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7 Things You Never Knew About Prince Rainier & Grace Kelly's Relationship

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It was a romance that captivated the world, a marriage that kept us entranced. They were two incredibly powerful people coming together to lead a country into the future. She was a world-famous actor who rose from up from the suburbs. He was the playboy prince of a tiny European principality who always knew what a luxurious life looked like.

Her name was Grace Kelly. His name was Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi, or simply Rainier III. They met in France, courted for a short while, got engaged in Philadelphia and whisked themselves back to Monaco — the aforementioned principality whose throne Rainier ascended to in 1949 — to spend their lives building up the glories of their tiny nation and remaining as glamorous as you might imagine. They had three children who would go on to create families that still mingle in the upper echelons of wealthy society. Kelly put her acting career on an indefinite hiatus, devoting herself to charity, motherhood and helping her husband.

More: Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip Through the Years: Their Love Story in Photos

On the occasion of what would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary, let's take a look at the romance of Prince Rainier and Kelly once more. You may find there are facts the history books forgot to mention.

1. Grace Kelly's family paid a dowry

Kelly's family was fairly well to do after gaining a substantial amount of wealth from Kelly's father's business, but the dowry the family reportedly had to pay Rainier was exorbitant by anyone's standards. According to Vogue, Kelly's father claimed this was ridiculous — "My daughter doesn’t have to pay any man to marry her" — but eventually forked the cash over.

2. Grace Kelly made Prince Rainier do dishes during their courtship

As revealed in the book Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl, Kelly didn't let Rainier's royal status go to her head. In fact, during their courtship, Kelly's sister, Lizanne Kelly LeVine, recalled one particularly memorable dinner at which Kelly was treating Rainier like a regular Joe. "[My husband] and I were at our own little apartment, and we asked them over for dinner. [Rainier] fit in very well — even helped with the dishes. Rainier, when we first met him, I think might have been a little shocked with us when we’d say ‘Come on, Rennie,’ you know. But he fit into the family beautifully."

3. Prince Rainier almost courted another famous Hollywood blonde

Had history gone a different way, Rainier might have romantically pursued another famous Hollywood blonde: Marilyn Monroe. According to Vogue, Rainier's friend (and future second husband of Jacqueline Kennedy) Aristotle Onassis suggested the playboy prince pursue Monroe. While Monroe reportedly had no interest in the prince romantically, Vogue implies she might have still pursued the relationship for the status it would have afforded her. That said, when Kelly and Rainier married, Monroe sent Kelly a telegram that read, "I’m SO happy you found a way out of this business."

4. Grace Kelly & Jackie O's lives overlap in more than one way

Vogue notes that Kelly and Kennedy's lives intersected in unusual ways more than once. In addition to Jackie's soon-to-be second husband being a friend of Rainier's and attempting to get involved in his romantic life, Kelly actually could have ended up the wife of another famous man who was decidedly not Rainier. Long before her royal wedding, Kelly was engaged to fashion designer Oleg Cassini, who worked with Kennedy frequently.

5. In a way, you can thank the Cannes Film Festival for their meeting

Kelly met Rainier while she was in France in 1955 as part of the American delegation to the Cannes Film Festival. Kelly was partaking in a photo shoot that Rainier attended, and it was all over from there. Interestingly, the couple had a rather short courtship (a little over a year) before heading to the altar.

6. Grace Kelly always chose her sovereign duties over her film career

High-profile film director Alfred Hitchcock famously tried to reel Kelly back in to take the lead role in Marnie in the early '60s (this moment in Kelly's life is part of the Nicole Kidman-led drama Grace of Monaco), and she seriously considered it for a short while. The palace of Monaco even announced she would be taking the role and then officially retiring. However, word spread that the titular role, which would see Kelly playing a thief and woman struggling with mental health issues, might not be the most becoming one for her to play. In addition to the roots she laid down as a wife and mother, Kelly soon gave up the role and another Hitchcock ingenue, Tippi Hedren, got the role instead.

7. There may have been some unhappiness in their later years

Given the nature of their very public, very politically charged position in the world, there were unthinkable pressures put on Rainier and Kelly. There were allegations that when Kelly sought out the comfort of an apartment in Paris she kept for herself, she would tell friends sometimes that she wished she was just a bag lady, likely because of the alleged tension between Kelly and Rainier toward the end of their marriage, although we don't really have any evidence of this from the couple themselves.

More: A Look Back at Lauren Bacall’s Most Glamorous Moments

Who could have known these two would put a relationship in the history books that still fascinates us this much? Like any marriage, Rainier and Kelly's was never smooth sailing. But you've gotta admit, when things we good, they looked pretty darn good.


Pink & Her Kids on the Cover of People Just Made Our Week

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When it comes to being a badass, Pink need not try. She's a literal pop star, a champion of body positivity and a mom to two rad children. It's no wonder, then, that People magazine would want to extract some of her life wisdom in its latest "Beautiful Issue."

The cover, released on Wednesday, features a smiling Pink (née Alecia Moore) with her kids, Jameson Moon and Willow Sage.

More: Pink's Daughter Steals the Show in "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken"

Pink Stars On People Cover

Pink Stars On People Cover

Sure, the cover teases the usual celebrity drama (most notably Khloé Kardashian's potential relationship fallout with alleged cheater Tristan Thompson), but there, right in the spotlight, is actually a happy family and a mom who wants to raise her children to be strong. And if you can believe it, things get even better when you read what's inside.

Pink, who's never been shy about raising her kids to be independent and fierce like her, shared with the magazine that she and her husband, Carey Hart, are more determined than ever to create a loving home environment.

"I believe in affection," she said. "I believe in needs being met and faith being implemented, and I believe in letting your kids know that they can count on you and that you'll be there... I always tell Willow, 'I'm going to teach you the rules so that you'll know how and when to break them.'"

More: Pink's Post-Breast-Pumping Plans Are So Relatable — & Totally Safe, BTW

She added that when she was growing up, her parents were more detached than she is as a parent — and ran a more "free-range" household. While Pink said she "worked out okay," she's also determined to always be there for her kids and make sure they feel safe — especially in today's uncertain political climate.

"I have so many worries and fears as a parent. I'm such a worrier," she said. "They're going to be fine. They chose this family. They know what they're doing. But the world, I don't know if the world's going to be fine, and so I pray a lot. I cry a lot. I talk to them a lot. I hope a lot. I curse a lot."

Welcome to the club.

Though it's easy to feel discouraged when the current administration is undercutting civil rights, Pink and Hart are teaching their children that it's OK to explore their gender identities. In their household, she said, labels need not apply.

"I don't like labels at all so I believe that a woman and a girl can do anything... And I believe that a boy can do anything. So, I have boys that flip dirt bikes and I have boy friends that wear dresses," she said. "It's all okay to me. It's whatever floats your boat. So, that's the kind of house that we live in."

More: Pink's Daughter Willow Sage Hart Is a Budding Makeup Artist

She also encourages creativity. Over the past couple of months, Pink has shared some of Willow's beauty works, including all-over face paint with plenty of sparkles and a snazzy new haircut for dad.

Willow Hart makeup tutorial

Willow Hart makeup tutorial

Hey, Pink, mind adopting us too?

Kelly Clarkson Continues to Dominate TV With a New Hosting Role

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If you've been loving every second of Kelly Clarkson's refreshingly real (and hilarious) time as a guest judge on The Voice, then you'll be delighted to know you can see even more of her on your TV screens when she hosts the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. On Wednesday, April 18, Billboard magazine made the announcement about Clarkson's new hosting gig, and we're already so excited just thinking about it.

More: 12 Things You Never Knew About Kelly Clarkson

When you think about it, Clarkson hosting the Billboard Music Awards makes for a perfect fit. She has already proven her TV appeal with her so-far successful first year as a judge on NBC's reality singing competition alongside veterans Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Alicia Keys. And as far as the Billboard music charts are concerned, it's safe to say she knows a thing or two or 37, as in she's racked up 27 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and 10 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This includes a slew of top 10s and a few No. 1 hits. Not to mention, Clarkson received the Powerhouse prize at the Billboard Women in Music Awards in November 2017, which means that her positive relationship to all things Billboard is basically set in stone; of course she was chosen for this honor.

Kelly Clarkson Billboard 1

Kelly Clarkson Billboard 1

Clarkson hinted at what to expect in her statement about the hosting gig. She joked, "To prepare for hosting the Billboard Music Awards, I already have 20 costume changes planned. I will be flying in like my girl Pink, and calling Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman for jokes. Well, or I’m just gonna show up and celebrate my favorite artists and get to know a few more. Yeah, maybe I’ll go with that plan."

