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Angelina Jolie Stole the Spotlight at This Royal Event

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Angelina Jolie may have taken a hint from what's quickly becoming the signature style of Duchess Meghan of Sussex, otherwise known as Meghan Markle, when she attended the Service of Commemoration and Dedication of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in London on Thursday.

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

People reports that Jolie opted for a custom pale gray dress, matching gloves and a fascinator that would have belonged among the hats at the royal wedding — which Jolie did not attend. The outlet compared Jolie's color palette and style to Meghan's, noting her similar hairstyle and understated choices for the event. Meghan has opted for shades of off-white and custom-made Philip Treacy hats for royal events ever since her wedding to Prince Harry, with her low bun making frequent appearances during outings.

However, People notes that Jolie has opted for similar ensembles during previous interactions with members of the royal family. Jolie was made an honorary Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in 2014 for extraordinary service to U.K. foreign policy. It was this title that likely garnered her an invitation to Thursday's service. The queen herself bestowed the honor, which is equivalent to a knighthood for men.

More: Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt's New Custody Agreement Made Pitt's Father's Day

Unfortunately, there were no photos of Jolie and Queen Elizabeth at Thursday's service due to the fact that the queen was too ill to attend. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the matriarch was "under the weather" Thursday morning. Her cousin, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, grand master of the order, represented her in her absence.

According to People, Jolie is currently in London filming Maleficent 2, though none of them were at the service on Thursday.


Everything You Need to Prep Your Kid for Summer Camp

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Summer is upon us, which means long days of fun in the sun — at least for our kids. While most of us parents are donning something other than a swimsuit and trekking to work for business as usual, many of our kids are doing the opposite: joyfully getting ready for summer camp (if camp isn't the opposite of work, I don't know what is). But what if it’s their first time away? What if the pre-camp jitters make the prospect of leaving home less-than-joyful? How do you help your kid prepare for sleep-away camp when you're both nervous about being away from one another?

Follow these seven tips to make summer camp prep a breeze.

Read: The Most Unique Summer Camps in the U.S.

1. Set expectations

If it’s the first time your kid is going to sleep-away camp, they may not know what to expect. Talk with them about their concerns and share your own experiences or those of others (there are some great books on just this topic). Knowing what to expect, as much as you’re able, will help ease fears and temper everyone’s attitude as the first day of camp approaches.

2. Make a list

Make a list of everything you’ll need to pack so you don’t forget a crucial item; keep in mind your kid's camp may be somewhere remote that doesn’t allow for last-minute drugstore runs. So be sure to pack essentials, like plenty of underwear and socks (all clothes should have your kid’s initials or name written on them), layers for cooler nights, rain gear, insect spray, sunblock and toiletries. And don’t forget to add some small reminders of home (do, though, steer clear of packing any valuables).

3. Do research together

When kids get afraid, it can have a lot to do with the misconception that if something is unknown it's therefore unsafe. But knowledge is power, so do research with your child — on the camp history, activities and the area where it's located. Reading up on it can be great bonding time and a fun way to transform anxieties about the unknown into excitement about what’s to come. You might even plan to spend a little bit of time doing something in the area of camp (a hike, a flea market) before you drop off your child and head home. That way, you'll create memories together that your child can lean on if they feel homesick.

4. Pursue advance socializing

Take advantage of any opportunities to connect with other families attending your child's camp — in advance of start day. Don’t blow off any orientation or social events planned, as attending those can help ease any concerns you or your kids might have about what to expect. Check out the camp's website and social media channels as well, as they can provide an opportunity to connect with people from other geographic regions who might be attending this summer. If your child is lucky, they might even make a camp friend before they get there.

Read: The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing List

5. Plan your communications 

Before your child goes away, discuss plans for regular communication. Avoid pressures to equip them with a cell phone just to stay in touch (as tempting as that may seem); you don't want them to default to texting friends from home and scrolling Instagram instead of fully engaging with camp activities and their little-known, digitally disconnected soul. Instead, use camp as an opportunity to celebrate snail mail — why not let your kid pick out stationery and stamps they like? Pledge to write them a letter per week, and up the frequency if they are having a tough time.

6. Create an escape plan

You don’t want to talk too extensively about an escape strategy — or offer to pick your kid up as soon as they say they want to come home (veteran summer camp parents say this offer is more likely to result in kids giving up early). You can, however, create some set of criteria with your child to ensure they don’t feel stranded or alone. 

Maybe offer to visit for the day, or take them out to lunch if they’re feeling really homesick or having trouble. Help them understand that they should connect with a counselor or set up phone time with a close friend and confidante so they can channel concerns or issues in a healthy way — without giving up that hefty sum you paid for them to attend camp, only to have them later regret leaving early. Of course, make it clear that if they no longer feel safe, you will rescue them and protect them always.

7. Set an example 

Don’t walk around in the days leading up to drop-off time letting your kid know just how sad you are they are leaving and how much you’ll miss them. This will only serve to increase their anxiety about leaving. Instead, show your excitement about the opportunities they’ll have and get them pumped up about what they’re about to experience.

Read: The Best Summer Camp Based on Your Kid's Astrological Sign

Sleep-away camp is a huge leap for kids, and it can be nerve-wracking leaving home for what might be the first time — and for what feels like a long time. Stick to these tips, and you'll help ease your child's worries as well as create positive energy around what may well be the best summer of their lives.

Top Tips to Prep Kids for Sleep-Away Summer Camp

Rachel Bilson Says Parenting With Ex Hayden Christensen Is 'a Tricky One'

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When news broke that our high school crushes Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen called off their nearly decadelong relationship last year, we were devastated (well, as much as one could be for people we've never met). Since the split, both parties have remained pretty quiet, focusing primarily on their careers and their daughter, Briar Rose. But with a new series, Take Two, on the horizon, Bilson is becoming more open about her duties as working mom and co-parent — and she's leaving the fluff behind. 

More: Rachel Bilson & Hayden Christensen Have Split After Nearly a Decade Together

"We're still kind of trying to figure it out," she told People about co-parenting with her ex. "It's a tricky one, and I don't know that there is any right way, necessarily." 

Look, as much as we all love when celebrities can remain best friends with their exes and gush about how beautiful co-parenting is, the reality remains that it's not that seamless for everyone. And guess what? It's OK not to have all the answers. What's most critical, Bilson said, is making sure the children are happy, healthy and loved. 

More: 5 Harsh Truths of Co-Parenting With an Ex

"We say Mommy has a house and Daddy has a house, but she's pretty young to have an in-depth conversation," Bilson continued. "Most important for me is that Briar is okay and secure and stable. No matter what I'm dealing with or how much it hurts or how much anger there is, it's just about her... Briar needs to feel loved from the people she loves the most. She has that love that is unconditional, so I think we're doing okay." 

Sounds to us like Bilson and her modern family are doing just fine. 

