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How to Get Away with Murder Star Reveals She Was Raped

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The reckoning against Hollywood men who abuse their power marches onward, but as the #MeToo stories from their victims continue to emerge, there's something undeniably disconcerting: Almost all the women coming forward are white. That's not noted to shame those women who have come forward (because their bravery is so necessary to recognize) but white women are not the only ones who have been abused by the culture of sexism in the entertainment industry. Their privilege allows them to come forward relatively safely; the same can't be said for women of color.

More: The #MeToo Movement Took Over Twitter — Now It's Going to Take Over TV

That's why it's so powerful to see actor Karla Souza, a Latina you may know from her starring role on How to Get Away with Murder, speaking out about her own rape at the hands of a director. While Souza doesn't name her rapist, she describes him in an interview with CNN en Español, calling him "charismatic" and noting that he's "doing very well in his career."

Souza claims she was put in a hotel away from the rest of the cast and crew while shooting a movie with this director — the hotel he was also staying at. It wasn't long, she said, before he started showing up at her room, sometimes in the middle of the night, claiming to want to discuss scenes.

More: Time's Person of the Year 2017 Honors the #MeToo Movement

"He enters the room and does not leave the room," Souza said. "He made me feel special in a way."

But that soon escalated, she said, and he began touching her without her consent. If she refused him, he would "punish" her on set by cutting her scenes, but if she allowed his advances, he was sweet and generous, she claimed. Fellow cast members found out and actually praised Souza for "taming the wolf." But of course, the director's behavior escalated again.

"He attacked me violently and he raped me. It's hard for me to say this," she said.

More: McKayla Maroney & Other Female Celebrities Share Gut-Wrenching #MeToo Stories

As Hollywood addresses its sexism and hopefully becomes more sensitive to feminist issues, it's important for that feminism be intersectional. There are many stories like Souza's waiting to be told by other women of color. Hopefully, Souza's bravery in coming forward will help other women find their voice as well.


Sophia Bush Calls Out 'Vile Creatures' on Twitter

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After last week's horrific school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 dead (most of them teenage students), kids across the nation are now organizing marches, rallies and demonstrations, begging Congress to act on gun control, primarily to preserve the safety of their fellow Americans. The upcoming March for Our Lives, scheduled for March 24, is organized entirely by the survivors from Stoneman Douglas who have been vocal since the shooting in saying that while this should be a job for adults to handle, the adults in charge have utterly failed them.

More: Hilarie Burton Describes Her Scary Encounters With a One Tree Hill Showrunner

But not everyone is on board with the message these teens are promoting, with some going so far as to claim there's a conspiracy at work. Thankfully, Sophia Bush is taking to Twitter to smack those naysayers down.

After retweeting an article about the extreme smear campaign that's been launched against these kids by adults who tend to fall in with an ultra-conservative crowd (including noted conspiracy theorist Dinesh D'Souza and Donald Trump Jr.), Bush candidly shared some of her thoughts, which seem to echo a lot of people's thoughts on this issue.

Sophia Bush loses it over kids fighting for gun control

Sophia Bush loses it over kids fighting for gun control

"The fact that people have activated a 'smear campaign' to go after grieving and traumatized children because they are POWERFUL AND RIGHT AND THIS MADNESS HAS TO END is disgusting," she wrote. "Shame on these vile creatures causing further suffering. What the fuck is wrong with humanity?????" Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

More: Sophia Bush's Anger About the Congressional Dress Code May Be Overkill

Bush's outrage feels justified at this moment — and frankly, it feels cathartic to read. Far-right guns rights supporters have been working overtime to attack the credibility of these children, who are only trying to ensure no more of their classmates are mowed down in the future by high-capacity assault rifles while they sit in their classrooms. There's an active smear campaign against the kids; Trump Jr. has retweeted conspiracy theories saying the survivors of one of the worst school shootings in history were coached in anti-Republican rhetoric. It's a bit too stomach-churning to feel acceptable right now, and honestly, it's enough to make anyone struggle to maintain faith in humanity

More: Sophia Bush Shuts Down Online Body-Shaming Culture in the Best Way

Let's hope this horrendous backlash against the young activists working to change America's relationship to guns dies down quickly, because as Bush put it, this madness most certainly has to end.

Ashton Kutcher Says Mourning His Failed Marriage Was Actually 'Awesome'

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There are a lot of different ways to handle a breakup. But the way Ashton Kutcher handled his 2013 divorce from Demi Moore might be a completely new idea. TBH, though, probably don't try this at home.

More: Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher's Red Carpet Debut Was Worth the Wait

In a new interview on Dax Shepard's podcast, Armchair Expert, Kutcher explained all about how he dealt with his breakup with Moore by retreating alone into the woods for an entire week with nothing but a notepad, a pen, water and tea. He didn't take any food or electronics with him, which, honestly, is dangerous AF. Like I said, don't try this at home.

"Right after I got divorced, I went to the mountains for a week by myself," Kutcher explained. "I went into Big Sky in Montana, and I did no food, no drink — just water and tea."

He continued, "I took all my computers away, my phone, my everything,” he explained. “I was there by myself so there was no talking, and I just had a notepad and a pen and water and tea for a week."

More: John Stamos Ran Into Ashton Kutcher at the Grocery Store, Because Hollywood

Anyone reading this with any experience whatsoever in wilderness survival is screaming internally, and, yes, Kutcher described how this method of dealing with a breakup actually might have been a little bit of a medical emergency.

"I started to hallucinate on, like, Day 2 which was fantastic," he said. "It was pretty wonderful. I was doing tai chi with my own energy."

When asked whether he actually knows tai chi, Kutcher replied, "No, I was just doing what came to me."

More: Why Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Won't Share Pics of Their Kids on Social Media

Kutcher ended by saying this potentially extremely dangerous situation was "really spiritual and kind of awesome." To each their own, but seriously, once again, don't try this at home.

6 Easiest Pet Fish to Keep Happy & Alive

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If we're being honest, yes, pet fish are a bit easier to care for than, say, a dog or cat. But if you're still living with the childhood trauma of coming home from school to find your beloved goldfish belly up in his bowl, then you know that keeping a flippered friend alive isn't exactly a walk in the park.

As a fish owner, I can tell you there’s a lot more that goes into the care of fish than you might think. Life happens, you get busy and those fun little fish tend to take the back burner. But some fish are hardier than others, and that's where you want to start.

Look for a fish that can handle a little overfeeding (because how much is a "pinch," really?) or a little underfeeding (oops). You’ll also want a fish that can stand less-than-frequent water changes, because who has time for that? Finally, you’re going to want a fish that’s peaceful. Take my word for it on that one — after spending all day keeping my children from killing each other, the last thing I want to do is break up a fish fight.

These are the simplest fish to keep according to experts.

Danios

Small zebra fish or danios fish

Also known as the zebra fish, danios are happy to be part of a community tank and like to live in groups of at least five. They can live in tanks as small as 5 gallons but prefer to have more room than that to move. The tank needs to be temperate, between 65 and 77 degrees F, and you'll need a filter.

