Few things are more classically summer than a barbecue or cookout. Getting everyone together in the backyard, cooking burgers and drinking beer as the sun sets is what makes this time of year so enjoyable. But barbecues or cookouts are traditionally all about wings and ribs and hot dogs. What if you’ve sworn off meat?

Well, just because you’re a vegan doesn’t mean you should miss out. Spy has found eight great cookbooks that can help you keep the grill going without compromising.

1. VBQ: The Ultimate Vegan Barbecue Cookbook

This book of entirely plant-based barbecue fare includes delicious favorites like eggplant hot dogs and peppered tofu steak. With 80 recipes (and 100 droolworthy photos), this book even includes tips on how to get the perfect char on your tofu and asparagus.

VBQ: The Ultimate Vegan Barbecue Cookbook, $16.14 at Amazon

2. Grilling Vegan Style

For the full barbecue experience, this cookbook promises to give you “125 Fired-Up Recipes to Turn Every Bite into a Backyard BBQ.” The book encompasses everything from appetizers to sides, mains and even desserts. Make your summer cooking carry on all year long.

Grilling Vegan Style: 125 Fired-Up Recipes, $13.29 at Amazon

3. Great Vegan BBQ Without a Grill

Mother-and-daughter team Linda and Alex Meyer, inspired by their family road trips to South Carolina, Louisiana and Texas, show you how to recreate classic barbecue flavors with a vegan twist. You’ll learn to make plant-based ribs, burgers, steaks, kabobs and more smoky favorites. You don’t even need a grill — these dishes can all be made in a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet.

Great Vegan BBQ Without a Grill, $9.61 at Amazon

4. Grills Gone Vegan

Starting from the ground up, this cookbook gives you great advice, such as what type of grill to buy, equipment, techniques and menu suggestions. Filled with 125 recipes, you can get that smoky flavor without any of the meat.

Grills Gone Vegan, $28.69 at Amazon

5. 101 Vegetarian Grill & Barbecue Recipes

It’s all in the title. Expanding fare a little to include your vegetarian friends, this book includes flavors inspired from around the world, including Caribbean sweet potatoes, grilled halloumi and fresh tomato salsa.

101 Vegetarian Grill & Barbecue Recipes, $16.95 at Amazon

6. American Vegan BBQ 

Just because you’re vegan doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to enjoy the best of American barbecue and comfort foods. This book is packed with healthy recipes to feed you and your guests — a great book to get for Fourth of July too.

American Vegan BBQ, free at Amazon

7. Vegan BBQ

Finding expert substitutes that aren’t lacking in flavor, this book is packed with recipes like quinoa and chickpea burgers, stuffed peppers and aubergine gyros. The beautifully presented book wouldn’t look out of place on your kitchen counter or coffee table either.

Vegan BBQ, $21.50 at Amazon

8. Mouthwatering Vegan Burgers

Toni Rodríguez presents a delicious set of burgers that won’t skimp on flavor, made of everything from black olives to vegan chorizo. Along with those mains, there’s also a list of hefty sides, including sweet potato fries and hazelnut ice cream for dessert.

Mouthwatering Vegan Burgers, $15.25 at Amazon

Madam Secretary is officially “with her.” On Tuesday, CBS announced the political drama had cast former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to play herself in season five. And she isn’t the only politico who landed a guest-starring gig. 

More: Hillary Clinton Sent Donald Trump a Pretty Big Message From the Grammys

On Tuesday, the show shared a photo on Twitter teasing the all-star lineup heading into the new season. “We’ve got some BIG guest stars in store for Season 5! Former Secretaries of State @HillaryClinton, @Madeleine, and Colin Powell will be appearing on the season premiere of #MadamSecretary on Sunday, October 7!” read the caption. 

In the group snapshot, Clinton — looking triumphant in her trademark white pantsuit — stands next to show lead Téa Leoni. On Leoni’s other side are Powell and Madeline Albright. 

Of course, Leoni fits right in with the high-profile politicians. Well, fictionally at least. In the series, she stars as Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord. According to HuffPost, the nature of that job is precisely why the premiere will include a meeting of such sharp political minds. Leoni’s McCord needs advice on how to handle a delicate situation. 

More: Hillary Clinton Feels Like She "Let Everyone Down" on Election Night

“Having three powerhouses of diplomacy agree to come on our show is awe-inspiring and humbling,” executive producer Lori McCreary stated in a press release. 

Clinton was equally excited about the cameo, taking to Twitter to gush about her time on set. “It was wonderful to spend some time with the team from @MadamSecretary on set in Brooklyn with a few former colleagues,” she wrote. “Mark your calendars for October 7^th!” 

The news caps off a banner week for Clinton. On Saturday, she was greeted with cheers as she took the stage to speak at a summer festival in Central Park. Her message of offering to help organize transportation for immigrant families to be reunited clearly resonated with the crowd. 

More: The Hillary Clinton Coloring Book That Will Soothe Your Trump Anxiety

Following a brief absence from the public eye following her loss to Donald Trump in 2016, Clinton has returned to her work as a social activist and political pundit with renewed passion. In the past, her public persona has included appearances on TV on series such as Broad City and hilarious spots on Saturday Night Live. 

But this latest guest arc has earned Clinton her first official acting credit on IMDb. Could more film cameos be in Clinton’s future? Here’s hoping. 

It's the end of summer, and sadly, that means the end of the fun summer blockbusters. Ant-Man has done his shrinking, the dinosaurs of Jurassic World have done their roaring and the ladies of Ocean’s 8 are all heisted out. But as outdoor temperatures continue to rise and you look to escape into a cool, air-conditioned movie theater — don't despair. We’ve put together a list of 14 flicks that look great and will carry you through to September when the movies get more serious as they hope to earn Oscar nominations (we’re looking at you, A Star Is Born). 

Luckily, there are still several comedies, horror movies, biopics and one action film that is set to dethrone the king of all summer of movies, Jaws. This new movie shark is called the Meg (short for the ancient jumbo shark the megalodon), and it’s a 75-foot killing machine. If that’s not your thing, we’re confident there’s something for everyone on this list of August movies.

Aug. 3

1. The Darkest Minds

This movie takes place in a world where, after a mysterious incident, children have developed special powers. As a result, the government has taken all the children and is keeping them under lock and key, fearful of their potential. We can't wait to see this movie because it reminds us of the best parts of the Hunger Games movies and Stranger Things.

2. Like Father

When a workaholic bride (Kristen Bell) gets left at the altar, she takes her honeymoon cruise with her estranged father (Kelsey Grammer), who's also a workaholic. Both Bell and Grammar are hilarious, so we're super-excited to see what kind of comedic chemistry they have on-screen.

3. Christopher Robin 

When the adult Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) has a midlife crisis, he turns to his old friend Winnie the Pooh for guidance. We’re looking forward to this movie because it gives us a chance to spend time with our favorite characters from childhood — including Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Roo.

