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This Henry Cavill Death Hoax Was Not Cool — Even if He Found It Funny

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You know who's a true treasure? Henry Cavill. You know who's a real gift to humanity? Henry Cavill. You know who doesn't deserve to be at the center of a random death hoax? Yeah, you guessed it: Henry Cavill.

OK, so, I certainly don't mean to say that everyone else should be at the center of their own personal death hoax (how awful!) but — and this might be my own bias talking here — I certainly would never want to wish a death hoax on Cavill in any way, shape or form. Who would want to just spread a rumor that one of the most legitimately dashing men in Hollywood had suddenly croaked?

More: Sylvester Stallone Recently Had to Squash Rumors That He Died

And yet that's exactly what happened on Monday afternoon. The handsomely mustachioed Cavill posted an Instagram that featured a screenshot of Google claiming that he died on March 3, 2018, and, while he reacted in a super-chill manner about the whole thing, it's really not OK.

Cavill Death Hoax Instagram

Cavill Death Hoax Instagram

"When you learn that you died 2 days ago...." Cavill wrote next to a photo of the Google screenshot of his alleged death date side by side with a photo of his very confused reaction. Now, if it isn't clear already, Cavill's a little confused because he's clearly alive and well and able to comment about the entire rigmarole on Instagram. Also, bless him, he's being a really good sport about the whole thing (when you dress up like Tigger for a joke, you know how to keep calm), and he totally doesn't have to be. It would be very understandable if he wrote out an entire explanation about why this is so not cool, especially considering there's no reason it should have happened.

More: Aretha Franklin Gives Health Update Amid Death Rumors

However, Cavill hasn't done that, so I'll get up on my soapbox and explain why this cruel joke, which is somehow a consistent trend in the world of Hollywood gossip, needs to stop. First off, it's just plain mean. Like, why target someone you've (most likely) never met, never interacted with and have no way of knowing how they will take this "joke"? Sure, Cavill's super-chill response is the ideal kind of response, but not everyone handles a rude (and abjectly stupid) joke like this as well as he does. But also, this kind of "joke" is just dumb. What does someone even hope to achieve with a joke like this, especially when the person who is believed to be dead can easily hop on social media and tell us that no, they're very much alive and kicking?

More: Ricky Martin Responds to His Death Hoax in the Most Epic Way Ever

All I know is this: The madness has to stop. Let celebrities live their lives, and for those of you prone to going the extra length to fool us into thinking someone famous has died, channel that energy into a different hobby.


The Biggest Problem of The Bachelor Finale Had Nothing to Do With Arie

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Look, we've always known The Bachelor is all about pushing the drama. There's a reason Lifetime's UnREAL was made. But tonight, the show took it too far.

More: The Most Interesting Part About The Bachelor Right Now Isn't Arie Luyendyk Jr.

Arie Luyendyk Jr. doesn't deserve the criticism, The Bachelor franchise deserves it.

The way they showed the breakup scene in the Monday, March 5 finale was gratuitous and exploitive. They should not have had cameras present for that personal and heartbreaking moment between Luyendyk and Becca Kufrin. They shouldn't have dragged it out showing her every tear. The whole thing made me feel like vomiting because I was so upset with the way the show handled the moment, not allowing such an emotional experience to remain private.

Even when Kufrin was trying to escape Luyendyk and the cameras, they kept her microphone on so we heard every sob. It was the most insensitive thing I think I've ever seen on television.

More: Arie Luyendyk Jr. Dropped a Hint About the Next Bachelorette

My boyfriend was watching the finale with me and had to walk away, so real were the emotions. I then made a comment about how he can watch hyper-violent shows but he can't handle a breakup to which he aptly responded this was worse because he knows the violent shows aren't real. The realness of this situation affected him deeply. It affected all of us deeply. I suppose that's what the show wanted, no matter the cost.

"Please just go," Kufrin kept saying to Luyendyk. She just wanted the moment to end. She just wanted to be left in peace to mourn her relationship, but the camera crews continued to hover. Minute after minute she was left to cry on national television, trying to keep her composure any way she could manage.

Even Kufrin doesn't think Luyendyk deserves hate.

Kufrin gave a statement to People, explaining of Luyendyk, "He’s a good person, I don’t think he’s a monster and purposely did this to hurt me and make me feel this way. But it’s just the result of his actions. At the end of the day, I don’t think he thought through everything of how ending things with Lauren would be, how being engaged to me would be and what breaking up with me and going back to her would be. I don’t think he thought it through, but I don’t think he did it maliciously to break my heart."

I can't for the life of me believe Kufrin showed up to that After the Final Rose live episode of her own accord. She must, must have been contractually obligated to be there. That's the only reason I can think of for her to want to face the whole mess again. Either that or ABC has already offered her the title of the Bachelorette.

More: This Season of The Bachelor Won't End the Way You Expect It To

I hope for her sake it's not the latter.

Emma Watson Embraces Her Oscars Temporary Tattoo Fail Like a Boss

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Emma Watson is a busy woman. She doesn't have time to sit down and make sure things like — oh, I don't know — the temporary Time's Up tattoo she sported on her forearm at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party was grammatically correct. Homegirl's got to get to that event, y'all! Then again, maybe she should have just taken an extra five minutes to really double check because, well, the world surely noticed the day after the Oscars when the pictures finally emerged.

More: See What the Stars Wore to the 2018 Oscars

It's not a terrible tattoo by any means, and in fact, Watson's Time's Up tattoo made for an interesting red carpet fashion statement. Deviating from the traditional pin and requiring a little gesticulation in order to draw attention to it, Watson's efforts to spread the Time's Up gospel seemed to be helped by the fact that she sported a Time's Up temporary tattoo. She's been a very active member of the Time's Up group, making inroads both here and in the U.K. to raise awareness about sexual harassment; this tattoo feels very on brand with her efforts to shout the initiative from the mountaintops, as it were.

Emma Watson Temp Tat Insta

Emma Watson Temp Tat Insta

That said, there's just one major problem with the temporary tattoo: There was a typo. If you look closely (like in USA Today's above Instagram photo), you might see that there's an apostrophe missing from "Time's." Oops. To the tattoo's credit, it's not immediately noticeable because it's such a beautiful tattoo and hopefully it made for a fun conversation starter when Watson was mingling at the party. Hopefully...

More: Emma Watson Is Bringing the Time's Up Movement to the U.K.

Luckily, Watson was totally chill about the very public gaffe, and she took to Twitter to make light of the entire situation. On Monday afternoon, she tweeted out, "Fake tattoo proofreading position available. Experience with apostrophes a must." Well done, Watson. Well done.

Emma Watson Temp Tat Tweet

Emma Watson Temp Tat Tweet

More: Emma Watson & Her Boyfriend Broke Up, & No One Even Knew

Watson was one of many actors raising awareness about both Time's Up and #MeToo. A number of actors work the Time's Up button on their outfits to raise awareness. During the actual ceremony, actors Ashley Judd, Annabella Sciorra and Salma Hayek took to the stage to comment on the visible shift in attitude toward women in Hollywood and especially those who are taking action to end sexual harassment and assault after coming forward with their stories.

Watson's tattoo may have been missing an apostrophe, but it certainly didn't miss the mark in getting everyone's attention, and that's really the best outcome possible.

Why Inducing Labor Might Be the Wave of the Future

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Uterus User's Guide

The end of a pregnancy can be an unpredictable time between false labor, real labor and the uncertainty that comes with not knowing exactly when the baby will arrive. That is, unless labor is induced. As it turns out, at a certain point, that may be the best option for both mother and baby.

