On Monday, season 14 Bachelorette Becca Kufrin got her fairy-tale finale. Dressed in a dreamy Randi Rahm custom couture gown, she said yes when now-fiancé Garrett Yrigoyen got down on one knee to propose. But former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay wasn’t entirely swept away by romance. In an op-ed for Us Weekly, the Dallas-based lawyer called out the reality dating franchise for the problematic difference between her season and Kufrin’s.

ICYMI, Lindsay ultimately said yes when Bryan Abasolo asked her to marry him back in 2017. However, their “happy ending” wasn’t quite so picture-perfect. Unlike Kufrin, who didn’t come onto the live finale stage until mere moments before Yrigoyen proposed on-screen, Lindsay had to endure the entire three-hour production onstage. 

More: We Want the Best for The Bachelorette's Becca Kufrin, but We're Still Disappointed

“Becca did not sit on stage for three hours and watch the finale for the first time in front of a live audience. Becca did not have to deal with someone telling her she would live a mediocre life. Becca did not have to deal with being baited with real-time questions about her emotions watching certain scenes. Nope, that was me,” Lindsay wrote. 

What’s tragically ironic about that contrast is that the added on-air scrutiny actually would have made more sense in Kufrin’s case. 

In addition to the revelation that one of her suitors was convicted of felony sexual assault (for an incident prior to the show), news would break during the season that Garrett Yrigoyen — the man to whom Kufrin is now engaged — had a history of liking posts on social media mocking various minority groups, including the transgender community, feminists and survivors of the Parkland school shooting. 

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

Not only was this behavior offensive and attracted lots of negative press when it first came out at the beginning of the season, but it is also in direct contrast to Kufrin’s own belief systems, which she talked about on the show. Fans would undoubtedly have liked to see that addressed beyond the glossing-over it got during Kufrin and Yrigoyen's couch time on the finale. However, any controversy paled in comparison to the way Kufrin and Yrigoyen's love story was portrayed. 

For Lindsay, therein lies the rub. 

“There was no controversy and she was not put in a position to face any,” said Lindsay. “She was protected and I was placed on display for three hours and labeled an angry black female. And there will always be that stigma attached to my finale because it has been said that when truth is blurred by misinformation, perception becomes reality and all is lost.”

On Lindsay’s finale, the focus gravitated more toward her seemingly sympathetic runner-up, Peter Kraus. So, according to Lindsay, her love story with Abasolo was never shown in the same light as Kufrin’s with Yrigoyen. 

“Do you ever recall seeing Bryan profess how excited he was to propose to me? Do you recall seeing me cry about how I was so excited to say yes to Bryan and get my fairytale ending?” she asked. “The answer would be 'no' to both of those questions. And it is a shame because both of those things actually happened. You just did not see them.” 

More: All the Bachelor Scandals Throughout the Years

This is not to say that Lindsay doesn’t wish Kufrin all the best. After all, as Kufrin pointed out in response to Lindsay’s op-ed, she doesn’t have any control over production. “You know last [season], we had the two-night finale where they showed the breakup and then everything after that in two nights, so I think it’s just always different,” Kufrin told Us Weekly. “I don’t really have much of a say in that.” 

Lindsay’s point — and it’s a salient one — is that The Bachelorette seems to be setting certain couples up for failure and others for success. What matters most, though, isn’t the narrative set forth during the finale. It's what comes next, and in that regard, Lindsay has a solid head start. 

“As for my happy ending, it was not demonstrated within the confines of your television screens, but I am living it every day in real life,” she said.

Living with an anxiety disorder is a common occurrence for over 40 million people in this country alone according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. In fact, it’s the most prevalent mental health issue in the United States. 

It’s well known that anxiety is highly treatable with medication and therapy, but did you know that many doctors and therapists also recommend adding specific foods to your diet in order to manage the symptoms of anxiety?

Whether you’re looking for new tools to help manage an existing anxiety disorder or you’re experimenting with ways to balance your mood, making certain dietary modifications could be the missing piece to your overall treatment plan. 

More: We Know Fiber Is Good for Us — Here's What to Eat & Why

But before you try any of these nutritional interventions, make sure your diet has a healthy foundation of fruit, vegetables, lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. 

With that said, if you’re ready to see how the food you eat can help decrease your anxiety and boost your mood, consider adding these seven items into your diet.

Fish

Certain types of fish, such as salmon, have excellent health benefits, including lowering your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, reducing inflammation in the body and protecting your immune system. 

But it’s the role salmon plays in cognition that has the attention of dietitians and mental health providers. Registered dietitian Lisa Hayim recommends salmon as part of an anxiety-reduction diet since it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that play an essential role in normal brain function. 

Dark chocolate

Just in case you need one more reason to include a little chocolate in your diet, we know that dark chocolate has plenty of health benefits, including possibly helping to curb sweet cravings, which trigger anxiety in some people. 

“Not only does dark chocolate contain antioxidants that can improve brain function, but it tastes good, and you don’t have to feel guilty for eating some,” Dr. Rob Raponi, a naturopathic doctor, tells SheKnows. He says to be careful when selecting your chocolate, though, and make sure to choose something in the neighborhood of 85 percent cocoa or higher to keep sugar to a minimum.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods attack anxiety in more than one way. “Low levels of the neurotransmitter GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid] has been linked to anxiety and mood disorders,” Raponi explains. “The fermentation process of foods actually produces GABA, creating a fantastic dietary source of this relaxation molecule.” 

Plus, fermented foods are also high in probiotics, which help the gut, digestion and the proper breakdown and utilization of the foods we eat. Hayim suggests kimchi since it is fermented and loaded with healthy probiotics. Additionally, Raponi recommends adding sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh and kefir to your diet. 

More: Five Lifestyle Habits That Can Reportedly Make You Live Longer

Green tea

Sipping tea is a time-honored tradition that many people enjoy. And when you include a cup or two in the morning or before you go to bed, you may also notice that this warm drink can help calm your nerves. 

One study, published in the journal Nutrients in 2016, reports an anti-stress effect from the main ingredient in green tea: L-theanine. And since green tea is the highest source of naturally occurring L-theanine, it makes sense to include this delicious drink in your day. 