4. The Spy Who Dumped Me 

Best friends Audrey (Mila Kunis) and Morgan (Kate McKinnon) find themselves in a pickle when Audrey’s undercover spy ex-boyfriend Drew (Justin Theroux) is killed. Scared for their own lives, the ladies head to Europe to deliver a questionable package. This movie is a fun romp through Europe, with McKinnon stealing the show as they dodge bullets, a Russian supermodel/gymnast and a trapeze swing. James Bond has nothing on these women.

5. The Miseducation of Cameron Post 

Chloë Grace Moretz stars as Cameron, a teen girl forced into a gay conversion therapy center called God’s Promise. We’re excited for this movie because Moretz reportedly gives a powerful performance as she speaks out for the LGBTQ community.

More: The Mamma Mia Sequel Was Way More Emotional Than I Expected

August 10

6. The Meg 

Time is running out for oceanographer Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) when his deep-sea submersible is attacked by a megalodon, a 75-foot-long shark that was thought to be extinct. This movie looks like an exciting and terrifying underwater thriller with a shark even more vicious than Jaws.

7. Slenderman 

An elongated, faceless demon ravages a small town by stealing away countless kids and teens. This movie looks like one of the best, freakiest horror movies since the Paranormal Activity franchise, and we can’t wait to scream. 

8. BlacKkKlansman 

Directed by Spike Lee and based on a true story, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is a Black police officer who managed to infiltrate a Colorado chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. 

August 15

9. Crazy Rich Asians

Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh star in this rom-com about a young woman (Wu) who discovers her fiancé’s family is filthy rich when she goes to meet them in Singapore. We love Wu on the TV show Fresh Off the Boat, so we’re excited to see her in a starring film role. 

August 17

10. Mile 22

Mark Wahlberg stars as an operative of the CIA who is sent alone on a deadly mission to retrieve a mysterious asset that holds top-secret information about an impending attack on America. We’re excited to see this action flick not only for Wahlberg, but for MMA fighter Ronda Rousey, who also stars. We expect the fight sequences to be off the charts.

11. The Wife 

Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce star as a longtime married couple, Joan and Joe. As Joe is about to be awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, Joan’s life begins to unravel as Joe’s indiscretions and falsehoods get revealed. We love Close in any role, but this may actually be the role of her career. We fully expect her to be nominated for the Oscar. 

12. The Little Mermaid 

This magical tale is about Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton), the mermaid of the Mississippi River. A reporter (William Moseley) is sent to investigate the lady who's half fish, only to be shocked by what he discovers. We’re excited to see this non-Disney version of a story we all know so well.

More: 19 Best Summer Movies About Family Vacations

August 24

13. The Happytime Murders 

Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) investigates a string of murdered puppets in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. These puppets get raunchy, and we can’t wait. This will hopefully be a fresh and funny ride.

14. Support the Girls 

Lisa Conroy (Regina Hall) works as the manager of a Hooters-style restaurant called Double Whammies. Ever the optimist, she acts as a mamma bear to the young female waiters working for her. We’re excited to see how this movie deals with sexism and stereotypes while still making us laugh.

Breastfeeding parents across America, rejoice: Nursing in public is now legal in all 50 states! Of course, you may be asking, “What took so long?” — and for good reason. After all, Australia and the U.K. already had national breastfeeding laws on the books, and many other countries simply accept the act without the need for specific legislation. But since breastfeeding is something that is (and has been) governed at the state level, U.S. breastfeeders had no choice but to sit back and wait for state legislators to catch up to the times.  

As was the case with Idaho and Utah.

You see, when 2018 began, Idaho and Utah were the only two states that did not legally protect breastfeeding parents. In both locales, people could be charged with public indecency and/or issued citations and fines. However, in February, Utah passed legislation — albeit narrowly — to protect the right to breastfeed, and in March, Idaho followed suit.

More: The Benefits of Breastfeeding — for You, Not Just the Baby

The latter went into effect earlier this month.

And while this is huge, it is important to note that not all states offer the same level of protection. The Utah bill, for example, includes language which requires people to cover their breast while feeding; meanwhile, New York doesn’t just protect the act — bare breast and all — but will also require breastfeeding rooms in all state buildings open to the public beginning in 2019.

Part of the reason it took so long to pass such laws is likely the fact that most state legislators are non-breastfeeding men. In fact, in 2018, only a quarter of all U.S. state legislators identify as women. Still, things are changing thanks to public support as well as politicians such as Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who became the first sitting senator to give birth while in office.

More: 20 Photos of Women Breastfeeding in Public Without the World Exploding

So, while this undoubtedly a victory for parents across the country, remember: People breastfeed in order to feed their children. Nothing more. Nothing less. And parents' right to feed their babies how and where they please should never be up for debate. 

Good news, Grey’s fans! Your favorite medical drama is back in production, and we’ve got the pictures to prove it. 

On Tuesday, cast members Debbie Allen and Giacomo Gianniotti both shared photos from the crew on their first day back filming. Despite feeling a bit sad about the absence of Jessica Capshaw and Sarah Drew, we’re unabashedly excited to see the good doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital together again — especially given a few context clues about what’s to come. 

More: 12 Things You Notice When You Re-Watch  Grey’s Anatomy From the Beginning

Let’s begin with a group shot shared by Allen (Catherine), Gianniotti (DeLuca) and Grey’s official Twitter feed. In the cute pic, Allen and Gianniotti are squeezed into the frame with Ellen Pompeo (Meredith), Caterina Scorsone (Amelia) and Kelly McCreary (Maggie). Everyone is smiling and happy and not at all dark and twisty. In short, they look just as thrilled to be shooting again as we are to learn they’re shooting again.

“#GreysAnatomy’s Season 15 day one of shooting!” Gianniotti wrote. “Feeling very blessed to be surrounded by all these incredible women again who inspire me so much! Thank you to all the fans who came out today to watch us shoot, I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet all of you or get a picture with all of you but I feel your love so much! Thank you for being fans and thanks for sticking with the show for what is about to be 15 years!!!!” 

Here’s what we can unpack from that. For starters, could we adore Gianniotti any more if we tried? Unlikely. We’re maxed out on the adoring-him meter. The second thing we can deduce is that the Italian-born actor will continue to grow in his role at Grey’s. In previous seasons, he has been a secondary character. However, with recent departures of more senior cast (Capshaw and Drew *sob*), it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Gianniottis’ DeLuca slide into a more prominent position. 

More: These  Grey’s Anatomy Fan Favorites Are Officially Done & We’re Not OK

In another photo from the first day of filming, Allen poses with Jesse Williams and McCreary — aka Jackson and Maggie. Although it could be argued that the three were simply posing together because they spend so much time together on set, it could also point toward “Jaggie” still going strong in the new season. 