A recent study performed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Health and Human Development from March 2014 to August 2017 has yielded interesting results: Inducing labor in healthy pregnancies at 39 weeks can be very beneficial to all those involved. The research, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, was designed to test the theory that inducing labor at 39 weeks for low-risk pregnancies would reduce the number of stillbirths and lower infant mortality (infant death prior to 1 year of age). It was also used to test whether inducing labor at 39 weeks or expectant management, or natural labor in which you only intervene if complications arise, was more beneficial in the long run.

More: Does Marijuana Use Impact Your Fertility?

Inducing labor, according to the Mayo Clinic, “is the stimulation of uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins on its own to achieve a vaginal birth.” Most of the time, labor is induced when someone is two weeks past their due date and natural labor hasn’t begun, which is called a post-term pregnancy. Other reasons can include an infection in the uterus, someone’s water breaking when they haven’t gone into labor, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, the baby being 10 percent or more underweight of its expected gestational age, lack of amniotic fluid around the baby or any number of other medical reasons.

While inducing labor can be risky, like with anything else pregnancy-related, most of the time the benefits are greater. Doctors take into consideration the health of both parent and baby, gestational age, weight and size of the baby and position of the baby inside the uterus to make an informed decision. Elective labor induction is when labor is induced for nonmedical reasons — reasons of convenience — which may not be entirely accurate.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines currently recommend against inducing labor before 41 weeks, especially during first pregnancies, due to the “concern of increased need for cesarean delivery.”

However, the study performed by the NICHD finds the opposite to be the case. The study was conducted due to a recent rise in elective labor inductions — 6,100 people pregnant with their first children were selected from the NICHD’s maternal-fetal medicine units network and then randomly assigned into the group of people having elective labor induction or the expectant-management group.

More: We Need to Talk About Motherhood for People With Disabilities

Upon evaluation of the study, only approximately 19 percent of those in the elective-labor group had to have a C-section compared to approximately 22 percent of those in expectant management. Other big findings include preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in just 9 percent of those induced compared to 14 percent of expectant management and 3 percent of induced newborns needing respiratory support to the 4 percent of newborns from expectant management that needed it.

Dr. Charles Lockwood, the dean of Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, formerly a proponent of expectant management but now for induced labor at 39 weeks, says that induced labor lowers the risk of stillbirth and reduces severe labor complications for both parent and child.

There is no benefit to the fetus waiting beyond 39 weeks in well-dated pregnancies,” according to Dr. Errol Norwitz, the chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at Tufts University of Medicine. In fact, multiple studies in both the United States and the United Kingdom have found that after 39 weeks, the risk of infant mortality significantly increases, while stillbirth rates “are at their lowest at 39 weeks.”

The cause of such a large increase in stillbirths after 39 weeks of pregnancy isn’t yet known. Norwitz believes stillbirths cause a “hugely underappreciated problem” given the fact that between 25,000 and 30,000 occur in the United States each year.

Norwitz also argues that “continuing a pregnancy beyond 39 weeks is riskier than previously believed for the fetus,” while he says the opposite is true for the risk of induction, that the risks to the parent are lower than they were previously believed to be.

Given the evidence, it seems like it may be a step in the right direction that more people are being induced at 39 weeks. The person pregnant has ultimate control over how they give birth, so it is important for them to be aware of labor induction as another viable option. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 32 percent of all babies born in 2015 were delivered via C-section. However, C-sections, while common, are still considered a major surgery. The Mayo Clinic says that, like all major surgeries, C-sections come with risks factors like breathing problems for the baby, surgical injuries, infection of the wound, blood clots and more.

More: We Can (& Should) Talk About Regretting Motherhood

An opponent to the rise of induced labor at 39 weeks, Cristen Pascucci, vice president of the birth rights advocacy group Improving Birth, feels that induced labor takes choices away from the parent. The practice “reinforces a century-old, pre-feminist American obstetric view that birth is pathological and the doctor’s job is to extract the fetus from the incubator,” she says.

We are still a long way from routinely inducing labor at 39 weeks, though Norwitz says, “It’s a very healthy discussion to have.”

By Kelley O'Brien

5 Wardrobe Rules to Help You Dress During Weight Gain & Loss

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It’s a rare woman whose weight doesn’t change at all throughout the course of her adult life. Whether it’s due to lifestyle changes, the natural course of getting older, pregnancy or whatever, it’s part of most people’s life to deal with changes in your body at some point or another. While we hope women can embrace those changes in a healthy way and realize that it’s totally normal and OK not to remain at the same weight forever, we also recognize that weight fluctuations can make getting dressed a tad more challenging.

Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to make your wardrobe a bit more versatile so you feel good in your clothes (and your skin) no matter what the scale says. In our view, owning clothes you love that fit your current shape is a sign of self-love and body-positivity and acceptance. Do you really need to keep those three pairs of jeans from college? Your college self — gorgeous as she was — is in the past. Keep the clothes that fit the current, beautiful you.

Ahead, check out five tried-and-true wardrobe rules that make dealing with weight changes less stressful and more stylish.

Rule 1: Do a Closet Audit

Rule 1: Do a closet audit

Look through your wardrobe and make three piles: keep, tailor, toss. Keep pieces that currently fit you and can last through weight gain/loss (we’ll talk about those in Rule 2). Choose pieces to tailor if you need an item taken in or let out. Your final pile should be pieces that don’t currently fit at all and may never fit again. Obviously, this last one doesn’t apply to pregnant ladies — don’t throw out all your clothes!

For example: Did you gain or lose a few pounds? Don’t keep those pieces “just in case” you go back to your old weight. Clean out these items so you can replace them with new items that fit you properly and you can actually wear. (If there’s a beloved non-tailor-able item that’s a smidge too small or big, hang onto it if you must, but limit it to one or two really special pieces you truly might wear again.) Size is just a number, and filling your wardrobe with pieces that fit you now will make getting dressed in the morning a lot easier and more fun.

More: 30 Things Every Woman Should Own by Age 30

Rule 3: Invest in Transitional Pieces

Rule 2: Invest in transitional pieces

One major struggle about dressing during a transitional weight period is that if you shop for certain expensive investment pieces during this time, they may not fit you in six months. Instead, we suggest you invest in transitional pieces that will fit you now and later. These items have stretch, adjustable waists and can be flattering within a 10- to 20-pound range.

These items include:

  • Wrap dresses, skirts and shirts: The adjustable waist is extremely flattering for all body types.
  • Shift dresses: The shapeless silhouette is perfect for weight loss and gain. You can belt it to define your waist or let it hang loose.
  • Knit and cotton fabrics: Jackets, blazers, dresses, sweaters and shirts in stretchy knit or cotton can work with a changing body.
  • Stretch denim: Look for denim with a little stretch in the legs so they can transition with your body.
  • Elastic waists: Look for dresses, skirts and dress pants with elastic waists. These will be forgiving with weight loss and gain and last longer than structured waistbands. You can also have your tailor add adjustable waistbands and additional buttons to bottoms that you need to expand or take in.
Rule 3: Visit your Tailor

Rule 3: Visit your tailor

Tailors can help you completely transform your wardrobe. If you lost weight, make sure to take in armholes, baggy pants, waistbands and shoulders. If you gained weight, they can add width to your waist and take out seams on clothing to make them fit — and much more. If you have an item you want to keep, make sure to see if your tailor can adjust this piece to fit you properly before tossing or buying a new version. The price of tailoring is normally a fraction of the price of a new garment.

