Giuliana Rancic is gearing up for her next gig, and surprise, surprise, she's going back to her home network, E!. Among the many outlets reporting on Rancic's latest move on Friday was People magazine. It's been three years since Rancic left the network that catapulted her into stardom. 

More: Here's Why Giuliana Rancic Wasn't Wearing Her Wedding Ring at the Oscars

Rancic confirmed her return in an exclusive statement to People, including a comment about working with her former E! News costar, Jason Kennedy, again.

"Returning to host E! News is every bit as thrilling to me today as it was 16 years ago when I joined the show and embarked on this wonderful career," she told the magazine. "Co-hosting alongside one of my best friends, Jason Kennedy, with one of the most talented teams in entertainment journalism, makes this move even more special. I can’t wait to reconnect with the E! News audience and go on this journey together once again.”

John Najarian, executive vice president and general manager of news and digital at E!, was similarly excited to welcome Rancic back into the fold after such a long time away. "Giuliana is an incredibly charismatic and well-respected entertainment journalist," he told People. "As a longtime member of the E! family, it’s exciting to welcome her back home to E! News.'

Rancic began as a correspondent at E! before she was named coanchor of E! News in 2005. In addition to her duties on the show, Rancic was a coanchor for special E! events, including live red carpet coverage of award shows. After 10 years, Rancic announced she would be leaving E! to focus on her family and health, although she did keep up her Live from the Red Carpet obligations. 

Meanwhile, E! hasn't had an entirely drama-free run while Rancic's been away. In fact, the network (and Kennedy, in a way) came under fire when news emerged that E! News coanchor Catt Sadler abruptly left the network, citing a significant pay gap as her reason for leaving. E! disputed Sadler's claims, saying the pay gap was not, as Sadler had implied, because of her gender. 

"Catt Sadler and Jason Kennedy had different roles and therefore different salaries," Frances Berwick, president of NBCU Cable Entertainment’s lifestyle networks, told Variety in January. "Catt was focused on daytime, Jason is on prime evening news plus red carpet. Our employees’ salaries are based on their roles and their expertise, regardless of gender. We wish Catt well."

More: Debra Messing Slams E! News While Talking to E! News

True to Rancic's word in 2015, there has been a significant decrease in the amount of time she has spent on the air. Instead, she's devoted herself to her family — an admirable move, no doubt. While there has been no announcement giving Rancic's first day of work, it will definitely be nice to have her back. 

It’s a dilemma every parent has to face at some point: Should I let my kid take a cell phone to school? A 2010 Pew Research Center study found that 65 percent of cell-owning teens bring their phones to school whether the school permits them or not. Most schools allow students to have cell phones with certain rules in place, such as turning them off during class to minimize disruption.

The thing is, we know kids don't always play by the rules, and ultimately, it's not down to teachers to police our children's cell phone use. In fact, you're likely to struggle to find a teacher who's happy for their students to have their digital aides in tow. "As a public high school counselor by day, I can tell you from experience that cell phones are the biggest distraction to learning," licensed psychotherapist and family counselor Tom Kersting told SheKnows.

More: So Your Kid Wants a Cell Phone: How Young Is Too Young?

According to 2009 research out of Stanford University, humans are incapable of multitasking and attempting to do so can hinder rather than improve cognitive functioning.

"We can switch tasks, but cannot do multiple cognitive tasks simultaneously without impairing one of them to some degree," psychotherapist Dustin Weissman told SheKnows. "The vast majority of people do not possess true multitasking skills." This means if a student who is texting, playing a game or checking social media on their smartphone during a lesson isn't grasping 100 percent of what they're being taught.

And the same applies to social conversation. Checking their phone during or even instead of face-to-face communication with their peers does nothing to foster a child's positive and successful social skills. "Cell phones often replace the crucial face-to-face interaction at the lunch table, etc.," said Kersting. "These are skills that need to be utilized often in order to master."

Another reason you might not want your kid to take a cell phone to school is the risk of emotional triggers. "When I have an upset student in my office, the majority of times it's because of something they viewed on a social media site or on text messaging during the school day," said Kersting.

There's also the compulsion to capture and share everything. "During the Parkland shooting, there were students on lockdown in their classrooms videoing the event," said Kersting. "This frightens me because if the first thing a student thinks of during a dangerous situation is to capture it on video, they are not attentive and in full defense mode."

More: 5 Reasons Kids Should Be Allowed to Use Social Media

But it's not all bad. Overall, Weissman doesn't believe cell phones shouldn't be used in schools And if parents do allow their child to take a cell phone to school, it shouldn't be until they are at least in their teen years. They should also have certain restrictions in place (e.g., for emergency calls/texts only) and they should have limited or no internet access and no social media access whatsoever. But he does recognize some benefits of cell phones in schools.

"Students can use their phone in a multitude of positive ways in school," he said. For example, teachers can use cell phones to their advantage by making parts of their lessons interactive, engaging with students through a platform they're familiar with and experienced in (such as asking students to text responses to a real-time survey.) Students can also use their cell phones to stay organized (scheduling test dates and assignment due dates and setting reminders.) 

And for parents with concerns about their kid's safety, a cell phone keeps lines of communication about school scheduling, changes of after-school plans and collection times and places open.

Ultimately, however, smartphones are not essential in schools — "evidenced by hundreds of years of successful education without the existence of cell phones," pointed out Weissman — and if you're finding yourself locking horns with your kid on the issue, Weissman has some conflict-resolution tips.

• Chat with your child about their cell phone use. "For the vast majority of students, it is part of their culture," said Weissman. "They may experience FOMO (fear of missing out) if they don't have a smartphone at school. If their sole reason for having a cell phone is to call and/or text people (i.e., scheduling or getting picked up), consider getting the student a non-smartphone/basic mobile phone."
• Establish an agreement in which your child has to maintain good grades to earn their smartphone use at school. "If your child can demonstrate that taking a smartphone to school is not negatively affecting their school performance or personal life or causing emotional harm, they can continue to use it," said Weissman. "If they can't, the phone can be taken away until these requirements are met."
• Track the time your child spends on their phone with an app like Quality Time (Android) or Moment (iPhone). "Seeing how long your child was on their phone, which app they were using and at what time, allows for a discussion, not shaming," said Weissman. "Being curious about their usage patterns is more inviting for open communication about smartphone use than if you become aggressive or critical."
• Communicate clear expectation and consequences to your child — and follow up on the consequences when necessary, or they're worthless.
• If your child is struggling emotionally, cognitively or even socially, professional assistance — such as a mental health professional, physician or school counselor — may be the next proper step.

More: Should Kids Get Pocket Money?

FOMO or no FOMO, your kid will survive going through school without a cell phone. But it's a tough call to make if the school doesn't have strict rules in place and if "everyone else has a cell phone in class" is in fact the truth. If you want your child to stay focused at school and progress academically and socially, make sure a cell phone slipped into their bag has rules and restrictions attached. (For your kid's sake as well as their teacher's.) 

Nearly three years after obtaining the Food and Drug Administration’s approval, the sexual desire drug Addyi — commonly but inaccurately referred to as “female Viagra” — is finally hitting the shelves. And while some of the barriers to access have disappeared, the controversy surrounding the drug has not. But what is it about this pill that causes such a stir? Is this a case of a drug not being safe or a question of valuing women’s sexual desire? In short, it’s complicated.

The little pill that could

Let’s back up a bit, because this story starts long before this week. Addyi — the brand name for flibanserin — is the first drug approved to treat low libido in women.* After being rejected by the FDA in 2011 and 2013, it eventually gained approval in 2015 thanks in part to a vocal coalition of women’s health and rights groups collectively known as Even the Score, which lobbied on behalf of the drug.

So why hasn’t it officially hit the market until now? After purchasing Sprout Pharmaceuticals Inc. (the company behind Addyi), Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. dealt with a distribution scandal unrelated to Addyi that ultimately brought the rest of the company down too, Bloomberg reported. Then, in December 2017, following a lawsuit, Valeant handed Sprout back to its former CEO and the drug's original champion, Cindy Eckert.

And now, six months later, Addyi is available with a prescription from risk evaluation and mitigation strategy-certified clinicians, including those available through a telemedicine service available through the drug’s website. 

What does Addyi aim to do?

The FDA approved Addyi to treat acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women who have not gone through menopause. In these cases, their low sex drive is troubling to them and is not caused by a medical or mental health issue, relationship difficulties or the side effects of another medication or drug use. 

This is also a good time to address the “female Viagra” moniker, which was assigned by the media and is not an accurate way of describing the drug. While Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, Addyi works with neurotransmitters in a person’s brain, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB-GYN, tells SheKnows. “It's an erection issue versus a libido issue,” she explains. 