Other first-day photos are less indicative of any potential plot points for the upcoming season but a joy to see nonetheless. Like this pic of Chandra Wilson (Bailey) surrounded by fans. 

Or this snapshot of Allen and Kevin McKidd (Owen) posing with a few young fans of their own. 

Gianniotti even shared a photo of himself with James Pickens (Richard) in uniform at a Seattle Mariners game, where they got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. 

Of course, Grey’s couldn’t resist building off the enthusiasm generated by the cast’s first-day-back photos. The series posted a teaser clip on Twitter, exclaiming, “PAGING OUR #GREYSANATOMY FAM! Season 15 beings September 27th! #TGIT”

More: The Cast of Grey’s Anatomy in Their First Episodes vs. Now

Per the clip, fans can expect the new season to be “bigger, bolder and sexier than ever.” While the teaser trailer didn’t actually reveal anything new about season 15 (which makes sense considering they just started filming), it hints that the show will continue to focus on Jaggie, Teddy and Owen’s love child and newlyweds Alex and Jo. 

Let the countdown to premiere night commence! 

Are you tired? Burned out? Have you hit the midweek slump? Well don’t worry; I know just the thing to help carry you through the hump: pretzels. Specifically, Auntie Anne's pretzels, aka, the best pretzels in the world. 

And they're free pretzels.

That’s right: free.

On Thursday, Auntie Anne’s — the infamous chain known for their buttery dough and salty pretzel bites — will be offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on their classic pretzels in honor of National Aunt and Uncle Day. Of course, Auntie Anne’s is encouraging customers to bring their “favorite auntie” in for the treat, but the coupon (which can be downloaded here) can be used by anyone.

More: A Baker’s Guide to Every Type of Flour

In fact, you don’t even have to know your BOGO partner. Just befriend a stranger while in line.

(I kid… well, sort of.)

But the deal gets even better: Auntie Anne's National Aunt and Uncle Day BOGO special isn’t just good tomorrow, it is valid now through July 30 — so you, your family, your friends and (yes) your aunts and uncles can get pretzels almost all week long. 

Sign. Me. Up.

More: Iron Chef Marc Forgione Can't Stand This Popular Southern Vegetable

So if you, like me, love midday snacks, food and all things free, be sure to head to Auntie Anne’s before this deal ends. And whatever you do, don’t forget your coupon. (You can print the coupon and bring it with you or show the cashier the barcode on your smartphone.)

One of the most common issues couples face in the bedroom is a mismatched libido. It’s perfectly normal for a person’s sex drive to fluctuate. One week, it’s through the roof. The next, it’s Dullsville. Sexual desire does a lot of things, but it rarely holds steady. Here are eight tips for how to approach this sensitive topic.

Reframe the word "libido"

As a sex therapist, one of the biggest problems Dr. Juliana Morris faces is that most people don't really have an understanding of what desire and libido are. “I started dropping the word ‘libido’ because some people have such a negative reaction to the word and felt like it was too medical and clinical,” she tells SheKnows. “That narrows people's view of how to go about the problem and find a solution for it.” 

For people who’ve lost their sexual desire along the way, Morris has developed a course called The Wanting, which explores what desire is — what you and your partner want — and the societal pressures places on what a “normal” sex life looks like. Sure, it’s about desire and libido, but it shifts the dialogue into actively figuring out what you want versus focusing on what’s lacking. 

What does desire mean to you? 

Sexual desire and drive, like many things, exists on a spectrum and doesn't mean the same thing to all people. “I think when you start having discussions about what desire is with your partner, you really have to know if you’re talking about the same thing,” says Morris. “You really do need to look at what you’re wanting."

For instance, if you want to let your partner know that you're not satisfied with your current arrangement and would like to talk about it and figure out something that would make you both happy, Morris says that it's important to remember in these cases that they're likely equating happiness with how many times they're having sex.

However, there’s more to desire than how many times you’re doing it, and only you and your partner can define what that means to you.

More: What to Do When You Have a High Sex Drive but Your Partner Doesn't

If you have an open dialogue, dive right in

Are you already in a good place in terms of being able to communicate with your partner? That's a great start, Xanet Pailet, sex and intimacy coach and author of Living an Orgasmic Life: Heal Yourself and Awaken Your Pleasure tells SheKnows.

“The conversation with a partner is pretty straightforward if you have already established open communication around your sex life,” she says.  

Pailet suggests saying something like, “I’m noticing that my libido has been really low lately and it’s making me not want to have sex.” It might also be helpful to add some expression of empathy, such as, “This must be hard for you to hear,” or “I’m so sorry to be disappointing you.” 

Have empathy

As with most aspects of a relationship, discussing a mismatched libido requires having empathy for your partner. 

“It’s important to remember that the partner with the lower libido has the power over sex in the relationship, and that person needs to be even more empathetic and attuned to their partner’s needs and frustrations,” says Pailet. “In a couple with open communication, these types of conversations can lead to deeper connection and intimacy as well as create joint problem-solving strategies.” 

This may involve getting hormone levels checked, talking about desire (or lack thereof) and reaching out to a professional sex therapist or coach for support, Pailet explains.

Don’t ignore the issue

What's worse than an awkward conversation about sex drive? Not having one at all. Pailet says the most common pattern she sees with couples who cannot freely communicate about sex is to sweep it under the rug.

If one partner is constantly telling the other partner, “I’m not in the mood,” it may make them feel rejected and undesirable. Understandably so, and over time, this will end up building a tremendous amount of resentment and often leads to a sexless relationship. 

“This can obviously happen the other way around, but it’s typically the woman who loses her libido first,” Pailet notes. “The solution, of course, is to begin to communicate, but with couples who already are struggling with communication around sex, this is fraught with danger.” 

More: These Things Could Be Behind Your Low Libido

Take a health assessment

When it comes to your sex drive, there could be a lot of different factors at play.

For instance, Morris has her clients look at their mental health, physical health (past and current), relationships (past and current), family origin, any medications they’re on, reproductive health and period (if people are still having periods), menstruation history (and if they’re in menopause, where they are with that) as well as hormones. “They have to go to a physician and get their hormones checked, only just as a baseline,” she says. “I’ve actually found that hormones aren’t a huge part of why people are coming to me. It’s a part of it, but rarely the only thing going on. But people are told and they think that’s what it is.” 

Write an email

For some, opening up in writing may be easier than doing so in person.

“One way to open up communication is to write your partner an email rather than have an initial face-to-face conversation,” Pailet suggests. “Often, we can express our feelings better when there is a little bit of distance. It also provides the other person the time to digest the information and process it.” 

Get to the root of the issue

When dealing with mismatched libidos, there's a decent chance that it may be part of a larger issue with the relationship. 

