If you came across this article while browsing the internet at work, it may be a sign of your productivity. No, seriously. According to a new study, sneakily scrolling through social media or covertly shopping for a new pair of sandals during work hours may be a sign that you're bored at work, and this is how you respond.

The research, published in Computers in Human Behavior, refers to this at-work web browsing as "cyberloafing" (which to me sounds more like livestreaming someone eating a baguette) and says that it shouldn't have the bad rap it currently does.

"My interest started with the idea of workplace boredom," Dr. Shani Pindek, a psychologist and coauthor of the research, told PsyPost. "The reasons and consequences for this boredom are not well-understood. For example, how bad is it, really, for someone to be bored on their jobs? Are there easy ways to deal with boredom on the job that would negate harmful effects?"

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The researchers surveyed 463 noninstructional university personnel and found that those who reported having a relatively light workload were more likely to indicate that they felt bored at their job and in turn got mentally sluggish during the day, which resulted in more cyberloafing at work.

"Cyberloafing is a rather natural response to workplace boredom and it is different from other (more harmful) forms of counterproductive work behaviours," Pindek told PsyPost. "Cyberloafing happens more when the workload is low and in many cases it may not [be] harmful to the work. Just make sure not to overdo it!"

Of course, it should go without saying that using the internet for personal activities at work could potentially be a threat to your own cybersecurity, and using too much work time on personal recreational internet use will impact your productivity. But a few minutes here and there? It's not really a problem.

Not only that, but Pindek told PsyPost that her team has also done research that has shown that cyberloafing can be an effective form of stress relief in the workplace.

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"Under certain stressful situations, engaging in cyberloafing partially buffered the negative effects of workplace stress,” Pindek added. “This upcoming study shows that cyberloafing is a good way of relieving some work stress.”

So, there you go — if you're reading this during work, you (hopefully) learned something and are less stressed than when you clicked on this article. You're welcome.

One of the U.K.'s most eligible bachelors, who once told The Mirror he feared he would always be “a sad, lonely old man” is getting married. We're sure you guessed by the article's photo already, but yup, it's Hugh Grant!

Although Grant has been off the market for some time now, BBC News revealed on Monday that he's making it official with a possible wedding planned for later this month. According to the outlet, Grant is set to marry his longtime partner Anna Eberstein, whose engagement appeared in wedding banns, an official requirement, especially in some churches, that notification of the intent to marry be announced prior to your wedding. The banns were posted at the Kensington and Chelsea register office near the couple's West London home.

More: Hugh Grant Welcomes Baby No. 5 With Girlfriend Anna Eberstein

This is a big move for Grant, whose previous relationships include a 13-year romance with actor Elizabeth Hurley and a three-year relationship with socialite Jemima Khan. But things have been a little different with now-fiancé Eberstein. They've always kept their relationship very private – even though she's a Swedish TV producer, the couple rarely makes public appearances together, and news of their lives comes mostly from secondary sources.

For example, in March, Hurley — with whom Grant is still good friends — went on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where she revealed that Eberstein recently gave birth to the couple's third child but opted against revealing the sex. Grant and Eberstein welcomed their first two children in 2012 and 2015, and Hurley said that fatherhood has changed Grant. “Having these kids has transformed him from a very miserable person into a fairly miserable person," she said.

Grant has five children in total: three with Eberstein and two with former partner Tinglan Hong. A source told The Sun that his engagement to Eberstein marks "a day none of Hugh’s friends ever thought would come. He will soon be a pensioner and has finally become a family man.”

More: Hugh Grant Was the Best Part of the Love Actually Sequel, If You Can Call It That

Grant's dedication to his private life extends to his social media presence, especially on Twitter, where he primarily retweets news accounts and occasionally provides brief commentary on hacking scandals. Earlier this year, he settled a phone-hacking damages claim against Mirror Group Newspapers. He won a six-figure sum, which he donated to Hacked Off, a U.K. group that campaigns for a free and accountable press.

At this time, there's been no official statement from Grant on his engagement, but we wish him, Eberstein and their family all the best for the future. And there goes another one of the good ones.

With all the start-ups and college-dropout CEOs out there (plus projections that 10 years from now, 50 percent of Americans will be freelancers), some forward-thinking moms have added entrepreneur training to the list of skills they're teaching their kids.

SheKnows spoke to three of those moms about how they helped kindle the entrepreneurial spark in their young daughters — all of whom are leading today's generation of kid biz whizzes.

More: 10 Life Hacks All Moms Need

Shaiann, age 13, created Shai's World at age 10

Like many young kids, 10-year-old Shaiann Hogan loved playing with her mom's makeup. And one afternoon in 2014, she recorded her first makeup tutorial — and ignited a business in the process. Shaiann says that although her mother Toushonta Hogan was “highly upset” initially, she eventually noticed her daughter's “passion for beauty.” 

“Her video was really good,” Toushonta recounts. “I thought, 'Maybe I need to show her how to create her own business based on what she loves — beauty.’” 

So Toushonta, a veteran business owner, taught Shaiann how to make nail polish — and the rest is history. Several months later, Shaiann launched her own line of five-free nail polish (polishes free from five top carcinogens: formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor), Shai’s World.

Three years later, Shaiann's business is still thriving — and she's still choosing all the polish colors, packaging and logos as well as dealing with customers and any issues that arise. During summer breaks, she attends business workshops and conferences (aimed at adults as well as kids) and teaches other kids how to become CEOs.

Zandra, age 17, founded Zandra Beauty at age 9

Zandra Zantell also converted her self-proclaimed obsession with makeup into a six-figure business — with the help of her mom, Tamara. When she was 9 years old, Zandra's parents wouldn't allow her to wear makeup — or buy her lip balm. “I used to ask for it every single day,” Zandra says. "One day... my father suggested that I learn how to make my own, so I did just that.”

Although it would’ve been easy for Tamara to shrug off Zandra’s interest as trivial, she did the opposite: “I listened and leaned into what my daughter said. I watched her movement," Tamara explains. And she enrolled Zandra in business courses at their local community college.

Today, Zandra Beauty sells more than 40 products.

Tamara maintains that “failure, bumps and bruises are all a part of [the] success plan" and explains that she's introduced Zandra to successful entrepreneurs so she can learn about their "failures, struggles and success stories." Tamara, who was as new to entrepreneurship as Zandra was, even sought mentors for herself — after she “wasted a ton of time trying to figure things out on [her] own,” she explains.

Dissatisfied with the lack of support for young entrepreneurs and their parents, eventually Tamara created Raising a Mogul, a community that hopes to provide parents with the “time, energy and resources” needed to help their children become empowered entrepreneurs.

Image: Jenn Bare

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Bali, age 9, created the Octopurse at age 5

One afternoon in 2013 after a trip to the grocery store, 5-year-old Bali Bare noticed that her dad’s hands were turning purple from carrying so many bags. “Dad, you need eight hands, like an octopus,” she said. When they got home, Bali drew the Octopurse, an eight-hook handle for carrying grocery bags. And with her parents’ help, Bali patented it three years later.