More: Blake Shelton & Kelly Clarkson Rosé All Day

Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment's Alternative and Reality Group, also touched on Clarkson's unique qualifications, pointing out, "[She] has long been a Billboard chart phenomenon and has a firsthand understanding of what matters most in music today. Her enthusiasm for all genres of music and her innate sense of humor will make for a truly memorable night." Can we get an amen?

More: Kelly Clarkson Has Strong Words About Her Weight & Mental Health

There's no doubt Clarkson will bring her fun charisma to the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. You know what? On second thought, can we just have Clarkson host all the shows? 'Cause that would be super.

What Beauty Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Psoriasis

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Anyone with psoriasis knows that stress and diet can trigger an outbreak. But what you might not know is that certain ingredients found in skin care products or cosmetics can make the situation worse.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune response characterized by patches of red, scaly, itchy skin — and according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a full 3 percent of the population is estimated to have it. If you’re one of the 3 percent, what can you do to avoid breakouts? Besides avoiding stress and dietary triggers, consider ditching — or at least using with caution — the four skin care ingredients below.

Salicylic acid

People have different reactions to different chemicals, and that's true even when you have psoriasis. Some psoriasis sufferers have reported that salicylic acid has helped their skin, which is not surprising when you consider that it’s a chemical exfoliant. However, acids can also irritate sensitive skin, so it's crucial to patch-test salicylic acid before adding it to your beauty regimen.

Sulfates

Commonly found in soaps, toothpaste and shampoo, sulfates are the chemical component that causes products to foam up when activated in your hands. Listed in ingredients as “sodium laurel sulfate” and “sodium laureth sulfate,” sulfates have been known to irritate the scalp along with other parts of the body when directly applied. This can be particularly painful for people with psoriasis outbreaks on their scalp, so seek out shampoos and body washes that say “sulfate-free” on the package.

Alcohol

Still a popular ingredient in toners, face masks and moisturizers, alcohol can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. If you have psoriasis, avoid isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol, since both tend to be drying and irritating. Other alcohols, such as cetearyl alcohol, are nondrying and can be beneficial. Avoiding drying components — and using nonirritating moisturizers — is your best line of defense.

Essential oils

While some oils may soothe the skin, others may irritate it. Psoriasis sufferers have long sung the praises of tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help cool angry outbreaks; however, undiluted essential oils have been known to dry out skin and cause burning and redness. Always dilute what you're using with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin, and do a patch test before applying essential oils broadly.

This is a sponsored post.

Ellen Pompeo's Comments About the Grey's Anatomy Finale Make Us Feel Uneasy

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Welp, there goes any hope of a happy ending on the Season 14 finale of Grey's Anatomy. During a casual Tuesday Q&A with her fans on Twitter, Ellen Pompeo hinted that emotional torture is forthcoming for the season finale. While this is something Grey's fans are used to, it doesn't make what little info Pompeo gave about the season finale any easier to digest. To be a tried-and-true fan of Grey's Anatomy means you have to be willing to assume a weekly risk of ending up quietly sobbing over a glass bottle of rosé at the end of an episode. Per Pompeo, it certainly sounds like the upcoming season finale is headed in that direction.

More: 10 Struggles Every Grey's Fan Knows to Be Real

Precisely one month ahead of Season 14's final episode on May 17, a fan asked Pompeo to describe the finale in three words. Channeling her on-screen alter-ego's dark and twisty personality, the actor ominously tweeted, "I can do it in 2: not easy."

Grey's Anatomy finale 1

Grey's Anatomy finale 1

This can't be good.

Fans were already anticipating a sad finale — it will be the last episode for series regulars Sarah Drew and Jessica Capshaw, who play April and Arizona respectively. While we were all holding out hope for a finale that might spare both characters, Pompeo's words suggest at least one of these beloved doctors is about to go the way of George, Sloan, Lexie, Derek... you get the picture.

Is it possible Pompeo is simply alluding to how hard it is saying goodbye to two of her longtime costars? Sure. However, this recent tweet receives added context when you consider the comments Pompeo made about the finale a week ago.

More: This Is How Grey's Anatomy Affects Our View of Medical Care

When a fan asked how the final Season 14 table read went, Pompeo revealed it was "classic Grey's... devastating with a side of absurdity."

Grey's Anatomy finale 2

Grey's Anatomy finale 2

To be clear, "devastating" is never a word you want to hear going into a Grey's season finale — and the three broken-heart emoji Pompeo added don't exactly inspire confidence either. Further proof fans should prepare for waterworks is the Twitter exchange shared by Drew and Capshaw on April 16.

In response to Capshaw calling herself a "nostalgic fool" heading into her last week at Grey Sloan, Drew gushed, "Oh lady... me too. ME TOO! It's gonna be an interesting week. I'm glad we get to do this week together, sister!!"

Grey's Anatomy finale 3

Grey's Anatomy finale 3

More: Sandra Oh Credits Grey's Anatomy for Her TV Comeback

If you're already crying just reading about the finale (which, same), it's probably a solid idea to start stockpiling boxes now — of both Kleenex and wine.

Claire Danes & Husband Hugh Dancy Are Expecting Baby No. 2

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Queen of the ugly cry Angela Chase — I mean Claire Danes — and her husband, Hugh Dancy, have some exciting news: They're expecting their second child.

Danes broke the news on Wednesday on The Howard Stern Show in the middle of discussing one of the her show Homeland's recent sex scenes.

"I am pregnant," she said after admitting that shooting sex scenes is uncomfortable (though probably not as awkward as having to talk about them with the world's raunchiest shock-jock. "I'm seriously preggo... I'm deep into my second trimester."

More: Celeb Mom Style: Claire Danes

The little one will be the second child Danes and Dancy welcome into their family. Their 5-year-old son, Cyrus, was born in 2012. Will he be getting a little brother or a sister? Danes said she's not planning to spill that info anytime soon.

"I'm going to keep that to myself," she told Stern.

Claire Danes announces pregnancy

Claire Danes announces pregnancy

It's understandable she'd want to keep it under wraps, especially after everything Kylie Jenner went through during her "secret" pregnancy (i.e., people nitpicking every photo while also speculating about who's the "real" father — talk about exhausting). Celebrities may sign up for a life in the spotlight, but they should still be able to enjoy their pregnancy journeys on their own terms. Besides, no one wants to deal with morning sickness and the paparazzi at once — lest they wish to hurl on camera for millions to mock. That'd be a hard pass from us.

More: Claire Danes: We Need to Stop Romanticizing Motherhood

Though Danes said she's "been wanting another kid for a while," she's not about to start romanticizing motherhood. In a 2014 interview with Harper's Bazaar U.K., she admitted that mom life was far less glamorous than the headlines make it out to seem.

"Being a mum is incredibly challenging, but we still feel a pressure to talk about it in very romantic terms. And it's not just that," she said. "We all have that resentment at times and anxiety about being trapped by the role, that responsibility. And then chemically it can run riot. And there's no 'off' button. That was the hardest adjustment. You always feel beholden to somebody. And for so long [kids are] like koala bears; you just feel a physical responsibility to be there for them to cling to. It's pretty primal."

Bring on koala No, 2, Claire. We can't wait.

Don't Love Being on Top? These Tips Will Change Your Mind

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There’s really no right or wrong way to ride a penis, vagina or strap-on — it pretty much comes down to what feels good for you. First of all, forget everything you’ve seen in porn. It doesn’t have to be that complicated, and really, there’s no balancing act or pretzel-twisting postures required.

Although some may consider standard-issue missionary-position sex not so exciting, it’s a go-to for a reason. If you’re on bottom, you basically have the option of doing nothing while the person on top bumps, writhes and grinds.

Personally, as a vulva-owning person, being on top is one of my favorite ways to reach orgasm with a penis or strap-on. When I straddle a partner, it allows me to control the depth, speed and rhythm of penetration as well as play with my clitoris. Like many women, I need vaginal penetration and clitoral stimulation to come.

MoreWhy the Pleasure Gap Is a Gender-Equality Issue

Although you may be in the take-charge position on top, be sure to ask your partner for input too. Simple cues like, “Do you prefer it when I do this or that?” can elevate an already sexy experience.

When you’re engaging in sex where one party is on top of the other, there are a number of things you can do to help improve the situation and increase the amount of pleasure you’re going to experience during the act of coitus. We got some sex experts to share seven favorite tips to make the most of being on top.