More: How to Figure Out (& Fix) Your Fashion Blind Spots

Rule 4: Stock up on Budget-Friendly Essentials

Rule 4: Stock up on budget-friendly essentials

If your current weight is temporary (like with pregnancy or adjusting to a new medication), stock up on budget-friendly essentials for that time, including everything from blouses and denim to fitted items — you don’t need to invest in high-sticker-price items. If your weight has been stabilized for about six months, then you can invest in those quality pieces, but save a few bucks during this transitional period.

The key as always is to focus on fit and proportion. Make sure to have a few well-fitting pieces on hand and remember they don’t have to be expensive. Also, since your body is changing, that means your bra size is probably changing too. Make sure your underpinnings fit correctly and you don’t have spillage or gapping because your undies can really help a shirt or dress fit better.

Rule 5: Accessorize!

Shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry are great pieces to finish off any look. Most of these things will not change with weight gain or loss, so having a few pieces you really love can help you feel more confident in seconds.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

These 13 Cat Breeds Actually Behave Like Dogs

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For the most part, our world seems to be divided into two camps: Cat people and dog people — and there are a whole lot of dog people that straight-up can't stand cats. And of those dog people we ask: Did you know there are actually cats out there that act like dogs?

More: What Do Cats Actually See? We Have the Answer

These feline breeds are sure to change any dog lover's mind. If you're a natural canine person living in a place that doesn't allow dogs — or maybe just want to broaden your pet horizons — check out these guys.

1. Abyssinian

Abyssinian cat

The Abyssinian has a true fondness for water and for humans. Loving to play fetch, the cat will retrieve and carry a toy in his mouth similar to a canine. In addition, he loves being around humans and helping them out with household chores. Unfortunately, he can become easily depressed if not given enough attention or time from his owner.

2. Turkish angora

turkish angora

Another breed that loves going for a swim, the Turkish angora also enjoys playing with toys and games with humans. A playful kitty, he can often be found getting mischievous in the dirt. Like some dog breeds, the Turkish angora makes an awesome family pet, as he loves children as much as he adores adults.

3. Burmese

burmese

Like the Turkish angora, the beautiful Burmese enjoys being around children. A wonderful cat for the dog-lover, this breed is known to for his canine behaviors, which include similar feeding rituals, playful nature and dependence on his owner.

4. Ragdoll

ragdoll

The ragdoll got its name for the lax posture he makes when picked up by people. Responding well to affection, this breed is similar to dogs for the fact that they enjoy being a lap-cat and are often found greeting his master at the door.

5. Manx

Manx

The Manx is a rare cat breed not only because it can be found tailless, but also because it truly likes people. Known for responding to his name, as well as listening when being told no, this kitty loves affection and her human family.

6. American curl

american curl

Most people recognize the American curl for its unique curl in the ears. The breed is another family friendly cat, having a true fondness for children and an overall kind demeanor.

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

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7. Maine coon

maine coon

Not only is the Maine coon's size similar to that of most toy dog breeds, but so is their larger-than-life personality. Another playful and affectionate cat, the Maine coon takes pleasure in hanging out with his human companions, while shying away from strangers.

8. Sphynx

Sphynx

He may not be the prettiest kitty in the room, but the sphynx will be your No. 1 fan for life. An extremely loyal breed, the hairless cat is known for following his family around while wagging his tail affectionately. Extremely outgoing, the soft sphynx loves with his entire heart and makes for a wonderful family pet.

9. Bombay

Bombay

The Bombay is an attention-seeking, high-spirited cuddle bug. Like most dog breeds, this black cat yearns for affection and playtime. Having the perfect mix of excitement and chill, this cat makes a superb house pet.

10. American bobtail

American Bobtail

Similar to the Bombay, the American bobtail has a delightful personality that combines playfulness and relaxation. Keen on toys, games and devotion, this smart kitty is versatile and affectionate with all humankind.

11. Birman

Birman

The Birman is pretty much the perfect cat for devoted dog lovers. Not only does this breed bask in activity and playfulness, but he calms down when you need to relax or get things done. Furthermore, the Birman is easy to care for and dotes on the entire family, including children.

12. Chartreux

Chartreux

The Chartreux has poochlike mannerisms because of his lively personality and charming attitude. An intelligent breed, the Chartreux is likely to learn and respond to his name, as well as play fetch with his owner.

13. Ocicat

Ocicat

If you're looking for a kitty that you can train, you've come to the right place. The ocicat loves to learn just as much as you love to teach him. Like other breeds on the list, the ocicat enjoys being a part of a family and receiving a lot of quality attention.

Your Practical Guide to Immaculate Conception

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Uterus User's Guide

So, you want to have a baby. Let me tell you a little story. Sometimes, when a man and a woman love each other very much as friends, the man puts some semen in a cup and gives it to the woman along with a pile of porn. What? That wasn't the story you were expecting?

Well, there are lots of ways to make a baby, but for many queer people as well as women who choose to be solo parents, home insemination is the easiest and cheapest method by far. There’s a misconception that anyone outside a traditional heterosexual relationship will need IVF in order to conceive, but that's not the case. IVF, of course, can become the only option for many people who struggle with fertility or who are using an anonymous donor. And let's be clear: IVF is not an easy road. It’s an incredibly expensive, painful and at times heartbreaking last resort. In fact, with a bit of luck and patience, most people who go the DIY route will be able to avoid fertility clinics altogether.

More:  People Think I Have a "Designer Baby" Because I Chose His Sperm Donor

Honestly, if you’re using a friend as the donor and they live nearby and if there are no known fertility issues, and if the donor has cleared all their STD tests, you’re much better off doing this the old-fashioned way. No, not having sex. Gross. I’m talking about at-home insemination. If you time it right with your ovulation, you statistically have almost the same chance of getting pregnant using the turkey-baster method as you would having intercourse with someone who produces sperm.

Ovulation tracking is the key to success here. There are strip tests you can pee on, home saliva tests, apps, special thermometers, cervical mucus monitoring and also a groovy but expensive toy that monitors your temperature from inside you and sends the information to an app, which is particularly effective for people with unpredictable cycles. Do your research about optimal times to inseminate, spend a few months listening to your body, and then you should be good to go.

It’s also important to check the legal situation in your country. As a general rule, it’s usually good to have a written contract; there are plenty of templates available online. It’s also often a good idea to have a friend present when you do the deed — one who can help out with the logistics and also confirm that the conception was indeed achieved through an insemination (as opposed to sex). If you’re like me and just want your donor to be involved as an uncle figure (i.e., not to have parental rights), then this stuff is especially important.

From here, it’s all pretty straightforward. Get your donor to deposit their, um, ingredient into a clean and warm receptacle. A small cup served at room temperature will do. Suck the semen up into the syringe, lie down, insert the syringe fully and squirt it in slowly (the idea is to coat the cervix). Then, tilt your pelvis with a pillow, put your legs up in the air against a wall and wait. It has been suggested that an orgasm at this point might help make your cervix contract and potentially suck the semen inside toward the egg — but it's not completely proven.

More:  Where Is the Maternity-wear for Queer Folks?

Here's your basic list of DIY insemination do's and don’ts.

Do: 

  • If you’re inseminating alone and want to hedge your bets by masturbating toward an ever-helpful orgasm, make sure you have porn within arm’s reach. Good porn. The last thing you want is to be lying there for half an hour trying desperately to get turned on when all you can think about is how your platonic pal's semen is now swishing around inside you. My first time, I had this idea that I wanted to conceive my child while thinking beautiful pure thoughts. I tried to give myself an orgasm this way, but I didn’t even get close. So, I decided on a compromise: queer PC porn on my phone. Problem was, half the people in the videos were my friends — which is a total mood-killer. I ended up crossing the finish line to some heteronormative bleached-blond cheerleader orgy soundtrack. Not quite the immaculate conception I’d had in mind.

