Quantcast
Channel: What's New
Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live

The Big Bang Theory Paid Stephen Hawking the Greatest Tribute

0
0

The entire scientific community was shaken by the death of physicist Stephen Hawking earlier this week, and that includes where science and entertainment intersect. Hawking was a frequent topic and one-time guest on the science-based sitcom The Big Bang Theory (appropriately, since Hawking did a lot of the math that helped advance the actual big bang theory). The cast of the show has been posting moving tributes to their friend and hero ever since his death was announced on Wednesday.

More: 5 Facts About Stephen Hawking That Weren't in The Theory of Everything

Many of the stars of the show posted the same photo: a group shot they all took on set with Hawking in the center. Alongside the photo, each wrote in his or her own words what the late physicist meant to them.

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 1

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 1

"It was truly such an honor getting to work with the incredible Stephen Hawking," Kaley Cuoco wrote on Instagram. "He made us laugh and we made him laugh. His life and career workings have been many a subject matter on @thebigbangtheory__ and we are all better for it. You will be missed but the world is grateful for the knowledge and courage you leave in your path. Thank you for being an inspiration to everyone."

More: Stephen Hawking Auditioned Celebrities to Be His New Recorded Voice

Johnny Galecki quoted Hawking in his tribute to the late, great 20th-century scientist.

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 2

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 2

"RIP #stephenhawking Not only your brilliance, but your sense of humor will be sorely missed by all," he wrote. "'Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.' — Stephen Hawking."

More: Stephen Hawking Lived With ALS for More Than 50 Years — What Is It?

And Mayim Bialik pointed out that Hawking's death fell on Pi Day, a day many people celebrate the number and the scientific and mathematical power behind it.

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 3

tbbt tributes to stephen hawking 3

"As we near Pi day (3.14) I join the global community in mourning the loss of the greatest physicist of our era," she wrote. "#StephenHawking is free from the physical constraints of this earthly condition we all exist in and he is soaring above us now marveling at it all. Thank you, Dr. Hawking, for enlightening us and blessing us with your wisdom and courage."

It's clear Hawking's short time spent on the set of TBBT left a major impact on the cast. Their sentiments about the legacy he leaves behind as well as the loss of him is no doubt shared by numerous folks around the world.


Ellen DeGeneres Is Helping Adam Rippon With His Next Career Move (Hint: It's in TV!)

0
0

Pretty much everyone in America knows Adam Rippon by now. He was the first openly gay male figure skater on the U.S. Olympic team. He became a breakout star of this year's Winter Games for his passion, his sass, his style — and, of course, his incredible skating that netted him a bronze medal.

More: 14 Questions With Adam Rippon, the First Openly Gay Figure Skater to Make Team USA

But now that Rippon is a meme star with all the Twitter followers, what's next for him? You'll be glad to know he doesn't plan to leave the spotlight behind, and Ellen DeGeneres is helping him with his next move.

"He’ll be producing a reality show with Ellen," an insider told Page Six. "The details are ‘TBD,’ but they are partnering."

Since there are no further details about this dream partnership yet, I went ahead and came up with a few ideas DeGeneres and Rippon can feel free to use if they want to.

More: The Most Memorable Olympic Ice Skating Moments in History

Rippon the Ice

This is the obvious choice: an amateur competition-style show in which Rippon tries to whip beginner skaters into Olympic-routine shape. He can coach them through skating challenges, help design their costumes, choreograph their routines and more, kind of like Tim Gunn, but way funnier (sorry, Tim). Obviously, DeGeneres is a judge on this show. Rounding out the judges' panel would be Margot Robbie and Kalen Allen, who will rebuke the worst routine of each episode "in the name of Jesus."

Kalen Allen cornbread reaction video

Kalen Allen cornbread reaction video

Celebrity Big Brother: Olympic Village

Pretty self-explanatory. A new season of Celebrity Big Brother, but all the contestants live inside Olympic Village and compete in Olympic-themed challenges. Rippon and DeGeneres both compete against stars like Kristen Bell, John Cena and Sally Field's son Sam Greisman.

Rip-On Twitter

Rippon's tweet game has been nothing but fire since his rise to Olympic fame.

Adam Rippon twitter game

Adam Rippon twitter game

In this show, Rippon and DeGeneres (also a champion tweeter) teach contestants the subtle art of the clapback. The audience can participate by liking and retweeting their favs to help contestants advance. I dunno. This one is a stretch. But we're all so obsessed with both Rippon and social media, it just might work.

More: The Most Talked-About Moments From the 2018 Winter Olympics

But we get the feeling we'll watch just about anything that puts Rippon on TV.

What do you hope Adam Rippon's show will look like? Head down to the comments and let us know.

Blue Apron Is About to Take Their Service in an Exciting New Direction

0
0

As the meal kit war heats up, with even Amazon and Weight Watchers getting into the mix, the grandfather of all meal kits, Blue Apron, is now taking their sales to stores.

More: Weight Watchers Is Launching Blue Apron-Style Meal Kits

Currently, Blue Apron operates via a subscription-based model, with options for full kits of multiple meals for multiple serving sizes and à-la-carte cooking kits, but by the end of this year, we will be able to buy these kits without a subscription in stores according to The Wall Street Journal.

Blue Apron soared to popularity when it first came out, but its popularity has dipped in recent times, both because of expense and the commitment issue, but also because of competition. Walmart’s kits cost between $8 and $15 for two servings and Amazon’s preportioned meal kits are also competitively priced. With Walmart and Weight Watchers offering in-store kits, it only makes sense Blue Apron would have to follow suit.

More: Blue Apron Is the Answer to Spending Less on Groceries & Eating Cleaner

Right now, Blue Apron costs subscribers about $60 a week for three meals for two people (or around $10 per serving), but there’s no word yet as to where these meal kits will be sold in brick-and-mortar stores and how the prices may differ from the subscription-based options.

Blue Apron, originally credited for being a bridge between wasting money on excessive groceries and our tendency to order takeout because it's quicker and easier, lets us make beautiful meals at home with only as many ingredients as we'll need for the recipe and less waste. It's a great idea, and we're excited to see them expanding with the times.

The Queen Has Helped Tick One Big To-Do Off the Royal Wedding Checklist

0
0

Updated March 15, 2018, 10:50 a.m. PT: The royal wedding countdown is truly on. With just over two months to go until they say their I do's on May 19, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are checking off items on a royal to-do list. The latest? Getting formal permission from Queen Elizabeth II.

British law states that the first six people in line for the throne must have the current monarch's permission before getting married. Should any of them marry without formal permission, they give up their right to ascend to the throne as well as the right of all their descendants to do so. Harry is currently fifth in line, right behind his niece, Princess Charlotte, meaning he had to have his grandmother's blessing or give up his spot.

In a letter to the privy council, though, the queen sounded thrilled to give her permission to Harry to wed Markle this spring.

"I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council," her letter read.

QEII official wedding consent tweet

QEII official wedding consent tweet

Will we see a Princess Meghan in the future? With Harry so far from the throne, it's not likely. But with this development, it's officially possible.

Updated Feb. 27, 2018, 11:45 a.m. PT: It's been rumored that Ed Sheeran will be staging a performance at the upcoming royal wedding, but that's been shot down by Sheeran himself. Another maybe more likely rumor says Elton John may take the stage. But the Spice Girls' Mel B just dropped a big hint about a musical performance that would have everyone talking.

During an appearance on The Real Tuesday, Mel B told hosts Adrienne Bailon, Loni Love and Jeannie Mai she is going to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding. When asked, "Did you get an invitation?" Mel B replied, "Well, it was the five Spice Girls. Why am I so honest?!"

Um, so does this mean the Spice Girls are performing at the wedding? They've previously declined to reunite and perform together, but when the actual Prince of Wales and his fiancée ask for something, we imagine it's hard to say no.

Mel B on maybe Spice Girls reunion

Mel B on maybe Spice Girls reunion

When asked specifically if she's attending the royal wedding to perform with the Spice Girls, Mel B just looked at her cards and shook her head. The cohosts screamed, and Mel B threw her cards in the air and said, "I need to go! I am going to be fired!"

No matter how you slice it, that sounds like an admission. Could this really be happening? Only a few months left before we find out for sure.

Updated Feb. 13, 2018, 12:40 p.m. PT: Here are a few more reasons to get up early and tune in to the royal wedding. Reports are saying there will be some world-class entertainment to help Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrate tying the knot — Harry has reportedly personally asked Ed Sheeran to perform at the wedding. Here's hoping he chooses something a little more romantic than "Shape of You."

There are also rumors Elton John will perform now that he's canceled a few of his Las Vegas shows amid confirming he scored an invite to the wedding of the century. Basically, everything he plays is tear-jerkingly romantic, so we can't imagine anyone better.

Updated Feb. 12, 2018, 10:30 a.m. PT: May keeps inching closer, and that means more and more royal wedding details are hitting the headlines. Over the weekend, we learned a little more about what to expect when May 19 rolls around and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle say their I do's, including what time we'll need to be up to be able to tune in to the ceremony.