“L-theanine has been shown to increase GABA, serotonin and dopamine while decreasing cortisol (our stress hormone),” Raponi explains. “L-theanine tends to be fairly quick in action, and people can see a reduction in physical symptoms of anxiety within minutes of grabbing a nice cup of warm green tea.” 

Pumpkin seeds

The next time you carve a pumpkin, make sure to hold onto the seeds. Pumpkin seeds have a lot of tryptophan in them — even more than turkey — but without the drowsiness. “Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which is linked to sleep regulation and mood balance,” Raponi explains. And low levels of serotonin play a role in anxiety, he adds. So, make sure to stock up on pumpkin seeds if you’re feeling extra anxious. 

Walnuts

Nuts in general play a significant role in keeping you healthy. But it seems that one specific nut may help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to support brain health, according to Hayim. 

Chamomile tea

If you have mild to moderate anxiety, you may benefit from adding chamomile tea to your daily routine. Nutrition and health expert for NBC’s Today and host of Health + Happiness Joy Bauer tells SheKnows that chamomile appears to act as a mild sedative and may help relieve muscle tension and ease anxiety and irritability. 

So the next time you're feeling anxious, grab something from this list or, better yet, incorporate it into your diet on a regular basis.

An Officer and a Gentleman… and a baby? If the rumors are right, Richard Gere may become a dad again in the very near future. Weeks shy of the veteran actor’s 70th birthday, Madrid-based daily ABC is reporting that Gere and his new wife, Alejandra Silva, are expecting. 

Gere has a 17-year-old son, Homer James Jigme Gere, from his previous marriage to model and actor Carey Lowell. That marriage ended in October 2016 after several years of contentious divorce proceedings. 

More: Richard Gere & New Wife Alejandra Silva Had a Very Buddhist Wedding Celebration

Like Gere, Silva also has a child from a previous marriage. In December 2012, she and then-husband Govind Friedland welcomed now-5-year-old son Albert. 

Per People magazine, Gere and Silva have known each other for more than a decade, with Gere reportedly being a close family friend. While they didn’t officially reconnect until 2014 and didn’t start dating until even later, Silva says their attraction was immediate. 

“Our karma was attracted the moment we saw each other. I’m not ignoring our age difference and what it means to be with a Hollywood star, but when there’s such a strong karmic energy, the problems disappear,” the 35-year-old Spanish activist told People.

The couple wed in April in a small civil ceremony according to Hola! They currently live in New York City, with Silva often posting precious photos of the family out and about. 

The karmic connection the newlyweds share could very well be grounded in their shared passion for activism. Gere is an outspoken advocate for human rights in Tibet, having cofounded The Tibet House and serving on the board of directors for the International Campaign for Tibet. He also devotes his time and energy to Survival International, a nonprofit aiming to protect the rights and lands of indigenous peoples across the globe. Some of Gere’s other causes include supporting global initiatives for peace, raising awareness for AIDS/HIV research and protecting the environment.

More: Richard Gere Has a New Job That Literally Everyone Should Be Excited About

For her part, Silva runs Rais Fundación, a nonprofit striving to eradicate homelessness in Spain in five years. “I’ve slept on the street to understand the struggles of the homeless. I’m not scared of rolling up my sleeves and diving into the work. If I do something. I put 100% effort in. If I can’t I’d rather not do it,” she told Hola! in 2015. 

And that mutual devotion to bettering humanity apparently isn’t lost on Silva. She told the outlet of Gere, “What I love most about him is his humanitarian side. He’s a very empathetic person.” 

It’s the most terrifying feeling in the world: One second, your child is happily playing right in front of you, and the next, you can’t find her. Your heart immediately starts to beat faster as you scan the playground for her brown-blond ponytail, for her dress with the strawberries on it. You’re embarrassed to ask other parents for help; I mean, what kind of horrible parent are you that you can’t keep track of your own kid?

When you finally lay eyes on her, you scoop her up in your arms, promising to never look at your phone again, never talk to another adult, never divert your attention from her every move as long as you live — at least until she’s 18.

More: You Can Now Track Your Kid's Every Move — But Should You?

My daughter has autism, which means that she is more of a flight risk than most kids. Even when I specify boundaries (“Stay on the playground!”), she’s easily distracted and could run off to look at whatever it is that has piqued her interest at any given moment. And although she is verbal, I’m not sure that in an emergency she’d be able to give someone the necessary information to find me. Her understanding of safety issues is also limited — which means that, when we are out in public, I'd damn well better be watching her.

But since even the best parents sometimes need to look away for a moment, I started to wonder if there was some type of product that could serve as my backup. I've never been a fan of child leashes (when I see them on toddlers in the park, my first thought is always that leashes are for pets, not human beings). They may be helpful for some parents, but to me, they seem too restrictive. Besides, I want my kids to learn to listen and understand boundaries, not simply be led around step by step. 

I've also seen parents with special needs kids attaching their child’s hand to their own with a Velcro wristband. Of course whatever it takes to keep your child safe is great, but I knew this option wasn't for us either. 

More: We Asked Tech-Savvy Kids to Give Up Their Phones for a Week

As I began to think about some type of tracking device to keep tabs on my daughter, my research led me to the AngelSense GPS and voice-monitoring solution for children with special needs. The device would not literally tether my daughter to me, but would let me keep a virtual eye on her. And even though that still seemed a little bit too “Big Brother” for my liking, the alternative was running the risk of having a lost child, so I didn’t hesitate to try it out. 

For the past few months, my little girl has worn the device either on a belt around her waist or pinned to her clothing (the pins can only be opened with a special magnetic key). The unit, which needs to be charged every night, syncs with the AngelSense app on my phone. I can’t even describe the peace of mind it gives me to see the location of my daughter's school bus in real time — and to know that if she did run off, I would be able to find her exact location immediately.

Another great aspect of AngelSense is that it doesn’t impede my daughter's daily activities in any way; she notices me putting it on her, but then promptly forgets about it. Since it's so small, it's not at all in the way of her movements when she runs, jumps, plays or sits at her desk at school.  