“Having the conversation is important, but, of course, the real issue is why is the partner suffering from low libido in the first place?” Pailet says. 

There are multifaceted reasons for low libido in women and men. “While sometimes, it’s obvious (a new mom, for example), often it’s not and is related to many different factors," she explains. "However, one of the most common for women is feeling the lack of intimacy and emotional connection with a partner.” 

The bottom line

Although it’s nice to “match” your partner’s libido, it’s more important when faced with differences to recognize and compromise to find common ground. Be sure to nurture communication and connection with your partner — without putting pressure on them — and you’ll be better positioned to create true intimacy. 

Global panic was put to rest when Kim Kardashian West reassured fans that she only allows her daughter, North West, to straighten her naturally curly hair twice a year.

But let's back up a bit: Kardashian West unwittingly set an internet dumpster fire when she shared a sweet picture of her daughter, North, smooching her dad after his flu-related hospital stay. 

Welp, most folks loved the daddy-daughter shot.

Heck, you'd almost think that was a harmless photo of a little girl and her dad... almost. But a fan immediately noted North's lack of her usual curls — and proceeded to offer up some completely unsolicited hair advice to Mama Kim.

Thank goodness Kardashian West cleared up matters: “She is allowed twice a year, on her birthday and birthday party! This pic was taken back in June on her bday,” she responded to her panicked follower.

More: Kim Kardashian West & Kourtney Kardashian Take Kids to Disneyland

The responses to Kardashian West's response to the follower's response were plentiful, telling her to mind her own beeswax. 

"Thumb thugs" = priceless. Others were frustrated Kardashian West took the time and energy to explain herself. And still others simply posted GIFs.

There's history here in this hair tale. Kardashian West was already shamed back in mid-June when she and North stepped out with North sporting sleek locks. But at least now we know there's a straightening-hair rule in place at the Kardashian-West household, I guess. Well, at least for the younger members.

More: Kim Kardashian West Already Thinking About a 4th Child

Whatever the case, we're betting we haven't heard the end of this story yet. Which makes us think most people on Twitter really, really need to find another hobby.

As a child, you might have enjoyed packing your bags and heading down the block to spend the night at a school friend's house. At the time, all you could probably think about was staying up late, watching movies and getting a sugar high on candy. But as adults, you may no longer view sleepovers through rose-colored, flip-up glasses. For starters, you likely never pondered the questions, "When is a child ready to spend an evening away from home?" or "What makes a sleepover 'safe'?" as a kid. 

Below, we've gathered some tips to help you prepare to either send your child to or host a sleepover party. 

More: 7 Things You Can Expect to Happen During Your Child's First Sleepover

When is your kid sleepover-ready?

Determining when your child is ready for a bit more independence can be difficult, especially since there aren't any hard-and-fast prerequisites. Sorry, folks, you do not have to be this tall or old to enter the slumber party. 

Instead of basing your decision on age, licensed mental health counselor GinaMarie Guarino recommends looking at other factors, such as emotional and behavioral development. 

"A child's age is not as important as their level of maturity and self-sufficiency," Guarino tells SheKnows. "Around age 7, a child can typically be considered mature enough to spend the night away, but each individual child is different and should be considered on an individual basis." 

More: How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for a Sleepover

Ask yourself questions like, "Does my child play well with others and listen to adults?" And, "How does she react when you're apart for long periods of time?" Answer the questions thoughtfully and honestly and ultimately trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone. 

Have a pre-party meet & greet

When in doubt, suss it out. Before you agree to send your child to someone else's house, children's counselor Kim Martinez tells SheKnows it's critical you get to know your kid's friend and the supervising adults. Set up a playdate so you can get a feel for how your child and her friend interact with one another. Does she act the same around her pal, or does her behavior change in any way? Do they seem to have a good time together? These are just some of the questions you might want to ask yourself. 

Though Martinez says both sets of parents or guardians would ideally have a close friendship, that doesn't have to be — and isn't always — the case when a child receives a sleepover invite. Get to know the hosts by going out to coffee or having them over for an after-school chat. 

More: 12 Arts & Crafts Ideas for Kids Straight From the Kitchen

"Having a conversation with the parents is important," Guarino says. "That way, the lines of communication are open, and you are fully aware of any needs or behavioral issues of each child."

Ask the tough questions

Once you've exchanged niceties with your child's friend's parents or guardians, it's time to cut to the chase and ask the more difficult questions. Though it may seem awkward to ask another adult if they have a gun in the home and how they store it, addressing the issue could help save your child's life. 

Drafting a list of things that are important for you to know before the conversation can help hold you accountable and make the experience more comfortable. Does anyone in the house use drugs recreationally? What kinds of movies are their children allowed to watch at home? How many people will be at the house during the sleepover? Be kind but firm in explaining what and why these things matter to you. 

"The hosting parents' responsibility is to make sure their home is safe for children of all ages and free of hazards," Martinez explains. "They are responsible for having all phone numbers, allergy information, health information where necessary and a good rapport with the family and child staying in their home."

Establish ground rules

This step is vital for parents to go over with their kids and the supervising adults. If you're not OK with your 8-year-old kid watching Titanic, say so. The same goes for bedtimes, food choices (no, sleepovers aren't an excuse for kids to eat junk food solely, no matter how much they insist) and games. While you can't control everything that happens at another person's house, you should be able to have a say in your child's overall safety and well-being. 

More: 10 Ways to Entertain Your Kids Without TV

Arrive prepared

Parents should ensure the hosting family has all pertinent information — medical needs, emergency contacts, allergy information, dietary restrictions — readily accessible. Provide clear labels and instructions to make things easier for all parties involved.

Keep communication lines open 

No, you don't want to be on the phone with your child the entire night, but it's important they know they can reach you if needed. Should they be scared to call home while their friends are around, you can establish a safe word to indicate that they're feeling uncomfortable, scared or unmanageably homesick. 

Also, let the hosting parents know how and when is best to contact you. It's OK to go to a movie or out for a couple of drinks. Just inform the family beforehand if you'll be away from your device for an extended period and who else they might contact. 

More: Kids Rules You Can Totally Let Slide During the Summer

Finally, let your child know that while you hope they have an absolute blast with their friends, there's no shame in realizing they might not be ready. Over time and with plenty of communication, you'll both come to a clearer understanding of what works best for your family. 

Since the cancellation of Roseanne, fans have been wondering what will happen to the series. Late last month, we learned there would be a spinoff show, The Connors, but beyond the most notable detail — that Roseanne Barr would be missing — information about the series was vague — at best. But earlier today, ABC gave viewers a bit more to go on when they announced a premiere date.

The Connors will debut in mid-October; specifically, the show will air on Oct. 16.

