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Beautiful Native American Baby Names for Girls

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The indigenous peoples of the Americas are comprised of many tribes and cultures and speak many different languages. Naming practices vary widely from tribe to tribe, and it's neither possible nor advisable to make any generalizations about name meanings throughout the myriad native cultures in North, Central, and South America.
That said, there are a few fascinating patterns and individual cultural practices; for example, some indigenous baby names come from nature, are based on what was happening during the child’s birth or pay tribute to a child's characteristics and attributes. In certain indigenous cultures, the child isn't even named until they reach puberty, at which point the name is representative of the identity the child has grown into. Native American naming ceremonies can be elaborate or they can be quiet and private. Native names are as countless as native cultures, which is saying a lot!

If you have Native heritage, you may love one of these names for your new little one.

  • Na'estse: Means "one" in Cheyenne
  • Nese: "Two" in Cheyenne
  • Nistu: Means "three"
  • Neewa: Means "four"
  • Niaran: means "five"
  • Enemene: Means "sing" in Cheyenne
  • Enesta: Means "hear" in Cheyenne
  • Toma: Means "sun" in Wiyot
  • Tepkunset: Means "moon"
  • Seke: Means "black"
  • Nagamao: Means "sing"
  • Maji: Means "leave"
  • Winona: Means "first daughter"
  • Tanis: Means "daughter"
  • Nizhoni: Means "beautiful"
  • Meli: Means "daughter"
  • Kateri: The Mohawk version of Catherine
Many of the names below are the translations of nature words from various Native languages.

More: Unusual Irish Baby Names That Are Over-the-Top Beautiful

A version of this article was originally published in November 2010.


McDonald's Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry Is Back for Easter

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If you’re like us, your favorite part of Easter is that it’s finally Cadbury Creme Egg season. Unfortunately, if you’re also like us, you live in the U.S., which means you’re missing out on this important milestone: McDonald’s has brought back their Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry… to Australia and Canada.

Yep, the same thing was true in 2016 when they released this resurrectionworthy treat. The Creme Egg McFlurry has never made it stateside, but they still announce its arrival far and wide, taunting us with delicious possibilities.

More: McDonald's Knows We Love Caramel So Much, They Debuted New Turtle Drinks

Isn’t it bad enough that we Americans aren’t even getting the authentic Creme Eggs because of a war between British Cadbury and Hershey’s?

This isn’t even the only treat McDonald’s hasn’t brought to the U.S. — Hong Kong has Oreo-laden coffee drinks called Thin Delights, Italy has Nutella sandwiches and South Korea has chocolate hand pies.

More: 3-Ingredient Desserts That Are Perfect for Spring

McDonald’s says the latest McFlurry is comprised of vanilla soft serve with big chunks of chocolate and the sweet, delicious innards of a Cadbury Creme Egg, which just, ugh, why would you even tell us if we can’t have it?

More: The Wonderfully Bizarre Starbucks Drinks You Can Get Around the World

If you’re pretty sure you can’t live unless you try one of these things, there’s always the DIY version. You’ll pretty much just need vanilla ice cream, milk and a blender you can trust with precious Creme Egg cargo to make your own at home.

Or maybe you can finally put your passport to good use and take a trip across the border for the real deal in Canada. What’s that the kids are saying these days? It’ll be worth it for the ‘gram?

Are There Any Real Benefits to Using a Salt Lamp?

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If you’ve spent any time in a new-age shop recently or toured the non-grocery aisles of Whole Foods or even visited a Bed, Bath & Beyond, you may have seen light pink, rocklike glowing lamps known as salt lamps. The lamps are quite literally rock-shaped slabs of salt with a hole drilled in the bottom. A small light bulb with a cord is inserted to illuminate it from the inside, and voila, you have a salt lamp.

They’re a popular way to decorate for the crunchiest among us (full disclosure: I have two) and depending on the size can run anywhere from $15 to hundreds. While there’s no question the lamps have a beautiful, natural feel to them, many people are suggesting they’re more than something pretty to look at. Most of the claims revolve around the idea that the lamp emits negative ions, which they claim can boost mood, purify the air and reduce asthma triggers.

Do they live up to the hype? Not so much, says Dr. Svetlana Kogan, an M.D. as well as a hypnotherapist and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. “I haven’t seen any large randomized studies to confirm the claims,” Kogan said.

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Admittedly, the negative ion claim didn't come out of nowhere. There was a 1998 study published in the journal of the American Psychological Association, and a few follow-up studies as well, that suggested negative ions could help reduce the effects of seasonal affective disorder and chronic depression. But the reality is there aren’t any studies suggesting the lamps provide anywhere near the levels of negative ions to have an effect, and when Negative Ions Information Center tested salt lamps for negative ion output, they found so few it was hard to measure.

“The same claim has been made by the manufacturers of ionizing lamps, which are sold anywhere from Costco to Sharper Image,” Kogan said. “I know many people who have used them haven’t seen much benefit.”

More: 10 DIY To-Do Lists That Are as Pretty as They Are Useful

That doesn’t mean the people who have experienced benefits are entirely wrong, though. Kogan told SheKnows it’s possible the lamp provides a placebo effect. Essentially, a person believes the salt lamps will help, there’s a psychological component to their issue, and thus the lamp does relieve some of their symptoms. “It’s more of a mind-body effort, really, because it’s not like there’s some kind of biochemical being released from the lamp,” she said.

One example of a possible benefit is for people who are struggling to sleep. “They put the lamp on and they take a nice lavender bath before they go to sleep, and it’s contributing to this soothing environment,” she suggests. “It has a very calming type of effect. That’s a definite plus.”

More: If You Like Hygge, Niksen Will Be Your New Favorite Activity

That doesn’t mean the lamps are totally harmless. The retailer Michaels had to recall several due to shock and fire hazards in January 2017, and Kogan says it’s possible the lamp could pose problems for people who are already struggling with lung issues. “Some people with interstitial lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis for example, or cystic fibrosis, they may be sensitive to the salt particles themselves,” Kogan acknowledged.

So yes, they’re beautiful, and you’re totally welcome to get one for that purpose. It’s just unlikely to provide any measurable medical benefits. But if you want one to add to your meditation routine or because it fits with your decor, go for it. “It’s a nice new-age prop to have,” Kogan says. “But also we have to be smart and not fall prey to marketing claims.”

Are You in a Toxic Relationship? Look Out for These 6 Signs

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Look, relationships are hard — and none of us are perfect. We've all been guilty of being less than kind to our partner at one point or another; that's just life. But sometimes occasional digs or the offhand mean comment are more than just a bad moment — and are actually signs you're a toxic partner and could be in a toxic relationship.

Beyond physical abuse, some relationship red flags may be dismissed as common ways to cope. That’s a mistake. Esteemed relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman has pinpointed four additional categories for toxic behavior in relationships: incessant criticism, regular defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling. These behaviors are so destructive to relationships that Gottman refers to them as “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”

More: Are You a Toxic Coworker?

Within those categories, there are plenty of subtle habits that can be toxic according to two relationship experts we talked to. The good news, though, is there are plenty of ways to overcome bad behaviors and make a relationship even stronger. (The exception being when there is violence. That, the experts agree, is always cause to end the relationship and seek help from a licensed therapist.)

1. You never accept blame

If you find yourself struggling time and time again with different partners, the harsh truth is the problem may be with the common denominator: you. "If you are tempted to blame all your relationship woes on your partner, chances are you're overlooking your role in the problem," says marriage and family counselor Jessica Wade, who explained it is vital to accept responsibility.

2. You say things you "don't mean"

Words spoken in anger can't really be taken back. Marriage and family counselor Lisa Bahar explains statements such as, "You're crazy," or "What's wrong with you?" lead to invalidating environments. In these cases, the root of the problem is often a rush to reaction.

"Check the facts of what you are reacting to versus assuming you know what is going on," Bahar says, adding it helps to learn "healthy assertion skills" instead of resorting to passive-aggressiveness.

3. It’s "my way or the highway"

Another common behavior that can wear on a relationship is refusing to accept influence from your partner. More than simple stubbornness, Wade explains this can be harmful if your partner doesn't think his or her opinions are valued. Fortunately, she says that can be overcome by committing to truly hearing out your partner.

More: Why Some Time Away From Your Partner May Be Just What Your Sex Life Needs

4. You are dependent on the relationship

Contributing toxicity to a relationship isn't just about how you treat your partner, but also how you treat yourself. Wade explains that if you rely on the relationship to feel good, "that's a sign something underlying should be addressed."

This may come to a head, she says, with threats of self-harm. "If you've ever said or even thought, 'If you leave me, I'll kill myself,' or something similar, it’s time to take a break from the relationship and get help now."

