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Is Hot Yoga Really Better for You?

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When it comes to working out, most of us are under the impression that the sweatier we are, the more health benefits come with the exercise. This now extends beyond lifting weights or running to yoga. Over the past few years, you've likely heard people talking about "hot yoga," or Bikram yoga, or even tried it yourself. If not, it is exactly what it sounds like: practicing yoga in a very hot room.

Though the idea of reaping the benefits of yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees F makes sense using the sweat = health mentality, new research found that it's the physical practice of Bikram yoga rather than the sweltering heat that really does your body good.

Bikram yoga consists of 26 specific poses and breathing exercises, and the study, published in the journal Experimental Physiology, indicates that the vascular improvement in the middle-aged people involved in the study was a result of the different postures alone and were not dependent on the temperature of the room.

More: How to Navigate Yoga When You Have Your Period

Dr. Stacy Hunter, an assistant professor in the department of health and human performance at Texas State University and one of the study's authors, tells Time this doesn't mean Bikram is unhealthy. In fact, it's the opposite. The major takeaway is that the extremely hot temperatures may not come with additional health benefits, as many previously thought.

More: Yoga Class Dropout Tries Again With Hilaria Baldwin

As far as studies go, this one was relatively small, with 52 adult participants. At the end of 12 weeks, the groups that attended hot yoga and regular-temperature yoga had the same vascular improvement — potentially decreasing future risk of heart attack or stroke — while the control group that didn't do yoga at all saw no improvement.

The moral of the story is, if you're into yoga (and it's totally fine if you're not) and can't take the heat, you're not any worse off because of it.


City-Inspired Baby Names for Jet-Setting Girls

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One trend you may have noticed in baby names is to name children after destinations. London, Savannah or Brooklyn, perhaps? The Social Security Administration first noticed the trend in 2008, and city and state names remain in the top 1,000 baby names today.

Some parents name their baby after a city, state or country because it was a place they visited during their honeymoon, anniversary or another special trip. Some places have a historical or family tie they want to acknowledge. Other parents admit this special place is where the baby was actually conceived or maybe even born.

More: Retro Baby Names

On your hunt for the perfect name for your baby girl, it's worth considering a name based on a destination — whether it's of special significance to you or you just like the sound or underlying meaning. Here are our favorite city and destination names for baby girls.

Girl names after cities, states & places

Celebrity girl names after cities, states & places

Many celebrities name their baby girls after countries, cities, states or neighborhoods — and some even have city names themselves! Check out some of our top picks.

  • Paris (Hilton)
  • Alabama (daughter of Drea de Matteo and Shooter Jennings)
  • Brooklyn (Victoria and David Beckham's son, but could also work for a girl)
  • Chelsea (Clinton)
  • Dakota (Fanning)
  • Florence (Henderson)
  • Juno (as in the movie, but also sounds like Juneau, Alaska)
  • Bristol (Palin)
  • Ireland (Baldwin, daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger)
  • Jordan (reality star in the U.K.)

Delightful destination names

Even though these place names didn't make the list of top baby girl names, we think any of them would make a unique and lovely first or middle name.

Also, take the "girl names" categorization with a grain of salt. Many if not all of these destination names would work great for babies of any gender. Brooklyn, Logan, Paris, Peyton and Dakota are just a few examples that any kid could rock.

More: Middle Name Trends for Girls

What is your favorite destination-based baby name? Are we forgetting any cool places?

City baby names for girls
Image: SheKnows

A version of this article was originally published in January 2013.

12 Badass Women to Tide You Over 'Til the Next Wonder Woman

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Wonder Woman, starring Gal Gadot, inspired women everywhere to use the love inside them to help save the world — in ways both big and small. Though we know Diana Prince is just a comic book character and there's no such thing as an invisible jet, she's still a powerful symbol for anyone who's looking to find truth and justice in a world that can often feel frightening and unfair. Wonder Woman gives all of us hope.

Luckily, the sequel, Wonder Woman 2, is currently in the works and set to hit movie theaters Nov. 1, 2019. The bad news is we have to wait a year and a half to see this hero brandish her golden Lasso of Truth, but the good news is there are plenty of other movies coming out this year that also star powerful women. Here are the best female characters in movies to help inspire you until Wonder Woman is back.

1. The Biologist in Annihilation (Feb. 23)

The laws of nature get turned on their head when a group of female scientists investigate a land where humans no longer seem to be at the top of the food chain. Natalie Portman stars as The Biologist alongside Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez and Oscar Isaac.

Annihilation

Annihilation

2. Dominika Egorova in Red Sparrow (March 2)

Jennifer Lawrence plays a Russian ballerina who enlists in Sparrow School to learn how to use her body as a weapon on behalf of the Russian government. Things get dangerous when she targets a CIA agent, played by super-sexy Joel Edgerton.

Red Sparrow

Red Sparrow

3. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who & Mrs. Which in A Wrinkle in Time (March 9)

As Meg (Storm Reid) searches for her missing scientist dad, three powerful supernatural beings (played by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling) come to her aid.

A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

4. Lara Croft in Tomb Raider (March 16)

British archaeologist Lara Croft gets a reboot, this time with Swedish actor Alicia Vikander. In the film, Lara must travel to a mysterious island where her father has gone missing.

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider

More: Gal Gadot Did Some Amazing Things Before She Was Wonder Woman

5. Lou, Rose & Debbie in Oceans 8 (June 8)

Lou (Cate Blanchett), Rose (Helena Bonham Carter) and Debbie (Sandra Bullock) band together to lead a group of gangster gals in this female-driven heist movie. With Dakota Fanning, Olivia Munn and Sarah Paulson supporting them, this could be the most powerful female ensemble this year.

Ocean's 8

Ocean's 8

6. Mulan in Mulan (Nov. 2)

Live-action Disney movies are in vogue right now, and we couldn't be happier. Originally inspired by the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, a warrior woman skilled at martial arts, the movie tells the story of Mulan (Yifei Liu), a young woman who pretends to be a male warrior to search for her missing father.

mulan

mulan

More: Was Gal Gadot Grossly Underpaid for Playing Wonder Woman?

7. Mary & Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots (Nov. 2)

The brutal story of these two rival queens never gets old. Scottish Queen Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) plots to dethrone her half-sister, Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie).

Mary Queen of Scots
Image: Focus Features

8. Ruth Bader Ginsburg in On the Basis of Sex (release date TBD)

Felicity Jones plays United States Supreme Court associate justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she faces sexism while fighting for equal rights.

On the Basis of Sex
Image: Participant Media

More: Don Cheadle Tells Men Upset About "Women-Only" Wonder Woman Screenings to Sit Down

Which female-driven movie do you most want to see? Let us know in the comments below.

The Hilarious Way Adam Levine Almost Ruined His Daughter’s Birth

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I think we can agree that it's official: Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has lost all of his old bad-boy cred. Between adoring fatherhood — daughter Dusty Rose is now 16 months old — and always gushing on social media about his supermodel wife Behati Prinsloo, Levine has revealed the softie side he was hiding so cleverly throughout those younger, snarkier days. And he even revealed, well, quite a bit more than we expected on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday — much to the delight of host Kimmel, as you'll see in the video clip.

Adam Levine

Adam Levine

Levine's wife, Prinsloo, is this close to having their second child, Levine told Kimmel. That conversation led to Levine reminiscing about daughter Dusty Rose's arrival — and the splat-astrophe that almost went down during her birth thanks to some dubious advice from Carson Daly.

Said Levine, "I received a tip from Carson Daly... He has, like, 400 kids, so... He said, 'You have to eat something'... They say that a large percentage of new dads, when their wife is in labor, they pass out because they forget to take care of themselves and nourish themselves with food, and they faint a lot of the time."

More: Adam Levine Reveals Sex of Second Baby on the Way

Levine, who wanted to be "a pillar of strength" for Prinsloo, decided to take Carson's advice — but revealed to Kimmel that he maybe went a little bit overboard with his caloric intake.

"I ordered a lot of food because I'm like, 'I've gotta eat a lot of stuff now; otherwise I'll faint,'" Levine told Kimmel. "I just started going at it... What I discovered about myself is that I'm a nervous eater."

At first, Levine thought the advice was working, saying he felt very Zen during Prinsloo's calm labor.

"I was eating a lot, though... So, I'm basically bursting at the seams. Like, I'm going to shit my pants at some point. There's no other way I can tell you this," Levine said, prompting chortles from Kimmel. "But also, my wife is in labor! It's the lamest thing to be [feeling] when your wife is going to have a baby. That's not in any way a viable complaint. So, you've got to just keep it inside, literally and figuratively."

More: Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo Celebrate Daughter Dusty Rose's First Birthday

Levine did his best to do just that, steeling himself to wait until the baby arrived. "I'm like, 'Shit, man. I'm just going to wait this out.' Because I could go to the bathroom and come back, and the baby's out and I missed the whole thing. It was brutal. So, I waited, doubled over in pain, and finally the baby came. It was beautiful and it was amazing. The second the coast is clear — my wife's good, she's healthy, everyone's happy — I took one of the nurses aside and I was like, 'Look, you gotta find me a bathroom.' She's like, 'Well, there's one right here.' It was at the foot of my bed. I was like, 'No... not that bathroom.'"

We're just glad Levine wrapped up the story at that point since he's already led us pretty far into TMI territory. Kimmel didn't mind one bit, though, quipping, "That's fatherhood for you!"

Just so we don't leave you with the image of Levine pooping on the blessed occasion of his daughter's birth, here's an Instagram post that Levine shared a while back of his very content married-with-kids life.