More: This Is What We Know About the Roseanne Spinoff & How the Internet Feels About It

Of course, television fans will probably note that this is a bit later than usual. Most fall shows kick off sometime in September. However, according to ABC, the delay was unavoidable, as it was caused by the abrupt cancellation of Rosanne — which, for those who are unaware, occurred after Barr made racist comments on Twitter. (Barr compared Black former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett to an ape.) ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey immediately condemned Barr, “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values,” and, in the same statement announced the series would be canceled. “We have decided to cancel her show,” Dungey said.

More: Roseanne Barr Claims She Isn't Racist, Just "An Idiot" in Tearful Podcast

However, while Barr will not be a part of The Connors, the show will include the original cast, including John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson and Michael Fishman. What's more, while little is known about the plot, ABC has stated that The Connors will begin with “a sudden turn of events” — presumably something to write off Barr — and that the Conner family will have to "to face the daily struggles of life in Lanford in a way they never have before."

The Connors has been green-lit for 10 episodes and will air on Tuesday nights at 8/7c. 

Whether you're halving a recipe or just don't want to wash that tablespoon when there's a perfectly clean teaspoon begging to get in on the baking action, it's always handy to know your measurement conversions. And while experienced bakers have many of them memorized, there's always that pesky one you can never remember that pops up right when your hands are covered in dough so sticky you wouldn't dare touch your iPhone to look it up. 

We made ourselves this handy chart, and now we're sharing it with you. Plus, we've included a handy cup-tablespoon-teaspoon conversion chart for halving and even thirding your recipes.

Pro tip: If you're a prolific recipe cutter, snag yourself a 14-piece measuring cup and spoon set ($29.99 at Amazon) and two extra specialty sets so you have literally all the options, including the ever-elusive two-thirds teaspoon ($15 at Amazon), which is rarely seen in the wild, and even those kitschy "novelty" teaspoons with things like dash and smidgen ($5.99 at Amazon), which can be very helpful for cutting already small amounts. And don't forget the baker's best friend, the digital scale with tare function ($14.99 at Amazon).

Now, save this chart to your computer or smartphone or print it out and put it on the fridge, because whether you prefer volumetric measurements (cups, teaspoons) or you kick it pro-style and weigh those ingredients for consistent accuracy each and every time, this is the only chart you'll (probably) ever need. 

Victoria Beckham is definitely a cool mom. Seriously, how can we whisk her away for brunch and bottomless mimosas? We love the behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Beckham family she shares — and we had to laugh at the latest shot of her with her eldest son, Brooklyn, 19.

She captioned the post, “Contemplating how to rate today’s Uber driver #whynoshirt.”

Victoria and David Beckham recently celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary — amid rumbling rumors that the couple is on the brink of divorce. Hogwash, we say, having just barely gotten over Anna Faris and Chris Pratt. And don’t even get us started on Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum. *Sob* Does this look like a pair rolling into Splitsville? We didn’t think so, rumor mill. Go away. Shoo.

Victoria captioned the shot, “19 years!!! X I love u so much x.” We choose not to be cynical. After all, this is a family that is clearly enjoying the summer together. The whole clan (Victoria, David, Brooklyn, Romeo, 15, Cruz, 13, and Harper, 7) has been living it up at the beach and celebrating Harper’s birthday. Victoria captioned this sweet shot of her babies, “Kisses from us all x Happy Summer! VB x.”

In June, Victoria Beckham spoke at the Forbes Women’s Summit discussing the (happy) challenge of balancing marriage, motherhood and career. “When I’m away, he is at home doing the school run, cooking dinner, helping with homework,” she said. “It’s about being in a working partnership.”  

According to Hello magazine, Beckham also said, “I have the support of an incredible husband… I try really, really hard. I try hardest to be the best mother… I am trying to be the best wife and the best professional. When I get home I try to put the phone down and spend time with the children and spend time with David.”

For his part, David Beckham posted the same shot as Victoria on their anniversary, captioning his post, “19 Years WOW ... This time 19 years ago I was dressed from head to toe in purple ... Happy anniversary to the most amazing wife & mummy ... Love You x.” 

Seriously, this family is #AllTheGoals. We can’t wait for more glimpses into their summer together. And if they want us to tag along to the Maldives or anything, we’re so there.

Kelly Ripa, we love you so much. Never one to mince words, Ripa once again reminded us why she is truly one of our favorite celebs when, during her interview on Anna Faris' podcast Unqualified, she revealed the secret to her long-lasting marriage. The wisdom may be a bit unconventional, but coming from Ripa, we think it's pretty sound. So, what's the secret?  

More: Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos Are Working on a Completely New Show Together

While accompanying hubby Mark Consuelos to San Diego Comic-Con over the weekend of July 19 (who was there promoting his show, Riverdale), Ripa sat down with Faris to have a far-ranging discussion — including some deep insight into her marriage. 

As reported by Us Weekly, when Ripa was asked how she keeps her marriage healthy, she gave a bit of a surprising answer. "This is what I’ve found works for me in my marriage with Mark: You’re gonna fight. You’re gonna have at each other," she explained, going on to say in specific regards to her and Consuelos that "we’re gonna annoy each other and do stuff that irritates each other because we’re human beings." 

But the way Ripa sees it, even those moments where she and Consuelos aren't totally getting along is beneficial, even fruitful when it comes to strengthening their bond. "At the end of the day," she told Faris, "we’re loyal to each other, we care about each other deeply. We’re good friends and, you know, relationships evolve and we just happen to be lucky enough that we evolved together. We grew together. Our roots became entangled."

More: Kelly Ripa Claps Back at Haters Criticizing Her Family Vacation

Pretty sweet, right? 

Considering Ripa and Consuelos have been together for more than two decades and have not only grown their family but also their careers, together, then perhaps there's some truth to the fact the fighting in a healthy way – and the radical honesty that comes out of it — is a necessary relationship tool. 

It may be called The Bachelorette: Men Tell All, but there will be at least a few topics of conversation that are strictly off limits when the special airs next week. Namely, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the episode will avoid discussing any of the off-air controversies that plagued Becca Kufrin’s season of the long-running dating franchise. 

Speaking to host Chris Harrison after taping of the episode, THR confirmed that all of Kufrin’s ex-suitors joined her for the reunion show — sans the remaining finalists. Also not in attendance? Lincoln Adim, who was convicted of indecent assault and battery in the middle of this season airing. 

More: Everything We Know About Becca Kufrin's Season of The Bachelorette

However, don’t expect to see that shocking revelation hashed out in Adim’s absence. Per THR, Harrison implied the Men Tell All special will steer clear of discussion about Adim. Or, for that matter, about finalist Garrett Yrigoyen, who landed in hot water when eagle-eyed fans uncovered a troubling pattern of behavior on social media. Yrigoyen, winner of the coveted first-impression rose, had a history of liking highly offensive posts. 

