storm, she respectfully stood her ground.

More: Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Are Still "Feuding" on Instagram

3. She's got a virtual pack of brothers

She has four older brothers — Brandon, Trevor, Colin and Ethan. "My mom has always taught us that blood is thicker than water," Moretz says of her relationship with her siblings. "No one will ever understand the dynamic of your family. Ever. We are the closest family ever, and we are the most insane family ever. It may look weird to others, but to us, it's life."

4. Her brothers also inspired her stance on gay rights

Moretz is not just a beautiful star on the rise — she's also using her influence for good. She said that seeing her two older brothers struggle to come out made her even more passionate about taking a stand against bigotry, using her fame as a platform to encourage inclusion. "No one should care what your sexual orientation is, what color your skin is, or if you're a man or a woman," she says.

Next: She wasn't always the only sister

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5. She wasn't always the only sister

While Moretz routinely talks about her four brothers, she rarely lets it slip that she once had another sibling. However, in a feature for Interview magazine, she told Drew Barrymore, "I used to have a sister, but I never got to meet her, because she died after two days, I think. So if I got a tattoo, it would probably be something to do with my sister."

6. Her older brother gave up his career for hers

Some people can't get their big brothers to be seen in public with them, much less devote their entire life to helping their little sister out. Moretz's older brother Trevor was among the first to recognize his sister's talent. "Even as a tiny child, she had something," he told W magazine. He walked away from his own career ambitions and now serves as her producer, mentor, guru and more.

7. She named her dogs after her first big film

Chloë Grace Moretz was only 6 years old when she landed the role of Chelsea Lutz in The Amityville Horror, but the movie left an indelible mark on the young actor. In its honor, she named her dog Fuller after producer Bradley Fuller, and she named her dog Missy after the nickname of her character in the movie.

Chloe Moretz Grace in Amityville Horror

Image: Giphy

8. She still got grounded

Churning out blockbuster hits may give you a leg up in Hollywood, but it gets you no special treatment in the Moretz family. "My mom has always said that if I get a big head, she'll take me out of this business as quickly as I got into it," she has explained. Referring to herself as an "average, everyday girl," Moretz assured of her normalcy, "I have to go to bed at 9:30, and if I'm up late on the computer, I lose it for two months." Yikes!

More: Chloë Moretz fights back against death hoax, calls it "sick"

9. Hit-Girl behavior wouldn't fly in her household

When it comes to roles, Moretz goes for the shock factor — audiences let out a collective gasp in 2010 when she debuted the foul-mouthed vigilante killer Hit-Girl in the hit film Kick-Ass. But lest anyone get her character in the movie confused with her in real life, Moretz clarifies of the part, "I was raised to think cursing makes you look unintelligent. As Chloë, I can honestly say I've never uttered a syllable of a curse word, not even behind closed doors."

Chloe Moretz Grace in Kick-Ass

Image: Giphy

Next: She prefers gummy bears over pig's blood

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10. She prefers gummy bears over pig's blood

We're all familiar by now with the pig's blood plotline in Carrie. But if Moretz had her druthers, the reboot would have included her being showered in something much... sweeter. When asked what she'd rather have been drenched in, the star chose gummy bears. "They're delicious," she jokes. "That sounds way more fun than blood. Also, gummy bears aren't that heavy. So it wouldn't be like you're being hit by rocks."

Chloe Moretz Grace in Carrie
Image: Tumblr

11. Her address is in LA, but her heart is in NYC

During an interview for Teen Vogue, Moretz turns into a total tourist when she steps onto an observation deck overlooking New York's famed Central Park. "Oh, my God, I have to Instagram this," she squeals, telling the writer, "Los Angeles is fun and I've lived there for 10 years, but there's something about New York. I'm pretty much New York in every way."