Adam Levine fam

Adam Levine fam

"Everything I need is right here. (Beach optional)," reads the caption. Ugh, Adam. We didn't know you had it in you. This or the TMIfest. Full of surprises, this guy.

Kim Kardashian West Announces Baby Name & You'll Never Believe It

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Updated Jan. 19, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. ET: Well, it's official. The moment we've all been waiting for is here: Kim Kardashian West just tweeted to announce the name of her third baby with Kanye West. Fans and critics and denizens of the internet everywhere, please welcome (*drum roll*) Chicago West.

Kim K baby name

Kim K baby name

That's right; little Chicago has joined her siblings North and Saint, bucking the one-syllable name trend and starting, apparently, a destination-based name trend of her own. Kardashian West hasn't yet spilled details on the name's inspiration, but, oh, boy, will the internet be debating this one until she does. And possibly a more pressing question: Does this mean the Kardashian Wests are moving?!

Original story, published Jan. 16, 2018: Talk about some thoroughly exciting news: Reports are coming in that Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West welcomed their third child, this one via surrogate, on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The past few months have been full of speculation — about who their surrogate is, about Kardashian West's decision to pursue surrogacy in the first place and even about the excited preparations of the couple's older children, North and Saint, for their new baby sister.

More: Kim Kardashian West Slams Shamers Who Accused Her of Partying When Saint Was in the Hospital

Kardashian West released an official statement on her app about the birth under the title "She's here!" Kardashian writes: "Kanye and I are happy to announce the arrival of our healthy, beautiful baby girl. We are incredibly grateful to our surrogate who made our dreams come true with the greatest gift one could give and to our wonderful doctors and nurses for their special care. North and Saint are especially thrilled to welcome their baby sister."

Their baby girl, whose name hasn't been released to the public yet (but will no doubt be unveiled in a super-Kardashian way), was reportedly born on Jan. 15 at 12:47 a.m. Pacific and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces — are you cooing with delight yet?

More: Kim Kardashian West Talks About Losing Embryo & Choosing Surrogacy

It's been a long journey to this happy moment for Kardashian West and West. Since they confirmed they were expecting in October 2017, fans have enjoyed debating the surrogate's identity (many are still hoping it's Kylie Jenner — fat chance).

And of course, as with all things Kardashian-related, fans didn't hesitate to post their various hot takes, shady thoughts and colorful commentary on Twitter.

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 1

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 1

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 2

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 2

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 3

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 3

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 4

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 4

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 5

KKW Baby #3 Tweet 5

More: How Kim Kardashian West Bribes North to Go to School

All speculation and jokes aside, it's time to start taking bets on what name Kardashian West and West have picked out for their daughter — because knowing them, it will be anything but conventional.

Read McKayla Maroney's Statement About Larry Nassar & the 'Scars' He Left

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All week, women have been giving harrowing impact statements at the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, the former U.S. Gymnastics team doctor who is accused of sexually abusing more than 140 people, many of whom were children at the time of the abuse. Many of those women are stars who have competed for the U.S. at the Olympic Games, including McKayla Maroney, whose impact statement was read aloud in court Thursday.

More: McKayla Maroney's Mom Says, "This Haunts My Daughter"

"For as long as I can remember, gymnastics was my life," Maroney wrote. "As a child, my mom said, 'I need to put this child in gymnastics, to tire her out.' You could say I was in gymnastics since the age of 18 months. I've always felt comfortable in the gym, sort of my home away from home. I was 7 years old for my first competition. I remember getting ready for the meet. I got my hair braided with a cool bow and some sparkles. I got to wear this really awesome leo and wore a matching warm-up. Life was good, I looked good… and I was pretty certain that one day I'd be heading off to the Olympics!"

Maroney continued, "The Olympics is something that brings people hope and joy. It inspires people to fight for their dreams, because anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I remember watching the 2004 Olympics. I was 8 years old, and I told myself that one day I would wear that red, white and blue leotard and compete for my country. Sure, from the outside looking in, it's a remarkable and amazing story. I did it. I got there, but not without a price. I made the U.S. National Team at the age of 14 and began to compete throughout the world for my country. When I first met Larry Nassar, he was the doctor for our National team and our Olympic team. I was told to trust him, that he would treat my injuries and make it possible for me to achieve my Olympic dreams. Dr. Nassar told me that I was receiving 'medically necessary treatment that he had been performing on patients for over 30 years.'

"As it turns out, much to my demise, Dr. Nassar was not a doctor; he in fact was, and forever shall be, a child molester, and a monster of a human being. End of story! He abused my trust, he abused my body and he left scars on my psyche that may never go away. It all started when I was 13 or 14 years old, at one of my first National Team training camps, in Texas, and it didn't end until I left the sport. It seemed whenever and wherever this man could find the chance, I was 'treated.' It happened in London before my team and I won the gold medal, and It happened before I won my silver medal.

"For me, the scariest night of my life happened when I was 15 years old. I had flown all day and night with the team to get to Tokyo. He'd given me a sleeping pill for the flight, and the next thing I know, I was all alone with him in his hotel room getting a 'treatment.' I thought I was going to die that night. Because the National Team training camps did not allow parents to be present, my mom and dad were unable to observe what Nassar was doing, and this has imposed a terrible and undeserved burden of guilt on my loving family.

"Larry Nassar deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison. Not only because of what he did to me, my teammates and so many other little girls. He needs to be behind bars so he will never prey upon another child. I urge you to impose the maximum sentence upon him."

Maroney also addressed the organizations that were made aware of complaints against Nassar but never stopped him. She specifically called out Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic Committee, saying each organization deserves to be held accountable for its role in allowing Nassar's abusive behaviors to continue.

"Our silence has given the wrong people power for too long, and it's time to take our power back," she ended her statement.

Nassar pleaded guilty to just seven accounts of criminal sexual assault in November. At his sentencing, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina has allowed any of his victims who wish to speak to do so, and more than 100 signed up. Testimonies have been given at the hearing all week.

Maroney's speech is particularly poignant because she signed a nondisclosure agreement when she settled with USA Gymnastics in 2016, meaning she could be subject to a $100,000 fine for her statement, which was read at Nassar's sentencing. In a statement to E! News, USA Gymnastics claimed it "has not sought and will not seek any money from McKayla Maroney for her brave statements made in describing her victimization and abuse by Larry Nassar, nor for any victim impact statements she wants to make to Larry Nassar at this hearing or at any subsequent hearings related to his sentencing."

More: McKayla Maroney Enters the Music World — But Not Without Getting Body-Shamed First

Nassar's hearing is expected to extend into next week to allow all of his victims time to speak. He still faces sentencing in another county, where he pleaded guilty to three more counts of molestation.

Did Trading Spaces' Paige Davis Really Attack Chip & Joanna Gaines?

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Trading Spaces is being revived this spring, and the godmother of all home design shows, Paige Davis, is returning to the reboot! But is there room for Davis in the now crowded world of home design TV? Um, yes, duh, of course there is.

More: Chip & Joanna Gaines Slammed for Having a 5th Kid

During Friday's Television Critics Association press tour, a reporter asked Davis, "I’m wondering if you are in agreement for certain types of design trends to disappear, and what some of your pet peeves are and some of the things that you have to talk homeowners out of — like, strongly — and steer them away from?"

Davis replied with this quip: "Like shiplap?"

More: 11 Gifts for the HGTV Lover in Your Life

Um, guys, that's a pretty innocent comment, right? Shiplap, which is a kind of overlapping wooden siding that's supposed to emulate old wooden farmhouses, is, objectively, a pretty polarizing taste. Some people love it, and others aren't so into it. Except that Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines were some of the first to really bring shiplap back when they started regularly using it on this show, and so now Davis' comment is apparently some shady jab at the Gaineses. Both Life & Style and Fox News have reported on this alleged "feud" that's apparently a-brewin'.

BRB, rolling my eyes so hard I'm gonna pull something. Seriously, we're taking that comment as a dis against the Gaineses? But... why? Davis is established and successful in this genre and has no reason to pick a fight against anyone, particularly the Gaineses, who have already announced they're ending their show, so there's not even a competition for viewership here. Plus, they're expecting their fifth baby, which makes me think they probably could give a crap about a pretend insult lobbied their way.

More: Joanna Gaines Just Gave Us a Peek at Her New Cookbook Cover

Pitting the OG and the new kids on the home renovation block against one another might make for a click-worth headline, but no one is actually taking this seriously, right?

37 'Weird' Celebrity Baby Names That Have Raised a Few Eyebrows

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Celebrities are often people who enjoy — or have at least come to enjoy — the spotlight. More often than not, they're also creative types, and they understand the value of appearing wholly unique in a crowd. What do you get when you combine all those traits? A lot of weird celebrity baby names.

Not all celebrities take the out-there approach, though. Anne Hathaway named her baby Jonathan, for example. And some stars opt for unique but not quite head-turning options, like Busy Philipps' daughter Birdie. But then there's the category of stars who go all in and come up with names for their kids that much of the general public might consider downright weird.

Like these.

36. Heiress Harris

That's a tongue twister! But luckily, this little girl is the daughter of rapper T.I., so she can probably handle it.

More: When Celeb Parents Posted These Photos, the Internet Blew a Gasket

35. Henry Wilberforce

We love Henry, but may the force be with the newest member of the Duggar-Seewald clan if any of his classmates ever find out his middle name. Hey, at least his first name isn't Spurgeon; that's his older brother.

34. Audio Science

No, it's not what Shannyn Sossamon majored in while at college; it's what she chose to name her baby.

33. Phyllon Gorré

Doutzen Kroes and her husband, DJ Sunnery James, have a son named Phyllon Gorré, which sounds a little bit more like a character on Star Trek than a little boy who roams Earth.