In other words, what Addyi is treating is more complex than a physical issue. Addyi and Viagra provide two different responses to two different issues. Essentially, Addyi works like an antidepressant (and was initially created to be one) by altering levels of chemicals that reduce inhibition and increase excitement.  

Why is Addyi so controversial?

Here’s where things get interesting and where the conversation becomes about more than just the safety and efficacy of a drug, tapping into the deeply ingrained sexism and paternalism in medicine.

When the FDA decides to approve a drug or when a physician chooses to prescribe it (and a patient decides to take it), one of the key factors at play is determining whether the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. Anyone who has ever seen a commercial for any prescription drug knows that each comes with its own list of side effects — that’s a given. But in order for a drug to be considered for use, its benefits have to outweigh the side effects and risks.

According to the FDA, the most common side effects of Addyi are dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dry mouth. If these sound familiar, it’s because they are also the side effects of countless other medications. 

Addyi also has what is referred to as a "black box warning" — intended to draw attention to serious or life-threatening risks — saying that those who take the drug must not drink alcohol. Shepherd thinks that this was “a little overkill” and that if you look at medications and their side effects in general (especially when it comes to alcohol use) “any one can have a black box warning if you think about it.” Interestingly, Eckert notes, in Canada no such warning regarding alcohol consumption was required on the packaging.

Valuing women’s sexual desire & pleasure

But it wasn’t just the side effects that were cause for concern to some: The FDA’s approval of the drug in 2015 also raised questions about how effective it actually is. And that’s where things get really complicated. Because unlike Viagra — where it’s clear when the drug is working because someone is able to get an erection when they normally couldn’t — there is no equivalent marker for female sexual desire. 

That is only exacerbated by the fact that even in 2018, many people don’t recognize women’s sexual pleasure as valuable or even legitimate. If you assign no value to the benefit (in this case, women’s sexual desire and pleasure) in a risk vs. benefit analysis, then as Eckert puts it, “any risk would be too great.” 

Of course, Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs also come with their own set of side effects; the difference is that we trust men enough to allow them to make their own medical decisions.

Along the same lines, a lot of people — doctors included — don’t understand how sexual desire works. All too often, if a woman expresses having a low sex drive, she’s told to buy sexy lingerie or read Fifty Shades of Grey or relax, when in fact, we’ve known for some time (since 1977, specifically) that there’s a neural basis for low libido, Eckert explains. 

To be clear: Having a sex drive doesn’t mean being turned on and ready to go 24 hours a day, seven days a week; it’s normal for desire to ebb and flow. Much like an antidepressant isn’t designed to make a person feel euphoric — but instead return to feeling “normal” — Addyi’s aim is to allow women to return to whatever level of sexual desire had been normal for them in the past. 

“[The drop in libido] is causing personal distress; it’s causing relationship distress,” Eckert says. “For them, it made no sense to me that they didn’t have access to a medical treatment option even though it exists.”

This brings us back to how we know if Addyi is actually effective. In one study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2016, women who took the drug had an average of 4.4 “satisfying sexual experiences” a month versus 3.7 for women on the placebo and 2.7 before the trial started. This may not seem like a big difference, but according to Eckert, the FDA’s approval benchmarks — like “satisfying sexual experiences” — are all male metrics imposed on a drug intended for women, so it makes sense that the numbers aren’t exactly earth-shattering. 

On top of that, Eckert explains that when you look at the data from some of the 11,000 women involved in Addyi’s clinical trials, you’ll read cases when, for instance, a woman reports having a sexual fantasy for the first time in years and then sending a sexy text message to their partner. Is that a measurable orgasm? No. But for people who lost their ability to even fantasize, this is a step in the right direction.

Who (if anyone) should take Addyi?

As a practicing OB-GYN, Shepherd says that she sees “the benefit of having a tool like this” for patients with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. 

“I do think that the benefit outweighs the risks, and it should be back on the market because we don’t have much at all to tackle this issue,” she says.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Addyi is not meant to treat all types of sexual issues — just hypoactive sexual desire disorder, which has a specific set of symptoms described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Shepherd notes. It’s not a magical pill that will turn someone who has always had a relatively low sex drive into Samantha Jones.

Aside from dispelling misconceptions about the drug, one of Eckert’s other goals is to make Addyi more accessible. In addition to making it available through a telemedicine consultation with a doctor, she also cut the cost of the drug back to her original prices of $25 per month for someone with insurance to a maximum of $99 per month for someone paying out of pocket (after Valeant significantly marked it up). 

And even if you’d never need or consider taking Addyi, there are still gains being made by having this conversation about women’s sexual desire, Shepherd notes — especially if it means reducing some of the guilt or shame that may surround these issues. 

Ultimately, though, it comes down to trusting women to make their own informed decisions about their bodies and health care. No drug works for everyone or comes without side effects — at least now, women have one more choice for attempting to have a satisfying sex life, as well as an excuse to talk about it. 

*Not everyone born with female genitalia identifies as a woman, and not all people who identify as women have a vulva/vagina. But for the purpose of this article, the terms “female” or “woman” will be used to describe a person with a vagina, vulva and uterus, while “male” or “man” will be used to describe people with a penis.

In a surprising turn of events on Friday, fitness and lifestyle icon Jillian Michaels confirmed that she and her partner of eight years, Heidi Rhoades, were no longer together, nor were they getting married. It's a split that apparently happened some time ago, but to the world, it's certainly news worth unpacking. 

More: 41 Hollywood Couples Who've Called It Quits in 2018

Michaels posted a lengthy statement to her Instagram, but it seems like this is the only statement she'll be making about the split. "Hey Tribe," she said to her followers. "You've been with me through it all so I'm sharing some news with you...Heidi and I have been split for a while now. We've found we're better friends and parents living apart than staying together. Life and people change but our love for one another and commitment to raising our two kids as an inseparable team remains," she said, concluding on an upbeat note that's classic Michaels: "Thanks for always loving and supporting us, the feeling is mutual!"

It's unclear how long Michaels and Rhoades have been separated, and Michaels doesn't seem too hung up on confirming that detail. The last time Michaels posted a photo featuring Rhoades was on Mother's Day, May 13, which could indicate that the pair split up sometime sometime in the past month.

Michaels and Rhoades officially confirmed their relationship in 2009 and have built a committed life with one another over the course of nearly a decade. They built their respective careers and became mothers together. Michaels' relationship with Rhoades also figured into her reality TV show Just Jillian, and her proposal to Rhoades was captured on television in 2016.

Rhoades has not released a statement about the breakup.

More: Jillian Michaels on #MeToo, Adoption & Hopes of Training Ruth Bader Ginsburg

The former Biggest Loser star adopted a daughter in May 2012 and Rhoades gave birth to a son in the same month, cementing their happy family unit. From Michaels' statement, we're sure that even though these women have split, they're making every effort to keep their children happy and healthy during this transition.

Since her rise to fame, Kim Kardashian West has become known for her sleek-straight, mermaid-length hair. Aside from a mild wave here and there, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a picture of her without hair as straight as a stick. And though the look has become synonymous with Kardashian West’s brand, fans weren’t exactly happy when they saw her recreate the texture on the head of her 5-year-old daughter, North West.

On Thursday, Kardashian West and North spent some quality mom-and-daughter time together at Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City. Pictures, which also feature Kardashian West’s BFF Jonathan Cheban and one of North’s friends, show the 5-year-old dressed in a hot-pink tracksuit with a high ponytail and a stuffed unicorn in her hand, smiling wide as she and her mom go to grab some candy.

However, not everyone was as happy as North. After the pictures were released on the internet, Kardashian West was mommy-shamed for straightening her daughter’s naturally curly hair. Considering North’s age, critics slammed the mom of three for using hot tools to make her daughter’s curls look straight and silky. Likewise, many also criticized Kardashian West for suggesting to North that there was something wrong with her natural hair, which is why she straightened it.

More: 10 Ridiculous Reasons Kourtney Kardashian & Kim Kardashian West Were Mommy-Shamed

Though Kardashian West wasn’t without her defenders. After she was mommy-shamed on Twitter, several fans came to Kardashian West’s defense, arguing that North is Kardashian West’s daughter and North’s hair is hers, so they can do whatever they want to it. Likewise, many argued that hair grows back and that just because it’s straightened, that doesn’t mean that it’s permanently damaged.

More: 10 Adorable Times Celebrity Daughters Tried Walking in Their Moms’ High Heels

As of yet, Kardashian West hasn’t responded to the shamers. But knowing her, she’s likely thinking the same thing as her fans: North is her daughter, so let her parent in peace.