Knowing These Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms Could Save a Life

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We know you have an already hectic schedule and plenty of stressors in your life, but we're about to add one more thing to worry about to your list: carbon monoxide poisoning. It may not be something you or anyone you know has had to deal with yet, but the truth of the matter is carbon monoxide poisoning can definitely happen — and you don't want it to happen to you.

Known as the "silent killer" because it is colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide can leak undetected in any home — and though all humans and animals are susceptible, fetuses, infants and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are at the highest risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this potentially deadly gas can be found in fuel-burning fumes produced by cars and trucks, small engines, grills, lanterns, stoves, gas ranges, fireplaces or furnaces. When carbon monoxide builds up indoors and is inhaled by a person or animal it quickly becomes dangerous.

More: Know These Signs & Symptoms of Allergies & Asthma

According to the CDC, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes about 500 unintentional deaths per year, and they can be jarring because they are so unexpected — and so easy to prevent.

Carbon monoxide risk heightens in certain high-risk situations — for example, as the weather gets colder and we turn on our furnaces or when we leave the engine running. Understanding the risks and recognizing subtle signs can help to ensure this preventable accident doesn’t happen to you.

Early warning signs

The early warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning can easily be confused for feeling under the weather, which is why Dr. Daniel Rusyniak, medical director of the Indiana Poison Center at Indiana University Health, keeps his top red flags short and sweet:

  1. Headache is the most common symptom and is often accompanied by nausea.
  2. Feeling short of breath (like you just ran up a flight of stairs) can be accompanied by chest pain.
  3. Feeling foggy, confused or light-headed.

If you experience one or more of these "unexplainable" symptoms, Rusyniak advises:

  1. Go outside immediately and see if your symptoms improve. Common sources of carbon monoxide exposure include gas furnaces, gas-powered generators, gas-powered space heaters (e.g., kerosene) and operating gas-powered equipment indoors (e.g., power-washing your basement).
  2. If you have a gas furnace, call the fire department to come and test your house for carbon monoxide.
  3. If you are running a gas-powered space heater or equipment, turn them off.
  4. If your symptoms are severe or if you don’t quickly or completely recover (within five minutes), then call 911 and go to the local emergency department.
  5. If you have questions about carbon monoxide or its symptoms, call your poison control center at 800-222-1222.

Advanced warning signs

Dr. Nicholas Kman, an emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, agrees with Rusyniak's assessment of the carbon monoxide basics — a headache is the most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning that is "largely variable and nonspecific," making it very difficult to diagnose.

"As folks get sicker (severe poisoning), we can see altered mental status, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and coma. People can also get heart trouble (myocardial ischemia) — loss of consciousness, vomiting and confusion," Kman explains.

For more advanced warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, the same rules apply: Get outside as quickly as possible to escape the source of the leak and call 911 immediately. More severe symptoms should not be ignored since long-term effects of carbon monoxide exposure may not go away on their own.

How to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning may come on without warning, but there are a few common-sense practices you can use to greatly minimize your risk:

  • Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and replace the batteries each spring and fall when you change your clocks. Rusyniak says, "[Carbon monoxide] is only detectable by carbon monoxide monitors. Because of this, everyone should have a CO detector on each floor of their house. If it goes off, leave your house and call your local fire department to investigate."
  • Have your water heater, heating system and any other oil-, gas- or coal-burning appliances checked and serviced each year.
  • Never use a charcoal grill, generator or charcoal- or gasoline-burning device in your garage, basement or home or near an open window.
  • Never leave a vehicle running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
  • Never use a fireplace or stove that is not vented.
  • Never use a gas oven to heat your house.
  • See a doctor right away if you experience any of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

More: Brain Fog Is Real — Here's How to Deal With It

For Mark Schneider, owner of Pacific Aire, Inc. — a heating and air contractors company of in Ventura, California — an annual furnace checkup is a big sticking point. This major risk factor is one Schneider sees often in his line of work, where problems are created when furnace coils wear down and eventually crack the heat exchanger to create a carbon monoxide leak.

Schneider says, "We recommend having a licensed HVAC technician clean and inspect your furnace once a year to be sure you are not at risk. The difficulty in finding these cracks is that the coils twist and turn, and without the proper tools, a tiny crack can become a bigger problem that can go undetected by an untrained eye."

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

This Lawsuit Against Ed Sheeran Just Got Worse

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Things just went from bad to worse for Ed Sheeran. The "Castle on the Hill" singer has already been part of a major 2016 lawsuit with the family of Ed Townsend, the cowriter of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" after claims were made that Sheeran's song "Thinking Out Loud" sounds very similar to Gaye's 1973 hit. But now, yet another party has entered into the ring, adding even more claims against Sheeran that only add more legal pressure for the singer. 

More: Ed Sheeran's Engagement Announcement Was Pretty Much Purrfect

On Thursday, TMZ reported that Structured Asset Sales, a company that had previously purchased one-third of the copyright to "Let's Get It On," was seeking $100 million in damages for infringement. There were no statements given at the time about why Structured Asset Sales was seeking payment for these alleged damages now, two years on. Sheeran has also not issued a statement about these new claims. Regardless, this is a huge development in the case. 


In the 2016 lawsuit, Townsend's family claimed that Sheeran had taken the melody, harmony and some rhythm compositions from "Let's Get It On" and repurposed them for "Thinking Out Loud." Sheeran only recently publicly spoke out against the lawsuit, claiming that "the alleged similarities between the two [songs] are simply because the chord progressions and drum patterns are 'extremely commonplace' in the music world," according to TMZ.

While we're neither judge nor jury on this, we'll present to you the music videos for "Thinking Out Loud" and "Let's Get It On" and let you make up your own mind about whether there are any similarities to these two songs.


More: The Most Important Celebrity Lawsuits Through the Years

This is certainly not the first time that a song of Gaye's has become the focus of a lawsuit. Robin Thicke found himself locked in a battle with Gaye's family for years over the claims that Thicke's 2013 hit "Blurred Lines" bore striking similarities to Gaye's song "Got to Give It Up." The Fader reported in March 2018 that the Nine Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 2015 ruling that Thicke and his songwriting partner, Pharrell, were at fault and ruled that they needed to pay a $7.3 million fine.

5 Pool Safety Tips to Keep Your Water Babies Protected This Summer

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Pool season is here! It's that happy time of year when a body of water will occupy your children for hours on end, tiring them out and also giving you a break. Sounds great, right? But summer pool time can also harbor water-related dangers.

We spoke with Jojo Pope, director of association aquatics at YMCA of San Diego County, about water safety. Here are Pope's top tips for a stress-free summer at the pool.

More: These 16 Kids' Summer Shoes Are Here to Stay

1. Get swim lessons

The first thing you may want to consider when getting your kids pool-ready is swim lessons. (Drowning is a real concern; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.) 