According to Kensington Palace, the wedding is set for noon in the U.K., which is 7 a.m. Eastern or 4 a.m. Pacific. It's gonna be an early morning for those of us on the West Coast, but it'll be worth it to see royal history being made.

The palace also revealed that after exchanging vows, Harry and Markle will lead a parade through the streets of Windsor, riding in a horse-drawn carriage. It's something Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge did on their wedding day, and it was definitely a highlight. We're so excited to see it becoming something of a tradition.

The one thing the palace isn't revealing is who or how many people made the guest list. We still don't even know if invitations have been sent out, but we do know that St. George's Chapel can hold about 800 people, so there's plenty of space for a large wedding.

Spring really can't get here soon enough.

Original story, published Jan. 5, 2018: The next royal wedding was only just announced, and yet it's right around the corner. Before we know it, May will be here, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be exchanging their vows. With only five months to go before the big day, obviously we're hungrily searching the internet for all the information we can find about the upcoming ceremony.

More: Meghan Markle's New Year's Resolutions Are Inspiring

Some of the latest news to hit the 'net is that both Markle and Harry are starting to assemble their wedding parties. A source told Us Weekly that Markle is sticking to some American traditions, despite the very British wedding that's being planned, and that means she's chosen a maid of honor rather than a chief bridesmaid.

"While it is very much a British wedding, expect a few American touches too," the insider said. There's still no confirmation about exactly who her maid of honor is going to be, but there are definitely some predictions out there: Markle's best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney, fellow actress Priyanka Chopra and Suits co-star Sarah Rafferty would all be unsurprising picks.

More: Meghan Markle's Engagement Ring Will Pay Homage to Princess Diana

Harry, on the other hand, has a pretty easy choice for his best man.

"Harry has several close guy friends, but there's no way he would ask anyone but William to take on the top job," a source told Us Weekly last month. That one was a no-brainer.

More: A Definitive Timeline of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s Relationship in 2017

While the royal family is hard at work preparing for the wedding, all of Britain is preparing for the huge influx of tourism that will likely come with it. When Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in 2011, 350,000 tourists came to the UK for the big day. Britain's Office of National Statistics is already expecting similar crowds around Harry and Markle's May 18 wedding date, as well as a $680 million boost to the UK's economy because of the wedding. Two beautiful lovebirds tying the knot and single-handedly boosting their country's economy? What a win-win.

Khloé Kardashian's Topless Maternity Shoot Does Indeed Make Us Want These Jeans

0
0

Preggos, ready your closets! Khloé Kardashian's new line of maternity clothes, Good Mama, has officially arrived. The collection of eight different styles comes in two fits (sizes 00 to 24), one each for the beginning and final stages of pregnancy. Each pair of jeans was designed to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy and aims to keep moms-to-be feeling sexy — and like themselves.

"I think the biggest misconception about maternity-wear is that you can't be stylish and sexy while you're pregnant, but we're here to prove you wrong with our Good Mamas," the reality star-turned-entrepreneur said in a promotional video.

Khloe Kardashian announces maternity line

Khloe Kardashian announces maternity line

More: Here's What's on Khloé Kardashian's Amazon Baby Registry

Kardashian, who's expecting her first child, a daughter, with basketball star Tristan Thompson, told People she decided to dive into the maternity market after finding out firsthand pregnancy clothing options are often limited.

"Until this point, no maternity denim options spoke to me — most of what's out there lack the stylish, fun details that I want to wear or simply isn't flattering," she said. "With this collection, we set out to create a premium denim line for women of all sizes and stages of pregnancy, and even for the months after the baby is born."

Most important, Kardashian said she wanted moms "to feel sexy, empowered and badass" every time they got dressed.

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

And, she's not just offering up lip service either. To demonstrate just how flattering her new denim is, Kardashian posed for a series of sultry photos.

Khloe Kardashian poses topless in her new Good Mama jeans
Khloe Kardashian Good Mama

Khloe Kardashian Good Mama

Should you feel the urge to replicate this look (and who wouldn't?) might we suggest a "face" mask for your pregnant belly to up your glow factor? Just kidding. Kind of.

Being this stylish does come with a price, though. Kardashian's denim ranges in cost from $149 to $179.

More: We're So on Board With Khloé Kardashian's Pregnancy Diet Change

Of course, you don't need expensive new clothes — or to contour your face — to look and feel sexy while you're pregnant. We may have just met, so apologies if this is too forward, but you seem perfect just the way you are.

You Can Now Track Your Period Using Fitbit

0
0

Tracking your period can be, to put it simply, stressful. When you’re late, there’s fear of pregnancy, and when you’re trying to get pregnant, it can be hard to figure out when you’re ovulating. And although there’s a sea of apps out there that can help you track your period, Fitbit is rolling out a new Versa smartwatch ($199) in May that includes “female health tracking” along with the traditional exercise tracking.

Since 2015, buyers have been asking Fitbit to either sync up with a period tracker app like Clue or develop their own app to sync up with other devices. Verge reports that a menstrual tracker has been on Fitbit’s top five recommendations list for quite some time. It makes sense. A woman’s period is a major component of her health, so why not add it to a watch that tracks wellness? According to Fitbit’s press release, the new watch or app “is designed to help you learn more about your menstrual cycle — and your body — so you can better understand how it affects other aspects of your health and fitness.”

Fitbit female health tracker

Fitbit female health tracker

More: The Best Foods to Help Alleviate Your Worst Period Symptoms

Among the laundry list of features like tracking; two-day-ahead push notifications; and analysis of symptoms like cramps, sleeping, sex and acne, the two most innovative additions are community support and access to doctors’ insights. With the former, users can opt to join a forum that focuses on “periods, birth control, trying to conceive, pregnancy, and perimenopause and menopause to ask questions, swap tips, or share advice.” With the latter, users can access medical expertise via “judgement-free content developed with Fitbit advisors Katharine White, MD, MPH, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University, and Larry Tiglao, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Stanford Healthcare’s Los Olivos Women’s Medical Group in Los Gatos, CA.”

More: Why It Matters That Olympic Athletes Are Talking About Their Periods

In an interview with Yahoo Finance, White explained why she thinks this app is important for women. “Female health tracking will empower women with a greater understanding of their menstrual cycles in conjunction with their physical and mental health, as they start to recognize what are normal trends over time versus what could be an issue to share with their doctor.” The more information you log, the more the algorithms start to “learn,” which means it can better predict patterns about your period, health and symptoms.

More: Irregular Periods Explained: The Most Common Reasons Your Period Is MIA

Plus, if Fitbit’s survey is right and 80 percent of respondents really didn’t know how many phases are in the menstrual cycle, an app like this might be beneficial for simply helping to educate more women about the ins and outs of their cycle. At the very least, it’s good to know producers are taking women’s needs into account (not to mention taking periods seriously) seeing as we are major consumers in the wellness space — and most others.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Will Have a ‘Team of Nannies’ to Help on Tour

0
0

If you haven't heard by now, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are going on tour together this summer. Go ahead. Throw your hands in the air and do an awkward celebratory dance.

The tour, called OTR II, is a follow-up to their massive 2014 jaunt, On the Run. But unlike the first time around, this superstar couple now needs to make a little more room in their getaway car to accommodate the newest members of their family, Rumi and Sir. (Blue's been on the run once before and is well-versed in the art of the escape.)

More: Beyoncé's Mom Spills About Newborn Twins "Very Different Personalities"

At least they'll reportedly have a designated crew to help. A source close to the couple recently told Entertainment Tonight that Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir will be in good hands while parents Bey and Jay light up stadiums around the globe.

"Blue Ivy and the twins have a team of nannies working for them," the source told ET. "They have people around the clock."

More: Beyoncé Reportedly Has "Baby Fever" & Is Ready to Have More Kids

It's great to hear that Beyoncé and Jay-Z are enlisting some extra pairs of hands. Parents, reminder: Asking for support doesn't mean you're not involved or interested in your children's lives; it merely means you can't do a million things at once. That said, affording said help is a lot easier when you are, you know, the Knowles-Carters.

Besides, Beyoncé and Jay-Z can't really risk bringing their kids to each show. We all know how Blue Ivy gets when her parents are just a little too loud.

More: Blue Ivy Shushing Beyoncé & Jay-Z at the Grammys Is Everything

Though the twins may need a crew of helpers for a few years, Blue Ivy could be ready to join her parents onstage shortly. This little one demonstrated her impressive rap skills on Hova's latest album, 4:44 by spitting some freestyle rhymes. To be honest, her verses were better than anything her dad dropped. Sorry, not sorry.

Kathie Lee Gifford Says She 'Doesn't Judge' Bill Cosby & Harvey Weinstein

0
0

Kathie Lee Gifford has some... interesting ideas about friendship. Calling into Andy Cohen's radio show earlier this week, the seasoned daytime host revealed that even though they respectively face multiple accusations of rape, assault, abuse and sexual harassment, she still reached out to both Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein. Her reasoning, as she claims, implies that there are levels to these kinds of accusations and nuance to be considered because she has gone through similar traumas to the ones these men are accused of.