I know that our situation is more extreme than that of most people who simply have a wayward toddler or an overly curious kid. But having tried the technology, I can’t imagine any downside to using a GPS tracker on a young child. Of course, as kids get older, it's a different story — but for now, I see the tracker as just another tool that any parent of young kids could make use of. And there are plenty of other tracker brand options on the market, including GPS watches for kids (which look just like a smartwatch), Jiobit, GizmoPal 2 (another wearable you can locate from your phone), and Lil Tracker.

More: Don't Criticize Me for Drinking in Front of My Kids

A GPS isn’t a substitute for vigilant parenting; it’s a backup for those oh-shit moments so many of us have experienced. Plenty of parents I know who have kids not on the autism spectrum have described situations in which they temporarily lost their kids — whether it was at a crowded fair, at a park or in a busy store. And if you've ever been to a theme park, you've likely heard those lost child announcements over the loudspeakers. So why risk the extra gray hairs when you could have peace of mind thanks to a tiny tracking tool?

In many ways, for sure, technology has become too intrusive in the lives of parents and children alike. But this is one instance in which I applaud and encourage its use. Some may warn that Big Brother is watching — but in my mind, if Big Brother saves a child from going missing, I’m OK with it.

Listen, we’d love to give you some insight into the plight of ABC’s Roseanne reboot spinoff, The Conners. We really would. But we can’t. Because we don’t know any details — and, according to ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey, that’s exactly how the network plans to keep it. 

Basically, the upcoming series is being treated as super-top secret. Speaking to Deadline at TCA on Tuesday, Dungey didn’t reveal much about the storylines fans might be able to expect other than to say it won’t be a dramatic departure from the nostalgic sitcom’s short-lived reboot. 

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

“What I can tell you is that thematically we will be focusing on a lot of the same themes that were in the first nine episodes — what it’s like today for a family to make ends meet in a world where they might be going into foreclosure, where work is scarce, where there are a lot of different challenges in terms of raising children as a single parent. All these issues are going to be the forefront,” she shared. 

As far as potential plot points go, that’s essentially all Dungey let slip. However, per Deadline, the show will focus on “the daily struggles of life in Lanford” after the iconic family of Dan, Jackie, Darlene, Becky and D.J. experiences a “sudden turn of events.” 

While one could easily assume that sudden turn is the death of Roseanne’s matriarch, Dungey didn’t confirm as much. In fact, she emphasized how seriously the entire production team is taking the new series’ secrecy — going so far as to avoid email hacks by hand-delivering everything. 

ABC undoubtedly doesn’t want to lose the momentum created by the huge ratings boost the network enjoyed with the first (and only) season of their initial Roseanne reboot. They may fear that the negative publicity surrounding the show’s eponymous star could prove a hurdle — the popular reboot was abruptly canceled in May following a racially insensitive tweet made by Barr. 

More: Roseanne Barr Plans to Interview Herself to Explain "What Happened & Why"

As Dungey tells it though, they don’t second-guess their decision to bring the beloved ‘80s series back to life.

“I don’t regret it, I am never going to regret waking up that morning and seeing the ratings from that first season, amazing,” she said, adding of the future, “It’s been a journey with ups and downs but I’m very excited about what we’re going to have with the Conners in the fall. I think it’s going to be great.” 

How many of us have faced online haters? We're gonna go ahead and guess everyone to some degree. In a social media-saturated culture, unsolicited opinions from strangers have become a part of daily life — but just because it's common doesn't mean digital bullying doesn't have devastating effects on your well-being (regardless of your follower count).

No one understands this better than Gabrielle Union, who shared a very personal, super-relatable experience at the BlogHer18 Creator’s Summit in New York on Wednesday. During the #WinningWomen keynote conversation with SheKnows Media CEO Samantha Skey, the 45-year-old actor and author of We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True, got vulnerable and riveted the audience as she opened up about trolls who preyed on her worst insecurities just a few days ago.

More: Brooklyn Decker's Advice for Dealing With Rejection & Starting a Business

“Last Friday, I get an alert on my phone from a blog [that said] ‘Gabrielle Union: Old and Ugly,’” Union said. There was an audible gasp in the room before she went on. “I just circled the drain. I don’t generally let these things bother me, but sometimes shit just lands, and you know, as strong as you wanna be, and as many times as I Skyped my therapist… I just felt defeated.”

 More: Tiffani Thiesen Addresses Whether Kelly Kapowski Was a Feminist

Who hasn't had a moment (or many) when you've known you shouldn't pay attention to someone's cruel comment, but still can't stop the insecurities and doubt from creeping in? If you've been there, like we all have, you'll be inspired by Union's strategy for getting past that emotional roadblock.

When Union finds herself facing hateful trolls, she seeks support from women around her. “The people closest to you are what you’re made of," she said. "I have many friends. I have many supporters who are lifting me up daily. When I am circling the drain, it’s that woman who’s like…‘I see you.’"

And it's not just Union's inner circle who helps her cope. For every mean-spirited social media user, there's a positive, empathetic and kind human helping to offset that negativity. "It’s the people who I reach out to and who reach back out to me via social media that [help me]. I feel seen in a way that I’ve never been seen," said Union. "Part of that is me lifting the veil, saying, 'This is me. This is who I am. If you like it, dope. If you don’t, feel free to unfollow. You don’t need to be here.'”

Hear that, haters? Please see yourselves out. 

We've lost count of all the reasons we love Kristen Bell, but the fact that she's basically #ParentingGoals definitely ranks high on the list. And now she's given us some awesome advice on an issue many parents can relate to: explaining to kids why it's so important to use technology in moderation. 

In an exclusive interview with SheKnows, Bell told us that, like anything else with parenting, it's important to tackle the technology issue by using "logic and explanation."

More: Kristen Bell Has a Genius Hack for Getting Kids to Talk About Their Day

"I think little people especially, but adults too, do well when they’re given the reasons why," Bell tells SheKnows. "When they’re included in the logic, in the critical thinking."

She and husband Dax Shepard are also conscious about practicing what they preach when it comes to technology and the importance of not being glued to our phones all day. 

More: Kristen Bell Used Quite the Tactic to Stop a Paparazzo From Snapping Her Kids

As an example, Bell says the couple owns up to their daughters, 5-year-old Lincoln and 3-year-old Delta, when they inadvertently set a bad example. 