Water safety is important, and there are options when it comes to swim lessons: local parks and rec centers, the USA Swimming Foundation and private sessions are a few choices. The YMCA offers group swim lessons as well as the free Safety Around the Water program. In this program, kids learn skills like how to safely reach a pool's edge and exit a body of water. "These skills are vital to help prevent drowning — [more so] than swimming stroke development," says Pope. 

2. Supervise at all times

When little ones head to the pool, be sure to apply sunscreen and remind them not to run. The most important pool safety factor? Supervision. 

"One of the easiest things parents can remember in the pool is to always have adult supervision," says Pope, "and have 'reach supervision' for younger children — particularly those who cannot swim." Pope says if there's no lifeguard, at least one adult should be the designated "water watcher" who keeps an eye on children. 

Having someone on hand who has CPR/first-aid knowledge is also important in case of emergencies. Training can be obtained via classes at your local hospital or YMCA or through the Red Cross, to name a few options. A Red Cross CPR class can be done online for only $25. For a hands-on experience, in-person first-aid/CPR class options can be found online at a cost of around $70 to $110. To find out about getting first-aid/CPR certified through Red Cross, call 1-800-REDCROSS. 

More: As a Poor, Work-From-Home Mom, I Hate Summer "Break"

3. Ramp up pool party security

When it comes to pool parties, YMCA of San Diego County's Courtney Pendleton says that hiring a lifeguard can add a layer of safety. 

"Many children know how to swim, which tends to make parents not watch as closely as they should," she notes. "Pool emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye. Close supervision is key, but swim lessons and water safety should begin at a young age."  

A lifeguard can make up for that reduced caution. To find one for hire, inquire at your local community pool or call a private lifeguard company like Happy Swimmers.

4. Know the facts about flotation devices

Flotation devices can help kids' mobility in the pool and give parents peace of mind, but they don't ensure safety, so be sure to remain watchful. Some swim experts even discourage the use of "floaties," noting that they may give children false confidence. Water wings and other floatation devices can be dangerous, writes Water Safety Magazine's Jenelle Lockard. "Because water wings are used on the upper arms, they prevent a child from using the correct swimming stroke or motion to move themselves through the water," she explains in her column, Just Add Water. "Plus, if a child raises their arms above their head, their head can sink down below the water's surface, causing panic and... drowning if not watched."

More: The Best New Outdoor Toys for Summer

5. Get the facts about "dry" or secondary drowning

In recent years, there's been a push in awareness of "dry drowning" and secondary drowning — which supposedly happen on a delay, after a child has inhaled water. But, according to a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, there's no such thing as dry drowning.

"Everyone needs to calm down," American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council member Dr. Peter Wernicki recently told the Chicago Tribune. "This whole thing has totally been over-hyped by social media and people who are not knowledgeable on the subject... That just doesn’t happen," he said. "A child doesn’t [act fine] for eight hours and then die [from drowning]."

The supposed symptoms of both dry and secondary drowning are the same, according to the American Osteopathic Association: coughing, vomiting, irritability, chest pain, trouble breathing and sleepiness. Of course, you should get medical help if your child is swimming and experiences these symptoms — but remember that "dry drowning" may indeed be a myth. If your child has taken swim lessons and there's an adult supervising their pool time, never fear — they're ready for some fun in the sun.

A version of this article was originally published in June 2017.

Gwen Stefani Kicked Off Her Vegas Residency in Style

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Las Vegas residencies are an opportunity for performers to go really, really big. Gwen Stefani is no exception. Entertainment Tonight reports that the former No Doubt singer kicked off her 25-date "I'm Just A Girl" residency on June 27 with some major stage presence, including a super sparkly costume, dancers riding giant bananas during "Hollaback Girl," and showgirls covered in feathers.

More: Gwen Stefani Has a New Gig That Will Prevent Her From Touring

Stefani performed songs from her lucrative solo career as well as songs from No Doubt's discography, including "Spiderwebs." The residency name, "I'm Just A Girl," comes from one of the band's most famous songs. ET reports that she explained the significance of that in video montages that played between songs.

“Songwriting is the thing that helped me get my identity and my confidence and helped me to think I had any value at all in this world,” she said. “Being able to write my feelings in songs struck me. I didn’t know I had that in me and I don’t think anyone around me expected it as well.”

“It wasn’t until probably writing ‘Just a Girl,’ when I realized that the way that I felt was the way a lot of people felt and I was somehow able to put that into a song where people could relate,” Stefani continued. “That was when I started to realize that I could connect and it felt so good.”

At one point, Stefani broke away from her own catalog to perform a cover of Rihanna's "Umbrella", saying, “It’s Vegas! We just do shit. I just do songs I wish I had for myself!”

ET reports that among Stefani's costume changes was a cowgirl costume that she said she was particularly fond of. "You don’t know what it’s’ like to be able to wear a cowgirl costume right in front of Blake Shelton,” she told the crowd. “This is like my fantasy come true, thanks for sharing it with me.”

Stefani shared several photos of herself and Shelton on Instagram prior to Wednesday's inaugural performance, including some sweet snaps on her story. Shelton also took to Twitter to support his girlfriend of three years on Wednesday, prior to attending the show.

More: Gwen Stefani Gave Blake Shelton the Most Patriotic Birthday Gift

Stefani's Vegas residency is already off to an incredible start. Couching her performances in nostalgia for her decades-long career while also leaning into the glitz and glamour of the Strip is exactly what we would expect from Stefani. Her excitement is totally contagious. 

What to Know About Dry Shampoo if You Have Textured Hair

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Fall down a Reddit rabbit hole, and you’re bound to stumble upon some intense debates about dry shampoo. People are understandably confused — especially on the curly and textured hair circuit. For many, the idea just seems so foreign. The thought of adding something dry to hair that’s already prone to dehydration seems like a recipe for disaster. For others, it’s a day-three or -four hair necessity. Kellon Deryck, L’Oréal Paris celebrity expert, helped get to the root of how even the most textured of textures can up their style game with the help of a little spray powder.

More: Clarifying Shampoos Are Your Answer for Super-Shiny Hair

Sop up oil

If you’re prone to oily scalp, no matter what the texture of the strands coming out of it, dry shampoo will help soak up the scalp sebum that weighs hair down, making it look limp and greasy. Remember that there’s a fine line between shiny and greasy, but anyone with an oily scalp knows the difference.

Pump up fine strands

If your hair is on the finer side, the struggle to achieve volume is very real. What dry shampoo does is adds texture, grit and essentially a light layer on top of your strands to help make it look thicker. Also, by absorbing any oils or any lingering product buildup at your roots, you’ll be able to see more volume at the crown and all around. Keep in mind that curly doesn’t always equate to thick. Even with a head full of curls, your hair can still be limp at the root. “Fine hair benefits from dry shampoo the most. The added texture creates an illusion of volume, which is perfect for thinner hair textures,” says Deryck. You won’t need it often, so reserve your use for when you really need it.