  • Make sure you do the deed in a space that can provide privacy for you both. My first insemination attempt took place in a studio apartment with no private bedrooms, so I ended up nervously hanging the washing out in the courtyard while my friend did his business in my house. When he was finished, he ran off in a panic, leaving the offending jar on my kitchen bench. It was painfully awkward. If the donor lives near enough, some people choose to simply pick the jar up and drive it home for a more intimate session (you'll need to keep it warm on the drive by holding it between your legs or under a passenger's arm if someone is with you).

  • Pick out your holy grail carefully. Whether it’s a golden chalice or a Homer Simpson coffee mug (what? I have style), choose something that feels appropriate to capture that precious sperm.

your guide to DIY home insemination

Don’t: 

  • Don’t use a turkey baster. That’s a bit of a myth. Instead, get a 5-milliliter medical syringe (not a needle syringe — one for liquid medicine) from your local drugstore. Or you can buy one of those fancy Softcups online that are designed to hold the semen up close to your cervix for a few hours.

  • Don’t leave the holy grail near your head. Once you’ve got all the semen in your syringe, move the cup far, far away. I repeatedly forget this vital step and find myself propped up against the wall with my legs in the air, empty cup sitting by my head while I make a face in disgust. Because for those who may not be aware of this, semen stinks. And once you’ve inseminated yourself, the idea is to stay still for half an hour, so if you’re alone, that leaves you stuck with the scent of your friend’s orgasm wafting up your nose.

  • Don’t forget to wash the holy grail out afterward. For the above reasons.

The most difficult thing of all is keeping your mind occupied for the next fortnight until you can take a pregnancy test. Try to wait the full two weeks, because testing any earlier can give you a false result. And good luck!

McDonald's Is Making Its Biggest Menu Change to Date

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While we’ve long accepted that it may be freezing outside, we’re not OK with eating prefrozen food when it’s avoidable.

Except it’s often not. Sure, fast food and affordable food is convenient, but it often makes some unfortunate sacrifices, like reheated frozen meals. But that’s about to change — McDonald's announced today that from now on, Quarter Pounders in every U.S. store except for ones in Hawaii and Alaska will be made with fresh, not frozen, beef. This change will begin in May.

"The switch to fresh beef quarter-pound burgers is the most significant change to our system and restaurant operations since All Day Breakfast [in 2015]," said McDonald's USA President Chris Kempczinski.

More: First, There Were Glitter Cappuccinos — Now, There's Glitter Beer

Consumers have been looking for healthier choices for a while now, which is why plant-based items and fresh juices or water vs. soda have begun to make increased appearances on fast-food value and kids menus. McDonald's has already gotten rid of antibiotics from its chicken nuggets, added fruit options and removed soda from the Happy Meal.

Other fast-food spots, like Burger King, Wendy’s or Shake Shack, already use fresh meat in their burgers, so this was a change a long time coming. As for how the new burgers will taste, we’re excited to find out — but we imagine there’s no way this won’t be an improvement. Let's hope pricing doesn’t reflect the new high-quality options, though, as this will absolutely be a costly change for the brand, and it’ll be hard not to pass those costs on to the customer.

More: 15 Fun McDonald's facts you probably didn't know

Also, the fresh beef will have a faster cook-time than the frozen, meaning they can turn food around faster — that should be good for bridging costs!


Millennial Pink Lettuce Is a Thing, & We Would Feed It to Unicorns

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Listen up, all ye generations with a letter: X, Y, Z. You've probably noticed our cool cousins the millennials get all the good stuff. For instance, millennial pink is a thing. It's actually a range of fetching pinks, all of which manage to remain visually compelling and relevant. Go figure. This Gen Xer is admittedly jelly, as the colors associated with my wretched, aesthetically challenged generation are mostly repulsive neons served up in everything from chartreuse lace gloves to hot-pink rubber bracelets to violent orange scrunchies for our dead sprouts of Aqua Netted hair.

And speaking of sprouts... The millennials have somehow scored their own millennial pink lettuce, and the rosy edible is popping up all over Instagram. The official moniker of the pink ruffly lettuce is radicchio del Veneto, or la rosé del Veneto. Yes, even the name is sexy as hell. Yes, it looks like something only unicorns and wee summer fairies would nibble on their magical keto diets. This writer can imagine the rosy froufrou leaves growing on enchanted dewy millennial moss somewhere in the last lush, green, hidden tenth of an acre of Silicon Valley.

pink lettuce 2

pink lettuce 2

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But no! If the name didn't clue you in already (because you were too busy moping about your generation's lack of cool colors and lettuces), this treat is a chicory that is mostly cultivated in the Veneto region of Italy. Now, of course, it's hopped on over to the U.S., where it grows in California and Pennsylvania and a few other lucky states, charming those who tend to annoy their dining companions by photographing their food and posting it to social media before actually consuming it. (*cough* damn millennials *cough*)

I'm betting you've heard of basic radicchio (like, sooo basic) — which has clawed its way into shiny plastic bags of produce at your local supermarket — even if you haven't ever seen an actual head of it at the organic co-op where they sell local honey face masks and essence-of-patchouli muffins. Regular radicchio is available 365 days a year, but the blessed radicchio del Veneto (as well as a few other highbrow varieties of radicchio) emerge from their magical slumber in late winter and early spring.

Now, this is the part where I start to feel bad for the special radicchios. They are "forced" varieties — which means the poor chicory gets to grow for a little bit, gets yanked out of its comfy soil bed in the fall, gets replanted and then finishes growing in the damn dark, buried alive in sand so no sunlight can reach its stem.

More: First, There Was Glitter Cappuccino — Now , There's Glitter Beer

I'll wait while you get the Kleenex. It's OK to weep for sunlight-deprived vegetables. It's a hard-knock life for millennials and their preferred chicory varietals. But millennial pink lettuce seems to have accepted that it must suffer for its beauty — and for Instagram photo ops. Think of it as the Kardashian of lettuces. Check out this seriously pretty foodstuff, as Instagrammed by @morganjfairchild:

pink lettuce

pink lettuce

Ermagerd! What even! Get in mah camera phone frame, then get in mah belly!

This fluffy cotton candy of the salad kingdom is slightly bitter and slightly sweet, like Kim Kardashian West's tongue when she's fed up with her mother, Kris Jenner. It doesn't have the same strong bite as standard-ass radicchio. We'd tell you it's closer in flavor to Castelfranco leaves, except this Gen X writer has no effing clue what Castelfranco leaves are. We would have guessed the ivy that grows on James Franco's LA home, but um, nope. You can Google "Castelfranco" and totes let your elders here know.

Where can you get this to feed your baby unicorn or adopted rescue goat? Try Whole Foods (duh), which expects to keep the stuff in stock through spring, Eataly or wholesale produce supplier Baldor (again, would have guessed a Lord of the Rings villain, but nah).

Clare de Boer and Jess Shadbolt — chefs who work at restaurant King — told Eater NY the radicchio “brings bright joy to the kitchen." Must be nice. Damn millennials. Get off my lawn, you pink-obsessed pinkos. I'm growing tasteless iceberg this year.

How All of Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s Bachelor Exes Reacted to the Finale

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So, Arie Luyendyk Jr.: Worst Bachelor in Bachelor history? Or best? The internet seems pretty evenly split on how they feel after he pulled that (SPOILER) switch-a-roo on the finale on Monday night, breaking off his engagement to Becca Kufrin to pursue reconciling with runner-up Lauren Burnham. It's not a completely original move (Jason Mesnick pulled a similar switch on Melissa Rycroft and Molly Malaney back in 2008), but it's one that history shows us makes a Bachelor go down in Bachelor Nation infamy.