Next: Tetras

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

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Tetras

Tetras

Tetras are the perfect beginner fish. They are bright, colorful and very active, so they’re a lot of fun to watch. They’re also small, which means you can have several, even if you have a smaller tank. This is good, because tetras do well in schools of at least three to five fish. Fish Tank Kings star and aquatic development manager at Rolf C. Hagen, Francis Yupangco, says tetras can live peacefully with various types of tetras as well as other community fish. They do require a full tank setup, including a heater and filter, but that’s something you’ll encounter with any tropical fish. Tetras also love heavily-planted tanks, which means you get to have fun picking out lots of those pretty, colorful aquarium plants.

More: The Exotic Animals You Can Legally Have as Pets in the U.S.

Next: Guppies

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Guppies

Guppies

Guppies are gorgeous fish that brighten any tank. "These fish have large, brilliantly colored dorsal fins and are easy to keep," said Yupangco. The male fish have brighter colors and bigger fins, making it easy to tell the males and females apart. It’s a good thing too. Guppies are prolific breeders, so if you don’t want a huge family of fish on your hands, only choose guppies of the same sex. Although they don't need a huge tank, they should have at least a gallon of water per fish and keep temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees F. You'll want to change the water at least once weekly.

Next: Angelfish

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Angelfish

Angelfish

"The popular angelfish is not as delicate or difficult to keep as many people think," says Yupangco. They are community fish and can live with other tropical community fish quite peacefully. They do grow up to 6 inches in length, though, so they shouldn’t be kept in a tank that’s less than 20 gallons. Adult angelfish can sometimes be aggressive, so don’t introduce young, small fish into a tank with a full-grown angelfish.

Next: Goldfish

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Goldfish

Goldfish

Goldfish are another easy choice of fish because unlike most tropical fish, they don’t require heaters. Yupangco warns, though, that once you start a goldfish tank, you’re limiting yourself to only that species. "You should not mix tropical fish like tetras, angelfish or guppies with goldfish. Tropical fish require warm water and an aquarium heater, whereas goldfish do not," he says.

More: Got Allergies? These Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Are Your New Best Friends

Yupangco also cautions that, contrary to popular belief, goldfish do need to be in filtered aquariums. "Goldfish are messy and grow quite large, so having a good filter and a large tank (at least 20 gallons) is essential."

Next: Plecos

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Plecos

Pleco

Plecos aren't the most colorful, but they’re helpful fish to have because they feed on the algae on the sides and bottom of your tank. That’s right, you read that correctly. Plecos help you clean your tank. You’re welcome.

They’re peaceful fish that keep to themselves, but they do feel more comfortable if they have a cave or heavily planted area where they can hide out. Although they tend to fill up on the fish’s leftovers, you may need to drop in an algae wafer every now and then to supplement their diet.

Tell us: Do you have a fish tank? What’s in it?

Pin it! 6 Low-Maintenance Pet Fish

Ryan Reynolds Made a Big Business Announcement

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The average person changes their career multiple times throughout their lifetime, so it's not really a surprise to see actors wanting to branch out and switch it up every once in a while. One such actor is Ryan Reynolds, who for his next big professional move took a page straight out of George Clooney's entrepreneurial handbook. As of Feb. 21, Reynolds is the proud owner of a gin company.

More: Ryan Reynolds Weighs in on Twitter Debate Over Hot Men in Hollywood

Reynolds announced the big move on Instagram this week with a photo of himself posing with a few cases and a bottle of Aviation gin.

Ryan Reynolds announces he just bought a gin company

Ryan Reynolds announces he just bought a gin company

"I own nothing in this photo. Except that gin company," he wrote in the caption, tagging Aviation's Instagram page as well.

All things considered, it's probably a pretty safe career move to go from acting right into the alcohol business. If there's any product that will stay successful and keep selling no matter what the economy looks like, it's booze (remember the Prohibition?). And plus, having a celebrity at the helm will probably only get more people to try Aviation Gin, boosting sales in the process. So yeah, Reynolds' foray into the world of alcohol can really only mean good things for everyone involved.

More: Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds' Marriage Secret? "Stay Together"

Forbes reached out to Reynolds' rep for information about how much stake in the company he actually purchased, but the rep declined to give a percentage, only saying that Reynolds is now a "significant owner."

"About a year ago, I tried Aviation for the first time. Since that day, I’ve spent my time finding some way to infiltrate the company," Reynolds told Forbes. "I did this for one simple reason: It’s the best damn gin on the planet."

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

That's a pretty big endorsement and might even be reason enough to start trying to find a bottle of this stuff now. Aviation is based in Portland, Oregon, so if you live near there, you probably have a good shot of tracking some down.

Demi Lovato's Latest Concert Series Gives Her a Chance to Connect With Fans

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Updated Feb. 21, 2018, 11:45 a.m. PT: Demi Lovato recently took time out of her busy schedule to speak with SheKnows over the phone to discuss her latest musical endeavors. In the run up to her exciting partnership with CAST Centers, Lovato has also recently partnered with two major companies for a new venture.

As it turns out, Lovato's part of an exciting new endeavor from Mastercard and American Airlines wherein these companies have "curated a ‘priceless’ collection of events just for cardmembers to help them pursue their passions and create memories they will cherish for a lifetime," with Lovato contributing her talents as a performer to the mix.

So, what got Lovato excited to perform this series of concerts as part of her new partnership? "The partnership was presented to me, and I thought it was a great opportunity for me to perform intimate shows with my fans, which is really cool, so I said yes."

Originally published January 25, 2018: Fans who go to a Demi Lovato show on her next tour will get more than just music therapy. Lovato is partnering with CAST Centers, an organization that promotes mental health and wellness, to provide inspirational speeches and group therapy to concertgoers during her 2018 tour, and honestly, it's genius.

More: Meet the New Mental Health Ambassador for Global Citizen — Demi Lovato

Lovato is a co-owner of CAST and was actually a patient there in 2011 when she was struggling with her own mental health. Throughout her career, Lovato has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder as well as her long road to sobriety. Her upcoming partnership with CAST isn't new — during her 2016 tour with Nick Jonas, she offered similar services at her shows.

More: Demi Lovato Is Confident AF in New Instagram Photo With Empowering Message

"It's basically like a therapy session before the concerts and we have speakers from all over and we're also helping out with different charities from around the country," Lovato said on Good Morning America this week. "So it'll be an incredible, very moving and inspiring experience."

She continued, "I want to do this because one, it was such an incredible experience the last time we did this on tour. I've actually met people that go to CAST because they went to CAST on tours and realized they needed to get sober or they needed to better themselves in some other way, and it's changed lives and I want to be able to do that again. It's a part of my whole... life, about giving back and I think it's really important that I continue to do this while I'm on tour."

More: Demi Lovato Fights Back Amid Questions Surrounding Her Sexuality

Lovato's 2018 tour will feature DJ Khaled and Kehlani and is set to start Feb. 26 in San Diego.

Why a Dry Spell Was What I Needed to Heal From Sexual Trauma

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It probably seems counterintuitive to be thankful for a dry spell from sex, but for me, it’s true. That isn’t to say I don’t enjoy sex. I do (though there have been a few points in life when my depression made me feel pretty indifferently toward sex). I’m in a healthy long-term relationship, but that hasn’t always been the case. In the past, I’ve dated people I felt obligated to have sex with — people who didn’t treat me very well emotionally. They were coercive and manipulative, and I didn’t realize it until years later, after I had some distance and gained emotional maturity.

