Sometimes, we like to mark a new year by adding a bit of boldness or edge to our routine. Diet Coke, it seems, is no different.
diet coke
diet coke
Coca-Cola announced that their famous diet variety is becoming a lot more colorful. They have four new flavors rolling out this month (but no, the original Diet Coke we know and love isn’t going anywhere — don’t worry!).
If you like Cherry Coke, you'll most likely love the new flavors, because they are pretty fruity. Your favorite soda will now come in flavors like Ginger Lime, Feisty Cherry, Zesty Blood Orange and Twisted Mango. While it may seem a bit weird to add citrus flavors to our Diet Coke, it’s worked for LaCroix, right?
“Millennials are now thirstier than ever for adventures and new experiences, and we want to be right by their side,” Rafael Acevedo, Coca-Cola North America’s group director for Diet Coke, said in a statement. “We’re contemporizing the Diet Coke brand and portfolio with sleek packaging and new flavors that are appealing to new audiences.”
The Diet Coke packaging is also getting a makeover. While each can will still hold 12 ounces of bubbly beverage, the new cans will be thinner and taller than the current cans.
As people are drinking less soda and more water and seltzer, maybe the key to soda surviving is to make it more like the flavored seltzers everyone is into. Hey, it can’t hurt.
Serena Williams' baby daughter is only 4 months old, but she's already accomplished something most people only dream of: Alexis Olympia Ohanian and her mom have graced the cover of Vogue's February issue — and the beautiful mother-daughter duo was photographed by the legendary Mario Testino.
Williams is already prepared to get back on the tennis court, but she shared that becoming a mom was also one of her childhood dreams. "Now that I’m 36 and I look at my baby, I remember that this was also one of my goals when I was little, before tennis took over, when I was still kind of a normal girl who played with dolls," she told the outlet.
Although both Williams and little Olympia are happy and healthy now, the tennis star shared that she dealt with frightening medical complications during the birth itself. Due to a low heart rate during contractions, Williams had to have an emergency C-section — and she spent the next six days undergoing multiple surgeries for a pulmonary embolism.
Although Williams plans to get back on the tennis court and earn a few more Grand Slams, her focus right now is Olympia. Unsurprisingly, Williams' perfectionism extends to motherhood, and she got refreshingly real about the anxieties she experiences as a new mom — insecurities that are relatable for new moms everywhere.
"Sometimes I get really down and feel like, Man, I can’t do this,” Williams told Vogue. “It’s that same negative attitude I have on the court sometimes. I guess that’s just who I am. No one talks about the low moments — the pressure you feel, the incredible letdown every time you hear the baby cry."
Luckily, Williams' own mom, Oracene Price, has been by her side in Florida since Olympia's birth. Price shared that her main concern is that Williams will work herself too hard; she hopes to help her daughter slow down as she adjusts to this new phase in her life. Williams also has the support of her new husband, Alexis Ohanian, and her close friends within the tennis circle. Even Sheryl Sandberg, Williams' longtime hero and new good friend, has got her back.
Olympia definitely has the potential to be a star in her own right (I mean, just look at her mom and aunt). But Williams is wary of the idea of her daughter entering the tennis world. Although she says she wouldn't change anything about her own life, Williams told Vogue that she wants Olympia to have "a normal life. I didn't have that."
It's a new year, and Yolanda Foster is taking full advantage of the opportunity to start fresh. Years after her dramatic and clearly emotional split from David Foster, the Real Housewives star has a new man in her life, and it sounds like things are going great for the new couple.
"I’m so happy. I took two years to really recover from my marriage and I really needed to get to a place where I felt... in my own power as a single woman, feeling strong, running my own life without depending on anybody or anybody telling me what to do or having to care for somebody," Hadid told Us Weekly in a new interview. "And it was a year two years, but I’m really excited to be back in love. There’s nothing better than feeling in love, and with somebody who is a great person, a great human being, who is not in his industry, that is very private... it’s a good feeling."
But Hadid isn't revealing who her new beau is just yet.
"It’s something that I would love to keep for myself as long as I can," she explained. But she did say that their relationship is a fresh one.
"It’s relatively new," she said, adding that they hang out "just, you know, sitting in front of the fire, just talking, listening to music … I’m so into the simple things of life today. I don’t want any jewelry, I don’t want any houses, I don’t want anything crazy. I just want intimacy with a good human being who has my back."
Hadid isn't the only one moving on. Her ex, Foster, has been linked to singer Katharine McPhee for months now. If anyone deserves this kind of happiness, it's Hadid, one of our favorite Real Housewives of all time.
Simply witnessing George and Amal Clooney doing anything would be a serious treat. Meeting them would be even better. Having them witness you in your element and appreciate your work and passion? Oh, man. That is the dream.
That's what happened to actor Bethan Nash, who is currently starring in a showing of My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning in England. Nash already knew the Clooneys attended her show, but she didn't expect what they did next. In a super-sweet gesture, George sent Nash a bouquet of flowers and a note praising her performance in the show.
"Amal and I wanted to thank you for a fantastic night of theater," his handwritten note read. "We loved every minute of it. You were all so wonderful. My extended family (half of Beirut) loved it too. Thank you and have a great run. Love, George and Amal."
Nash posted a photo of the flowers and the note to Instagram, and seriously, we're all swooning.
George and Amal Clooney send flowers to actress in play
George and Amal Clooney send flowers to actress in play
"This is better than fairy dust!" she wrote in the caption. "A letter and flowers from George and Amal Clooney! Thank you!!!#georgeclooney #amalclooney #MyFairLady #showoftheweek #review @millatsonning @newmutinytheatreco #flowers #flowerstagram #fairydust #mademylife #actors #theatre #elizadolittle #thankful #thankyou."
For far too long, there was an inescapable stigma surrounding masturbation. To a certain extent, it’s still there, but at least we’re making progress. Where we were once told that masturbating could make us go blind, cause hair to grow on our palms or be a sign of mental illness, thankfully, we’ve moved past that and are now focusing on the opposite: how masturbation can improve your health.
Yes, you read that correctly — solo sex isn’t just unharmful; it’s actually beneficial in several ways. Here are a few to get you started:
1. It’s a stress-buster
If you’ve had a rough day and find that you’re a wound-up ball of stress, a little self-love may be just what you need according to Dr. Prudence Hall, founder of The Hall Center in Santa Monica, California. She’s also the author of the new book, Radiant Again & Forever.
“Masturbation is a great stress-reliever,” Domina Franco, a sex educator, coach and writer, tells SheKnows.
We’re not saying that every time you feel a headache come on at work you should slip away for a few minutes to take care of it this way, but masturbation (in appropriate settings) can help you manage pain. It’s especially helpful when dealing with menstrual cramps and muscle tension, Franco and Hall add.
3. It works your pelvic floor
We all know about Kegels and how we’re supposed to work on our pelvic floor (especially after giving birth and as we age). Guess what? Masturbation can help with that too by strengthening the muscles down there so you’re less likely to lose urine when you cough or sneeze, Hall tells SheKnows.