32. Ace Knute

Jessica Simpson's little boy is adorable, and the name Ace is pretty cute — but there's just something about that Ace-Knute combo that sounds like a supervillain.

31. Ode Mountain

What else would you expect from the passionate Hunger Games star Jena Malone? Malone welcomed her son with her boyfriend, photographer Ethan DeLorenzo, in 2016 and named the little guy Ode Mountain DeLorenzo Malone. Malone hasn't revealed the inspiration for her son's name yet, though we think it makes a great "ode" to nature.

30. Bronx Mowgli & Jagger Snow

Ashlee Simpson and her ex-husband, Pete Wentz, raised some eyebrows when they named their son Bronx Mowgli. Wentz wouldn't say much about his affinity for the NYC borough, but he did say that Mowgli came from The Jungle Book (obv).

"The Jungle Book was something that me and Ashlee bonded over. It's a cool name," he said. Well then.

The name of Ashlee Simpson's next son — with current husband Evan Ross — would follow suit. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2015 and gifted her with a very unique name that nodded to her musical roots (she's Diana Ross' granddaughter, after all): Jagger Snow.

29. Rocket Zot

Avatar star Sam Worthington's baby name choice for his first child with wife Lara Bingle Worthington came out of left field. In 2015, the couple named their baby boy Rocket Zot — just because they liked the way it sounded. Rocket was a fun first name the Worthingtons chose at random, and Zot was Bingle Worthington's late father's nickname.

28. Rainbow Aurora

Holly Madison of The Girls Next Door is known for her glitz and glamour, and she used the same panache when naming her baby girl in 2013. As Madison tells it, adorable little Rainbow Aurora was named after a girl Madison knew (and was jealous of) in school. Despite what the haters had to say, Madison stood behind her daughter's ultra-unique name choice.

27. North West

Everyone initially thought it was a joke when Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West named their daughter North West. But as it turns out, both Pharrell and Vogue's Anna Wintour encouraged the name.

"It was a rumor in the press, and we'd never really considered it seriously at all, but Kanye and I were having lunch right over there at that table about a year ago, and Pharrell [Williams] came over to us and said, 'Oh my God, are you guys really going to call your daughter North? That is the best name.' I said, 'No, we're not. That's just a rumor,'" she told GQ. "Then a little while later, Anna Wintour came over and asked the same thing. She told us, 'North is a genius name.' Kanye and I looked at one another and just laughed. I guess at that point it sort of stuck."

More: This Printable Guide Is About to Solve All Your Baby-Naming Squabbles

Kimye continued their baby name winning streak when they introduced their second son, named Saint West (not Easton West, as the internet had rumored it to be) in December of 2015. In January of 2018, the couple had a baby via surrogate, giving the newest bundle of joy the name Chicago West.

Next: Sno FilmOn Dot Com Cozart

A version of this article was originally published in August 2009.


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26. Sno FilmOn Dot Com Cozart

As hard as this little guy's name is to decipher, no, we are not making this up. Rapper Chief Keef, who also goes by the names Keith Cozart and "Sosa," opted to name his newborn son this mouthful — Sno FilmOn Dot Com Cozart — to promote his album release in September 2015. We are going to look on the bright side with this one and celebrate the fact that young Sno has plenty of nicknames to choose from.

25. Elsie Otter

Zooey Deschanel is nothing if not quirky, and we wouldn't expect anything else from her choice in a baby name. Deschanel made the big name drop three months after giving birth to her daughter: She and her producer husband, Jacob Pechenik, named her Elsie Otter. Say the name a few times fast, and you might catch that it's a play on "sea otter," which Deschanel confirmed was the true inspiration for her daughter's offbeat name.

24. Apollo Bowie Flynn

Before David Bowie's death in 2016, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale got a jump on paying homage to the rock legend, naming their third son Apollo Bowie Flynn in 2014. However, the tribute may have been entirely accidental, as Rossdale tweeted that Bowie and Flynn were actually the couple's mothers' maiden names. Chalk that one up to a clever coincidence.

23. Apple

It's the forbidden fruit; it'll keep the doctor away; and it's the epitome of America — or at least its pies are. But Apple is also the name of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's first daughter. They got the idea from one of Martin's bandmates, who also has a child named Apple (so much for that "totally unique" angle).

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Paltrow said she liked how it sounded "wholesome" and "clean."

22. Rocket, Poppy Honey, Daisy Boo & Petal Blossom Rainbow

Leave it to a renowned chef to bring plant-based names to the table when naming his children. Jamie Oliver and his wife, Jools, named their son River Rocket (rocket is the common British word for arugula) and their daughters PoppyDaisy and Petal. In fact, all of those plants are edible or have edible parts — if you count poppy seeds. Maybe the kids will grow up to be star chefs too?

Next: Rocket Ayer

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21. Rocket Ayer

Another "Rocket" fan in the house: Producer, singer and The Voice judge Pharrell Williams and his wife gave their son the unusual name Rocket Ayer, and he explained to Oprah Winfrey the deep meaning behind the name.

"In the same way that the Indians name their children, like, behind a force or an animal or an element, we named him after a man-made machine that was meant to go up. Meant to ascend. And metaphorically, it was because of, you know, Stevie Wonder’s 'Rocket Love,' Elton John’s 'Rocket Man' and Herbie Hancock’s 'Rockit.' All of my favorite musicians. And [Rocket's] middle name is not Man. It’s Ayer, after Roy Ayers.”

20. Sage Moonblood & Seargeoh

When you hear the names of this pair, you can't help but get stuck on Sage Moonblood. What does that even mean? But look past it, and see Seargeoh... then picture dad Sylvester Stallone pronouncing it. It just fits.

19. Aurelius

Back in the time of the Romans, the Aurelii were an elite group of families. Aurelius was the male singular version of the name, and it's also the name of the youngest son of Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson.

More: Hunger Games Star Gives Baby a Heroic Southern Name With a Fiery Kick

18. Blue Angel

Some people name their children after family members; others name them for biblical figures. But U2's The Edge and Aislinn O'Sullivan? They went for Blue Angel. Sounds like a clothing line, doesn't it?

17. Bluebell Madonna

Back in the late '90s, the Spice Girls were known for their shrinking hemlines and get-up-and-move music. These days, though, many of the Spice Girls have taken on a new role: mom.

Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) is no exception, and her daughter's name, Bluebell Madonna, pays homage to both beautiful flowers and music.

16. Fifi Trixibelle, Peaches & Pixie

File this one under "What were they thinking?" Bob Geldof and Paula Yates named their firstborn daughter Fifi Trixibelle. (Can't help but wonder if a boy would have been Fido.)

Meanwhile, their other daughters were named Peaches Honeyblossom and Pixie. The late Paula Yates went on to have one more daughter, this one with (also late) INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence. The child is known as Tiger, which is a whole lot simpler to remember than her given name: Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily.

Next: Destry

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15. Destry

Somewhere between destiny, vestry and destroy is Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw's daughter Destry.

14. Diezel Ky

Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis' other son is named Denim Cole. Wonder if the family is a fan of Diesel Denim?

13. Blue Ivy

There have been several rumors as to why Beyoncé and Jay-Z named their daughter Blue Ivy (Illuminati, anyone?), but we know both singers have a fondness for the color blue (remember when Jay-Z rapped, "My favorite hue is Jay-Z blue?"). As far as her middle name, Ivy stands for the Roman numeral IV, or four, which is Beyoncé's birthday (Sept. 4), Jay-Z's birthday (Dec. 4) and their anniversary date (April 4).

12. Zola Ivy

Speaking of Ivies, parents Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell created another name that flows nicely, although it's an unexpected combination. Eddie Murphy's other kids include Bella Zahra, Shayne Audra, Brea and Angel Iris Murphy Brown (the last was with Spice Girl Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, aka Scary Spice).

11. Tallulah, Scout & Rumer

You can't bring one of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's children into this list without the other two. The couple, who divorced in 2000, named their kids Tallulah, Scout and Rumer.

Next: Ocean, Sonnet & True

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10. Ocean, Sonnet & True

There is something poetic (literally) about Forest Whitaker's kids' names: Ocean, True and particularly Sonnet.

9. Shiloh Nouvel

Parents of six Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have a cache of unusual names, but their biological daughter Shiloh Nouvel takes the cake in the clan (siblings include Maddox, Zahara, Pax, Knox and Vivienne).

8. Seven Sirius, Puma Sabti & Mars Merkaba

Naming a baby really is "sirius" business. When André Benjamin and Erykah Badu named their son, they took that to heart with Seven Sirius. Badu has since given birth to two more kids, Puma and Mars.

7. Satchel

Babies are so cute, you just want to scoop them up and carry them under your arm, right? Maybe that's why Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee named their child Satchel?

6. Kyd

David Duchovny and Tea Leoni went literal, naming their kid "Kyd."

Next: Moxie CrimeFighter & Zolten

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5. Moxie CrimeFighter & Zolten

Illusionist Penn Jillette isn't fooling anyone with his kids' unusual names: Moxie CrimeFighter and Zolten. You're building an army of superheroes, aren't you, Penn?

4. Pilot Inspektor

Sometimes, if you want to choose an unusual first name, it's nice to balance it with a more traditional middle name. Of course, Jason Lee and Beth Riesgraf didn't get that memo when they named Pilot Inspektor.

3. Kal-El

Superman has a fan in Nicolas Cage, who named his son Kal-El, which is the first name of the Man of Steel.

2. Jermajesty

Yep, this name is pronounced like "Your Majesty," but with a J. This comes from Jermaine Jackson and Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza.

1. Moon Unit, Dweezil & Diva Muffin

You can't have a list of unusual celebrity baby names without mentioning the kids of Frank Zappa: Moon Unit, Dweezil and Diva Muffin. The man is a pioneer in the naming division, for sure.