When I was 12, I was raped. It happened again when I was 22. Both experiences left me anguished, eroding my self-esteem and completely damaging my relationship with sex. I had trouble taking care of myself and putting my own needs first, which is detrimental to the average person, but is even worse for someone who is both mentally and chronically ill like myself.

More: 6 Things Uncomfortable Sex Can Signify

I was single for a long time before I met my girlfriend when I was 26. Dating was difficult in the first place, being queer in a small town and having people not understand my needs as a chronically ill and disabled person. The trouble I had meeting women was probably a blessing in disguise because it gave me the time I needed to recover, to cope with what I’d gone through.

I was never much for one-night stands or casual sex because of my tendency to get attached and equating someone having sex with me to them loving me. So by the time my girlfriend and I had sex for the first time, it had been a long time for me since I’d last had sex with someone. That dry spell was probably the best thing I could have done for myself. Looking back at my early 20s, I see a very damaged person who had to figure out a way to forgive herself, to love the person she was.

More: Nearly 40 Percent of Millennial Women Don't Discuss This With Their Partners

Eventually, I became that person — someone capable of realizing the love I need to give myself. That was something I never could have done in a relationship or while having sex because of the way I was at the time. I would have continued to put my partner’s needs before my own. As my own worst enemy, I would have stunted my own growth.

I know not everyone needs to stop having sex in order to grow as a person. Not everyone needs to stop dating to heal. Each person has different emotional, romantic and sexual needs that can change over time. Sex with my girlfriend is the best and healthiest sex I’ve ever had, and I really enjoy it, but time has taught me I don’t need sex to be happy. Instead, I need stability, companionship, transparency and someone who loves me the way I deserve to be loved. For the first time, I have that.

My chronic illness and other issues sometimes keep us from having sex as much as we might like, but it doesn’t negatively impact our relationship. There are so many ways to be intimate with someone that have nothing to do with sex. Whenever I’m going through an illness flare-up, I feel like the dry spell helps to really put the things that are most important in our relationship into perspective — our growth as a couple and as individuals.

More: The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Mental Health

While sex dry spells might be looked down upon by a lot of people as indicative of problems in a relationship, I don’t see them that way. To me, dry spells are renewal. Sex will still be there when the dry spell ends. Progress might not be.

By Kelley O'Brien

Upcycle Old Crayons Into Fun Shapes With This Easy DIY

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If you have kids or ever were a kid (hi, yes, that's all of you) and are at all craft-inclined, there's a good chance you have a secret stash of crayons in various states of disrepair hidden somewhere in your house. Maybe they've been stepped on or melted, or maybe coloring just isn't something you or your kids do very often. It can be tempting to just toss them out, but we have a better idea: Reincarnate them with this craft.

It's easy (and, you know, good for the planet) to repurpose your crayons into super-fun shapes; all it takes is a $1 ice cube mold from Ikea. This DIY is a huge hit with kids, and it's a great opportunity to breathe new life into all those misfit crayons. Plus, it's super-inexpensive to do.

More: Animal Crafts You Can Make With Your Kids

Here's how to get started.

DIY crayons -- supplies

Supplies:

  • Crayons
  • Flexible molds/ice cube trays
  • X-Acto knife
  • Cookie sheet

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Next, peel the paper wrappers from each crayon. Running the blade of an X-Acto knife down the length of the wrapper will help this step go quickly.

DIY crayons -- step 1

Step 2

Break the crayons into pieces. Smaller bits will melt more quickly in the oven and will therefore have less time to run and bleed into neighboring colors. Use a kitchen knife to cut pieces down to about 1/2 inch.

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

DIY crayons -- step 2

Step 3

Fill molds with crayon pieces. I wanted my crayons to have an ombré look, so I grouped similar colors together, graduating from dark to light, but rainbow crayons would be fun too.

DIY crayons -- step 3

Make sure to just slightly overfill each mold, as the crayons will melt down and take up less space.

DIY crayons -- step 3

Step 4

Place the molds on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the crayons are completely melted.

DIY crayons -- step 4

Step 5

Very carefully, so as to not spill any melted crayon, remove the cookie sheet from the oven.

DIY crayons -- step 5

Step 6

As the crayons cool, they will harden. To speed up the process, transfer the molds into the freezer after the crayons firm up.

DIY crayons -- step

Step 7

After about 30 minutes, remove the molds from the freezer. If the bottoms of the mold are cool, you can release the crayons from the mold by first gently pulling and stretching the molds to loosen up the crayons and then pushing each crayon up and out from the bottom. If the molds are still warm to the touch, return them to the freezer and check again in 10 minutes.

More: Dollar Store Crafts for Kids That Don't Look Like They Just Cost a Buck

DIY crayons -- final

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


Sarah Jessica Parker's Gap Kids Collection Is Worthy of a Tiny Carrie Bradshaw

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Mark your calendars and get your shopping carts ready! Sarah Jessica Parker and Gap announced their collaboration children's collection today, and the clothes are both affordable and adorable. Could it get any better? Well, since you asked, Parker's collection also focuses on sustainability — and she hopes parents will give these clothes hand-me-down lives once their little ones outgrow them.

"Creating this collection with Gap has been such a treat as a mother, as one of eight children, and as a reconnection with the brand," says Parker, who previously collaborated with the store on ad campaigns. "I hope the pieces are cherished by the children who wear them, that items are passed down among generations, and that some great memories are created while wearing them."

More: Sarah Jessica Parker Reveals What Terrifies Her Most About Raising Daughters

Parker's own beloved childhood heirlooms served as an inspiration for the collection, which features ginghams, stripes, florals and eyelets. Due to the importance Parker places on hand-me-downs and heirlooms, she chose not to buy into 2018-specific trends and instead kept the designs classic. Another personal touch is inspired by the actor's monthly superstition of saying "rabbit rabbit" at the start of the month; embroidered rabbits can be found on numerous items in the collection.

More: Sarah Jessica Parker Gets Refreshingly Real About Coping With Anxiety

SJP Poses Gap Kids Rabbit Ears

"It's been a delight to collaborate with Sarah Jessica Parker on this special collection for kids that combines her nostalgic childhood memories with signature Gap favorites," says Wendi Goldman, Gap executive vice president and chief product officer. "We are so thrilled to have Sarah Jessica back with the Gap brand in this new collaboration capacity. Together we created a collection that we hope will be passed down from generation to generation, just as we envisioned."

SJP Gap Rabbit Dress

The clothing and accessories range in price from $16.95 to $78 and will be available on both the Gap website and in stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Greater China, Hong Kong and Japan.

The collection also includes two women's dresses so that matching mother-daughter Laura Ashley trend of the '80s and '90s may be back after all.

How to Talk to Kids About Drugs & Alcohol

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For parents of young kids, talking with our kids about drugs and alcohol may seem like something we're supposed to tackle years from now — but experts recommend we begin open and ongoing dialogue about these topics as early as age 6. This allows us to instill values and expected behaviors in our kids’ minds long before they’re curious or pressured to try alcohol or drugs themselves.

According to recent data from the National Institute for Drug Abuse’s Monitoring the Future report, teens’ substance use is at its lowest levels. Underage drinking has declined almost 50 percent since 1991, with approximately 77 percent of eighth graders reporting they have never consumed alcohol. However, not all substances saw a decrease in use; marijuana use edged up in 2017, the first significant increase in seven years. (Opinions about this, of course, are mixed.)