“No matter your genitals, all folks can experience benefits of increased pelvic floor strength and prevention of incontinence through masturbation,” Franco adds. In folks who have vaginas, it has been shown to help ease cramps during menstruation.
While we mostly hear about infections caused by sexual activity, we typically don’t hear the flipside: that masturbation can actually do the opposite.
“For people with vaginas, masturbation can help prevent cervical infections and urinary tract infections through the process of ‘tenting,’ which is the opening of the cervix that occurs as part of the arousal process,” explains Franco, who by the way, has one of the most informative, fun and sex-positive Instagram accounts around.
5. It’s good for penises too
Because genitalia are not tied to gender identity, this is a good time to check in regarding what masturbation can do to help people with a penis. Not only can it help with erectile dysfunction, Franco says, but it may mean penetrative sex that lasts longer.
“Repeating the process of masturbating and stopping before ejaculation can also assist someone with a penis have increased longevity when in bed when with a partner,” she says.
6. It could improve your sleep
Both Franco and Hall mention this masturbatory bonus.
“If you do experience orgasm while masturbating, a huge wave of endorphins surge through your system, and that has also been shown to help you have deeper, higher-quality sleep,” Franco explains.
7. It helps you know your own body
Who knows what you like? You do, of course — and masturbating only helps you get to know yourself even better. According to Franco, it “allows us to explore our own body on our own terms and on our own timeline. It gives folks the opportunity to explore and figure out what feels good for them in an intimate and nonthreatening way.”
8. It can make sex with a partner better too
This completely makes sense when you think about it: Sex will get better if know you know how to guide your partner.
“Being able to convey what works for you to a partner may be more challenging — but you're sure to have better sex if you know what you like than if your own sexual pleasure is still a mystery to you,” Franco says. “The more we are connected to our sexuality and know how to pleasure ourselves, the more likely we are to have pleasure when we engage in sexual activity with others.”
In a new interview with New York radio station 98.9 The Buzz, Kelly Clarkson said that she's "not above spanking" her 3-year-old daughter River. Unsurprisingly, Clarkson's comments quickly sparked debate on social media, with some people criticizing her actions and others defending her for using this form of discipline.
"My parents spanked me, and I did fine in life, and I feel fine about it, and I do that as well," Clarkson told The Buzz.
Although there's certainly no doubt Clarkson "did fine in life," it's worth noting that studies have shown that's not the case for every child whose parents spank them. A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatricsfound that children who are spanked in their childhood may be more likely to be perpetrators of partner violence when they enter their teen and adult years.
In a statement on its website, the American Academy of Pediatrics also advises against spanking and other forms of physical punishment. "[Spanking] only teaches aggressive behavior, and becomes ineffective if used often. Instead, use appropriate time outs for young children. Discipline older children by temporarily removing favorite privileges," the organization suggests.
Clarkson is fully aware that her stance on spanking is controversial, and she noted that this doesn't stop her from doing it in public spaces, such as the zoo. “So that's a tricky thing when you're out in public, 'cause then people are like, you know, they think that's wrong or something, but I find nothing wrong with a spanking,” she said.
Although we can't say we agree with Clarkson's discipline method of choice, at least she's being honest about it. Plus, her statement has started important conversations about child behavior and discipline (including options that don't include physical punishment). Hopefully, the overall conversation — and the recent research findings — will make parents think twice before they resort to any form of violence toward their kids.
Disney just can't seem to pull off its live-action remake of Aladdin without being problematic as heck. First, there was the choice to cast an Indian woman as Princess Jasmine, which caused backlash claiming Disney saw people of color as one and the same since all the characters in the story are of Middle Eastern origin. Then, there was more backlash over the casting of a new character that never existed in the original Disney animated version of Aladdin: a second prince who is white. God forbid a movie set in the Middle East should have a Middle Eastern cast and no white people, right?
Now, Disney is embroiled in yet another scandal for its treatment of the racial casting and realities integral to the story of Aladdin. Actor Kaushal Odedra, an extra on the set, told the Sunday Times that he saw a line of 20 white extras waiting to be spray tanned to look like they had darker skin.
"I asked a Saudi cast member what he made of having these extras being tanned so heavily and he said it’s unfortunate, but this is how the industry works, and there’s no point complaining about it since it isn’t going to change," Odedra said. That statement is painful enough to read just because of how hopeless people of color in the industry have become that standards can change and they can be valued like white actors. But what Odedra said next might be even worse.
Disney claimed in a statement that 400 of the 500 background performers cast in the film were people of color. But that's not enough. In a film about Middle Easterners that is set in the Middle East, spray-tanned white people aren't going to cut it. These are roles for people of color, not white people in brown face.
But Tiffany Trump is taking it all in stride, and she actually seems like she's kind of cool — and she's definitely not all up in the family business. She's trying to make her own way in the world. Regardless of whom you voted for, it's hard to slam a gal who's smart, talented and best of all, absolutely loves her mama. Here's what you need to know about the youngest Trump daughter.
1. She's headed to the White House
Tiff Trump insta
Tiff Trump insta
OK, maybe not the White House technically, but it was just announced that Tiffany will attend Georgetown University's law school, which is located in Washington. Can't help but wonder if Tiffany got a little familial pressure to enroll.
Donald is a Republican president, but Tiffany's BF, Ross Mechanic, is — gasp — a registered Democrat, according to the International Business Times. That hasn't stopped Mechanic from showing up to political events like the Republican National Convention with Tiffany.
3. Marla Maples is her mother
tiffany trump insta 4
tiffany trump insta 4
Remember the scandal Marla Maples caused in the '90s when she had a long-running affair with the then-married Trump? Everyone saw Maples as the home wrecker who torpedoed Trump's 12-year marriage to wife Ivana Trump. Once the divorce dust settled, Maples and Trump married two months after Tiffany Trump was born. Fast forward 20 years, and baby Tiffany is all grown up. Say what you will about Maples — she's still beautiful at 50, and she somehow raised a Trump heir in near anonymity.
4. Tiffany and her mom are very close
Once the Maples/Trump empire collapsed, mother and daughter moved to California and forged a strong bond. Maples told Oprah Winfrey on Where Are They Now? that Donald Trump supported his daughter financially but that she considered herself a single parent when it came to the actual parenting. When Tiffany was a teen, she and her mother cooked, played tennis together and formed a close relationship. Tiffany told the Daily Mail, "We've always been very close since she did raise me as a single mom."
5. She's an Ivy Leaguer
tiffany trump insta 3
tiffany trump insta 3
Tiffany attended her father's alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 2016 with a double major in sociology and urban studies. Even with the divorce between them, both of her parents bit the bullet and showed up to give their support, along with siblings Ivanka and Barron.
6. Her net worth is under $1 million
While half a mill sounds like big bucks to most of us, you can already guess that this is small potatoes in the Trump family. Since Tiffany just graduated college and will soon begin building her career, it makes sense that her current net worth is estimated at $600,000. Compare this to her dad's net worth at $4.1 billion, and we can see where she's heading.