Keep an eye on pressure & weight

If you are on top and your body weight is considerably more than your partner's, be careful not to put all your weight on them, Xanet Pailet, a sex and intimacy coach tells SheKnows. It’s uncomfortable for them and also prevents them from being able to move their body, especially their pelvis. Rather, put your weight on your hands or elbows next to — but not on — your partner’s body.

The butt lift

If you are on top and have strong arms, place your hands under your partner’s butt and lift your partner gently during intercourse, Pailet suggests. This action changes the direction of your partner’s pelvis (best for penis-in-vagina, or PIV, penetration) and allows for deeper penetration and more sensation toward the cervix, which could lead to more intense orgasms for the woman. This also works really well in the tantric yab yum position, where you are both sitting up facing each other with typically the woman’s legs over her partner’s legs.

Easy erogenous zone access

Being on top makes it easy to access so many of your other sensitive erogenous zones, including the nipples and clitoris, and when combined with the pleasurable sensation of penis-in-vagina sex, this position can enhance your pleasure (and your orgasm) tenfold, Anne Hodder, a multi-certified sex educator tells SheKnows. For approximately three-quarters of people with vulvas, clitoral stimulation is necessary in order to reach orgasm during PIV sex, so this position can often help facilitate orgasm in ways that might be difficult in other positions.

More: The Problem With the "Best Sex Position for Female Orgasm" Articles

Ride 'em, cowboy (or girl)

Another fun top position is the cowboy (person with the vulva sitting straight up over a partner with a penis) and the reverse cowboy (vulva-owner sitting with their butt and back to their partner’s face), Pailet explains. Many people with vaginas love these positions because they have more control over the speed and depth of thrusting and can also stimulate their clitoris at the same time. In this position, some people can also maneuver the direction of their partner’s penis to be able to have a G-spot orgasm.

Playing with toys

Knowing how accessible your clitoris will be, feel free to give your or your partner’s hand a break and try using a sex toy to help enhance the sensation, Hodder suggests. Smaller clitoral vibes are great for this; they don’t take up much space and the good ones tend to be quiet and easy to hold. Try getting on top and letting your partner hold the vibe, letting them massage and stimulate you while you focus on getting your balance and rhythm down. It’s a super-fun way to incorporate teamwork into situation.

One of the best things about missionary sex is that it’s super-simple to do. You can kiss and stare into your partner’s eyes, plus there’s tons of skin-to-skin contact. So, climb on top, rock your hips and back and forth and enjoy the ride!

The Queen Is Mourning the Loss of a Dear Companion

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There's some sad news out of the royal camp today. Queen Elizabeth's beloved last corgi, Willow, has died. The dog, who was 14 at the time of its death, was the final descendant of the queen's first corgi, Susan — a gift the then-young princess received on her 18th birthday. Now nearly 92, the monarch has been "hit hard" by this latest loss according to People.

Willow's last day was Sunday, which ended with the dog being put down at Windsor Castle at the recommendation of the royal family veterinarian. The senior pup had apparently been suffering from a cancer-related illness for some time, and the queen reportedly wanted to show her mercy. Willow has been buried on the castle grounds — presumably near the queen's penultimate corgi, Holly, whose death at the age of 13 occurred only 18 months ago.

The Queen's Corgi 1

The Queen's Corgi 1

More: Queen Elizabeth's Daily Menu Is Actually Pretty Amazing

Losing a pet is never easy, and Queen Elizabeth is reportedly having a particularly difficult time adjusting to this particular loss. "She has mourned every one of her corgis over the years, but she has been more upset about Willow's death than any of them," a Buckingham Palace source told the Daily Mail. "It is probably because Willow was the last link to her parents and a pastime that goes back to her own childhood. It really does feel like the end of an era." And it truly is. Willow was the 14th generation to be descended from Susan.

But it all started in 1933, when the queen's father, King George VI, brought home a corgi named Dookie. So, for 80 years, many of this jovial breed served as some of Queen Elizabeth's most faithful companions. Due to such mutual devotion, the short-legged pups have become synonymous with the royal family.

More: 17 Things That Will Happen When Queen Elizabeth Dies

In 2015, after owning around 30 corgis in her lifetime, the queen announced her decision to stop breeding the dogs. At the time, the last two remaining corgis were Holly and Willow. In a conversation with close adviser Monty Roberts, the queen expressed, "[S]he didn't want to leave any young dog behind." Rather, she wanted to "put an end" to the breeding while she still had the capacity to care for her remaining dogs.

The Queen's Corgi 2

The Queen's Corgi 2

Willow's death won't leave the queen entirely without canine companionship, though. She still has two corgi-dachshund crosses (or "dorgis") named Vulcan and Candy to carry the torch.


Secondary Fertility is Real, & It Happened to Me

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You've likely heard about secondary infertility — when difficulties conceiving arise even though you've had no problem getting pregnant in the past. But what about when the opposite happens? Is "secondary fertility" even real?

You may have heard stories about it: The woman who took five years to get pregnant, and then had five kids in a row. The couple who built a family with IVF only to get miraculously knocked up when the last kid went off to college. The friend of a friend who had a kid with donor eggs and then popped out her own genetic offspring a mere 10 months later.

By the time I began in-vitro fertilization myself, I’d heard enough “surprise pregnancy” stories to last a lifetime. They’re the bane of the infertile woman’s existence, usually followed up with, “See? It’ll happen as soon as you stop trying.” 

But it didn’t happen when I stopped trying. It didn’t happen when I got an ovulation predictor kit, had my tubes examined, took Clomid or tried intrauterine insemination. It did happen, however, when I did IVF.

More: The Real Cost of Fertility Treatments & Adoption

As I stuck myself with needles and watched my belly grow, I let go of the shame that had dogged me through years of trying and failing to get pregnant “naturally” — years of timed intercourse and unspectacular sex, yoga and acupuncture, therapy and weird herbs. Doctors recommend trying on your own for 12 months before seeking medical treatment (six if you’re over 35). But I tried for three years, refusing to accept that my body just couldn’t do what came easily to so many others.

IVF changed that. I accepted that fertility, like gymnastics, was not my body’s strong suit. I began speaking openly about my struggles, determined to help others overcome the shame that kept me from seeking medical treatment for so long.

“He was an IVF baby,” I’d say proudly to anyone who would listen, pointing to my beautiful, healthy son. And although IVF is invasive and expensive, I knew I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I already had plans to use one of the remaining embryos from our first cycle to expand our family.

My period returned when my son was a year old, and I busted out my old ovulation predictor kit to help track my cycles. When I saw the little winking egg, I figured, "Why the hell not?" and dragged my husband into the bedroom. I remember joking immediately afterward how that would have done the trick for sure — if, that is, I could get pregnant the old-fashioned way. Which I couldn't. Right?

Exactly 10 days later, I started feeling nauseated. I told myself it was probably just too much caffeine, but it didn’t feel like too much caffeine. It felt like being pregnant. The next morning, vowing not to get my hopes up, I took a home pregnancy test.

For the first time in my life, the pregnancy test came up positive.

More: Your Practical Guide to Immaculate Conception

I spent the next few weeks freaking out. I’d taken dozens, maybe hundreds, of home pregnancy tests, and I’d never seen that second line before. Not even a faint one. Not even once.

But the line was real, and so was the baby growing inside me. I was over the moon — but also confused. How, after years of infertility, had I managed to get pregnant without a doctor… and on my very first try?

I’d heard that pregnancy and childbirth can “reset” your fertility. That sounded a little woo-woo to me, but a few studies support it. In one from the French national medical research institute, INSERM, 17 percent of couples who had successfully given birth with IVF later had another child without medical assistance. In Dublin, a similar study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility put the success rate at 20.7 percent, while a smaller Australian study by Monash University, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, placed it at a whopping 33 percent.

Across the board, these studies found that couples diagnosed with either endometriosis or unexplained infertility (like mine) were more likely to conceive without assistance the second time around than those with a specific diagnosis, such as blocked tubes or low sperm count. Some doctors theorize that pregnancy may increase blood flow to the uterus, alter hormone levels or cause changes in anatomy — effectively resetting things.

Another study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that, particularly for women in their 30s, the very act of giving birth could make you more likely to get pregnant a second time. After tracking 4,801 women over 15 years, it found the likelihood of conceiving quickly was greater for women in their 30s who had given birth than for those who had never had a child. An analysis of the study published in Expecting Science noted that a 40-year-old woman who had previously given birth was more likely to have a baby within 12 to 60 months than a 36-year-old woman who had never experienced childbirth.

So, maybe my first pregnancy reset things, either by shifting my anatomy to give my husband’s sperm a straight shot or by working on a more microscopic level, creating undetectable hormone changes that turned my body into a baby-making machine.