More: All the Celebrities Who Have Accused Harvey Weinstein of Sexual Misconduct — So Far

"Since I got into this business as a teenage girl, I have been sexually harassed. I have been sexually abused, and I have been date raped. Don’t tell me they’re all the same because they are not," she said. "I don’t want to throw everybody on the same manure pile. Being a jerk is not the same as being a rapist. It just isn’t."

That statement feels a little off in my opinion. Both Weinstein and Cosby have been accused of various and sundry sex-related crimes by multiple women. While the place Gifford is coming from is certainly upsetting, with mention of her own personal history being mentioned in the same breath as these men, it's hard not to balk at the idea of these men simply being called "jerks" for what are seriously grave accusations. That's not jerk behavior; that's the behavior of a predator.

More: Bill Cosby's Sexual Assault Trial Is Putting His Paranoia in Overdrive

In that same call to Cohen, she also admitted she reached out to both men immediately after their behavior became public. "I’ve been friends with Bill a long, long time," she said. "Harvey Weinstein was a friend of mine for 30 years... I called him and left a message."

As for why she still reached out to these men when most of the entertainment industry turned its back on them?

"I just want people to know I don’t judge them," Gifford said. "I don’t like what they do, but God knows their hearts and there’s hope for them. And you can’t call yourself a friend when, the first minute where there’s trouble, you run. That’s called a fair-weather friend... and that’s not a friend at all."

This is where Gifford is wrong, though. If you find out that a friend is a habitual abuser, a rapist, a person who assaults and degrades women regularly and has for decades, removing that person from your life does not in any way make you a fair-weather friend. It makes you a person with standards for the relationships in your life. Deciding that a person's bad behavior has crossed a line or is too much for you to have in your life is not being a fair-weather friend. Gifford's statement implies that if you're friends with someone and they do something terrible, you still owe them your continued friendship on the basis that you were friends with them before learning their true colors. That's not how friendship works.

More: A Timeline of Harvey Weinstein's Life in Hollywood

If Gifford chooses to keep these men in her life, that's her prerogative. But to shame others for "judging" them and to say that it's wrong to end relationships with them after learning about their despicable behavior is not OK.


What to Do if Sex Gives You Anxiety

0
0

Sex is a natural part of the human experience, but when something that's supposed to be super-fun and feel great leads to a serious bout of anxiety, it can cause distress that goes far beyond the bedroom. Let's take a look at what sex anxiety is all about and what you can do about it.

Sexual anxiety: What is it?

While there's a lot of research and writings about sexual and performance anxiety in men, it's unsurprising that sexual anxiety in women is a less talked-about issue. Why? Because it can be more difficult to define, says Courtney Cleman, sex and relationship expert — after all, women don't require an erection for sexual activity (and of course, there may be social issues at hand that place more value on a man's sexual satisfaction than a woman's, but that's a topic for another article).

For us gals, there are a few symptoms you can look for to see if this malady is affecting your life:

  • Feeling less pleasure
  • Inability to be "in the moment"
  • Reduced libido
  • Tightening of the pelvic floor muscles, which can render penetration difficult or impossible

More: I Haven't Had Sex in 8 Years Because of Sexual Anorexia

Also, there are symptoms that are not necessarily sex-specific that can mean you're experiencing anxiety. These include:

  • Feeling nervous
  • Increased heart rate
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Rapid breathing
  • Feeling of impending doom
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Trembling
  • Sweating
  • Avoiding activities (like sex) that trigger anxiety

Causes of sexual anxiety

As with other types of anxiety, there are a number of different causes for that of the sexual type. Here are some of the key causes.

  • Self-esteem issues. While there are many reasons one might lack self-esteem, it can certainly impact your sex life, says The Sex Docs, Drs. Cristina Bosch and John A. Robinson.
  • Stress about orgasms. Some women worry about achieving orgasms, which can dampen their desire and lead to sexual anxiety, says Cleman.
  • Hormone imbalances. Women can and do become affected by hormone imbalances. Interestingly, this includes testosterone in addition to other female hormones, including estrogen.
  • Guilt or shame. Restrictive religious attitudes, cultural norms or living in a society where women's sexual pleasure takes a backseat to men's (hint: you're probably living in one) can result in internalized guilt or shame that can have a negative impact on your sexual comfort.
  • Past experiences. Amy McManus, owner of Thrive Therapy and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles who specializes in anxiety, notes that past experiences that can lead to sexual anxiety can include thoughtless comments from past partners, but can also include sexual abuse or assault.
  • Thyroid problems. Anxiety can stem from thyroid disorders, including sexual anxiety.

How to treat sexual anxiety

Sexual anxiety is treated according to the cause. For those with hormone imbalances or thyroid disease, testing will first reveal the issue, and your doctor can work on treating it. For those who have anxiety that stems from other causes, there are other options.

MoreAs a Childhood Sex Abuse Survivor, Sex Will Never Be Easy

"Knowledge is power," says Cleman. "Many of the common causes of sexual anxiety in women can be treated and improved with the understanding of the female anatomy and how to achieve clitoral and vaginal orgasm faster and more consistently."

Additionally, it can help to work with a therapist — or even attend support groups. McManus notes, "There are two different factors to consider: There is the anxiety that occurs in the moment — you are in the heat of the moment and start to experience anxiety — and there is the anxiety that occurs beforehand — anxiety about the anxiety, so to speak. Both the anxiety in the moment and the meta-anxiety beforehand can be addressed and drastically improved with some help from a therapist who specializes in [cognitive behavioral therapy] for anxiety."

Reach out & get help

If you're experiencing sexual anxiety, reach out to a health care professional. It's logical to start with your regular doctor, who can refer you to a specialist or a therapist if needed and get you to a point where sex is a welcome part of your life.

53 Good Ol’ Southern Baby Names

0
0

The Southern U.S. contains multitudes: famous hospitality, drama, scorching temps and a laid-back drawl that makes you yearn for sweet tea and biscuits. Yes? No? Whether you're from the South or not, looking for a Southern baby name means you're likely looking for something with a truly American sound. Nothing too modern, maybe it's got a country twang to it and bonus points if it ends in "Lee" or "Lou."

Well guess what? You're in luck, because we've rounded up the best down-home baby names straight from the Heart of Dixie — and, you know, all those other Southern states too.

More: Old-Fashioned Baby Names With Modern Appeal

Popular Southern baby names

Each year, the Social Security Administration releases a list of the top baby names taken from birth certificates of babies born that year. Check out the top baby names of the Deep South, which includes Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina. With this list, you'll find the perfect baby name in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

Southern names for boys

Southern names for girls

More: Long, Elegant Baby Names for Your Little Lady or Gentleman

Double names of the South

Double names, such as Billy Bob or Ida Mae, are a deep-rooted naming tradition of the South. These Southern names are created by a choosing a traditional name and combining it with a family name. The combinations are endless — and no, they don't all sound like hillbillies (maybe skip ending in "Bob" if you want to avoid that).

  • Anna Belle
  • Annie Jane
  • Anna Beth
  • Anna Kate
  • Jane Ellen
  • Jessie Pearl
  • Joe David
  • Patty Mae
  • Jimmie Tate
  • Ina Jean
  • Jacob Patrick
  • Ollie Bell
  • Opal Ann
  • Jon Paul
  • Jo Lynne
  • Bennie Lee
  • Mary Love
  • Fannie Lou
  • Troy Allen
  • Twyla Fay
  • Billie Lou

The first names of Mary, John, Jacob, Annie and Billie are great starter names when searching for the perfect double.

Surnames as middle names

Another Southern baby name tradition is to pass on a family surname, or last name, as your child's middle name. This would be a great way to pay homage to a dear grandmother or other relative with a different last name from the child.

More: 42 Unusual Irish Baby Names & the Meanings Behind Them

Southern names from country music

Be inspired by some of our favorite country music singers of the past and present who sang and wrote songs about growing up and living in the South. Although not all of these stars were born in the South (yes, we know Shania Twain is Canadian), they have strong country roots and pretty perfect Southern names.

Good ole’ southern baby names

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

Easy-to-Make Recipes to Turn Your Kids Into Tomato Lovers

0
0

When kids say they don’t like a food — especially a fruit or vegetable — it’s often because they haven’t found a way to enjoy it yet. But it can take trying something again and again to develop a taste for it. In fact, children may need to taste something up to 20 times before learning to like it. So, if your child is resisting a healthy food, the best thing you can do is expose them to it in new and exciting ways.

One thing picky eaters love to hate is tomatoes. But if they’ve ever had pizza and liked it, they’re probably more open to the vegetable-like fruit than they may realize. When cooked, tomatoes are completely transformed, taking on whole new textures and easy-to-love flavors. Ahead, find four kid-friendly recipes that could turn the staunchest tomato haters into everyday eaters.

Baby bolognese

Baby Bolognese

Although this simple pasta dish was originally created with little eaters in mind, it’s also a satisfying, quick-cooking meal the whole family can enjoy. You can use Hunt’s Heirloom Crushed Tomatoes for the pickiest eaters, but once they’re more comfortable eating tomatoes, swap them for Hunt’s Heirloom Diced Tomatoes.