More: Arie Luyendyk Jr. Dropped a Hint About the Next Bachelorette

But what may be even more important than how the fans are taking this is how Arie's exes have responded. The ladies of The Bachelor Season 22 have been, shall we say, vocal on social media since that dramatic ending aired, and like the fans, there are some who are in Luyendyk's corner and others who are disgusted by his treatment of the final two. Here's how all of Luyendyk's exes have been reacting, starting with the first ones eliminated from the show.

Eliminated Week 1: Olivia Goethals, Nysha Norris, Lauren Jarreau, Jessica Carroll, Brittane Johnson, Bri Amaranthus, Amber Wilkerson & Ali Harrington

Many of the show's early eliminated contestants stayed quiet about the finale, including Olivia, Nysha, Brittane, Amber and Ali. But others definitely had something to say.

Lauren J. basically threw shade at Luyendyk by not acknowledging him at all and instead talking about how grateful she was to have met the other women on the show.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 1

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 1

Jessica acknowledged that she was watching the finale, but didn't offer any commentary.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 2

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 2

And Bri shared a sentiment that would end up being posted on a lot of Bachelor ladies' social media: that she's so glad she didn't end up with Luyendyk. Ouch.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 3

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 3

Eliminated Week 2: Jenny Delaney, Lauren Griffin & Valerie Biles

The women who left the show during Week 2 chose to stay out of the drama; none of them commented during the finale or immediately after. Good for them for moving on with their lives without any pettiness.

Eliminated Week 3: Bibiana Julian, Annaliese Puccini and Lauren Schleyer

Now that we're getting to the ladies who had a little more screen time (and more time with Arie), the reactions are getting more intense. First up is Bibiana, who had a short-lived and dramatic stint on The Bachelor before becoming a fan favorite on The Bachelor: Winter Games. She took over the show's official Instagram during the finale, and posted a video of her hot take following "the most dramatic finale ever."

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 5

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 5

Annaliese, who you may remember as one of Bachelor Nation's all-time most traumatized contestants (lol), didn't comment on the finale. But Lauren S. said what we were all thinking right after the breakup played out onscreen and Arie refused to leave the happy couple house, even after Becca K. asked him to over and over. Ugh.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 6

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 6

More: Bachelor Engagement Rings Through the Years

Eliminated Week 4: Caroline Lunny and Brittany Taylor

Neither Taylor nor Lunny commented on the finale, which was surprising, because Lunny and Becca K. are close friends, and Lunny stirred up all kinds of drama when she cryptically confronted Arie during "The Women Tell All."

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 7

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 7

Eliminated Week 5: Ashley Luebke, Maquel Cooper and Marikh Mathias

Now the ladies are starting to get more vocal. Ashley chose not to throw shade, and just commented on how dramatic this season's ending actually was.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 8

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 8

Maquel, who became close friends with Lauren B. in the house, posted this gem:

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 9

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 9

Marikh tweeted what kind of sounds like a sympathetic response to Arie, but also may have been subtly shady. You be the judge.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 10

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 10

Eliminated Week 6: Chelsea Roy, Jenna Cooper and Krystal Nielson

Like most single moms on The Bachelor, Chelsea was a fan favorite. She responded to the finale just by posting some pics from her viewing party, which feature a bunch of the girls she met on the show. She's too sweet to be salty, TBH, so this isn't unexpected.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 11

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 11

Jenna, on the other hand, came for Arie's blood.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 12

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 12

And in one of the biggest letdowns in Bachelor history, Krystal, this season's super villain, didn't say one single, breathy word.

Eliminated Week 7: Jacqueline Trumbull, Seinne Fleming and Bekah Martinez

We're getting to the ladies who were closest to Arie now, so you can imagine that they'd have a thing or two to say. Jacqueline did not disappoint, live tweeting that dramatic ending, along with her support for Becca K. and how she handled it all.

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 1

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 1

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 2

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 2

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 3

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 3

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 4

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 4

Over on Instagram, she laid off the shade, and just celebrated how beautiful Peru was when she took a trip there without Arie. Can confirm, and I'm also glad people aren't letting that guy ruin Cusco for them because it's stunningly gorgeous.

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 5

Jacqueline responds to Bachelor finale 5

Seinne was a little more nuanced, first encouraging people to tune in and see the drama...

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 13

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 13

...and then admitting that she and "Baby Bekah" cringed through watching it themselves. Same, Seinne. Same.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 14

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 14

Here's the moment we've all been waiting for. 22-year-old Bekah M. made a lot of big splashes this season, and we knew we were in for a treat once she decided to begin her takedown of Arie. She does not disappoint.

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 1

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 1

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 2

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 2

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 3

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 3

She also dropped this gigantic bomb: apparently, Arie slid into her DMs about a month after the premiere. Reaching out to her about that whole scandal where she was reported missing kind of makes sense, but note the message he sent her the next day about her age/his propensity for dating multiple women at the same time. If reading that doesn't make you feel kind of icky, nothing will.

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 4

Bekah M responds to the bachelor finale 4

More: The Biggest Problem of The Bachelor Finale Had Nothing to Do With Arie

Eliminated Week 8: Tia Booth

Bless her sweet soul. Tia had one of the most heartbreaking eliminations we've ever seen, and still didn't have a word to say about Arie as she watched this shit show play out. Bless her.

Eliminated Week 9: Kendall Long

Kendall clearly sympathized with Arie's predicament (and why wouldn't she, as one of the most logical and level-headed women ever to compete on The Bachelor?). But she still called him out just a little.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 15

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 15

More: Arie Luyendyk Jr. Throws Some Major Shade Ahead of The Women Tell All

The final two: Becca Kufrin and Lauren Burnham

After everything Arie put her through, we'd expect Becca K. to have some of the strongest words for him. But she's rising above it all and staying silent (or just letting her fans throw all the hate for her). However, in her home state of Minnesota, a Congressman is offering to sponsor a bill banning Arie from the state. We're betting she takes him up on that.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 16

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 16

And while we still have to wait until tonight to find out how Lauren B. responds to Arie's decision to try to win her back, she posted a little preview of the episode with a cryptic message about what he put her through.

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 17

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 17

And a bonus: Arie's ex, Sydney Stempfly

Arie's girlfriend of more than a year, Sydney became a household name in Bachelor Nation after it was revealed that Arie dumped her, out of the blue, in order to become the Bachelor. She's also accused him of cheating on her, and days before he was announced as the new Bachelor, she tweeted, "The show would be perfect for @ariejr up until it comes to choosing just one." Last night, she retweeted that tweet, adding a note: "I hate to say I told you so butttt..."

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 18

Exes respond to The Bachelor finale 18

What do you think? Was Arie just following his heart? Or is he set to become the most hated Bachelor in franchise history? Head down to the comments to share your take.

Kourtney Kardashian & Scott Disick Might Both Be Single Again

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Anyone who's watched more than, like, one hot second of Keeping Up with the Kardashians knows that Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick are soul mates. Sure, they've both made mistakes. And sure, their relationship has gone through some hella rough patches (most notably Disick's battle with severe alcoholism, more than a handful of cheating scandals and the several years they spent sleeping in separate beds after Mason was born). But deep down, every Kardashian fan knows he or she is rooting for these two to reconcile.

More: Khloé Kardashian Shocked to Learn She's Not Having a Baby Boy

And has that time now come? There is evidence to suggest that both Kardashian and Disick, who at last look were both in relationships, are now single. That is some coincidental timing, wouldn't you say? But then, these are reality TV stars, so nothing is ever certain. Let's take a look at the evidence, and then you can decide for yourself what the heck is going on here.