Or maybe it wasn’t pregnancy and childbirth that changed my body, but parenthood.

Before I got pregnant, I lived like a typical busy New Yorker: a little too much work, a little too much booze, a little too much takeout and not quite enough sleep. After having my son, I was more motivated to take care of myself so I could have more energy for him. I cut way back on freelance projects, went to bed at 10 p.m. each night and maintained a healthy fitness and nutrition routine. I was also (coincidentally?) in the midst of Sober January when I got knocked up. Without really meaning to, I’d implemented the most basic lifestyle changes recommended to increase fertility. Could it really be that simple?

More: Choosing IVF Helped Me Come to Terms With Aging

In the end, I suppose I’ll never know. Some people say IVF children are “miracle babies,” but my son wasn’t a miracle: He was conceived thanks to proven techniques in medicine and science backed by years of research.

But I’ll never know how or why this second spontaneous pregnancy happened. The research is scant, and there’s still so much about fertility and the female body that we just don’t understand. This pregnancy, to me, is the miracle. And even without any answers, I'm welcoming it.

Jenna Fischer Posts About Upsetting Visit to DePauw University

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Jenna Fischer, an alum of The Office and current star of ABC's Splitting Up together, is taking a stand with the students of DePauw University against hatred and bigotry. Fischer made the announcement on her Instagram account on Wednesday in an upsetting but ultimately moving description of what unfolded from her point of view.

More: How Jenna Fischer & John Krasinski Reacted to The Office Reboot News

What should have been a fairly standard Q&A visit and book signing (Fischer was also going to talk about her book, The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide) with the DePauw theater students became an instructive moment for the actor. In her Instagram post, she writes: "Just before taking the stage that evening, the University's representatives said that there could be some demonstrations at the event. They then informed me of some recent incidents on campus, which included racial, homophobic, and anti-Semitic slurs and hostilities. Needless to say, I was shocked and upset to hear what was happening on their campus."

Jenna Fischer DePauw Visit Instagram

Jenna Fischer DePauw Visit Instagram

Fischer continued, explaining that at one point the student protesters interrupted her and began speaking. "The student protesters spoke about their experiences and about the hate they have been encountering," she recalls. "I could feel the pain, sadness, and fear coming from these students. No student should feel at risk, or have to suffer the kinds of bigotry and hate these students have encountered."

Deadline did some additional reporting on what happened at Fischer's DePauw event, finding a tweet that explains, from an attendee's point of view, what happened on Tuesday evening. One Twitter user, Shannon Samson, posted a video showing student protesters holding signs and walking up the aisles. "Tense protest at @jennafischer book-signing lecture and event at @DePauwU over racial incidents on campus," Samson wrote as the caption to the video.

Shannon Samson DePauw Tweet

Shannon Samson DePauw Tweet

Samson's video implies that the student protesters were not attempting to maliciously override Fischer's event or that they had any negative feelings about Fischer specifically. Instead, from what can be gleaned from the actor's statement and this video, these student protesters wanted to use the event as a means to spread their own denouncement of what was happening at their school. Deadline further reports this student protest began about 15 minutes into the event and lasted about 10 minutes.

More: Jenna Fischer Has a Lot to Say About John Krasinski in Her New Book

According to local news outlet WTHR, about 200 African-American students stood up during the event and began talking, as we can see in the video posted above. These students were protesting against racially-charged, bigoted messages that reportedly targeted black students that were written on campus property recently. We'll link out to a tweet (see it here) that describes the specific messages that were written and provides further evidence of why these students were upset.

Fischer's response to what happened on Tuesday night was also included in her Instagram statement. She states: "In light of last night's events, using the full amount I was paid by the University, I will be making equal donations to the NAACP, The Anti-Defamation League, and the Trevor Project in the name of the students of DePauw University. My hope is for all people to be respected, accepted, and loved for their individuality and uniqueness. And, above all, to be safe."

More: The Office's Jenna Fischer Made a Big & Appropriate Apology

Fischer's choice of organizations to donate to isn't accidental, either, but very much tied to the events of Tuesday night. The NAACP promotes racial and social equality and is dedicated to causes and concerns specifically affecting African-Americans. The Anti-Defamation League is an organization that fights anti-Semitic speech and groups who give rise to anti-Semitic behavior. Finally, the Trevor Project is an organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth, giving them a lifeline and providing both crisis intervention and suicide prevention through a range of services.

In summation, Fischer's philanthropic promise carries enormous weight and is a wonderful gesture of solidarity. Here's to hoping her message and donation helps in some way.

Here Are Some Theories About the 2 New Actors Joining Stranger Things Season 3

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Stranger Things is about to get some very interesting new faces for Season 3. On Wednesday, Variety announced that two famed character actors, Cary Elwes and Jake Busey, would be heading to Hawkins, Indiana to join forces with the rest of the Stranger Things cast. Interestingly, we've already learned some key details about their respective characters and that means we can start making educated guesses about what kind of plots these fellas will be involved in. Let the speculating begin!

More: The Stranger Things Kids Can All Probably Retire After Season 3

Elwes is most recognizable as Wesley from the hit 1987 romantic drama The Princess Bride. Stranger Things has a history of casting beloved '80s stars like Sean Astin and Winona Ryder to partake in their '80s-set TV show (a bit of meta-like casting never hurts, right?), so putting Elwes into the lineup feels pretty par for the course. According to Variety, Elwes will be playing Mayor Kline. Variety quotes the Netflix promotional materials, describing Kline as "'handsome, slick, and sleazy' [...] 'Your classic ’80s politician — more concerned with his own image than with the people of the small town he governs.'" Gosh, sounds like a real charmer, huh?

Stranger Things Dustin Smile GIF

Busey may be a little less familiar to viewers, but his biggest roles to date have been in films like Starship Troopers, Contact and The Frighteners. These were '90s films with extraterrestrial or supernatural aspects to their plots, so it also lines up kinda perfectly with the spooky vibe of Stranger Things. When it comes to getting to know Busey's character, Bruce, Variety once again quotes the promotional materials here, noting that this character, a local reporter for The Hawkins Post, is a guy "'with questionable morals and a sick sense of humor."

More: This Stranger Things Star Finally Agreed to Officiate a Fan's Wedding

While fans have been slow to work up their own theories about how Kline and Bruce could fit into the tapestry of Season 3, we have some serious thoughts about it. First off, expect to hear Elwes quote one of his most famous lines from The Princess Bride ("As you wish") at least once or twice in Season 3. But it's also very easy to envision an arc on the show where Kline is somehow involved with the strange projects that have gone on at Hawkins Lab. Think about it: if the lab has operated within the town limits for years and has had access to all sorts of freaky things, either the mayor of Hawkins is blissfully ignorant or he's involved in some way — we'll go with the latter, considering the way he's been described. What we're wondering is: if he is involved, what's in it for him? What does he know about what's going on?

Stranger Things It's Weird GIF

As for good ol' Bruce, you can probably guess that he's going to get a hot tip about events that happened in Season 2. That means he could start investigating Eleven's powers, what went down at Hawkins lab or maybe, just maybe, he gets a lead that takes him into the Upside Down. No matter which way you slice it, a nosey, brash journalist like Bruce always spell trouble when a ton of characters have secrets to hide which is totally the case with literally every single Stranger Things character. Expect Bruce to appear out of nowhere and start asking bothersome questions at the most inopportune times.

More: Did This Stranger Things Couple Just Tease Big News About Season 3?

Elwes and Busey aren't the only new actors to join Stranger Things in Season 3. On March 2, Variety announced that Maya Thurman-Hawke (daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke) would be joining the cast as a series regular, playing an "'alternative girl'" who is seeking adventure and hoping to get away from the confines of her day job in Hawkins.

Stranger Things Are You In GIF

Image: Giphy

Something tells us there's plenty of adventure to be had and it's only going to get more adventurous in Season 3. The only question left to ask is: Are you going to be watching when the new season drops?

Is It Possible to Become a Less Sensitive Person?

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Maybe you’ve just come home from the fifth bad first date in a row. Or maybe the annual review you'd hoped to use to ask for a raise turns into your boss launching a surprise vent session because, apparently, you were supposed to read her mind (didn’t you know?). Perhaps you’ve opened your inbox this morning to find yet another rejection for your novel or for that certificate program or another message from your mother oh-so-sunnily informing you about a former frenemy from high school-turned-high-powered attorney and recent newlywed who is now pregnant (“And she wasn’t even trying!”).