5. You deliberately punish your partner

As innocuous as it may seem, Wade cautions that giving the silent treatment or withholding sex over small transgressions are signs of manipulation. Sure, you might feel like you're just trying to send a message, but there is a better way to express your frustrations.

Take, for example, the milk your partner can't seem to remember from the store. Rather than pouting, Wade suggests calmly explaining to your spouse that is delaying dinner and will require you to make a return trip to the store. She notes, "Scolding, yelling and punishing are rarely effective with children, so skip it in your relationship too."

More: The Real Reasons Couples Stop Having Sex

6. You "harmlessly" slap during arguments

In a 2017 study (using data collected from 2010 to 2012), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defined physical violence as "slapping, pushing or shoving." Under those parameters, over 5 million men reported being victimized by their partner in the previous year. With such a thin line between the kind of slapping that doesn’t leave a mark and something much more dangerous, that is simply unacceptable. What’s more, Bahar explains "harmless slapping" is symptomatic of an inability to appropriately express your feelings — which means it is likely best to step back from the relationship and seek help from a professional counselor.

The takeaway

If these behaviors exist, the key is first accepting there is a problem. That, Wade says, will give the relationship a better chance at success — and you a better set of coping skills going forward.

"What I've seen is that most people don't always realize their behavior is harmful," she says. "Once they understand the impact it has on the relationship, they can and usually do desire to make a change."

If you have experienced sexual abuse or assault, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

toxic pin

A version of this article was originally published in June 2016.

Why This New Era of Christina Aguilera Is Going to Be So Powerful

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You might say Christina Aguilera is the mother of reinvention given all the eras her career has gone through and all the ways she has changed her look over time. Throughout her career, she has never been a woman afraid of taking chances or shaking things up. Now, the petite singer with powerhouse pipes is poised to reinvent herself once more — this time in the spirit of female empowerment — according to a new interview with Paper.

More: Christina Aguilera Is Working on Something New With a Fellow Former Disney Star

"I've always been someone that obviously loves to experiment, loves theatrics, loves to create a storyline and play a character in a video or through [the] stage. I'm a performer, that's who I am by nature. But I'm at the place, even musically, where it's a liberating feeling to be able to strip it all back and appreciate who you are and your raw beauty," Aguilera said.

Her fresh, makeup-free face on the cover of the magazine speaks to Aguilera's refreshing perspective shift of late — in fact, fans may not even recognize the singer at first glance. In place of her signature bold lips and dramatic falsies, we see... well, her. Oh, and can I just say, I'm so here for these freckles.

Christina Aguilera Paper Magazine Tweet

Christina Aguilera Paper Magazine Tweet

More: Christina Aguilera: "My Boyfriend Loves My Body"

As a '90s kid, I remember when "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girls Wants" came out, and the typical chatter commenced over whether or not the songs were appropriate for impressionable young girls. Meanwhile, said impressionable young girls (read: me) were singing the hell out them in the car with our girlfriends just happy to have songs that reflected the fun, sexy way we felt.

Then came Stripped, and with it came songs like, "Dirrty," "Beautiful" and "Fighter." These were songs that were unapologetically bold and inspiring. It was also an album that got Aguilera major pushback by people who felt she was crossing some imaginary threshold of appropriateness.

"[New artists] don't have as much backlash when they come out on the scene," Aguilera told Paper. "And I did. It was a controversial time for me," she explained, referencing all those aforementioned changes she and by extension her career have undergone and how it has been received by the public. But Aguilera's new look and the fact that she clearly still doesn't care what people think of her is good news for fans. She'll be bridging the gap between her original audience and her new one through the power of music.

More: Listen to Christina Aguilera's Heartbreaking Tribute to the Orlando Victims

As the mother of a young daughter, I'm particularly pumped to see what this next chapter brings. I'm raising a tiny human who unabashedly rocks out in the living room to Meghan Trainor and Halsey, and who belts out Aguilera's "Reflection" every time we watch Mulan (which is a lot). I can't wait to add whatever music Aguilera is working on now to the roster.

When asked by Paper what advice she has for the next generation, the singer replied, "Be fearless in breaking new boundaries and don't be afraid to go against the grain of criticism along the way." Yep, I'm OK with my little girl listening to someone like that.

Angelina Jolie Is Reportedly Dating But She's Doing It Differently This Time

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While the rest of us are still getting used to the idea of a world in which Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are not together, it would seem that Jolie is ready to move on. "It's not serious," a source tells ET — but the 42-year-old actress and mother of six is reportedly "seeing" someone. And this time, she's changing up her dating MO.

More: Here's What Angelina Jolie Gets on a Run to Whole Foods

Historically, Jolie hasn't been too discreet where romance is concerned. We've all watched her relationships play out in a very public way. She pledged her undying love for Billy Bob Thornton. And who could forget that provocative "Domestic Bliss" photo shoot with W magazine she debuted with Pitt in their early stages of dating?

Jolie apparently isn't looking for history to repeat itself, though. Since she and Pitt split in September 2016, she has largely focused on her family first. Now that she feels ready, she isn't exactly diving back into the dating scene so much as she is wading.

More: Angelina Jolie Reveals What Really Ruined Her Marriage

"Brad and Angie are both very secretive about their dating life," the source claimed to ET, adding, "Angie has told some friends that she isn't ready to date, but she has been seeing a handsome, older-looking man who is a real estate agent. He isn't a celebrity or high profile in any way."

Of course, such intel is hearsay at this point — as is Life & Style's suggestion that Jolie's new beau is a millionaire "British philanthropist." Still, if the rumors prove true, you can't fault the actress for starting to put her life back together.

"Angie was in a very bad place after [her] split [from Brad]," the source noted. "Just having another adult to spend time with has been helpful."

Anyone who has been through a bad breakup can attest to the validity of that statement. Going through a split sucks enough without having to endure it beneath the scrutinizing eye of the public. Jolie works hard, she contributes to the greater good as much as possible and she spends what seems lately like every spare minute with her kids.

Angelina Jolie Grocery Shopping

Angelina Jolie Grocery Shopping

Pour this woman some Prosecco and let her enjoy the company of a man who respects her for the goddess she is! She's earned it.

More: Angelina Jolie, Zahara & Shiloh Walk Red Carpet Hand-in-Hand

According to ET's source, there's no hope left for a reconciliation between Jolie and Pitt, and that's OK. People change over time. We've all outgrown relationships, right? Sometimes the best thing you can do — especially when there are kids in the picture, not in spite of — is to walk away. Judging by the giant smiles on Shiloh, Maddox, Vivienne, Zahara, Pax and Knox's faces in recent months on outings with their famous mom, Jolie has her children's full support.

Whether or not her romantic life will stay under wraps remains to be seen. Jolie strikes us as the type of person who wears her heart on her sleeve (or blood in a vial around her neck, as it were), so it may only be a matter of time before her rumored boyfriend comes to light.

Whatever Jolie decides to do next, though, we're happy to see the busy working mom "have it all."

What Really Happens at Acupuncture — and How It Helps Your Body

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Like a lot of people, I'm not a big fan of needles, so the idea of someone sticking them all over various parts of my body never really seemed appealing. Having said that, acupuncture has always seemed like an interesting concept, so I decided to try it. In case you're as curious as I was, here's what happened when I went to my very first acupuncture session as well as input from medical doctors about whether or not acupuncture actually has health benefits.

What happens at acupuncture?

Yes, there are needles, but they don't come out right away. Given that it was my first time having acupuncture, I started off by filling out a long health questionnaire, which I then discussed with my acupuncturist. I immediately wanted to ask him about his qualifications — what he studied in order to offer acupuncture professionally — but I decided against it out of fear of being culturally insensitive or coming across as difficult. If at any point I felt unsafe, I could leave.

The first thing I learned was that you're expected to get acupuncture for a specific condition — not just to try it out. So I rattled off my various mental health conditions as well as painful menstruation and occasional neck pain from sitting at a desk for extended periods of time. He seemed satisfied with my ailments, and then told me to undress to the waist and to make sure my legs (from the backs of my knees to my feet) were also bare.

MoreIs Fresh Air Actually Good for Your Health?

While I figured he'd be poking around on my back, I didn't anticipate having to remove my tights and had not shaved my legs in quite some time — so if that's something that concerns you, you may want to do that ahead of time. Then he had me lie facedown on a massage table with my face through one of those padded holes that force you to stare at the ground.

That's when the needles started going in. Honestly, the only ones that hurt were the ones that went straight into the tender skin on the backs of my knees — the rest were an initially tiny pinch, and then I felt nothing.