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

By Kelly Poulson

Oh, counteroffers. Employees think that if they get more money, everything else will be fine. Employers think, "We can’t lose this person, so let’s give them what they have been asking for all along, and we’ll get to keep them." But friends, it rarely pans out that way.

I like to think of it like this: Let’s say you’re in a relationship and your significant other isn’t paying attention to you at all. You decide the way to solve it is to go out on a date with someone else to make her/him jealous. And it might work in the short term. They feel guilty about not giving you what you deserve and change their ways for a month or two, but pretty soon, you’re right back where you started.

I’m not saying it’s not possible to get to where you want to be in your career within your existing organization, but there are better ways to go about it. Here's how:

1. Create a plan

To get started on this journey, you want to be crystal clear and armed with facts about the work you’ve done and how it has enhanced business results. Show your manager you are very aware of the work you’ve achieved and the value attached to it.

Speak to your manager about all the amazing projects you’ve been doing and the impact it is having on the business. Get as many stats as possible gathered to state your case (and ultimately make it easier for that person to sell this to their supervisors.) Do some research on the average salary for your role within the market and make it known if you’re underpaid but also that you’ve done the legwork to research it and aren’t just shooting from the hip.

Put your best foot forward and make it clear that you want to remain within the company but it’s also a priority for you to grow. This is not ultimatum time. Say this in a genuine and authentic way. Ultimatums (just like in the relationship example above) very rarely get you what you truly want.

2. Ask for what you want

It’s scary to put your thoughts and feelings out there and face rejection, especially when it’s about you and your performance. But being open and honest about what you need and are looking for is the way to go. It doesn’t always work out in the way you want it to, but by starting the conversation, you don’t know what opportunities will present themselves. Are you asking for a promotion because you’re looking to sink your teeth into different types of work? Are you looking for more of a challenge as well as the financial changes that come along with it? Do you need to have a better understanding of a career path for yourself within the organization?

Get clear on what you want and then be brave enough to raise these issues to your manager. They may have plenty of ideas that you’ve not even considered. Or maybe they don’t, and by having the conversation you realize perhaps it is time to move on — but if you never try, you’ll never know.

As a former HR gal myself, nothing was more frustrating to me than when in an exit interview, an employee mentioned if we’d only done X, they would have stayed — but often when I asked if they’d told their manager about wanting X, they said no. Missed opportunity. Give your organization the chance to meet your needs by voicing them, and if they don’t within a reasonable time frame, at least you know you did your best to advocate for yourself and your career.

3. Be reasonable

OK, so you have your conversation, and your boss says they are working on a plan for you and will keep you posted. Don’t expect miracles overnight. If they haven’t been focused on creating a plan until recently, you want them to put time and thought into it. Now, time and thought shouldn’t take six months or a year. Give them an opportunity to come back to you but also don’t give them a free pass. Bring it up and ask the question every now and again so that they realize you’re not forgetting the conversation you had or letting them off the hook for working with you to create a plan (while all the while killing it on your everyday work of course!).

In this kind of situation, honesty is the best policy. Not only is angling for a counteroffer a little icky for your existing employer, but think about the other organization that you strung along. You’re not exactly making great friends there if you used them simply to gain something from your existing employer. Be smart, be reasonable and be brave enough to start the conversation. You never know where it will lead. And if at the end of the day, they aren’t willing to give you what you’re looking for, at least you know you tried.

Originally published on Fairygodboss.

Take heart, Roseanne fans! In the wake of Roseanne Barr’s racist tweets and ABC’s subsequent cancellation of the eponymous sitcom, it seemed as though a spinoff simply wasn’t possible. How can you have Roseanne without, well, Roseanne? The matter was made especially tricky by the fact Barr has a writing credit on the series. But — and it’s a big one — new intel suggests that a spinoff isn’t just possible, it could happen soon.

More: Roseanne Officially Cancelled at ABC Because Tweets Do Have Consequences

Per Deadline, lots of legwork behind-the-scenes has culminated in a promising point: Barr ready to sign off on the potential spinoff. While the terms and conditions of said agreement have not been released, it would reportedly involve Barr receiving a one-time payment from the production company Carsey-Werner. In exchange for that payment, Barr would relinquish her rights to any profits from the spinoff.

In other words, she couldn’t come back at a later date and sue ABC for or Carsey-Berner over the spinoff. The alleged agreement would mean Barr would no longer have any creative or financial rights where the series is concerned.

So where does that leave the potential spinoff? According to Deadline, ABC will have seven days from the time that Barr signs the agreement to decide whether they will pursue a pickup.

More: Is aRoseanneSpinoff Without Rosanne Barr a Possibility?

Per Roseanne’s own tweet on June 15, one could surmise that the erstwhile actress wants to put this chapter behind her and let her co-stars find success without her.

At this point, most of the buzz regarding the spinoff centers on Darlene, the character played by Sara Gilbert. Although fans also heavily favored a spinoff focused on John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, MSN reports that the veteran actors would remain on for the tentatively titled Darlene.

And hey, we’ve seen from another nostalgic revival how well it can work to focus on a now grown-up daughter of the original series. Case in point? Fuller House, which returned in 2016 with a plot about recently widowed D.J. Fuller (Candace Cameron Bure) and her three sons.

More: The Roseanne Cast May Have Gotten Older, But They Look Exactly the Same

Gilbert hasn’t posted to Twitter or Instagram since the series was canceled, at which time she wrote, “This is incredibly sad and difficult for all of us, as we’ve created a show that we believe in, are proud of, and that audiences love — one that is separate and apart from the opinions and words of one cast member.”

We’re choosing to take Gilbert’s silence as a good sign, though. Perhaps she’s been in talks about the spinoff and contractually can’t say anything yet? Here’s hoping.

As if poor Becca Kufrin hasn’t been plagued with enough problems on her season of The Bachelorette so far, a Twitter feud has erupted behind the scenes of the ABC show over one of Kufrin’s suitors, Colton Underwood. Making things even messier is the fact several past contestants from the Bachelor franchise are tangled up in mess — including fan favorite Raven Gates.

More: Bachelorette Contestant Lincoln Adim Convicted of Indecent Assault & Battery

The drama started on Monday, June 11, when Season 22 Bachelor contestant Tia Booth made a cameo on Kufrin’s season. There, she came face to face with Underwood, whom she’d dated briefly before he signed on to compete for Kufrin’s heart. Not surprisingly, Kufrin confronted her potential beau about the relationship, but both parties adamantly denied any feelings for each other.

Still with us? OK, good. It gets even more complicated, so try to keep up.

Ultimately, the run-in between the reported exes didn’t cause too much trouble for Kufrin — she seemed to genuinely believe both Booth and Underwood had moved on. However, the whole exchange ruffled quite a few feathers outside of the show… especially when Reality Steve posted a few Twitter pics of Underwood on the set of Bachelor in Paradise (which will air this summer).

Can you guess who he was on a date with in the snapshots? If you guessed Booth, you’d be right. Also in the photos, which appear to show a double date, are Gates and former Bachelorette contestant Adam Gottschalk.

And, well, Bekah Martinez — who competed against both Booth and Kufrin on Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s season of The Bachelor — was not having it. 

More: Becca Kufrin's First-Impression Rose-Winner Is Causing a Lot of Controversy

She shared one of Reality Steve’s photos on Twitter, facetiously captioning it, “Yeah Becca, we’re both 100 percent over each other! We’re TOTALLY not planning on getting back together/probably engaged the minute we’re in Paradise (we’re gonna get so many followers from this manufactured narrative lol).”

Gates quickly jumped to Booth’s defense, posting her own now-deleted sarcastic response. “Yeah, we’re totally 100% friends with each other! We’re TOTALLY not planning on getting back together JUST to be on your season/sitting here playing friends and then talk s*** on Twitter (we’re gonna get so many followers from this manufactured narrative LOL!)” Gates wrote.

She then added, “Make sure you follow @whats_ur_sign so she can get those followers so she can stop sh*t talking her friends… like Tia!! And Becca!! Come on now, hurry up!”

If you’ve got some time and really want to explore this shade parade, E! News managed to grab screenshots of most of Gates’ now deleted comments. There’s also a pretty comprehensive rundown being compiled on Martinez’s Twitter profile.

More: Charlize Theron Commenting onThe BachelorIs All of Us

But, basically, what it all boils down to is Martinez believes that Underwood and Booth played Kufrin — and perhaps were dating the entire time Underwood was on Kufrin’s season (which he currently still is) and even when they both signed on to be on the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise.

By her own account, Gates jumped into the fray in defense of her friend. 

However, a certain Shakespearean quote springs to mind: “Me thinketh thou doth protest too much!” Is it possible Gates was so quick to jump on the defensive due to a guilty conscience? After all, it would stand to reason that if Booth and Underwood were seeing each other on the sly, Booth’s best friend would have known about it.