"[If] we're watching a cartoon with them in the morning and [Dax] is on the phone, he will put it down and after the cartoon ends (which he wasn’t watching because he was engaging with his phone) and will say, 'You know what? I’m regretful that I just looked at my phone the whole time and that I wasn’t paying attention to you guys,'" Bell tells SheKnows. 

More: Kristen Bell Wants More Family-Friendly Workplaces — Outside Hollywood Too 

Bell and Shepard also explain to their kids that technology (in this case, phones) can be addictive because of all the "tricks" and fun things they offer. (And explain what "addictive" means, because Lincoln and Delta are still a little young to grasp that vocabulary.) 

Of course, it's 2018, and we all rely on technology for myriad reasons, so the couple addresses that with their kids as well. "[W]e say, 'These phones serve a purpose for communication and also for work, but there are tricks inside this phone and I want to know those tricks so I can choose not to fall for them,'" Bell says. 

As Bell points out, technology is only going to advance in the coming years, so it's crucial to address this issue early on. "These kids are going to have the phone sewn into their armpit by the time we’re 50 — truly, it’s going to be attached to their body somehow," she says. "Like, physically. So, it’s better to let them know where the tricks and the pitfalls lie." 

Per usual, Bell is on point with her advice, and we really hope she continues to bestow her wisdom upon us. Technology is a tricky issue to address with kids — so the sooner we start, the better. 

We all remember our first celebrity crush, right? Well, perhaps I was a late bloomer, because I didn't seriously daydream about a celeb until I was in seventh grade. (The crush in question was Freddie Prinze Jr. of She's All That fame for those of you following at home.)

At a mere 4 years old, however, Kelly Clarkson's daughter, River Rose, already has her eye on a certain celebrity (who is just a little too old for her): Coldplay singer Chris Martin. 

More: Kelly Clarkson Says She's OK With Spanking Her Kids

River recently declared her love for Martin, and Clarkson was kind enough to catch the exchange on camera and share it with her Twitter followers (mommmm!). 

"I like him, and he’s beautiful," River explained to her mom in the video, adding, "I like his song, and I want to kiss him." Kids. They say the darndest (and cutest) things.

Although Clarkson laughingly explained to River that no, she cannot kiss Martin, she did prompt River to sing a few lines from Coldplay's hit song "Yellow" — and the 4-year-old totally rose to the occasion. 

More: Kelly Clarkson on Talking to Her Kids About Weinstein & Sexual Harassment

In my humble opinion, River's pronunciation of "yellow" as "lello" is the highlight of this entire story. I'm not telling Martin what to do or anything, but mixing things up and replacing "yellow" with "lello" during his next performance seems like an excellent idea to me. 

More: Kelly Clarkson's Daughter Was Bullied, & Mom's Not Having It

"So my daughter wants to marry Chris Martin and is obsessed with his song Yellow," Clarkson captioned the post. "She wants to marry the boy in the video, which I have informed her he is not a boy anymore and has kids older than her but she will have none of it, she is determined. #RiverRose #Yellow #Lello." 

We wish Clarkson the best as she attempts to explain to River Rose why a relationship with Martin wouldn't work out. "She does not heed advice very well," the Clarkson told People magazine in April. "She's just very ballsy, which is awesome." 

Although River's Martin dream may not be destined to work out, we do love to see a little girl who knows what she wants — and a mother who encourages her daughter to be ballsy. 

We're not sure if the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are ready for Denise Richards, but boy, oh, boy, is Richards ready for them. That's right, on Wednesday, People magazine announced Richards would be joining the cast of RHOBH for season nine. It's been a minute since Richards has had more than a guest role on a television show, and gosh, that's just too darn long in our book. We're ready to have you back on our TV screens, girl!

More: Is Anyone Else So Over The Real Housewives of Orange County?

According to People's reports, Richards has finally sealed the deal after working out the final details with Bravo producers in late July. Now, Richards is finally able to confirm her involvement in the next season of RHOBH, telling the magazine, "I am so excited to join the cast of [RHOBH] as I am a huge fan of the show."

Richards also joked while discussing what she's most looking forward to, telling People, "I am looking forward to spending time with all the ladies… and hopefully meeting Boy George!!" referencing the fact the RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley's husband, Paul, is Boy George's manager and that Boy George has appeared on previous episodes of RHOBH.

In addition to Kemsley, Richards will be joining Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, Erika Girardi and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave for the upcoming season. It's unclear how she'll be introduced into the series but TBH who cares? We're just excited to see all this star power coming to RHOBH in the form of one of our favorite '90s stars. 

So, what has Richards been up to lately in the run up to her new gig? Well, on top of spending lots of quality time with her boyfriend, Aaron William Cameron, and her daughters, Sam, Lola and Eloise (all of whom we will no doubt meet and get to know better on RHOBH), Richards has been popping up on TV shows like Girlfriends Guide to Divorce, Jane the Virgin and Alone Together as well as appearing in lots of indie and made-for-TV films. It looks like RHOBH will be her first recurring TV role since 2015's Vanity, which aired on the StyleHaul Network.

More: There's a Really Nasty Real Housewives of Atlanta Feud Brewing on Twitter

Well, this news has just made us increasingly more excited for RHOBH season nine. Consider our DVRs already set and our curiosity extremely piqued about how Richards' time on the show will pan out.

Another day, another Starbucks announcement, fam. Yesterday (and, well, today too), we were all up in arms wondering if Starbucks will release the PSL early this year. But let's push those speculations to the side for just a few moments to welcome a new addition to the Sbux menu: its new line of kombucha drinks.

More: Starbucks Has a Secret Facebook Group for People Obsessed With Fall

Evolution Fresh, which specializes in cold-pressed juices and smoothies and was purchased by Starbucks in 2011, has debuted six new bottled flavors — ginger-lemon-honey crisp, mango-pineapple, ginger greens, spicy greens, pink grapefruit and turmeric-pineapple-coconut — which will be available in grocery stores in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle. But don't worry; Starbucks does have plans to roll out the kombucha drinks to additional cities this fall and next spring.