This year, Bali is launching a second business — Namaste Republic, a clothing line for kids and adults.

Bali's mom, Jenn Bare, supports Bali in her business endeavors and works to ensure she's comfortable handling her own finances. “When Bali gets a check, even though we could deposit it online, we actually go to the bank," Jenn explains. "I let her fill out the deposit form, sign the check and make the deposit. I think it’s important to talk about money and get her comfortable with it, so I helped her create a simple budget and sales goals for her business.”

Jenn also makes sure Bali is the one running her own business. "When Bali comes to me for advice," she explains, "I put effort into asking her questions to help guide her instead of just telling her what to do. She makes the decision that she feels is right for the business.”

As these kids build their business empires, they (and their moms) hope that their stories of success and failure inspire other families to courageously embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.

The royal wedding inspired so many feelings this weekend. There's a lot to unpack about this event, but it seemed like a real-life fairy tale. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they married on May 19, and honestly, we're reeling over how they looked at each other when Harry removed Meghan's veil.

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Officially Married

So. Freaking. Sweet.

Of course, the royal family always has to step it up a notch, so Kensington Palace posted some utterly adorable photos on the official palace Instagram on Monday. Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry are simply glowing.

In the first photo, the newlyweds are surrounded by family. Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, stands beside her, with Prince William, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge (known better in the States as Kate Middleton), Princess Charlotte and Prince George to her left. To Prince Harry's right are his father, Prince Charles, his stepmother, Duchess Camilla of Cornwall (otherwise known as Camilla Parker-Bowles) and his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Also in the photo are several bridesmaids and page boys, who are featured in a second photo with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as well.

Look at those smiles! We love that Meghan and Harry are posed so they aren't standing and towering over the kids — it adds a sweetness to this photo that makes it feel really warm and wonderful. Twin brothers John and Brian Mulroney, whose mother, Jessica Mulroney, is said to be one of Markle's closest friends, frame the photo; Prince George stands beaming in front of Jasper Dyer, Prince Harry's godson; Ivy Mulroney stands on the right side of the photo beside Prince George; Remi and Rylan Litt stand on the other side of the newlyweds; Princess Charlotte, Florence van Cutsem and Zalie Warren sit beside Meghan on the floor.

Then there's this third and final photo shared by the palace, which is totally different from the other two. It was taken outside, with just Meghan and Harry, and they couldn't look any happier. There's a candid quality to the way the newlyweds are laughing, with Meghan's face turned away from the camera and Harry's legs akimbo while she sits between them on the steps. The black-and-white photo has a classic element that reminds us of all the best love stories — and theirs certainly belongs on that list.

Kensington Palace captioned that final photo, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday. They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world."

More: Meghan Markle's Mom Just Had Tea With the Queen, Because This Is Her Life Now

The photos were snapped by Alexi Lubomirski in the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle following the carriage procession and show it was a fairy-tale wedding, indeed.

Salad lovers, it’s time to relax. We know things have been tense since an E. Coli outbreak was linked to chopped romaine lettuce in April. The outbreak was linked to at least one death and 75 hospitalizations — the last thing any of us are anticipating from eating a salad. The Centers for Disease Control told people to avoid any romaine lettuce — lettuce! — if they couldn’t confirm the origin (the outbreak was from Yuma, Arizona), though they never officially recalled it.

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Well, the panic is over. We can all eat romaine in peace again according to a news release from the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC. Yuma, Arizona, growers confirmed the last harvest was April 16, and because romaine only has a 21-day shelf life, they’re confident it’s no longer on grocery shelves.

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But that doesn’t mean they’re super clear on what happened, especially since the outbreak doesn’t seem to be targetable to a single entity. “The ongoing traceback investigation indicates that the illnesses associated with this outbreak cannot be explained by a single grower, harvester, processor, or distributor. While traceback continues, FDA will focus on trying to identify factors that contributed to contamination of romaine across multiple supply chains. The agency is examining all possibilities, including that contamination may have occurred at any point along the growing, harvesting, packaging, and distribution chain before reaching consumers.”

More: Low-Carb Bowls Are the Best Lazy Lunch Formula

That’s unnerving, because E. coli can be so serious. Although most people recover from E. coli infections — which tend to cause symptoms like fever, diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting — within a week, the bacteria can cause extreme injury or be fatal. Of the 75 hospitalizations from this outbreak, 20 people suffered kidney failure. One of them is in a coma.

Still, at this point, there’s no reason to suspect lettuce will make you sick, the CDC says. So, salad is back on the table. But we won't blame you if you opt for kale.

Now that billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk is dating Grimes — a couple we're still struggling to wrap our heads around even though the proof was on the Met Gala red carpet — we can't help but wonder what his ex-girlfriend, Amber Heard, is up to. Luckily, Page Six has our backs. The outlet reports that Heard has been seen canoodling with international art gallerist Vito Schnabel, and honestly? We're here for this couple.

More: Amber Heard Is Officially Not Over Elon Musk

According to Page Six, Heard and Schnabel were spotted kissing at Sant Ambroeus in the West Village in New York City before Heard left the restaurant carrying a to-go bag full of "luxurious pastries." It's not the first time the pair has been spotted together, either. Before she attended the Cannes Film Festival in early May, Heard was photographed in the back of an SUV with Schnabel. He declined to comment, and her rep didn't get back to Page Six.

Heard has had an awfully busy month. She spent her time at Cannes representing L'Oréal Paris as their newest global ambassador. She shared several photos from the event on Instagram as well as a photo with her mom for Mother's Day and her new ad for the Levi's Karla collection among other pics. If she's testing the waters of a new relationship on top of all that, then we applaud her ability to balance.

Schnabel ended a three-year relationship with Heidi Klum in September. Previously, he's been romantically linked to Demi Moore, Liv Tyler and Elle Macpherson. Heard settled her divorce from the allegedly abusive Johnny Depp in 2016, then dated Musk on and off until January of this year. She was spotted on a date with Sean Penn in March, but it seems whatever spark they had ended there.

More: Here's How Amber Heard Is Spending Her Divorce Settlement Money

Who knows what's really happening with Heard and Schnabel, but all signs point to the early stages of a promising romance. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next.

Saturday, May 19 was without doubt a momentous day. Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, now officially the Duchess of Sussex in a royal wedding like no other, and the world rejoiced right alongside the happy couple. However, the absence of Harry's late mother — Diana, Princess of Wales — was undoubtedly felt by the groom and the rest of his royal family. Not surprisingly, Harry and Meghan found many ways to honor her.

More: Meghan Markle Can't Wait to Be a Mom

Harry likely started planning the poignant nods to Diana during the royal wedding as soon as Meghan agreed to marry him. During the couple's engagement interview, he shared, "It is days like today when I really miss having her around and miss being able to share the happy news... I'm sure she's with us, yeah, you know, jumping up and down somewhere else."

And if she weren't at the time Harry said that, she surely was by the end of his beautiful, tribute-filled nuptials. Here are all the little ways he remembered his late mother.