Another part I hadn't anticipated was how long the needles would be in there — it was about 25 minutes total. And unlike a massage, when you're enjoying the experience and relaxing, during this time, you're just lounging there, facedown, looking like a porcupine. If I were to do this again, I'd bring a book with me to sneakily read under the table.

After this, a woman entered the room, and without saying anything, removed all the needles and then started cupping. Again, I didn't know cupping was part of the process, so it was another surprise. I tried to turn my head slightly so I could see what was going on. Turns out, she was taking small, round glass cups, quickly lighting a fire inside them, blowing them out, and then sticking them on my back. Those stayed there for a few minutes, then she removed them and gave me a massage. But it wasn't a relaxing spa massage — it didn't hurt, but it didn't feel enjoyable either. When that was over, she told me to get dressed, and nearly two hours after I arrived at the office, it was finished.

Aside from the marks from the cupping (which lasted a few days), I didn't really notice any differences or improvements after my acupuncture session. The acupuncturist said that some people feel something after their first appointment, but others take longer than that. (I take it I'm in the second category.)

Are there any health benefits?

Naturally, the acupuncturist was confident that a few sessions with him would help everything from my cramps to my depression, but I wanted to check in with some medical doctors on that as well. Turns out, some do recommend acupuncture to patients as treatment for pain.

"Acupuncture is not a cure for everything, but has been shown to be helpful for pain relief," Dr. Marc Winter, an OB-GYN and medical director of minimally invasive surgery at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, tells SheKnows.

Similarly, Dr. Kristine Arthur, an internist at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, says she frequently refers her patients for acupuncture for a number of acute and chronic conditions ranging from migraines, back pain and muscle spasms to Bell’s palsy, anxiety, insomnia and fibromyalgia.

"They often have some immediate improvement in symptoms with one visit and longer-term improvement of chronic, more severe symptoms with multiple visits," Arthur tells SheKnows. "I find it helps to reduce the need for medications; however, we can use it along with medication if needed."

Winter says, "Studies showed benefit for neck, back [and] knee pain as well as headaches," but the exact mechanics of how and why it works is "not well-explained in Western medicine."

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Dr. Kym Loi, a diplomate of Oriental medicine and integrative medicine at MemorialCare Medical Group in Fountain Valley, California, explains that in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is linked to the belief that disease is caused by stagnation or disruptions to the flow of energy, or qi (aka chi), in the body.

"Acupuncture entails stimulating points at various locations on the body to alleviate the stagnation (i.e., reduce inflammation), promote free flow of energy and improve circulation (i.e., relieve pain and reduce swelling)," Loi explains. "In other words, acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural energy (qi) to free up stagnation within the energetic pathways (called meridian channels) that link to their related tissues, organs and bones."

The belief is that normal energy flow means there will likely also be normal blood flow, according to Loi.

"The combination of qi and blood bring nourishment to the entire body from the inside (again, the vital organs, tissues and bones) and out (skin, hair, nail, complexion, etc.)," she explains. "With the vital organ systems working in harmony with one another, acupuncture is believed to help regulate imbalances, improve the body’s functions, restore balance and promote the body’s natural self-healing process while helping achieve physical and mental health."

Finally, when it comes to acupuncture, it's not an either-or situation: Loi says that acupuncture can be used in combination with the best evidence-based medicine "to offer both traditional and alternative treatment options to patients."

If you think acupuncture may be a good option for you, bring it up the next time you see your doctor to see if it might be a useful and safe treatment for your particular conditions.

Health benefits of acupuncture

Beyoncé & Blue Ivy Hit Up Target, Are All of Us

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How come when we go to Target, all we wind up with is a $230 tab — and a cartful of desk lamps and bathroom rugs and dog beds and Star Wars undies, none of which we had planned to purchase? Some lucky Los Angeles Target shoppers, on the other hand, scored waaaay bigger this weekend when they spotted none other than Beyoncé and Blue Ivy strolling the aisles of the popular store. Wait, could Beyoncé be... human after all?

A Target employee/fan's sneak photo of Bey and Blue has gone viral — no shocker there. Ana works at the LA Target (she was on a break, she wants people to know) and tweeted a pic of the famous mama-daughter duo. The shot also features another woman (maybe an assistant?).

bey target

bey target

"Sooooooo I saw Beyoncé at work today..." Ana captioned the picture. Beyoncé was rocking sunglasses, as ever, along with a polka-dot top and some fuzzy red heels. (What, like you don't shop Target in fuzzy red heels.)

More: Beyoncé and Blue Ivy in Matching Gold Gowns Is Mother-Daughter Fashion at Its Best

So, what was our fave demigoddess (and mini-demigoddess) shopping for, exactly? Well, on close inspection, the cart seems to be full of Easter items: namely, eggs and candy. Legit.

We fell in love with Ana, who also tweeted a video clip of herself can't-even-ing: "Guys, I'm freaking out," she stage-whispers. "Beyoncé is in the store. Beyoncé! That's Beyoncé!" Ana, we're right there with you.

ana baez

ana baez

Ana chatted with Romper via a Twitter DM about the Bey event. "No one was able to approach her," Ana said. She said there were bodyguards preventing Beyoncé from rubbing shoulders with the serfs of Target. "But she did approach some of my coworkers to ask where things were and she was very friendly," Ana added.

Ana also said Jay-Z and Blue Ivy had been in the same store just about two weeks ago, but she and her coworkers weren't able to get any photos. And Beyoncé had been spotted at a Target before too. Just never our own local target stores. Damn it. We never see unicorns, either. But we did just buy a totally unnecessary unicorn coffee mug at Target, so...


Jesse Williams & Aryn Drake-Lee's Child Custody Battle Is Finally Over

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The ongoing custody battle between Jesse Williams and his ex-wife, Aryn Drake-Lee, has finally been resolved — for now. The couple split last April after five years of marriage, and a judge has just ordered joint physical custody of their children, Sadie, 4, and Maceo, 2.

More: Jesse Williams' Custody Battle Is Still Dragging On

E! News reported the actor will get his children every other weekend, two weekdays and Father's Day. Drake-Lee may not be thrilled about this judgment, as she filed documents with the court in August requesting sole custody. She'd also requested parenting rules including agreed-upon nap times, "age-appropriate" TV and "neither parent [introducing] a new intimate partner until the relationship has endured at least six months."

That last bit seems to be the ongoing sore spot between Williams and Drake-Lee. Drake-Lee alleged Williams "introduced the children to his girlfriend." She also accused Williams of having his girlfriend sleep over and having the kids call said girlfriend "Mama C." Ouch.

For the record, the girlfriend has never been named in the court papers, but he's been repeatedly linked to voice costar in the video game Detroit: Become Human, Minka Kelly.

MoreThose Minka Kelly-Jesse Williams Dating Rumors Get Clarified

We reported in January, "Drake-Lee is also accusing Williams of posting photos and videos of the kids on Instagram and taking them to work with him, both things that are reportedly prohibited by their current custody agreement. She states in her filing that the children are 'having a difficult time with the current schedule.'" Yikes.

In January, E! News confirmed that a judge agreed with a petition demanding that Williams pay Drake-Lee $50,695 a month in spousal support. We hope Williams and Drake-Lee will accept the ruling and move forward so their kids can finally get some peace. This custody battle has been ugly stuff indeed.

What We Know About Heidi Klum's New Rocker Boyfriend

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Get it, girl! On Sunday, Heidi Klum got caught canoodling with 28-year-old Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz in Los Angeles, suggesting she has said auf wiedersehen to singledom.

More: Heidi Klum Gives an Update on Her Romantic Life

Klum is one of those people you can't help but be happy for — and alternately, who you can't help but be heartbroken for too. The jury's still out, but we may have had a more difficult time processing Klum's divorce from Seal than she did. When she started dating again, it looked as though she had found lasting love once again with art dealer Vito Schnabel. Then suddenly, the pair also called it quits after three years of dating.

But never one to dwell on the negative, Klum told Ellen DeGeneres in February that she was "very single and ready to mingle." Clearly, she wasn't kidding around! Since her promising chat with DeGeneres, 44-year-old Klum has been spotted twice with her younger musician love interest.

More: Heidi Klum Is Ridiculously Good-Looking in New Lingerie Ad

Who is Kaulitz, though? Here's what we know so far about the guitarist.

1. He has an equally dreamy twin bro

Tom Kaulitz Twin Brother

Talent (and good looks) must run in the family, because Kaulitz's twin brother, Bill, is the lead singer of their band. Clocking in 10 minutes after Tom's birth, Bill earned the title of youngest twin of the two. And while it's unclear if Tom is viewed the same, his younger bro was voted "most annoying German in 2006" by the viewer's of a German TV network.