More: The Real Way You Should Be Double Shampooing

Skip a washday

What you don’t want to do is create one issue trying to solve another. Particularly for curly and textured hair, shampooing more than once a week is just out of the question. Since curls tend to be drier, you can easily overdo it, which can ultimately lead to overdrying and breakage. Be careful not to rely solely on dry shampoo. Going too long without properly clarifying to remove dry shampoo or other product buildup from your roots can potentially clog the hair follicle and lead to hair loss. Not to scare you straight, but the point is to treat your scalp the same as you do your face, so if you’re using dry shampoo several times a week, you’ll need a proper shampoo at least once every seven days.

Look for the right formula

If this all sounds like a too-good-to-be-true win-win for team dry shampoo, know that there are a few things to keep in mind. Not only can overusing it completely suck the moisture out of your hair, but it can throw off how your curls lie. Deryck adds that formulas that have low amounts of alcohol are best — and that applies to every hair type — not just curls. Alcohol will make the hair more brittle over time. Although it may seem counterintuitive, some newer variations actually have oils added to help balance and replenish any moisture lost while absorbing.

If you’re ready to jump into a whole new world of dry styling, check out these top texture boosters with benefits for curly hair.

More: The Exact Products Logan Browning Uses to Perfect Her Curls

Dry Shampoo for Textured Hair: R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist

R+Co Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist

An upgrade from traditional formulas, this version uses a micellar water base infused with a cleansing powder to remove residue without leaving anything behind. If you’re wearing braids or need a scalp refresher, meet your new best friend.

Spiritualized Dry Shampoo Mist, $28 at R+Co

Dry Shampoo for Textured Hair: Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder Très Invisible (Nourishing) Dry Shampoo

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder Très Invisible (Nourishing) Dry Shampoo

Infused with oils to help replenish hair's moisture as it soaks up sebum at the roots, this product also has UV protection — because your scalp can burn too.

Prêt-à-Powder Très Invisible (Nourishing) Dry Shampoo, $29 at Bumble and bumble

Dry Shampoo for Textured Hair: Verb Dry Shampoo Dark

Verb Dry Shampoo Dark

If you’re concerned about creating a white cast along your hairline, as many traditional dry shampoos do, try a tinted version made specifically for dark strands.

Dry Shampoo Dark, $16 at Verb

Dry Shampoo for Textured Hair: ColorProof FreshStart Soft Dry Shampoo

ColorProof FreshStart Soft Dry Shampoo

The all-in-one styler soaks up sweat, sprays on sheer, keeps hair color vibrant and works as a heat protectant up to 450 degrees F.

FreshStart Soft Dry Shampoo, $25 at ColorProof (available July 1)

Dry Shampoo for Textured Hair: TREsemmé Volumizing Dry Shampoo

TREsemmé Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Mineral clay helps soak up excess scalp oil, sweat and dirt, while a citrus scent gives strands a just-shampooed smell.

TREsemmé Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $5 at Target


Originally posted on StyleCaster.


I Set a Hospital Record When I Gave Birth to My Twin Boys

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I spent the majority of my first pregnancy thinking about giving birth: how it would happen, when it would happen, if I would know it was happening. I definitely had a plan in mind, but I also knew that birth plans don't always work out like the mom-to-be hopes.

After months of infertility, I was thrilled to be carrying twin boys. I felt great, was taking water aerobics, discussing boy names with Hubby and pricing two cribs (along with two sets of everything else) when my doctor dropped a bomb at my 20-week appointment: I was in preterm labor and would be on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy.

More: Two & Done? Having Boy-Girl Twins Doesn't Mean You've Hit the Reproductive Jackpot

Luckily, I could stay home with the aid of a terbutaline pump meant to stop the contractions and delay my labor for as many weeks as possible. I spent those weeks on the couch watching a television program called "Birth Day" about high-risk pregnancies. In every case, the mother’s birth plan didn't work out as intended. I was addicted to the show, and it began to freak me out.

I knew there was a high probability that I would have to have a C-section. After watching one too many of them on television, I also spent my weeks willing both babies to be head down. My plan was to deliver both babies vaginally.

I had just passed the 34-week mark when I began to have excruciating back pain. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t sit, and I couldn’t sleep. "The only way we will know if you are in labor is to come in," the nurse on the phone told me. Once in the hospital door, I promptly threw up.

I was in labor.

More: How Common Are Naturally Occurring Twins, Anyway?

Thankfully, both babies were head down, and a vaginal birth was imminent. Despite that, I was taken to an operating room "just in case." After Baby A was born, the nurses held him up for a quick glance before whisking him to the neonatal intensive-care unit, with my husband following.

And then, nothing. My contractions stopped, and I felt Baby B, who had been cramped for 34 weeks by his brother, stretching out and getting comfortable in my now-roomy uterus, with no plans to vacate anytime soon.

My cervix had closed and needed to dilate again to deliver Baby B. I was a little scared — I mean, aren't twins usually born one after the other? What if my cervix decided to be as stubborn as Baby B and stay closed? What if, after all the pushing for Baby A, I would need a C-section to deliver Baby B? What if this extra uterus time somehow harmed Baby B?

My doctor was the smartest person I have ever known. She had a fact and a percentage for everything. She assured me she wouldn’t have to operate to get Baby B out and that he would be fine as long as they were monitoring his vitals. I trusted her implicitly. If she said my cervix would dilate again, it would.

The nurses gave me a blanket and some Pitocin and told me to get comfortable.

Time went by. Hubby popped in to say Baby A was doing great and then left me alone again. The nurses and I laughed about it being New Year’s Eve: What if this baby isn’t born until next year? they joked.

More: What's a ‘Rainbow Baby’? Here's Why the Term Matters

After two hours, I didn't think it was funny anymore. I was shivering and the oxygen mask was making my mouth dry. I asked for ice chips and saw my doctor solemnly shake her head at the nurse. I knew she was thinking she'd have to operate.

After three hours and a nursing shift change, my doctor said, "Kathy, we have to get this baby out." I had to push. I had to make Baby B leave the comfort of his months-long home.

Three hours and two minutes after his older brother was born, Baby B came into the world. This time, the nurse let me kiss him before whisking him to the NICU.

In the years to come, my doctor would share my story with her other mothers of multiples. It was a hospital record, she would say.

In the years to come, I would wonder if the three extra hours in my uterus caused my son's ADHD and autism. (We found out that they were actually caused by a gene deletion.)

My doctor delivered two of my other three babies and saw me through two miscarriages. I still think she is the smartest doctor I know, and I wouldn't change a thing about the way my twins were born. Even though it missed the mark by more than three hours, my birth totally went according to plan.

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

Body Neutrality Is the New Body Positivity — Here's Why It Matters for Your Kid

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If you search the hashtag #BoPo — short for body positivity — on Instagram, you’ll find nearly 670,000 posts by individuals of all shapes and sizes celebrating their bodies.  