1. The engagement ring

It all started with the ring Harry proposed to Meghan with and which was obviously an integral part of the wedding. In designing the ring for his lovely bride, Harry used two diamonds from his mom's collection.

2. The flowers

How fitting is it that Diana's favorite flowers were forget-me-nots? And fitting more still that Harry handpicked them from the private garden at Kensington Palace and asked the couple's florist, Philippa Craddock, to include in Meghan's big-day bouquet? Prior to the wedding, Kensington Palace underscored that the couple "specifically chose them to be included" in honor of Diana.

3. The empty seat (well, maybe)

It was widely speculated during Harry and Meghan's nuptials that the empty seat beside Prince William was left open in remembrance of Princess Diana. However, royal reporter Rebecca English explained afterward that it is protocol to leave the seat in front of Queen Elizabeth open. Still, who's to say it couldn't be both? It seems possible — and likely even — that the sight of that empty spot made Harry think of his mother.

More: Another Member of Meghan Markle's Family Is in the Hospital

4. The reading

It wasn't just any woman reading from the Song of Solomon during Harry and Meghan's service — it was Diana's older sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. "Prince Harry and Ms. Markle both feel honoured that Lady Jane will be representing her family and helping to celebrate the memory of the late Princess on the wedding day," Kensington Palace said before the ceremony.

5. The veil

Although the couple hasn't specifically touched on the connection, many people have drawn comparisons between Markle's super-long veil and the Elizabeth Emanuel version Diana wore at her wedding to Prince Charles way back in 1981.

6. The hymn

Harry even managed to incorporate a nod to his late mother into the program's music. During the ceremony, the hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer" was sung. The choice is particularly poignant because it was also played at Diana's funeral in 1997.

7. The guest list

In addition to Lady Jane Fellowes, Diana's two other siblings — Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Charles Spencer — were also in attendance. And notably, one very famous face who had a special tie to Princess Di graced the crowd: Elton John, who iconically performed a special version of "Candle in the Wind" with lyrics rewritten for Diana at her funeral.

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Officially Married

8. "Something blue"

As Meghan and Harry drove off in a beautiful pale blue Jaguar for the royal reception after the wedding, Meghan sported a significant piece of jewelry. The oversize, emerald-cut aquamarine ring catching everyone's attention qualified as both something borrowed and something blue. The Asprey ring originally belonged to none other than Harry's late mother.

If you miss seeing the Obamas on a regular basis, we've got good news. Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have signed a multiyear agreement with Netflix per The Hollywood Reporter. Under their Higher Ground Productions banner, the Obamas are set to produce a mix of content including the potential for scripted and unscripted series, docuseries, documentaries and features. That's so much Obama content!

More: Barack Obama's Next Job Title Could Be TV Producer

Don't hold your breath for a reality series documenting their lives after the White House, though. In a statement, President Obama said, “One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience. That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix — we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

Michelle Obama made her own statement about the deal, as well: “Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others. Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership."

Netflix, according to a statement made by Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, is just as excited about the deal as the Obamas. He said, “Barack and Michelle Obama are among the world’s most respected and highly recognized public figures and are uniquely positioned to discover and highlight stories of people who make a difference in their communities and strive to change the world for the better. We are incredibly proud they have chosen to make Netflix the home for their formidable storytelling abilities.”

More: The Obamas Just Got New Portraits, & They're Beyond Beautiful

We literally can't wait for this. The Obamas already have book deals with Penguin Random House, and they've done outreach and advocacy work through the Obama Foundation since leaving the White House in 2017. The New York Times first reported that the pair was in talks with Netflix in March, and the deal marks a major, unprecedented move for a former president. It seems the sky's the limit for the Obama family, and we're looking forward to the ride.

The concept of skipping out on medical care because we’re embarrassed about our weight is nothing new. Now, a recent study out of Drexel University has taken a closer look at bias, discrimination and doctor avoidance — especially among women.

“What is important here is that women with higher body mass index tend to avoid health care and the reasons for that are often due to their experiences of weight discrimination,” Dr. Janell Mensinger, a psychologist at Drexel University and lead author of the study, said in a statement. “We need to help healthcare professionals understand that seeing a provider is highly charged with stress and anxiety, and there are methods to reduce those feelings.”

More: Why Your Annual OB-GYN Visit May Be the Key to a Healthy Heart

The solution, Mensinger said, is the “weight-inclusive approach” — which is different from the norm, the “weight-normative approach.” With the latter, advice and action is based on body weights that are considered in the normal range. With that approach, a high BMI often prompts unsolicited weight counseling during visits.

The weight-inclusive approach involves training health professionals to combat biases against people with higher weights and stop discussions of body size that are unprompted.

Is BMI keeping us away?

In the study, published in the June 2018 issue of the journal Body Image, more than 300 people who identified as women shared data on their body mass index as well as experiences with weight stigma, body guilt, body shame, health care stress and health care avoidance. Though BMI has come under fire, it is still used by doctors to dictate treatment.

“Experiences of weight stigma often lead to self-directed stigma. Self-directed stigma tends to lead to body-related shame and guilt, which then leads to stress regarding the healthcare encounter,” Mensinger explained in the statement. “People who are stressed about the encounters tend to avoid them.”

More: Why This New Body-Positive Clothing Line for Teens Is So Important

Change ahead?

Mensinger said the body-normative approach is doing more harm than good.

“We’re talking about a vulnerable population and we’re putting them at a greater risk,” Mensinger said. “We need to be aware of these system-level problems that are keeping people from going to appointments that would be saving lives.”

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions from Dr. Lauren Streicher, an OB-GYN and associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s The Feinberg School of Medicine writing over at Everyday Health, on how to take control of your next doctor's appointment — and perhaps not dread it in the future:

• Tell your doctor up front that you don’t want counseling on your weight.
• Ask the doctor to complete the exam first so you can relax and then get into a discussion.
• Bring a shawl as part of your cover-up if the gowns are typically too small or request a larger gown ahead of time if you’re comfortable asking. You can also ask for a plain piece of fabric (some give it in addition to a gown) to cover up. There’s nothing wrong with mentioning you prefer to keep things on the modest side.
• Refuse to go on the scale and instead get that exam done. If you really need the exam, no one can force you to face the number on the scale. You can get on the scale later.
• Many doctors or midwives may allow you to come in for a consultation so you can talk about your feelings up front. You may also be able to email or talk to the health care professional over the phone — that way, when you go in, you are in control and know what to expect.

By: Kristen Fischer

Date? What's a date? When you've been in a relationship forever and add kids and stressful jobs into the mix, putting forth the effort to orchestrate an actual "date night" sounds more like, well, work than an enjoyable evening together. It's how we fall into habits like holing up on the couch and not leaving the house all weekend or running errands and doing chores together instead of going out for a night on the town. But as long as you're enjoying a little quality time together, it shouldn't really matter what you're doing, right? Sorry, but the answer to that is a big, fat no.