2. He is German too

In case the last name didn't give it away, Tom Kaulitz hails from Germany like Klum. But while she was born and raised in Bergisch Gladbach outside Cologne, Kaulitz — according to IMDb — was born in Leipzig and raised in a village near Magdeburg, Loitsche.

3. He lives in LA

Tom Kaulitz Los Angeles

Kaulitz and his twin brother used to reside in Hamburg, Germany, but the pair moved to sunny Los Angeles in October 2010 — reportedly in response to a scary stalking incident. This likely strikes Klum as pretty convenient (the new locale, not the stalking) since it means Kaulitz can swing by the America's Got Talent set on the regular.

4. Klum isn't the first model he's fallen for

From 2011 to 2016, Kaulitz was coupled up with another German model: Ria Sommerfeld. The pair was married for just over a year when Kaulitz filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences in September of 2016. Little information exists about the reason behind the split aside from Kaulitz reportedly not wanting to provide any spousal support to his ex.

More: Could Vito Schabel's Arrest Be Why He & Heidi Klum Broke Up?

5. He's a dog person

Tom Kaulitz Dogs

Tom Kaulitz Dogs

We're throwing this in here because, hey, who doesn't dig a dude who loves dogs? These precious pooches live with Kaulitz and his twin bro, and it looks like they enjoy a pretty cozy life. That bodes well for Klum if you ask us.

How to Ask Someone to Be Your Sperm Donor

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Finding a sperm donor is a lot like dating. You’re terrified that they won’t like you enough. That they won’t think you’re pretty/smart/cool enough to be trusted to carry on their genes. Or that they’ll remember that time you were so drunk, you vomited in their shoe and won’t think you’re responsible enough to have a baby, period.

You might want a known donor so you can attempt home insemination, which is free and reasonably easy. Maybe you want your child to know to whom they’re genetically related. Or you might be looking for a co-parenting arrangement. Whatever the reason, this guide will help you find the sperm donor of your dreams.

First of all, draw up a list. Start with your inner circle, and then move out. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Distant relations, friends of siblings, work colleagues, ex-partners. Hell, I ran out of male friends so fast, I even resorted to asking my mom’s ex-boyfriend.

If you’re queer, this bit can get confusing. Remember that gender is not necessarily related to sperm production. I had to strike several people off my list when I remembered this. Not all people who identify as men are able to produce sperm, and some people who identify as women can (but of course tread respectfully here).

More: The Real Cost of Fertility Treatments & Adoption

The three H's (things to look for in a donor)

  1. Hotness factor. What? Don't pretend you're not thinking about it.

  1. Health. You'll likely want to consider what mental or physical hereditary health issues run in the potential donor's family as well as the donor’s STD status and general health (which can affect sperm quality).

  1. Honesty. Do you trust this person? The last thing you want is for them to do an about-face once the child’s born and decide they want 50-50 custody, or to start sticking their oar in about what school the kid should go to or whether they should be immunized.

Some people include cultural or racial background, brains, creativity or personality traits in here too, but they didn't make it onto my personal list — probably because they don't start with an H.

Once you’ve got a short list of donor options — or perhaps, like mine, your list is just very short to start with — you need to carefully plot your next move. You can approach a potential donor several different ways.

You can text or email

There’s the direct route: “Wanna make a baby?” There’s the mysterious prologue: “Hey, what did your great-great aunt die of?” And there’s the ominous intro: “I have something big I want to talk to you about.” The problem with online sperm dating is that potential donors can be known to sometimes take months to reply — and you may be so busy obsessively refreshing your emails that you won’t be able to work or sleep.

You can be romantic

After all, you are asking someone for their orgasm. A friend of mine wrote a poem and dropped it on her potential donor’s doorstep — but I reckon you can do better. Why not treat it like a marriage proposal? Hire a skywriter, get a chef to write it in balsamic reduction on some mashed potato, graffiti it on their garage door. What? You're not into it? I guess you do have to make sure you have the budget to do these things more than once in case the first person says no. But who could say no to a balsamic sperm request? *Shrug*

You can bring it up when you’re really drunk

For years, every time we’d had a few too many glasses of wine, I’d harangue one of my friends for some sperm. It paid off, because 10 years later, he agreed. The problem was, as noted above, I was then really self-conscious that he’d think I was too trashy to be a good mom.

Some sperm-request approaches I’ve seen but wouldn’t recommend:   

  • Posting a “general callout” for sperm on your Facebook page

  • Sending a group email asking for leads and accidentally cc'ing your ex with whom you’re still not speaking

  • Asking the same person your ex asked a week earlier

Most important: Have a bit of style and be respectful. It might seem like all you’re asking for is a teeny-tiny bit of insignificant sperm, but most people take their tadpoles very seriously, and so should you.

Be prepared for the heartache of rejection and for singing "All By Myself" into an empty turkey baster. And be warned: This stings ways worse than someone unmatching you on Tinder, and it may be awkward forevermore when you run into that person.

But when you do finally hit the jackpot, it’s time to get to work.

What to do when you find a donor

Be clear about your expectations of each other. What role do you want this person to play, and how much interaction do you want them to have with your kid? Be careful not to be too optimistic here. According to one LGBTQ family lawyer, most issues arise when formal agreements include things such as, “We’ll have a family dinner every Friday night” or “We’ll always spend Christmas together.” This might sound lovely, but it doesn’t take into account people moving, getting new partners or starting other families. Even if in reality, the donor might spend a fair bit of time with the kid, on paper, it's best to stick to a straight-up donor-recipient agreement (unless you’re actually co-parenting, of course).

Take into consideration that while one or both of you might be single (or with a supportive partner) at the moment, this could change in the future. Partners can change the donor dynamic a lot. If you’re approaching a straight man, be aware that even if he’s adamant that he doesn’t want kids of his own, he may in the future wind up with someone who does — and who is not thrilled with him spreading his seed elsewhere. Of course, this is a total generalization, but it's worth noting that many women I know have been more comfortable asking gay male friends for sperm donation for this reason. On the flip side, people who have already finished making their families can be good to ask because they’ve been there and done that — and may well be ready to help someone else (you) get there too.

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

Of course, making babies with someone doesn’t have to be romantic, but on some level, it is still an emotionally intimate act. Whomever you choose (or whomever chooses you), it will be a lifelong relationship, regardless of whether you see each other every day or never again. So choose wisely.

Meghan Markle's Estranged Family Talks About Not Being Invited to Her Wedding

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The countdown to the royal wedding is on, so this should be the happiest time of Meghan Markle's life. Yet she's stuck dealing with a few skeletons that keep popping out of her family closet. The latest instance occurred on Monday, when two of Markle's estranged family members made an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

Let it be said that, according to InStyle, the connection between Markle and the TV guests — Tyler Dooley and his mother, Tracy Dooley — is tenuous at best. Tracy was formerly married to Markle's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., but the couple has since divorced.

So what business do these two have going on television to talk about getting invitations to Markle's big day? Decidedly little, if any. That didn't stop them from doing just that, though, with Tyler telling the audience, "We've been here from the very beginning, I mean, her whole life, just always rooting her on and supporting her."

For her part, Tracy said, "Chances are I don't think that we are going to get the invitations, and that's just — that's fine. We're OK with that. But we're supporting her on and just having a good time, so proud of her."

Meghan Markle Family 1

Meghan Markle Family 1

More: Meghan Markle Hints There May Be Another Royal Baby Very Soon

Clearly, the pair doesn't see the irony in claiming to support Markle and yet making this unsanctioned public television appearance. Such was made abundantly more apparent when one of the hosts asked when Tyler and Tracy last spoke with the royal bride-to-be.

Tyler said it had been three years since they spoke, which in and of itself is enough to label them as distant relatives. But Tracy really drove the point home when she confessed she hadn't had a conversation with Markle in 20 years. Would you invite anyone you hadn't spoken to in two decades to your wedding?

More: Is Prince Harry Signing a Prenup Before Marrying Meghan Markle?

Host Richard Madeley called the mother-son duo out, pointedly asking, "Well, then it doesn't seem unreasonable for you not to be invited, does it? I mean, if it's 20 years, you're pretty much on the fringes, aren't you, of the family, to be honest?"

Precisely! Henceforth Madeley will be referred to around here as the voice of reason.

After all, royal expert Katie Nicholl has already expressed that Markle is "very much estranged" from her half-brother and her half-sister, so it certainly stands to reason she isn't in touch with her very estranged half-brother's ex-wife.

More: How Meghan Markle Is Prepping for Her Wedding to Prince Harry

Markle can't seem to catch a break on the family drama front. In 2017, her aforementioned half-brother found himself on the wrong side of the law when he allegedly waved a gun at his girlfriend during a drunken fit of rage. Her half-sister, Samantha, is reportedly shopping a memoir titled "The Diary of Princess Pushy's Sister." As you can surmise from the title, it doesn't paint Markle in the most flattering light.