When life has given you not just lemons — but, like, a set of lemons that got banged up and bruised under the gallon of milk in your grocery cart — how could you possibly make a lemonade that doesn’t taste like toxic sludge? How do you keep moving forward toward dreams and goals that seem increasingly insurmountable? And is there any way to become less sensitive to these setbacks?

More: Laughing Actually Has Some Health Benefits — No Joke

So much of our culture values stoic models of resistance and resilience — we’re surrounded by magazine covers with edicts about being the “boss bitch” or the #GirlBoss who never cries or cracks at work, breast cancer awareness programs that tell us to “fight like a girl” or images of superheroines who can simply dust themselves off after being punched out of skyscrapers. Sensitivity is conflated with weakness. Yet the path to true, sustainable resilience isn’t always about being an iron-hearted warrior.

For Dr. Mark Benander, the director of graduate psychology at Bay Path University, weathering adversity mean treating ourselves as our own ports in the storm. He describes “ego strength” as “a solid and pervasive sense of who [you are] in the world and the degree to which [you are] a worthwhile person.”

The answer, he tells SheKnows, isn’t “learning to be 'tougher' or learning how to be less sensitive, [it’s] increasing the parts of ourselves that we call ego strength, self-confidence and self-esteem.” We can boost ego strength through meditation and mindfulness activities that rewire our mindset to be more positive and self-forgiving. As Benander explains it, “If I practice a mindfulness meditation that includes statements such as, ‘I am a worthwhile person in the world, and I will not let this bullying situation define who I am,’ then this kind of thinking will become the resilience I am seeking.”

Roberta Taylor, a registered nurse and transition coach for divorced and widowed women, shares Benander’s view that we should question our view of what internal fortitude really looks like. “‘Toughening up’ implies [wearing] armor. Rather, becoming aware of how you react or respond to life events can help build resilience,” she tells SheKnows.

Knowing yourself and understanding how past issues and traumas can impact your understanding of the here and now can help you contextualize your reactions and better understand the situation as it really is — your boss probably doesn’t really hate you, but when she gets overworked, she gets snappy and sarcastic, which reminds you of how your father belittled you when you were small. You can’t manage how your boss responds to stress or change the fact that your father was a jerk — but you can understand that neither of these truths have any bearing on your self-worth or should stop you from achieving all that you want to.

“Resilience is being able to navigate the ups and downs of life, responding to adversity and disappointment through building inner strength and perspective,” Taylor explains. She advises anyone who is trying to build that inner strength and perspective to acknowledge three core truths: “Know that bad things happen to good people. Be aware of your patterns and know your sensitivities. Change your perspective — ask yourself, ‘What can I learn from this and how can I positively affect the outcome?’”

But saying you want to build inner strength and picking up those emotional free weights are two different matters. Scott Dehorty, a licensed clinical social work and executive director at Maryland House Detox with Delphi Behavioral Health, tells SheKnows that cultivating a solid sounding board of trusted friends and loved ones can help you keep your reactions in perspective. “It is essential to take control of your well-being and to not allow others or the world to manage it for you,” he says.

MoreThe Science of Thought: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Health

Dehorty also encourages you to look at resiliency as a process and not an endgame in and of itself — to focus on yourself and make the decision you will be allowed to define who you are or how you feel.

"Negativity from others or negative self-talk does not have to be taken in and absorbed. You can allow it to roll off and stay focused on what is important,” he says.

Learning to embrace your own strength and personal power won’t make your boss nicer or the publishing world or the academic review board appreciate your genius; it won’t send Prince Charming to your door with a dozen roses. But it will give you the wisdom and the inner resources to take that lemon from the bottom of your grocery cart and turn it into something sweet, or at least quenching.

The Difference Between a Dark Spot & a Sun Spot

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I’ve had freckles and moles for as long as I can remember. But within the first few years of my early 20s, I noticed they began to increase. I didn’t think much of it until my even complexion started to change too. Well, after visiting an aesthetician with the hope of clearing up my skin, it was revealed to me that both sun spots and dark spots had prime real estate on my skin.

If you’re in the same boat I once was and have no idea what either of those things is or whether they’re bad or good, we consulted with a skin care expert for the facts. Ahead, he provides clear-cut definitions, the differences between them and how to treat each.

More: Skin Care Ingredients That Play Nice With Each Other

Sun spots

For starters, beach bums aren’t the only ones who get them. In the simplest terms, “a sun spot is a spot or discoloration due to the sun,” says Dr. Stanley Kovak, a cosmetic physician at Kovak Cosmetic Center. “When the skin is exposed to excessive sun, it responds by creating an excess in melanin, which creates a brown area on the skin.”

Sun spots vs dark spots 1

Sun spots vs dark spots 1

Sun spots are typically light in color, very thin, not raised from the skin and can range in size from a very tiny dot to a larger spot the size of a coin.

The obvious way to prevent these from developing is through proper sun protection on a daily basis. If you’re planning a full day in the sun, opt for wearing a hat that will provide adequate shade and bring along a travel-friendly sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.

More: A Skin-Care Expert Describes Every Stage of a Dark Spot

Dark spots

Like a sun spot, a dark spot is a form of discoloration on the face. However, the clear difference between the two is the root cause.

“Dark spots can be a sun spot but can also be caused by other factors,” says Kovak. If the unwanted mark is not a sun spot, it could be due to a birthmark, a mole or a form of hyperpigmentation that has been caused by a breakout or blemish.

While any form of spotting might be visible on women with fairer skin, women of color have a higher chance of retaining a dark spot due to trauma such as inflammation, friction or scratching, all of which can result in a brown discoloration on the skin. For example, if a woman of color had a pesky blemish pop up and it became red or inflamed or she tried to pop the pimple, it is likely it will result in a brown spot once it has healed. This type of dark spot is called acne-caused hyperpigmentation.

While some forms of dark spots can be genetic, acne-induced dark spots and other scars can be treated before healing to lessen the appearance of the scar. Once the inflammation has occurred, apply a topical ointment or medicated cream to not only rid the skin of bacteria but soothe and treat the infected area too.

More: Everything a Beginner Should Know About Chemical Peels

Treatment

No matter which spot you’re trying to treat, it’s best to visit a dermatologist or aesthetician before starting any treatment process. If you prefer a cosmetic procedure, laser treatments can help diminish spots by either breaking up the pigmentation or lightly peeling off the thickened skin and bringing it back to a flat appearance, but these procedures must be done with expert guidance.

“Some people can be treated with laser treatments, but it has to be done carefully,” advised Kovak. “If not done properly, lasers can worsen some brown spots or result in hypopigmentation. Other popular treatments include microdermabrasion, which uses a sanderlike tool to remove the thicker outer layer of the skin, and chemical peels, both of which are pain-free solutions to a brighter and more even skin tone.

Sun spots vs dark spots 2

Sun spots vs dark spots 2

The best (and easiest) over-the-counter solution is sunscreen. Not only will it help prevent future spots, but it will protect against already-existing spots getting worse due to the harmful sun rays.

More: Why Skin-Care Experts Keep Telling You to Exfoliate

When purchasing sun protection, there are two types of SPF: chemical and physical. “A chemical block uses several different chemicals by absorbing into the tissue and changing the effect of the UV ray so it is less damaging to the skin,” shares Kovak. “A physical block will use either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and sit atop the skin to physically block light coming through the skin.” You may find that physical sunscreens have thicker, more opaque formulas, while chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter weight. Kovak suggests a combination of the two, with a layer of the chemical block first topped with a layer of the physical block.

In addition, there are medicated creams and exfoliators that help slough off dead skin and promote cell renewal. Don’t let a spotted complexion get you down. Visit your dermatologist to see which of these solutions would be best for you.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Grey's Anatomy Theories About April & Arizona's Inevitable Exits

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Grey's fans are used to losing beloved characters, but we typically don't find out too far in advance that they'll be leaving. So, naturally, it took a minute to adjust to the announcement that neither April Kepner nor Arizona Robbins will be returning next season. Now that the initial shock has worn off, though, we can't stop wondering how the show will send off not one but two major characters before Season 14 ends.

More: This Is How Grey's Anatomy Affects Our View of Medical Care

If we're really being honest, the fact that April (played by Sarah Drew) is leaving didn't come as a terrible shock. She's been spiraling for a while now. As for Arizona (played by Jessica Capshaw), processing her departure has proven more difficult. She hasn't been struggling lately like April. In fact, she's been enjoying a sexy, exciting new relationship. So, what gives?