Add in the photos of Gates and Gottschalk clearly having a blast with the couple-in-question after Kufrin's season, and you can see how someone might interpret the situation as — what did they call it? — manufactured.

For the majority of my almost-thirtysomething years(!), occasional breakouts have been the extent of my skincare issues. I’ve never known the pain of debilitating cystic acne, psoriasis or eczema, something I feel very fortunate for. In fact, I’d never even seen a dermatologist until my early 20s. Skin care has always been the part of my beauty routine I experiment with most simply because my skin is Teflon against pretty much anything and everything… or so I thought.

During two recent appointments, including one during which a fancy machine measured all aspects of my skin (brightness, UV exposure, wrinkles, etc.), I was told that “texture” is something I need a little help with. Immediately, I was confused because as far as I’m concerned, my skin is pretty damn smooth. But this is one of those skin factors that isn’t as apparent as, say, acne or redness because it really starts underneath the surface and sort of sneaks its way in. For instance, while my skin isn’t rough or bumpy, it does appear lighter in my T-zone and darker toward my hairline. Not only is that discoloration, according to my facialist, it’s also a telltale sign of uneven texture. So, how do you fix something that isn’t always so easy to detect?

Who better to answer that question than Shani Darden? In addition to having a top-selling namesake collection of her own, she’s the trusted aesthetician for a handful of celebs, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba and Kelly Rowland. Ahead is her advice for rehabbing skin with uneven texture.

More: 11 Products Made With Centella Asiatica, the Ultimate Skin Multitasker

What is “texture”?

When describing skin texture, we’re simply talking about how smooth the surface of the skin is. According to Darden, skin with even, smooth texture is well-hydrated and without clogged pores or raised bumps. There are a number of factors that can cause the skin to feel rough or look dull; the most common being rosacea, acne, chronic sun exposure and extreme dryness. But overall, an excess of dead skin cell buildup is the usual culprit, which brings us to the easiest treatment method.

More: The Water-Resistant Products You Need for a Sweat-Proof Summer

How to improve

Since cellular turnover is what brings new, fresh skin to the surface and keeps it in tip-top shape, Darden says frequent exfoliation is what will ultimately keep your texture on point. There are a couple of different ways you can go about this.

Professional Treatments

If you have access to a facialist, aesthetician, derm or other skin care experts, there are a number of skin-resurfacing treatments that smooth the skin at an accelerated pace. For instance, during a chemical peel, a prepared solution of acids and/or enzymes is applied and left on the skin for minutes. The type of peel you get will be determined by which skin issue is being directly addressed.

During microdermabrasion, top layers of the skin are exfoliated with a slightly abrasive tool to diminish dark spots, acne scars, and other skin marks that contribute to uneven texture. And according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it also thickens collagen, so your skin looks and feels plumper.

Laser skin resurfacing is another skin-smoothing treatment that can be performed by a skin expert. This is slightly more intense than microdermabrasion, as beams of light are directed toward the skin to remove damaged skin from both the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (inner layers).

Lifestyle changes

If lasers and sharp tools aren’t your jam, there is also a slew of simple lifestyle changes you can make, including a consistent sleep schedule, exercise and healthy diet. For a more streamlined approached, start by working this set of skin- and hair-specific smoothies into your daily meal schedule.

At-home exfoliation

At-home exfoliation can be broken down into two main categories: mechanical and chemical. The former refers to actual tools, such as a Clarisonic brush, as well as natural ingredients with exfoliating properties, like salt or sugar. Chemical exfoliants are just that: actual chemicals that aid in cell turnover. And according to Darden, these are the most effective ways to treat uneven skin texture.

“I think that using a combination of retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids will make a huge difference in the texture and health of your skin,” says Darden. “Alpha-hydroxy acids get rid of dead skin surrounding the pore, and beta-hydroxy acids will dissolve the buildup inside pores to prevent them from turning into zits.”

The most common types of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid. The most popular BHA is salicylic acid. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that mainly boosts collagen production (hello, plumpness!) but can also correct discoloration and breakouts.

More: 10 Lightweight Moisturizers for Every Skin Concern

Frequency > skin type

As we’ve noted before, certain acids are best for certain skin types. We can all benefit from chemical exfoliation; it’s simply a matter of knowing how much of each one your skin can tolerate.

“I think what it comes down to more is the frequency with which you use the products. Retinol and AHAs/BHAs are the superstars of skin texture, and some might find that they can only tolerate using a retinol serum a couple nights a week,” says Darden. “Other people may find that they’re able to use it nightly.”

She generally recommends using a chemical exfoliator one to two times a week, with the second time being determined by whether your skin can tolerate it. There is a plethora of ways you can get your exfoliation fix, whether it’s through a product that contains just one type of chemical or some combination of all three. For instance, Darden’s Texture Reform contains a form of retinol as well as an AHA.

“I developed Texture Reform to address the various concerns that can affect the texture of your skin. It’s amazing for antiaging and helping with acne as well. It contains retinyl palmitate, which is an incredible ingredient that will boost collagen in the skin and increase cellular turnover. It also contains lactic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid that will exfoliate the layer of dead skin on the surface to reveal brighter, smoother skin.”

Ultimately, it all boils down to trial and error until you find what works best for you, but Darden’s foolproof tips definitely lay the groundwork. Until then, peruse three of the newest skin-smoothing products below.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

The non-stripping cleanser made with willow bark, a form of salicylic acid, gently lifts dead skin cells off the face without completely stripping it of natural oils and moisture.

Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel, $38 at Dr Dennis Gross

Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion

This polishing cream, meant for use just two to three times a week, is made with a mix of exfoliators and natural moisturizers (like shea butter) to provide the same skin-smoothing benefits of a professional microdermabrasion treatment.

Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion, $41 at Kiehl’s

La Mer The Replenishing Oil Exfoliator

This luxe facial scrub is made with a slew of mechanical exfoliators, including sea kelp fibers and sugar crystals, to detoxify and brighten a dull complexion.

The Replenishing Oil Exfoliator, $125 at La Mer

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

Allergies and asthma are two (unfortunately) common maladies. Some signs and symptoms of these conditions are obvious, while others are a little sneakier. Here are some of the common (and not-so-common) signs and symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Asthma signs & symptoms

Asthma describes a chronic lung disease that negatively impacts your airways, rendering them swollen or inflamed, which makes it hard to take air in or breathe it out, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma can be triggered or worsened by certain conditions (such as the presence of a cold virus, dust, exercise or allergens), or it can be something that always seems to be present, the NHLBI explains. It can be a minor irritation for some people, but for others, it can be severe enough that it causes impactful problems on a daily basis, and it can even be life-threatening.

Asthma signs & symptoms

Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. according to statistics from Johns Hopkins University, and while most cases start in childhood, not all of them do. Also, according to Dr. Phil Boucher, a pediatrician in Lincoln, Nebraska, most kids do outgrow asthma, but not all, so it may be something you've been dealing with since childhood. "Children with mild and moderate asthma often outgrow it as they go through their teenage years," he tells SheKnows. "However, asthma does persist into adulthood for some patients, especially if it's strongly associated with allergies." How do you recognize asthma, anyway?

Here are some symptoms as described by the NHLBI:

Wheezing: Wheezing is one of the hallmarks of asthma and is notable because other people can often hear it too. Wheezing is a squeaky or whistling sound that happens when you breathe in — or out.

Coughing: While you may think all coughs are created by colds, it's actually a more common sign of asthma, especially if it's worse at night and negatively impacts your sleep.

Chest tightness: This decidedly unpleasant symptom makes it feel like something is sitting on your chest or someone is giving you a huge bear hug and won't let go.

Shortness of breath: Another symptom that can be alarming for those experiencing it is shortness of breath. It makes you feel like you can't take a deep, satisfying breath, or it could also manifest itself as making you feel like you can't exhale completely.

It's important to get a proper diagnosis if you're experiencing what you think is asthma, as proper treatment can limit or eliminate your asthma symptoms. Your doctor can advise what to do in certain situations (including when it's time to seek emergency care — because asthma attacks can be fatal) and will help create an asthma action plan, which will help you manage your condition at home, including what medications to take and when to take them.

More: What You Can Do to Prepare for Allergy Season Now

Allergy signs & symptoms

Unfortunately for us human beings, there are loads of different types of allergies, from the dreaded watery-eyed nasal disaster that is seasonal allergies to life-threatening allergic reactions from eating a pecan (or other seemingly harmless food). People can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, pets (wah!), food, insect stings and medicines. This is all bad news, and if diagnosed, you might have to completely alter your habits and surroundings and arm yourself with emergency meds to ward off a fatal event.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of different types of allergies as described by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, all of which are a drag and some of which can be deadly.