A version of this article was originally published in August 2014.
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7. She's an aspiring pop star
tiffany trump insta 1
tiffany trump insta 1
In her teenage years, Tiffany surfaced on the scene with hopes of becoming a pop star.
She told the Daily Mail, "I love music, it's always been very dear to me. It's more of a hobby right now, but we'll see in a couple of years if I actually want to take it to the next level as a professional level. Right now the focus is on school."
She has released "Like a Bird," which is a little Paris Hilton-ish (what is it with wealthy heirs and Auto-Tune?), but it's a place to start.
8. She's not as tall as her big sis
tiffany trump insta 2
tiffany trump insta 2
Both Ivanka and Tiffany have modeled, but Ivanka, from Trump's first marriage to ex-wife Ivana, is the taller of the two. Ivanka takes after her father at an estimated 5 feet, 11 inches, while Tiffany is a few inches shy of "supermodel stature" at 5-foot-8.
9. She's got a big Instagram following
Are we even surprised? With famous friends like Kyra Kennedy and EJ Johnson, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Magic Johnson respectively, Tiff has officially been dubbed a "Rich Kid of Instagram." Her over 200,000 followers may have something to do with the addicting pics she posts of skiing, fancy clothes and vacations in Palm Beach.
10. She is not the redheaded stepchild
tiffany trump insta 5
tiffany trump insta 5
Don't be confused. Just because this Trump heir grew up on the West Coast and her famous siblings grew up in New York, Tiffany has the lifestyle you'd expect of a Trump. Her high school education cost over $31,000 a year, she travels to exotic destinations on Daddy's private jet and her famous sister, Ivanka, got her an exclusive internship at Vogue in the U.S.
Still, her famous father is proud of her because she not only does well in school, but she's a good person.
"She really is a terrific student, but more importantly, whenever we get the report card, the teachers write that she is the nicest person. Every one of them say, 'Tiffany's marks are an A, but more importantly, she's one of the nicest students we've ever had,'" Donald said.
11. She spent Christmas 2017 at Mar-a-Lago
Things to know about Tiffany Trump 11
Things to know about Tiffany Trump 11
She celebrated first with her mother in California and then flew to be with her sister and father at Mar-a-Lago.
If you ever feel like you've somehow become your kid's personal chauffeur, constantly ferrying them to numerous after-school activities, you're not alone. And you're totally forgiven for wondering whether all those activities are more hassle than they're worth. But extracurricular activities come with a wealth of benefits for your child — beyond the obvious (mastering that backhand at tennis lessons or being able to count to 100 in Spanish). Here's why they're worth it.
For starters, after-school activities let kids figure out what they like and what they're good at. "When kids are selecting which activities to participate in, they are looking inward and deciding if they are enjoying it, which creates self-awareness and a sense of knowing what they like, what they don't and how to make decisions accordingly," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC-based licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.
2. Confidence
Giving kids something to do that interests them can increase their confidence and give them direction and purpose, explains Hafeez. And it doesn't have to be sports: being part of a volunteer group, marching band, photography or computer lab comes with the same benefits of being a part of a peer group. That confidence can transfer into other areas of their lives, such as giving them the confidence to thrive in their studies.
3. Socialization
After-school activities can also help kids develop socialization skills away from the structure of the classroom according to author and practicing clinical psychologist Dr. John Mayer (no, not that one). Because after-school activities give kids more time to interact freely, kids then have the opportunity to practice and experiment with socialization skills. They are allowed to fail and then learn from their failures, which are vital experiences for them, explains Mayer.
4. Friendship
It may be a controversial statement, but here's the truth: Kids don't have to make close friends at school. Hey, Prince George isn't even allowed to! It's great if in-class bestie bonding happens, of course, but if it doesn’t, after-school activities can be fantastic places for children to develop friendships with peers who are "sharing the same interests or passions," says Mayer.
Speaking of passion, one of the greatest benefits of after-school activities is that they can help a child discover what really ignites a fire within them. "One of the biggest deficits that I encounter in teenagers that leads to substance abuse, aggression, poor grades, lack of motivation, delinquency and on and on, is that they have not tapped into their passions," says Mayer. Kids who find a passion early on have an even greater incentive to stay focused, and they learn what is required in working toward a goal.
6. Teamwork & strategic thinking
Sure, not all after-school activities encourage teamwork, but many of them do. "Team sports are great for building teamwork and communication skills, and they are also good at helping kids develop some strategic thinking: 'What’s the other team good at? How will we defend against that?'" says Katherine Firestone, founder of Fireborn Institute, a nonprofit that provides parents with clear, practical and easy-to-remember strategies to help their children thrive in school. If team sports aren't your child's cup of tea, more introvert-friendly activities such as chess are also great for strategic thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
But... the benefits aren't just for kids
"After-school activities benefit parents by giving them the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are busy doing something beneficial and productive and not just 'hanging around,'" says Hafeez. "This is especially true for parents of preteens and teens — where drugs, alcohol and sex may be of concern — and for working parents who aren't home after school."
What if your kid really doesn't want to go?
Ultimately, though, the decision to do after-school activities lies with your child — and if they really don't want to do it, it's best not to force them. However, it's one thing if your child is simply sports-averse; it's another if they avoid all after-school activities, period. If that's the case, it's worth thinking about why your child doesn’t want to do any activities, says Firestone. Is it because they need some quiet time at home after an overstimulating day at school? Or is it because they are worried about bullying?
"If it’s bullying, it’s important to find an activity they can get involved in where there aren’t any kids that are teasing your child already — and where you kid has the opportunity to meet new kids in a less scary way. Think individual sports, like chess, tennis or swimming," says Firestone.
If your child needs to find some sort of after-school activities because you have to be at work, suggest they join something along with a friend or someone they know, says Bianca Marcu, a licensed professional counselor at Clarity Clinic Chicago. She suggests asking your child to pick one thing they like and try it out for a few weeks, giving them the option of leaving the activity after a month if they really do not enjoy their time spent there. "Chances are, if they [become] a part of something — other than school — that gives them a greater sense of purpose, they will not want to leave," she says.
I work from home. There are downsides to that. I don’t see humans except for my husband most days. I have gotten way too comfortable living a life without a bra. Netflix is always tempting me from the other room.
When I worked in an office, I rarely took time to do more than bring a frozen dinner to work. One of the many upsides to working remotely now is that my kitchen is just around the corner, begging me to take a break and make something tasty and satisfying for breakfast and lunch. Still, I often get stuck in a rut, making the same dishes over and over or giving up altogether and ordering food from a local restaurant.
But not this week. Last week, my editor challenged me to cook like one of America’s most well-known chefs, Bobby Flay, and I decided to accept.
I chose seven recipes that sounded appealing to me, some of them breakfasts, a few for lunch and a few sides to round them out.
Here’s what it was like to cook like Bobby Flay for a week.