Is My Coffee Habit Throwing Off My Hormones?

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I was always a six-cup-a-day drinker. Coming from a family steeped in coffee, I was a sipper from the time I was in middle school.

Alas, this is my only vice. I didn’t drink alcohol until I was 24, tried one cigarette when I was 10 and have strayed away from drugs. For a straight-laced person like me with a heavy workflow and an incessant need to meet deadlines, coffee was a perfectly acceptable and harmless vice.

Only recently (the last three years) have I been noticing an increasing rate of hormonal changes. Characteristics like an absent period, vaginal dryness and terrible cystic acne have been an eclipse over my health. And then over the summer, when my doctor informed me about abnormal cells on my cervix and the several procedures I would have following the initial results, I decided to make impactful health changes.

In October, I began to eat an influx of greens and fruits. I cut out meat from my diet and monitored my sugar intake. While I’ve never considered myself unhealthy, I do have a sweet tooth and have always thought of myself as a carnivore. After a few months of my new diet, I began to lean toward healthier cravings. And after some time, I decided (after promising and swearing that I would never do it) coffee would be the next victim in my stream of eliminations.

More:  Hormonal Imbalance Is Hard to Catch If You Miss These Symptoms

Coffee, not necessarily the caffeine but the acid, can damage our neuroendocrine immune system over time. The neuroendocrine immune system “consists of the processes and structures that form our central nervous systems, our hormonal systems, and our immune systems, all of which are linked in complex relationships.”

Moreover, Katherine Maslen, a naturopath, nutritionist and author, spoke to me and explained that caffeine has a stimulant effect, which in turn can up-regulate adrenal function and the stress response.

She continues, "This can lead to an increase in anxiety and irritability as well as a reduced stress response over time. Studies have shown that excessive coffee intake may shorten your menstrual cycle, making it [fewer] days between periods. Some research shows that caffeine can exacerbate PMS symptoms and it may also affect menstrual flow due to the effect it has on your blood vessels, leading to constriction.” High doses of acidic caffeine, like the kind found in coffee, can create an influx of stress hormones, which can result in acne or inflamed skin.

In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a study was published that says coffee can alter women’s estrogen levels, which can contribute to hormone-related diseases. Moreover, caffeine can contribute to hormonal changes for up to 24 hours, meaning that if you’re sensitive to caffeine and drinking it constantly, your body never gets a rest. Coffee also contributes to the depletion in nutrients for happy and healthy hormones, like the B vitamin (which I used to take a supplement of for better skin).

As for my period, women who consume large amounts of coffee can have increased side effects of PMS or a shortened period cycle. According to an article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, caffeine “restricts blood vessels, reducing uterine blood flow.” As a result, that can decrease bleeding and shorten your cycle.

My first week of no coffee was pure hell. My caffeine withdrawals included flu-like symptoms, migraines and body aches. It’s no easy task to surrender your most precious morning routine while also buckling under the physical pain of withdrawal. After around five to seven days, my symptoms subsided and I began my heavy regimen of tea.

More: What’s Hormone-Replacement Therapy & Why Should Women Know About It?

I mostly stick to green tea, but dabble in black tea when I need the extra energy. I discovered my skin immediately became less inflamed, although my acne persisted. Moreover, my skin was healing faster, and my small laugh lines were evening out. I felt hydrated. A little tired, but hydrated.

Maslen, who founded Brisbane Natural Health, explained that drinking tea, and in particular green tea, can help to enhance your health. This is largely due to a phytochemical group called catechins, which are powerful antioxidant agents tea contains, she added.

"Studies have found that drinking four or more cups of green tea a day can regulate blood-sugar levels, help with weight loss and enhance memory," Maslen says. “Green tea also contains L-theanine — which is helpful to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.”

While tea does have caffeine in it, it’s only one-third the amount coffee has. Maslen explains green tea is a much healthier alternative to black tea because it is higher in antioxidants and less acidic. She suggests drinking up to four cups a day, but not in the evening, as it contains the same amount of caffeine as black tea.

An excerpt from Maslen's book Get Well, Stay Well reads, “Coffee can be a friend or foe when it comes to your health. A moderate intake of coffee, say one to two cups per day (that’s standard cups, not mugs or double shots) can be great for your health. Go above this, though, and we’re talking about some serious health problems.”

Avoiding coffee also contributed to my health-conscious decisions in other areas of my life. If I was going to cut out or at least significantly lower my intake of coffee, sugar, dairy and meat, why not completely cleanse myself of all unnecessary toxins? This isn’t to say all coffee drinkers are unhealthy or damaging their body. Everyone’s sensitivity to coffee varies, and unfortunately, mine is highly prone to sensitivity.

More: Surprise — Period Hormones Don't Scramble Your Brain

So, in short, green tea has been my choice for bettering myself for a cleaner and more balanced future. My cold winter days in Chicago can’t be missing something warm — tea is now my weapon of choice. Since switching from coffee to tea, my breakouts have been calmer and less inflamed, and I even had my period for the first time in two years last month (something that had me leaping around the house with joy).

The Best On-Screen High School Relationships of the Last 5 Years

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Confession: I still love a good teen romance. Sure, I’m about a decade out of high school and you couldn’t pay me to repeat those years, but a movie about first love between two teenagers? Sign me up.

Here’s my theory: Teenagers are heartachingly earnest. They’re not plagued by years of disappointment, and they’re less focused on who they “should” or “shouldn’t” date. They’ve still got their whole lives ahead of them, and they just fall so hard.

If you're in the market for an excellent teen romance, we have exactly what you need. Here's what we think are the best teen romances from the last five years.

Best Teen Romance Movies: Everything Everything
Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Everything, Everything

Maddy’s a smart, inquisitive girl who isn't just homeschooled — she’s homebound. She’s spent her whole life behind the doors of her home, only physically interacting with her mother and full-time nurse. Enter the new boy in the neighborhood, Olly. What makes their relationship so sweet is that Olly is absolutely concerned with Maddy’s health and tries to keep her safe while also honoring her autonomy and desire to actually be in the world. Not to mention, from the get-go, Olly is up-front about his interest in Maddy. He’s not one to play emotional games.

Best Teen Romance Movies: The Fundamentals of Caring
Image: Netflix

The Fundamentals of Caring

Trevor is an anxious, sarcastic teenager who uses a wheelchair. He rarely leaves the house until he is convinced by his new carer, Ben, to go on a road trip. Along the way, they meet Dot and decide to bring her along on their trip. What makes Dot and Trevor’s relationship so sweet is that it helps Trevor open up to a world of possibilities. It might not be a long-lasting romance, but it's fundamental in Trevor’s experience of the world.

Image: Orion Pictures

Every Day

This film, in theaters Feb. 23, is the story of 16-year-old Rhiannon, who finds herself falling in love with the same soul, A, who wakes up in a different body every day. A arrives as boys and girls and in a range of ethnicities, each of them containing the same inner person but presenting themselves differently every time. It's a wonderful testament to the fact that love is really about who a person is, not how they appear.

Best Teen Romance Movies: The Way Way Back
Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures

The Way Way Back

Duncan is an extraordinarily awkward teen who is forced to go to his family’s beach house with his mother and stepdad. There he meets his neighbor Susanna and starts working at the local water park. Through his budding relationship with Susanna, Duncan begins to gain confidence in himself. And while she doesn't show her romantic interest until the very end, her ability to get Duncan to open up makes this love story incredibly sweet.

Best Teen Romance Movies: The Fault in Our Stars
Image: 20th Century Fox

The Fault in Our Stars

Hazel is a 16-year-old cancer patient who feels increasingly hopeless, but while attending a cancer support group, she meets Augustus, a fellow teen whose cancer is in remission. There's an instant spark, and it’s not long before they’re in love. Although their story has a tragic end, their brief but beautiful relationship is memorable, as Augustus helps Hazel break down the walls she’d been building and live her life.

Best Teen Romance Movies: Warm Bodies
Image: Summit Entertainment

Warm Bodies

R is a zombie who craves human brains in part because eating them allows him to experience their memories and feel alive. Upon meeting actual live human Julie, he feels his heart beat for the first time, and after learning more about her while eating her boyfriend's brains, he falls hard. While initially — and understandably — Julie is skeptical of his interest, she learns to trust R after he saves her life. As they bond, he comes back to life. Not everyone could love a zombie, but two teenagers finding a way might lead to the transformation of an apocalyptic world.

This post was sponsored by Every Day.

Lady Gaga Wore an Insane Coat That Costs the Same as 6 Months Rent

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It's been a long time since Lady Gaga shocked the world by wearing a dress and shoes made of actual, literal raw meat on a red carpet. In fact, Gaga, who was once known for pushing every boundary that ever applied to clothing, has really toned things down in recent years.

More: Lady Gaga's Engagement Ring Is Not Equal to Other Engagement Rings

Until now.

In Milan to kick off the European leg of her Joanne World Tour, Gaga was photographed in an outfit that may be the polar opposite of that meat dress, but still made our jaws drop. She was rocking Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio from head to toe, beginning with a floor length, nude colored gown with white detailing on the front. The red-carpet-ready dress is bomb, sure, but it is nothing compared to the coat Gaga paired it with.

Lady Gaga steps out in 6400 goat fur coat and its amaze

Lady Gaga steps out in 6400 goat fur coat and its amaze

More: Lady Gaga Officially Has the Worst Wax Figure of All Time

It's a goat fur coat, which is unconventional when it comes to furs, and fam, it is magnificent (come at me, PETA). The jacket is (obviously, because just look at it) sold out, but it was once available for sale on Moda Operandi for a cool $6,400, and sorry, not sorry for being totally OK with one coat costing six months' rent.