According to psychologists, not only does it matter that you go out on dates, but it also matters what you do when you go out. Way back in 2008, Arthur Aron, a social psychology professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, told The New York Times that trying new things on dates can make for a more successful long-term relationship — because, brain science. The brain’s reward system, which is charged in the early stages of romance, may respond to the novelty of a totally random and fun date, triggering those gushy romantic feelings once again. In 2016, Chapman University researchers observed similar findings that translated into the bedroom — mixing things up could make for a more passionate long-term sex life.

Need we say more? Getting out of your routine may be just the kick in the pants your relationship needs. Here are plenty of fun date-night ideas to get you started.

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

Cheap, quick & easy

There’s nothing wrong with the cookie-cutter recipe of dinner and a movie — it works for a reason. But sometimes, a little creativity goes a long way.

1. Farmers market shopping and dinner. "Shopping is a great way to get to know another person. You can learn about how they make choices, what they like to eat and how they handle money," New York-based relationship expert April Masini says. "You'll get clues as to whether they're generous or stingy, impulsive or thoughtful, healthy or less so — all by having a great date that starts with a farmers market shopping trip and ends up with the two of you cooking a meal together back at one of your homes."
2. "Netflix and chill," with a theme. Watch a movie marathon from a specific decade or a favorite actor, and try to keep your eyes on the screen.
3. Text and seek. If you’re a longtime couple who really needs to shake things up, it may be time to make like a kid again. Shawn Schweier, personal development expert and life coach specializing in dating, suggests heading to the local mall for a silly game of hide and seek — using text messages or Snapchats to provide your partner with hints to your hiding place. The loser has to buy the first round of Orange Julius.
4. Free museum tour. Most local museums offer free-admission days to draw a crowd, and many more museums and cultural institutions are opening their doors to the public for the Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live! in September 2018.
5. Free art gallery openings. If you're stumped for what to do on an upcoming night out, do a quick Google search to check for the latest gallery openings in a hip neighborhood in your town. "There's no other date that screams hipster like those small evening gallery opening parties. They're free to get into, and there is usually wine in plastic cups and crackers with cheese to set a date in motion. And then there's the art — which is usually local and interesting," Masini says.
6. National park and a picnic. Depending on where you live, a national park should only be an hour or two away. And while this date can be done on the cheap, it may take some prep work to pull it all together. Masini says, "In any weather, a hike is grand, and a picnic with wine or Champagne and healthy food that you eat on a blanket on the ground, a picnic table in a designated eating area or at a park restaurant gives you a respite and opportunity to bask in nature and romance. Adventurous? Turn the date into camping overnight if your park supports that kind of fun."
7. Feed the ducks at a local park. And don't forget to bring the day-old bread.
8. Build a campfire and roast marshmallows. Classic, adorable and oh-so-easy. Just remember to check the local burn bans in your state.
9. Stargazing. "Get in your car and grab your significant other and head to the country to stargaze," Schweier says. "This one can also be done on the top of a free parking garage, but it is best experienced in the country compared to the city because there will be less lights. Get on top of the car with your partner and lie there with them, talking underneath the stars. This can really connect a couple and will leave a lasting memory for the both of you to reflect on."
10. Scrapbooking. Make a vow to turn off Instagram for the day and use a disposable camera to capture all your adventures about town. It's only gonna cost you to develop the film, and you can finish your date by arranging the "old-school" hardcopy pics in a scrapbook album.
11. Thrifting. Thrift stores are everywhere, and the finds can be so much cheaper than bona fide antiquing. Make things interesting by trying to see who can snag the weirdest — or most valuable — trinket.
12. Pretend to be fancy. "In my city, we all knew the richest hotel in town. It was fancy and really high class. What people didn't know was that there was no reason you couldn't go and explore it," Schweier says. "Have your partner dress up and then take them to the fanciest open hotel (you might want to scout this out first)." On a faux fancy date like this, you could have drinks by a fire, walk through a garden at sunset or take in breathtaking views, without having to book for the night.

Next: Not-so-cheap, but still easy

A version of this article was originally published in February 2011.

Not-so-cheap, but still easy

If you're willing to invest a little more cash, you’ll be rewarded with a date night (or date day) you’ll never forget:

1. Sign up for a 5K. As if sweating together wasn't sexy enough, a typical 5K should only run you $20-$30 — and you get a free T-shirt.
2. Sign up for a dance class. An old favorite like salsa dancing lessons is always a win, or try a line-dancing or urban dance class to push you right out of your comfort zone.
3. Dinner and a fantasy. Taking dinner-and-a-movie to the next level, sex and relationship expert Dr. Megan Stubbs suggests talking about your wildest fantasies over dinner and heading to an adult store after. Instead of spending money on an activity, save your budget for those new bedroom accessories you've always wanted to try.
4. Dinner with a stranger. Speaking of bringing fantasies to life, Stubbs has another twist on the traditional dinner-and-a-movie date, and it involves the hottest kind of role-play. “Pretend to be strangers and pick each other up at the local bar," she says.
5. Coffee shop crawl. Because coffee shops are hipper than ever, and a sober date is always a good thing, take a morning or afternoon to try as many local coffee digs as you can. (And switch to decaf if things get too intense.)
6. Fondue night. Forget the fancy fondue restaurants that are going to cost you an arm and a leg. You can do it all at home for the cost of a fondue pot and some fancy cheese or chocolate with something to dip in it. You can also scoop up a second-hand fondue pot at Goodwill if you're stealthy enough. Pro tip: Try at least one run-through to master the consistency of your cheese, chocolate and hot oil courses before the big date.
7. Afternoon adventure. Sometimes, reigniting that spark really is as simple as getting out of your familiar environment. Rosalind Sedacca, author and dating and relationship coach, says, "Take a local train ride to a scenic or historic area about an hour away from home. Stroll through the streets, pick up a sandwich lunch and picnic in a nearby park, visit the shops and galleries, then take the train back." During a low-key afternoon getaway, you're going to get plenty of time to talk and connect, while being stimulated by the people, sights and sounds.

More: 6 Products & Apps for Long-Distance Couples

Super-romantic splurges to save for a special occasion

With a birthday, anniversary or holiday coming up, it's time to pull out the big guns.

1. Rent an unbelievable Airbnb. The best part is, you don't even have to leave your city to do this. Just increase your Airbnb filter prices and book that high-rise loft, luxury cabin or local mansion you've been drooling over.
2. Get front-row concert tickets. If your partner's been dying to see Metallica since middle school, this may be the time to drop a few Benjamins to score the best seats in the house.
3. Have a spa day. Regardless of gender, any human is going to love being pampered from head-to-toe on your dime. Many spa facilities will allow you to bring your own wine, fruit and cheese to snack on in between treatments.
4. Go skydiving. Even if you don’t consider yourself a thrill-seeker, that shared rush of adrenaline is sure to bond you for life. And if your partner happens to be an adventure junkie, seeing you take the plunge will be a huge turn-on.
5. Take a wine tour. These days, wineries are everywhere, not just in lux spots like Napa Valley. If you have several wineries in your neck of the woods, consider booking an afternoon wine tour with tastings included, or pay to ride a wine tour bus.