One-pan lasagna

One-Pan Lasagna

Every family should have a one-pan meal tucked into its back pocket, and this simple lasagna is a great one. Hunt’s Heirloom Whole Tomatoes — whole canned tomatoes are the freshest tasting — get blitzed in a food processor with carrots, onion and garlic to create a sauce that’s perfect for simmering with ground meat and adding to lasagna.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka

This popular North African breakfast does double duty when it comes to mealtime: It’s as at home at dinner as it is during the first meal of the day. Essentially nothing more than eggs poached in a tomato sauce laced with onions and sweet peppers and spiked with paprika and cumin, this one-pan meal gets a cheesy twist when topped with feta or goat cheese.

Pantry pizza sauce

Pantry Pizza Sauce

Kids love pizza, and making your own sauce with canned tomatoes is a great way to control the salt and sugar content, which is often high in commercially prepared sauces. A quick pantry pizza sauce can be used to make your at-home pizza pies.

This post was sponsored by Hunt's.

Anderson Cooper Is Single After Nearly a Decade

0
0

If anyone on this planet deserves love and eternal happiness, it is Anderson Cooper, that wonderful, wonderful man. That's why his next significant other had better treat him right, or they'll have me to deal with. Yes, that means what you think it means. Cooper is single once again.

More: Anderson Cooper Reacting to Trump's North Korea Comments Is All of Us

Cooper and his New York City club mogul boyfriend, Benjamin Maisani, were dating for nine years before calling it off sometime recently. They kept their breakup quiet and aren't dishing the details, but Cooper did confirm the split in a statement to the Daily Mail, saying, "Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much. We remain the best of friends, and will continue to share much of our lives together."

While it sounds like the breakup may have occurred some time ago, Cooper and Maisani were photographed together leaving their shared home in Greenwich Village just this week. That may be proof they are actually staying friendly despite their split.

More: Anderson Cooper Is Done With Donald Trump's Racism

While this is pretty devastating news for all us Cooper stans, he may already be moving on. His statement confirming the breakup was prompted by rumors about him and Dallas radiologist Victor Lopez after Lopez posted photos of the two of them together on his (private) Instagram account. E! News reached out to both Cooper and Lopez, though, and neither of them is commenting. Here's hoping if there is something between them, he's a man worthy of Cooper's time.

More: Here's the Real Story Behind Anderson Cooper's Rude Tweet to President Trump

According to the Daily Mail, Cooper has flown to Dallas five times since December, presumably to see Lopez. They reportedly celebrated Mardi Gras together too. If this is true, it sounds like things are definitely heating up between them.

Brendan Shapiro on the 'Smart Lie' that Created Survivor Chaos

0
0

When it seemed like a brilliant fib at Tribal Council could save his game, Brendan Shapiro became the latest castaway voted off Survivor: Ghost Island. Although some viewers may have been blindsided by his ouster, Brendan said it was no surprise because one contestant showed her cards with a single heartfelt teardrop. He also explained how Michael, his closest ally, kept him in the dark about one big secret that had everybody fooled. Plus, he answered the question: Is Bradley really that whiny?

SheKnows: Were you surprised the votes fell against you during that chaotic Tribal Council or did you know it was coming?

BS: No. I knew it was me. On the show, you could see me say at one point to Michael, "Hey, I think it's coming at me." That was my first instinct because the old Naviti folks were really kind of being too obvious in hinting they might go with Stephanie Johnson in the whole day leading up. I thought it might be one of the guys. Then I had a conversation with Kellyn where we were just kind of talking about life stuff, having a nice moment. I told her the next day was my birthday, which it was. I told her I knew I was on the wrong side of the numbers, but it's my dream to be playing Survivor on my birthday. I saw a tear come to her eye. She turned away quickly and started talking about something chipper, but I saw it. She didn't think I saw it. I went and told Michael, "Man, they're coming for me and here's how I know it." I told him the story, and I tried to convince him. He just had a hard time believing they were gonna come at one of the guys that early. In reality I think they [original Naviti members] were content to lose challenges because they figured they'd just pick us off one by one. During the Tribal Council, Jeff asked me whether I thought it was gonna be me. I said, "Yeah! I think there's misdirection for it to look like Stephanie Johnson, and it's gonna be me." Right before Michael got up to play the Immunity Idol, he said to me, "I think it's Stephanie." That's the tricky part of Survivor. There's so much that happens so fast that I don't know what I didn't know. It could've been in that hour between when I had a conversation with Michael to say here's how I know it's me, and when we actually went to Tribal Council maybe Kellyn got nervous and changed the plan. Maybe he heard something about it. At some point you have to trust your allies that they know what's going on. I didn't know what he knew or didn't know, but we didn't have a chance to talk about it at that point. He made the pick he did, and it didn't work out. But kudos to him. He didn't make a selfish pick. He could've just put it on himself. He did what he thought was gonna be best for the original Malolo four, and it just didn't work out.

Brendan Shapiro voted off Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: But with your gut feeling the votes were coming against you, did you suggest he give the Idol to you?

BS: In the Tribal Council I said what I thought was going to happen. Even after all of that, he said to me, "Hey, I think it's Stephanie." That made me think he knew something I didn't know. I just trusted and hoped. The rest is history.

SK: During Tribal Council you made a pitch to get Sebastian and Chelsea to swap on Naviti and vote with you. Did you think there was any chance somebody was going to flip?

BS: We hoped, man, but we were pretty realistic about it. To their credit, they really locked it down. We made the conscious decision rather than approaching Sebastian, Chelsea or anybody before Tribal Council and propose that they flip that we would try to create chaos in Tribal Council, and create a panicked decision where they wouldn't have time to think about it. The truth is, if they're being smart and being safe, if they had time to really think it all through there's no way they would switch. We knew it was a low likelihood that we'd get Sebastian or Chelsea, but we figured we'd give it a shot anyway. What's the harm in trying? We tried, and it didn't work.

More: Jacob Derwin Discusses How Therapy Helped Him After Survivor Experience

Malolo tribe at Tribal Council on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: There was definitely chaos at Tribal Council when Michael lied about the Immunity Idol's power by saying it would protect two people. Did anybody question his claim or was everybody believing him?

BS: Nobody questioned it. It was such a smart lie on his part, and I want to give him credit. Saying, "This is a James Idol, and he got voted out with two, so therefore this covers two people," it makes sense. It's believable. Given the premise, and what we had seen in the show, it just made sense. I think that's why nobody questioned and said, "Hey, let me read that parchment." I think they all believed it. I can't say I wouldn't have believed it myself. It was a savvy play. It was a smart lie.

Michael Yerger with Brendan Shapiro on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: You had a very humble exit message after getting voted off. Were you angry at all?

BS: No anger at all, but I'll tell you, man. I had profound disappointment. I cannot describe to you the disappointment that I felt because it was such a long time trying to get there. I said it in pre-game interviews my biggest fear was getting voted out early and not getting to experience all the things of Survivor like fighting for individual Immunity, arguing for the jury or at least being on the jury. I was bitterly disappointed, especially because I felt like we had the chance to totally turn the game and make it an even Malolo vs. Naviti split on our beach. It was crushing, but I wasn't angry. I wasn't angry at Michael because he did the best he could. It didn't work, and that happens. I wasn't mad at the old Naviti people who were voting me out because that's what they're supposed to do. That's the game, right? Just like I was trying to vote them out. I was never angry, just bitterly disappointed. Look man, I'm on TV in front of 8-10 million people, that's not the time to be a crybaby and feel sorry for yourself. You've got to man up and be a good sport about it. That's what I tried to do.

Brendan Shapiro on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: When Stephanie voted against Bradley, she said he was whiny. Is that a true perception of him or was that her in the heat of the moment?

BS: The challenge with anybody on Survivor is you're getting the one-dimensional version of that person. Yes, he whined a lot out there. I think he just wasn't happy with the situation and I think he thought of himself as the snarky guy. That was his role. Whatever. So we attacked it. But it won't surprise you when I say there's a whole lot more to Bradley. As much as we were at odds in the game, and I wanted to crush him out there, we're friends outside of the game. He's a good guy. If you hung out with him, I'm sure you'd say the same.

More:  Morgan Ricke reveals which Survivor castaway is totally clueless

Malolo tribe at camp on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: You were voted off the day before your birthday, so what was your birthday actually like?

BS: Dude, it was wild. You have some limited opportunity to get off the little, tiny island. Me, Jacob, Morgan and Gonzo went to see a movie in a theater in Fiji. It was the most bizarre thing in the world because I'm sitting there drinking Pepsi and eating popcorn watching a movie about Tupac less than 24 hours after I was out the island starving. It was crazy, man. It was surreal. I couldn't even make sense of it.

Brendan Shapiro on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: Clearly, you and Michael were very close during the game. What was it about him that connected the two of you?

BS: Some of it's dumb luck. When we hit the beach and everybody was working on different things, we just kind of happened to be working on the same stuff. We spent time together, and part of it's that. Maybe if I had spent time with James, maybe I would've been tighter with James, not that we weren't tight. Part of it is circumstance and luck. But more than that, he and I just see eye-to-eye. We have a similar outlook on life and a similar work ethic. Strategically, I think we were always kind of on the same page. We just kind of sensed that in each other right away. If he would've told me at the time that he was 18, I don't think it would've changed in anything in the way I regarded him. I looked at him as a peer out there, and somebody who knew what was going on. He was a smart player and somebody I wanted to be aligned with.