This coat is dramatic in all the best ways. It is show stopping. It looks perfect with that straight-off-the-runway gown Gaga is wearing, but would look just as good paired with jeans. Thank you, Lady Gaga, for introducing me to my new true fashion love. I need that coat.

More: Lady Gaga Is Engaged Again, but This Time, Not to Taylor Kinney

Now to figure out how to get it. Can I cash out my 401K for this? Anyone need a kidney? JK (or am I?).

I’m Pregnant (on Purpose!), but I’d Rather Talk About the Abortion I Had 3 Years Ago

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By Mélanie Berliet

As I watched a blue cross dare to emerge on the second stick I had peed on within 10 minutes, I grew more and more aggravated. It was July 16, 2014, six days after I was supposed to get my period.

“I’m fucking pregnant!!!” I screamed with more than a hint of accusation toward my boyfriend, who was waiting patiently for my signal in the next room. Then I slammed the bathroom door shut and sat back down on the toilet.

I was mad at my boyfriend for impregnating me, mad at the injustice of being born a woman and mad at my reproductive organs for doing exactly what they were designed to do. Mostly, however, I was mad at myself for trusting in the pullout method for five straight years.

Staring at my reflection in the medicine cabinet mirror, I recalled the disapproval on my gynecologist’s face as she asked me about birth control during my previous annual exam.

“The only thing your boyfriend should be pulling out of regularly is a parking space,” she’d said.

“OK, then. Let’s just say he withdraws,” I’d replied, a little too cheekily.

“What are you, an ATM?”

Deaf to reason, I politely declined a prescription for the pill yet again.

Although I wasn’t sexually active until age 19, I started taking oral contraceptives at 16, shortly after I began menstruating. Back then, it was cool to be “on the pill.” I wanted to tuck that circular nude plastic case with the rotating knob inside my backpack and whine about how hard it was to remember to pop that little pill every single day at the exact same time. So I hit up my gyno for a prescription, casually citing an irregular cycle and cramps I’d never really had.

At 27, suddenly uncomfortable with the fact that I’d been popping a daily dose of hormones for over a decade, I decided to stop taking the pill altogether.

It took six months for my sex drive to skyrocket.

I was hooking up with an impossibly attractive, charismatic guy (the one who would later become my life partner) on a lawn chair late one summer night when I realized how much more I had come to enjoy sex over the past few months — even the random, no-strings-attached kind. It was as if I’d reclaimed some critical piece of my identity that had been buried way too long, and I attributed this sudden awakening to my personal birth control ban.

Unwilling to ditch my inner nymph once we were acquainted, I swore off the pill for good. I made this decision singlehandedly — without consulting a medical professional or considering that something else might account for my enhanced sexuality, such as age or the fact that I’d just abandoned a stressful Wall Street career that depressed the fuck out of me.

Plus, there were always condoms, I figured. So I relied on those good, old-fashioned penis sheaths for several years, always armed with my own supply in case a dude pulled the lame “I don’t have any” line.

In 2011, however, when I started dating the man I knew I could grow old with, condoms started to seem a lot more like barriers to pleasure than barriers to unwanted pregnancies. As an exclusive, disease-free couple, we decided to ditch condoms altogether (what the polyamorous call “fluid bonding,” I hear). Bareback sex felt a lot better. Plus, I’d read somewhere that pulling out was 99 percent effective when executed correctly, which sounded like a pretty sweet stat to me.

Until, of course, I got pregnant.

More: I Volunteer to Hold Women's Hands While They're Getting Abortions

Still isolated in the bathroom, I placed both hands on my lower abdomen. Looking down, I considered the little fucker of a fertilized egg inside my uterus — a true 1-percenter. Also proof that I’d been a glib idiot.

With a sigh of disbelief, I stood, “positive” sticks in hand. It was time to face reality, and my sperminator of a boyfriend.

“Let’s talk about this,” my boyfriend urged, radiating kindness and concern in response to my silence. “We want a baby one day anyway… Maybe this isn’t such a bad thing."

A reasonable statement given the facts. At 32, I was smack in the middle of my prime childbearing years. I was in a healthy, long-term relationship with the man I’d long considered the love of my life and the future father of my children. As a couple, we were financially stable with a wide network of supportive friends and family members living within last-minute babysitting range. We had the means and the desire to raise a child together.

The thing is, I wasn’t ready — yet. I didn’t want to have an abortion. But, far more important, I didn’t want to have a baby.

“I’m getting an abortion,” I blurted. “That’s my decision.”

Then I marched right out the front door, aching for alone time.

More: 7 YA Books to Start the Conversation About Sexual Assault

On a bench outside our apartment building, I thought about the abortion I knew I had to get. I had several deadlines looming and a photo shoot planned for later that day. I felt fortunate to live in New York, where women’s reproductive rights are protected more steadfastly than in other states. Still, it seemed so damn inconvenient, not to mention terrifying, to undergo a surgical procedure. I’m squeamish by nature, and I had no idea what an abortion actually entailed.

I also must admit I didn’t want to be a woman “who’s had an abortion.” As a longtime supporter of the pro-abortion rights movement, my aversion to this hypothetical label didn’t make much sense. And yet, it did. As certain as I was in my mind and heart that abortion was the right choice for me, I must have internalized some of the poisonous stigma out there. That would have to change, effective immediately.

Could my boyfriend and I have been more careful? Absolutely! But it was my unequivocal right to terminate this unplanned pregnancy.

I headed back upstairs to apologize to my well-meaning boyfriend so we could tackle the situation together without any shame whatsoever.

Before I could utter the word “sorry,” he was holding me tight.

In the time I’d been gone, he had made several calls and done extensive research. He briefed me on my options: taking a pill and bleeding out at home, or “aspiration,” which sounded a lot like high-powered uterine vacuuming.

“I want this done as soon as possible, and I want to be out cold for it,” I said.

“We can get you in tomorrow morning,” my boyfriend replied, rubbing my back.

Twenty-four hours later, I was seated in a waiting room with three other young women, all of us dressed in medical gowns and booties — and starving. If you elect for full anesthesia during aspiration, you have to fast for at least 12 hours in advance to avoid choking on your own vomit during the procedure.

I’m Pregnant (On Purpose!) But I’d Rather Talk About The Abortion | SheKnows
Image: Mélanie Berliet

After joking that I’d considered postponing my appointment just so I could eat breakfast that morning, I bonded with my peers. Of the group, I was the only one without at least one child to care for already. I was also the only one whose “pregnancy sac” was too minuscule to spot on a regular ultrasound. And the only one who’d told the nurse, somewhat regrettably, that she was “such a baby” about needles.

But our similarities are what stood out. We were all relaxed and glad to be moments away from getting the medical attention we needed so we could move on with our lives as usual.

Soon enough, an amiable aide ushered me into the operating room and an anesthesiologist sedated me so the doctor could clear my womb of its unwanted contents. The entire procedure took all of three minutes.

I woke up in a chair alongside a few other women, wearing paper panties lined with a pad in case of spotting. Though zonked from the anesthetic, I was astute enough to feel intense relief. And gratitude.

Over the next 48 hours, my boyfriend catered to my every need while I recuperated.

“What should I tell Gary about this weekend?” he asked, understanding that I wasn’t in any shape to spend time at our friend’s beach house as we’d planned.

“Tell him I got an abortion,” I said.

More:  Do Pregnancy "Rules" Really Matter?

So, it’s official. I am a woman who’s had an abortion — not because circumstances dictated that it was medically necessary or because she didn’t love the man who impregnated her or because she couldn’t afford to raise a kid or because she’s decided to remain childless forever. I am a woman who’s had an abortion, and it doesn’t really matter why. It was my choice and one that my boyfriend and I (we’re still very much together and happier than ever, if that even matters) proudly stand by.

Maybe there is no “right time” to get pregnant, but in my case, I knew there’d be a time more right than July of 2014.

And guess what? That more-right time arrived in the fall of 2016 when we decided, very mindfully, to start trying. Today, I am nearly 18 weeks pregnant, and I couldn’t be more psyched about becoming a mom.

Originally posted on Thought Catalog.

How to Dress for Your Body Shape

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Figuring out your body shape can seem like a daunting task. Also, categorizing yourself within a list of fruits and geometric shapes can seem a little outdated, limiting and, quite frankly, a little weird. But hear us out. Figuring out your body shape can ultimately help you save time shopping, getting dressed and asking yourself and everyone else, “Does this look good?”

We love that everyone looks different, has different body shapes and different personal styles because it makes fashion and clothing more fun; and below, we’re breaking down the five most common body shapes to help you figure out which one you most closely relate to. Are your hips wider than your shoulders? Great! That probably means you are a pear body shape. We also list out a few key closet essentials you should look at incorporating into the closet. These essentials will help you show off your best feature, like your legs, shoulders or waist.

1. Pear

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Description: Your hips are wider than your shoulders.

What looks great on you: Fit-and-flare dresses because they perfectly show off your smaller top half and the extra flare on the bottom is great for accentuating your curves. It will naturally focus attention on your curviest and most beautiful parts. Spaghetti straps or decorative straps and necklines work great on you too.

Other pear shapes: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez

More: 17 Fabulous fashionistas at Vogue 100: A Century of Style

2. Inverted triangle

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Description: Your shoulders and bust are wider than your hips.

What looks great on you: Fitted jackets, thicker straps/sleeves and voluminous skirts and pants work great because they will attract focus to your legs and slim down your shoulders.

Other inverted triangle shapes: Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Jessica Alba

3. Rectangle

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Description: Your shoulders, waist and hips are roughly the same size.