Meghan Markle Family 2

Meghan Markle Family 2

At this point, we can only imagine Markle is more ready than ever to walk down the aisle with her true Prince Charming — the man who maintains she's a perfect fit for him and is proud to welcome her into the fold of "the family that I suppose she'd never had."

Here's hoping Markle's (super-) extended family will soon give this lovely couple a break so they can commence with eating, drinking and getting married.

Steps You Can Take Today to Help Prevent (or Deal With) Revenge Porn

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Thanks to smartphones and social media, it's never been easier to stay in touch with friends and family around the world, instantly sending audiovisual messages and greetings. The downside is that it has also never been easier to release revenge porn, where sexually explicit images or videos are released on the internet — frequently by a former partner — without a person's consent.

In order to combat revenge porn, YouPorn, which bills itself as "the world's #1 destination for unlimited high-quality free HD porn" partnered with The Danish Women's Society (a women's rights organization) to launch the #AskFirst campaign. This multifaceted project involves a dedicated educational channel on the YouPorn site, an awareness-raising video and a new content-removal requests page. This tool would allow anyone who has become a target of revenge porn, blackmail or intimidation to request that the material be swiftly removed from the site.

More: What Rob Kardashian Did to Blac Chyna Isn't Just Revenge Porn — It's Abuse

“We are gratified to support the #AskFirst campaign with The Danish Women’s Society because revenge porn is not only life-threatening but completely unacceptable,” Charlie Hughes, vice president of YouPorn, said in a statement sent to SheKnows via email. “We offer an inclusive experience for our users and are proud to make our stance on this issue known publicly. When we were approached with the opportunity to be part of this campaign, we knew this would be a perfect match.” 

What to do if you're a victim of revenge porn

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being the victim of revenge porn, there are a few steps you can take to do damage control. Patrick Ambron, CEO of BrandYourself, an online reputation-management platform, has a few tips:

1. Understand how far the damage has spread & document it

"It's common for revenge porn to be posted across multiple related sites," Ambron tells SheKnows. "Do a deep-dive in Google to uncover any other places it might be on the web."

2. Get what you can taken down

Although Ambron says it's difficult to get material removed from the internet, there are some options — including the recently launched content-removal form from YouPorn. Other possibilities include:

  • Google take-down request: In 2015, Google publicly took a stand against revenge porn and committed to honoring requests to remove revenge porn from its search results, Ambron explains. You can file a removal request with Google here, keeping in mind that this only removes the content from Google's search results and not from the website it's posted on.
  • Leveraging copyright laws to file a DMCA takedown request: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act protects copyrighted information on the web and allows consumers to submit a removal request to a website if the site has used their content without their permission, Ambron says.

    "For a DMCA takedown to work, you must be able to prove that you are the copyright owner of the image/video in question and submit the request directly to the website that the content is hosted on (not to the person who posted it)."

    Around 80 percent of revenge porn images are considered selfies, so if it’s your picture, you own the copyright. Many major sites have forms to submit a DMCA takedown request, including Google, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress and Pinterest.
  • Appealing directly to the site itself/exploring the site's terms of service: If a DMCA takedown request is not a viable option in your situation, you may be able to appeal directly to the site for removal, especially if the content in question violates the site's terms of service, Ambron notes.
  • Pursuing legal action: In some cases, you may choose to seek legal counsel. "Laws on revenge porn vary by state, so do some research on the legal routes available to you in your state," Ambron adds.

3. Create new positive, relevant content about yourself

This will help by suppressing the revenge porn content further down into the search results.

"Even if you are able to get the content removed, it doesn't prevent the content from showing up later down the line on another site," Ambron explains. "One of the most effective ways to proactively handle the situation is to simply bury the compromising content by building a positive online presence. Populating your Google results with positive content is a surefire way to help control what people are seeing when they Google your name."

MoreUsing Storytelling to End the Stigma of Mental Illness

How to protect yourself from revenge porn

These tips are pretty common sense, but helpful to keep in mind in order to avoid being the victim of revenge porn yourself.

1. Share with caution

Be careful about what you share with others, whether that's personal information or intimate photos.

"The culture around technology is rapidly changing, and it’s hard to understand the consequences of our electronic actions," Ambron says. "Even if you trust the person you’re sending private pictures to, you never know how the relationship might change and how the image may be used against you in the future."

2. Proactively maintain a positive online presence

Yes, keeping up with social media can seem like its own part-time job, but it's also a good way to help protect yourself from the damage of revenge porn. It serves the dual purpose of helping to suppress negative content about you as well as minimizing the impact of anything that could crop up down the line, Ambron notes.

3. Monitor your online presence

No one wants to admit to Googling themselves, but really, it's kind of a good idea. Think of it as a version of a breast self-exam. It's helpful to know what's out there about you so you're aware when something is added or looks off or potentially damaging. Ambron suggests using monitoring software that will scan your online presence and search results and alert you if any content looks like it could be harmful.

24 Lady Gaga Quotes That'll Make You Want to Be a Better Person

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Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta — or Lady Gaga, as most of us know her by — is and has always been a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the stage. Not only has she won six Grammy Awards and gave a truly spectacular performance at the Super Bowl, but when she's not performing or dominating the charts, she's an incredibly vocal supporter of human rights — especially via her nonprofit, the Born This Way Foundation, founded in 2012 "with the goal of creating a kinder and braver world."

Back in 2015, Lady Gaga addressed Yale students as part of the Emotion Revolution, which encouraged more positive learning environments for students and adults alike. Gaga opened up about her anxiety and depression, encouraging students and young people not to be afraid to express themselves, not to be afraid to feel and express their pain.

More recently, Gaga continued to use her voice in support of March For Our Lives, proudly supporting the young people marching for safer schools and communities.

Lady Gaga March for Our Lives tweets

Lady Gaga March for Our Lives tweets

And we've only just grazed the surface. Below, we've gathered 24 of the most powerful Lady Gaga quotes — many from the Emotion Revolution summit, others from various interviews.

It's time to get inspired, love yourself, speak up and take action.

Breaking the mold

Lady Gaga quote:

"You have to be a rebel. We've done the research — at least three-quarters of what you read on the internet is negative. So, be somebody that's the 25 percent. That's how rebellion begins. You have to be the antithesis of the status quo. You have to work against it. It's not about a reaction. You don't need to react to anything. We need to be proactive in our own movement of positivity." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

It's high time we begin embracing one another's differences. Most movers and shakers are slightly off-center.

Our inner heroes

"You don't need to or should not feel like a victim… Nobody can help you more than you can help yourself." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

We've all felt victimized at some point, but Gaga reminds us at the Emotion Revolution conference that we can be our own heroes.

The importance of emotion

"Feelings are important. Emotions are important. I'm not just an emoji even though I live in that age." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

If we could insert the hands-raised emoji here, we would.

Time to unplug

"The opposite of being mindful is being unconscious. So don't be unconscious. All day. On your fucking phone." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

At the very least, look up and into the eyes of the person speaking with you — your phone won't mind.

Spirit of equality

"I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality, and the spirit of this country as one of love and compassion and kindness."

When asked if she was going to unify America with her Super Bowl performance in 2017, this is what she had to say.

On solidarity

"I am you. We are each other." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

You are me. I am you. Gaga is all of us. The bottom line? We're all in this together.

The sum of her parts

Lady Gaga quote:

"I am not just a pop star. I am not just famous. I am not just my outfits. I am not just my anxious, anxiety-ridden, depressed self. I am you." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

The danger of putting people in a box is that most of us, Gaga included, don't fit into just one.

Setting a standard of decency

"We have set a standard where it's not OK to act without morality and values and human respect. No person is better than another." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

When did it become OK — cool even — to be cruel? Gaga stresses the need for decency and kindness.

The end of trolling

"Is there anybody that likes reading negative comments? Not really, right? Isn't it boring now? It was fun for, like, a second because it felt dangerous. But it isn't now." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

Enough with the hateful commentary already! Here's looking at you, keyboard warriors.

Words matter

"Nobody is going to remember what you tweeted, but you will never forget all that hateful shit that you read every single day that made you sick at school. That made it hard for you to read. That made it hard for you to focus, get a boyfriend, make a friend, be able to have sex. I couldn't even tell you the number of things that depression and anxiety did to me growing up — all the problems." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

People may not tweet, points out Gaga, but they won't likely forget the way hateful barbs made them feel.