Hives: Hives are also known as urticaria, and they're itchy red bumps that can range in size from tiny to palm-size.

Asthma: Asthma can be triggered by allergens, including pet dander and pollen. Asthma sufferers often notice their symptoms are worse during certain parts of the year or in homes with the pets they're allergic to.

Eye problems: Allergies can also impact the whites of your eyes, turning them pink, and can also lead to itching and swelling.

Eczema: Allergens can also cause skin problems, and eczema manifests itself by itching, flaking, peeling and reddening.

Nasal problems: Your snout can also give you trouble. Symptoms can include facial pressure, nasal congestion and a thick nasal discharge and can indicate sinus problems triggered by allergens.

Nasal salute: Boucher also mentioned the "nasal salute" as an uncommon sign of allergies, and it can affect kids and adults alike. He describes it as pushing up on their nose, both to deal with the itch, and also to move the snot around. Over time, this can lead to a semipermanent crease across a patient's nasal bridge — so if you're constantly rubbing your nose and aren't really aware of it, a nasal crease can be a sign that you've got allergies.

A note about anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a super-serious allergic reaction and can be triggered by just about any old allergen, but the most common culprits are foods, insect stings, medications and latex according to the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis, per the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, include (but are not limited to):

• A feeling of warmth
• Flushing
• Hives
• Lightheadedness
• Pale coloration
• Shortness of breath
• Throat tightness
• Nasal congestion
• A generalized feeling of doom
• Anxiety
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal, and doctors typically provide EpiPen prescriptions for those with allergies that are more prone to serious reactions. Symptoms can escalate quickly, so use the EpiPen first and call 911 for transport to a hospital instead of waiting to see if symptoms improve, because they might not, and you can get to the point where epinephrine doesn't work.

More: Here's How to Use an EpiPen

Managing asthma & allergies is possible

With a proper diagnosis and a good treatment plan, it's possible to manage allergies and asthma. There is a variety of treatment options for either or both, and while there is typically no cure for either condition, symptoms can be reduced or eliminated, and you can sleep better and have less worry once these conditions are under control.

As if poor Becca Kufrin hasn’t been plagued with enough problems on her season of The Bachelorette so far, a Twitter feud has erupted behind the scenes of the ABC show over one of Kufrin’s suitors, Colton Underwood. Making things even messier is that several past contestants from the Bachelor franchise are tangled up in the mess — including fan favorite Raven Gates.

More: Bachelorette Contestant Lincoln Adim Convicted of Indecent Assault & Battery

The drama started on Monday, when Season 22 Bachelor contestant Tia Booth made a cameo on Kufrin’s season. There, she came face to face with Underwood, whom she’d dated briefly before he signed on to compete for Kufrin’s heart. Not surprisingly, Kufrin confronted her potential beau about the relationship, but both parties adamantly denied having any feelings for each other.

Still with us? OK, good. It gets even more complicated.

Ultimately, the run-in between the reported exes didn’t cause too much trouble for Kufrin — she seemed to genuinely believe that both Booth and Underwood had moved on. However, the whole exchange ruffled quite a few feathers outside the show... especially when Reality Steve posted a few Twitter pics of Underwood on the set of Bachelor in Paradise (which will air this summer).

Can you guess who he was on a date with in the snapshots? If you guessed Booth, you’re right. Also in the photos, which appear to show a double date, are Gates and former Bachelorette contestant Adam Gottschalk.

And, well, Bekah Martinez — who competed against both Booth and Kufrin on Arie Luyendyk Jr.’s season of The Bachelor — was not having it. 

More: Becca Kufrin's First-Impression Rose Winner Is Causing a Lot of Controversy

She shared one of Reality Steve’s photos on Twitter, facetiously captioning it, “Yeah Becca, we’re both 100% over each other! we’re TOTALLY not planning on getting back together/probably engaged the minute we’re in paradise (we’re gonna get so many followers from this manufactured narrative lol).”

Gates quickly jumped to Booth’s defense, posting her own now-deleted sarcastic response: “Make sure you follow @whats_ur_sign_ so she can get those followers so she can stop talking shit about her friends.. like tia!!! And Becca!!! Come on now, hurry up!!”

If you’ve got some time and really want to explore this shade parade, E! News managed to grab screenshots of most of Gates’ deleted comments. There’s also a pretty comprehensive rundown being compiled on Martinez’s Twitter profile.

More: Charlize Theron Commenting on The Bachelor Is All of Us

But, basically, it all boils down to Martinez believing that Underwood and Booth played Kufrin — and perhaps were dating the entire time Underwood was on Kufrin’s season (which is still going on) and even when they both signed on to be on the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise.

By her own account, Gates jumped into the fray in defense of her friend. 

However, a certain Shakespearean quote springs to mind: “The lady doth protest too much!” Is it possible Gates was so quick to jump on the defensive because she has a guilty conscience? After all, it would stand to reason that if Booth and Underwood were seeing each other on the sly, Booth’s best friend would have known about it.

Add in the photos of Gates and Gottschalk clearly having a blast with the couple in question after Kufrin's season, and you can see how someone might interpret the situation as — what was the word? — manufactured.

What, you thought Music City was just for country fans and so, so, so many bachelorette parties (ugh)? Think again. Nashville, Tennessee is actually a fantastic place to travel — or even, my Yankee heart now begrudgingly admits, live — with tiny humans in tow, too. And yes, that holds true whether or not they're pint-sized Dolly Parton fans. 

From the food scene (elegant yet oh-so-accessible) to the music scene (two words: bluegrass. brunch.) to the art museum with a kids' section that beats anything Brooklyn has to offer, Nashville is the perfect place to bring a kid or four for a long weekend or longer. And its a rising hotspot city in U.S. travel for a reason — so y'all better get on down here before all the secrets are out. 

More: The Mom's Guide to Miami

Where to Eat & Drink

Traveling parents need restaurants that have it all: good food, good vibes, but above all, plenty of chill. Because do you really want to bring a toddler into a hushed, upscale establishment where you'll only get glared at? On the other hand, quality is key; I'm not really into what passes for "family dining" in a lot of places (sorry, Olive Garden). And in Nashville, I find the best balance in this department at Cafe Roze and Fort Louise on the East side. 

The former, founded by NYC expat chef extraordinarie Julia Jaksic, is an Instagrammable hotspot where you'll find food that is as beautiful as it is delicious — my son is a fiend for the french fries. At the latter, owned by Alabaman Jessie Brower (yes I'm recommending only women-owned restaurants on purpose) lets you get your fancy Bourbon cocktail fix — this is the South, after all — while also snagging high chairs, a kids' menu, chic triangular crayons, and an epic PB&J parents will want to eat, too. 

For caffeine, hit up Crema by the river (in a possibly imaginary neighborhood Google Maps tells me is called "Rolling Mill Hill") or the Barista Parlor coffeeshop, with locations in the Germantown 'hood as well as East Nashville. I'm often embarrassed to admit that I love Barista Parlor, since their coffee is expensive, but it's damn good and my kid loves the pastries, so there we are.

Over in the Lockeland Springs neighborhood is the answer to my personal must-find everywhere I travel: The Bar That Won't Kick Your Child Out. Urban Cowboy Public House is an offshoot (literally — it's in the backyard) of Urban Cowboy B+B, a local boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian mansion, which is now famous nationwide for its hipster-maximalist design aesthetic; my son thinks he's "friends" with the metal horse wall decor near the bathrooms. I recommend the bar's grapefruit-rosé situation, perfect for sipping on the patio by the fire (supervise kids by said fire, duh).

Also in Lockeland Springs: the aforementioned bluegrass brunch, featuring local fiddlers and banjo players and more every Sunday at The Post East cafe near Shelby Park. Get the waffles. Just do it.

Where to shop

On the east side (are you sensing a theme here?) the shops at Porter East have a bunch of options for parents and kids alike within spitting distance of each other — from travel-themed coffeeshop Terminal Cafe to vegan ice cream (and pink decor) extraordinaire at Koko's to vintage-kitsch hawker Pony Show, which also has an adorable retro kids' section. 

West across the river, Hillsborough Village is a great walkable neighborhood with a ton of local shops, including curated kids' boutique Arcade and a Jeni's Ice cream location, both favorites with the little ones. And just around the corner, eateries Fido and The Pancake Pantry (which I've heard referred to as "a Nashville institution" more than once) are prime for the refueling.