It’s just one sign of the rise of the body-positivity movement, propelled in recent years by celebrities such as Ashley Graham, who’s unafraid to flaunt her cellulite, and social media influencers like Jessamyn Stanley, who is a proudly Black, fat, queer yoga instructor and uses the practice to foster self-love in herself and others. 

However, as with many trends, there has been some pushback against body positivity in recent years, with people asking: "If reaching true 'body positivity' isn’t possible for everyone, then what’s the next best alternative?"

Enter body neutrality, which falls in the middle of the body image spectrum (with body positivity on one end and body negativity on the other). It’s a mindset in which individuals put less emphasis on their physical appearance and instead form a type of indifference toward their bodies. They neither love nor hate them — they simply focus their energies elsewhere. But why?

“I think it’s becoming popular because of pushback against the goal of body positivity as being unreasonable,” Dr. Lauren Muhlheim, a psychologist and certified eating disorder specialist, tells SheKnows. “I also think it stems from recognition that it is very hard to be body positive in a world where thinness is so highly valued — weight stigma is so pervasive, [but] bodies are naturally diverse and the beauty and diet industry contribute to making people feel bad about their bodies in order to sell products that will ‘solve the problem.’” 

compilation of research by Common Sense Media, shows that children as young as 5 years old express dissatisfaction with their bodies and that more than half of girls and one-third of boys as young as 6 and 8 feel their ideal body size is thinner than their current body size. 

What could work to nip this troublesome thinking in the bud? Teaching body neutrality.

More: How to Raise a Body-Positive Teen

Origins & meaning of body neutrality  

Dr. Haica Rosenfeld, a clinical psychologist at  the Women’s Center for Binge and Emotional Eating at Green Mountain in Vermont, says the center's program was the first to coin and popularize the concept of body neutrality, around 2010. She explained to SheKnows that many of the women who visit Green Mountain feel uncomfortable in their bodies or may even hate them. And while plenty of therapists and treatment centers believe that reaching a place of body love is the best approach to help these folks, Rosenfeld thinks that attitude misses the mark. 

Healing body dissatisfaction, hate and loathing is not necessarily about liking or loving the image of our own body,” Rosenfeld says. “It is not solely about changing the perception of our body. It really is a about body-acceptance work.” 

That’s where body neutrality steps in — as a more realistic goal. 

There is a very big gap between both ends of the body image spectrum,” Rosenfeld adds. “And if we are standing on the side of body hate and look at the other side of the spectrum, body love, we may be thinking: ‘There is no way I can get there!’ And this is where working towards body neutrality can be fundamental and healing work. Body neutrality is the bridging of the gap. We are working towards a middle place on the body image spectrum and moving into a mindset of honoring and respecting the body we have now.”  

Rosenfeld says this form of body acceptance work includes introspection and the unraveling of external influences that individuals have internalized that shape their body image, including cultural ideals, social media, comments from friends and family, medical "standards" (like body mass index), etc. By doing so, we can achieve a type of liberation, she says. 

It is freedom to go about your day or week without such a strong focus on your body. Yet it is also about appreciating what our body can do for us today and how it can create joy in our lives.”  

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

What body neutrality means for your child 

So, how can body neutrality benefit your child? Green Mountain program and clinical director Shiri Macri tells SheKnows that introducing the concept to kids at a young age is a way to proactively guard against the internalization of the “thin ideal,” which is at the root of disordered eating and negative self-image. 

“Especially for young girls in early adolescence and even younger, hearing messages of right versus wrong body types drives dieting behaviors, which often leads to these disordered patterns," Macri says. "Even in best-case scenarios, negative body image leads to a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and inevitable weight fluctuations as well as an impact on emotional well-being and mental health.” 

Instead, by internalizing a more authentic body-neutral mindset, children can develop healthier perspectives toward their bodies, which in turn promotes both emotional and physical health, Macri says. “Children focus on caring for their bodies in ways that feel good instead of punishing the body for being ‘wrong’ through restriction, deprivation, [overexercising], etc. By honoring, accepting and having gratitude for their bodies from a young age, children learn to listen to their bodies’ signals, which in turn promotes whole health.” 

More: The Body-Positive Movement Gives Me Mom Guilt

Tips for teaching body neutrality to your child

Dr. Ann Kearney-Cooke, director of the Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute, urges parents to "focus on helping your [child] develop all aspects of themselves — not just appearance. For example, telling your daughter every day how beautiful she is may be too much. This may lead to more of an obsession with her appearance. Talk about her other signature strengths: She is a great writer, a very compassionate person, a hard worker, etc.” 

When you do address your child’s body, focus on function and not form, Kearney-Cooke tells SheKnows, “Encourage your [child] through example to focus on body function and to develop gratitude for what each part of their body does for them. 

It may be difficult to reverse ingrained body ideals, but licensed psychotherapist Eliza Kingsford tells SheKnows parents can also teach their children to embrace body neutrality by leading by example.  

“For instance, parents can refrain from discussing bodies — both positively and negatively — in the home,” she says. “Even discussing how ‘pretty’ they think someone is is emphasizing their stance on beauty and is an important factor. Refrain from using words like ‘fat,’ ‘skinny,’ ‘thin’ or ‘huge.’ Instead, try things like ‘strong’ and ‘capable.'”  

She also encourages parents to give children praise and feedback for attributes outside of their physical appearance, such as admirable qualities that have nothing to do with what they look like. Isn't that kind of praise something we could all use?

Ultimately, this new mindset isn’t meant to bash body positivity — but rather to offer an alternative for those who find body neutrality a more realistic goal. Like other parenting decisions, whether or not this approach works for you and your child is just that: your decision. And it’s up to you to determine what suits them best.

Finally, McDonald's Is Selling the Best Part of the Muffin

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Elaine Benes described it perfectly in an episode of Seinfeld: "It's where the muffin breaks free from the pan and sort of does it's own thing. That's a million-dollar idea right there — just sell the tops!" And McDonald's is doing just that.

More: McDonald's Is Rolling Out Self-Serve Kiosks — Here's What You Need to Know

We all know the muffin tops are the best part of the muffin, and McDonald's is adding Muffin Toppers to its breakfast menu in hopes of getting people back to the fast food chain in the morning.

According to Ad Age, this was a strategic move, as overall sales have declined and shares are also down more than 10 percent for McDonald's following their 2015 announcement that they would begin selling breakfast all day. So McDonald's is also offering discounts and breakfast catering in addition to the new menu item.

"We took our eye off the ball on breakfast," McDonald's chief financial officer Kevin Ozan said in May at an investor conference. "With everything else going on, we just lost a little focus on that breakfast day part."