Pain is part of the process

"Kids need an outlet to express their pain, and we shouldn't ignore that pain." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

It's inevitable that kids will feel pain, so we must do a better job of giving them a sounding board for that hurt.

Pay attention

"It's about time we take kids seriously when they say, ‘I'm sad.' And we don't say, ‘Just toughen up,' or ‘Buck up,' or ‘Just deal with it.' We say, ‘I'm here. I'm listening. Reveal yourself.'" — at the Emotion Revolution summit

Turning a deaf ear to others in need doesn't just hurt them; it hurts all of us, ultimately.

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Push haters to the side

Lady Gaga quote:

"Ignore all hatred and criticism. Live for what you create, and die protecting it."

Lady Gaga imparted her wisdom and advice for all creators with just one tweet.

Self-acceptance is key

"No matter how much success you have — no matter how many opportunities, fame, fortune, no matter how many people accept you to your face — the person that really needs to accept you is you." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

Gaga pointed out that for all her fame, she was never truly happy until she accepted herself.

Say something

"Pop culture is extremely shallow. And we're just asking the world to get deep and make it about feeling and make it about emotion — make it about how we truly feel. I might be a romantic, but wouldn't that be a better way to live? If we actually spoke to each other?" — at the Emotion Revolution summit

Pop culture breeds apathy, Gaga argues, and it's time for us to feel again.

Lack of communication

"This is the age that we live in. We're not actually communicating with each other. We are unconsciously communicating lies. I want to explode that today and break that with all of you as much as possible." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

"We are unconsciously communicating lies." Yep. This needs to change, like, yesterday.

You are in control

"It is your right to choose what you do and don't do. It is your right to choose what you believe in and what you don't believe in. It is your right to curate your life and your own perspective." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

If nothing else, remember this: You are the star of your own life. You have the right to do things your way.

Caring is cool

"Nobody wants to feel. It's not cool to feel. It's normal to not feel and to find a way to not feel. I hope today that we can make it cool to feel again and cool to care about it." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

We have to find a way to make it cool to feel again. Caring is cool, people... pass it along.

There's beauty in being different

"I think that's probably the best thing that artists and people who are born a little bit different — born with a little extra creativity, born with a little extra anxiety, a little extra something — have to offer the world: our wild thinking, our reckless behavior, our ability to be fearless. We should embrace that culture of kids." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

We shouldn't shun each other for our differences, but rather celebrate each other for them.

Be different

Lady Gaga quote:

"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you're all the same."

It's absolutely OK to be yourself — and be different.

Born this way

"What you should do is know that it is your right as a human being to tell anyone how you feel — to be who you are. We don't have to be catfishing all the time and pretending. Be yourself. You were born this way." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

You are who you are — you were born this way — and who you are is beautiful.

The power in our words

"What you choose to do with your voice in this world is extremely powerful. We have seen throughout history how dangerous it can be to use your voice for evil. Now we all have a platform." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

There is great power in worlds to do both good and evil. Choose to do good.

Life lessons

"Isn't that the greatest thing you could possibly teach one of your students? I mean, would you rather them remember that one chapter of the textbook you taught them — or do you want them to remember that you taught them to be a good person? The best mentors in my life taught me that, no matter how successful I became, to be nice to everybody, from the top to the bottom." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

The greatest lesson a person can learn is that of compassion. You never know what someone else is going through.

The revolution

"We want to start a philosophical movement that has all the moving parts you need to affect education and curriculum and behavioral change, but you know what? Unfortunately, not every kid in this country has a great education. Not every kid in this country has great teachers. Not every kid in this country can afford to eat or go to school. So we have to care about those kids too — and for those kids, it will be about the online change and the person-to-person human connection change. We have to make it cool to be nicer." — at the Emotion Revolution summit

The time for complacency is certainly not now — rather, it's time to start a revolution of niceness.

Kendra Wilkinson Is Having Very Human Problems Right Now

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My gut is telling me we need to rally around Kendra Wilkinson right now. Following a very revelatory handful of photos posted to her Instagram story on Sunday, it became clear Wilkinson is having some very human, very real problems that are amplified by the kind of laser-focused attention beamed right from watchful public eyes to the celebrity in question. Like many of us, Wilkinson is balancing her personal life — which includes an unwavering public focus on the state of her marriage to Hank Baskett, with whom she stated in February she was having "marital problems," — with the public life she leads, and yet it's clear now more than ever that balancing act is wearing her down.

Earlier this week, Wilkinson seemed ready to open up about just how mentally and emotionally frayed she's feeling right now. She took to her Instagram story to reveal just how tired and upset she's been feeling lately, giving a distinct impression she's emotionally wrung out. While the original photos from the Instagram story are gone, they were saved by E! News and included in their report, so her original statements and pics are preserved.

More: Pamela Anderson & Kendra Wilkinson Emotionally Mourn Hugh Hefner's Death

In all the photos, which were taken in black and white, Wilkinson is sans makeup (and thus, sans celebrity polish, which is not a bad thing but only highlights serious this is) and laying around in what appears to be her bedroom. In one snap, she wrote, "Life isn't making any sense right now. Sorry I've been MIA."

She goes on to ask, "How much strength does it take to be strong?" and in another, she stated, "I try so hard to be good but [I'm] never good enough. Therapy is for the birds." While Wilkinson didn't relay why she was currently in therapy or what she might be working through, it's easy to see she's going through it right now, — "it" being a very raw period.

She continued, "No matter what...I am labeled. Playboy party girl. Bad mom. D list celebrity. Crazy. Always wrong. Sometimes a hug is all I need but I guess I'm covered in thorns." She looked stressed and upset, and frankly, at this point, I know I can't be the only one wanting to jump through the screen to give her a hug.

Wilkinson concluded the series of photos on a somewhat hopeful note, writing, "Thank [you] to those behind me [and] pushing me with love. My next fight will be for the KO [knockout]. Tomorrow is a new day. I will smile. Goodnight."

More: No More Pregnancies for Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett, Thanks, She's Had Enough PPD

This is hard to read. Push aside whatever feelings you have about Wilkinson. Push aside any thoughts about this being a problem relegated to the specific woes of celebrity life. Most important, push aside any thought this is just Wilkinson looking for attention. Instead, focus on the fact that Wilkinson is comfortable enough to get very raw and real with us, her followers and the world at large. She is revealing to us the way she feels and is trying to publicly cope with whatever may be hurting her on a deeper level. This is bravery, and this is Wilkinson trying to sort through her very human problems the way we all do: by reaching out and looking for a supportive shoulder to lean on. If anything, Wilkinson's honesty here is nothing short of praiseworthy. I don't know if I would have the ability to come forward in such a public way with my problems, so we need to recognize she's living her truth, and no, that truth isn't always going to be pretty.

Shortly after Wilkinson posted this photo series, rumors arose she and Baskett were going the divorce route. At the same time, Wilkinson posted a photo that showed her without her wedding ring. There is no concrete evidence that no ring equals divorce for Wilkinson and Baskett, though, and we haven't had any public statements, either individually or joint, confirming this to be the case.


Kelly Ripa Shamed for Wearing a Bikini Because She's Too Old, & We Can't

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There are days when it's truly a joy to be a human being. On those days, humanity is reaffirmed in such a way that you can't help but think, "Yeah, we're all gonna be OK." And then there are the other days — the ones when crawling under your desk with a bottle of wine while wearing doomsday gear seems like a perfectly acceptable response. Case in point? The recent reaction to a picture of Kelly Ripa in a bikini.

More: What Happens When Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos Facetime Each Other in Bed

Ripa's husband of more than two decades, Mark Consuelos, shared the picture on Instagram, captioning the post, "Sultry Sundays with the sexy one are my fave..." So sweet, yeah? Not to mention the fact that Ripa, at 47, looks like she's in the best shape of her life. People can't possibly find anything to pick apart here, right? Right?!

Kelly Ripa Mark Consuelos Bikini Beach

Kelly Ripa Mark Consuelos Bikini Beach

Sadly, wrong. No sooner had Consuelos posted the snapshot than couch critics and keyboard warriors began berating Ripa for her wardrobe choice. Yes, really.

"Kelly's gorgeous, but isn't there a cutoff age where age-appropriateness comes into play? Just because you can rock a bikini doesn't mean you should," one person commented.

More: Kelly Ripa Gets Body-Shamed, World Remains Unnecessarily Cruel

"Not the sweet Kelly she was when she first started with Regis," another insisted. Others jumped on the bandwagon, implying fame must have gone to Ripa's head for her to make such a bold fashion choice as a — *gasp* — bikini at the beach while on vacation with her loving husband.

Happily, those negative comments were all but washed away by the ensuing flood of fans who have Ripa's back. "Haters. Nothing but haters," one such fan wrote.