Plus, the rate of teen overdose deaths involving heroin and fentanyl is climbing; deaths from synthetic opioids among 15- to 19-year-olds rose steadily from 2002 to 2015, as reported by CNN. And heroin deaths in this age group? One for every 100,000 teens — three times what it was in 1999.

So how do we get the most dangerous illicit drug use onto the same downward slope as underage drinking? Conversations. Yep, one reason for the success in reducing underage drinking and some other forms of substance use among teens may well be that simple: increased efforts by parents to talk to their kids. For example, parents report a 73 percent increase in conversations about alcohol consumption since 2003. Continuing these conversations could be the key to prevention.

More: Is Smoking Pot in Front of Your Kids Ever OK?

Ralph Blackman, the CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, shares his thoughts, particularly on alcohol consumption. “The good news is conversations between parents and teens are up and underage drinking is down, but our work is not done. Parents, teachers and law enforcement need to keep having conversations about underage drinking. Kids are listening — even if we sometimes don’t think so — and these talks are making a big difference on our kids’ decisions to drink or not drink underage.” 

Here are a few do's and don'ts for having successful conversations with your kids about and drugs and alcohol.

Do start conversations early — & focus on the body & the brain

Young minds are sponges, curious to soak up how things operate, especially if those things are their own bodies and brains. Use this interest to teach your kids about how a healthy lifestyle helps their body work to its full potential. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a family physician and youth development expert, explains, “In addition to the short-term consequences that drinking and using drugs can have, like memory loss or poor judgment, there are also long-term impacts that come with early exposure. Since the brain is still developing during adolescence, alcohol and drugs can interrupt key processes and can lead to heightened risk for subsequent abuse disorders, cognitive dysfunction and other neurological impairments.”  

Don't just preach; ask your child questions

Having conversations about drugs and alcohol with your kids should be a two-way discussion. Before diving into a lesson, ask your children what they think about substances, what they’ve heard about them and what they’ve noticed about substance use in the media or their community. This will allow you to learn what your kids already know — and what they don’t. Listen to their answers, and then add your insights.

More:  7 Things I Said I'd Never Do as a Parent — That I Now Do

Do discuss ways to say no

"Just say no," may have been the parenting mantra of the 1980s, but it's not quite as simplistic as that in real life. Whether you are a kid, tween, teen or adult, saying no to someone can be hard — especially if that person is a friend, colleague or loved one. Charles Curie, the former administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, shares three tips for saying no. “Tell your kids to be direct, keep it simple and stay confident. If a friend or peer is pressuring your child to participate in illegal activity, make sure they are ready to say no with confidence. Communicate your intentions clearly so that your kid understands where you stand.” 

Here are some potential responses I’ve discussed with my kids:  

  • “No thanks. I’m waiting awhile before I start drinking.” 

  • “No, if my parents found out I did drugs, I would definitely be grounded.” 

  • “No thanks. I have a game tomorrow. I need to be at my best to beat this team.” 

Do have a plan for getting out of bad situations

Before kids end up in compromising situations, talk to them about hypothetical scenarios and create a plan of action they feel comfortable with. Agree on a code word they can text if they feel unsafe or devise a backup plan with family, friends or neighbors they can call for help. Let them know you will be there for them no matter what.

Don't hide your own use from your kids

Modeling responsible drinking behavior in front of kids can create a platform for conversations and shape their attitudes toward alcohol as they grow up. You can set an example of responsible drinking by openly discussing who will be the designated driver when you’re going out or declining a drink at a party when you'll be driving home. You can also talk to them about how drinking as an adult is a choice and a privilege, like getting a driver’s license; it’s something to participate in carefully and responsibly.

Gilboa says, “Parents must realize that kids are paying even more attention to what we do than what we say — they watch and learn from their parents’ behavior. Instead of avoiding the topic of alcohol in front of your kids, be upfront about the ways you are drinking responsibly and how that ties in with your family values.” As for whether you should smoke marijuana in front of your kids, read here.

More:  Drugs Your Kids Know About — & You Should Too

Check out resources created by Ask, Listen, Learn, a program of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, for additional tips and information to start these discussions.

how to talk to kids about drugs and alcohol

Kate Middleton Is Living Her Best Pregnant Life With This Tattoo-Hard Hat Combo

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When I think of hard hats, "stylish" isn't generally the first word that comes to mind. Well, leave it to the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton, to prove me wrong. Kate, whose third child is due in April, donned a hard hat during a visit to Sunderland today. She didn't wear the hat to make a fashion statement (although she somehow managed to do just that because she's Kate). The hats were necessary when she and Prince William visited the construction site of the Northern Spire, a bridge that's even taller than Big Ben.

Look at these two in in their matching construction outfits! Prince William still manages to look dapper, but he can't compete with his wife in the style department.

Kate Middleton Construction Hard Hat Sunderland

Kate Middleton Construction Hard Hat Sunderland

More: Kate Middleton's Chicest Pregnancy Outfits

But wait! There's more. During the royal couple's busy day in Sunderland, Kate also got some new body art from a local artist: a henna tattoo. And before the naysayers come a-running, note that henna is solely derived from plants and contains no chemicals — and is thus preggo-safe.

The artist, 18-year-old Shajida Begum asked Kate if she'd prefer a specific design, to which the Duchess of Cambridge responded, "Yes, if you don't mind," according to People. Kate opted for a flower design on her hand. She also requested a pack of bindis to bring home for her daughter Princess Charlotte — and I'm going to make an educated guess that Charlotte will rock those bindis like nobody's business.

More: Did We Just Get Gender-Played by Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton Henna Tattoo Video

Kate Middleton Henna Tattoo Video

Pregnancy certainly hasn't slowed Kate down. Over the past few weeks, she and Prince William have played bandy hockey in Sweden and spent time at a Norwegian ski jump.

Thanks to what People dubbed "the Kate Middleton Effect" in 2016, clothing and accessories worn by the Duchess of Cambridge sell out in the blink of an eye — particularly because her wardrobe is a mix of high-end fashion designers and more affordable brands like Banana Republic, Zara, Topshop and Superga. So don't be surprised if hard hats turn into one of spring's hottest trends. You read it here first.

How to Meal Prep Like an Olympian

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Watching Team USA during the Winter Olympics is quite the experience. The athletes make everything look so effortless and easy, it makes you wonder: How in the world do they prepare for such rigorous events that push their bodies to the limit like that?

U.S. Olympic sports nutrition consultant Mike Israetel has the answer — and, no, it has nothing to do with strength training or cardio. In fact, the gym has nothing to do with it.

More: 14 Simple Make-Ahead Meals to Prep Dinner for the Week

Israetel, who's also the head science consultant and cofounder of Renaissance Periodization, instructed the Team USA Olympians on both nutrition and recovery, and he says meal prepping is an essential part of maintaining everything from their nutrition and training to their recovery and performance. But the biggest benefit everyone gets out of meal prepping? It helps de-stress.

Plus, anyone can do it; it's that easy. We spoke to Israetel about the misconceptions of meal prepping, the meal prepping tips he gives Olympic athletes and more. He even gave a couple of meal prep recipes to help get you started.

SheKnows: What are some misconceptions about meal prepping?