What to Do & Where to Play

In Nashville, it can seem like there's a park everywhere you turn (and I mean a PARK-park, like a big green one, which was a shocker to me after living in NYC for 20 years). Two of my favorites are Shelby Bottoms Park on the east side (also the site of the East Nashville Farmer's Market) and Radnor Lake State Park on the south side (rife with turkeys, turtles, egrets and more — although go on a weekday or super-early weekend morning to avoid parking battles).

But the overall winner has to be Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Gardens, which goes beyond "park"; it's a 1930s estate and Georgian mansion with 55 acres of gardens, wooded trails, greenhouses — and an art museum. If I had my way, every park would include an art museum. And Cheekwood's seasonal offerings are always the perfect balance for parents and kids: weekend yoga in the garden AND storytime for kiddos; harvest beer garden with bluegrass music AND a playhouse made of pumpkins; holiday lights exhibit AND hot toddies...you get the picture. 

And speaking of art museums... the Frist Center for the Visual Arts features rotating exhibits from local as well as internationally exhibiting artists; recent favorites were Nashvillian Vadis Turner's textile pieces, an exhibit involving Australian Aboriginal batik, and the sculptural madhouse courtesy of artist Nick Cave (no, the other one). But perhaps the Frist's best-kept secret is its' classy-AF kids' section, the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, which lets kids learn about art in a myriad of ways — from creating their own stop-motion movies to painting with watercolors to printmaking. (Confession: I have been known to use my kid as an excuse to do crafts.)

Saturday mornings in East Nashville with tots can and should only mean one thing: storytime at Her Bookshop. Joelle Herr began this lit-lady indie gem in a very small space in 2016, and it's been so successful (no surprise, given the East Nash population of literary ladies — and gents and kids) that she reopened it this fall in a larger, but not at all overwhelming, venue. Joelle curates an always-remarkable selection of reads — from design to fiction to nature to kids' to just plain beautiful books, period. And every Saturday, there's a cozy children's story hour with a local reader and/or musician. Kids listen enthralled; you browse books. Sold?

More: The Mom's Guide to Copenhagen

More: The Mom's Guide to San Francisco

Where to stay

In Nashville, Airbnbs are king — and I'm personally biased towards the family travel rental site Kid & Coe (hey, if I'm out of town you can even rent my place). But if you're looking to fancy up your stay and are in the market for a splurge, you can't beat the newly renovated downtown boutique hotel Noelle. The decor is gorgeous but not too fussy (or too breakable for the young ones), and there is an artful shop, restaurant, and rooftop bar on-site. Oh, and 10-minute coffee delivery every morning — something every parent needs, correct?

Where to escape

If you've got a car and are willing to drive it for 30 minutes, Franklin, TN is right outside Nashville — and it's the cutest darn small town you've ever seen. You know Stars Hollow on Gilmore Girls? It's that, but in the South, complete with town-square gazebo and probably one or two Taylor Dooses with a drawl. From the industrial-chic Factory and shops to the Franklin Farmer's Market to the occasional airstream-trailer clothing shop, there are weekend delights aplenty in Franklin.

Plus, every September, Franklin's Harlinsdale Farm welcomes Pilgrimage Music Festival, which is probably the most kid-friendly music fest of all time. Last year's highlights were the Avett Brothers, Justin Timberlake (presumably JT brought his son Silas, who sadly did not end up in a baby battle with my son Silas), Fitz and the Tantrums, Langhorne Slim, and the mainstage event that featured me trying to pee in a Port-o-Potty while holding Silas up over my head so he wouldn't touch anything. Ah, festival life. 

Y'all come back now, hear?

Once again serving as a shining example for co-parents everywhere, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck are giving everyone major feels on Father’s Day. On Sunday, Garner posted a heartwarming tribute to Affleck on Instagram — celebrating the dad that he is to the former couple’s three kids: Violet, 12, Seraphina, 9, and Samuel, 6.

More: Everyone Lost Their Cool Over Jennifer Garner's Oscars Appearance

“Our kids are lucky to have a dad who looks at them the way you look at them and loves them the way you love them, @benaffleck. #happyfathersday #threeluckykids #haveagreatday,” Garner captioned a sweet pic of Affleck staring adoringly at one of the children (who was just out of the frame).

Since splitting in August 2016 after a decade of marriage, Garner and Affleck have remained on the same page about one thing: putting their kids first.

In her first interview after their divorce, Garner emphasized to Vanity Fair, “The main thing is these kids — and we’re completely in line with what we hope for them. Sure, I lost the dream of dancing with my husband at my daughter’s wedding. But you should see their faces when he walks through the door. And if you see your kids love someone so purely and wholly, then you’re going to be friends with that person.”

More: Co-Parenting Exes Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner Vacation Together With Kids

In the time since, the couple has vacationed together, gone to church together and, in general, seemingly seized every opportunity to spend time as a family. Earlier this month, the exes looked friendly watching their son Samuel’s baseball game together. And just this week, Garner dropped by Affleck’s office while out and about on errands.

If only we could all follow their lead when it comes to amicable co-parenting! Violet, Seraphina and Samuel are lucky kids indeed.

Well, the honeymoon is over — only in the literal sense, of course. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still crazy about each other, but the royal couple has officially put their top-secret East African trip behind them to settle back into royal duties. On Saturday, that included attended a family wedding at which poor Markle nearly took a topple.

More: The Royal Family Website Has Been Updated Just for Meghan Markle

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in attendance to support Harry’s cousin, Lady Celia MCorquodale, daughter of the late Princess Diana’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale. Prince Harry and Markle traveled to Stoke Rockford, Lincolnshire to watch Lady Celia say ‘I do’ to her groom, George Woodhouse.

It was there, on the grounds of St. Mary’s Church, that Markle experienced the same misfortune countless women have endured: the byproduct of walking in grass while wearing high heels.  

More: The Queen Has Meghan Markle's Next Six Months All Planned Out

As Harry and Markle made their way toward the ceremony seating, Harry grabbed his new wife’s hand — and, not surprisingly, his timing was impeccable. Mere moments later, Markle lost her footing and fumbled ever so slightly. With Harry’s hand to steady her, Markle recovered quickly and gracefully.

Daily Mail caught the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment on camera.

What was far more noticeable than the slight slip, though, was Markle’s style. The Duchess was the picture of laid-back elegance in a flowy, blue floral shirt dress by Oscar de la Renta. In addition to those pesky (but pretty) white pumps, Markle paired the dress with a white fascinator.

Such is the latest in a growing line of public appearances for Markle since she became a member of the royal family. Last week, she attended her first solo engagement with Queen Elizabeth II and, judging by appearances, Markle’s trademark charm carried her through the milestone occasion.

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

“Meghan is adjusting to life as a royal much faster and easier than anyone — aside from Harry — ever expected her to,” a source recently told HollywoodLife.com, adding that Harry credits his bride’s “warm personality, kindness, empathy, and patience” as the primary reasons the typically guarded royal family has welcomed Markle so readily.

Hear, hear!

It’s been a tumultuous year for the Jolie-Pitt family, but it seems as though they may finally have turned a corner — Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s children, who’ve seen noticeably less of their father since their parents’ split, joined their dad in London to celebrate Father’s Day.

Jolie and the kids are currently staying in London while she films Maleficent 2. Pitt presumably hopped the pond simply to squeeze in more time with the kids before he has to report for filming in Los Angeles (he’s starring in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood).

More: Angelina Jolie's Relationship With Brad Pitt Is Affecting Their Custody Agreement

This development is a big deal for the family, given it was only last week that a judge ordered Jolie to allow Pitt to spend more quality time with their kids: Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 12, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 9.

Per court documents obtained by People, the judge ruled that “the children not having a relationship with their father is harmful to them.” The court deemed Pitt “safe” for the children to be around and, accordingly, underscored that “it is critical each of [the six] children have a healthy and strong relationship with their father and mother.”

More: Angelina Jolie Gets Silly on Maleficent 2 Set, & It's a Good Look for Her

According to CNN, the court came up with a summer custody schedule that would allow Pitt to spend more time with the kids. If Jolie fails to comply, it may result in the court awarding primary physical custody to Pitt.

Jolie is reportedly “emotional and concerned” over the new custody agreement, says HollywoodLife.com. However, she kept busy during Pitt’s Father’s Day visit with the kids with a trip of her own. As part of her humanitarian work with the UN Refugee Agency, Jolie made her fifth visit to Iraq (and her 61^st mission trip) with a visit to West Mosul.

More: Angelina Jolie Reveals What Really Ruined Her Marriage

“This is the worst devastation I have seen in all my years working with UNHCR. People here have lost everything: their homes are destroyed. They are destitute. They have no medicine for their children, and many have no running water or basic services. They are still surrounded by bodies in the rubble. After the unimaginable trauma of the occupation, they are now trying to rebuild their homes, often with little or no assistance,” Jolie said among ruins of the city, which was liberated from ISIS less than a year ago.