I’ve made apple Dutch babies before (shoutout to Blue Apron, where I first learned how to make them), and with this one, the fresh nutmeg made a huge difference. I’d never grated fresh nutmeg before. As with any recipe, I had to make some changes. For this one, I cooked in a different metal skillet because I didn’t have a cast-iron one, and that meant it took significantly less time in the oven than the recipe called for. I ended up making this for breakfast again a couple of days later. It’s pretty simple for when you’ve got a sweet tooth in the morning. But other than the fresh nutmeg, I’m not sure what Bobby does here that isn’t your standard Dutch pancake fare.
The next two recipes called for a grill, which I didn’t have, and so used a combination of stovetop and oven instead.
I wasn’t super-impressed with this dish. First, Flay recommended cooking it skin-side down, which didn’t seem to get the job done on the stovetop (can’t speak for the grill) and I ended up having to flip it sauce-side down to finish cooking it. The fresh ginger was nice, but I’m not sure it was worth the energy to melt butter, honey and brown sugar together, and it seemed a little more salty than necessary.
These sweet potatoes ended up being a lot more difficult than I anticipated, mostly because of the spices, which was my own darn fault. I didn’t have Bobby’s Flay’s poultry seasoning and didn't know where to find it, but I did find a copycat recipe, and I have a cabinet full of spices, so I decided to make it myself. That was… more labor-intensive than I imagined. I probably used more than $20-worth of spices, and I now have enough poultry seasoning to last me until the end of time.
That said, these sweet potatoes were good, a really nice mixture of sweet and spicy (thank you, cayenne pepper) and surprising (ground fennel!) and it worked perfectly well to cook them in the oven, though I imagine they would have a little extra je ne sais quoi on the grill.
If you already have Bobby Flay’s seasoning, this is a simple and tasty way to cook a sweet potato. If not, I might find a different recipe.
Bobby Flay both disappointed and pleased me with this one. If you’re someone who pays a lot of attention to detail, you’ll notice my salad seems to have a whole lot more lettuce than Bobby Flay’s. I don’t know why that is. In fact, I actually have half the amount of endive as the recipe called for, and it still looks like a salad with apples rather than an apple salad. You might also notice mine is not garnished with pomegranate arils. That’s because the recipe didn’t actually call for it in the ingredients list, so it didn’t make it onto my shopping list. Basically, the photos you see on the internet are a lie.
Also, you might argue whether a salad is even cooking. To that, I would say, "I toasted my own goddamn walnuts, so it was definitely cooking."
But I digress. This salad is pretty bomb, and I guess worth going to three different stores trying to find pomegranate molasses for the dressing (Whole Foods ended up having one option, for which I was grateful.) I never, ever make salads at home because I never feel like they turn out well, and I end up being sad about eating a pile of lettuce covered in ranch. But I ate this as a lunch/impatient snack before dinner for three days running — yeah, it stayed tasty for that long. I also learned how to emulsify my own dressing, which I'd never done before. It made me wonder if it might be worth trying a salad recipe or two in the near future.
If I were to pass on some advice for this one, I’d say follow your own portioning for the lettuce to apple ratio and also for the amount of blue cheese. The recipe calls for so much blue cheese, it’s like Flay wants your whole mouth to taste like a foot.
Spaghetti squash: Is it a meal? A side dish? A strange snack? I’m not sure. This was probably the simplest and least convoluted recipe so far, and it was still very, very yummy. The only thing that seemed a little off was the roasting time for the squash — mine took a full 10 minutes less than the recipe’s anticipated 45 minutes.
Beyond that, it was just a matter of sautéing some shallots (shallots cooking in butter is one of my top 10 favorite smells in the universe) and chopping cilantro, parsley, dill and chives, none of which I had ever thought to do with spaghetti squash before.
I appreciate that the recipe doesn’t try to pretend to be pasta and just works with the squash as it is. I’d definitely consider adding this to my rotation of side dishes (and let’s be honest — the only dishes currently on that rotation are potatoes and rice). It’s fresh, flavorful and a little surprising. It was also just as good warmed up as a snack the next day.
This bowl was the bomb. If you try one recipe out of this list, let it be this one. Every element added something interesting (salty, lemony celery kale, spicy tofu, mild sweet potatoes.) The real standout is the lemony tahini-miso dressing, which brings everything together and makes every bite delicious.
That said, it took forever to make. After all was said and done, it took me about two hours, which was not ideal considering I came home hungry from a yoga class. On top of the fact that you’re prepping four different elements, Flay asks you to spend 30 minutes draining the tofu (placing a weighted plate on top of it) and then 30 minutes (or overnight!) marinating it. And then 40 minutes in the oven.
So yes, try it, and don’t skimp on the lemony tahini-miso dressing. But prep in advance and/or don’t go into it hungry.
Overall
I'm going to look back most fondly on that quinoa bowl. I'd definitely consider making the apple salad and spaghetti squash again. The other dishes were kind of a shrug for me, so I don't think I'll be worshipping at the kitchen of Bobby Flay anytime soon. His recipes were good, but so are a lot of other recipes I haven't ever taken the time to excavate from my Pinterests boards, I'm sure.
I'm determined to find another use for the lemony tahini-miso dressing, and I'd like to find a way to use up the bottle of pomegranate molasses I am now the reluctant owner of. But mostly, what I learned is that it's good to change up your routine every once in a while and challenge yourself to try different flavor combinations and ingredients that aren't in your pantry...
... and that it's not worth trying to recreate a famous chef's poultry seasoning.
What do kids love? Getting messy and sticky. What does slime do? You guessed it. And considering the hours we spent playing with silly putty and watching teenagers get slimed on Nickelodeon, guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, eh?
And while you might not love the idea of slime now — particularly if you're thinking of a certain precious carpet — it's hard to deny a kid the joy of running amok with some goo. Plus, kids are bound to give you some peace and quiet (well, maybe peace, at least) while they muck around on their own.
So, slime: You can buy the stuff at the store, sure, but it's way cheaper to DIY, and it won't even take you that long. We rounded up four fun recipes your kids will have just as much fun helping you make as they will playing with.
1. Borax-based slime
Image: Michelle Maffei/SheKnows
You can easily find Borax powder at your favorite craft store or in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store. It not only lets you make your own slime; it offers a fun way to sneak in some science lessons too.
Fill 1 paper cup with water. Add 1 tablespoon of Borax powder and mix well. Set aside.
Take the other paper cup and add glue until the cup is filled about an inch high.
Add 3 tablespoons of water to the glue and stir.
Add food coloring to the glue concoction in the hue of your choice and mix.
Take your Borax solution and add 1 tablespoon of the liquid to your glue mixture and combine well.
2. Glowing PVA-based slime
Image: Michelle Maffei/SheKnows
Make your own slime glow with a secret ingredient that will surprise kids when the lights go off.
Supplies:
Disposable cups
Measuring spoons and cups
Polyvinyl alcohol
Water
Zip-close sandwich bags
Glow-in-the-dark paint
Borax powder
Directions:
In a disposable cup, mix 3/4 teaspoon of polyvinyl alcohol and 1/2 cup of water to create a PVA solution; set aside.