More: Why Grey's Anatomy Is My Comfort TV Show

In anticipation of the exits, we did some good, old-fashioned internet scouring for fan theories. Suffice it to say, there are many, although not nearly as many for Arizona as April. For your added benefit, we've ranked them from least to most likely for each character.

Arizona

Arizona on Grey's Anatomy GIF

4. Arizona spirits April away after April realizes she is in love with her best friend.

Listen, we're all for some Aprizona, especially if their love leads to a spin-off. However, this theory just doesn't seem plausible. Even if April had been oblivious, Arizona would have known by now if she were developing feelings for her (straight) friend.

3. Arizona is injured, perhaps mortally, in an accident caused by April.

Well, this would suck. Essentially, the theory goes that April goes on another existential-crisis bender. Arizona, realizing her friend is trashed, tries to drive her home — but drunk April grabs the wheel and causes a terrible accident. April is fine, but something happens to Arizona that results in April having a full-on nervous breakdown. The most speculated scenarios online are that Arizona would lose her other leg or actually be killed.

2. Arizona moves to Italy to continue studying maternal mortality rates with Carina.

This happy theory could totally happen, you guys. Arizona and DeLuca's sultry sister, Carina, have proven to be a stellar team — in the hospital and elsewhere (*wink-wink, nudge-nudge*). They're also deeply devoted to studying maternal mortality rates, which Arizona may not be able to do at Grey Sloan much longer if this whole C-section controversy blows up. In that case, it would be a logical move for Arizona and Carina to take their research back to Carina's native Italy.

1. Arizona quits to spend more time with Sofia.

If we had to put our money on one theory regarding Arizona's exit, this would be it. Her story lately certainly lends itself well to this arc since Sofia is currently living with her. She also seems to be taking more of her peds cases to heart, which could easily inspire her decision to devote more time to her daughter. There's a super-sad way this could go or a super-happy one. In the super-sad one, Arizona has no choice because she gets word that Callie has been killed (*gasp*). In the super-happy one, she gets word that Callie and Penny are dunzo, and she quits her job and flies to New York. Her final scene? Callie opens the door, and the two (plus Sofia!) embrace.

More: Test Your Grey's Anatomy Knowledge

April

Grey's Anatomy April GIF

8. April's ex, Matthew, kills her.

C'mon, guys. Really? Matthew isn't that guy. Right? Right??

7. April rushes in as Maggie and Jackson are about to get married, and she'll object.

There are several problems with this theory. For starters, that would mean Jackson and Maggie — who only just got close enough to get it on — inexplicably wind up planning a wedding by the season finale. And even if they did and April does do exactly to Jackson what he did to her during her wedding to Matthew, it still wouldn't make sense because it wouldn't entail April leaving. Unless Jackson left with her, and Jesse Williams seems to be staying put.

6. April dies by suicide or accidental overdose.

It's easy to see why some fans would have come to this conclusion considering how tragic April's behavior has been lately. However, this is a very sensitive subject to tackle, and it's a stretch to think Grey's will try to tackle it this season. If they do, though, fans suspect Arizona will blame herself, thus explaining her abrupt departure.

5. April dies in an alcohol-related car crash (not at Grey Sloan).

This was much more plausible a few weeks ago when April was partying hard with all her interns every night. But she's had a few hard conversations lately with peers and even patients, and her drinking hasn't been as much of a focus.

4. April leaves Grey Sloan to run a trauma center for the Harper Avery Foundation.

Considering April's ex-mother-in-law, Catherine Avery, hinted at this earlier in the season, we're not ruling it out. Plus, Catherine could act as the one go-between for Jackson and April, eliminating the far-fetched notion that April would abandon her daughter.

3. April reunites with her ex, Matthew, and they live happily ever after.

Matthew has been popping up much more lately due to the fact that his wife died at Grey Sloan giving birth and his newborn daughter, Ruby, has health complications. This theory seemed pretty implausible right after Matthew's wife's death because he seemed to blame April. However, recent episodes suggest he blames Arizona instead. If he opens the door for the two of them to reunite, that could give April a renewed sense of purpose and faith. And since Matthew would still be around as a paramedic, he could always allude to April and/or pick up Harriet from Jackson.

2. April enlists for another tour in Afghanistan.

After the death of April and Jackson's first child, Samuel, going to Afghanistan gave her the time and outlet she needed to heal. This theory predicts that she'll go once more in search of healing — maybe roped in by Teddy? — but she gets killed in action, thus explaining why she never returns.

1. April gets in some sort of horrible accident and dies at Grey Sloan while her friends work on her.

If you really want to go down an emotional rabbit hole, consider the theory proposed by Redditor Tharushi001. April gets into an accident and is rushed to Grey Sloan, where all the doctors from virtually every department are trying to save her. At that moment, Jackson realizes he is still in love with her and begs her to live. But we can see April, in what seems like a dream, walking away from Jackson's voice.

"We hear the faint sound of [a] toy truck on the tile and a child initiating the sound of the truck. April stands before the child, whose face we are unable to see because he's looking down at his toy truck and his curls are covering his face. The child looks up, and we see that he's a little boy around three with green/blue eyes. He offers her another toy truck and asks if she wants to play pretend with him. Back to trauma room: April comes back into consciousness. She whispers (loud enough that Jackson can hear), 'Samuel.'" April then dies, reunited with the child they lost. And Jackson is left to raise Harriet, but Maggie will be by his side.

Heart destruction level: total annihilation.

Ellen Pompeo Greys crying GIF

Sexual Health in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s & Beyond

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No matter how old you are — 21 or 34 or 47 or 55 — you should have a fun and satisfying sex life if you want it. Good partners, good self-knowledge and plenty of sex education throughout your life go a long way. But each decade also has its own challenges and issues that can get in the way of your best sexual self.

What happens in our 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond that define the kind of sex we have during that time? Although every woman’s life experience is unique, there are things most of us can’t avoid, like menopause. I spoke with Dr. Katharine O’Connell White, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine, about some common themes in women’s sexual health as they go from teenager to postmenopausal.

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Teens & 20s: An exciting time for exploration

The years between the onset of puberty and settling as an independent adult in your late 20s are marked by lots of sexual exploration and experimentation. "It's the time when you figure out who you are as a sexual person. It can be exciting, but it needs to be tempered by two concerns: sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy," says White.

Indeed, the highest incidence of STIs is found in this age group, influenced by a sense of invulnerability and lower sensitivity to risk. The CDC recently reported that 2016 was the third year in a row with an increase in STI rates; specifically, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis increased for both men and women in the 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 age groups.

White also notes that it's never too early to learn your boundaries and how to maintain them: "Keep yourself safe and recognize how you should be treated," she advises. "Know what sexual harassment is and remember that it's not OK and not your fault."

More: 6 Things That Happen When You Ditch Hormonal Birth Control

30s: Marked by parenthood

More and more women are having children in their late 20s and early 30s, which means the parenting years can easily extend through to the late 40s. Birth control and controlling pregnancy are major concerns during this period.

"Find a method that you can easily stop once you are ready for pregnancy. You should also think about birth control in-between pregnancies," White says.

When it comes to your sex life, pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing can also have a big influence. "Part of it is exhaustion. When you have a baby, your body is being used by someone else all day long, so it's hard to feel sexual at the end of the day," she explains. She recommends setting aside some time to connect with partners and to remind yourself that you are a sexual being, too.

And of course, just because a person is in their 30s does not mean they need to be a parent. Sex for the purpose of pleasure continues to be important throughout this decade as well — especially as you become surer of yourself and your unique sexual needs.

MoreEverything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Egg Freezing

40s: Not out of the woods yet

Few women keep having children once they hit 40, but pregnancy still remains a risk of sexual activity. "Until you've gone through menopause, you can still get pregnant. That's why once your family is complete, you should consider a long-acting or permanent form of birth control," says White.

The mythical "sexual peak" of the 40s is something some women may look forward to. White explains this is mostly due to children being older and more independent, "so you have more space to be you." But women in their 40s also have to contend with the effects of aging, and this may negatively affect their sex drive. "Accept the signs of aging on your body: stretch marks, C-section scars," she says. "Fighting aging is not conducive to feeling sexually free."

More: 5 Facts About Vaginas You Need to Know Now

50s: Menopause & sex for pleasure

White mentions that once a woman has gone through menopause, her sex drive might increase significantly. "You get to have sex just for pleasure, and adult children leaving the nest means you get more time with your partner."

However, some women go through a period of mourning once they know they cannot have children anymore. For them, it's an emotional time that may make it difficult to engage sexually with their partner.