Mike Israetel: Two related ones come to mind. First is the idea that you have to eat bland bodybuilding food when you meal prep. People associate dieting with restriction and suffering, even when it doesn't have to be. So long as you're getting the calories and macros right and eating mostly healthy foods, you can have tasty and varied food in your meals.

On the opposite end, some people think that they have to win the meal prep Olympics each week and rack their brains about how they can make their food ever tastier and more creative. They'll make, like, five different menu items to eat through the week, which ends up costing tons of time and effort. If you like that much variety and you're OK with the process, go for it. But it's just fine to throw some basic healthy foods together and keep things simple if that's more your style, especially if you're super-busy with everything else in your life.

SK: What are some of the most common mistakes people make when meal prepping?

MI: A very common one is prepping bulk ingredients (like a tub of rice and a tub of cut-up chicken) and filling up individual meals from the bulk contents in the fridge every morning or night. This just takes more time for no reason. Our recommendation at RP is to portion your food out into individual meal Tupperware when you prep it so that your only job later in the week is to open, heat and eat.

More: 9 Ways Food Bloggers Tackle Meal Prep Before a Busy Week

SK: Are there certain types of foods people should avoid when meal prepping? If so, what are they — and why?

MI: Honestly? Food that doesn't sit well in the fridge/freezer, or more to the point, food that doesn't reheat well. Some foods (like maybe tuna or eggs) just don't reheat like others and are best eaten fresh. If you hate how your meals taste, you're just going to eat other foods instead. A lot of this is trial and error, but if you made some food and it tastes very "meh" after being reheated, just opt for different stuff next week!

SK: What kind of meal prep tips do you offer Olympic athletes?

MI: Get your calories and macros (proteins, carbs and fats) right. You're a finely tuned athletic machine and nearly any imprecision is a reduction in the probability of victory. Mind you, that's not advice normal folks need too often. However, if you're trying to lose fat and you're struggling, make your meals exact, eat only those meals, and you'll be much more likely to see success.

SK: Do you have any hacks or shortcuts to help speed up the process of meal prepping?

MI: When in doubt, keep it simple and stick with cooking up a single protein source, a single veggie and a single healthy carb at a time. Make enough for two or three days at a time and prep each meal right then and there when it's done.

My three favorite hacks for speeding up the process are: 

The air fryer is terrific for keeping chicken moist and cooking it very quickly. You can find a good air fryer for around $100, and it is money well spent!

Use a slow cooker. Even though it cooks for a long time, the prep is very simple and you can cook during the day while you're at work or overnight while you sleep.

Take advantage of the array of already prepped food in the grocery store: sweet potatoes already peeled and cubed, steam-in-the-bag veggies, bulk bags of raw nuts, steamable plain rice bowls [and] "clean" proteins like chicken sausage, deli-sliced turkey, etc.

I can do three days of meal prep in under an hour, no problem!

More: No Joke, These 9 Shortcuts Will Cut Your Dinner Prep Time in Half

SK: What meal-prep containers do you recommend? And what tips do you have for keeping food fresher for longer?

MI: We are loving Meal Prep Society containers. The quality is great and they come in plastic and glass options — with compartments or without compartments — to meet just about any meal prep needs.

If you can, it's best to meal prep twice a week — once during the week and once on the weekend. On whichever meal prep day you can carve out the most time, make more "recipes" or food that takes a bit longer to prepare — multicomponent dishes that match your macros, roasted veggies, baked dishes, etc.

Lastly, below are two recipes Israetel recommends to help you get started.

Creamy chicken enchiladas recipe

creamy chicken enchiladas

From The Renaissance Feast

"Each of my two 100-recipe cookbooks has a super-popular enchilada recipe in it," Israetel says. "People love these because these are familiar flavors, so you don't feel like it's 'diet food.' It's super-quick to pull together and 100 percent family-friendly. Make two pans so that you'll be able to feed your family and meet your meal prep requirements all at once. And kids love to help prepare these!"

Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde, divided
  • 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups 2 percent shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro paste
  • 1 pound chicken, cooked and shredded
  • 8 large whole-grain tortillas
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with cooking spray.
  2. Spread 1 cup of salsa verde in the prepared pan.
  3. Combine yogurt, 1 cup of cheese and the cilantro paste in a small bowl. Fold in the cooked chicken.
  4. Warm the tortillas according to the package directions.
  5. Spread 1/8 of the filling mix down the center of each tortilla.
  6. Roll up the tortillas and place seam-side down in a prepared pan. Repeat until you've got all 8 in the pan.
  7. Pour the remaining salsa verde over the top of the enchiladas and spread it with a spoon or spatula to cover.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Top it with the remaining cheese, and bake it an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and fresh chopped cilantro over the top.

More: 18 Mason Jar Breakfasts to Help Make Busy Mornings Bearable

Quinoa protein bowl recipe

quinoa protein bowl

From The Renaissance Kitchen

"This is another great packed meal idea and very adaptable," Israetel says. "Use brown rice or whole-grain pasta instead of quinoa, your favorite veggie instead of spinach, replace some or all of the egg whites with turkey, replace some or all of the avocado with EVOO, spritz with lemon or lime juice, etc. The use of fresh herbs will really add important flavor to this one-bowl meal. This can be served warm, at room temp or cold."

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa, soaked overnight and drained
  • Chicken broth (amount per quinoa box instructions)
  • Handful raw spinach, rinsed and drained
  • 6 hard-boiled egg whites, sliced
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • Your favorite chopped herbs (mint, basil, cilantro, etc.)
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook the soaked and drained quinoa according to the package directions, using chicken broth instead of water.
  2. Place the spinach in a bowl.
  3. Top the spinach with the cooked quinoa, sliced egg whites and sliced avocado.
  4. Add your favorite chopped herbs and salt and pepper to taste.

13 Things Vegans Can't Eat (Even Though They Seem Totally Fine)

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If you struggle to even flirt with the idea of giving up cheese and eggs, you should know that's only the very beginning for vegans. It's not just the obvious meat and dairy products vegans have to turn up their nose to, it's also a whole list of candies, nuts, juices and even beer and wine.

What!? I know. Apparently, there are tons of hidden animal products in foods like these that, on the surface, seem totally animal-friendly. That's the challenge of living a plant-based lifestyle: you've got to know the ins and outs of these undercover animal products.

So before you throw your vegan friend a party and assume the lollipops are safe, check out these store-bought items vegans try to avoid and why.

1. Some sugar

sugar

White sugar gets its color from a refining process that often involves the use of bone char, meaning even though it's not directly an animal product, it's not vegan. But don't opt for brown sugar, powdered sugar or even raw sugar. All of them are made from refined white sugar. Some sugar manufacturers are certified vegan, so check the company's website or PETA to find out. Or just opt instead for maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.

2. Jell-O, marshmallows, gummy bears, etc.

marshmallows

These sweet treats are typically made with gelatin, which is made from collagen that comes from animal byproducts. You should avoid any product made with gelatin. That said, a quick internet search will reveal vegan versions of these and many other gelatin-containing foods. If you're making something from scratch, try substituting an equal amount of agar-agar.

More: 20 Vegan Caramel Recipes That Are Decadent & Wholesome — Yes, Both

3. Other candies

candy

While we're on the subject of sweets, be careful of candies in general. That shiny coating comes from a resin excreted by a bug (the lac bug). Of course, "lac bug juice" would gross out even non-vegans, so they usually just call it "confectioner's glaze."