Add 2 tablespoons of PVA solution to a sandwich bag and mix in 1/8 teaspoon of glow paint. Zip closed and squish around to combine well.
In a separate bag, combine 3/4 teaspoon of Borax powder with 1/2 cup of warm water, zip closed and mix by squishing until the powder won't dissolve any further.
In a new sandwich bag, combine two tablespoons of PVA solution with 2 teaspoons of Borax solution, zip closed and knead with fingers to combine.
To make your goo glow, hold the bag up to the light, let it charge up, and when the lights go off, watch your DIY slime light up the night.
A version of this article was originally published in March 2013.
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3. Moldable slime
Image: Michelle Maffei/SheKnows
Similar to Nickelodeon's Floam, this shapeable DIY is the perfect way for kids to get their slime on.
Supplies:
Disposable cups
Measuring spoons and cups
White glue
Water
Food coloring (optional)
Borax powder
Zip-close gallon bags
1 cup polystyrene beads
Directions:
In a disposable cup, combine 1/4 cup white glue and 1/4 cup water.
Add a few drops of food coloring into the glue mixture and stir. Set aside.
In a separate cup, mix 2 teaspoons of Borax powder with 1/2 cup of water. Set aside.
In the plastic bag, pour the glue solution and polystyrene beads, add 3 tablespoons of the Borax solution, zip closed and squish to combine thoroughly.
Your formable slime is ready to play. You can let your creations air-dry for a keepsake or return them to an airtight bag and store it in the refrigerator for next time.
4. Cornstarch-based slime
Image: Michelle Maffei/SheKnows
One of the easiest ways to make your own slime at home, this DIY slime recipe uses materials you probably have in your cupboard.
Supplies:
Bowl
Measuring cups
Water
Cornstarch
Food coloring
Directions:
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of cornstarch and mix with your fingers until you reach a slimy, smooth consistency.
Add in a few drops of food coloring, and your DIY slime is ready for fun.
It's a happy time indeed for General Hospital star Vanessa Marcil, who gave fans a sneak peak at her growing baby bump on Instagram earlier this week. It's been a tough road for Marcil and her fiancé, whom she only refers to as "MC" publicly, as Marcil has struggled to conceive for quite some time. To date, she's disclosed that she has suffered six heartbreaking miscarriages before conceiving what now appears to be a girl. What happy news!
On Tuesday, Jan. 9, Marcil showed off her bump while one of her tiny puppies, Rocky, snuggled right into her. "The GIRLS," Marcil wrote without any further description. This is the first time Marcil seems to have mentioned any kind of sex in relation to her baby, so it's exciting to know that after all this time, she will finally have a little girl.
The actor has been documenting her journey to motherhood regularly on her Instagram and kicked it off with this photo back in December 2017. "It’s baby time. After 6 miscarriages we are saying prayers for [our precious miracle]," Marcil wrote to caption the photo, which shows her getting a kiss on the cheek from MC.
Marcil Pregnant Insta 2
Marcil Pregnant Insta 2
This child will be Marcil's second child and the first she has had with MC, to whom she has been engaged since August 2015. She has a son, 15-year-old Kassius Lijah, with her former Beverly Hills, 90210 costar Brian Austin Green.
This is such exciting news for Marcil, who is no doubt over the moon about the pregnancy. Fingers crossed things go smoothly for her and MC during the rest of her pregnancy and she delivers a happy and healthy baby girl.
If you've ever had a dog find their way into a bag of food or over a fence, you already know they're ranked among the most intelligent species of animals — right up there with chimpanzees, elephants and dolphins. But as any dog owner will tell you, some are definitely smarter than others — and a lot of that may come down to breed.
If having a smart dog is important to you and you're willing to keep them mentally engaged, here are the breeds most willing to put in a hard day of thinking.
10. Australian cattle dog
Image: sally9258/ Flickr
Yes, the Australian cattle dog from Down Under. A working dog that is traditionally occupied with controlling and herding cattle, its qualities are exceptional intelligence, alertness, resourcefulness and a fiercely protective loyalty over its property and people. They are agile, strong, active dogs, both physically and mentally, which revel in new experiences. The flip side is that they bore easily and will unintentionally find trouble while looking for activities to occupy themselves with. The cattle dog is very organized; many are known for putting their own toys away after playing.
At 19-inches tall and 30 to 60 pounds, they aren't huge dogs, but they're not the best choice unless you have plenty of wide-open spaces.
A version of this article was originally published in January 2009.
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9. Rottweiler
Image: Kusadasi Guy/Flickr
Another herding dog, the rottweiler began in Germany as a true work companion. They are still primarily used for work as guard dogs and as police dogs. They are well-known for their stoicism, keen perception, courage and unflagging loyalty. They make excellent additions to the family.
Ready for a surprise? Even at an average of 100 pounds and as much as 27-inches high, these pooches aren't awful at apartment dwelling so long as you keep them well-exercised.
This deceptively cute, butterfly-eared dog is smarter, tougher and stronger than it appears (it's like the bionic dog). Often described as a big dog in a little body, it has the athletic stamina to keep up on long walks and the bravura of a canine 10 times its size. The Papillon is a true companion and watchdog. Although they can be ferociously protective over what belongs to them, their keen intelligence makes it possible to take them anywhere. Let's not forget they can be litter-box trained, a big plus.
These sweet pooches are a teensy 10-inches high and weigh only 9 pounds, perfect for those with smaller homes or apartments.
The Lab, as it is affectionately called, is the most popular breed chosen by families. Another member of the working class of dogs, Labs are best known for their intelligence, affection, patience and gentility, making them perfect companions for households with kids. They are easily trained and, in fact, are one of the top dogs chosen for search and rescue, assisting the disabled and police work. They are also known to self-train, observing behaviors in humans and repeating them — a great asset in emergency situations.
Despite their size (about 22-inches tall and 65 pounds, though some males can get as big as 100 pounds), they do pretty well in spacious apartments with plenty of exercise or in moderate homes with an average-size backyard.
Another herding dog, the Shetland takes this ability into the home, showing the same commitment and protectiveness over its human "herd" as the farm-raised version does. Highly intelligent, the Sheltie handles life with great efficiency and diligence, learning new commands with little repetition and making sure that all the family is safe, sound and in place. Shelties show great devotion to their families and are happy to live just about anywhere — while they're pretty active indoors, they're OK without a yard if sufficiently exercised, and despite their collie-like looks, they're pretty petite at a max of 16-inches tall and 27 pounds.
Due to an inborn fearlessness and deep stamina, the Doberman is one of the most popular breeds of guard dogs. Smart and assertive, they can easily be trained for dominance or docility. Because of their past as war and police dogs, they may appear fearsome, but they are actually quite gentle. Their loyalty and acuity make Dobermans great additions to the family.
The average Doberman is about 26-inches high and 66 to 88 pounds, but the kennel clubs have dubbed some much larger Dobes "Warlock Dobermans."
A very affectionate and popular breed, the golden retriever is highly regarded for its intelligence. They can learn well over 200 commands, making them indispensable companions both in the home and in the workplace. Loyal, loving and patient, with a willingness to please and a love of learning, this is a fabulous companion pet to bring into your family.