The CDC has reported a 20 percent increase in STI rates in the 45-plus age group, something aging women should keep in mind as well.

"Although some consequences of STIs, like infertility, are not an issue past menopause, they are still a major concern," says White. Other health conditions like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease may also interfere with sexual activity. "Speaking with your doctor about these conditions is the best way to maintain your overall and sexual health," she advises.

A common complaint of postmenopausal women is vaginal dryness. "Vaginas are 'use it or lose it.' The less you have sex, the more painful it will be," White explains. She recommends engaging in regular sexual activity to stay healthy and pain-free.

More6 Causes of Vaginal Odor — Because No, You're Not Alone

Sex: The story of your body

The course of our sexual lives is marked by major changes in our bodies: puberty, pregnancy, child-rearing and menopause. The key to a healthy sex life across the decades is to understand these changes and how they can influence our sexual health. Knowledge and compassion for yourself and your aging body are the keys to great sex for as long as you want it.

Your sexual health timeline

A version of this article was originally published in January 2018.


Chris Pratt Gives Update on His Relationship With Anna Faris Post-Divorce

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Something tells us newly single Chris Pratt is going to be just fine even though he's currently navigating the choppy waters of divorce. Pratt announced his separation from Anna Faris in July 2017 and later filed for divorce in December 2017, but there seem to be only amicable vibes between the exes, which is arguably the best outcome one can hope for in a situation like this.

More: Anna Faris Views Marriage Differently After Separating From Chris Pratt

While chatting with Entertainment Weekly and promoting his upcoming film, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Pratt spoke briefly about where he was — mentally, emotionally and so forth — when it comes to his divorce. "Divorce sucks," he told EW. "But at the end of the day, [Anna and I have] got a great kid who’s got two parents who love him very much." That's so sweet it's kinda hard not to get weepy.

Chris Pratt Jack Barracuda Instagram

Chris Pratt Jack Barracuda Instagram

He continued, "And we’re finding a way to navigate this while still remaining friends and still being kind to one another. It’s not ideal, but yeah, I think both of us are actually probably doing better."

More: Chris Pratt Takes Son to NBA Game After Filing for Divorce From Anna Faris

Faris has also spoken about where she stands with Pratt. While appearing as a guest on Dax Shepard's podcast, Armchair Expert, in March, Faris echoed Pratt's latest comments. "We had an unbelievable marriage, and we have a great friendship now," she told Shepard at the time. "And we love our son to death, and I'm really proud of that because I'm not sure I did that well the first time [I got divorced]."

More: Chris Pratt & Anna Faris Have Made Their Separation Even More Official

As for Pratt, he seems to be focusing his energy on parenting and his career. He has a big summer ahead, with Fallen Kingdom coming out in June and, before that, Avengers: Infinity War coming out at the end of April. Who has time to dwell on the past when there are so many great things to look forward to? For Pratt, there's no time at all — and that's a good thing.

How to Allergy-Proof Your Child's Bedroom

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While a kid's bedroom is supposed to be a place to play and dream, it can also be a breeding ground for mold, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens that can leave kids sniffling and sneezing. Unsurprisingly, allergic conditions are the most common medical ailment affecting kids in the United States — and many allergists point to bedrooms as a possible cause.

Here are five ways to cut down on the allergy triggers in your child's bedroom and curb the sneezing and sniffling for good.

Switch out the sheets

Dust mites are everywhere, but they particularly love bedrooms — and specifically bedsheets. According to a 2011 study, human beings shed 500 million skin cells per day. These skin cells can accumulate on sheets and pillowcases, attracting dust mites, who feed on them. To stave off dust mites, wash your sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in hot water (130 degrees Fahrenheit).

Invest in a new mattress

Though dust mites are usually the culprit of allergies in beds, some people also report sniffling and sneezing because of materials such as latex or goose down in the mattress or mattress toppers themselves. Check the materials in your mattress, covers and blankets, and consider investing in an organic, hypoallergenic mattress or box spring instead. If that's not possible, you can also encase your mattress and box spring with a vinyl cover to ward off dust mites.

Rid the room of carpet

If your kid has spilled something in their room (and what kid hasn't?), it's likely the carpet has become a breeding ground for mold, which can be a severe chronic allergy trigger in kids. Consider installing carpet with a low pile — or better yet, switch out carpets for linoleum or hardwood, so you can more easily see (and clean) the dust that accumulates.

Use an air filter

Unfortunately, dust mites and mold aren't the only allergens invading your kids' space. Pollen, tobacco smoke and pet dander have also been known to cause chronic allergies. One line of defense against all of these is a HEPA filter, which forces air through a high-efficiency particulate filter that traps allergens and cleans the surrounding air. Consider buying a standalone air filter or vacuuming weekly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum.

Keep pets (and pests) out

Pets like dogs and cats produce dander, which are dead skin cells that can provoke an allergic reaction in some humans. But even if you don't have a pet, rodents and cockroaches have been known to trigger allergies as well. (Rodents spread dander much like dogs and cats, while cockroaches are allergens themselves.) Be sure to keep household pets out of bedrooms and off beds, and use baits and traps to catch cockroaches if you have them. Cockroach sprays, on the other hand, can possibly make allergies worse.

While it's impossible to remove every allergy from any room, these five things are major steps and will help your child breathe — and sleep — better in their bedroom.

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Why Interning in My Mid-40s Was an Invaluable Career Move

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By Annamarie Houlis

Internships aren't only for college students and recent grads. The fact is that many people of all ages and experience levels take internships or even entry-level positions for myriad reasons. Many of them are changing careers or are simply looking to dabble in something new — something in which they've always been interested.

If one can financially afford it, taking an internship or an entry-level job is not necessarily a bad idea. Here are six women who've done it at different times in their lives and their honest advice to those considering it.

More:  Should I Quit My Job? 7 Things to Consider

1. It could kickstart your career

"I was 26 when I landed my first internship as a UX/UI design intern at a development agency — it was a fantastic learning experience and a great way to get my foot in the door in a very competitive industry," says Rachel Carroll, the senior head of user experience at StudySoup. "Being an intern can be very challenging at any age, particularly so if you choose to intern later in life. Internships consist of working long and hard hours [and] meeting difficult expectations with little to no pay, and often, many sacrifices must be made. Being able to intern without having to carry a financial burden was a luxury that most do not have later in life, and this can make pursuing an internship exceptionally challenging.

"The internships I pursued, although they were extremely challenging, were the starting point to my career, and I will always be thankful. I would always encourage anyone interested in gaining experience in a new career to intern if they are financially able to do so. I would also encourage it even if it may seem impossible to pursue. Oftentimes, the most challenging part of beginning a new career is the beginning itself."

2. Be aware that it might help hurt you

"I decided to take an internship in human resources at the corporate headquarters for a large international company," says Nikki Larchar, who's certified by the Society for Human Resources Management. "I was 28 years old. The job entailed a lot of entry-level tasks like inputting data, faxing, organizing their large file cabinet, etc. All the things one can imagine an intern would be responsible for.

"Pros: I was able to gain experience at a large firm, where all of my previous experience was at a small-business level. I gained many connections within the organization while I was there for three months. I was provided the opportunity for full-time employment at the end of my internship. I learned how to corporate HR departments function.

"Cons: I didn't gain any tangible skills. They offered me an entry-level position at the company, which I was overqualified for. I was also overqualified for the internship, as I already had years of experience in human resources. Ultimately, they could not match the salary amount that I was previously at with the entry-level position.

"I would both encourage and discourage. I would encourage those that are looking to go into a new field to try out an internship position. It's a great way to get your foot in the door, learn new skills, show the organization how amazing you are and network with people within the industry you are hoping to get into. I would discourage individuals from accepting an internship in a field where they already have experience. Following the internship, during the interview process, I had to remind the interviewers that I had previous experience before the internship. It felt as though I had to keep stating that I had work experience outside of the internship and that I was at a level higher than intern or entry-level. Who knows how many of my applications or résumé submissions never made it to the next round in the recruiting process simply because I had the title 'intern' as my most recent position."

3. Internships provide a lot of value

"I changed careers when I was in my late 40s," says Laura MacLeod, HR expert, consultant and therapist. "I had a relatively successful career as a professional actress, but roles were scarce and I wanted/needed to find something else. I went back to school in New York City to get a master's in social work — the program included unpaid internships for two years. Year one: internship at supported housing/residence for mentally ill. Year two: internship in a high-needs high school. Both experiences were invaluable for a few reasons.