Kardashian unfollowed Younes Bendjima & deleted her Instagram

If there is ever an indication that a Kardashian broke up with their significant other, it is to be found on his or her following list. Kardashian and Bendjima have been dating happily since 2016, but on Monday, Kardashian suddenly unfollowed Bendjima on Instagram and then deleted her account. Her page has since been restored, but if that doesn't imply some trouble in paradise, I don't know what does.

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

Bendjima made his account private

Shortly after all the drama went down on Kardashian's Instagram page, Bendjima unfollowed her and made his account private. Since then, he's made it public again and Bendjima and Kardashian are back to following one another as if nothing happened. OK, they're not fooling us that easily. These people live on social media. Something happened, and it was something big.

Disick is not currently following Sofia Richie

It's unclear whether Disick was ever following his current (?) girlfriend, Sofia Richie, since he's far less active on social media than the rest of the family. But he sure isn't following her now, and that's obviously raising alarm bells with fans. If he just unfollowed her recently, the timing, right as Kardashian and Bendjima seem to have hit a speed bump, is highly suspect.

More: Kim Kardashian West Sent Valentine's Gifts to Her Least Favorite People

Whatever is going on with these four, we're sure to find out one way or another. Just please, Kardashians, don't make us wait to see this play out on the show. We need answers far sooner than that.

How to Ask for a Raise — and Get One

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With year-end reviews over and the 2018 work year in full swing, you may be wondering when your next opportunity for a raise or promotion is. The good news? It may be sooner than you think.

Two women who know a lot about getting raises are Rachel Jo Silver — founder of Love Stories TV, a media company building a library of data-enriched wedding videos from around the world — and Ally-Jane Grossan, host of the money and finance education podcast Moneysplained. Ahead, they offer tips for navigating the tricky issue of asking for and, more importantly, getting a raise.

Understand the wage gap
It's a fact: Women make less money than their male counterparts,” acknowledges Grossan. “Companies pay us less and we've been conditioned to accept working for less. As a gender, we need to collectively get over it and start mimicking some of the practices of our male counterparts, starting with having the confidence to ask for a raise.”

Be up-front
“No one likes to receive an email or calendar invite with a cryptic message like, ‘There are some things I'd like to discuss,’” says Silver. Instead, set a meeting and say you’d like to discuss your compensation. And when the time comes to actually ask for a raise, Silver recommends a simple, straightforward message. Here's one: “I'd like to discuss my compensation — it's been X long since we've discussed it. To refresh, we discussed X the last time, and since then, I've achieved X. Based on my performance and the market, I request X.”

Utilize your HR department
If you’re employed at a company large enough to have an HR department, use it. It’s there for a reason. “Always chat with HR before asking for a raise,” advises Silver. “They can help you set expectations and do the prework for you with your manager.”

Set realistic goals
Before you ask for a raise, definitely research what other, similar companies are paying employees in comparable roles. “There’s no hard-and-fast rules, but 2 percent is generally the rate of inflation, so if you're not getting at least that each year, it's definitely time to go to HR,” says Grossan. If you’re looking at a performance raise, the range should be about 5 to 10 percent depending on your industry, and if you’re getting promoted — especially if you’ve begun to supervise others — Grossan says a 20 to 30 percent increase is a good starting point.

Know your company’s financial situation
“The no. 1 factor is always how the company is doing overall,” stresses Silver. “If the company is doing well, then it's easier to reward top performers. If the company has a tight budget, then it becomes more difficult. Remember to be aware of the company situation, not just what you want.”

Ask for other incentives
Unfortunately, a raise isn’t always an option, especially if your company is struggling. If that’s the case, consider other things you could ask for, like equity, a title bump or more vacation time. “Generally you always give someone an annual cost-of-living increase as a baseline and more comp increase based on their performance,” says Silver.

Be strategic about timing
There may be better windows of opportunity to ask for a raise, and one of the best times is when you’re coming off a big success. “There's the idea that you have to wait for your annual review or to be given more responsibility to get a salary bump, but that's what keeps a lot of women at lower salaries,” says Grossan. “If you've done well and have been at a job for a year or more, it's probably time to remind your superiors why you are valuable.”

Don’t give up
If you’re denied a raise or promotion, don't think it’s the end. A company may present you with a response that says it's not in a position to give out raises because of a slow year, which is a company-wide issue and not a personal one. Or your manager may not think you’re ready for a raise yet, but that’s no reason to get defeated. “Having your request denied is disappointing, but it's a good opportunity to let your boss know you're serious,” says Grossan. “Ask what the timeline is for a raise and what else you can be doing to achieve your goal. You've already presented a strong case, so your desire to take on more responsibility and be compensated for it is fresh in their minds, and it doesn't hurt to remind them in six months.”

While approaching higher-ups is never an easy task, hopefully these tips provide some encouragement to ask for the salary you want — and deserve.

This post was sponsored by thinkThin®.

Pregnant Joanna Gaines Is Officially Glowing at Tim Tebow's Gala

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Joanna Gaines is sporting a growing baby belly in her latest social media pics, and TBH, she looks amazing. The Fixer Upper star posted about a fun-filled weekend with her husband Chip — and former NFL star Tim Tebow. Gaines posted numerous pics to her Instagram feed on March 3 documenting the Gaines duo's appearance at a black-tie event for Tebow's foundation.

Joanna Gaines

Joanna Gaines

More: Chip & Joanna Gaines Are Debuting a Fixer Upper Companion Show

The lady is downright glowing (no, that's not just the sun glaring off the golf course) and so was her caption: “What an amazing weekend with the @timtebowfoundation Thank you for giving hope and love to so many #ttfgolf2018." Tebow's stated mission? “[To] bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need." Tebow also posted a pic of the Gainses grinning at the gala.

More: Chip & Joanna Gaines Slammed for Having a Fifth Kid

Earlier this month Gaines posted an Instagram selfie laughing at the size of her belly: “Photoshoot today and there’s no hiding this baby bump anymore."

This will be the fifth child for Gaines and her husband, who made the decision to end their popular HGTV show Fixer Upper after its fifth season. “Gaines party of 7.. (If you’re still confused.. WE ARE PREGNANT),” Chip Gaines told fans on social media.

ultrasound

ultrasound

The couple has been quite active on social media recently, especially regarding the baby on the way. Joanna Gaines shared an ultrasound video of their baby's heartbeat, captioning it, "Chip swears he can already tell it's a boy. Look at the little heartbeat!"
We love the endless positivity of the Fixer Upper pair — and we never get tired of seeing cute pregnant bellies. Or ultrasound photos. Or Fixer Upper reruns. Or maybe even a spinoff. Just saying.

FDA Approves At-Home Breast Cancer Screening Test — but There's a Catch

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In an age when most people in the United States can have almost anything delivered to their doorstep in only a few days — or even hours — it makes sense that this is spilling over into the medical and health care field. From apps and wearable devices that track everything from the number of steps you take each day to your days of peak fertility, health care — or at least health monitoring — is increasingly being done at home. Today, the Food and Drug Administration propelled this trend further by approving an at-home test for three breast cancer gene mutations.

The direct-to-consumer testing kits are made by 23andMe — a company better known for their at-home testing kits to help a person determine their genetic ancestry. Though they already offer other health-risk reports on your genetic data — including testing for markers associated with conditions like celiac disease and Parkinson's disease — this is the first time any DNA testing company has received FDA approval for cancer risk screening.

Here's what you need to know about these tests:

The results are not comprehensive

There are more than 1,000 known BRCA gene mutations; the 23andMe kit tests for three of them. The potential problem here is that people may take the test and not have these three gene mutations, but may have others, meaning they are still at risk for breast cancer.