4. Red foods

red candy

How 'bout them fake red apple candies? There's nothing wrong with the red things Mother Nature makes, but most red candies and a lot of red foods in general get their color from red pigments from a female cochineal insect. On the label, it will say "cochineal," "carminic acid" or "carmine."

5. Soy cheese

soy cheese

That can't be true, right? Actually, it can. We can't explain the decision of some manufacturers to add casein (milk protein) to a product most likely to be purchased by vegans, but it happens. Check the label before you buy.

6. Sauces and dressings

salad dressings

Worcestershire sauce, in addition to many others, contains anchovy. The same is true of many salad dressings, like Caesar. And it goes without saying that cream-based dressings should be avoided unless they're specifically vegan. These are just the obvious ones, though. There are so many flavors out there, you should always check the label and know what every single ingredient is.

7. Peanuts

peanuts

Unless you crack the nuts yourself, skip the packaged, shelled peanuts. Some brands may use gelatin as an additive.

Next up: Chips

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

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8. Chips

chips

Many chips, especially barbecue flavor, contain chicken fat.

9. Cake mix

cake mix

You may think cake mixes are vegan because they just contain the dry ingredients and you add the fat and eggs, which you can substitute for vegan options, but this may not be so. They may contain sugar (which, as we already mentioned, could be an issue), milk products and even lard!

More: 20 Vegan Cheesecakes That Are Every Bit As Creamy As the Real Thing

10. Refried beans

refried beans

You can buy vegan refried beans, and many restaurants use them as well, but traditional refried beans are made with lard.

11. Margarine

margarine

Though many margarines are made with vegetable oil rather than dairy products, they may also contain gelatin, casein (milk protein), whey or gelatin.

12. Orange juice

orange juice

That's right! Even things that seem like they should come from Mother Earth could actually be hiding a dark secret. Some OJs are fortified with additional omega-3s that are derived from fish.

13. Beer and wine

beer and wine

Many breweries and wineries use a membrane that comes from the bladders of tropical fish to filter their beverages. So before you make a purchase, check the internet to ensure that brand is vegan.

What's a vegan to do?

Checking the labels is a great start, but many non-vegan additions may have surprisingly misleading names. If there's an ingredient you don't recognize, look it up to find out how it's made. It should be free of animal products but also free of anything a vegan might consider an exploitative product, like milk or honey. If worse comes to worst, send the recipe you plan to use to your vegan friend. They have a lot more experience!

Pin It! Things Vegans Can't Eat

3 Things You Didn't Know About the New Movie Every Day

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If you’ve seen the trailer for Every Day, you know it’s about a teenage girl who is in love with a soul who wakes up in a different body every day. That soul, named A, has never had a body or a family of their own. Instead, their life is a covert operation, and each day the mission is clear: Leave the life of the person whose body they’re inhabiting as undisturbed as possible. This works until A meets 16-year-old Rhiannon (Angourie Rice) while inhabiting her boyfriend’s body for the day, and they fall in love.

The movie, which is in theaters this Friday, Feb. 23, is part fantasy, part teen drama and all love story. But if you're not familiar with it, there are a few other things you probably don't know. Ahead are three things to know about Every Day, whether you’ve seen the movie or want to see it. No major spoilers, promise.

It’s based on a 2012 young adult novel with the same title

The love-is-love message behind Every Day may feel very now, but the story is from a 2012 YA novel written by David Levithan (Boy Meets Boy, Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist). And while it certainly makes the case that love is gender-blind, Levithan told Entertainment Weekly that his aim was not to make a statement about the gender binary or homosexuality.

“It’s A’s coming-out story,” Levithan said, referring to the fact that A's life is a complete secret before Rhiannon. “A has never shared any of these stories before, so it’s like coming out, and you’re taking a risk.”

There’s also a prequel and a companion book

If you want to know more about A, Levithan wrote a prequel ebook titled Six Earlier Days. It takes you through six pre-Rhiannon days of A’s life, allowing you to learn more about the mysterious character. And if you want more Rhiannon, you’ll want to check out Another Day, also by Levithan. It’s pretty much the same story as Every Day, but while the novel is told from A’s point of view, Another Day is told from Rhiannon’s.

It’s being compared to a 2015 Korean film, but the two are unrelated

Every Day has some similarities to the 2015 Korean movie The Beauty Inside, but The Beauty Inside is not the Korean version of Every Day and it’s not related to the book in any way. In fact, the only thing the two movies share is a body-hopping character who struggles with love and the overall message that love is love. But where A has never had a consistent body,Woo-jin — the protagonist in The Beauty Inside — lived the first 18 years of his life as a boy with friends and a family. Woo-jin retains that identity as he wakes up as different genders, ages and races, and he never knows anything about the bodies he inhabits. And while The Beauty Inside feels a rom-com, Every Day is ultimately a love story that's hard to forget.

Every Day is in theaters this Friday, Feb, 23. Check out the trailer here.

This post was sponsored by Every Day.

Katie Holmes Is Returning to TV

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Hear ye, hear ye: Katie Holmes is coming back to television in a major way. Yes, Holmes had a short arc on Ray Donovan in 2015, and OK, she's played Jackie Kennedy not once, but twice, in two separate limited series about the Kennedy family. But when was the last time you saw Holmes make a play for originating a character on a TV show with the potential to run for a long time to come? Not since Dawson's Creek, that's when.

More: Did You Miss Katie Holmes' Huge New Modeling Job?

But Holmes' time has come once again as she gears up to star in a new TV drama that, excitingly, sounds like Scandal and Homeland had a baby and planned to deliver that baby unto us sometime in 2018. Clear out some space in your queue; you're going to want to watch this show.

According to Deadline, the show (formerly titled Mrs. Otis Regrets) sees Holmes playing Hazel Otis, "who’s in the midst of investigating a domestic terrorism threat when a personal indiscretion — an affair with a prominent general — shatters her life and threatens her career at the FBI. Now labeled 'the mistress,' Hazel Otis — wife, mother, patriot — begins to rebuild her personal life and professional reputation." OK, is it just me or are the Scandal vibes actually super-, super-front and center after reading that synopsis?

More: Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx Can't Hide Their Love at Pre-Grammys Gala

The show is reportedly set to hit Fox, and although no hard-and-fast date has been set for the show to premiere, chances are good it could end up in the fall or midseason premiere lineups. Luckily, the still-officially-untitled show will be run by two women, former Empire showrunner Ilene Chaiken and Melissa Scrivner Love. Holmes is set to executive-produce the show as well. While this may seem like boring industry details, the biggest takeaway from this is that three powerful women are in charge of this story, which not only keeps those Shonda Rhimes-Scandal correlations strong but indicates this drama could be more nuanced and insightful to the way women are portrayed in this story.

More: There's One Thing Katie Holmes Would Choose Over Jamie Foxx

So basically, get excited for this show, folks. Get excited for the show, and more important, get excited Holmes is returning to TV; it's about dang time! Oh, and seriously: Make some space in your queue for this show right now.


Harvey Weinstein Incurs the Wrath of Meryl Streep by Naming Her in His Lawsuit

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I think it's pretty safe to say that the last thing any of us wants to do in this world would be to incur that wrath of Queen Meryl Streep. She's too wondrous, too powerful and frankly, she too good for any of the negative guff that sweeps through Hollywood these days. As such, it's not too much of a surprise that Streep has immediately put some negativity, courtesy of Harvey Weinstein, on blast and completely distance herself from it in the public eye, but it is disheartening that she had to do it at all.