"Nothing but jealousy. That's all there is to it. You keep doing you Kelly. People are insecure with themselves when they hate on someone else. More power to you Kelly. If I had your abs I'd be wearing a bikini everywhere. Lol. Well not everywhere but you know what I mean."

Another chimed in, "Why do people have to be so mean and petty? She's beautiful and fit! Life is too short for negativity!"

And really, ladies, isn't it? We live in a world where one-third of women globally have suffered physical or sexual violence — where women and girls represent 60 percent of all undernourished people. We have real problems aplenty, so why are we making problems where there are none?

The time for supporting and empowering each other is now. If we don't lift up one another, who will? Also, doesn't it make you more than a little sad to think that sexiness is treated as an invisible line that recedes the older you get to it?

It defies logic to state that women can't be sexy and feel sexy and, yes, even dress sexy beyond their 20s. As a woman in my early 30s, I can tell you I feel even sexier now than I did a decade ago. Gone are the hang-ups I used to have about my body and the pressure to appear a certain way. There's something undeniably sexy about getting to a point where you are content to age gracefully and embrace every stretch mark, wrinkle, scar and seeming imperfection as beautiful testaments to a life well-lived.

More: Mark Consuelos Wins Husband Points for His Latest Comments About Kelly Ripa

Some people get there in their 20s; some people don't get there until their 60s. There are no parameters here, no hard-and-fast rules. Anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being honest (and they probably need a hug too).

Ripa is a woman who is in excellent health. She enjoys a loving marriage. She works hard. She is confident. And make no mistake; she looks damn good in a bikini. So can we quit with all of the judgment for a hot minute and just be happy for her? Instead of tearing her down, we should be taking a page from her book.

C'mon — let's go to the beach this summer and for once not worry about whether or not someone is scrutinizing our thighs. Most important, let's not treat each other as shells of expectations clad in controversial swimming garb, but rather celebrate each other as the vibrant women we are.

I'll meet you there with sunscreen and, inspired by Ripa, no shame.

Here's the Deal With CBD Oil & the Potential Health Benefits

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The use of medical cannabis to treat the symptoms of physical and mental health problems ranging from cancer to anxiety disorder is nothing new. But cannabidiol (better known as CBD oil) is currently rising in popularity, and if you've heard people extol its benefits, you may be wondering how it works — and if it may be something you'd like to use.

What is CBD oil?

First things first: What is it? "CBD oil is a compound that is one of the main constituents of cannabis, having limited or no psychoactive effects," Sara Gullickson, founder and CEO of Dispensary Permits, tells SheKnows, adding that it has a wide variety of medical applications.

More: Meet the Woman Who's Changing the Face of the Cannabis Industry

According to Gullickson, CBD oil is a great anti-inflammatory, and it can also be used as a mood stabilizer. She says it's used to treat myriad health problems, including neuro-inflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, vomiting and nausea and anxiety.

"CBD and the other cannabinoids act as a 'homeostatic regulator' [it helps regulate the physiological systems] for the body by returning the function of many different systems in the body back to normal," Brian Sanderoff, a licensed pharmacist who manages the Curio Wellness dispensary, tells SheKnows. "This is why you can see such a wide range of effects in different people with different conditions."

More: Is Cannabis Oil the Miracle Drug You Can't Use?

How does it work?

When it comes to how exactly CBD oil works, Sanderoff explains that it's not entirely understood at the present. "Although it does not appear to directly activate either of the known cannabinoid receptor sites, EC1 or EC2, it likely has a potentiating effect for other cannabinoids and/or activates a yet-to-be-discovered ECS receptor site," he says.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in 29 states and Washington, D.C., but CBD oil is easier to obtain because there are a number of varieties on the market and not all of them contain THC.

Is it legal?

Dr. Jordan Tishler, a Harvard physician, cannabis therapeutics specialist and CEO of InhaleMD, cautions potential users about the legal issues surrounding CBD oil.

More: Cooking With Cannabis Oil: 5 Essential Tips You Need to Know

"Despite what anyone tells you, CBD is federally illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA seems not to be interested in pursuing this at the moment," Tishler tells SheKnows. "The FDA did go after four companies last year who were selling CBD oil that contained no CBD, thus they were making false claims. Beyond that, however, the FDA has not moved to regulate it more closely. Many packages make all sorts of medical or wellness claims that just aren’t proven."

Tishler also advises against the practice of buying CBD oil on the web due to the lack of "local control and safety information."

Furthermore, he says that THC is what's really responsible for most of the medical benefits of cannabis — so it's clear that not everyone agrees on whether or not the hemp-derived form is effective.

"THC is unnecessarily vilified because it causes intoxication," Tishler explains. "THC, however, plays the central role in the benefits. Intoxication is a side effect, and like side effects of any medication, it must be respected and managed in a careful, thoughtful manner."

Like anything else, it's best to consult with your doctor before you venture into the use of any form of CBD oil.

Health benefits of CBD oil

14 Most Anticipated Movies Coming to the Big Screen This Spring

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Springtime — those months sandwiched between heavy Oscar fare and bloated summer tentpoles — isn’t the most celebrated time for movies. But just like the birds and tulips that surprise us each year, there are inevitably movies that thrill, haunt and keep us entertained. These are the movies we enjoy, then forget about until they show up during award nominations and we exclaim, “Oh yeah, I remember liking that!”

Between this year's spring equinox and Memorial Day, we’ve got a remake, a Star Wars film, romance, intrigue and the inevitable appearance of Marvel movies (twice!). Whether you’re a fan of sports, history, humor or good old-fashioned mystery, you can find something to put on your entertainment schedule. Here’s a roundup and a sneak peek at movies we can look forward to seeing on the big screen soon.

More: These 15 Movies Turning 25 in 2018 Will Make You Feel Old

Ready Player One, March 29

A movie about a teen playing games in a virtual world may not sound like your thing, but this Steven Spielberg project, adapted from a book by Ernest Cline, got good reviews among critics during the preview showings. It’s nonstop action and filled with references from the '80s that have been thrilling pop culture nerds. A reviewer for Indiewire called it “Spielberg’s biggest crowd-pleaser in years” with “some of the most viscerally engaging filmmaking Spielberg has ever done.”

Ready Player One trailer

Ready Player One trailer

Tyler Perry’s Acrimony, March 30

Not much has been revealed about this psychological thriller about a spurned wife who decides to get revenge, but it’s hard to go wrong with a Tyler Perry picture. The word acrimony means “anger and bitterness,” so we can be sure we’ll be witnessing some intense emotional scenes. Taraji P. Henson and Lyriq Bent star as the wounded couple.

Tyler Perry's Acrimony trailer

Tyler Perry's Acrimony trailer

Gemini, March 30

When it debuted at SXSW, Gemini was on Rolling Stone’s list of movies to catch. It’s a neo-noir mystery about the murder of an actress and her personal assistant’s quest to find the killer. Known for his slow-burn, character-driven style, director Aaron Katz uses Los Angeles to full effect, making the city as haunting and alive as his actors. Lola Kirke stars as the assistant to Zoe Kravitz’s celebrity.

Gemini trailer

Gemini trailer

A Quiet Place, April 6

I do not do horror movies. I can’t even watch the trailers. But this John Krasinski-helmed project has me intrigued by its suspenseful trailer and creative premise. Krasinski stars opposite his wife, Emily Blunt, as a man who must keep his family silent to protect them from the monsters in their house. It can’t have been easy to direct a feature film with very little dialogue, but Krasinski may have drawn on his experience in Aloha, where he played a character who doesn’t speak. I just want the film to answer my one burning question: Why don’t they just move?

A Quiet Place trailer

A Quiet Place trailer

More: 26 Movies Written by Women You Need to Rewatch, ASAP

Chappaquiddick, April 6

Most of us recognize the name Chappaquiddick. We know it has something to do with a bridge, Ted Kennedy and an accident in which the passenger in his car, an unmarried woman, was killed. Chappaquiddick is the island where Teddy and friends attended a reunion of staff members who worked for his late brother Bobby. That’s the setting for this feature, which lays out the events of the night and the aftermath as the Kennedys scrambled to save the reputation of one of their golden sons.

Chappaquiddick trailer

Chappaquiddick trailer

Pandas, April 6

It's panda bears. Need I say more? This Warner Bros. documentary features everything you ever wanted to know about the world’s most adorable mammals. But you may not be listening as you squeal at footage from a Chinese breeding facility and follow the journey of one special cub. You should listen, though, because the whole thing is narrated by Kristen Bell, the world’s most adorable (and funny) human.