These are sturdy dogs that top the scales at 80 pounds, so they need a bit of room but can easily be apartment dogs if they're sufficiently exercised. But they would probably prefer a medium-size backyard.
The shepherd was originally bred specifically for intelligence. Smart, courageous and protective, the German shepherd is one of the most dependable of companions. They learn tasks after only a few repetitions and obey commands nearly always the first time they are given. They are eager to learn new tasks as this gives them direction and purpose — very important for a shepherd. Besides being used for herding animals, they are often used as guard dogs, police dogs and search-and-rescue dogs and have even been trained by the military for parachute jumps.
They're fairly big dogs at 24 inches and 80 pounds, but surprisingly, if they're well-exercised, they're not too shabby at living in a roomy enough apartment, though they much prefer a big yard to romp in.
Easily trainable, steadfast and sharp-minded, poodles flourish in human company. Even with the froufrou hairdos, poodles are made to endure and can be quite effective as guard dogs, especially the standard-size poodles. In fact, the "poodle clip" was created specifically for the working poodle, so it could swim more effectively while still having fur to protect its organs as it went about the business of hunting and retrieving.
The poodle excels at training and obedience and also loves creative playtime. This is what made them so popular as circus performers. But this can be a drawback as well. If left alone to boredom, poodles can be creative about finding ways to amuse themselves, sometimes finding trouble along the way.
They come in a variety of sizes, from toy to standard, so there's sure to be a version of these fluffy-haired Poindexters for any size house.
And the No. 1 smartest dog breed in the world is...
Because of their extraordinary intelligence and high energy, it is essential to give border collies an occupation or purpose, or you may well find your home wrecked upon your return from a long day at work. They have an intense connection with humans, making border collies ideal work and home companions.
However, keep this in mind: Border collies invariably will not do well unless they are with people who are as high-energy as they are. They do best with humans who can participate in dog sports with them. Also, because of their background as herding dogs, they may be frustrated by small children as their inability to herd the children as they deem fit is confounding for them. For the right human, the border collie is well-behaved, exceptionally good at learning and a true-blue companion.
For more pet health information, visit PetMD. Don't forget to visit PetMD's new Topic Centers.
Although I’ve gotten over my deeply rooted frizzy hair complex, that doesn’t mean I’ve neglected my search for an easy way (key word: easy) to make my curls bounce and spiral. In fancier terms, I want definition and to enhance what’s already there. What I’ve learned is that sometimes gels and creams simply don’t cut it.
When you factor in all of the processes we typically put our strands through — like coloring or heat-styling — it’s no wonder our natural curls start to fall flat over time. What we really need to do beyond investing in curling products is literally manipulate our hair back into its original pattern. Though it takes time and consistency, there are some tried-and-true techniques that make this a reality.
Now, if you’ve got textured hair like me, the gamut is pretty wide, but the results and prep time slightly vary. Over the course of my natural-hair journey, I’ve grown to love a slew of black vloggers, like PrettyGirlsWithCurls and Mini Marley, whose curls seem to always flourish without effort. What they have in common are these five defining methods. Ahead, a refresher on what each of them is and what to expect as you try them.
This tool-free method works best on detangled, damp hair, but requires a lot of product, such as an alcohol-free gel or moisturizing cream. Start by separating the hair into four sections. From there, take a smaller section from one of those sections and rake or smooth product through from roots to tips.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, define and elongate each curl within that smaller section by raking your fingers through. After that, try not to touch your hair as it dries overnight or otherwise. This process can feel tedious depending on your hair length, so maybe not the best option for those with a time crunch.
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Finger Coils Method
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Finger Coils Method
Like the shingling method, you can begin the finger-coiling technique by splitting your hair into four sections and split each of those into two subsections (eight total). Next, detangle each section (or detangle the entire head beforehand) and apply a curl activator of your choice. Take one of your subsections and grab a small piece of hair from it.
Coat your index finger in a dab of curl activator and twist the strand around it, hold for a few seconds and loosen. It doesn’t matter how big or small the curl is; it’s simply a matter of personal preference, although the smaller the curl, the more definition you’ll see overall. After you’re done, you can allow your hair to air-dry. This method is also tedious, so save it for a lazy Sunday.
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Two or Three-Strand Twis
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Two or Three-Strand Twis
The twist-out is the most popular curl-defining method because it can be done on dry or wet hair. When done on wet hair, the results are smaller, spirally curls, and on heat-styled hair, you can expect to see bigger waves. Start by separating your hair into three or four sections. Take one section and spray it with water or a styler (best option for dry hair) to add moisture.
Once you’ve detangled with a comb or your fingers, separate a small section within your subsection and split it into three strands. From there, take the strand furthest on the right, rotate it over to the left and repeat until you’ve gotten to the ends. Once your entire head is done, wear the twists overnight to really lock in the definition and remove them when you wake up.
This method is nearly identical to the twist-out method, except you’re doing traditional braids throughout the hair instead. For best results, start with freshly shampooed and deep-conditioned hair. You should also begin your braids in the back of the head, so you can easily see that section while everything else is pinned away, giving you a clearer view. The number of braids you do will depend on the amount of time you have and how big you want your curls to be. Again, if you’re looking for skinny spirals, aim for smaller braids.
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Flexi-Rod or Perm Rod Se
Best Curl-Defining Techniques: Flexi-Rod or Perm Rod Se
If you prefer doing your hair right before bed so it has ample time to settle, a flexi-rod set will keep all of your hard work secure and in place as you sleep. You can pick up these Styrofoam sticks at your local beauty supply store.
Lay the rod flat against your scalp and wrap the hair around the rod, working your way down. If you want a smoother look, stop every couple of seconds to brush through the curls. Once you’re done wrapping the hair, bend both ends of the rods into each other until you form a tight circle. Repeat this throughout the hair and hold your entire 'do in place with a silk or satin bonnet. After you’ve removed the rods in the morning, use a tail comb to gently style the curls without disturbing their newly defined shape.
Twenty years ago, a show premiered about four friends living in New York City and the many booze-filled shenanigans they shared over the years. And no, we're not talking about Sex and the City. True fans undoubtedly know the precise sitcom of which we speak: Will & Grace, of course!
And praise to the powers that be, our must-see TV schedule now once again includes Will Truman (Eric McCormack), Grace Adler (Debra Messing), Karen Walker (Megan Mullally), Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) and the whole zany gang.
While some people weren't convinced a reboot would fare well, we fans never doubted the show's enduring appeal. Aside from feeling sorry for those poor souls who are missing out, check out these other things only Will & Grace fans understand.
1. How you felt inside when the show originally ended...
As a matter of fact, Jack essentially created an entirely new dictionary for looking fabulous. There should be a Jack's Almanac by now. Someone get on that, stat!
5. That there is nothing more pure in this world than Jack and Karen's relationship
Of course, you can’t just walk in and ask for your heaping plate of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and grits, but it’s pretty darn close.