The 160-calorie Muffin Toppers, which tested first in the Baltimore area, rolled out nationwide on Thursday — and the Seinfeld writer who came up with the idea, Spike Feresten, has spoken out about the new item. He jokingly told TMZ: "What I thought about was the money. The money I'm going to make from this multinational corporation. That's what I thought about," he said. "You're going to have to pay me a billion dollars. But I'm going to use that money very wisely; I'm going to buy a bigger car collection than Jerry Seinfeld and make him feel bad."

More: McDonald's Is Making Its Biggest Menu Change to Date

This isn't the first breakfast menu change, though. McDonald's also added two cold-brew coffee drinks earlier this month, receiving rave reviews.

Amy Adams Pulled a Flatulence Prank on the Sharp Objects Set

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It will likely surprise no one that Amy Adams, a ray of sunshine incarnate, went to some very funny lengths to keep things as light as possible on the set of her very dark new HBO drama, Sharp Objects. Adams' middle-school prankster ways were confirmed by one of her Sharp Objects costars, Taylor John Smith, who chatted with Vulture in a recent interview promoting the show.

More: Everything Coming to HBO in 2018

"There was a scene that’s very gritty and heavy, probably one of the heaviest of the show," Smith noted at one point. "To break the ice, she brought on a fart machine." Say what?

Smith didn't elaborate on what exactly was happening in the scene they were shooting, but he did describe how she pulled off the fart machine prank and how it was received by the rest of the cast and crew. 

"She hid it inside the set, unbeknownst to Jean-Marc [Vallée]," Smith said. Apparently, series director Vallée was a bit thrown by Adams' joke. "First couple takes, she'd press the button and Jean-Marc freaked out. He was like, 'Who was that? Who was that?' It was great."

Vallée may not have been a big fan of the fart machine, but you've got to hand it to Adams. We might have done the same thing if we were in her shoes. Just reading the description of Sharp Objects on IMDb calls for a shot of vitamin B12 or a Beyoncé dance party to lift the spirits: "A reporter confronts the psychological demons from her past when she returns to her hometown to cover a violent murder." Yikes. 

More: Hollywood Movie Stars Who Aren't Above Doing TV

Sharp Objects premieres on HBO on July 8 at 9/8c. If you plan on watching, make sure to stock up on happy thoughts before you tune in.

Drake Confirms He Has a Son With Former Adult Film Star

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Drake just dropped a new double album, Scorpion, along with some big news: The singer fathered a son with former adult film star Sophie Brussaux. 

The album dropped right before midnight on Thursday on Apple Music. According to the track "March 14," the child, uh, dropped on Oct. 11. Drake says in the track he was thrilled when DNA showed the baby boy was indeed his, but his mixed feelings are obvious:

October baby for irony sake, of course
I got this 11 tatted for somebody, now it's yours
And believe me, I can't wait to get a hunnid more
Sorry I'm venting, tryna cover ground
They said that in two weeks you're supposed to come in town
Hopefully by the time you hear this me and your mother will have come around
Instead of always cutting each other down

More23 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Drake

The rapper also hints more at the tenor of his relationship with Brussaux with a nod to Michael Jackson's massive hit, "Billie Jean" — that's also in the track "March 14:"

She not my lover like Billie Jean, but the kid is mine
Sandi used to tell me all it takes is one time
And all it took was one time
Shit, we only met two times, two times

(Sandi Graham is his mom, FYI).

Later, he raps:

I used to challenge my parents on every album
Now I'm embarrassed to tell 'em I ended up as a co-parent
Always promised the family unit
I wanted it to be different because I've been through it

There's more about his son on the track "Emotionless" in which Drake says: 

I wasn’t hiding my kid from the world
I was hiding the world from my kid.

Other lyrics: 

Breakin’ news in my life I don’t run to the blogs
The only ones I wanna tell are the ones I can call. 

Well, the blogs are on fire now, Drake, that's for sure. The internet is shook.

If the album is more than a work of fiction, it sounds like Drake has bought presents and a crib for his baby boy, but he's only met his son once so far, at Christmas.

MoreRachel Bilson Says Co-Parenting With Hayden Christensen Is "a Tricky One"

There have been rumors swirling for months that Drake is a daddy, but the rumors intensified last month when rapper Pusha T dissed Drake as a deadbeat dad in a track called "The Story of Adidon," in which he says, “You are hiding a child, let that boy come home.” He also claims Drake is playing “border patrol.” Remind us not to get on Pusha T's bad side.

During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Pusha was more than happy to explain his take on Drake: “Allegedly, his new line on Adidas is called Adidon, which is named after Adonis, his son... Who rolls out their child with a sweatsuit? Get outta here. What are you doing?” he said.

If you're interested, Drake's album also features Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Future and Ty Dolla Sign and samples by Mariah Carey. Take that, Pusha T.

A rep for Drake declined to respond to People when contacted for more info, but People reported that Drake has been financially supporting the mother of his child since the birth of his son.

We're thinking this story is juuuuust getting started.

12 Characteristics of Truly Happy Couples

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How many couples do you know who are genuinely happy together? Just because they load their social media accounts with selfies and lovey-dovey photos of each other doesn’t mean a couple is happy. There are deeper and more important feelings two people must experience. Check out these 13 characteristics of what really makes a couple truly happy together.

1. They honestly like and respect each other

Happy couples are OK with not always agreeing and are not threatened if their partner doesn’t want to do something with them. “Even when annoyed or hurt by the other, they still are respectful,” Lesli Doares, couples coach and author of the book Blueprint for a Lasting Marriage: How to Create Your Happily Ever After with More Intention, Less Work, tells SheKnows. “They never call each other names or lash out in other ways. They support each other in public, even when they disagree.”

2. They believe the best of each other

“When there is more than one way to interpret an interaction, they choose the one that puts their partner in the best light, not the worst,” says Doares. For example, they know that any argument is for the benefit of the relationship and neither takes it personally. 

3. Happy couples have sex that is not goal-oriented

“This means that having sex for the sole purpose of pleasure and being together supersedes whether or not they climax,” Dr. Rose Hanna, a licensed marriage and family therapist and professor of psychology at California State University, Long Beach, tells SheKnows. “Once sex becomes goal-oriented, then failure is an option, and subsequently, anxiety increases. Anxiety is the death of good sex.”

4. Happy couples tend to be more nonsexually physically affectionate

“They hold hands more, give hugs, rub each other’s shoulders and give hugs more readily than other couples,” says Hanna.

5. They are sincerely interested in what is going on in each other’s lives

That goes for everything from thoughts and feelings to activities. “They are curious about how the other sees them and the world and can have deep discussions without acrimony,” says Doares.

6. Happy couples show more appreciation to their partner

Truly happy couples are more likely to provide verbal praise, appreciation and support to their partner. “They truly feel valued in the relationship and are more verbally expressive of those feelings. In other words, their verbal interactions are more often focused on positive and affirming than negative and attacking,” says Hanna.