What looks great on you: Skirts with ruffles, bows or embellishment details. Creating extra volume on one half of your body will help create the illusion that you have lots of curves. You can also do this by adding waist belts over your dresses or wearing high-waisted jeans.

Other rectangle shapes: Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow

Next: Apple

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4. Apple

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Description: You have broad shoulders, a full waist and thinner legs.

What looks great on you: Full skirts, wide-leg pants and jackets that hit at your widest part. Look for tops without much extra volume so it doesn’t cause any imbalance against your legs. You can focus on playing up and showing off your legs too.

Other rectangle shapes: Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, Mindy Kaling, Elizabeth Hurley

5. Hourglass

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

Description: Your shoulders and hips are roughly the same size, and you have a smaller, more defined waist.

What looks great on you: Anything that defines your waist. Look for belted dresses, wrap dresses and tops, body-con dresses and peplum styles because they keep all the focus on your narrow waist, curvy hips and full chest.

Other rectangle shapes: Kim Kardashian West, Salma Hayek, Sofía Vergara, Marilyn Monroe

Don't forget to pin this list so you can easily find it again.

Image: Ashley Britton/SheKnows

How the New Heathers Compares to the Old Heathers in the Show's Latest Trailer

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The Heathers are back and boy, am I nervous. No, it's not because the new generation of Heathers are terrifying (they might be worse than the originals, TBH), but because of the fact that they rebooted Heathers TV show has big shoes to fill — and I'm not sure it will be able to do it. At the very least, after watching the first full-length, red band trailer for Heathers the TV show, I have a lot of feelings.

You see, with the premiere of the first full-length trailer, we get our first glimpse into what will be a 10-episode Heathers TV show that is rebooting the original 1989 black comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. It's clear that the TV show is updating Heathers to fit with 2018 cultural norms and it's retaining the blacker-than-black comedic tone. Think the saltiness of Scream Queens with the acidity turned up to 11. Yeah, it's like, way harsh you guys.

Just take a look at the trailer and see for yourself (be forewarned: the trailer might be a bit NSFW).

Heathers TV Show Reboot Trailer

Heathers TV Show Reboot Trailer

More: 27 Moments in Stranger Things That Gave Us Major '80s Flashbacks

From the get-go, you can see that the new Heathers is retaining the basic structure of the original Heathers. There's our protagonist, Veronica Sawyer, who is both fed up with and hungry to hang out with the Heathers. Her love interest is still the new kid in town (and likely an untreated sociopath), J.D. There's also the Heathers themselves: Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara. They're thick as thieves and still get an insane kick out of being needlessly verbally abusive to their classmates in order to maintain their power at their high school. And yes, Veronica is still ready to channel her anger towards the Heathers into action — deadly action, that is.

Heather 1988 GIF
Image: Giphy

The trailer also makes sure there will be fun touches and references to the original Heathers. The new Veronica still writes manically in her diary while wearing a monocle, it looks like there will still be games of croquet played from time to time. At one point, Shannen Doherty (who played Heather Duke in the original film) actually appears with a red scrunchie in her hair. Although it's not explicitly stated in the trailer, there's a good chance Doherty is reprising Heather Duke in some way because she's credited as "Heather" in her IMDb credit for the reboot. Keep an eye on that.

More: Curb Your Enthusiasm & 171 Shows Returning to TV Through 2018

It's also clear that murder and mayhem are still on Veronica and J.D.'s agenda as the trailer progresses. While it looks like J.D. is clearly driving this goal to its completion, the new Veronica looks just as unbothered when it appears she's successfully offed Heather Chandler right before school. All in a day's work, I guess.

Heather 2018
Image: Giphy

But while the basic plot structure of Heathers remains intact, there's something pretty unsettling about the TV reboot related to the characterization of the 2018 Heathers and what that means with the confines of the TV show's plot. You see, the terrible Heather trio is clearly not a bunch of thin, straight white women. Instead, they've been created with the intention of hitting specific modern stereotypes: Heather Chandler is a body-positive plus-size woman who rocks studded clothing like a boss. Heather Duke is a genderqueer (but frequently male-presenting) sycophant who sometimes carries a parasol around school. Heather McNamara is a young woman of color who seems to bear the brunt of Heather Chandler's bitchiness when they move as a group and readily compares a classmate to a Jim Henson Muppet.

More: No One Is More Deserving of This Sweet Tribute Than Shannen Doherty

And while it is all well and good — no, scratch that, it's actually great — that the Heathers are modern as hell and no trying to stick to heteronormative ideals, the facts that they are now inevitably going to be the targets of Veronica, a straight, thin white woman, is deeply troubling. Because unless there's a big twist in the plot, then Veronica is going to be responsible for killing people who aren't like her; they're more progressive and positive versions of her (to an extent). So, Veronica will essentially be responsible for murdering a woman of color, a plus-size woman and a genderqueer teen. Guys, that not just bad optics, it's a pretty sinister message to send to viewers.

It should also be noted that it doesn't look like the script has any intention of addressing the fact that the effects of bullying, both physical and emotional, are actually harmful out here in the real world and should be confronted within the confines of the show. On the contrary, there is so much cattiness and shade being thrown around by the teens and the adults that it feels like we're listening to a rejected Glee script from 2009 before everyone realized you must be sensitive to the feelings of others.

Heathers 1988 GIF 2
Image: Giphy

At the end of the day, you'll need to just take the plunge and at least watch the Heathers pilot if you're either a fan of the original or even mildly curious about what this show will be like. But let's hope there's more to this reboot than meets the eye. As it stands, it looks like Heathers will be very much like the original but in 2018, that might not necessarily be a good thing.

Does Comfort Food Really Help You Feel Better?

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Can the food you eat actually have an effect on your mood? What about comfort food? You know what we're talking about here — Mom's chicken soup, a heaping bowl of ice cream or mashed potatoes and gravy. Food impacts our lives in more ways than one, but is there really anything to the notion that comfort foods happy us up? Let's find out.

What are comfort foods?

When you say "comfort food," this can mean different things to different people. Often, comfort foods are firmly tied to nostalgia and can be traced back to childhood. For some, they're hearty, home-cooked foods, and for others, they're sweets or other snacks. Many times, these foods are loaded with carbs, sugar or fat, so they're not always the healthiest choices, but if you think they make you feel better, then it seems like a good idea to go ahead and dig in.

Do these foods really make you feel better, though?

Thankfully, there have been research studies on the very topic of comfort foods and mood. A study out of the University of Minnesota, for example, found that while people may be driven to comfort food in hopes it will improve their mood, these particular foods don't seem to make a difference when compared to other options.

Additionally, while comfort foods, especially those of the sugary sort, can trigger the release of dopamine (the brain's pleasure hormone), this mood boost does not last according to Rachel Kelly, author of The Happiness Diet: Good Mood Food. "The immediate high we feel when eating sugary things might help to relieve anxiety temporarily, but we soon experience a crash as our blood-sugar levels drop suddenly," Kelly tells SheKnows.

She also notes there are differences between comfort eating and eating for hunger, as comfort eating usually comes on suddenly and often involves specific cravings for sugar or carbs. Physical hunger, instead, comes on gradually and doesn't feel as urgent, and when you eat for hunger, you eat until you are full and feel satisfied.

"By contrast, with comfort eating, you don’t respond to normal feelings of fullness, but keep on eating and often feel guilty afterwards," Kelly explains. She says this is another solid reason comfort eating generally does not improve our mood long-term and can leave us feeling pretty crummy when all is said and done.

Give your comfort food a health boost

Instead of diving in to your old-favorite dishes or snacks (that you have to admit probably aren't all that great for you) when you're feeling blue, you can instead make some swaps so it doesn't take such a toll on your mood (and your health).

  • Zucchini, kale, parsnip or sweet potato chips instead of regular chips (but consume them in moderation, as they contain high levels of fat)
  • Cauliflower rice for white rice
  • Zucchini or butternut squash noodles or buckwheat noodles instead of pasta
  • Coconut cream instead of regular cream
  • Coconut flour, quinoa flour, gram flour made from chickpeas, spelt flour or buckwheat flour instead of white flour in baking
  • Coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of refined sugar
  • Dark chocolate or homemade cacao-rich chocolates instead of milk or white chocolate
  • Cacao, dates, flaxseed, ground almonds, desiccated coconut or almond butter for flavor and consistency in baking
  • Unsweetened natural yogurt or coconut yogurt with added fruit instead of store-bought fruit yogurts or low-fat desserts
  • Unsalted butter or coconut oil rather than vegetable oil when baking cakes

So, while comfort foods may make you feel better in the short-term, it's been found that they really don't make much of a difference psychologically and may actually make you feel worse. Eat comfort foods in moderation if you can't quell the cravings, and make quality substitutions when digging around for your favorite foods — you might just find yourself feeling better about the food choices you're making, which is a win-win.


Pregnant in 2018? Here's What You Need to Know

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In our current political climate/looming potential apocalypse, it can be hard to envision bringing new life into this world. But life must go on, right? At least we have Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Globes speech to keep us feeling optimistic about the future of our world.

With that in mind, we hope all the babies born in god-awful 2018 will grow up to see a much brighter, kinder, more peaceful future. If you are currently with child or planning to get knocked up this year, there are some new developments and info every preggo should know in 2018. So check out our handy guide ahead — and pass the red wine, because it just might aid in your baby-making (and also because Trump). We’ll drink to that.

More:  How to "Green" Your Pregnancy

Enjoy your affordable health care... for now

Some good news: If you signed up for health care under the Affordable Care Act in 2017, even if Obamacare is repealed, you’ll still be covered for 2018. That also means you’ll be able to get a breast pump for free if you need it — and that you shouldn’t have to pay for services for children, such as autism screenings and vaccines.