More: Interview With Survivor Winner Ben Driebergen After Winning $1 Million

Michael Yerger builds shelter with Brendan Shapiro on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: Give us some behind-the-scenes intel on Michael. During his pre-game interviews he said he planned to lie about his age. Did he ever tell you the truth that he was really 18?

BS: No. He told us he was 23 going on 24, and I never thought twice about it. He could've told me he was 28, and I would've believed that, too. He looks old, but he does not carry himself like the average 18 year old. I was shocked when I found out.

SK: Would you argue he's the best player so far this season?

BS: It's hard, man. On TV you're seeing such a tiny sliver of what's happening out there. I can't speak to what's happening on the other beach. But on our beach, I think there's a lot of people playing really well. As much as it pains me to say it, I'm really impressed with the way that Bradley and Kellyn are running things on the Naviti side. Stephanie is also super-impressive. That's the thing about this season, I think, is you have a lot of very high-level players. You have a lot of people that are good at all three phases. Strategically, they get how things work. They're strong physically, and the social game is really sharp. It's like splitting hairs to say who is better.

Brendan Shapiro with Laurel Johnson and James Lim on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: When Kellyn came back from Ghost Island, what did she tell you about her time there? Was it all true?

BS: I was interested to watch her at Ghost Island because I wanted to see whether what she told us matched what happened. Having now seen the footage, she told us the truth. We all kind of had a sense she was probably telling the truth. In retrospect, I can't remember why we felt that way. Maybe she's just a convincing storyteller, but we believed she was telling the truth. In fact, she was.

Brendan Shapiro on Survivor: Ghost Island

SK: How did you get on the show?

BS: I'll make a long story short. I started applying in 2001. I applied 15 times, and on the 15th time I finally got through. My first application was for Marquesas, which was Season 4. I got a semi-final with that one. Back then they had these regional interviews that they did, and I made it to one of those. I was 25 at the time, and I told my wife when I got home, "They're not looking for a 25-year-old guy with kids. I think if they're still making the show when I'm 40, I've got a shot." I kept applying, and a couple times I got calls. Actually, my wife and I got really close but we were the first couple not to make it out to LA for finals week for the second Blood Vs. Water season. My casting person was like, "Hey, I think you're right for the show. I'm gonna keep pushing for you." Two years later, I got the call that I was gonna make it out to LA for the final. The rest is history. It was a long road, man. That's kind of part of what was hard for me. I was just plugging away. I was told no 15 times before I was told yeah. I was hoping I could've made it a little deeper, but so it goes.

Were you surprised to see Brendan voted out so early in the game? Join the conversation and leave a comment in the section below.

How to Celebrate the Spring Equinox With Kids

0
0

The spring equinox (also known as Ostara), which generally occurs around March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere, is when we celebrate the equal balance of darkness and light. The day and the evening are the same in length, and the days continue to lengthen until the summer solstice in June. The heaviness of winter is starting to lift, and the fiery energy of spring awakens the Earth as it blooms open. There are a ton of ways you can share this time with your children and teach them about the holiday and what it represents to you.

As an energy healer, Reiki practitioner, tarot reader and all-around witch, the Earth holidays are particularly important to me — and I see firsthand the value and magic of honoring these days with my kids each season. Here are a few of my favorite rituals for celebrating the spring equinox with the whole family.

More: How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice With Kids

Naturally dyed eggs

The egg is a symbol of fertility and rebirth — perfect for the springtime. The egg-dyeing ritual is also common for the Easter holiday, so you can combine the rituals if you celebrate both Easter and the equinox. Many store-bought dye kits contain chemicals, so I prefer to dye my eggs using natural ingredients you can find in your kitchen.

How to naturally dye Easter eggs

I love doing this ritual with my children and getting them involved by going outside to forage for small flowers and ferns; they also help me to gently wrap the eggs. Once the eggs have cooled, the kids can help with polishing them. Another fun game is the classic egg hunt — and you can really get creative with how you set that up.

Yields 12

Supplies:

  • Tights or pantyhose
  • Some flora of your choice — small leaves like parsley, ferns or a flattened flower (enough for 12 eggs)
  • 12 white organic eggs, hard-boiled
  • Yellow and red onionskins (skins from about 10 – 15 onions)
  • A few dashes salt
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • Olive oil (optional)

Directions: 

  1. Cut the pantyhose into small 4-inch sections. Place the fern or flower on your egg, and then wrap the pantyhose around the egg tightly, so it will hold the flora in place, and tie a knot.

  2. Add the onionskins, salt and vinegar to a large pot, and then fill with water.

  3. Bring the water to a boil; then, turn it down to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.

  4. Remove from the heat and let the dye cool.

  5. Place the eggs in the cooled pot so the dye covers them, and let them sit for 30 to 60 minutes until you get the desired shade; yellow onionskins dye eggs a tan shade, and red onionskins create a reddish brown.

  6. Remove the eggs and lay them out to dry.

  7. Remove the pantyhose, and you’re done. If you want extra shine, you can polish the eggs with a bit of olive oil.

More: Family-Friendly Spring Break Destinations You Can Actually Afford

Spring altar

An altar is a place to put meaningful items and also to create beauty and warmth in your home. You can use your fireplace mantel or a simple shelf, and you can have one altar or many throughout your space. I like to take the kids outside on a nature walk or hike to find some fun things to include; we all pick out a few special items such as flowers, stones, shells, feathers — whatever you find. You can also add your dyed eggs to the altar and any other natural or store-bought items that represent spring and rebirth to you. Some suggestions to place on your altar: herbs such as lavender, sweet grass and sweet clover; candles in shades of lilac, green, pink, yellow and sky blue; crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz, carnelian, citrine and jade.

Then, on the evening of the equinox, we take a moment to light the candles on our altar and say a prayer of gratitude for all for all the rebirth happening in nature right now — and what we want to "birth" into our lives this season. You can do this every night until the candles burn out or just let the candles burn all evening.

Mini greenhouse

A wonderful way to reconnect with the Earth during this time is to plant seeds and watch them grow. You can teach your children about gardening even if you're in an apartment — but if you do have an outdoor garden, let them help you start off some seedlings to plant in the ground after the last frost. Otherwise, you can simply plant some potted herbs or flowers indoors.

One of my favorite planting rituals is to make a mini "greenhouse" with an egg carton (you'll likely have one handy after dyeing your eggs). This activity is great for children of all ages, and they can watch the sprouts grow in as little as a week. Have the kids fill the egg cartons with potting soil, then together you can place the seeds in each spot and write the name of the plant on the side of the carton if you're using more than one. Then, water them thoroughly and wrap them with clear plastic or place them in a plastic bag and put them out on the windowsill. You should start to see sprouts within a week.

Once the sprouts are up, you can have kids help you transfer them into a pot or the ground. They'll love watching their own plants grow over the entire season — and will maybe even gain a new appreciation for vegetables in the process. Maybe.

Spring-cleaning ritual

Spring is a great time to clear out your space after being stuck indoors during the long months of winter. And even if you (attempt to) clean your home every week, spring is a great time to make it a big deal: Bring in some rituals, acknowledge the passing of the season, get the kids involved, and make cleaning fun.

I like to open all the windows to bring in some fresh air; then, we gather together and say a small prayer or blessing expressing gratitude for our home and our belongings. I burn a cleansing herb, such as sage, palo santo or cedar, around the house. You can also use some essential oils in water and spray them around the house as a natural air purifier or use a diffuser; I like using citrus oils, such as lemon, sweet orange and lime for their cleansing and uplifting properties.

Then, we all go to our rooms and choose some items we no longer need to donate to Goodwill. Each family member gets a box for donations and a trash bag for anything that needs to be tossed. Younger kids can help place the items in boxes, and older kids can do this on their own. You can also assign special spring-cleaning housework to each child and reward them with a special treat when they're finished. When we are done cleaning house, we relax together in our fresh space.

More:  A Witch's Tips on Crystals for Moms

Taking a moment for spring rituals and to acknowledge Earth holidays (days when we celebrate the relationship of the Earth to the sun) in any way — big or small — is important because it helps to remind us that we are connected to the Earth and to each other. These holidays affect absolutely everyone on our planet — regardless of location, religion or ethnicity. For me, teaching these traditions to my children also teaches them unity.

Rituals for celebrating Spring Equinox with kids

A Look at the Evolution of Joanna Gaines' Design

0
0

Fixer Upper is coming to a close, and while I low-key can't even with that fact, it has given me a reason to binge-watch every available episode while I try not to mourn. And as I watched, I noticed something interesting.

When the show first started, Joanna's style was totally farmhouse chic. You've heard the shiplap jokes, and they're made for a good reason — girl could not stop slapping shiplap on basically every flat surface of a house when she first started the show.