Yrigoyen has since addressed the controversy via Instagram, insisting the behavior was not indicative of who he was as a person. Fans haven’t been so fast to forgive and forget, though. Despite the fact that he is one of Kufrin’s final suitors (and the rumored winner of the season), the public’s perception of him hasn’t improved much. 

And while the Men Tell All special won’t go into specifics about such off-air scandals, that doesn’t mean Harrison himself is staying mum. 

“I want to be very careful about people that put Garrett and Lincoln in the same sentence because they do not belong in the same sentence,” the host told THR. “What Garrett did is something that people disagree with. What Lincoln did is illegal. It’s against the law. He committed a crime. He was convicted of that, so that’s very different.” 

Harrison added, “And it’s been very upsetting that people have been lumping them together as if it was all just one thing or it’s all the same thing and it’s not. That’s not to say that I agree at all with what Garrett did or if he stood for that or what he stood for, but I’m very careful to differentiate those.” 

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

THR, which attended the taping of the Men Tell All special, noted that viewers would have to wait until the post-finale special, After the Finale Rose, for any further commentary on this season’s controversy. At that point, the remaining finalists will be free to do press as well. 

As far as Kufrin is concerned, she just hopes that fans will give her suitors a real chance. 

“I’ve asked this since the journey began, but I want people to stay open to who these guys are,” she told THR. “I was lucky enough to go on this journey with 28 guys and to really get to know them for who they are — away from social media, away from all the distractions — and so that was something special for me that I got to experience and I just hope that the viewers can be that same way.” 

When Red Sky PR CEO Jessica Flynn told a leader at her workplace she had some exciting news to share, their interaction didn’t go as expected.

“You’re pregnant!” exclaimed the other woman. “Um, nope,” Flynn said. “You’re getting married!” she guessed. Wrong again — Flynn informed her she was leaving to start her own company. That small interaction has stuck with Flynn for over a decade.

“While I’d dealt with the incessant questions about my marital aspirations and my ticking time clock before and since, this is the anecdote I always remember," Flynn said. "It crystalized that no matter what accomplishments I may achieve in the business world, in my community, in my relationships, there will always be the question about why I didn’t have children.”

More: More Women Are Freezing Their Eggs — but It's Not Necessarily to Benefit Their Careers

Women who choose not to have children have a variety of reasons for making this decision.

“I never had any burning desire to have children. I thought it was just something that would happen along the way, but it didn’t,” Christina Previte, a lawyer, said. “I think it would’ve been nice to have children, but I personally don’t need to have children to feel complete or have a full and vibrant life.”

“I will admit that when I was in my 20s and early 30s, I had assumed I would be a mother," Jennifer Bauer, a life coach, said. "I didn't question society's expectations for my role as a woman. It took wisdom and experience to realize that I didn't actually want that life."

Some women find opportunities to nurture and mentor others through their careers.

“After suffering a miscarriage a few months after we got married, the choice was taken from me when we couldn’t get pregnant again,” Carol Gee, a writer, said. “After leaving the military, I began a career as an educator, first at the junior college level and then university level. Being surrounded by students fulfilled my need to nurture, to mother, mentor and guide. I am 'play mom,'  'second mom,' 'god mommy,' and mother figure to a number of young adults both with mothers and without.”

“I was ambivalent about having children throughout my 30's,” another woman, Michelle McAnaney, said. “I think my job working as a college consultant, helping high school students choose and apply to colleges, is enough to fulfill the nurturer in me. Because I work with my students virtually, I can travel frequently, and I would have to drastically change my lifestyle to accommodate the needs of my children.” 

For other women, their reason to forgo traditional motherhood can boil down to a simpler tongue-in-cheek reason — selfishness. 

“I chose not to have children because I'm selfish,” Brittany Garcia said. “It's not a popular thing to say, but I am. I like to sleep late on the weekends. I like to spend my money on what I want. I don't want to monitor my kids' social media accounts, screen time or manage curfews.”

“I am able to be very selfish. What I mean by that is my life is not dictated by the needs of my children. I can travel whenever I want to, even on a moment’s notice,” Previte echoed.

Unfortunately, although none of the above women's decisions impacts anyone beyond themselves, we've still not reached a place societally where the choice to remain childless is free of judgment. For many, being subjected to other people's opinions persists as a drawback of this lifestyle.

More:  How I Learned to Let Go & Co-Parent With My Ex

“I honestly struggle to think of any drawbacks — other than the endlessly condescending nature of most of the rest of the world about it,” one woman, Ruth Attwood, explained.

“When I was in my late 30s, I was dating an older man who'd had his children, was divorced and wanted more,” Nancy Irwin, a doctor, said. “Over dinner one night in a restaurant fairly soon in our relationship, he was rather relentless in wanting to know why I'd never chosen to have children and did not plan to going forward. When I'd had enough of his peppering me with questions, I let him know that he was making me uncomfortable; he stated flat out: ‘Well, if you never have a child, you're not really a woman.’ 

"I stood up, threw down some cash for my portion of the uneaten food and walked out and hailed a cab.”

Judgment comes frequently from members of one's own family too. 

“My mother-in-law refers to me as the mother of her unborn grandchildren — not even as her son's wife, which would only be slightly less insulting," Garcia said. "I have a master's degree; I have a good job and am the primary breadwinner of our household. And yet my worth, in her eyes, lies only in my ability to bear children. Thankfully, my own mother thinks it’s wonderful that we live in a day and age where this truly is considered a choice and not just ‘what you do.’”

Aside from hearing rude comments from other people, some women have also considered the question of who will care for them in the future as a drawback.

“As I get older, I do think about not having children to do for me what my brothers and I have done for our dad, who has Alzheimer's,” says Sandy Weaver. Despite this concern, Weaver found a solution: “Good insurance, good savings and good friends should take care of me if and when a time comes that I can't care for myself.”

More: 9 Secrets of Successful Work-at-Home Moms

Whatever path you take, it’s ultimately your choice and life.

“We all make our choices about where we put our time, energy and passion,” Flynn said. “So what makes one person’s choice better than any other? I’ve chosen to put my time and energies into my relationship with my partner, deep friendships, contributing and engaging in my community and into my professional ambitions. If only the world would respect and value that.”

“I get a lot of 'You'll change your mind,' which is just insulting,” Garcia said. “As if I haven't carefully thought this through. I know that at the ripe old age of 36, the clock is ticking on this choice. And yet it's still a choice I make every morning when I take my birth control pill.”

Originally published on Fairygodboss.

HBO's dark summertime drama, Sharp Objects, has hooked audiences with its grim plot since it premiered on July 8. The limited series stars Amy Adams, who plays an haunted journalist named Camille Preaker who has to return to her hometown to investigate the possible serial murders of two teenage girls. Given the show's dark story and even darker characters and despite Adams having handled dark roles before, it would appear that embodying Camille was a tougher undertaking than she expected.