Chloe Moretz Grace

Image: Tumblr

More: 18 Movies You Need to See Before Award Season

12. Julianne Moore intimidates her

In Carrie, the mother of Moretz's title character is played by veteran actor Julianne Moore — whom she has nothing but praise for. "With Julianne, she is the nicest lady, but at the same time she is the most fearsome actress you'll ever see," Moretz gushes. "She's the type of actress I look up to in a mentor-type way, and she's someone whose career I will try to emulate."

Chloe Moretz Grace in Carrie

Image: Soliloqueue/Wordpress

13. She's a sucker for poise

While Moretz has chosen many roles in which she is anything but ladylike, she cites some surprisingly refined choices when asked in an interview who her dream dinner dates would be. Any guesses? If you wagered film greats Drew Barrymore, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood and Grace Kelly, you are spot-on, my friend.

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

Kanye West's Gift to Kim Kardashian West Was Uncharacteristically Practical

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Can you imagine trying to shop for Kim Kardashian West? The woman has absolutely everything (or if she doesn't have it yet, she could get it whenever she wanted because she has all the money). If you're her poor family, what the heck do you even get her for holidays like Christmas?

More: Kourtney Kardashian Finally Addresses Pregnancy Rumors

She and Kanye West must truly be soul mates, because that guy has her dialed in. While he's gone totally extravagant in the past (remember 2015 when he got her literally 150 gifts for Christmas, including a fur coat and a Prada jumpsuit?), this year, his gift was far more practical, and we can see why she'd be totally into it.

Kardashian West shared some snaps on her Instagram story that showed West had stuffed her stocking this year... with stocks. He got her investments in Netflix, Adidas, Apple, The Walt Disney Company and Amazon that totaled more than $200,000, and considering the constant success of those companies, we have a feeling that money is only going to grow. That's the answer. What do you get the woman who has everything and all the money? More money. It's genius in its simplicity. Score 1 for Kanye.

More: 5 Celebrity Makeup Tricks From a Kardashian Makeup Artist

Kim Kardashian Instagram story of the stocks she got for Christmas
Image: Kim Kardashian West/Instagram

Of course, West being the doting husband he is, dressed up the gift a little bit. In addition to the stock certificates, he gave Kardashian West small gifts to represent each company: a pair of Apple headphones, a stuffed Mickey Mouse doll, some Adidas socks and gift cards to Netflix and Amazon. Seriously, who wouldn't be stoked to have a stocking like that, even without the $200,000 in investments?

More: The Kardashian Sisters Are Expecting at the Same Time, Because Science

According to Kardashian West, West is the "best husband" this year. After seeing this practical yet awesome gift, we have to agree.

Reportedly Pregnant Kylie & Definitely Pregnant Khloé Pose for Holiday Pic

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As many fans continue to question the status of Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy, she and big sister Khloé Kardashian paired up for a pretty sweet moment during a recent family party.

On Christmas Eve, the Kardashian-Jenner clan met up for mom Kris Jenner’s annual holiday fete according to People. In the Snapchat photo, we see a bare-shouldered Khloé Kardashian behind a leather jacket-clad Kylie Jenner; both women are grinning, like you do when you may or may not be galling fans with a secret pregnancy for many months. Ordinarily, this would be a simple black and white memory between two sisters. But considering Kardashian's recent (finally!) announcement and li'l sis' Jenner’s forever-alleged pregnancy, it’s now an iconic photo of two pregnant sisters just glowing together. Of course fans cannot contain themselves.

Khloe Kylie pregnancy Snapchat christmas party
Image: Khloé Kardashian/Snapchat via People

More: Insiders Close to Khloé Kardashian Reveal the Sex of Her First Baby

Last week, Kardashian confirmed her pregnancy with a sweet message she shared on Instagram. “My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby!” she wrote in a lengthy caption. “I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient.”

She then went on to thank her boyfriend and baby daddy, Tristan Thompson. The message affirmed what fans had already speculated for months: Khloé Kardashian is one of the 17 — OK, fine, three or so — Kardashian-Jenner women who will soon welcome a child.