To score your free Build Your Own Grand Slam, place an online or mobile order from the Denny’s On Demand platform this month. Any order at all. After you do that, your next online or mobile order any time through Wednesday, Jan. 31, you’ll receive a Grand Slam breakfast absolutely free.
The Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast is the chain’s signature dish. You can build your own Grand Slam breakfast by choosing from four of their 10 breakfast items. You can choose everything from eggs (any style), meat, pancakes, fruit, yogurt, buttermilk biscuit, potatoes and toast. The price normally runs $6 to $8, depending on location.
As all sorts of fast-food chains are building up their value menus in order to get customers in, free food escalates the value battles to a new level, and we’re happy to benefit.
To take part, you must place orders at Dennys.com or the through the Denny’s On Demand mobile app, available via iTunes or Google Play, so now would be a great time to get on Wi-Fi and start downloading.
You've made it through the baby years, the terrible twos and the threenager stage, and you're still standing. You deserve a pat on the back. But parenting is the exhausting gift that keeps on giving, so before you breathe too big a sigh of relief, welcome to the frustrating fours.
But don't just slump on the floor and wail (although if you do, know that we've been there), because there is good news. And that's the fact that most of the time 4-year-olds are pretty awesome. They're leaving toddlerhood behind; getting ready for school; and are full of energy, curiosity and hilarious chatter. Expect a whole lot of love — along with 64,386 "Why?" questions every day.
Like every age, being 4 years old comes with its ups and downs — and that's just for the kid. Parenting a 4-year-old can be a challenge at the best of times. Every child is different, of course, but here are some of the things you can expect from your 4-year-old along with some expert tips on how to help them.
At the age of 4, most children are able to exhibit certain developmental milestones, says Kandace Herring, educational director at Varsity Tutors who has a master's degree in education with an emphasis on early childhood education.
Social skills
Taking turns in line on the playground or in a board game
Sharing toys
Introducing themselves
Asking questions
Following basic directions
Exhibiting self-control
Fine motor skills
Grasping a pencil/scissors
Zipping a coat
Writing their own name
Gross motor skills
Pedaling a bike
Hopping
Jumping
Running
Skipping
Kicking a ball
Language skills
Expressing their feelings with their own words
Using four- to five-word sentences
Responding to questions
Understanding responses to questions
How can I encourage my 4-year-old to love learning?
Every day with your 4-year-old brings so many opportunities to help them learn, says kindergarten teacher Taylor Doyle. "Ask your kid questions that make them think, and encourage them to ask questions as well," she suggests. "For example, when on a walk, ask questions that increase thought — like, 'Why do you think trees are tall?' and 'Where do you think clouds come from?' These types of questions push children to start thinking a little bit deeper, and this encourages wonder, which is huge for learning down the road. Skills like this create a 'thinker' rather than just a 'learner.'"
Reading books and playing board games together are other ways to encourage a love of learning, says Herring. She also recommends involving your child in everyday activities like grocery store planning and cooking. "Simple cooking activities are a fun and important way to help children learn about measurements, mixing, temperatures and discussions about solids vs. liquids," she says.
Should my 4-year-old get screen time?
Ah, the trusty iPad — every parent's savior when multitasking is impossible or patience is thin. But does technology help or harm your 4-year-old? With the right apps, it can be useful for short amounts of time, says Doyle. "Playing learning games on electronics can be beneficial to 4-year-olds and can help with their fine motor skills as they are touching specific points on the screen," she says. "But know what they are doing, limit the time they are doing it, and ask them questions about what they are learning; if they are getting nothing from it, they need a different activity."
How can I help build my 4-year-old's self-esteem?
According to therapist Lakiesha Russell, you can boost your 4-year-old's self-esteem in three different ways.
Encourage autonomy
"Parents are quick to jump to the rescue of our children, especially when they are young," says Russell. Instead of sweeping in to assist with getting dressed or putting on shoes, stop and wait for your child to ask for help. This helps them learn how to problem-solve and want to do things on their own first, which helps them grow up feeling confident in their own abilities to navigate the world. "When we hover over our children and don’t allow them to assert their independence, they feel inadequate in their abilities," she adds.
Increase your own self-esteem
Your child will imitate how you react to things and what you value, so a positive self-image is crucial, says Russell. Part of this is acknowledging when you have done something well and celebrating your own small victories, which can motivate your child to do their best as well.
Encourage positive release of emotions
Encourage your child to use words to share how they feel. This shows them their emotions are important. You can also show them constructive ways to release those emotions, such as expressively coloring when they are angry, using breathing techniques when they are anxious and building things (with Legos or blocks) when they are sad. These techniques can help them express and validate feelings they may not be able to articulate.
Don't beat yourself up if you feel as if you spend your days completely baffled by your 4-year-old (What do they want? What do they mean? Why are they having another tantrum?). Kids at this age are challenging — some more so than others. "A 4-year old may have a limited vocabulary or even be nonverbal," says educator Lemi-Ola Erinkitola, founder of The Children's Reading Foundation of Greater Chicago and The Critical Thinking Child. "It's important to remember that children have different learning styles — and what works for one child may not work for another," she adds. "The more patient and flexible you are, the more effective a teacher you'll be for your kid."
It's a very happy new year for Ricky Martin — he just confirmed that he and his artist beau Jwan Yosef got secretly married! We're not sure when exactly they tied the knot, but Martin told E! News about the happy news this week.
"I’m a husband, but we’re doing a heavy party in a couple of months, I’ll let you know," he said. "We exchanged vows, and we’ve swear [sic] everything, and we’ve signed all the papers that we needed to sign, prenups and everything."
Please let "prenups and everything" become the new way celebrities confirm they've gotten married. Bless Ricky Martin; always a trendsetter, that one.
Martin and Yosef have been dating since 2016. They met when Martin bought some of Yosef's art. He explained the whole adorable story on The Ellen Show after they got engaged. "Well, now he lives with me. He’s a conceptual artist and I’m a collector, so I started looking for art, and I saw his art, and I went crazy because I really love what he does — really original. And then I contacted him," Martin said. "I had no idea what he looked like, and then I saw what he looked like, and I’m like, yeah. And we just got engaged."
Just like that. Honestly, I'm dying from the cuteness.
"I proposed," Martin continued. "I was really nervous, but I got on my knees and I took out the little metal box — I just had it in a little velvet pouch — and instead of saying ‘Would you marry me?’ I said, ‘I got you something!’ Bad! And then he was like, ‘Yes?’ I said, ‘I want to spend my life with you,’ and he was like, ‘What is the question?’ ‘Would you marry me?’ That’s it."
Clearly, these two have a lot of happy years ahead of them. Congrats to the newlyweds!
According to the venerable Washington Post, the 2017 Women's March — which took place the day after Donald Trump's inauguration — may go down in the record books as the largest single-day protest in American history. Not bad for a bunch of puss... er, womenfolk, eh? Roar!
The 2017 Women's March took place in numerous cities across the globe, with more than 4 million people in the United States alone assembling to protest inequality, intolerance and injustice. We're delighted to say there will indeed be a 2018 Women's March — and we've got the 411 for you so you won't miss a thing.