Jolie hailed the people for their strength and sense of community but stressed that “they need our assistance.”

For obvious reasons, we should all be aware of how we’re feeling and tending to our personal health regularly. But for 1 to 5 percent of the general population, worrying about health crosses the line into something more serious: illness anxiety disorder.

Formerly known as hypochondria, illness anxiety disorder causes an individual to worry excessively about their health whether or not they have any symptoms.

“We know we’re mortal. We know illness exists, and intermittently throughout our lives, we’ll worry about our health,” Dr. Andrew Rosen, psychologist and the founder and director of the Center for Treatment of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Delray Beach, Florida, tells SheKnows. “But when it becomes too intense, too frequent, and starts to encroach upon a person’s day-to-day living, it is at the level of disorder.”

Sound familiar to you? Here are the signs you might be suffering from IAD:

You immediately assume the worst about a symptom

How do you react when you aren’t feeling yourself? Ken Goodman, a licensed clinical social worker and creator of the Anxiety Solutions Series, tells SheKnows that the average person will notice a symptom and not immediately jump to conclusions.

“These individuals don’t think about it too much and can focus on their day,” Goodman explains. “If symptoms persist or get worse, they will simply go to the doctor to get checked out.”

But when one has IAD, even the most minor symptoms become major concerns.

“When people with the disorder get headaches or stomach problems, rather than attributing it to something logical like stress, they come up with the idea that it is something more severe,” Rosen says. “For example, if they get chest pain, they think it must be a heart disease. If their memory is a little off, they think it must be a type of dementia.”

This worst-case-scenario thinking may have to do with your family’s own mental health history. For example, a study published in the journal World Psychiatry shows that environmental factors, such as growing up with a caretaker who has anxiety, affect one’s chances of developing IAD.

More: I’m Worried My Own Anxiety Is Rubbing Off on My Son

“Anxiety tends to run in families, but how the anxiety manifests itself might be different for each relative,” Goodman explains. “A father with social anxiety may pass on his anxiety to his daughter, who for some reason develops illness anxiety.”

Your health concerns take up a major portion of your day

One way medical professionals diagnose IAD is by determining if the anxiety interferes with one’s pleasure and happiness or keeps an individual from taking part in their normal day-to-day life, such as eating, sleeping and even social activities.

“Extreme behaviors include reading articles about the feared illness hours each day and constantly monitoring their body for signs and symptoms, so much so that it becomes difficult to focus on work, school and enjoying life,” Goodman explains.

Let’s be honest — most of us are guilty of typing our symptoms into Google and taking those online health-assessment quizzes. But if you are choosing to research symptoms instead of spending time with friends, it may be a warning sign.

More: Is Worrying About Getting Sick Actually Making You Sick?

You’re constantly going to the doctor... or avoiding the doctor entirely

Goodman recalls working with a patient who went to physicians, emergency rooms and urgent cares more than 20 times in a six-month period — something that is easily perceived as IAD. However, individuals with illness anxiety can also be more inclined to skip doctors' appointments out of fear of bad news — something Rosen classifies as "avoidance behavior."

“The behavior creates a cycle,” Rosen notes. “Once a patient cancels the visit, their anxiety intensifies because they later feel as though the condition is getting worse without medical attention.”

Rosen explains that this leads individuals to instead depend on the wide availability of medical information in the media, which anyone without a medical degree isn’t really qualified to assess meaningfully.

You’re are distrusting toward medical evidence

“Not only do sufferers spend a great deal of time worrying about the possibility of illness, they sometimes believe they do have it and that death is imminent,” Goodman explains. “Even when reassured by doctors that they don’t have a feared diagnosis, people with illness anxiety often question the evaluation and continue to worry.”

Rosen agrees, pointing out that individuals with this disorder are never convinced by the results of medical scans, blood tests or at-home DNA kits.

“Anybody with illness anxiety disorder is not satisfied with a 99 percent chance of being healthy,” Rosen says. “They immediately assume that they are the rare 1 percent, so tests meant to ease one’s anxiety actually just exacerbate it.” 

More: 4 Steps to Becoming a Reformed Germaphobe

While IAD can never be cured, it can be managed. If you can relate to any of these symptoms, it may be time to reach out to a medical professional to ease your mind about your health concerns and to begin getting your anxieties under control.

It's a valid question many of us have asked ourselves while getting intimate with our S.O.: Is swallowing worth it? And then the follow-up question is virtually almost always: But what are the health benefits of semen?

Now, you've probably already heard that semen is packed with protein. But it turns out the benefits of consuming it go far beyond that.

If it doesn't totally gross you out and you're up for it, here are the six health benefits of semen.

More: This Is What Happens to Our Brains After Sex

1. Semen is a natural anti-depressant

I know sex in general can put a smile back on my face, but I never thought it had anything to do with semen. According to a study conducted on 293 female college students at the State University of New York in Albany, exposure to semen can lower symptoms of depression. The study compared female students who were having sex with condoms versus those who were having sex without, and found that the latter group overall showed fewer signs of depression.

According to the study's author, "These data are consistent with the possibility that semen may antagonize depressive symptoms, and evidence which shows that the vagina absorbs a number of components of semen that can be detected in the bloodstream within a few hours of administration." Basically, women absorb semen quickly, and thus its benefits can be easily detected in the bloodstream.

But don't go having unprotected sex because of this. I will state the obvious: There are still such things as STDs, and you can still get pregnant despite this health benefit.

2. It helps you sleep better

Yes, sure, you're usually worn out after sex, but that may not be why you sleep so well that night. Semen actually contains melatonin, which is a chemical that induces sleep and relaxation. Whether you ingest it, or receive it through intercourse, it will enter your bloodstream and help you doze off better than most over-the-counter sleep aids.

3. A multivitamin in each ejaculation

One teaspoon of semen contains over 200 proteins and several helpful vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, chlorine, citric acid, fructose, lactic acid, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin B12 and zinc. While amounts of each vitamin vary with age and relative health of the obliging male, there is usually a significant amount of zinc present (about 3 percent of US RDA), which is an antioxidant that helps slow down the aging process. So besides exercise, sex (sans condom) gives you a healthy dose of something good.

Next: Oral sex can lower your blood pressure

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

4. Oral sex can lower your blood pressure

According to a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, swallowing semen on a regular basis can lower your blood pressure. Women who swallow their male mate's sperm during oral sex often have a much lower risk of getting preeclampsia — a complication during pregnancy that results in super-high blood pressure. So semen is helpful in making and birthing a baby.

5. It lowers the risk of prostate cancer (when expelled)

So this last one's not so much a health benefit of semen, but rather the act of semen is released. According to a 2004 study in The Journal of the American Medical Association, "high ejaculation frequency was related to decreased risk of total prostate cancer." This means that whether you do it alone or with a friend, if you're ejaculating regularly, you're lowering your chances of getting prostate cancer later in life. Suddenly the term "release your demons" takes on new meaning.

More: How to Have Hot, Wet Water Sex

6. It could be the next all-natural fire extinguisher

You read that right. A 2013 study in Polymer suggests DNA in semen could be used to create flame-retardant materials. Right now, they're looking specifically at DNA from herring sperm cells and finding that it converts to a "ceramic-like material when exposed to extreme heat."

The science behind it is a little intense, but simply put, the components found in the DNA could be an environmentally friendly way to protect fabric from flame. While this sounds awesome, I wouldn't go attempting the human fire extinguisher just yet.

If there's one parenting choice that's guaranteed to polarize, it's co-sleeping. I've experienced the backlash against sharing a bed with my baby firsthand. "But you're harming your baby!" exclaimed one friend — who swiftly became a former friend — when I casually mentioned over dinner that my healthy, happy 3-month-old bedded in with us every night.

I come from a family of co-sleepers, so it was more of an instinct than a choice — and one my husband was fully on board with (I'd say this is crucial if you want your relationship to survive). Co-sleeping isn't for everyone, but if you're leaning toward it — or just want to feel better about your choice in the face of adversity and judgment — here are some of the pretty amazing benefits of sharing a bed with your kids.

More: Actually, Sleeping With My 5-Year-Old Is Pretty Great

Less risk for SIDS

Research shows that babies who co-sleep may be at less risk for sudden infant death syndrome than babies who sleep alone. The lowest SIDS rates in the world coincide with high rates of co-sleeping. "SIDS occurrences are among the lowest in the world in Hong Kong, where co-sleeping is extremely common," wrote Dr. James J. McKenna, professor of anthropology and the director of the Center for Behavioral Studies of Mother-Infant Sleep at Notre Dame University, in Sleeping With Your Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Cosleeping.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months, stating that this decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent.