More: The Kardashian Sisters Are Expecting at the Same Time, Because Science

Meanwhile, after months of possible hints on social media (and let's face it, maybe even a little deliberate teasing?), KUWTK fans still await confirmation the youngest sister is also with child.

Will Jenner follow in her sister's footsteps and reveal the pregnancy soon? Or has this all been one overblown ruse — perhaps the greatest long con ever? Only time will tell.

Here's What to Do if You Can’t Afford an Abortion

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Depending on where you live, how far along you are in your pregnancy and other factors — like if you have other children who require child care (which, statistically, you do, because 6 out of 10 people who have abortions already have at least one child) — accessing an abortion can be expensive and complicated.

Abortion funds exist to help those who can’t afford an abortion obtain one. They’re local or regional nonprofit organizations often affiliated with clinics that provide abortions, each with their own method of delegating funds to folks who call the fund’s intake line and state their needs.

If you’re approaching the point in your pregnancy when the cost of an abortion is about to escalate dramatically (say, at the end of your first trimester) or you need to get the procedure done very soon or you won’t be able to get it at all, a fund might choose to prioritize your case and give you the entire amount of funding you need. You can locate an abortion fund in your area by visiting the website for the National Network of Abortion Funds.

More: No, Planned Parenthood Still Doesn’t Use Federal Funds for Abortions

But what happens when a fund runs out of money or gets close to running out of money?

On Thursday, Nov. 30, Fund Texas Choice, an abortion fund that helps people afford the logistics that often come with abortions, such as travel and lodging, announced it would have to cease funding because of a lack of money. Hurricane Harvey cut off the ability of many to travel to their abortions, so requests for help from abortion funds skyrocketed, and the result is funds are entirely tapped.

Even when there isn’t a disaster, though, running out of money happens.

“It’s not uncommon,” says Lindsay Rodriguez, communications manager at NNAF. Funds in the Southern and Midwestern United States are among the most vulnerable to running out of money or almost running out since laws in these parts of the country make abortion harder to obtain.

For example, if you’re under 18 and live in Texas or Ohio, you need a parent’s permission to get an abortion, which can lead minors to travel to states where parental permission is not necessary. The costs of this travel accumulates — especially for an individual with limited to no income. An abortion that at one point might have taken five to 10 minutes to perform and cost $350 can become a multiday procedure that could be thousands of dollars.

More: 10 Ways Planned Parenthood is about more than just abortions

Funds are typically working with a weekly or monthly budget, and funding an abortion that’s more expensive can wipe out money quickly and result in having to say no to other callers in need. Some funds have rollover budgets, so if they run out of money during the week, they can decide whether or not to dip into the budget for the coming week. Of course, this depends on how well the abortion fund is funded in the first place and whether there are resources to raise more money for it should they run out.

If a fund isn’t able to help a person seeking an abortion, it’s hard to know what happens to them. “We can guess,” says Sammy Lifson, of the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund. “Some likely figure it out and go to their appointments. Some put their appointments off and try to raise the money themselves, but I would assume a lot of people aren’t able to obtain an abortion.”

While some folks are indeed able to come up with the money for their abortion without the help of a fund, we know certain populations are more vulnerable and will not be able to.

Rural people struggle with health care access,” says Rodriguez. “Those who are working low-wage jobs who don’t get paid time off are less likely to be able to travel for a procedure without financial assistance. If they can’t get an abortion, people will be forced to continue pregnancies they don’t want and can’t afford, or they’ll self-induce.”

More: Three moms on why they don't regret terminating a pregnancy

Let’s imagine a world in which every abortion fund is incredibly well-equipped to help every caller — it’s not a replacement for desperately needed structural change in the form of everyone who needs an abortion getting one.

“It’s a Band-Aid,” Rodriguez says. “Abortion access is getting worse every day.” She urges folks to learn about their local abortion funds and support them, even if that support is modest, and to have conversations about the reality of abortion access.

“All we have is each other,” she says, “so make yourself a resource.”

By Chanel Dubofsky

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