Mark your calendar with a bright-pink cat hat: The weekend of Jan. 20 will be a Women's March weekend across the world. NYC is the host of the headliner Women's March on Jan. 20. A rally starts at 11:30 a.m. and a big ol' march will kick off around 12:30 p.m.
Where can I register?
Excellent question. Register away for the NYC march here. Right now, almost 20,000 people have tagged themselves on Facebook as attending. But there's plenty of room for you and your squad, and the NYC 2018 Women's March has a very helpful FAQ you might want to check out as you make plans.
Chicago's planning another big march this year. Chicagoans can get the scoop here.
Are there other marches outside NYC and Chicago? Hell, yes! Sister marches are cropping up everywhere on Jan. 20, from Colorado to Tennessee to Germany. Search for one close to you here or here.
We're so glad you asked. Jan. 21 will be the launch the official #PowerToThePolls event in Las Vegas. The event has been organized by the copresidents of the inaugural Women's March, and the campaign is a yearlong "voter registration and mobilization tour" targeting America's swing states in hope of gaining progressive candidates.
On the Women's March website — which you will definitely want to check out, trust us — Tamika D. Mallory, copresident of the Women’s March, had this to say: “Women’s March has created a powerful movement that has ignited thousands of activists and new leaders. In 2018, we must turn our work into action ahead of the midterms. This new initiative will address voter registration and voter suppression head on. We marched for justice in DC, we created our plan in Detroit and now we’re bringing the power of the polls to Nevada.”
Where can I register for the #PowerToThePolls event?
Well, no, it's not required. But registering you and your posse will help the city in question communicate changes in time or locations with you and your party. It will also be a huge help to local police and emergency services, as they plan out safe routes and staff the event. So while you can just show up, why not be extra cool and RSVP to help planners make the Women's March 2018 extra awesome?
Every year, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Television announces the nominees for Best Picture. And every year, at least one of my favorite movies gets left off the list. Last year, that movie was Jackie starring Natalie Portman, about the days after the assassination of John F. Kennedy told through Jackie Kennedy's eyes. Portman was nominated for Best Actress, but that's not the same. The entire movie was really good!
In 2009, the Academy went from having a limit of five nominees in the Best Picture category to allowing up to 10 (there were nine last year). I thought this would really help my chances of seeing all my favorite movies on the list, but no dice. Apparently, the Academy has very different tastes in movies than I do. Luckily, after the #OscarsSoWhite debacle in 2016, the Academy has been inviting a more diverse group of people (ahem, women of color) to vote on which movies should be nominated. We'll find out on Jan. 23 if it helped.
So, here is my dream list of the 10 movies (since that's the limit) I wish to see nominated for Best Picture. Drum roll, please...
1. Wonder Woman
Wonder Women
Wonder Women
This film did so many great things for women in and out of the movie industry. Directed by Patty Jenkins, it tells the story of our favorite female superhero (played by Gal Gadot), and it's about time! Finally, Wonder Woman is not just somebody's girlfriend or assistant; she's the actual star of the movie. The movie not only made us laugh, swoon and cry; it also made over $400 million worldwide. Now that's worth a nomination.
2. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women
Professor Marston
Professor Marston
Keeping with the Wonder Woman theme, this little indie film tells the story of Professor Marston (Luke Evans), the man who created the Wonder Woman comics. He believed women should rule the world because they're more levelheaded and compassionate than men and created a comic book to inspire young people to think the same way. What's even more interesting is that the character of Wonder Woman was inspired by the two women he loved: his wife, Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall) and their live-in lover, Bella Heathcote (Olive Byrne). Yes, they had a polyamorous relationship, and, even after William Marston died, Elizabeth and Bella continued to live together and love each other.
Set in the 1930s, Mudbound focuses on two families: one white and one black, both struggling to feed their families. The story reveals two sides of one coin, each heartbreaking in their own way, allowing the film to delve deep into racism and explore how such toxic attitudes are passed from one generation to another. The female leads, Mary J. Blige and Carey Mulligan, are the two gatekeepers of their families, letting nothing enter or exit without their hard-won permission. It would also be super-cool to see a Netflix film win Best Picture, but certainly, that's pipe dream.
4. The Big Sick
The Big Sick
The Big Sick
This romantic comedy is a special movie for many reasons, the biggest probably being that it's based on cowriter and star Kumail Nanjiani's real story of falling in love with his wife, Emily Gordon. But it's special in other ways too. It's a story about an immigrant blessed or cursed, depending on how you look at it, with the American Dream. The film shows a giant culture clash that every immigrant family can relate to. It also asks the question, "What does it mean to be true to myself?" But at the end of the day, it's just a good, old-fashioned love story.
5. I, Tonya
I, Tonya
I, Tonya
Love or hate Tonya Harding, it doesn't matter. She was a girl with a dream, and despite knowing she doesn't achieve it, the movie makes you root for her anyway. Americans love underdog stories, and while the film is that, at its heart, it's a story about class in America. For all of Harding's talent, and there was plenty, she could never transcend her lower-class tastes, attitudes and limited resources. Because the film tells the story from different characters' points of view, it is a fascinating look at a woman (played by Margot Robbie) that still mesmerizes audiences 25 years later.
6. Get Out
Get Out
Get Out
This psychological horror film is superbly plotted, frightening to no end and as good as any Hitchcock movie. Its terror comes from the darkest kind of racism, reminding us all that old attitudes of xenophobia are still alive and well.
7. The Florida Project
The Florida Project
The Florida Project
Both humorous and heartbreaking, the movie is set in a dingy hotel near Disneyworld and takes a stern look at poverty just outside the world's "happiest place." As the gap grows between the rich and the poor, this movie is a microcosm of America revealing the best — 6-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her enchanted imagination — and the worst — an unforgiving U.S. economy dominated by corporate greed.
8. Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049
I'll admit this movie doesn't live up to the original director's cut of Blade Runner, but it's still a powerful movie. What was science fiction in 1982 is now becoming reality, for better or worse. Artificial intelligence is here, prompting new questions about what it means to be human and the true nature of God. But the best thing about the film is that Harrison Ford is back as Rick Deckard, elevating the film to a whole new level.
9. The Zookeeper's Wife
The Zookeeper's Wife
The Zookeeper's Wife
Based on a recently revealed true story, Jessica Chastain plays Antonina Zabinski, the wife of a zookeeper in Nazi-occupied Poland. Antonina is a quiet heroine, but her courage and resolve is awe-inspiring. Her ability to nurture those around her in a time of war, both animal and human, makes it one of the most powerful stories told this year.
OK, so yes, I know this is an R-rated comedy with some really bawdy humor, but just hear me out. This was the funniest movie of all of 2017, and people are still talking about grapefruit! Plus, a movie with four strong women of color in the lead roles should make adding it to the list of noms a no-brainer. The ensemble acting in this movie is stellar, and I would argue that Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith and newcomer Tiffany Haddish are the best ensemble cast of the year.