Say yes to folic acid

Also add vitamins to that list. There’s a lot of interest in new information concerning autism, and recently released findings from The Journal of the American Medical Association indicate that taking multivitamins and folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy may actually lower autism risks. “The results of this study are quite significant,” Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University tells us. “We have known for many years — over 25 — that supplementation with folic acid before the time of conception significantly reduces the chance of a baby being born with congenital abnormalities such as spina bifida — a condition in which the space around the spinal cord is open — leaving many of these children with significant neurological impairments, including, basically, paralysis of their legs.”

Say no to acetaminophen

While vitamins are a go, you and your partner may want to avoid painkillers. Ibuprofen has been linked to male infertility according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. New research indicates that women are affected as well. Painkillers taken during pregnancy (specifically acetaminophen, the most widely used painkiller in the world) may actually affect the fertility of unborn babies. In a study from the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh, researchers found that the number of eggs produced was reduced when ovaries were exposed to acetaminophen. Males saw a reduction in fertility as well, though it was not as pronounced.

But OK, fine — say yes to sushi

And while painkillers may be more dangerous that previous thought, one thing might be safer than you think: sushi. Parents reports that doctors are easing up on raw fish — as long as you choose something low in mercury. And while you're at it, reduce the risk of parasites by choosing farmed fish. There might even be a bonus to that sashimi. Research from the University of Bristol and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, indicates that pregnant women who eat fish regularly have less anxiety.

More: Do Pregnancy "Rules" Really Matter?

Embrace that morning sickness

It can feel like we're discovering new dangers every day, but don't stress. This year is also bringing its fair share of good news. I mean, for one thing, sushi! And for another thing, a silver lining has been discovered regarding the archnemesis of pregnant women everywhere: morning sickness. Turns out that obnoxious nausea actually indicates a healthier pregnancy according to a review published in The Journal of Molecular Endocrinology via EurekAlert!. That old wives’ tale was correct after all. So rest easy while you’re puking, Mom. At least you have one less thing to worry about.

Drink up & get busy

For those looking to expand their families, more good news: A new study from Washington University in St. Louis has determined that red wine aids conception. Yep. Of course, alcohol is still not quite recommended during pregnancy — but to get pregnant? Sure! The study found that women who drank more than five glasses of red wine per month got pregnant more easily thanks to a higher number of eggs in their ovaries. This could be due to resveratrol, an antioxidant found in wine. However, the jury is still out on this one, so consult your own doctor before you make that trip to BevMo!

Take a look at your diet (& thyroid & sleep & environment)

In addition to all that wine, there are other things you can eat and drink to improve your chances of conceiving. USA Today reports that many experts (and the U.S. News and World Report) recommend “the fertility diet” for those trying to get pregnant. Nurses’ Health Study has a 10-step plan for improving fertility, and the fertility diet is based on this reproductive research. The diet — which is high in fruits and vegetables, full-fat dairy, protein-rich foods, beans, whole grains and healthy fats — is said to boost ovulation.

One thing that may hamper your ability to get pregnant: an underactive thyroid according to Science Daily. Also, sleep problems and air pollution have been tied to infertility reports Reuters.

Choline, choline, choline, choline

Once you are pregnant, there are things you can do promote your unborn child’s intelligence. For instance, taking choline. Researchers from Cornell University found that this nutrient may be more important for baby brain health than once thought. In a study, 13 women in their third trimesters consumed 480 milligrams per day of choline. Another 13 ladies took 930 milligrams per day. The group who ingested more choline eventually had babies who scored higher on tests measuring how quickly they could process information. So be sure to add choline-rich foods (think salmon, eggs and almonds) to your shopping lists, preggos.

More: 10 Labor Myths It's Time to Bust

Stay vigilant — about Zika, cigarettes, pollution & radiation

Speaking of anxiety, the Zika virus is still a threat, and the CDC recommends steering clear of affected regions. (See our recommendations for a Zika-free babymoon here.) If you’re infected during pregnancy (through mosquitos or sex), the virus can cause birth defects, and there is currently no medicine or vaccine for Zika.

Reuters has recently reported on a few other dangers to avoid while pregnant. For one thing, smoking while pregnant has been linked to an increased rate of ADHD in children (but you already knew that's a no-no — even for a Kardashian).

Next, radiation exposure — from devices like smartphones — has been linked to increased rates of miscarriage. In fact, pregnant women with the highest level of radiation exposure had triple the miscarriage rates according to a study from the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, reports Reuters.

Air pollution — another thing we already know is bad — has also recently been tied to birth defects, and traffic pollution to low birth weight. So… avoid those if possible. Of course, it’s not always easy to escape pollutants, but you can take steps to ensure a cleaner, safer, more kid-friendly home.

P.S. Get ready to fight for your birth control

And a note for those who are not planning to conceive: Watch out, because the Trump administration is trying to restrict birth control access these days. According to Reuters, a judge has blocked the proposed moral exemption rule, which would allow employers to deny contraceptive coverage — for now.

A Travel Pro's Tips for Staying Moisturized on Long Flights

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We can all agree that travel is pretty amazing, right? Can we also agree that getting to our favorite destinations can be a total nightmare? Even if we assume your flight is on time, your luggage doesn't get lost and you don't miss your connecting flight, the actual travel part of traveling can take quite a toll on you physically. Sure, you may feel jet-lagged, but the worst part for me is the extreme dryness that accompanies travel, particularly long flights. I have combination skin, and it gets so dried-out when I fly for more than a few hours, it causes pretty uncomfortable dryness and irritation.

First, let's discuss why we get so dried-out when we travel. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, a clinical instructor in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Allure, “Typically, skin is comfortable when the humidity is between 40 to 70 percent, most airplane cabins are at about 20 percent. That’s less than half of what we are used to." On top of that, the high altitude of airplanes can decrease blood flow to the skin, which can result in a super-dull appearance.

I always hear tips like "Drink as much water as possible," and "Avoid alcohol," and I do those things too, but they're not always enough. I've been on plenty of flights that are over 10 hours, and no matter how much water I drink, my skin, eyes and nose will still be dry as a bone. Luckily, I have figured out a beauty routine that keeps everything moisturized and comfortable so I am ready to go as soon as the plane lands. Here are the five products (in addition to lots of water!) you need to ensure a comfy and moisturized flight.

1. A moisture mask

My moisture routine starts the night before I travel. I use this moisturizing water mask by Laneige the night before a flight. It gives my skin a nice head start and feels super-luxurious.

Image: Laneige

Water Sleeping Mask, $25 at Laneige

2. A sheet mask

Hear me out on this one. It may look odd to those around you, but there is no better method of moisturizing your skin on a long flight. I usually bring a couple of masks with me in my carry-on and use one every four to five hours of flight time. They're super-easy to carry around, and you just toss them in the trash when you're done. Just make sure to choose a mask specifically meant for hydration, and avoid brightening, clarifying or exfoliating masks. This mask by Dr.Jart+ is my favorite.

Image: Sephora

Dr.Jart+ Hydration Lover mask, $12 at Sephora

3. Lip balm

I've tried more expensive lip balms than I can count, but this super-cheap one by Vaseline works better than anything else I have ever tried. It's super-thick and keeps you moisturized for hours. You do have to use your finger to apply it, so just make sure to wash your hands first because as we all know, planes are ridiculously dirty, and every surface is crawling with germs.

Image: Target

Vaseline Lip Therapy, $1.89 at Target

4. Saline nasal spray

My skin and lips aren't the only body parts to take a beating on long flights. My nose gets super-dried-out too, and it can be uncomfortable and can even cause nosebleeds. To combat the dryness, I use a saline nasal spray every one to two hours. This spray is my favorite because it's small, light and TSA-approved. It does come in a few different sizes, so just make sure you pick up the one that is less than 3 ounces.

Image: Arm & Hammer

Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Mist, prices vary, but it can be found at Target, Walmart and most grocery stores

5. Hydrating eye drops

This is actually a recommendation from my eye doctor. I told her what a terrible time I have with dry eyes on a plane, and she suggested using some lubricating drops. If you have eye problems, you should check with your doctor to make sure these will work for you, but my doctor said these OTC lubricating eye drops are pretty darn safe and fine to use for long flights.

Image: Target

Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops, $10.99 at Target

15 Moving Photos That Capture the 2018 Women's March

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The 2018 Women's March was an undeniable success. Early reports indicate that this year's protest had an even higher turnout than last year's, on the day following Donald Trump's inauguration.

This year, the speeches focused on voting and bringing women to the polls on Nov. 6 as well as issues like activism and #TimesUp.

More: The Women's March One Year Later: Where Do We Stand Now?

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged her New York crowd to vote: "If you care about winning back the House, flipping the Senate, then I urge you to support Democratic candidates all across the country. Whatever issue is most important to you, each one of you is an agent of change."

Others, like Delegate Kelly Fowler of Virginia, encouraged women to take it a step further and run for office. "Last year I marched, then I ran — then I won."

Here are inspiring images from the 2018 Women's March.