More: 21 Love Coupon Ideas That Won't Make You Roll Your Eyes

Grey's Anatomy said goodbye to some familiar and well-loved faces in its Season 14 finale last week, but it also reintroduced a familiar face. According to Entertainment Weekly, fans should get used to seeing her week to week in the fall, because actor Kim Raver has been once again promoted to series regular in her role as Teddy Altman.

More: These Grey's Anatomy Bloopers Will Make the Season 14 Finale Sting Less

Raver (and Teddy) returned to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital at the tail end of Thursday's season finale, purportedly seeking employment. She was named interim chief while Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is on sabbatical, and she's apparently pregnant with Owen's baby... which is awkward since she turned him down when he flew to Germany to win her back after splitting with his wife, Amelia, and now he and Amelia might be getting back together.

Grey's certainly does keep the twists coming, doesn't it?

Raver returns to the series after she appeared in a handful of Season 14 episodes. She originally appeared in Season 6, and was quickly upped to series regular, per Entertainment Weekly, but she left at the end of Season 8 to take a job at a military hospital in Germany. At the time, series creator Shonda Rhimes said that Raver's "series option was up and she was ready to give Teddy Altman a much-needed vacation."

Now, it seems that vacation is over, and Raver expressed excitement over her return to the show. “I am thrilled to reprise the role of Dr. Teddy Altman as a regular,” Raver said, according to Entertainment Weekly. “Returning to Shondaland with the incredibly talented Krista Vernoff, Ellen Pompeo, and the amazing cast is heavenly. I have a special place in my heart for Teddy and feel very lucky to have the opportunity to continue her story.”

She also shared a photo of the Grey's Anatomy set on Instagram, captioning the photo with just hashtags for Grey's and Teddy as well as a kiss emoji.

More: Grey's Anatomy Gave Sarah Drew & Jessica Capshaw a Sweet Parting Gift

So, what does Teddy's return mean for the next season of Grey's Anatomy? We know one thing for sure: There's a ton of drama ahead.

The late January episode of Grey’s Anatomy in which Miranda Bailey gave her son “the talk” about police violence had my white mom friends asking me some odd questions.

“Should we be having ‘the talk’ with our kids too?” they asked.

I initially shook my head. I thought about how whiteness is always centering itself. " These women are completely overlooking the point of that talk and the entire Grey’s episode," I thought. The point, of course, was that Black people are disproportionately targeted and killed by police. The point was that this issue is so pervasive that Black parents must teach their children special tactics for interacting with cops. But these white women saw that episode and heard one thing: Cops are killing people. How, they wondered, could they protect their own kids?

But as I engaged the women in discussion that questioned their centering of themselves in regard to the issue, their questions turned from "How can we protect our (white) kids to how can we teach our (white) kids to act as allies in such a situation?" Now, that was a real conversation. That was something I could work with.

More: 6 Outstanding Picture Books Starring Girls of Color

There have been so many incidents recently in which someone called the police on a Black person, but ultimately, the situation was de-escalated or jail time was avoided because a white person used their privilege and became an ally. The infamous Starbucks arrest in April of this year was one example, but it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, in my opinion, the only way to inhibit the systematic racism that is fueling these racist police calls and overaggressive police responses is to teach white kids about becoming allies right now.

Allyship is a complex concept that even parents themselves might need help understanding. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance magazine explains, “[B]eing an ally means recognizing oppression broadly and standing in solidarity with anyone who experiences oppression — whether or not the ally belongs to a targeted group.” For parents, this definition opens up a variety of ways in which we can teach our kids how to be allies.

The most important and often the hardest part of allyship is standing in solidarity with the oppressed because this can lead to a certain amount of risk for the ally. However, in today’s age of cell phones and social media, white parents can teach their kids to be allies to their peers of color in ways that are more effective (and easier) than they've ever been before. Kids just have to remember three things: Be witnesses, get receipts and spread the word.

Be a witness

One recent example of allyship in the form of witnessing was the aforementioned Starbucks incident in which two Black men were removed from the coffee shop simply because they were in the coffee shop (supposedly "loitering"). In response to the un-called-for arrests, several white people spoke up, gave witness statements and explained to authorities that the Black men had done nothing wrong — and weren’t even in the restaurant long. By standing up and speaking up as witnesses, these white customers were able to sway the cops to release the men. Furthermore, their outcry caused the story to go viral and get the attention of the head of the multibillion-dollar company.

Why does this work? Plenty of people of color will give you endless accounts of having their ideas and voices ignored until a white person speaks up on their behalf or with the same ideas. In our society, the white voice is considered more credible and is thus more powerful. That is the privilege of whiteness. It’s not anyone’s fault, but rather a consequence of living in a country with a racist history. Having privilege is a fact, and it can be used to aid in allyship.

More:  Whether She's LGBTQ or an Ally, The Newest Barbie Is Awesome

Get receipts

I don’t mean literal slips of paper from a register (unless that is vital to proving your story, in which case go for it). By "receipts," I mean proof of the story. These days, a video is the most common form of receipt or documentation that something happened. After all, the world would never have known about Philando Castile or Eric Garner or countless others without cell phone videos.

White parents can teach their kids to whip out their cell phones whenever a Black friend is being harassed — by a classmate, teacher, cop, customer, you name it. Kids can also gather witness names during or after an incident of harassment and turn them in to be used in court or during internal investigations. Encourage your kids to gather all these receipts — safely, of course — and give them to the person who was or is being targeted. They'll know how to use them.

Spread the word

Our kids are more tech-savvy than any generation before them, and social media has the power to enact positive change. Several recent social media campaigns have made serious strides on social justice issues. That’s why it’s so important that allies use their privilege and their social media to spread the word about racist incidents — especially if there is a video. After all, pointing out injustice and inciting public outcry is how the masses have been changing the system for ages, and it's the best way for your kid to stand with the oppressed and to do something about the system.

More:  Children's Books That Teach Diversity Are More Important Than Ever

Allyship is the larger message that white parents need to teach to their kids while discussing the issues of racism, harassment and police brutality. White allies have long stood beside Black activists — from slavery abolitionists to the civil rights movement and beyond. So, talk to your child about joining a long and rich line of allies who have worked to effect change — even despite narrow-minded American leadership.

By teaching your kids to become allies, you are not only training them to help their peers; you are also instilling compassion, empathy and activism — three things that have been proven to help oppressed populations throughout history.

For more resources: For help starting these important conversations with your kids, go to the Teaching Tolerance magazine website, which offers discussion starters as well as lessons for teachers. Parents can turn these class lessons into easy ways of explaining allyship and how to achieve it. Charis Books, a feminist bookstore, even curated a list of books for kids on race and allies. These are just a few of the wide array of available materials on race and allies. Just make sure to study up and educate yourself before you begin the conversation with your kids; Zeba Blay's handy list for the Huffington Post, "16 Books about Race Every White Person Should Read," is a great starting point.

We all know how to eat healthy — fruits, vegetables, protein — but actually doing it can feel overwhelming. To simplify things, it's best to keep your kitchen stocked with a few essentials that you can reach for again and again.