"We know our consumers are looking for beverages with functional benefits, and Evolution Fresh Organic Kombucha is just what they are asking for — a delicious and refreshing pick-me-up that also supports digestive wellness," said president of Evolution Fresh Ryan Ziegelmann in a press release.

For those unfamiliar, kombucha is a fermented tea drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. According to Mayo Clinic, many believe kombucha tea has positive health benefits, including promoting a healthy immune system and helping to prevent and manage serious health conditions. Although none of these claims are backed by science, popularity for kombucha continues to grow. According to the Starbucks press release, which cited Chicago-based market research firm IRI as its source, interest in kombucha rose 36 percent in 2017.

More: Starbucks Is Opening a Signing Store for the Deaf Community

All the teas are certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher, and they're made with various tea flavors. For instance, the ginger-lemon-honey crisp and mango-pineapple are made with congou black tea, ginger greens and turmeric-pineapple-coconut are both made with yerba maté tea, spicy greens is made with green tea and matcha, and pink grapefruit is made with pu'erh black tea.

The drinks will be available starting Wednesday in the rollout locations, and they're priced reasonably too — just $3.99 per bottle.

Gabrielle Union does not mince words when it comes to women's wellness. The 45-year-old actor, activist and bestselling author joined SheKnows Media CEO Samantha Skey onstage for the #WinningWomen keynote at the BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York City on Wednesday to share some of her own very personal experiences and advice on how women can take control of their health and lives.

First, Union shared additional insight about her struggle with infertility — a topic she has spoken candidly about in the past as well. "Fertility is not an older women's issue. It’s an issue, period," Union said, putting to rest the idea that a woman is defective if she's not able to produce a baby.

Despite having heavy, painful periods since her 20s, Union said she was blamed for her own infertility. "Everyone just chalked it up to 'You’re a career woman. You prioritize your career. You’ve waited too long, and now you’re just too old to have a kid and that’s on you for wanting a career.'”

More: Gabrielle Union Has the Best Strategy for Dealing with Bullies

In reality, Union had a condition called adenomyosis, also known as "inside-out endometriosis," that causes the endometrial tissue of the uterus cavity to grow into the uterus muscle, which damages the uterine wall. In addition to prolonged, heavy, painful periods, another symptom of adenomyosis is decreased fertility. 

"I could have had adenomyosis in my early 20s, and instead of someone diagnosing me, they were like, ‘You have periods that last nine and 10 days? And you’re bleeding through overnight pads?' It’s not a mere inconvenience. Perhaps there’s something more there," Union said.

Because of her own experience — as well as hearing from other women — Union stressed the importance of taking control of your own health care, even if doctors dismiss you and your pain. “[You] don’t just have to take one diagnosis and assume it’s correct if you’re still having issues," she said. "Our lives, our bodies — they’re important and they have to be important to us to make sure they’re important to the people we pay to treat our bodies.”

More: What Is "Inside-Out" Endometriosis? 

Union's strategies include arriving at your doctor's appointment armed with questions and information and communicating your symptoms to your doctor — repeatedly, if that's what it takes. "It’s OK to be dogged," Union added. "It’s OK to be that pesky patient if pesky means holding people accountable for the jobs they’re doing."

Union also touched on another deeply vulnerable part of her past that has contributed to her perspective on fear and courage — being raped at gunpoint. "There’s so much that we internalize out of a fear of judgment, out of a fear of humiliation, and sometimes that fear can literally kill us," she said. "I have seen the devil up close — you can’t go any lower. When you are being raped at gunpoint at work, you can’t go any lower. When you see your friend die at 35 because she's too afraid to get a lump checked out, you can't go any lower. At this point, I can only go up, and I’m trying to take as many people up with me as possible."

Whether it's sharing an experience as traumatic and devastating as rape or getting real about lessons she's learned the hard way about her own health care, Union is making major and vital contributions to conversations our culture needs right now, and we can't overstate how much we appreciate and applaud her for it.

Amy Schumer will be the first to admit that she wasn’t always woke. At SheKnows Media’s BlogHer18 Creators Summit on Wednesday, the 37-year-old comedian recalled her ignorance when it came to social issues, and how, thanks to a conversation with her friend and actor Gabrielle Union, she’s learned to become more socially aware.

Schumer, who introduced the conference’s Voices of the Year, an honor recognizing influential women in media and business, began her speech by thanking Union, a BlogHer18 #WinningWomen keynote speaker, for helping her become a more woke person and never criticizing her for her lack of social awareness. Schumer recommended audience members to treat their non-woke friends with the same kindness and patiently tell them how they could be more inclusive, rather than lashing out at them.

“I really appreciate everything that Gabrielle said. She’s so smart,” Schumer said. “Something that I really appreciate about her, something that I learned from her is, rather than getting angry at people who aren’t woke yet, be patient with them and gently show them and give them the information instead of just lashing out.”

More: Why Brooklyn Decker Plans to Chop Off Her Hair in the Name of Minimalism

Schumer also suggested that the crowd go straight to the source if they believe a friend is being ignorant, which is what happened with her and Union, who approached Schumer privately to correct her when she said something ignorant. “Instead of saying mean things, take time to hold their hand and show them what they do not see,” Schumer said. “I want to thank her for that, because she’s always been someone who goes right to the source and speaks to you.”

Union’s advice is spot-on. No one knows everything and no one is woke from birth. The best we can do is talk to them patiently and hope they’ll listen. Thank you to Union and Schumer of reminding of us of that.

More: Why Celebrities with ‘Acceptable Bodies’ Deserve a Place in the Body-Positive Community

Originally posted on StyleCaster.

We're all holding our breath in the months leading up to the new season of This Is Us, especially after the devastation of season two. According to Entertainment Tonight, the upcoming third season will be lighter in tone than the previous two, but we're still expecting a lot of tears, especially with the latest development reported by the outlet.

More: Here's the First Picture of Milo Ventimiglia Back on the Set of  This Is Us

At the drama showrunners panel at the Television Critics Association press tour on Wednesday, This Is Us co-showrunner Isaac Aptaker revealed that a major part of Jack's (Milo Ventimiglia) storyline in season three is about his time in the Vietnam War, per ET. That means fans are going to meet his brother, Nicky, who died during the conflict.