7. Happy couples communicate effectively

“Truly happy couples express what they want and need without blaming each other, Kim Olver, a relationship coach and author of Secrets of Happy Couples, tells SheKnows “They also know that not all communication is verbal. They are aware of their body language and avoid hurting each other, while using touch to communicate their love and support for each other.”

8. Truly happy couples are committed to each other

They’d never cheat or even think about cheating. “I believe this enables couples to have a greater degree of trust and commitment, which takes their relationship to deeper levels,” says Olver.  

9. Of course they want to be together, but don’t always have to be

“They see the relationship as adding to their independently content lives, not as a way to fill an emotional hole or as a way acquire something — not being alone, social status, a family, etc.,” says Doares. 

10. They are no longer trying to change one another

Many couples have things about their partners they wish were different, and they spend a lot of time trying to change each other through their dissatisfaction. “Truly happy couples have learned to graciously accept each other and have let go of the need to change the other,” says Olver. “In fact, they may have even discovered how that trait benefits them.”

11. They are genuinely relaxed about what their partner says or does

“They are not sensitive to their partner’s mood shifts, and they are always there for them, showing unwavering support instead of being worried or anxious,” Rori Sassoon, professional matchmaker and CEO of Platinum Poire, tells SheKnows. “You would never doubt or second-guess your partner, as you have earned a certain type of friendship and respect within your relationship.”

12. Both partners feel a sense of acceptance

“You accept the other person for who they are and for who they are not, for their favorable characteristics and their faux pas. When you can accept them without bitterness — this is a strong couple,” says Sassoon. Truly happy couples also report feeling completely confident that they can be their true selves with their partner.

Portia de Rossi & Ellen DeGeneres Actually Appreciate Divorce Rumors

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You might not expect to hear that negative rumors have actually strengthened a celebrity marriage, but anything can happen — and this time, negative rumors have a positive result. Portia de Rossi recently said she appreciates the divorce rumors that have circulated about her and Ellen DeGeneres, and she doesn't let them bother her a bit.

More: Ellen DeGeneres Wrote the Sweetest Message About Life With Portia de Rossi

During an event in West Hollywood earlier this week, de Rossi spoke to Us Weekly about how the divorce rumors unexpectedly made her feel like her marriage was, in a sense, legitimate. 

"The divorce rumors came and then we really knew the perceptions had changed," de Rossi explained. "I’m not kidding. I know it sounds ridiculous, but when that started happening I thought, 'Oh, now we’re finally accepted.' We get the same shit as every celebrity couple."

De Rossi also remarked how oddly heartening it was that as a married gay woman, she's faced other typical celeb rumors, too. "I thought, 'Wow, this is great that I’m pregnant, not pregnant, divorced, not divorced, whatever.' That means there is an acceptance for this."

But while the divorce rumors have made de Rossi feel included in some way and she and DeGeneres roll with it, they're not sitting around, poring over magazines and trying to dispel every silly rumor that comes out about them. 

"I was at a newsstand... and there was a cover of Brad [Pitt] and Jen [Aniston]," she commented. "I literally just stared at it, and I was like, 'They haven’t seen each other.… How is this even a thing? I know for a fact.' … I actually took a picture of it and sent it to [DeGeneres] and said, 'Can you believe this?' Anyway, no, in other words, we avoid it. We don’t care."

More: Who Was (& Was Not) Invited to Ellen DeGeneres' 60th Birthday Bash

Overall, we think de Rossi and DeGeneres have the right attitude about all of this. It's one thing to feel like you're no different from other celebrities because you're now worthy enough to become the focus of a ridiculous rumor, but it's an entirely different matter to succumb to those rumors. Given these comments, we don't imagine these two celebs giving into the rumors anytime soon. 


Most of Us Don't Exercise Enough — but These States Work Out the Least

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Just when we're starting to enjoy our summer, the Centers for Disease Control is here with a little reality check: Only 23 percent of Americans get enough exercise. A report from the CDC looked at the federal physical activity guidelines for adults in the U.S. — at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week coupled with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week — and found that on the whole, we fall short. 

More specifically, not only do just 23 of us get the full recommended amount of exercise, 32 percent meet one of the fitness guidelines, while 45 percent of us don't meet either according to the report.

More: Why Even a Little Bit of Exercise Can Make a Big Difference

But while we apparently don't like exercise, we do like seeing how our state measures up against the 49 others, so the CDC put together a ranking of the states that exercise the most and the least.

Keeping in mind that 23 percent is the national average of people who meet the government-recommended fitness goals, here are how the states stack up:

The most active states

Props to these states, whose residents get off the couch more than the rest:

  1. Colorado (32.5 percent)
  2. Idaho (31.4 percent)
  3. New Hampshire and Washington, D.C. (tied at 30.7 percent — and yes, we know Washington, D.C. isn't a state, but it was included in this report)
  4. Massachusetts and Vermont (29.5 percent) 

More: How a Weight-Loss Retreat Changed My View of My Body

The least active states

These states were below the national average when it comes to exercise:

  1. Mississippi (13.5 percent)
  2. Kentucky (14.6 percent) 
  3. South Carolina (14.8 percent)
  4. Indiana (15.1 percent)
  5. Arkansas (15.7 percent)

The bottom line is, even in our most active state, only 32.5 percent of adults actually meet the minimum recommended amounts of exercise each week, so we could probably all do a little better.

Chrissy Teigen Gets Doused in Adorable Bath Time Video Featuring Luna

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Chrissy Teigen shared a completely adorable bath time video of daughter Luna, 2, covering Teigen's face in soapy bubbles. Yes. This is news. Don't even try to convince us this is not news. It's 2018, and we want some happy news, damn it, so here we are. 


Can you even? Because we cannot even. We're thinking Luna's famous crooner papa, John Legend, shot the video, but we don't care. We just want more happy moms and kids playing with soap bubbles. And maybe kittens. Maybe if we ask Teigen nicely, she'll start posting kittens too.

MoreChrissy Teigen & John Legend Will Save the World, Mark Our Words

Luna certainly looks no worse for wear for being a big sister. One commenter noted that special time with Teigen was especially important now that baby Miles has arrived on the scene: "I love my bath time with my 2 year old. This video with you and Luna is beautiful and it's so important to give the first child some one on one with a new baby."

"Precious Moments. Cherish them forever," said another commenter. We will, thanks. Oh. You meant Teigen. Got it.

Teigen frequently posts pics of the whole fam, for which we are deeply grateful. Check out this shot of growing preemie Miles — who arrived early in May — posted by Teigen two days ago:

More12 Times Chrissy Teigen Was #MomGoals

Teigen just has a knack for keeping motherhood real. She's everyone's mom group BFF (and low-key overachiever). Oh, and her second cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More, is now available for preorder. If this is the closest we'll ever get to having short ribs with Legend, Teigen, Luna and Miles, well, count us in. 