While this isn't a complete list of every healthy food on the planet, it's a starter list of foods that can help you make simple changes to your meals and add more nutrients. Plus, they won't require a trip to some top-secret specialty grocery store.

My advice? Take it one ingredient at a time and one meal at a time. So what if you crushed a bowl of cinnamon toast cereal for breakfast? Make a hearty salad for lunch and plan on scrambled eggs with a smoothie on the side for tomorrow's breakfast.

1. Chickpeas

There's a growing body of evidence that suggests ditching meat and eating more plant-based foods is critical for warding off disease. The critics then say, "No meat? How do I get my protein?" One answer: Chickpeas! They're high in protein, packing 39 grams into each cup.

Try making: Skillet Chickpeas and Broccoli

2. Eggs

Eggs are packed with protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12, and one study in the journal Nutrition and Food Science actually found that yolks contain antioxidants, which are good for you as you age. But not all eggs are created equal. What hens eat affects the quality of eggs. For example, Eggland's Best eggs have twice as much vitamin B12 and omega-3s, six times the amount of vitamin D and 25 percent less saturated fat than ordinary eggs, thanks to the all-vegetarian feed it gives its hens.

Try making: Smashed Eggs on Toast with Spring Herbs

3. Greens

Here's something you've probably heard a million times: Eat more salad. True, salad is good — as long as it's not doused in creamy, sugary dressing or made only with iceberg lettuce. And it's not that iceberg lettuce is bad for you; it's just that, well, there's nothing to it. Instead, keep cabbage or other green-leaf lettuces on hand to chop up and add into premixed bags of salad where iceberg reigns supreme. Cabbage also makes a great, healthy garnish for tacos. And I'm just gonna say it: Kale chips are not the worst.

4. Lemons

Just one lemon has 50 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C. That said, you're probably not exactly eager to bite into a lemon. Instead, squeeze the juice into hot water or green tea and incorporate the zest into your dinners. (It has flavor perks, too.)

5. Greek yogurt

Love guac and other creamy sauces and dressings? You can almost always sub in greek yogurt and ditch the mayo and sour cream without tasting a difference. Plus, if you're on the plant-based train, it's another good source of protein. Good source of protein? Check. Good for your gut? Check. Deserving of a place in your fridge? Definitely.

6. Bananas

Bananas don't need an introduction for their health benefits, but did you know that low potassium (a star nutrient in the banana) and depression are closely linked? A 2008 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found a high-potassium diet can mitigate depression. So, in addition to being a sweet addition to smoothies and having a role as a tasty breakfast side, bananas can help keep your mood stable. Win.

This post is sponsored by Eggland's Best.

Another school year is in the books, and another class of fresh-faced teens is preparing to close out another chapter of their lives. It's a big moment for all the classes of 2018, but one thing's for certain: they've come a long way. They've achieved a lot and seen a lot in their time, and similarly, a lot has happened during their lives. Eighteen years might feel like no time at all, or it might feel so long ago that it's hard to remember what was actually happening.

That's where we come in. To celebrate the class of 2018, we thought it would be fun to get a little sappy and reflect on what was big in 2000, the year the class of 2018 was born. Here are some pop culture moments from 18 years ago.

More: Emmys #TBT: When '90s & '00s TV Casts Ruled the Red Carpet

1. Now That's What I Call Music 4 and 5 came out

The 66th volume of popular music compilation Now That's What I Call Music! came out in May 2018, but back in 2000, we were only on the fourth and fifth volumes. Featured artists on both Now That's What I Call Music! CDs included Mandy Moore, Hanson, Eiffel 65, Britney Spears, Savage Garden, Mystikal, Destiny's Child, 3 Doors Down and BBMak.

2. Bring It On was released

Now a cult classic, Bring It On debuted in August 2000 and gave us lots of sass, spirit fingers and Kirsten Dunst.

3. The "Oops I Did It Again!" music video

Britney Spears dominated 2000, and the video for "Oops I Did It Again!" helped accomplish that. With a futuristic setting, an iconic red latex catsuit and a fun Titanic reference, this epic music video was one of the most memorable of the year.

4. Teasers for the first-generation iPod were out

The first-generation iPod wouldn't come out until 2001, but rumblings of Apple's next big innovation were happening late in 2000, and we were all very curious.

We were glad to survive Y2K

At the start of 2000, we were still in a bit of a Y2K hangover, with jokes about it and references to it becoming part of the cultural landscape. After spending 1999 panicking that our technology would melt down on us and we'd all enter a dystopian horror show, it was nice to wake up on Jan. 1, 2000, and see that the tech fixes worked and life was going along as normal.

This couple was still together

Pass the tissues, please, because we'll never truly be over the fact that back in 2000, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were still happily married. They were newlyweds back then, and they looked so happy together on the Emmys red carpet. Who could have predicted that they only had a few more years together before calling it quits in 2005?

MTV Cribs was, like, a really big thing

Jersey Shore was a distant dream, but with Real World and Road Rules putting MTV's reality TV programming on the map, 2000 saw the debut of another one of the network's most infamous franchises: Cribs.

Destiny's Child exploded onto the scene

"Say My Name" earned then-newbies Destiny's Child a Grammy back in early 2000, and nothing was ever the same. The group would split up in 2006, but this year was around the time that Destiny's Child had a big break.

Cell phones used to look like this — and everybody wanted 'em

Before FaceTime, apps or emojis, all anyone wanted was the ability to call their friends on a cell phone that fit into their back pocket. Enter the Nokia 3310. This phone was released in the last quarter of 2000 and was extremely popular, if you can believe it.

These CD-ROMs helped you get onto the internet

Remember AOL and getting access to the internet with one of these pesky things? We should all be glad those days are behind us.

Jennifer Lopez blew our minds with this outfit

Seriously, though, who could forget Jennifer Lopez's iconic plunging green dress from the 2000 Grammy Awards?

The poster for this movie was everywhere

The movie wouldn't be released until 2001, but the first posters for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone were popping up everywhere in December 2000 and getting a whole generation of fans hyped up in the process.

More: These Classic Movies Turning 20 Will Make You Feel Old

And finally, this song got trotted out at every graduation

We still weren't tired of Vitamin C's biggest hit song, "Graduation," released in 1999. Chances are high that in 2000, it was still getting trotted out at every graduation ceremony across the nation.

Even though we haven't quite finished basking in the glow of the royal wedding, there's already something else for us to admire about Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex: her amazing new royal bio. Sure, she says great things like, "I'm proud to be a woman and a feminist," but the Duchess of Sussex's activism doesn't stop there — she is also a vocal proponent of menstrual equity. So, yes, periods made it onto the royal family's website, and the world is a better place because of it.

Meghan's page describes how she successfully campaigned for a dishwashing soap company to change the sexist language used in their television commercials when she was 11 years old as well as her work in soup kitchens and as a global ambassador for World Vision.

More: Why Period-Shaming Is an Environmental Issue & What You Can Do About It

It was because of her position with World Vision that Meghan visited India to raise awareness of girls' lack of access to education.

"In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities," her page reads.