“I can’t tell you who we’ve cast just yet,” Aptaker said. “We are going to be spending a lot of time in Vietnam. We’ve hired [Vietnam War veteran] Tim O’Brien, who is a novelist, to come consult in our writers’ room. We really wanted him in there to really get the story right.”

Co-showrunner Elizabeth Berger added, “It’s exciting for us. There’s something very freeing about being past the mystery of Jack’s death and moving into this new chapter and getting to tell a whole completely different kind of story. It’s different than anything any of our writers have done in the first two seasons. To be, all of a sudden, immersed in the Vietnam War is very special and different.”

We can appreciate how dedicated the This Is Us writers are to getting the details of this plot right. No matter how "light" the upcoming third season is supposed to be, we expect fans will get at least somewhat attached to Nicky before his death, especially if he's anything like Jack.

More: This Is Us Has Big Plans for Miguel in Season 3

During the panel, Aptaker also revealed that the season three premiere will take place on The Big Three's birthdays, just like the previous two season premieres. Aptaker said, "In a show that plays with time so much, there’s something very nice and grounded for everyone, so we are picking up with everyone turning 38."

Don't expect the new season to follow the rules of past seasons, though: Aptaker revealed after the panel that "all bets are off," adding, “So maybe we’ll do an episode where every act is a different time. Maybe we’ll have something that jumps five timelines in an episode. We’re pushing the limits of what people can comprehend.”

This season sounds like it's going to be something special. We can't wait to see everything the writers have planned.

It's summer, and before you know it, you may be in a situation in which you are super-duper hot with no air-conditioning in sight. What do you do now? A heat-related illness can spring up in a hurry, so it's vital to cool down ASAP, as some of these conditions can be deadly. Here are some ways to cool yourself down when you're hot and some prevention tips that will help ward off some of your problems before you even set your foot out the door.

Ice up your pulse points

If you're super-hot, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse tells SheKnows that cold tap water or ice packs can be applied to sensitive, thin-skinned and vascular areas of your body, including your wrists, armpits, the back of your neck or your groin. "This will help cool your body temperature and help you feel less hot fairly quickly," she explains.

Wear breathable clothes

Make sure to dress for success for dealing with this hot weather. Shainhouse says it's vital to wear light-colored, breathable and non-fitted clothing if you're going to be outside when it's hot. Another option is to pick clothing that's reinforced with absorbent materials in the armpits. 

"You can also consider wearing an absorbent ‘liner’ shirt that can be your first line of [defense for] catching the sweat," she says, which can help wick away the sweaty stuff and can keep you cool. 

More: Don't Forget to Put Sunscreen on These Body Parts

Manage anxiety

Anxiety can lead to a higher heart rate and can make you feel even worse in the moment, so Shainhouse recommends taking a few deep breaths if you feel anxiety rise up. 

"Learning how to manage anxiety with breathing, yoga [or] biofeedback can not only keep you calm in the moment, but make you less focused and stressed about the possibility of sweating — or the fact that you are already sweaty — which itself can trigger further sweating," she explains.

Avoid caffeine & alcohol 

While it can be tempting to grab a coffee while you're out or a beer if you're at the ball game, Shainhouse says this is not the best idea. "Go for ice cream instead of coffee or wine; caffeine and alcohol can trigger sweating for some people, apart from the warming effect of hot coffee," she says. 

Keep hydrated

Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, a physician also known as Dr. Mike, says that staying hydrated can keep you cool on a hot day, and can (more important) ward off the potentially dangerous effects of dehydration. "Sip on water throughout the day — make it a habit because staying ahead of dehydration is smart," he tells SheKnows. "Once you are thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated." 

Put on an antiperspirant at bedtime

This is something to do way before you go outside and get hot, but Shainhouse says applying prescription-strength antiperspirant at bedtime the night before is an excellent way to reduce sweating the next day. 

Eat lightly

Dr. Sandra Morris, a physician and area medical director of MedExpress, tells SheKnows that if you're outside and active, there are certain foods to avoid. 

"Avoid foods high in protein, sugar and fiber, as they require more digestion, which produces more metabolic heat and warms the body," she explains. "Stick to light foods, such as fruits — strawberries, cucumbers or melons — as these help hydrate and are easy to digest."

More: Annoying Summer Body Issues & How to Fix Them

Work up to activity levels slowly

If you have to be active in the heat, don't go all-out immediately. Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, a sports medicine specialist and cochair of medical affairs at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, tells SheKnows that it's better to work your way up to the desired activity level. 

"It's vital for anyone who's going to be exercising in extreme heat to work up to it slowly so your body has time to acclimate to the conditions it's being put to work under," he notes.

Of course, it's easiest to dash into an air-conditioned building or plop in front of a fan, but if you're feeling muggy and there is no AC oasis in sight, these tips can help you cool off until you can find that temperature-controlled indoor bliss. 

“Don’t touch me too much. And don’t go too fast,” I said. “And don’t be mad if I don’t look like I’m having that much fun.”

On the brink of having actual penetrative sex with my significant other for the first time since giving birth to our daughter, exactly three months after our little girl’s birthday, I couldn’t help uttering these fractured commands one after the other. Talk about a pre-sex buzzkill.

In response, my ever-supportive partner remained calm. “It feels the same,” he said as soon as he was inside me.

More: I’m Having My Second Baby in 2 Weeks, & This Is What I’m Freaking Out About

"He’s right," I thought. Then, "No he’s not! He can’t be!"

Physically, my doctor had reassured me that I was fit for sex, but psychologically, I was a wreck. I was terrified that things would be permanently different down there. Petrified that I would never be able to experience pleasure the way I once had. Most of all, though, I was mortified by the extra pounds I was still carrying on my hips, thighs and butt. I didn’t want my lover grazing my mushy tummy or my engorged breasts.

The truth was that I didn’t feel quite like myself. Twelve weeks after pushing a tiny human out of my vagina, I had a long way to go before feeling relaxed enough to enjoy sex.

When I first found out that I was pregnant, I assumed I’d be one of those women who loves being pregnant — who embraces every change to her figure while marveling at her body’s magical, feminine properties. I imagined casually posing naked for my partner every few weeks or so, clutching my belly with one arm and hugging my breasts with the other so he could capture every glorious stage of my natural transformation.