More: A New Lawsuit Accuses Harvey Weinstein of More Heinous Behavior

On Wednesday, news emerged via The Blast that Weinstein was attempting to align himself with some of his A-list acquaintances (although that may be too generous a characterization at this point) in a recent statement filed in defense of his behavior in relation to the class action lawsuit he and his company,  The Weinstein Company, are currently facing.

Among the A-listers named in order to help portray Weinstein as a stand-up guy with no reasonable concerns about his behavior were Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lawrence and the almighty Streep. Of Streep specifically, Weinstein's statement claimed that "Weinstein had always been respectful to her in their working relationship." Not a good move on Weinstein's part, if you ask me.

Meryl Sigh GIF

The news of Weinstein naming Streep as a possible attempt to gain sympathy and keep his nose clean in this new lawsuit was quickly followed by a statement released by Streep (ostensibly via her reps since she has not active social media presence) about Weinstein's lawsuit statement. Her response, in full, in about as pleasantly icy as you'd expect in this situation: "“Harvey Weinstein’s attorneys’ use of my (true) statement — that he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationship — as evidence that he was not abusive with many OTHER women is pathetic and exploitive."

More: Harvey Weinstein's Sexually Predatory Behavior Seriously Impacted Salma Hayek

Her statement continues, adding, "The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for them — regardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed."

Meryl That's All GIF

It's not too surprising that Streep is now vigilantly on the defensive when it comes to finding herself aligned with any person accused of wrongdoing or any action that might be considered problematic. In the early days of this scandal, Streep became a figure that some, including Rose McGowan, named as being complicit for not immediately condemning Weinstein. It looks like Streep will not be making the same mistake she did back then, which was to wait a day or two to respond.

More: Meryl Streep Is the Target of a Mysterious Poster Campaign in Hollywood

So, let this be a lesson to all of us: don't drag Meryl Streep into your mounting legal problems, especially when she knows good and well she has no reason to be a part of it.

Why It Can Be So Easy to Mistake Encephalitis for the Flu

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In a year with a worse-than-usual flu season, it can be easy to get caught up looking for signs of influenza. It's definitely a good idea to be vigilant; it's also wise to get to know the symptoms of other conditions that may be similar to those of the flu, like encephalitis.

In case you're not familiar with the term, encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. According to Dr. Ava Easton, the chief executive officer of The Encephalitis Society, it is caused, broadly speaking, one of two ways: either through an ordinary infection (like the flu, the cold sore virus or the measles) or when a person's own immune system "goes rogue" and attacks their brain. Though encephalitis has a high mortality rate compared to other neurological conditions, Easton says 8 out of 10 people have not heard of it.

MoreKate Walsh Opens Up About Having a Brain Tumor

Here's some background on the condition, including what to look out for and how it's treated.

Symptoms

The tricky part about identifying encephalitis is that many of the symptoms are similar to those you get from other types of infections — especially a fever, Dr. Michel Toledano, a neurology specialist at The Mayo Clinic and member of the Scientific Advisory Panel of The Encephalitis Society tells SheKnows.

"Some people can also develop muscle aches and feeling under the weather," Toledano explains. "Other people go on to have memory difficulties, psychosis, movement abnormalities as well as seizures. Usually, it's a combination of them. In most cases, symptoms develop rather quickly."

So, how do you know if it's a cold or flu or encephalitis? Toledano says that the sudden explosion of neurological symptoms is the most obvious sign. For example, a person could have a cold one day and by the next morning have developed strange behaviors and appear to be confused, and by that afternoon they could develop seizures and be admitted to the intensive care unit.

On the other hand, it could happen more gradually, developing slowly over a few days to a week.

"The presentation can vary," Toledano says. "Unlike just the flu, where people can get really sick with cough and high fever, what makes it encephalitis are more of the symptoms affecting the brain."

But unlike the mental fogginess that comes along with colds and the flu, encephalitis brings with it "a more pronounced confusion where people around you are worried," Toledano explains.

The cause of encephalitis can be a determining factor in how it presents. For instance, Toledano notes, encephalitis brought on by infectious diseases have more of rapid onset, while cases caused by autoimmune complications tend to be slower. Also, mosquito or tick bites could be the source of the infection that causes encephalitis, so he recommends avoiding these insects whenever possible.

Diagnosis

Given the familiarity of many of the symptoms of encephalitis, it can be hard to diagnose. Luckily, though, Toledano says that as more people are becoming aware of encephalitis, they're paying more attention to the symptoms, and medical professionals are more likely to investigate the possibility of encephalitis, meaning there's less delay in diagnosis compared to the past.

According to Toledano, there are two ways to test for encephalitis: an MRI of the brain and a spinal tap. The MRI will show any abnormalities — including inflammation — of the brain, while a spinal tap will show other signs of inflammation, like a certain elevated protein or the presence specific antibodies known to be associated with autoimmune encephalitis. Typically, both diagnostic techniques are used — not only to confirm it is encephalitis, but also to help determine the cause (infection or autoimmune), which in turn, dictates the treatment.

Treatment

There's some good news: Toledano says encephalitis is very treatable. Autoimmune encephalitis is treated by using immunosuppressant medication, while cases caused by infection are treated by targeting the specific microbe causing the encephalitis as well as treating the various symptoms, like seizures.

However, the effects of the treatment vary depending on the patient and could leave them with permanent conditions.

"Because it is affecting the brain, in some ways it’s affecting your personality and memory, and in many ways, who we are as people," Toledano says. "Some of the patients who get through initial stages can be left with epilepsy or symptoms similar to traumatic brain injury. Some people are left with cognitive difficulties and memory and personality changes that can be permanent, which can be variably responsive to therapy after the fact."

Recovery

Even once a person has finished treatment for encephalitis, they may still face a long road to recovery. And in some cases, they may never return to the same level of brain function they had prior to having the condition. In fact, an important component of the work of The Encephalitis Society is helping people cope with life after encephalitis.

"Many survivors are left with an acquired brain injury afterwards and not able to attend to previous roles or [be a] functioning member of society," Easton explains. "Even when the person survives, their family experiences a complicated form of bereavement for the person they once knew."

The Encephalitis Society started World Encephalitis Day back in 2014 to raise awareness about the condition because they found that most people hadn't heard of it until it directly affects them or someone they know. By 2017, the campaign reached more than 40 million people worldwide, Easton says.

Part of that is thanks to their BrainWalk app, which functions as a step-tracker and allows people to join from anywhere in the world and help the organization work toward their goal of getting the 52.8 million steps required to virtually walk around the world. For those who are unable to take physical steps, the app has brain games and puzzles they can complete and convert over to steps. Users of the BrainWalk app can also use it to communicate with each other — something Easton says can help alleviate the loneliness and isolation many people feel while recovering from encephalitis.

More: When Is the Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot?

In addition, The Encephalitis Society provides a range of services to survivors of encephalitis and their families, including offering free consultations tailored to their specific needs via online chat, email, Skype and telephone calls.

As far as advice, Easton recommends people with encephalitis don't try to do too much too quickly.