McKenna's research suggests that sleeping next to a parent encourages a baby’s healthy breathing patterns. The amount of CO2 a mom (or dad) expires in their breath acts as a potential backup if the baby’s own breathing ability slows down or fluctuates. The theory is that the baby’s nasal area responds to the presence of CO2 by breathing faster.

McKenna also says that babies who sleep with their mothers and breastfeed spend more time in sleep stages one and two, the lighter stages of sleep, which is believed to be physiologically more beneficial for babies than stages three and four, the deepest sleep stages. In stages three and four, arousal is more difficult during a dangerous apnea (where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing). Shorter periods of deeper-stage sleep encouraged by co-sleeping may protect babies with arousal deficiencies, which have been linked to SIDS.

According to La Leche League, if you are a nonsmoker, sober and unimpaired and breastfeeding and your baby is healthy and full-term, on their back and lightly dressed and you both are on a safe surface, "your baby in bed is at no greater risk for SIDS than if he's nearby in a crib."

More: I Hated Co-Sleeping, but I Did It Anyway

Easier breastfeeding

Co-sleeping makes those regular nighttime feeds easier simply because nursing moms don't have to leave their beds. "Co-sleeping allows for an easier breastfeeding relationship, and research shows that families who co-sleep and breastfeed get more hours of sleep," certified private-practice lactation consultant and parent coach Leigh Anne O'Connor tells SheKnows. "While the sleep patterns may be different, over a period of 24 hours, they get more sleep."

Co-sleeping made breastfeeding easier for Maria Lianos-Carbone, author of Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year. "We were all finally getting sleep," she tells SheKnows. "I set up a basket with a changing pad, diapers and wipes by my bed. Diaper changes happened right on the bed so I wouldn’t even have to get up. Once my boys were 6 months old, it was easier to breastfeed at night. My baby would be curled up in my arm, and once he’d awaken, I’d slip up my top and offer my breast. It was effortless, and we’d both fall back asleep. The thing is, you’re so in tune with your baby that once you feel him rousing from sleep, you’re also up. Although you’re sleeping, you’re aware of his presence."

More confident kids

Studies show that kids who co-sleep tend to have more confidence, less anxiety and are overall more well-adjusted the children who don’t co-sleep. Licensed therapist Melinda Hayne can attest to this as a co-sleeping mama herself. “I believe it's most likely due to the increased bonding/attachment to the child's primary caregiver,” she tells SheKnows. “Moments of cozy snuggling and knowing that the parent is so close by send a ‘you’re safe’ message to the child. Young children internalize their environment, which then develops into their worldview: the way they see life, others and themselves. This early nurturing can carry over into later childhood and adulthood in the form of what we call well-being.”

Children of all ages can benefit from this feeling of increased security, said O'Connor. "Older children who co-sleep may feel that they talk to their parents in bed in ways they do not when they are awake and the lights are on. They feel less vulnerable and are able to open up."

Safety first

If you co-sleep with a baby, the most important thing to know is how to do it safely.

• Your baby should be on their back on a firm sleep surface with a tight-fitting sheet and away from soft bedding, including blankets, pillows and soft toys. This rules out sofas, recliners and any soft or sagging surfaces that may cause your baby to roll against you or stop them from lifting their head free.
• Make sure there are no spaces between the mattress and the headboard, side rails or wall where your baby could get stuck.
• Ensure your bed is free from unused pillows, stuffed toys, heavy covers and comforters and anything nearby that dangles or tangles, such as cords, strings, scarves, ribbons and elastics.
• Never co-sleep if you have been smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

More: A Co-Sleeper's Guide to Getting It On

Visit La Leche League for more safe co-sleeping and bed-sharing tips.

If recent celebrity engagement news has left you wondering if anyone takes time to fall in love and be sure of their relationship before committing to marriage, we have good news! Slow-burn romance is here to stay, and people like country star Scott McCreery and his girlfriend of six years Gabi Dugal are keeping it alive. The couple married in the North Carolina mountains on Saturday, and according to People, the ceremony was beautiful and rustic.

More: All the Celebrity Couples Who Recently Said I Do

McCreery, an American Idol alum, proposed to Dugal in September 2016 at a mountaintop spot they found accidentally some years ago. He told People, “We were looking for a waterfall about two or three years ago and I completely screwed up and got us lost. And I was like, well, the next trail map, we’re just gonna see where it takes us, and we got out and then came up to these beautiful cliffs. Now it’s kind of our spot every time we go to the mountains.”

The proposal, which McCreery sings about in his single "This Is It," inspired the venue choice for their summer wedding. Dugal said, "We fell in love with the mountains during the summertime [when Scotty proposed], and our [venue] is like a little castle in the woods.”

On Saturday morning before the wedding, McCreery posted just the title of the song on Twitter, ushering in a swell of warm wishes from fans in the replies.

“We’ve been dating six years and have known each other our whole lives," McCreery told People prior to the wedding. "That kind of story doesn’t happen too often nowadays. I support her dreams and she supports mine.”

People reports that the ceremony was officiated by McCreery's childhood pastor and McCreery and Dugal said I do in front of more than 200 loved ones. They exchanged personal wedding vows before heading to their reception, where they shared their first dance to Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling in Love." The couple served Cajun food (in honor of Dugal's Louisiana upbringing), steak and pasta, with several pies taking the place of a traditional wedding cake. Dugal described the black, white and gold color scheme and decorative choices as "classic."

These high school sweethearts will reportedly head to Tahiti on Tuesday for their honeymoon, then move into their new home when they return to the U.S. “We haven’t moved in together yet," McCreery told People. "I’m living with my guys and she’s living with one of her best friends. I love my guys, but it’ll be much nicer coming back from the road and seeing my wife instead of three motley dudes!”

McCreery still seemed to be processing the events of his exciting weekend with Dugal because on Sunday evening, he posted a photo of his wedding band to his Instagram Story. "Crazy," he wrote. Short, simple, to the point — just like a newlywed still in happy shock might sound. 

More: A Roundup of Country Couples Who've Been Together Forever

People shared an exclusive photo of the newlyweds that shows them both beaming, clearly still in love after six years together. We love this love, and we can't wait to see where the future takes them.

Bachelor in Paradise alums Jared Haibon and Ashley Iaconetti just went public with their blossoming romance in May. They're such a sweet couple, and truth be told, we've all been waiting and wondering if this Bachelor Nation couple — who've been so smitten with one another since day one — would ever go all the way. Well, now the wait is over.

More: Ashley Iaconetti & Jared Haibon Are Getting More Serious by the Day

People reports that Haibon proposed in Mexico on Sunday, and Iaconetti looks absolutely over the moon in the photos taken of this special moment. Neither Haibon nor Iaconetti have commented on their new engagement on social media yet, but we're not surprised. They've proven in the past they like to take their time and enjoy each moment of their relationship, so we imagine they're doing exactly that the day after Haibon's proposal.

This newly engaged couple met on Haibon's 2015 season of Bachelor in Paradise, but he didn't immediately return Iaconetti's love-at-first-sight feelings. It wasn't until later, during a weekend spent in Virginia together for a charity event, that Haibon realized his feelings. “That was such a different experience being with someone in the show and in real life," he told People. "[Iaconetti was] just so down to earth and easy-going, ambitious … sexy.”

Although Haibon and Iaconetti told People in May that they were just enjoying dating, they also confessed that they've talked extensively about the future. 

"As soon as we started dating, we both knew that this isn’t just for us to date as boyfriend/girlfriend — this was more so we were going to date because we see a potential life partner in each other,” Haibon said. “We’ve talked about it but we’re just dating right now, we’re enjoying that. We literally just announced our relationship. The thing is, we’ve been so close for the past three years, I just know her inside and out. I know everything about Ashley.”

They both wanted to wait before confessing their love for each other, which didn't happen until six weeks into dating — but sometimes waiting is overrated. Iaconetti told Entertainment Tonight in early June that if Haibon proposed, she would definitely say yes. Now she has, and everything about them and their engagement is so sweet that we can't even handle it.

More: The Bachelor's Ashley Iaconetti Is Hosting a Brand-New Show

Around the same time as that interview with ET, the couple shared with People that they already refer to each other as "husband" and "wife." Haibon told the magazine, "I think we just both see each other as lifelong partners, so it’s not scary, for me personally, to call her my future wife."

It's clear that these two have been heading toward this moment for a long time, and we're so happy that they finally got there. After all the ups and downs of their relationship, it's amazing to see them overcome that and fall in love. Sometimes, Bachelor Nation fosters some real, lasting connections. Now, when's the wedding? We're sure it will be an event to remember.