"One, I had no experience in these settings or in the role of social worker/counselor. As an intern, that was fine — clearly the expectation. No pressure to prove myself. Two, learning by doing is the norm. Mistakes will happen and the on-the-job experience shows you the real world right away. Three, networking, professional behavior — these were things I knew I could bring to the internship. They helped me get the most out of the experience. Not being 22 was an asset. I had no problem fitting into the culture and using my people skills to excel and connect."

More: Ready to Turn in Your 2 Weeks Notice? Don't Forget to Do These 5 Things

4. An internship can be the right step forward

"I am 34, and I will be starting an internship in two weeks at a PR firm, and looking at the photos of the other interns, I feel like Robert De Niro — like I will be the Intern Mother," says Jordanna Stephen. "I felt like it was something I owed to myself. While in college, I had a very brief PR intern experience at a very well-known PR firm. But after that, I didn't gain any more experience in my field. I was pretty much self-taught with the exception of the basics I learned in college. I took other jobs, and at the age of 34, I want to reenter the PR world and can't do it without the current know-how.

"My dad always said, 'You have to pay your dues," and when the opportunity presented itself, I just thought, 'If not now, then when?' I start in two weeks and I am nervscited (nervous + excited), but if I want to move forward, I have to take a brief step back. I get hands-on learning experience from experienced 'PoweR women' who are genuinely interested in my development, regardless of age. I get to meet other young women who I would probably never get a chance to connect with.

"Cons include feelings of inadequacy, having to learn or relearn things, taking a dip in salary and being the oldest intern there. [But] I would totally encourage someone to do it. You should always go for your dreams no matter the age. And you never know how your example might encourage someone else to step outside of their comfort zone. There's a quote: 'Great things never came from inside your comfort zone.' And it's true. We could always learn more, and there is nothing shameful really about being an older intern or taking an entry-level position. It just shows determination and drive. And even in failure (as in if you didn't like it or it just didn't work out), there is success because now you know."

5. Internships are new opportunities, & they don't have to be for the long haul

"After shuttering a business I founded and ran for 20 years in Atlanta, it was necessary that I downsize from two houses in Georgia and move to an apartment in Arlington, Virginia, where my husband had started a business," says Patty Lundy, writer and editor. "I was at a loss as to the path I needed to follow to find my 'new life.' I made friends easily and enjoyed most of the networking, but I did not find a good place to land. I picked up the occasional gig developing content for clients' websites or corporate stories, but it was slow going. I needed more.

"Cleaning up my desk one day, I ran across a recruiter's business card, got on the website and nonchalantly entered 'writer' into the 'positions available' search tab. Voilà! [The] recruiter called in 20 minutes. Three days later, I met with the recruiter, was fully vetted in a couple of days, then met with the employer and within a week of my first inquiry was offered and accepted a six-month gig with Navy Federal Credit Union. It was a complete 180 from what I had ever known. I was 60! I had been my own boss for 30 years. The work was way beneath my abilities (writing email and text messaging, brochure copy, and other marketing communications), but it was a wonderful experience.

"I could not see myself transitioning to a full-time job, so when the offer was made to shift to real employee status, I bolted out the door. Happy to be free, but happy to have gone through the experience. Pros were meeting so many interesting people (some interesting in a wonderful way, some interesting in an awful way!), experiencing firsthand how large organizations with lots of 'teams' work together, having a well-defined set of tasks every day and carrying out what was required, being paid every two weeks, making a couple of friends I will have for life and knowing that at the ripe old age of 60, I was still 'employable.'"

"I would encourage anyone to explore options offered. Even if the work is not precisely what the job seeker is capable of and even if the environment isn't a good fit for the long haul, people should always be open to new experiences. One never knows what might result from being exposed to opportunities that arise in unusual places. That said, however, there is the 'lost opportunity cost' that one must consider while they're engaged in something that's beneath their abilities. 'What else could I and should I be doing with my time to deliver me to some place more suited to my abilities?' is a common refrain."

More: How to Write a Resignation Letter (the Right Way)

6. An internship could lead to something greater

"After 16 years in the Air Force (eight years on active duty and eight years in the Air Force Reserves) and even with a master's degree, I had a hard time finding a full-time job when my husband and I moved to Georgia," says Carol Gee, an author in Atlanta. "While I had held adjunct faculty positions at a couple colleges and several temp positions, interviews for full-time positions didn't pan out. One day, a woman at my temp job at a college approached me. [She was the] secretary in the development department (fundraising) at the school; she was leaving to accept an out-of-state job and thought for a number of reasons her boss and I would be a good match. Although overqualified according to HR, my goal was to get my foot in the door and advance. I was 39 years old at the time. And 14 months later, I applied for a higher position (my supervisor had also been promoted and moved to another position) and got it. Six years ago, I retired from the college after close to 22 years there and a number of professional positions. So, yes, I would recommend an internship or entry-level position if your interest or personal goals are met."

Originally published on Fairygodboss.

Is Gordon Ramsay Going Vegan? It’s Not What You Think

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In a move that shocked followers, Gordon Ramsay tweeted earlier this week that he was going to be “giving this vegan thing a try.” Yes, that Gordon Ramsay — the insult-heavy chef whose signature dish is a beef Wellington, aka a steak wrapped in ham and breading, and who once tweeted that he was allergic to vegans. Oh, and let's not forget when he tweeted that PETA stood for “People Eating Tasty Animals” or that time he tried to convince a vegetarian zookeeper to eat a steak. Suffice it to say, the entire world knows this man loves meat.

More: Giada De Laurentiis Opens Up About Her Rocky Relationship With Bobby Flay

But now that same meat-loving chef seems to be suggesting he’s going vegan. He even anticipated your skepticism, saying, “Yes guys you heard that right. Gx” and tweeted a photo of an apparently vegan pizza.

gordon ramsey tweet vegan

gordon ramsey tweet vegan

Admittedly, Ramsay has expressed his shock at animal treatment in the past. Would he be the first well-known name to try veganism? No. Beyoncé and Jay-Z dabble, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth made the change, and Ariana Grande has been a vegan for a few years too.

More: Prince William Reveals the One Fast-Food Chain He Loves

But that’s not the end of the story for Ramsay. It turns out the vegan comment probably wasn’t about his lifestyle and was instead about adding a vegan pizza option to the menu at his new restaurant, Street Pizza.

gordon ramsey restaurant

gordon ramsey restaurant

Sheesh, Gordon. On the one hand, the fake-out tweet generated a lot of buzz, so good marketing play. On the other hand, are the vegans going to take being used for a marketing tool lightly? Probably not.

More: Vegans Now Have a Burger Option at Shake Shack

But hey, at least vegans aren't the only ones Ramsay is trolling. He also tweeted this burn of his daughter, Matilda:

ramsay daughter

ramsay daughter

Oof. Better luck next time, Matilda.

Katie Holmes Celebrates Suri's (12th?!) Birthday With Rare Photo

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Katie Holmes is notoriously private about her personal life, but even she can't help posting the occasional proud-mom photo of her only child, Suri — like her shout-out on Wednesday in honor of Suri's 12th (!!) birthday.

Suri 12

Suri 12

Holmes shares Suri with her ex-husband, actor Tom Cruise (yeah, we know, you already knew that). Holmes was granted primary custody of their daughter after divorcing Cruise in 2012, and the mother and daughter have been pretty inseparable since.

More: Katie Holmes Envies Other Moms on Social Media

In the black-and-white Instagram post, Suri is sporting a birthday tiara. Holmes captioned the photo with 12 hearts, one for each year of Suri's life. Celeb moms: They're just as dorky as us.

Previously, on March 8, Holmes posted another beautiful tribute shot on her Instagram account — a throwback with a tiny, adorable Suri wearing bangs.

young Suri

young Suri

In a 2017 interview with Town and Country magazine, Holmes discussed Suri — and her wish to provide stability for her little girl.

"My child is the most important person to me," Holmes said. "And her upbringing is paramount to my work right now. It's very important to me that I'm present and she has a stable, innocent childhood. I feel so blessed to do what I do, but there's nothing in the world better than watching your child succeed."

Holmes admitted that she struggles with the thought of an empty nest. "Every day, kids get a little further away from you. That's a positive thing. They should be becoming more independent, but it's heartbreaking," she admitted. "You want them to stay with you forever, but they're amazing beings, and you have to do everything you can to give them what they need — and then they're going to go. And that's going to be very, very hard for me."

More: Katie Holmes Can't Hide Her Love for Jamie Foxx at Pre-Grammys Party

We admire her honesty about how hard letting go of our kids can be. Now if we could just get her to tell us a little bit about what's going on with Jamie Foxx, we'd be all set.

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