She was so struck by the efforts of the organization that it is one of the charities chosen by her and Prince Harry to benefit from charitable donations made for the royal wedding in lieu of people sending them gifts. So, to recap: Because of Meghan, some of the presents for the royal wedding were period products for other people. That is pretty amazing.

Not only that, but following her trip to India, Meghan wrote an article for Time highlighting the period stigma and its long-term impact on the education of people who menstruate.

More: How the U.S. Differs From the Rest of the World When It Comes to Periods

Yes, periods have been coming out of the shadows in recent years, and that has been movement in the right direction, but having an actual member of the royal family advocating for menstrual equity brings a whole other level of awareness. For this and everything else you're doing to shake things up, thank you, Duchess Meghan!

Sometimes, when talent is abundant, it's hard to pick a clear winner on reality singing shows. It seems every one of the final contestants deserves their place on that stage. That's why it was so great that there was no real loser on the season finale of American Idol last night, when, in a moment that couldn't have been scripted better, the top two contestants revealed they’ve secretly been dating since nearly the start of the show.

Just prior to crowning the new idol (Maddie Poppe), the final two contestants Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Poppe teamed up for a duet of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World." While introducing the song, Ryan Seacrest posed a question. “I know the song that’s coming up,” the host said. “I’m just wondering, is there a special significance to the song, Caleb, when you sing it with Maddie?”

Hutchinson took to the mic to tell the world “Maddie’s, like, my best pal, and I’ve known her since the beginning of Hollywood week, and she actually happens to be my girlfriend.”

Entertainment Tonight spoke with each contestant after the show and asked how they kept the relationship under wraps for so long. Hutchinson replied, “It was one of those things where I didn’t really want it to affect anything, and I didn’t want to exploit my feelings for her ‘cause they’re very, very real. Once voting was over, I was like, ‘Shoot, I want the world to know.’”

He also impressed ET’s Lauren Zima by remembering the very day he met Poppe, Jan. 21. “The first day of Hollywood week and we haven’t really spent any time apart since then,” he said.

For her part, Poppe seemed understandably overwhelmed by all the emotions of the evening. “I’m just so happy, so on top of the world that I can’t even believe this is my life, so it’s pretty amazing,” she said. She admitted that the couple didn’t have a plan for what would happen if they faced off in the finals. “We thought, well if we get to the final two — I guess we were just kind of playing it by ear,” she told ET.

Regardless, the story has a happy ending for everyone. Hutchinson said he has no hard feelings over losing to Poppe. “When I looked over at Maddie, I was like, ‘I win either way.’ I really do. I don’t feel any type of bitter or loss at all. I’m just so happy for her.” Aww, you're a good man, Caleb!

Sometimes dreams really do come true. Congrats to Poppe and best wishes to the happy couple on their made-for-TV romance.

Summertime is finally here, and it's time for kids to get outdoors and soak up the sun (after slathering on sunscreen, of course). Whether it's biking, splashing in the pool or playing hide-and-seek until sunset, there's no such thing as too much time outside, right?

And outdoor fun doesn't need to end when the sun goes down. Luckily, there are plenty of glowing nighttime games and activities that are just as fun for adults as they are for kids. So this summer, get your glow on with your own (totally kid-approved) backyard party/picnic/campout/rave. Here are all the summer-night activities you could ask for.

Glow-in-the-dark face paint

Set the stage for a glowy and gorgeous evening with glow-in-the-dark or black-light-reactive face paint, like this option from Midnight Glo. This is a particularly big hit with teens.

Flashlight tag

This combination of hide-and-seek and tag is a classic summer tradition that kids will love. If you live in a neighborhood with other families, invite them over to your backyard for a BYOF (bring your own flashlight) party — the more the merrier! Last one to be found wins (and gets bragging rights until the next round of flashlight tag).

Glowing dance party

More: 21 Summer Crafts for When It's Just Too Hot to Play Outside

Glow-in-the-dark bowling

Who needs bowling alleys when you've got glow sticks and water bottles? Recycle your plastic water bottles in the most fun way possible by filling each with a different colored glow stick. Then grab basketballs or soccer balls and use them as bowling balls to (hopefully) get plenty of strikes and spares.

Backyard campout

When you don't have time for a weekend camping trip, the backyard is an excellent alternative. Pitch a tent, make a campfire, roast s'mores, tell ghost stories, and let the kids stay up way past their bedtimes. (After all, tents don't exactly lend themselves to a great night's sleep — so just embrace it.)

Summer night sports

Light up the night with glow-in-the-dark sports balls. Whether it's in your backyard or your local park, play a game (or five) of flag football or soccer in the dark. If you can find a good spot, try a round of mini golf with glow-in-the-dark golf balls — it'll be almost as fun for the kids as it is for the adults.

Water wars

When the temperature inevitably gets unbearably hot this summer, there's only one solution: Throw on your bathing suits, fill up a whole bunch of water balloons and have an epic battle of water wars. Whoever drenches their opponent the most wins — but the losing player gets to cool off, so really everyone's a winner here.

Glowing crafts

Once kids have burned off some energy with all those water fights and yard raves, take it down a notch with some fun glow-in-the-dark crafts for all ages. These ideas for glow-in-the-dark necklaces and tote bags are definite winners.

Splash-in movie night

If you or one of your neighbors has a pool, take full advantage on those hot summer nights. Bring out the computer or iPad and enjoy family movie night from the pool as you float on rafts and cool off. If a pool isn't available, you can set up some comfy chairs outside and use a wall or garage door to project a movie.

Stargazing

Teach your kids about the constellations by showing them firsthand. A quick internet search will show you when your favorite stars will be out in clear skies. Take a picnic blanket and some tasty snacks outside (or all the way outside the city), and look up to the sky with your kids to show them your favorite constellations.

More: 50 Things Kids Should Do at Least Once This Summer

Night picnic

Who says picnics are only for the daytime? On a hot summer night, spare yourself the added heat of the stove and put together a meal of no-cook foods like delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit salad, veggies and dip, lemonade and ice cream.

Family fireside time

Sometimes, the best family activities are the quiet, relaxing ones. Make a campfire in your backyard (don't forget the s'mores fixings) and spend some quality time together sharing stories, playing your favorite card or board game and just enjoying each other's company.

Don't get it twisted: Kidney beans should be kept on hand to make some seriously delicious side dishes and entrées, like hummus and chili. And we have four easy kidney bean recipes you'll want to try for yourself tonight.

First up, this pink hummus.

You'll want in on this one because, honestly, this kidney bean hummus is really good. It's so good you'll ditch the pita crackers and use a spoon instead.

Kidney bean hummus is super-easy to make because the blender does all the work. And what really makes the flavor pop in this hummus is salt. So give it a taste test before serving and add more if needed.

More: Low-Carb Bowls Are the Best Lazy Lunch Formula

Kidney bean hummus recipe

Homemade hummus made with kidney beans and spices is topped with olive oil, pepita seeds and fresh herbs. It makes a delicious appetizer, dip or snack.