After all, I was a confident young woman. And before pregnancy, I had been one of those willowy people who sincerely (maybe even annoyingly) enjoyed exercising and eating healthy. Sure, like anyone, I had my insecurities, but for the most part, I was comfortable with my body. In my 20s, I was quick to tear off my clothes during most romantic encounters — or to suggest late-night skinny-dipping. I wasn’t afraid to ask for what I wanted in bed.

But as soon as I started to gain weight during the first trimester, every uptick in the number on the scale unnerved me. Rather than celebrating the “miracle of life,” I found myself lamenting every bit of bulge that appeared on my butt, breasts and belly. Even my upper arms seemed thicker in diameter. I felt wider everywhere — from ankles to neck — maybe because I was imagining it, or maybe because I was retaining that much water. Whatever the case, I didn’t like putting on weight, plain and simple.

Throughout my pregnancy, my partner was reassuring. “Do you realize how hot you are?” he’d say whenever he caught me naked. He looked at me longingly, like he always had, and seemed genuinely turned on by my expanding form (especially my plumped-up chest and ass). Strangers were kind as well, often going out of their way to note how I “carried well” or appeared to be “glowing.”

More: Pregnancy Shocked Me, & Then It Almost Killed Me

Still, I couldn’t see myself the way they did. By the second trimester, I was avoiding mirrors altogether. I dreaded getting dressed each morning, because nothing seemed to fit. When my significant other caressed me tenderly, I sometimes recoiled from his touch. Try as I might, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d lost something — that I was no longer as attractive or appealing because I was no longer thin.

After googling the hell out of the issue, I sent frantic texts to friends imploring them for details about how much weight they’d gained during pregnancy. One friend reported gaining 40 pounds during her first pregnancy but only 17 during her second. Another friend gained 32 pounds by week 24 but barely gained in the weeks thereafter. Yet another gained 65 pounds but somehow lost it all within two months postpartum. The information I gathered confirmed one thing: Everyone’s body, and every pregnancy, is totally different.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the internet told me a more harrowing story — that gaining too much weight can negatively impact both mother and baby. According to a 2015 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention citing guidelines from the Institute of Medicine about gestational weight gain, 47 percent of U.S. women gain too much during pregnancy. As stated in What to Expect When You’re Expecting, excessive gestational weight gain can lead to various complications, including hypertension, gestational diabetes and problems during delivery, not to mention (ahhhhh!) stretch marks and cellulite.

Even after testing negative for gestational diabetes, I worried about every additional pound. I’d be lying if I said I was mainly concerned about health risks, however. Mostly, I resented the way I looked — and I wasn’t used to feeling that way about my body.

Standing in front of a full-length mirror, scrutinizing every inch of my third-trimester figure, it occurred to me that I wasn’t actually the body-confident person I’d always thought I was. In fact, all those years I’d stripped naked so cavalierly, I was effortlessly thin.

In that moment, what I loathed even more than the sight of my naked body was the self-conscious woman staring back at me. "You are about to be the mother of a daughter," I reminded myself. "If you want her to have a healthy body image, you’re going to have to do something about your own fucked-up attitude. You’re going to have to rewire your brain, because thinness should not equal confidence."

Thirty weeks into pregnancy, I pledged to be kinder to myself. I wanted to be a mother who could accept herself at any weight. Who felt good about herself for reasons that had nothing to do with physical appearance. Who would not be a hypocrite the day she coached her daughter into loving herself for her heart, her mind and her character above all else.

I hid the household scale in the back of a closet and forced myself to compliment my own reflection. “You are smart,” I said. “Stop being so hard on yourself.” During sex, I tried my best to shelve any toxic thoughts that popped into my head.

More: 5 Things I Worried About With My First Baby That I’m Not Stressing Over With My 2nd

Slowly but surely, I relearned how to enjoy myself in bed. By the time my due date arrived, I was sending my significant other hilarious nude selfies so we could marvel together at my metamorphosis. The female body is truly capable of magnificent things, I had to admit.

Of course, developing an authentic sense of body confidence is an ongoing process. After giving birth, I faced a new set of hurdles that impacted my sense of self. I became preoccupied by how long it might take to shed the baby weight and how weird sex would feel after the vaginal trauma that is pushing a pumpkin-sized baby out of a canal more suited to cucumbers. (Hence the back-to-sex meltdown previously mentioned.)

The difference is that my baby girl now exists in the outside world. Every time I hold her in my arms, I’m reminded just how important it is to lead by example on the body-acceptance front. If I want my daughter to be comfortable in her skin, I have to keep working toward correcting my own negative thought patterns. I have to learn to feel like myself no matter what the scale says.

Originally published on Thought Catalog.

Between caring for her mother, who has brain cancer, and receiving a brain tumor diagnosis of her own, the past year hasn't been easy for Maria Menounos. Yet despite facing one challenge after another, she said that getting sick was "the biggest gift" she's ever gotten.

"I’m a completely different person, and [before getting diagnosed with the brain tumor,] I didn’t know it, but happiness existed," she told the audience at the #BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York City on Thursday.

Through her dual role as a patient and caregiver, Menounos said she's learned countless hacks and strategies for dealing with a cancer diagnosis. "I don't think there's one person in this room who hasn't dealt with cancer," she said. 

More: Maria Menounos Said She Wishes God Gave Her Cancer Instead of Her Mother

The former E! News host and current radio host said that when it came to navigating cancer treatment, she has access to resources and a platform most people don't. So in order to help others, Menounos announced that she's developing a show that will provide a "roadmap" for dealing with everything that comes your way, either as a cancer patient or caregiver — as well as general advice for health and well-being.

Menounos gave the #BlogHer18 audience a sneak peek of the tips she'll share on her new show, including keeping a "pain journal" chronicling your symptoms so that when you go for your annual checkup, you'll be able to give your doctor an accurate report of what you've been experiencing. 

More: Maria Menounos Is Stepping Down at E! News as She Battles a Brain Tumor

She also recommends keeping a list of the things that are guaranteed to make you happy (her examples include hugging her dog or smelling flowers) and putting it somewhere visible and easily accessible (like on your refrigerator) so when you're feeling down, you'll instantly be reminded of happiness. 