"People often underestimate the amount of rest and recuperation that they require," she adds. "It’s our natural desire to get back to work ASAP. It’s not always the best way to approach this... People try to forge on much earlier than they were supposed to do... Their new capacity for normal is often different to where it was."

7 Reasons Charlotte & Harry Were the Best SATC Couple

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You can bet your Manolos that Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda all had their fair share of relationships on Sex and the City. Some were good, some were bad and some were comically questionable, even. But through it all, one couple stood out above the rest. Sure, Carrie and Big usually get all the glory, but the trophy for best SATC relationship should go to Charlotte and Harry.

More: Kim Cattrall Has "Never Been Friends" With the SATC Cast

They may have gotten off to a rocky start, but these two more than made up for it as the years went by. Theirs was the kind of love that sometimes gets overlooked simply because it isn't full of drama (here's lookin' at you, Carrie and Big). However, it was also the kind of love fans could count on. It's been 14 years since Charlotte and Harry got hitched on SATC, and — if they were a real-life couple — it isn't hard to believe they'd still be together and living out the happily ever after that diehard romantic Charlotte dreamed of.

So, here's to Charlotte and Harry! And here's to the reasons they'll always be the best SATC couple.

1. He taught her to see the bigger picture

Harry & Charlotte 1

Harry & Charlotte 1

When Charlotte met Harry, she couldn't stand the thought of being with someone like him — someone who wasn't polished, put together and, you know, super-preppy like Charlotte herself. But, over time, Harry helped her realize that none of that matters... especially when true love is on the table.

2. She appreciated him for who he was

Harry & Charlotte 7

Harry & Charlotte 7

OK, so this didn't happen right away. It took time for Charlotte to appreciate all of the things that made Harry who he was. But she did get there, and she made sure to thank Harry often for being himself.

More: 25 Sex and the City Quotes That'll Make You Want to Rewatch the Entire Series

3. He knew what she needed in a crisis

Harry & Charlotte 5

Harry & Charlotte 5

When Charlotte had a miscarriage and was totally despondent, Harry knew exactly what to do: call in reinforcements. In that moment, he didn't let his pride get in the way of giving Charlotte what she needed to heal. Instead, he called on Carrie to help pull her out of the darkness in the way he couldn't. Harry never shied away from bringing in backup when his wife needed it most.

4. They were funny

Harry & Charlotte 3

Harry & Charlotte 3

C'mon — intentional or not, these two were hilarious. Between Harry's nudity and back-waxing debacles and Charlotte's prim and proper meltdowns, they proved to be a couple that kept everyone laughing.

5. They really meant "in sickness and in health"

Harry & Charlotte 4

Harry & Charlotte 4

Nothing says true love like a killer case of food poisoning! Harry's intentions in taking Charlotte to a fancy French restaurant were pure and full of romance, but the evening went awry when the food bit back ("it was the fucking fromage!"). One night of explosive bathroom sharing later, and you knew these two were in it for the long haul.

6. They made an effort to meet each other halfway

Harry & Charlotte 6

Harry & Charlotte 6

When Charlotte confronted Harry about leaving tea bags all over the house (including all over her white couch), Harry admitted he'd been trying to be on his best behavior in "her" house. Of course, this prompted Charlotte to tell her husband to be himself, albeit a bit more clothed version. As for Charlotte, I mean, she converted to Judaism to better relate to her husband. That's nothing to scoff about. These two always seemed to try to find ways to support and understand each other.

More: The Thing That Still Angers Me About the Sex and the City Finale

7. They weren't perfect

Harry & Charlotte 2

Harry & Charlotte 2

Of course they weren't perfect! Not only did Charlotte not like Harry at all when they first met, but Harry forgot to mention to Charlotte that he could never marry outside of his faith. Oopsie! That slight omission nearly cost them their entire relationship — they broke up when they couldn't land on the same page. They found their way back to each other, though, and they loved each other. Even when it was messy and even when it didn't look like they thought it would. That's the real deal.

Will Quinoa Be Replacing Cilantro-Lime Rice at Chipotle?

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Chipotle is famous for a lot of things, but most notably, its fresh ingredients and its cilantro-lime rice. A quick Google search will turn up tons of people trying to replicate Chipotle's fan-favorite rice with copycat recipes, but nothing quite compares to the original, which is why Chipotle's latest news is so tough to swallow on this National Margarita Day.

Cilantro-lime rice is no doubt delicious, but rice isn't the healthiest option for our burritos and bowls, so Chipotle is testing quinoa as a replacement for its famous rice at its New York City test kitchen.

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Wait, what? Didn’t quinoa have its moment already? Why is it here now?

Chipotle's test kitchen started serving quinoa earlier this week, and a spokesperson for the restaurant, Chris Arnold, told Business Insider the quinoa being tested is a blend of "red and gold quinoa tossed with a little citrus juice, cumin, and freshly chopped cilantro."

More: A Complete Ranking of the Best Store-Bought Vegetarian "Meats"

So, it does sound pretty similar to the rice we love, except it’s not rice at all. But is there room for both on a historically very streamlined menu? Traditionally, the super seed known as quinoa is used quite often as a healthier substitute for rice. It's similar in many ways, except not rice, of course. Are we ready for this change?

Chipotle doesn't often change up its menu, so when it happens, it’s big news. Remember how long it took for us to get some queso? Usually, we’re on board for a menu switch up, but quinoa? We’re open to trying it, but we’re reserving our excitement for now. There's no word on whether quinoa will actually roll out to stores across the country, so there's no need to panic yet. But it probably wouldn't hurt to go grab some cilantro-lime rice today, you know — just in case.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Had an Anthrax Scare Recently

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There are some real garbage people in the world. News broke on Thursday morning that Meghan Markle was sent a racist letter containing a mysterious white powder that palace officials worried might be anthrax. It's not clear at this time who sent the letter, but it's cause for extreme worry right now, the kind of worry that nobody really expects to have heaped on them at any given time. Happy Thursday, everyone.

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According to E! News, Scotland Yard is investigating the incident, which occurred on Feb. 12 but is only just now coming to light, and they say the white powder contained in the letter was determined to be harmless.

Time also reported on the Metropolitan Police's official statement from the incident, noting, "Police are investigating after a package containing a substance was delivered to St James’ Palace on Monday, 12 February. The substance was tested and confirmed as non-suspicious. Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package."

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Who does this? Markle is a treasure and someone who has already made an effort to connect with Brits through various charitable acts and appearances; she's done absolutely nothing wrong. For someone to send her a racist letter and wage that kind of emotional terrorism on someone so undeserving of it is so far beyond my comprehension. Can you imagine the terror she must have felt wondering if someone was trying to assassinate her? Nobody deserves that. And to do it for no reason other than the color of her skin? It's enough to make anyone sick.

Three months before her wedding, Markle should be filled with joy at the thought of joining the royal family, not wondering if someone is going to kill her for it. And hopefully, this event won't put a damper on the big day. Markle and Harry have a carriage ride through Windsor planned for their wedding day, but will that be safe to go through with in light of this information?

More: Meghan Markle Talked in Code About Prince Harry While Filming Suits

This happened very soon after Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd received a letter filled with a white powder that was also determined to be harmless. According to E! News, police are looking into whether the two letters are connected in any way.

In the meantime, we just hope Markle stays safe and that police are able to catch the person who did this.

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