On top of that, the FDA stresses that "most cases of cancer are not caused by hereditary gene mutations but are thought to be caused by a wide variety of factors, including smoking, obesity, hormone use and other lifestyle issues." In other words, these test results are only one small part of a larger picture.

MoreIs Christina Applegate's Cancer-Preventing Surgery a Good Option?

It tests for more than breast cancer

Through a self-collected saliva sample, the test report indicates whether a woman is at an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It also can be useful for men, testing their risk of developing both breast and prostate cancer.

It is most useful for one group in particular

The three gene mutations included in the 23andMe test are those that are most common among people of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent. They are not, however, the mutations most prevalent in the rest of the population.

They come with a lot of caveats

According to Donald St. Pierre, acting director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, these tests are "a step forward in the availability of DTC genetic tests" — especially for those who may not otherwise have access to genetic screening — but also come with "a lot of caveats."

More: Here's What to Do If You've Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

“While the detection of a BRCA mutation on this test does indicate an increased risk, only a small percentage of Americans carry one of these three mutations and most BRCA mutations that increase an individual’s risk are not detected by this test," he explains in a statement. "The test should not be used as a substitute for seeing your doctor for cancer screenings or counseling on genetic and lifestyle factors that can increase or decrease cancer risk.”

They do not replace working with a doctor &/or genetic counselor

Ideally, even those who take at-home tests like the one by 23andMe consult with their doctor and/or a genetic counselor about which tests would be best for them and how to handle the results. Traditionally, the available screening for BRCA genes costs somewhere between $400 to $4,000, so this new $199 option from 23andMe does make it more accessible. While that, on the surface, is a good thing, it also may result in people receiving and processing test results on their own instead of with a medical professional.

The FDA also stipulates that consumers and health care professionals "should not use the test results to determine any treatments, including anti-hormone therapies and prophylactic removal of the breasts or ovaries." With celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Christina Applegate opting to have major surgery to mitigate their risk of developing various cancers, it has brought this course of action to the forefront — even if it's not necessarily the best idea for everyone.

The bottom line is that while this at-home test could be a helpful cancer-screening tool, anyone who uses it should be aware of its limitations and seek professional medical attention and advice as necessary.

Justin Theroux Vacations His Woes Away After Announcing Split From Jennifer Aniston

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There are definitely good and bad ways to handle a breakup. But objectively speaking, one of the best ways to work through the end of a serious relationship is to go on a baller vacation. Not all of us have the resources to do it, but celebrities sure do, so they should be taking advantage of that like Justin Theroux is right now.

More: Justin Theroux's First Post-split Instagram Isn't About Jennifer Aniston

Theroux and Jennifer Aniston are less than a month out from their divorce going public, and Theroux is apparently getting away from it all with an impromptu trip to Paris. He was spotted walking into the Ritz Hotel there looking less than thrilled about life (understandably) and going without his wedding ring for the first time in public. If you had any doubts these two are really over, this might just put them to rest.

Aniston, meanwhile, ditched her wedding ring at least a day before Theroux and was spotted without it as she left best friend Courteney Cox's Beverly Hills home. Aniston may not be getting out of town like Theroux is, but spending time with old friends has to be good for her soul right now.

More: Source Says Justin Theroux Never Really Wanted Marriage

Theroux and Aniston announced their split the day after Valentine's Day in a joint statement that was heartbreaking for fans who thought Aniston had finally found the happy ending she deserved.

"In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship," the wrote.

More: Jennifer Aniston & Justin Theroux Had Major Issues in Their Marriage

Here's hoping it really is for the best and that these two have happier days ahead of them.


How & Where to Get Free Condoms

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Condoms are an integral part of practicing safe sex and lowering the risk of harmful sexually transmitted diseases or infections. While condoms are an ideal tool with a long history of successful usage as a contraceptive method, they can also be expensive, especially if you are using them frequently. Take one look at the online sites of some of the most accessible retailers across the USA, and you'll get a sense of just how much condoms can cost.

On CVS's website, various kinds of condoms (from ultra-thin to ribbed to flavored) range in price based on the number you're buying: a three-pack goes for $5.99, and prices vary up to $26.49 for a 36-count value pack. Interestingly, Walmart offers a much wider variety of condoms, with different brands available and at price points ranging from $1.88 into the ballpark of $30 (for value packs and the like), and they offer both male and female condoms — not too shabby. Even the comparatively affordable and greener condom varietals, like Sustain Natural condoms, can get expensive quickly, with prices ranging from $13.99 to $144.99 before shipping costs regardless of size but dependent on the number you want to get.

More: Why Condoms Are Hot Commodities at the Olympics

However, in an economy in which many folks are looking to save money and not spend on extravagant items — which is potentially how condoms could be seen under these circumstances — the ability to find free condoms that do not skimp on the quality or variety can be tough, especially if you do not live in a major city or populous area. So, given this, let's try and suss out all the ways you can get free condoms so you can stop sweating the issue of safe sex.

If you're in college, you have easy access to free condoms

If you're reading this and you happen to be a college student, then you have an easy solution for getting free condoms without ever leaving campus. That's right: the student health center. With the possible exception of faith-based universities and online universities, many college students are able to inquire at their on-campus health centers about free condoms.

Try this handy website

Thankfully, you don't have to live in a major city to have access to free condoms. The website Condom Finder allows you to type in your zip code and a map will pop up with various locations that are safe and accessible for you to get free condoms.

More: The Truth Behind the Pullout Method

Don't forget about Planned Parenthood

The old standby, Planned Parenthood, remains one of the best options for getting your hands on free condoms in addition to the variety of other lifesaving services PP provides. You can go here, type in your zip code and find the center nearest to you.

Talk to your doctor

Another great way to get free condoms, as Seventeen magazine notes, is to make an appointment to see your doctor — although you'll probably want to ask while scheduling the appointment to make sure your doctor's office provides this service. Don't be embarrassed about asking if you can get free condoms; that's one of the reasons your doctor is here to help you.

Try your local health department

This is another great option for folks who may live in more suburban or rural areas because local health departments are always available, even when a place like Planned Parenthood isn't. You can easily Google your local health department and call ahead to double check that they are able to give away free condoms.

More: Trump Administration Makes It Much Easier for Employers to Deny Birth Control

Getting free condoms doesn't have to be scary or a slog. Hopefully, at least one of the above suggestions is feasible for you, and you'll no longer feel like access to one of the most popular forms of birth control is out of your reach.

Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley Head to Mexico for First Vacation as Family of 5

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Grey's Anatomy alum Katherine Heigl and her husband, singer Josh Kelley, abandoned recent snows in favor of a sunny vacation in Mexico with their three kids, Nancy, Adalaide and Joshua Jr. The trip marked the family's first vacation in two years (and you thought celebs had it easy!), and judging from the Instagram "postcards," the Heigl-Kelley clan had a total blast.

heigl 2

heigl 2

Are you ready to get on the next plane to Mexico yet? Check out the full series of pics on Heigl's Instagram.

Heigl

Heigl

"#Thoseheavenlydays are plentiful in this extraordinarily beautiful, peaceful serene spot in Mexico," Heigl wrote as a caption for a pic of her rocking a red bikini and leaping in the waves. "I may never leave..."

She added, "From snow to snow. First family vacation in two years...man am I grateful to be here! #thoseheavenlydays are sun soaked ocean views enjoyed with friends and family! #mexicofantastico."