More: Chip & Joanna Gaines Almost Broke Up Over a Faulty Business Plan

Shiplap wall

This shiplap wall totally brings out Gaines' country side.

Shiplap cabinets

Shiplap cabinets, anyone?

Shiplap ceiling. Shiplap fireplace. *Shrug*

More: Everything You Need to Know About Fixer Upper's New Target Line

She also used a lot more "ye olde farmhouse" accessories in the earlier seasons of the show, with random pieces of refurbished farm equipment acting as decor.

Barn door inside

Barn door? Put it in the living room. Old window frame? Above the fireplace, of course!

Pig feeder planter 1b

Pig feeder planter 1b

Who knew pig feeders made the perfect plant holders?

Windmill Wall Decor 1b

Windmill Wall Decor 1b

Windmills as wall decor definitely make a statement.

Farm sign 1b

Farm sign 1b

I mean, this one literally has a sign that says, "Farm," in it.

But over time, her style has shifted. Maybe it's because she became more immersed in the larger design world thanks to the reach of the show, or maybe she's making a concerted effort to keep up with trends, but these days, it seems like you're more likely to spot mid-century modern, Scandinavian, industrial and even geometric styles in her decor than you are repurposed horse blankets or antique pitchforks hanging on the walls.

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

Modern Farhouse 1b

Modern Farhouse 1b

Here, she melded some farmhouse elements, like lots of warm wood, with a minimalist palette and industrial metal accents.

Concrete Walls 1b

Concrete Walls 1b

Instead of shiplap, Gaines opted for modern, industrial concrete in this home.

Gold geometric lights 1b

Gold geometric lights 1b

These gold geometric light fixtures are totally modern.

Scandinavian decor 1b

Scandinavian decor 1b

This room is definitely cozy, but it's more Scandinavian than farmhouse in style.

Black and concrete kitchen 1b

Black and concrete kitchen 1b

Black counters and appliances, Edison bulbs and concrete walls — it's almost hard to believe this came from Joanna Gaines!

Her style has definitely shifted, but honestly, I still love it. You can tell she's got talent to be able to update her decorating sense while still making every project look effortless. Fixer Upper may be coming to a close, but at least this proves the Gaineses have staying power. I can't wait to see what's next!


These DIY Chore Charts Will Make Cleaning Fun (Yes, Really)

0
0

Let's be honest: The words "fun" and "cleaning" rarely go hand in hand — for kids or adults. But that's where chore charts come in. Yes, chore charts and more charts! We know parents already have plenty of ways to (attempt to) keep their busy lives on track: marked-up wall calendars detailing all appointments and meetings, a DIY to-do list for personal tasks and, as a last resort, several phone alarms and notifications so you forget nothing. But what about the kids? They probably don't have a Google Cal yet (one can only hope), so why not gather the arts and crafts supplies and have them create their own cute-as-hell chore chart? You never know. It might actually get them excited to pick up after themselves and help keep the family home clean (a seemingly impossible task, we know).

Ready to sit down with the kids and have a little fun before you dig into the housework? We found plenty of DIY chore charts for you to choose from.

More: Upcycle Old Crayons Into Fun Shapes With This Easy DIY

A DIY corkboard

DIY cork board chore chart

Momtastic has a very on-trend, super-cute corkboard chore chart. As chores are completed, your kids are responsible for moving the chores from the top portion to "Done." Easy as that.

Now, putting it together is a different story. It's a little time-consuming and does require some supplies, including washi tape, a hot glue gun and printed chore chart icons (which you can find on Design Blog or on Pinterest for free). But it'll be well worth it in the end.

Spinning chore chart

spinning DIY chore chart

If this isn't the flashiest and most adorable chore chart you've ever seen...

Your kids will have a blast spinning this DIY chart. The coolest part is that these are made with lazy Susans from Ikea, because #innovation. You might want to do the spray-painting part of this without your kids, but they can at least help you choose the icons displayed on the wheels.

Work for hire

Ticket DIY chore chart

This one looks like a whole lot of fun. For every chore your kids complete, they get a certain number of tickets. Each ticket earns them $0.25 each and are cashed out once they collect $5 worth — at least that's how Dawn Nicole Designs does it. You can do the pricing (and math) however you'd like.

Cookie sheet chore chart

cookie sheet chore chart

A cookie sheet — who would've thought? Craftaholics Anonymous definitely lives up to its name with this really easy chore chart made with a spray-painted cookie sheet, washi tape, magnets and printables.

Use magnets

metal board hangars and magnets chore chart

Put these up and just watch: Your kids will probably start fighting over the magnets and their corresponding chores. The best part is you don't have to make anything by hand. Simply order the metal board hangers and the magnets from MoreThanAMemoryAK on Etsy, put them up, and you're done.

Pull a stick, any stick

sticks chore jar DIY

When in doubt, go the "pull a stick from the jar" route. This classic chore sticks jar takes it up a notch with custom printables from Whatever Dee-Dee Wants, which you can get right here.

More: This DIY Kaleidoscope Craft for Kids Makes Upcycling Fun

A ring of chores

DIY chore ring

Your kids will have a blast helping you out with this chore ring. Kids can trace the woodsies (the thin wood pieces, all in different shapes) onto bright, colorful paper, cut them out, and Mod Podge the paper onto them.

Why Donald Trump Jr.'s Marriage to Vanessa Trump Is Ending in Divorce

0
0

It looks like Donald Trump Jr. has more than one thing in common with his father. Now, the President's eldest son will not only share his father's namesake, but he too will be put through the divorce ringer. This is Trump Jr.'s first divorce (the President is twice-divorced) and it comes 13 years of marriage to his soon-to-be ex-wife, Vanessa Trump. Trump, Jr. and Vanessa were been at the forefront of the President's 2016 presidential campaign, presenting the picture of domestic bliss, continuing to do so in the first year of the President's administration, we are now learning that it was not really as smooth sailing as we were made to believe.

More: Donald Trump Jr. Dissed Jennifer Lawrence, & Now Everyone's Dissing Him

The news of Vanessa filing for divorce from Trump Jr. broke late on Thursday evening — a surprising bit of information by and large; who could have suspected these two were on the rocks? According to a joint statement given to Page Six, both Trump Jr. and Vanessa wrote to say that “[a]fter 12 years of marriage, we have decided to go our separate ways. We will always have tremendous respect for each other and our families. We have five beautiful children together and they remain our top priority. We ask for your privacy during this time."

Interestingly, while Vanessa reportedly filed for divorce, the details of the filing may point towards the aforementioned discord. Page Six notes she filed for an uncontested proceeding, meaning she would not fight her soon-to-be ex-husband in court for custody of their five children or for any of their assets. It's unclear at this time if this was a decision that Vanessa arrived at independently or if she was encouraged to make from any of her in-laws, but one could imagine that the Trumps want to avoid the details of a potentially messy divorce splashed across the newspapers and thus, want to just cut ties and cleanly and unfussily as possible. But the cost of potentially losing custody of her children? It remains to be seen how that is a good thing, truth be told.

More: Internet Says: Donald Trump Jr. Is the Grinch Who Stole Halloween... From His Kid

Us Weekly soon followed up on Page Six's report with insights of its own into Trump Jr.'s marriage to Vanessa, where it became clear that things hadn't been okay for quite some time — since around the time the President began campaigning in 2016, to be more precise.

An inside source told Us Weekly that "[h]is relationship with Vanessa started getting rocky two years ago, when his dad started to campaign. Vanessa is very close to her family and very private and does not like all this attention on her family."

Interestingly, this source seems doubtful that the divorce might actually happen despite the fact that there's an established pattern of trouble in this relationship. "They’ve been unhappy for a while, but it’s hard to say if they will actually divorce."

More: How Did This Donald Trump Jr. Photograph Ever Even Happen?

It's hard not to empathize even harder with Vanessa's situation right now. She could potentially lose custody of her kids and a right to fight for the assets she obtained during her marriage to Trump Jr. and it comes at the cost of her feeling uncomfortable with the attention she and her family have been getting (which, considering the way her in-laws are treated in the press, can't have been good attention), which she may not have wanted in the first place.

We'll be curious to see how these divorce proceedings go — if they go at all — and hopefully, both Vanessa and Trump Jr. can come out on the other side of this in one piece.

3 Black Women Share the Products That Dramatically Improved Their Skin

0
0

How many times have you asked someone for skin care advice and cringed the moment they said to drink more water, slather on the coconut oil or take off your makeup before bed? When you’re nursing issues that go beyond the occasional breakout or blemish, there’s nothing more frustrating than receiving such basic advice.

Yes, we know that doing any of those three things can contribute to healthier skin, but let’s be real: That simply isn’t enough for most. Black women in particular face a unique set of obstacles, such as discoloration, which means that when we’re done talking about our favorite hair products, we’re trading skin care secrets too. And while we admittedly eat up anything a celeb tells us about their regimen, we prefer hearing from women who don’t have 24-7 access to a glam squad.

So, if you’re hoping for a skin transformation of your own this spring, see how three 20-somethings finally beat their biggest skin struggles ahead.