1. No matter their age, women were letting their voices be heard

Young women at the Women's March 2018
Image: Araya Diaz/Getty Images

2. Olivia Wilde spoke to the crowd of 700,000 in Los Angeles

olivia wlde instagram pic 2

olivia wlde instagram pic 2

3. Tony Goldwyn made a powerful statement as a proud feminist

Tony Goldwyn at the 2018 Women's March
Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for The Women's March Los Angeles

4. Halsey shared her powerful poem "A Story Like Mine" at the New York march

halsey womens march twitter

halsey womens march twitter

5. Even Canadians took to the streets in solidarity

canada women's march twitter

canada women's march twitter

6. Natalie Portman hit up the Women's March in Los Angeles to "Make American Gay Again"

natalie portman women's march twitter

natalie portman women's march twitter

7. Amy Schumer and Amber Tamblyn marched strong

amy schumer women's march instagram

amy schumer women's march instagram

More: What You Need to Know About the 2018 Women's March

8. Rowan Blanchard, Alfre Woodard and Jurnee Smollett-Bell stood proudly together on the L.A. Women's March stage

Alfre Woodard, Rowarn Blanchard and Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for The Women's March Los Angeles

9. Adele, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lawrence made a powerful trio at the Women's March

adele women's march instagram

adele women's march instagram

10. Gillibrand spoke to the crowd in New York City

kristin gillibrand women's march tweet

kristin gillibrand women's march tweet

11. Many women dressed up as handmaids from The Handmaid's Tale to fight oppression and to support the right to make their own decisions about their bodies

handmaids tale women's march tweet

handmaids tale women's march tweet

12. Idina Menzel performed on stage in Los Angeles

Indina Menzel performs at the Women's March
Image: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images for The Women's March Los Angeles

13. Elizabeth Banks looked good while marching for equality

elizabeth banks women's march twitter

elizabeth banks women's march twitter

14. Viola Davis amped up the crowd in Los Angeles

Viola Davis at the 2018 Women's MarchImage: Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images

More: The Women's March on Washington Cheat Sheet (Planning Inspo for This Year's March)

15. The message of resistance held strong

2018 Women's March
Image: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

What issues did you march for today?

Halsey's Poem From the 2018 Women's March Is Not to Be Missed

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Halsey inspired the world at the 2018 Women's March today with a poem about her own experiences with sexual assault, called "A Story Like Mine."

More: 15 Moving Photos That Capture the 2018 Women's March

In the poem, Halsey revealed she was sexually assaulted as a child, then later in life by a boyfriend who forced her to have sex.

We could sum up all of the details, but it's better if you just read (or listen to) her words.

halsey women's march speech

halsey women's march speech

More: The Women's March One Year Later: Where Do We Stand Now?

It's 2009 and I'm 14 and I'm crying

Not really sure where I am but I'm holding the hand of my best friend Sam

In the waiting room of a Planned Parenthood

The air is sterile and clean, and the walls are that not gray, but green

And the lights are so bright they could burn a hole through the seam of my jeans

My phone is buzzing in the pocket

My mom is asking me if I remembered my keys 'cause she's closing the door and she needs to lock it

But I can't tell my mom where I've gone

I can't tell anyone at all

You see, my best friend Sam was raped by a man that we knew 'cause he worked in the after-school program

And he held her down with her textbook beside her

And he covered her mouth and he came inside her

So now I'm with Sam, at the place with a plan, waiting for the results of a medical exam

And she's praying she doesn't need an abortion, she couldn't afford it

And her parents would, like, totally kill her

It's 2002 and my family just moved and the only people I know are my mom's friends, too, and her son

He's got a case of Matchbox cars and he says that he'll teach me to play the guitar if I just keep quiet

And the stairwell beside apartment 1245 will haunt me in my sleep for as long as I am alive

And I'm too young to know why it aches in my thighs, but I must lie, I must lie

It's 2012 and I'm dating a guy and I sleep in his bed and I just learned how to drive

And he's older than me and he drinks whiskey neat and he's paying for everything

This adult thing is not cheap

We've been fighting a lot, almost 10 times a week

And he wants to have sex, and I just want to sleep

He says I can't say no to him

This much I owe to him

He buys my dinner, so I have to blow him

He's taken to forcing me down on my knees

And I'm confused 'cause he's hurting me while he says please

And he's only a man, and these things he just needs

He's my boyfriend, so why am I filled with unease?

It's 2017 and I live like a queen

And I've followed damn near every one of my dreams

I'm invincible and I'm so fucking naive

I believe I'm protected 'cause I live on a screen

Nobody would dare act that way around me

I've earned my protection, eternally clean

Until a man that I trust gets his hands in my pants

But I don't want none of that, I just wanted to dance

And I wake up the next morning like I'm in a trance and there's blood

Is that my blood?

Hold on a minute

You see, I've worked every day since I was 18

I've toured everywhere from Japan to Mar-a-Lago

I even went on stage that night in Chicago when I was having a miscarriage

I mean, I pied the piper, I put on a diaper

And sang out my spleen to a room full of teens

What do you mean this happened to me?

You can't put your hands on me

You don't know what my body has been through

I'm supposed to be safe now

I earned it

It's 2018 and I've realized nobody is safe long as she is alive

And every friend that I know has a story like mine

And the world tells me we should take it as a compliment

But then heroes like Ashley and Simone and Gabby, McKayla and Gaga, Rosario, Aly

Remind me this is the beginning, it is not the finale

And that's why we're here

And that's why we rally

It's Olympians and a medical resident and not one fucking word from the man who is president

It's about closed doors and secrets and legs and stilettos from the Hollywood hills to the projects in ghettos

When babies are ripped from the arms of teen mothers and child brides cry globally under the covers

Who don't have a voice on the magazine covers

They tell us, take cover

But we are not free until all of us are free

So love your neighbor, please treat her kindly

Ask her story and then shut up and listen

Black, Asian, poor, wealthy, trans, cis, Muslim, Christian

Listen, listen and then yell at the top of your lungs

Be a voice for all those who have prisoner tongues

For the people who had to grow up way too young

There is work to be done

There are songs to be sung

Lord knows there's a war to be won

Here’s What Your Sore Breasts Actually Mean

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Breast soreness is common — especially in developing bodies and while you’re on your period — and with the worry of cancer or lumps, it’s normal to fear the worst. However, what happens when the pain is persistent? Dull pains or aches can be worrisome and irritating.

What’s up with breasts in the first place?

The milk-producing gland is made up of fat and tissue that protects “nerves, blood vessels, and milk ducts.” Breast development is different from person to person, as some people begin to hit puberty around 10 or 11 years old, but many people can begin to grow breasts as early as 8 or as old as 13. After four to five years, a person's breasts are adult-size.

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

What causes soreness?

Health care professionals call breast pain “mastalgia.” Tracking breast pain is important in order to rule out any potentially worrisome indicators. Here are a few reasons your breasts are sore, throbbing, swelling or in pain.

You’re PMS'ing: During menstruation, a body produces estrogen and progesterone, which contribute to hormonal changes and can cause tender breasts because of swelling. Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynecologist in Westchester County, New York, says, “Breast soreness typically occurs right before the period is about to come on.”

This type of soreness is called cyclic pain and typically goes away when your period ends. Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York says birth control can help keep estrogen levels stable, which can help minimize pain in the breasts. For more natural pain relief, try primrose oil supplements.

Working out too much: According to Shirazian, there are pectoral muscles there [muscles beneath the breasts], which can contribute to light breast pain after push-ups or weight lifting. Apply relief to this area with heating pads or a pain reliever. Moreover, if you’re working out without stretching, you may have pulled or strained a pectoral muscle.

Get your bra sized correctly: According to a Triumph study in 2008, 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Tightness or underwire can contribute to sore breasts. Moreover, if you don’t have enough support, especially while working out, the up-and-down movement can cause pain. If you have bigger breasts, it’s important to have proper support because bouncing can cause breast tissue to be pulled.

You have lumps: Lumpy breast tissue is known as fibrocystic breast tissue, which is linked to breast soreness during the menstrual cycle. The National Breast Cancer Foundation says this tissue is not linked to breast cancer but is more sensitive to hormonal changes. Fifty percent of people in their 20s to 50s have fibrocystic breast tissue.

You could be beginning menopause: Just like with puberty, menopause is a transitional time for the body because of hormonal changes. On average, people reach menopause around the age of 51, and it is a gradual process that takes between four and 12 years. Breast soreness from menopause feels like burning, stabbing or throbbing. For pain, there are over-the-counter options as well as vitamins for alternative methods.

A change in birth control: Pain that is around all month long could be because of a change in your birth control. Dweck says birth control can cause breast pain in the first month or two because your body is adjusting to the change in hormones. It’s important to note if the pain is one breast or both because one breast may have a cyst, which will feel like a small bubble and could cause a little bit of discharge from the nipple.

More: Understanding the Lumps & Bumps in Your Breasts

When should you worry about pain?

Breast pain accompanied by another symptom is usually a sign you should contact a doctor. Severe pain that hinders you from continuing normal tasks, redness or warmth could be a symptom of an infection. Breast swelling and breast pain can be an early symptom of pregnancy, so make sure to check in with your general practitioner if you find it necessary. Moreover, if you notice discharge from both breasts, contact a doctor right away.

Breast pain is actually rarely a symptom of breast cancer and the only type of cancer it is linked to is inflammatory breast cancer, which is very uncommon and only affects 5 percent of cancer diagnoses.

How to alleviate pesky breast pain?

Every person has a different pain threshold and different treatments work for different people. For some people, an ice pack or heating pad can alleviate pain in breasts. Refraining from caffeine can also help breast pain, but studies on this are still new. Increasing your water intake and eliminating super-salty foods can be helpful when suffering from pain. And as we mentioned before, over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen can be a temporary fix.

More: Breast Cancer In Men Is No Myth — Here's What You Need to Know

Unfortunately, breast pain is the most common pain for women to experience. In a study of 1,171 women, “69 percent said they experienced regular breast pain while on their periods and 11 percent had moderate to severe breast pain more than seven days a month.” 

Living with breast pain can be difficult and upsetting, as it influences mood and ability. Our advice? Stay alert of changes and speak with a general practitioner if you feel something more severe is happening to your body.

By S. Nicole Lane

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