How to Be More Vocal in the Bedroom Without Feeling Ridiculous

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As a sex worker, I’m often asked about dirty talk as well as about communication in the bedroom. Being able to communicate in the bedroom can be intimidating, and that’s before your partner starts asking for dirty talk (don’t hyperventilate!). Many people don’t even know what bedroom talk is supposed to look or sound like, and when a partner asks us to try being more vocal, we often don’t know what to say.

To address some of these paralyzing fears and help all of you feel a little more comfortable finding your voice, I’ve come up with some helpful tips to help start you on more audible adventures in the bedroom.

1. Start outside the bedroom

Your first goal should be to talk about bedroom activities outside the bedroom. If you can’t talk about what you like when you’re not naked, being vulnerable isn’t going to make it any easier. If it helps, try writing down what your perfect sexual encounter looks like. You may realize you don’t know, and that can be an important thing to be aware of before you start trying to give another person instructions.

2. Ask yourself important questions

Before telling your partner what you want, it's a good idea to start by asking yourself a few questions. How do I like to be kissed? How do I like to be touched? What turns me on? How do I want a partner to behave in the bedroom to make me more receptive to letting go and enjoying myself? Are there any scenarios or toys I would really enjoy bringing into the bedroom that I don’t know how to bring up or ask for in conversation? What is my partner doing already that I really like? What could they be doing better?

More: If Sex Doesn't Make You Orgasm, You're Not Alone & Here's What Can Help

3. Relax

Once you’re done asking all these questions, loosen yourself up with a nice glass of wine or an invigorating run followed by a bubble bath (if you’re not the drinking type), and ask your partner if they’re in a good mental place to have a conversation about sex. With men, I've found that the answer usually is yes, but if someone’s had a particularly stressful day, it can be important to set the stage for controlled vulnerability so you don’t feel dismissed or not listened to.

4. Fill your partner in

Tell your partner you’re working on being a better communicator in the bedroom, and you thought a good start would be talking outside the bedroom about what you like. Invite them to share the same kind of information with you. Being able to communicate in a safe environment is a perfect first step to letting your partner know exactly what you want and when you want it.

Next, tell your partner you’re going to try to get more comfortable with bedroom communication. Having your partner in on your goals will help keep you from appearing awkward and help them encourage you. Start by having a conversation while having sex with the lights on. You don’t need to talk about sex or anything related, just a common interest you have. Do this until you feel comfortable talking. It may take several sessions.

5. Discuss likes & dislikes

The next step is talking about what you like and don’t like. Tell your partner to explore your body and then focus your energy on telling them what feels good or doesn’t. If you’re mortified or awkward, you can create a system like hand squeezing when they’re doing something right. This can be a great way to put training wheels on your sexual communication, but don’t rely on it for too long. The goal is to give simple instructions and feedback, “Right there. Just like that. Keep going. A little less rough. I like your hands on my skin.”

MoreYes, Straight Women Visit Sex Workers — Here's Why

6. Roll with it

After all this, if you feel completely uncomfortable giving more aggressive instructions, keep communication at this level. Eventually, you’ll find yourself amenable to giving a little more aggressive feedback. 

Remember: You don’t need to talk like a porn star to enjoy yourself. If you feel pressured to talk dirty, ask yourself if it’s going to ruin your sexual experience. If it is, you should tell your partner so. You should only give the feedback you are comfortable giving, and then give yourself permission to experiment to test your comfort zone. That’s all your partner can really ask for.

Being more vocal in the bedroom takes a little bit of work, but after you overcome your fear it’ll be much easier to ask for what you want and help your partner be that much better at pleasing you. The time investment in sexual communication always pays dividends.

Alice Little is a courtesan at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.

Jennifer Lopez's 10-Year-Old Daughter Got a Book Deal & Will Be Richer Than You Soon

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Welp, Jennifer Lopez's daughter is about to become even richer, cooler and more successful than most of us. It wasn't enough that 10-year-old Emme has really cool parents (Lopez and musician Marc Anthony) or that she's inherited her mom's killer dance moves. No, on Friday, we learned that Emme also had a knack for writing and that her mom was helping her parlay that talent into a full-blown book deal. Color us very jealous.

More: Jennifer Lopez's Daughter Danced in a J.Lo-Themed Recital, & Yes, It's Amazing

J.Lo hopped onto her Instagram story on Thursday morning to clue in her fans about her big morning outing with Emme. "It’s a very special day! Me and Emmy are off to our first book publishers meeting for an idea Emme had for a book," Lopez revealed. 

But Lopez and Emme didn't have just one meeting scheduled yesterday. "We’re excited. We have three meetings today," Lopez revealed to her followers. 

With three meetings scheduled, it sounds like Emme's book is going to be a surefire hit. Sure, it helps that she has a famous mom to help her get her foot in the door. But it sounds like the glory really does belong to Emme. So, what is Emme's book about that's warranted three different meetings?

Neither Lopez nor Emme revealed much about the book. However, Lopez did post a shot of Emme sitting in the car, holding a draft of her book which appears to be titled, "Lord Help Me!"

More: The Real Reason Jennifer Lopez & Alex Rodriguez Aren’t Talking About Marriage

We're not sure how the meetings went or what the next steps for Emme and Lopez will be, but we're definitely excited to see what's next for them where this book is concerned.

Is Chris Pratt Officially Ready for Love Again?

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It looks like Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger are really an item! We'd previously kept a safe distance, trying not to get too presumptuous about the fact that Pratt's hangout with Schwarzenegger did look romantic, but it wasn't solid proof they were romantically inclined. However, a new report from E! News suggests Pratt is very romantically inclined at this time. 

More: Chris Pratt Spotted Laughing With Another Famous Woman, so, Obviously, They're Dating

Recently, photos were published by Daily Mail that showed the pair having a very chilled-out picnic, leading many to presume that these two were an item. But, according to a source, Pratt and Schwarzenegger may have been hanging before this recent lunch date.

"It's still very new between Chris and Katherine but the picnic was not their first date," a source tells E! News. "They have been on multiple low key dates and have been talking consistently for the last two months or so."

Things seem to be going really well, as evidenced by the photos taken from their picnic but also, as it was seemingly confirmed by this unnamed source. "They both really like each other. Chris is smitten by Katherine and is super happy about how it's going so far," the source claimed to E! News.

And, as if that wasn't surprising enough, we've also learned that there was this couple's matchmaker is from Schwarzenegger's family: Maria Shriver, Schwarzenegger's mother. "She knows Chris through mutual friends," the source noted.

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

Things are all still very new, so don't expect Pratt or Schwarzenegger to release a statement just yet. It appears these celebs are still testing the proverbial waters and it makes sense. It's been almost a year since Pratt officially split from his first wife, Anna Faris, in August 2017. Even though he's showing signs that he's ready for love, there's certainly no need for him to rush it.

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