More: 3 Millennials Share Their Go-To Workout Beauty Products

Name: Brettlin

Age: 27

Primary issue: Dryness

Routine: "For the majority of my life, I’ve had clear skin, but after puberty, I felt the need to develop a skin care regimen to combat dryness. After trying tons of products from Aveeno to St. Ives to Ambi (I had the worst reaction to their products), I stumbled upon Trader Joe’s skin care section! Now, my daily regimen is very simple, starting with Trader Joe’s Nourish All-in-One Facial Cleanser followed by a few spritzes of Trader Joe’s Rose Water toner and sealing it in with a little bit of Trader Joe’s Vitamin E Oil.

Trader Joes skin care IG

Trader Joes skin care IG

"I never would have guessed in a million years that their products would do the trick, but I love that my face is not too dry or not too oily as a result of them. Side note: Their Refresh Citrus Body Wash with Vitamin C and Coconut Body Butter are bomb.com! My skin is so soft all over and feels so good daily!"

More: 13 Subscription Boxes That Are Black Girl-Approved

Name: Danny

Age: 27

Primary issue: Adult Acne

Routine: "I started developing acne when I was 26… 26! It was awful. I was embarrassed and confused as to why this would happen to me going into my late 20s. I tried hundreds of dollars’ worth of products before I found ones that actually worked for me (also went vegan). I’m still dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation and acne here and there, but it’s getting better. At night, I’m using Clear Skin Cleansing Bar ($24 at Urban Skin Rx).

Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar IG

Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar IG

"This stuff is amazing and formulated for women of color. It’s powerful, yet it doesn’t dry out my skin. I also love the eucalyptus smell; very calming after a long day. After that, I tone with Glossier Solution ($24 at various retailers). This toner has completely changed the texture of my skin. At first, I was scared at the idea of using an acid on my face nightly, but my skin really took to it. I’m running out of it, and I’m kinda freakin’ out.

"Next, I moisturize. I use Radha Rosehip Oil (14.95 at Radha Beauty). I found this on Amazon, and I’m so glad I did because it blends beautifully into my skin, leaving it hydrated and luminous. I have oily skin, so I was hesitant about using oil on my face, but this has helped balance out my skin’s oil production. I then spot-treat if I’m dealing with any breakouts. I use tea tree oil, usually from Trader Joe’s ($6.99) and De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment ($6.79 at Walgreens).

Girl Undiscovered’s Stumbled Across Paradise Mask IG

Girl Undiscovered’s Stumbled Across Paradise Mask IG

"They both work great at drying out those nasty pimples. About three times a week, I use a mask. It’s typically the same mask because I love it and it’s natural, which I’m all about, and it works at keeping my skin plump, clear and smooth — Stumbled Across Paradise Mask ($45 at Girl Undiscovered, but totally worth it). I found this when my sister left it at my mom’s house over Christmas.

"If I’m not wearing makeup that day, I don’t cleanse in the morning. I just don’t find it as necessary as I did when my face was extremely oily. If I am wearing makeup that day, I cleanse in the morning with my Urban Skin Rx bar and then tone with Thayers' Rose Petal Witch Hazel (yes, the one everyone uses and loves). I then moisturize with my rosehip oil (it sits nicely under makeup) and the final and most important step — sunscreen! I’m currently using Jack Black’s Oil-Free Sun Guard with SPF 45. Sunscreen is so important for those of us dealing with hyperpigmentation; don’t want those dark spots to get darker!"

More: 30 Iconic Black Beauty Moments We’ll Never Forget

Name: Dee Dee

Age: 29

Primary issue: Oily skin

Routine: "I exfoliate twice a week with a mixture of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Alaffia everyday shea-lavender body lotion. Then I wash my face with Alaffia body wash (shea butter and neem lavender) and use a dark-colored face cloth to lightly scrub off the soap. I have several rags, so I wash and replace my face rag two to three times a week. I replace all of my rags with new ones once or twice a year.

"I put the coconut oil around my eyes. I put Alaffia everyday shea-lavender body lotion to moisturize and Coppertone sunscreen lotion on top of that if I know I’m going to be in the sun for an extended period of time. At night, I put Garden of Life Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil all over my face and wipe it off with a damp face rag. After that, I put Dickinson’s witch hazel on either cotton balls or cotton pads and rub it all over my face and neck as an astringent. Lastly, I put on Alaffia everyday shea-lavender body lotion to moisturize."

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

23 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Drake

0
0

Who doesn't love Drake? He guy does it all: He dances (and is our No. 1 inspiration for new GIFs and memes), he acts (SNL, anyone?) and, yes, he can sing/rap/produce (if you don't think three Grammy wins is impressive, then...).

He's ambitious, too. When Drake was just 23, he set a goal to make $25 million by the time he was 25 by rapping. He did just that.

And let's not forget he has an incredibly dedicated fan base. Did you see that over 600,000 people tuned in to watch Drake and a gamer play Fortnite on Twitch, breaking the record for most concurrent viewers on a single stream? His fans will watch him do literally anything.

Drake's chart-topping hits keep coming year after year — and we're impatiently waiting for his new upcoming project, Scary Hours, to drop — but even his revealing rhymes don't answer the question: Who's the guy behind those dark and smoldering eyes? So let's dig into what we do know.

More: Drake Threatened to Beat Up a Guy for All the Right Reasons During His Concert

1. He broke an American Music Awards record

Drake GIF

In October 2016, Drake set the record for most AMA nominations. He raked in 13 noms — beating Michael Jackson's 11 nominations from 1984. Drake won four awards, for Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Album, Favorite Song (Soul/R&B Album) and Favorite Song (Rap/Hip-Hop) Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist.

2. And he made history at the Billboard Music Awards

Drake Billboard Music Awards 2017

Sorry, Adele! Drake made BBMAs history by winning 13 awards in one night, the most any artist has won at the show in a single night. You go, Drake.

Really, though, Views was a masterpiece.

3. Drake rose to fame as a Canadian TV star

Drake Degrassi GIF

Drake joined the cast of Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2001, when he was only 15 years old. He played Jimmy Brooks, a basketball star who had to use a wheelchair after being shot.

4. His real name is Aubrey Graham

Drake GIF

Drake is actually his middle name. And we get it — Aubrey Graham just isn't a great rapper name, TBH.

5. He's the biggest chart topper — for men

It's not just all talk and humble brags. As of August 2017, the indomitable Drake spent 51 consecutive weeks on the top 10 singles chart, setting a new record for male artists. The streak started in October 2015 with "Hotline Bling." Before Drake broke the mold, The Weeknd was close behind at 45 consecutive weeks in 2015.

6. He has a record-setting Hot 100 run

Drake became the first-ever artist to log eight straight years on the Hot 100 in May 2017. When "Best I Ever Had" debuted in 2009, it marked the beginning of his 431-consecutive-week run on the Billboard Hot 100. It wasn't until August 2017 when his record streak came to an end, and he was absent from the Hot 100 for the first time ever.

7. He dated Rihanna (probably)

Drake & Rihanna GIF

While many people remember the infamous fight between Chris Brown and Drake at a nightclub, not as many people remember the reason for the fight. "It's embarrassing, the amount of media coverage," he said, according to the New York Daily News. "Two rappers fighting over the woman. He's not even a rapper, but still, it's the last way you want your name out there. It distracts from the music. But he's made me the enemy, and that's the way it's gonna stay, I guess."

The relationship was rumored, but the fight and the aftermath made it seem like he was protecting his girlfriend. And reports of Drake and Rihanna's secret romance live on. Rihanna even kissed Drake in public after his very emotional ode to her at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Then they reportedly made it official. But then in October 2017, Rihanna totally snubbed Drake and declined to attend his birthday party. Who knows with these two.

8. He freaking loves Harry Potter

You read that right; Drake is a diehard Harry Potter fan. He loves the franchise so much, he's been searching the globe for four years for the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In November 2017 during an interview with Billboard, Drake said of the first-edition book they found on the market for $16,000: "I should get it. My birthday's coming up. Maybe I'll buy it for myself as a treat."

9. He's a good skater

Hailing from Canada, does this even come as a surprise? Drake's a triple-threat in the music, acting and (maybe) dancing department, and now he can add ice-skating to his showbiz résumé. One of Drake's sources confirmed that he took Rihanna ice-skating on a friendly type of date to help her work on her moves.

Next: He's got a weird fan base

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

{pageBreak}

10. He's got a weird fan base

And by weird, we mean weirdly wonderful. If it's not an internet tidal wave of playful haters poking fun at Drake's "Hotline Bling" dad dancing, it's hilarious fans who aspire to combine their love of rap with their love of baked goods. In February 2016, a Drake-inspired foodie Instagram account surfaced, featuring adorable little cakes decorated with his song lyrics. (Because YOLO.)

11. He's a bad dancer IRL

Drake GIF

Speaking of "Hotline Bling" (only the funniest meme fodder to hit the interwebs in 2015), Drake's viral dad dance may be an actual reflection of how he gets down in real life. MTV caught Drake awkwardly dancing to a courtside beat at the L.A. Clippers game in November 2015, and fans have witnessed plenty of his "unique" dance moves at his live shows.