More: 6 Things to Know About HBO's Sharp Objects

Entertainment Tonight reported earlier this week that during the HBO Summer Television Critics Association press tour, Adams opened up about the mental toll that playing Camille actually took on her. "I felt crazy," she explained bluntly. "I had insomnia and anxiety and I'd have to realize that I didn't own it. It belonged to Camille."

Adams even reportedly noticed that when she was off the Sharp Objects set and going about her more domestic duties with her daughter, Aviana, she noticed that if a problem was bothering her, it was usually a problem that Camille faced on the show. It was a sign to Adams to go back to work and really work to get it out of her system as much as possible.

Given the full mental and physical commitment required to turn in a strong performance, it's expected that Adams — a seasoned actor — would commit fully to the role. Camille is a woman deep in the throes of addiction to alcohol and is frequently seen chugging it at all hours of the day. She is also no stranger to self-harm, using it as a coping mechanism on the show whenever personal issues surface and overwhelm her. It makes sense that, as an actor, Adams taking on Camille's ghosts would be hard to shake off once cut was called. 

Thankfully, as costar Patricia Clarkson noted, the cast of Sharp Objects stayed very close during the shoot and became a support system for one another. "I think what saved us, in a way, is that we were quite close off camera," she remarked, going on to comment with a laugh, "so we had these traumatic days... and then we would drink fake alcohol on set, and then have real alcohol."

"There's a closeness that either existed or became during shooting, so that helped us through some of the darkness," Adams added.

More: Amy Adams Pulled a Flatulence Prank on the Sharp Objects Set

With only three episodes having aired at the time Adams made these comments, it's easy to get worried about what's in store for Camille in the coming weeks. Let's hope there's a little bit of lightness at the end of this dark journey for the Sharp Objects character.

Fans of the Kardashian clan, gather 'round. This news is for you. If you've ever dreamed of working in close proximity to the Kardashians, yearned to know what it's like to hear those California accents IRL or wanted to get a peek behind the curtain at how their business is run, then you should apply to work for them. That's right: The Kardashians are hiring.

More: Khloé Kardashian Is Anxious About Leaving Baby True to Return to Work

According to Us Weekly, the Kardashians (technically, Kardashian Jenner Communications) are officially looking to hire an email marketing manager for their beauty division. If you can even believe it, the notice has appeared on LinkedIn, the professional platform used by us mere mortals, and is currently two weeks old at the time of reporting.  

As fun as it may sound to work for the Kardashians, the essential duties listed for the job indicate this role is going to be hard work, especially since the role requires promoting Kardashian-Jenner brands like Kylie Cosmetics and KKW Beauty. Duties include "maintain[ing], contribut[ing] and distribut[ing] the email-marketing calendar which details dependencies and dates"; exhibiting "expertise in email production as well as sufficient knowledge of database marketing"; working "cross-functionally with the e-commerce team"; and running "A/B testing in the email platform while also providing analysis of results and opportunities to improve items such as creative, subject lines, layouts, segmentation, send times, etc." We're already worn out just reading through this. 

More: Kim Kardashian West Claps Back at Follower Hair-Shaming North West

There's no word yet on whether the person who gets hired should be camera- or selfie-ready, even though there's a good chance either of those things could happen while you're on the clock. All things considered, we're crossing our fingers for whomever nabs this coveted role because it's definitely a life-changing opportunity. 

Well, Nashies, the moment we've all been dreading has finally arrived. After six years on the air — the last two spent at its new home on CMT — Nashville said goodbye to fans with a tear-jerking finale. And while the series' final episode was fantastic, it failed to give us one crucial thing: closure. 

[Spoiler alert: This article contains plot points pertinent to the series finale of Nashville, titled “Beyond the Sunset.”]

More: Nashville Boss Talks the Show's Final Season & Spoilers Ahead

Did some of the characters get some form of closure? Sure. For that matter, the series should be applauded for not trying to wrap everything up in a neat and tidy bow. The way the show handled the fates of most of the characters felt refreshingly grounded.

Take, for example, Daphne. The Disney-movie-happy-ending-version of her send-off would likely have included her taking home top honors on the Nashville’s Next reality competition in which she’d been competing. She instead chooses staying true to herself over appeasing slimy producer Brad, and it costs her the competition. She’s devastated, naturally. However, this later leads to her signing with her Highway 66 — the label her mom started, Deacon runs and which her sis Maddie is also signed to. 

Speaking of Maddie, she’s another solid example of a more subdued and realistic wrap-up. It would have been easy to have her ride off into the proverbial sunset with Twig. He made a grand romantic gesture for her, and she seemed at first to reciprocate his feelings. But after a pep talk from Scarlett, Maddie realized she had to hold space for her own needs right now. In the end, that amounted to her buying her own sweet little home in Nashville to live in alone. 

That’s not to say the show wasn’t without any fairy-tale romance, though. After a health scare with Cadence sends them to the hospital, Avery and Juliette begin to grow closer. And by the end of the episode, Avery joins Juliette at her new farm home outside of the city limits to pledge his love for her (again). Aw! 

More: This Nashville Star Already Has a New TV Role

Will wound up right where he belonged to — strolling hand in hand with Zach. Although we weren’t privy to their reconciliation, it’s clear they reconnected at some point during the “several months later” time jump.

Now, let’s talk about the characters whose endings felt less, well, like an ending. 

Let’s start with Alannah, whose arc with Avery fizzled out as she spent more time with Brad. The breakup with Avery was all well and good, of course, because it made way for Avery and Juliette to reunite. But after Alannah records Brad sexually harassing and threatening her, she sparks her own #MeToo movement with other women Brad had victimized. He has no other choice but to sell his record label to Deacon and give full custody to Jessie. 

Which brings us to our next point: Why couldn’t Deacon and Jessie pick back up where they left off? The big obstacle standing in their way was Brad. Once he was out of the picture, it stood to reason they would finally be able to be a real couple. Instead, Jessie just hangs with her son, and Deacon gets hit on by Daphne’s music mentor. Neither one are bad turnouts, but are we wrong for wishing the series would have come full circle with another wedding? 

It didn't even have to be Deacon and Jessie who made it down the aisle. We would have been perfectly content with Scarlett and Gunnar getting hitched. Yes, we were absolutely holding out hope they'd find their way back to each other! Alas, Gunnar "grew out of" his need to be in a relationship and threw himself back into the band with Will and Avery. 

As for Scarlett, she apparently fell in love and got engaged. While we would have loved to see that relationship develop on-screen, it was admittedly cute that they got Clare Bowen's real-life husband, Brandon Robert Young, to play her Nashville fiancé. 

Still, it would have been nice to see all of these stories fleshed out more. We wanted them to be given more room to grow. That's just it, though. The lack of closure we feel is rooted in a more pressing feeling — wanting more. 