Serves 3

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 dashes ground cumin
• 3 dashes ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon plus 2 – 3 dashes sea salt (or salt to taste)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil, for garnish
• 1 sprig parsley, cilantro or dill, chopped, for garnish
• 2 teaspoons pepita or sunflower seeds, for garnish
• 3 teaspoons crumbled feta cheese, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. To a blender, add the kidney beans, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, pepper and salt.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Transfer to serving dishes and drizzle olive oil on top. Garnish with fresh herbs, pepita seeds and feta cheese.
4. Serve with pita bread, crackers or fresh veggies.

Homemade ancho chili with kidney beans recipe

Homemade chili made with kidney beans, spices and ancho chili powder is quick and easy to make.

Serves 3

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, and add the ground beef, onion and bell pepper.
2. Stir as the ground beef mixture cooks. Let cook until the ground beef is no longer pink.
3. Transfer to a plate with a paper towel to drain off excess grease.
4. Heat a medium-size pot on medium heat, and add the ground beef mixture.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients, and stir.
6. Let the chili simmer for about 25 minutes or until it reaches the desired thickness.
7. Serve hot, and top with shredded cheese.

Next: Kidney bean veggie burger

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

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How about going meatless and having a kidney bean veggie burger for dinner tonight? They make a hearty burger, that's for sure.

These kidney bean veggie burgers even look like raw hamburger. No problem sampling these burgers when they're raw.

Kidney bean veggie burger recipe

This kidney bean veggie burger is made with quinoa, veggies and herbs and is served on a bun with kale and sliced tomato.

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and mashed
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 tablespoons diced red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup flaxseed or almond flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. To a large bowl, add all the ingredients except for the olive oil.
2. Mix together with your hands until all the ingredients are incorporated.
3. Form into 4 patties.
4. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, and add the olive oil.
5. Add the burgers to the pan, let them cook until the bottom and sides start to brown, and then turn them over.
6. Let cook until the other sides until the burgers start to brown.
7. Remove from the pan, and serve warm on a bun with kale and sliced tomatoes or your favorite condiments.

To make it into a main dish, just add some meat.

Tex-Mex rice with kidney beans recipe

This hearty Tex-Mex side dish made with rice and kidney beans can also be made into a vegan main dish (or side) by using vegetable stock — you can add a Tex-Mex flavored tempeh or tofu if you like — or a main dish for meat-eaters by adding chicken, beef or pork.

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can kidney beans
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, and add all the ingredients except the cilantro. Stir together.
2. When the liquid just starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and cover the pan.
3. Let it simmer with the lid on until the rice absorbs most of the liquid (about 20 minutes).
4. Do a taste test to see if it needs more salt.
5. Serve while hot, and garnish with cilantro.

Bet you look at kidney beans a little differently now, huh?

Like thousands of other people across the world, Padma Lakshmi spent her Saturday morning watching Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, say I do to Prince Harry. But it wasn’t Meghan’s dress or makeup that was the highlight for Lakshmi. It was Meghan's history-breaking minute-and-a-half-long walk down the aisle alone, which Lakshmi considered a huge move for brown and black women, that stuck with her hours later.

To express her emotion over watching an American biracial women be inaugurated into the British royal family, Lakshmi took to her Instagram to write a post about what Meghan’s wedding and skin color meant to her. In her post, she interpreted Meghan walking down the aisle alone as a message to women of color, specifically black and brown women, that they can live life on their own terms.

“The symbolism of Meghan Markle walking up to the church on her own is powerful: you don’t need to be escorted and given away – you are yours to give,” Lakshmi wrote. “I’m happy brown and black girls everywhere can see a version of themselves in her. That crown the Queen put on her head has been a long time coming. It’s time many more girls and women of color have crowns and can define who they are, on their own terms.”

More: Every Celebrity Look From Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding

However, not everyone was pleased with Lakshmi’s message. Shortly after, a fan commented criticizing Lakshmi for making Meghan’s wedding about race. “The fact that Prince Harry chose her over others is symbolic in itself and you dont have to mention ‘Black and Brown’ everytime,’ the commenter wrote. “Dont have to be a feminist victim everytime.”

Not having someone minimize her experience as a woman of color, Lakshmi responded, telling the commenter, who was a man, “Nothing about what I said was being a ‘victim,'” Lakshmi wrote. “Your opinion is not valuable in commentary on a brown or black woman’s lived experience.”

More: Who Is the Next Heir to the British Royal Throne After Queen Elizabeth II?

Lakshmi is right. Whether Meghan intended her wedding to be a message to women of color or not, the commenter was wrong in denying her experience. She can interpret the royal wedding however she pleases. And besides, judging from the internet fanfare around Meghan and her Black mom at the royal wedding, it’s safe to say Lakshmi wasn’t alone in her opinion.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

The final few minutes of suspense are half the fun of watching reality dating shows. Will our lucky contestants find love? Do they walk away hand in hand? Is there a ring? Is this really the most surprising ending ever? So the upcoming season of The Bachelorette must carry some other really big moments, because Becca Kufrin has already scooped the ending by revealing that she did walk away from filming the show engaged.

In an interview with People, Kufrin put fans hearts at ease by announcing, “I am engaged! It was the happiest moment of my life. And it feels so good to say it.”

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Kufrin isn’t revealing anything about her new man, but she did tell Entertainment Tonight that she tried to pare her group down to keepers pretty quickly. “I’m trying to weed out the drama as early as possible. Like, I don’t want drama. If there’s a guy that’s not meshing well with the other guys, I probably won’t want to keep him around that long,” she said. We have a feeling the producers may have had a few chats with her about that philosophy. No drama, no show.

Kufrin admitted to having a healthy dose of nerves about returning to the process for her own season. “My biggest fear is, I mean, kind of what happened,” she said, referring to her engagement and subsequent breakup with bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. “Like, falling for somebody and ready to spend my life with somebody and have them not be ready or to be like, ‘I don’t know if you’re the one for me.’” That’s understandable, which makes it all the more surprising that she was willing to jump into another engagement so quickly. This guy must actually be the one for her.

More: 5 Ways Love Can Last After a Reality Show Ends

Even with the ending spoiled, The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison is promising that this season still holds plenty of the show’s signature chaos. “It’s such a great season,” he told ET. “The drama’s there, the tears, the ridiculous arguments. It’s good, it’s really good.” OK, but is it the best ever? Definitely, according to Harrison, who foreshadowed what he called maybe the most ridiculous fight you’ve ever seen in in the history of the show. “It’s going to be one of those seasons where you’re watching through your fingers because you’re embarrassed for everybody involved but you can’t stop watching.” Say no more. We’re already hooked.

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Harrison also says that Kufrin takes charge of her season. “You’re really going to get a better glimpse of the strong, independent woman she is,” he told ET. “She’s a badass woman that can handle her own, trust me. And I’m very defensive of my bachelorettes. She doesn’t need it. She took care of herself.”

That’s great news for Kufrin and her fans, who really want to see her get the fairy-tale ending she deserves. So, let’s get on with it and do the damn thing! Just one more week until The Bachelorette premieres May 28 on ABC.