12. He know how to poke fun at himself

Drake neon sign in home

Drake neon sign in home

Drake sees you haters, and he's raising you one.

He has a neon art piece hung up on his apartment wall that says, "Less Drake, More Tupac" by Los Angeles artist Patrick Martinez. He says it "allows him to take a certain ownership of the haters."

"I love it. I mean, people are entitled to their opinion, but this opinion, I'd just rather it be here than anywhere else," he tells Billboard.

And in an interview with Complex in 2011, he said, "I'm staring at the wall, man, and at first it was just anger. I felt like ripping that shit down. That's my name up there. I'm representative of this generation, and this guy loved Pac enough to make this piece, and that's fucking amazing man."

More: Drake Could Go Down in History as the Man With the Most Pregnancy Rumors

13. He was raised Jewish

Drake GIF

Drake’s mother is a Jewish Canadian, and he attended a Jewish Day School and even had two bar mitzvahs.

Drake gif

14. He makes his own whiskey

Drake whiskey GIF

Canadian whiskey, Canadian rapper — surely you can see where this is heading. Drake launched his own whiskey brand, Virginia Black, in June 2016. Within the first year, it sold 30,000 cases globally — and it's doing so well, in fact, in January 2018, Drake and Brent Hocking, spirits entrepreneur, announced they will take the whiskey brand public, allowing investors to buy stocks to help "redefine whiskey."

15. He has appeared in children’s programs, including Ice Age: Continental Drift

Drake is not only still acting but he is doing some voice acting as well. He appeared in Ice Age: Continental Drift in 2012, as Ethan, the young mammoth.

Next: He started his rap career through a series of mixtapes

{pageBreak}

16. He started his rap career through a series of mixtapes

Drake began making mixtapes in 2006 and started gaining national attention. He was featured on BET and was supported by rappers Kanye West, Jay Z and Lil Wayne. He was finally signed to Universal Motown in 2009.

More: Attention Sushi Lovers: Drake Has the Perfect Job for You

17. It runs in the family

Drake kid GIF

Where did Drake get his ridiculous rap talent from? While he was raised by his single mother in Canada, his musical prowess might be all in the family. Drake's father, Dennis Graham, was a drummer who played with Jerry Lee Lewis, and Drake's uncle Larry Graham also played bass for Prince.

18. He has written songs for artists such as Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx

Drake has won numerous awards for his songwriting abilities. He wrote "Un-Thinkable" for Alicia Keys and co-wrote "Fall For Your Type" for Jamie Foxx.

19. He had a crush on Nicki Minaj

Drake GIF

They may or may not have ever been a thing, but Drake admitted back in 2010 that Nicki Minaj was his inspiration for "Un-Thinkable." He told MTV in 2010 about his crush.

"I've always really, actually, really had a crush on her, always really loved her, and she's always just looked at me as, like, her little brother," he said.

20. He is a fan of the Miami Heat

Drake GIF

Drake was videotaped outside the Heat’s locker room after their victory in Game 7 of the NBA finals in June 2013. The video shows Drake being denied access because he didn’t have a media pass.

Drake denied entry Miami Heat

Drake denied entry Miami Heat

21. He has a thing for gorgeous pools

Before he was a big deal, Drake spent a lot of time Googling epic residential pools and dreaming of his "someday" mansion when he made it big. Drake finally bought his first home in L.A. in 2012 after becoming a multimillionaire. The home, worth $7.7 million, came with one of the same beautiful pools Drake had seen while Googling — with an 80-foot waterslide, flat-screen TVs in the grotto, elk statues and flame-spitting iron torches. Drake's property was aptly named the "YOLO Estate." Drake put the home up for sale for $20 million in January 2017.

22. He has a heart of gold

Drake fan insta

Drake fan insta

As if you needed one more reason to dig on Drake beyond his mad music skills, he's known for taking time out of his busy schedule to give back. While this story only adds fuel to the ongoing Drake-and-Rihanna rumor mill, the pair posted a picture of themselves in May 2016 visiting a fan who had cancer (and was also a Drake superfan), following Drake's surprise cameo at Rihanna's concert in Miami.

According to Drake's No. 1 fan, Megan, the visit was the "best day of [her] life."

23. He teamed up with Netflix

Drake Top Boy tweet

Drake Top Boy tweet

In November 2017, Drake told The Hollywood Reporter his plans to work in TV and film production. He confirmed to them he was working with Netflix (as executive producer) to revive Brit drama Top Boy, a popular TV show in the UK that ran from 2011 to 2013. The show is set to debut on Netflix in early 2019.

A version of this article was originally published in June 2013 and updated in Mar. 2018.

How to Help Kids Through a Messy Divorce

0
0

Happy, smiling faces in Instagram photos when dropping off the kids for the weekend. Drew Barrymore and her ex. Gwyneth Paltrow and her ex. It can feel like divorce in Celebland — or any land, really — is a constant pretty picture of mental health, mutual respect and conscious uncoupling. And of course, all those divorces put the kids' needs first.

But a pleasant, cordial divorce isn’t always possible — at least not here in the real world. So how do you minimize the damage to your children if your divorce is a spiteful mess?

More:  5 Harsh Truths About Co-parenting With an Ex

Minimize tension at home

My ex refused to move out for nine months after I left him. If you're mid-split, it's likely you and your ex will share a living space for some period of time after deciding to part ways. Even when my ex and I weren’t actively fighting, the atmosphere in our house was one of tension — snippy words alternating with the silent treatment. And it fell to me to create the space we needed to minimize tension, whether that meant taking our kid to the park, scheduling playdates and time with family or just doing my best to act like a roommate around my ex.

Stacey Freeman, a journalist who focuses on divorce and single parenting, has similar advice. “If tensions are high and you’re with your ex or soon-to-be ex, just lay low. Don’t try to pick a fight.” The kids will thank you later.

Establish clear communication channels

One method of minimizing conflict and tension around the kids is to set boundaries around communication. Marika Lindholm, founder of ESME, a website devoted to helping solo moms handle parenting and divorce, says couples often divorce in an attempt to stop endless arguing. So end it now; establish clear rules about communication with your ex — what’s allowed, through which channels and when. For example, it only took me a few nasty phone calls before establishing the “email and text only” rule, especially once I realized that my son could hear his father through the phone and would get upset after our calls. "It’s incredibly unfair and ultimately damaging to children if they don’t get some relief from [the process of] their parents splitting up," Lindholm explains.

If necessary, each party's lawyer can get involved to hammer out how and when communication will happen. But remember: You likely still have to see your ex in person sometimes. So it’s best to be prepared.

Memorize a few key phrases

At a recent hand-off, my ex launched into the criticism the moment he walked through the coffee shop door: “Where are his mittens, Dena? Won’t he get cold?” My mind went blank.

When emotions are on the rise and words are getting harsh, it’s hard to think of what to say, which is why Freeman recommends you “have a few catchphrases on the tip of your tongue.”

“Have a nice evening,” or “Enjoy your time together” are some simple, innocuous phrases you can say with a smile. Deliver them, and then walk away. Do your best to keep your calm in front of your child; that means lowering your voice, avoiding launching a counterattack (“You forgot his mittens last time!”) and removing yourself from the situation as soon as is feasible. As much as it hurts to have anyone question your parenting skills, it’s not worth getting into a battle with your ex in front of the kids.

More: Your Guide to Dating While Pregnant

Enlist help

Whenever possible, ask friends and family to help with hand-offs. Even if you feel like you’re imposing, it’s better than exposing your child to yet more tension. Plus, beyond hand-offs, friends and relatives can be sources of strength and calm. Freeman’s children, for example, grew close with her mother and stepfather during her split with her ex; they came to view them as safe havens with whom they could express their emotions about the divorce.

When it comes to the kids, Lindholm says it’s important to “create an environment where they can share their feelings without judgment or fear of a strong response.” It can be difficult not to overreact when kids come home to tell you their other parent fed them pizza for four days straight. But do your best to take in the information calmly — and also ensure they have plenty of other people in their life who are safe (and nonreactive) sounding boards.

Make space for fun

In the midst of a divorce (and all the moving, packing and new routines it entails), it can be easy to lose track of such a simple thing as... fun. But to your child, playtime can mean the world — and help them reconnect with you. It can also be a great outlet for some of the energy and emotions they may have built up throughout your split. Lindholm tries to help her kids blow off steam with "a race in the park or a water balloon fight.”

My son and I went stomping in mud puddles. Also, when we had playdates, I made a strict rule with the other parents: no talking about the divorce. Give your child(ren) spaces and time that are “divorce-free” and fun.

More:  Can Kids Benefit From Instability?

If you have kids together, your ex may always be in your life in some way or another. And you’re probably more worried about your divorce’s impact on those kids than on either of you as adults. The good news? When handled properly, divorce’s negative impacts can be short-term — and most children of divorce grow up to become stable, well-adjusted adults.

One key factor in ensuring these positive outcomes for kids is minimizing conflict. As Lindholm puts it, “Be the parent that shows kids that their world is consistent, safe and fun.” Even though you can’t control the other person, the best you can do is work to control yourself and your own actions.

Viewing all 33701 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images