This was never more apparent than in the final moments when the cast and crew all came together onstage at the Ryman Auditorium to sing Rayna and Deacon's song, "A Life That's Good." Seeing everyone together and listening to series creator and EP Callie Khouri say goodbye — to be honest, we're not ashamed to admit it was an emotional moment. 

More: Hayden Panettiere's Diagnosis Mirrors Her Nashville Character

It also came with the heavy realization that we're not ready to say goodbye. We still have questions. These characters still have stories to tell and songs to sing. The series was an important watershed in Southern culture, so the hope is that — even though it is ending — the conversations it fostered will continue to take place. 

And hey, who knows? Maybe we'll see Deacon and the gang again one day. If we're being optimistic, we'd say that perhaps so many storylines were left open-ended so that a Nashville reboot or movie would be possible down the road. 

Ever found yourself gnawing on one of those huge turkey legs at Disney World and thought to yourself, "Gee, I sure wish I could slather this turkey leg in donkey sauce"? Well, if this niche food fantasy sounds familiar, your dreams are about to come true. The most magical place on Earth is about to become a little more magical for fans of Guy Fieri, the self-proclaimed "Boss of Sauce," who is opening a restaurant in Disney World at the end of this summer. One express ticket to Flavortown, please!

More: Guy Fieri Made Nachos in a Trash Can

The restaurant, called Chicken Guy! (don't forget the exclamation point), will specialize in serving up chicken tenders, which makes total sense for the theme park. A cursory glance at the children's menu of any restaurant will tell you that kids freaking love chicken tenders. Parents will love it too, because along with their grilled or fried chicken tenders, they'll be able to choose from more than 20 sauces made in house. If there's no donkey sauce on that menu, we're revolting at dawn.

As elaborate as Fieri's frosted tips, dark brown goatee and bleach-blond soul patch, the menu has quite a few embellishments that a minimalist might call totally unnecessary. But the foodie maximalist in us all can surely appreciate items such as loaded fries with SMC (super-melty cheese) topped with chicken, bacon and green onions and the Big Bite B.L.A.T., a chicken sandwich topped smoked bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato and buttermilk ranch sauce. There will be an array of hefty chicken salads to choose from, and for dessert, frozen treats. You might want to skip your Dole Whip in favor of hand-spun ice cream sundaes.

More: Guy Fieri Is Getting a New Show, Because Apparently, the World Wants It

Chicken Guy! will be located in Disney Springs right next to Planet Hollywood, where Fieri recently collaborated on a new burger and sandwich menu. Plan a trip to the park this August, and you'll be feasting in Flavortown at the happiest place on Earth.

Announcing that you’re pregnant with twins practically guarantees you an onslaught of unsolicited advice from friends, family members and even strangers. Everyone’s got an opinion, whether it’s about the benefits of tandem breastfeeding or the downside of dressing your twins alike.

For every well-meaning suggestion, though, there’s a lot no one shares about what it’s really like to have twins. Here are a few things you might want to know ahead of time.

1. Your pregnancy will be different — and probably more difficult

Sadly, twin pregnancies are almost never as effortless as Beyoncé made it look. Pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, heartburn and joint pain are worse when you’re carrying multiples. You’re also more likely to deliver early and experience complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

And, yes, you’ll get bigger faster.

“I was surprised by how far your stomach really can stretch with two babies being there,” Tiffany Coffey, mom of 9-year-old twin girls, told SheKnows. “I couldn't believe I had 12 pounds of baby in there.”

2. It’s not always easy to tell if they’re identical or fraternal

Although opposite-sex twins are always fraternal, same-sex twins can be fraternal or identical. What kind of twins you’ll have isn’t always obvious right off the bat, even if both fetuses share a single placenta.

For example, blogger Christine Stewart-Fitzgerald learned she was pregnant with fraternal twins in her eighth week of pregnancy. She later discovered her girls were, in fact, identical — but she had to do a DNA test to know for sure.

“It was a complete shock!” Stewart-Fitzgerald wrote on Twiniversity. “It was so obvious to others, but I didn’t see it myself.”

3. It’s more than just double the work

“Having twins is not twice as hard — it’s exponentially more difficult,” Natalie Diaz, CEO of Twiniversity, told Harper’s Bazaar in 2017.

Bernadette Johnson, mom of 26-year-old twin daughters, is the first to agree. “I was surprised by the amount of time and work that twins required,” Johnson told SheKnows. “It is not double the work of a singleton. It took quite a while to get them on a schedule so they would eat and sleep at the same time. Prior to that, it seemed like an endless cycle. Of course, I expected it to be harder with two babies, but I really had no idea. Thank goodness they were my last pregnancy and not my first!”

4. Bonding doesn’t always come as easily

Bonding with twins can be more challenging than it is with just one child. After all, you’re spending less one-on-one time with each baby by default.

"Bonding isn't this magical moment that happens automatically with a baby's birth," Shelly Vaziri Flais, author of Raising Twins: From Pregnancy to Preschool and mom to 9-year-old twin boys, told Parents magazine.

If that’s true for you, don’t worry — being patient and asking for help can give you the time and space needed to develop those connections.

5. There really is such a thing as “twin speak”

For Diana Cuccurullo, her twin boys’ ability to communicate with one another was evident even in infancy.

“When my sons were 3 weeks old, they were in bed for the night,” Cuccurullo recalled. “One of my sons, Thomas, woke up to be fed and changed. I did this and then the other son, Tyler, woke up for his feeding. After putting him back to bed, Thomas woke up screaming. This was odd because it had never happened before. I was so exhausted I wanted to let him cry for a minute, but his cries were filled with urgency.”

When she went back into their bedroom, Cuccurullo discovered that Tyler had managed to pull his blanket over his face and was having trouble breathing.

“As soon as I picked up Tyler and he was fine, Thomas went to sleep,” she said. “He had saved his brother’s life. I never would have gone back in that room at that time if it weren’t for Thomas.”

6. That said, they have their own identities

Sharing the same uterus doesn’t mean twins will be alike in every way. Each twin has their own personality and should be treated as such. Parents can nurture these differences by encouraging their twins to pursue their own interests instead of having them do everything together.

“In the battle of nature vs. nurture, nature wins hands down,” Dara Lovitz, author of Twinsight: A Guide to Raising Emotionally Healthy Twins, told SheKnows. “I am raising 5-year-old daughters in the same exact environment, and yet one is overly excited by wearing dresses, carrying a purse and shopping for sparkly jewelry. The other is too busy digging in the dirt to think about completing her headband collection.”

Truth be told, no twin journeys are alike, and you’ll undoubtedly encounter several situations about which you were never warned. But if there’s one aspect of having twins you should remember, it’s this: Sometimes the best you can do is just feed them, keep them safe and healthy and hold on for the ride.

This post is sponsored by Stayfree.