Pandas trailer

Pandas trailer

Beirut, April 11 (limited release)

This spy thriller centers on a U.S. diplomat called back to the titular city, which he left after the murder of his wife. The trailer was met with backlash when it revealed what many consider a stereotypical espionage story with Middle Eastern villains and Western saviors. And some Lebanese are outraged by what they’re calling an inaccurate picture of the ancient capital city. If it gets viewers interested in the real history of the country’s decades-long civil war, though, that’s a very good result. Starring Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike.

Beirut trailer

Beirut trailer

Borg/McEnroe, April 13

The film focuses on just one meeting between the two tennis greats, at Wimbledon in 1980, which some consider the greatest moment in tennis history. But the Björn Borg/John McEnroe rivalry went on for three years, during which they met 22 times on the court. The film is notable not only as a sports story but also for its use of both Swedish and English throughout. I’m hesitant to recommend anything starring Shia LaBeouf, but the character of McEnroe seems to fit his mercurial personality. Sverrir Gudnason, Stellan Skarsgård and Tuva Novotny also star.

Borg McEnroe trailer

Borg McEnroe trailer

Submergence, April 13

Based on a novel by J.M. Ledgard, Submergence is a romantic thriller about two people facing ultimate isolation. Alicia Vikander stars as an oceanic researcher getting ready to spend time in a submersible on the ocean bottom. James McAvoy is her new love, who is facing his own solitude as the captive of Somali fighters. It’s a tale of new romance and the tension between anticipation, desire and fear.

Submergence trailer

Submergence trailer

Avengers: Infinity War, April 27

The 19th Marvel film is set two years after Captain America: Civil War, which left the Avengers split over whether the government should control their actions. Each film has been giving screen time to more and more characters, and this one will combine just about every hero we’ve seen thus far, including the Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s just the first half of this epic superhero mashup, however, so don’t expect all the loose ends to be tied up.

Avengers: Infinity War trailer

Avengers: Infinity War trailer

Overboard, May 4

This premise, a working-class man convincing a rich woman with amnesia that they are married, was a hit back in 1987 with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. This time they’re turning the tables, with Anna Faris cast as down-on-her-luck Kate and Eugenio Derbez as wealthy playboy Leonardo.

Overboard trailer

Overboard trailer

More: 16 Movies That Are So Bad They're Good

Book Club, May 18

The idea that four women’s lives are changed by reading 50 Shades of Grey might sound a little thin. But this comedy stars Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen as book club friends who realize they’re not dead to desire. These ladies are all known for portraying the foibles of aging so well that it's not hard to imagine their personal quests will rise above their inspiration.

Book Club trailer

Book Club trailer

Deadpool 2, May 18

Nobody has more fun marketing Deadpool than Ryan Reynolds himself, who began tweeting out '80s-inspired images last month. This go-round promises the introduction of Deadpool’s more loose and lethal form of X-Men, known as X-Force, and Josh Brolin playing the main antagonist, Cable. The film is shot by John Wick director David Leitch, so expect more snappy action and a lot of violence. A ton of violence.

Deadpool 2 trailer

Deadpool 2 trailer

Solo: A Star Wars Story, May 25

It’s really hard to imagine anybody taking on the iconic role of Han Solo, but the actor who won the role, Alden Ehrenreich, was discovered by no less than Steven Spielberg himself. The director saw Ehrenreich perform in a video alongside Spielberg’s daughter and helped the young man land an agent. Fast forward a few years and Ehrenreich is piloting the Millennium Falcon alongside Chewie. The internet lit up with joy over the first preview a few weeks ago, which showed us not only the smart-aleck pilot but also Donald Glover as a young Lando Calrissian.

Solo trailer

Solo trailer

Kelly Clarkson Defends Herself Against Accusations from Eliminated Voice Contestant

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Kelly Clarkson has been having a grand old time as the latest judge to join The Voice's new season and is integrating well with the current judges (I mean, have you heard about the hijinks she and Blake Shelton get up to?). And up until a few days ago, Clarkson's time on the show has been controversy-free, with her feedback to contestants seemingly well-received. Unfortunately, that streak ended when a now-eliminated contestant aired her grievances with Clarkson's comments that could have potentially contributed to said elimination.

In a now-deleted Instagram post (but preserved in a screenshot that was tweeted), former Voice contestant Molly Stevens wrote what looks to be a lengthy comment that blamed Clarkson's commentary after her performance of "Burning House" during the Battle portion of The Voice's competition. Stevens expressed concern that since she's a musician who happens to be gay, Clarkson's comparisons of her to Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls (also gay musicians embraced by the LGBTQ community) were unfair and put her in a box that reflected poorly on her.

Stevens wrote, "While I’m extremely honored to be in that category of talent, I do believe that comment did us all a disservice and only threw us into a labeling trap. It felt small minded to me and exactly what I feel we need to bring attention to the world. I am a singer-songwriter who happens to be gay. And so is @melissa_etheridge and @indigogirlsmusic… But it’s a common stereotype that happens too often. People put us in boxes."

Molly Stevens Kelly Clarkson Voice Screencap Tweet

Molly Stevens Kelly Clarkson Voice Screencap Tweet

More: Blake Shelton & Kelly Clarkson Rosé All Day

The Twitter user who posted the screenshot of Steven's now-deleted comments, Philip R Leodoro, expressed dismay in his own caption, calling Steven's a "sore loser" and demanding she apologize for her unfair comments. "@mollystevens_1 I think you need to apologize to @kelly_clarkson," Leodoro wrote. "She has always supported the gay community. As a fan & a gay man I am offended! Sounds like a bit of a sore loser way to go about things!!"

Clarkson apparently saw that Leodoro had tagged her in his response because shortly after, she responded directly. "Wow. This really bums me out," she wrote. "I need everyone 2 hear me & hear ALL OF THE WORDS I SAY. I compared Molly to Melissa Etheridge, Patty Griffin (a name that was left out conveniently), & the Indigo Girls purely because of the rasp in her voice & that she’s an amazing storyteller."

Kelly Clarkson Responds Molly Stevens Tweet

Kelly Clarkson Responds Molly Stevens Tweet

More: Kelly Clarkson's New Song Made Hoda Kotb Cry

As the interaction gained attention, Stevens appeared to have a change of heart about what she said and apologized. First, Stevens commented under Clarkson's defense, writing, "I am so sorry to have caused any pain and hurt with anyone. Learned my lesson to not process my thoughts on social media today. Especially the day after being aired on The Voice. I’m truly sorry. I hope our paths will cross soon so I can tell you this in person."

Stevens also took to her own Twitter to issue another official apology, echoing the sentiment of the apology she made to Clarkson. "I sincerely apologize for any hurt I may have caused with my words. This was not my intention at all. For the people who know me well, you know my heart well too. I strive to live in truth and light. @kelly_clarkson I truly apologize for thinking differently. I look up to you."

Molly Stevens Apology Tweet

Molly Stevens Apology Tweet

More: How Kelly Clarkson & Other Artists Are Supporting #TimesUp at the Grammys

With just one look at the comments under Clarkson's and Stevens' tweets, it's evident fans are siding with Clarkson in this matter. She hasn't commented further on the issue, possibly in hopes the drama dies down. Let's hope this is the only controversy that befalls Clarkson this season, but regardless, she is a breath of fresh air on The Voice, and this incident doesn't change that.

Just in Time for Spring, Peeps-Flavored Beer Is Here

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Peeps have long been a divisive candy — you either love them or you hate them — but now that it’s a beer, how people feel just got a lot more complicated.

More: 16 yummy treats your leftover Peeps want to be

The Collective Brewing Project in Fort Worth, Texas, teamed up with Lone Star Taps and Caps bar to create a Peeps-flavored sour ale-type of beer.

Peeps beer

Peeps beer

Appropriately called, Peep This Collab, the beer is brewed with vanilla and butterfly pea flower as well as the actual Peeps we all love to be confused about, which gives this brew a unique purple color. It also, as per this year’s hot trend, is garnished with a touch of hot-pink glitter.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like this will be sold anywhere other than in Texas. But if you feel so inclined, there will be a launch party for the new brew this Saturday at Taps and Caps' two locations in Lewisville and Fort Worth, Texas.

More: Pups chillin' with their Peeps is all the Easter cuteness you need

Collective Brewing Project cofounder Ryan Deyo tells the Dallas Morning News they hate that beer “has become this super serious thing” and this is part of their ongoing mission to “assert beer should be a fun thing.” We agree. A lot of craft or artisan brews take themselves very seriously. Beer should be fun!

As glitter beer is already a thing and we’re always game for an offbeat flavor of beer, Easter seems the perfect time to create a Peeps beer. Still, we must remind you that April Fool’s Day is just a few days away, and while we have no reason to believe this is not real, that is something we should all keep in mind.

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