More: Katherine Heigl Is Crazy About Her New Son, the Postpartum Hormones, Not So Much

In fact, the pair's social media feeds are pretty much a love letter to vacationing in Mexico, with shots of pool-frolicking, beach trips and bike rides. Kelley remarked that he was also inspired by their trip to work on a new video for some of his most recent songs.

josh

josh

"Momma bear @katherineheigl lookin super HOT last night with that Mexico sun kissed face!!" he wrote on Instagram. "I'm taking lots of @gopro footage — gonna edit a really cool video to some of my new songs while I'm here!!"

More: Katherine Heigl Shares Throwback Nude Shot

Hollywood was mighty harsh on Heigl for a quite some time after she called a film she starred in — Knocked Up — sexist. (Um, for the record? She was right.) But she seems to have regained her footing career-wise with the CBS legal drama Doubt and a role on Suits. But regardless, we're just happy she's finally getting some sun far away from Hollywood with the people she loves the most. Two vacation-free years is a long time, especially in Celebland.

The Mom's Guide to Chicago

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The Mom's Guide to Glasgow

Chicago is a city to have adventures in. For Chicagoans and visitors alike, days here are well spent hanging at the beach, stopping by local shops, exploring the art and architecture, riding the train and eating world-famous pizza. And if you're hitting the Windy City with kids in tow, you're in luck. These days, all the hippest Chicago restaurants have kids menus, craft breweries offer coloring supplies and museums have countless kid-friendly offerings. It's really a great time to be raising a family in Chicago — and an even better time to visit the city with yours.

One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday in Chicago is exploring different neighborhoods with my kids trying new restaurants and parks along the way. And while there's plenty to see and do downtown, it’s so easy to jump on the train and head north or west to cool neighborhoods such as Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lakeview or Lincoln Park — where you’ll likely see kids buzzing by on scooters everywhere you look.

While it’s hard to play favorites, below is my list of some of the very best Chicago hotspots that kids and parents alike will love.

More: The Mom's Guide to Glasgow

Antique Taco Chicago

Where to eat

Everyone has their top pick for the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago, but IMO, Pequod’s is No. 1 hands down. If you prefer Mexican, Antique Taco's Wicker Park location is a favorite spot for lunch or dinner — or just guac and a margarita before you stroll and shop around Milwaukee and Damen.

Beer fans, take note: Revolution Brewing is one of our most-visited spots for local brews and brunch — and those aforementioned coloring supplies for the kiddos. And in Logan Square, an amazing spot for new restaurants (most of which are totally kid-friendly), Lula Café is an all-star, whether for family brunch or a rare date night out.

Lula Cafe Chicago ice cream

Meanwhile, if you're on the hunt for coffee, Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits has plenty of the good stuff — plus pie and amazing biscuits. What more could you (and your littles) ask for? Or swing by Heritage Coffee; we love their atmosphere (and bicycles!) and the seasonal lattes are legit.

Where to shop

If you're a fan of all things tassels and streamers (who isn't?), stop by Festive Collective, a perfectly curated party shop that always has fun events. And definitely don't miss Merz Apothecary; I could spend hours in this store, which was established in 1897 and named one of the best beauty shops in America by Into the Gloss. If you head to the Lincoln Square location, you can even take the kids to the local toy store afterward.

Maggie Daley Park Chicago

Touristy places worth checking out

Maggie Daley Park, of course! Breeze past all those Millennium Park crowds and instead head to the best playground in the city. After the kids are spent from swinging and sliding, head to the nearby Shake Shack to refuel. Or, if your kids prefer their outdoor fun with a side of wild animals, check out the (free!) Lincoln Park Zoo; it just received some wonderful updates and exhibits and is now better than ever. Another Chicago tourist classic is the architectural boat tour. Cliché? Sure. A perfect way to see the city and show the kids a good time? Absolutely.

And for culture-filled rainy days (or, hey, hot summer days in the AC), there's the fantastic Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts family days the first Saturday of every month.

Chicago River Boat Tour

More:  The Mom's Guide to Los Angeles

After nearly a decade of living in Chicago, I've learned the easy way that it's one of the best kid-friendly cities out there. This list could have been a mile long! In my experience, the vast majority of local Chicago businesses are thrilled to welcome parents and curious kids alike — and they are successful because of it. I hope you'll visit Chi-town sometime soon.

The Mom's Guide to Chicago

Aldi Groceries Will Soon Be Sold at Kohl’s

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When Kohl’s announced they would be renting out extra retail space for groceries, we were convinced our wildest dreams finally came true. But we could never have dreamed of the wonderful partnership that was about to take place. Not only will there be groceries in this popular retailer, but there will be Aldi groceries. It’s a grocery/department store match made in heaven that has us wanting to throw confetti everywhere.

After releasing their quarterly sales report on Thursday (in which Kohl’s reported the largest increase in sales since 2001), it was revealed that 10 different Kohl’s locations would be getting Aldi in their empty retail spaces. Although the 10 test spaces are unknown at the moment, we can only hope that our nearest Kohl’s ends up being one of them.

More:  5 Things You Should Know Before Shopping at Aldi

Kevin Mansell, the Kohl’s CEO, chairman and president, told CNBC that the company will be readjusting roughly 300 different stores over the next several years, making way for “a whole list of partners,” which we now know includes Aldi. So not only will you get cheap clothes with all those Kohl’s cash coupons, but you’ll be getting your essential groceries all in the same building. Could life get any truly better than that?

More:  9 Cheap Things You Should Buy Only at Trader Joe’s

Numerous media companies are pointing out this could potentially be a threat to popular store chains such as Target or Walmart, who have found success in adding a grocery department within their store. This can easily give Kohl’s a leg up compared to other department stores, even popular ones such as Macy’s.

Along with grocers and other convenience stores, Kohl’s is considering partnering with fitness centers as well. Could Kohl’s soon be the one-stop shop for all your daily essentials? Potentially! Kohl’s already has a partnership with Amazon by providing kiosks that sell Amazon devices in multiple stores.

More: America Just Named Its Top Grocery Stores — Did Your Favorite Make The List?

As Kohl’s continues to announce partnerships for their hundreds of stores, we will be patiently waiting for the reveal of these 10 new Aldi test spaces in Kohl’s. And if you’ve never been to an Aldi, here are five things you should know before shopping there.

Originally published on Taste of Home.

This Copycat McDonald's Shamrock Shake Recipe Is Perfect for St. Paddy's Day

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The St. Patrick's Day-inspired ice cream shake has been hitting the McDonald's menu in March since the '70s, and there's a reason the minty vanilla shake has been a seasonal staple for the past four decades — because it's insanely good. And you don't even have to hit the fast-food drive-thru to get one anymore, because we have a copycat Shamrock Shake recipe right here.

By "we," we mean McCormick. They've created their very own Shamrock Shake recipe. Just be careful; now that you can make this frosty treat from home, it'll take all the willpower you have not to make it all the time.

But before we get into the recipe, here's a little fun fact for you: The Shamrock Shake was originally called the St. Patrick's Day Shake. Not only that, the original recipe had lemon-lime sherbet. It wasn't until 1983 that the fast-food restaurant mixed vanilla ice cream with mint. Good call, McDonald's.

OK, that said, let's get to it!

More: 20 Festive Appetizers to Make for St. Patrick's Day Parties

Copycat Shamrock Shake recipe

Yields 3

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon McCormick pure peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon McCormick green food coloring
  • Whipped cream and green sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

  1. To a blender, add the ice cream, milk, peppermint extract and green food coloring. Cover, and blend on high speed until smooth.
  2. Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles, if desired. Serve immediately.

More: 25 Boozy Milkshakes That Push Decadence to a Whole New Level

Pin it! Shamrock Shake copycat

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

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