Following her time onstage, Menounos sat down with SheKnows for an exclusive interview in which she shared more about the health-focused show she hopes to make.

"I don’t know how much I can say because we just shot our sizzle reel and we’re hoping to take it out in the next two weeks and we’re hoping we can get it sold and get it on the air quickly, because people need it," she told SheKnows. "To me, it’s showing people that 360 approach to health care and showing them things they didn’t consider before. Showing them by example how it can be done, how to divvy up responsibilities so you’re not the only one taking care and also to show how important it is to care for the caregiver. "

Menounos also cautioned against relying solely on statistics when making medical decisions for yourself or someone else.

"Remembering that those aren’t every case, they’re just statistics," she told SheKnows. "What's so important is listening to your gut and not allowing fear in, because you can’t make the decisions from fear. Nothing good comes from fear."

Is... is everything okay with the cast of Dawson's Creek? Because we recently read some comments from former cast member Busy Philipps that implies that things may not be as warm and pleasant as other members of the cast have led us to believe recently. Sure, we'd like to hope for the best, but if Philipps comments have any truth or sincerity to them, then we might have to question whether the entire cast— Philipps included — of Dawson's Creek are really friends to this day. 

More: 6 Questions With Busy Philipps About Motherhood, Friendships & Finding Self-Love

While speaking with Us Weekly during an event recently, Philipps dropped a bombshell that she and longtime best friend Michelle Williams are apparently not a part of the ongoing Dawson's Creek group text that is shared amongst other cast members.  

"I’m not on the group text," Philipps told the outlet. "I think [Williams] and I didn’t get … We missed that moment when they..." she seemingly trailed off, apparently trying to find the right words. She then continued, "I don’t know why we’re not on it, but we’re not. Maybe they figure that we’re fine." Ouch. 

Philipps didn't seem to want to elaborate on the matter, but her statement certainly implies there is something shady happening behind the scenes. To our knowledge, there doesn't seem to have been a falling out in recent years among Philipps, Williams or the rest of the cast, making this revelation all the stranger. Furthermore, whatever happy, cheery, warm familial feelings were expressed when the cast reunited for an Entertainment Weekly anniversary photo shoot and interview in March of this year — which Philipps and Williams were a part of — might not be a genuine as we thought if two of those folks involved in the anniversary shoot aren't on the same level of intimacy as the rest of the cast. And while there's absolutely no use speculating what's actually going on here, Philipps statement is nonetheless indicative of something that's a bit unusual. 

More: The Dawson's Creek Cast Reunites — Could a Reboot Be Next?!

The existence of the Dawson's Creek group text was first revealed by former cast member Meredith Monroe (who played Andie McPhee on the show). As she told Us Weekly in early August, "We’ve been having fun and reconnecting... All of our lives have gone in crazy different directions. It’s sometimes you grab a moment with somebody and sometimes it’s years. The nice thing is when we see each other, we pick up right where we left off," and went on to reveal that James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson were among those included on the text chain. 

Whatever drama is going on behind the scenes or whichever reasons exist to exclude Philipps and Williams — who both seem to be genuinely great people might we add — in something as meaningful (well, meaningful for 2018) as a group text amongst people who were part of a hit TV show more than two decades ago, we hope that it's not causing too much pain or annoyance for Philipps and Williams. 

Feel like your relationship needs a bit of a jump-start since Baby came along? Perhaps it needs more of a rocket launch. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. According to a Family Lives survey, 86 percent of parents have sex less often after having children, and 73 percent said their sex life had definitely taken a turn for the worse since the kids came along. 

More: Surefire Ways to Lose a Good Babysitter

There’s no denying that a having a baby turns your life upside down, whatever your circumstances. Everything else has to go on the back burner — work, socializing, sex, having a shower that lasts longer than three minutes — for a short time at least. And often, a short time becomes a long time, during which time more kids may come along and your relationship becomes even less of a priority. 

“For most people, the wonder and joy of a child can easily sideline all the effort they would normally put into maintaining their intimate and open relationship with their partner,” relationship coach Carmel Jones tells SheKnows. “And it's more than the sleepless nights and the record-keeping over who changed more diapers. It's the lack of focus you put on one another when there is a child who undeniably needs so much attention and love and energy.” 

If it’s been a long time since you were intimate with your partner, the thought of sexy lingerie and working your way through the Kama Sutra might fill you with horror. Don’t worry: There’s no need to go from zero to sexpot. According to certified counselor and relationship coach Jonathan Bennett, every little bit helps. “Squeeze in couple time anywhere you can,” he tells SheKnows. “Raising a kid is a lot of work. You might only have 10 minutes to spend alone with your partner at times. Take advantage of whatever you get, even if it’s just to have coffee or a quick cuddle, and be creative.” 

Jones agrees that it’s not all about sex. “Take time to be together,” she says. “Movies in bed when the kid is sleeping. Waking up early and having a cup of coffee and [being] beside each other — even if you’re exhausted. Being alone together allows you to look at each other, hopefully without distraction, and let any and all conversations, issues, jokes and feelings arise between the two of you, alone.” 

Bennett suggests scheduling romance and sex. “It isn’t terribly romantic, but with kids around, you might need to schedule time for cuddling or sex. This forces you to make it a priority.” 

More: Moms Call BS on Work-Life Balance 

And if you’re really struggling to find even a few moments alone, you need to find a babysitter. “Find a flexible, reliable sitter, and you can still have a life outside of your children,” says Bennett. “If you don’t have to rely on relatives or scramble at the last minute whenever you want some free time, you’ll want to pursue couple time more often.” Regular date nights will remind you that you had a relationship before kids came along and help you to enjoy the things you used to do (going for dinner, to a gig or the movies) before you became parents. 

Communication is key. Show your partner that you appreciate them, even if you don’t have as much alone time as you once did. “’I love you’ doesn't get old,” says Jones. “Those things that meant so much early in your relationship, before there were kids and other distractions, need to be kept alive. Make sure your partner knows you love them, are attracted to them and enjoy being around them. This is what makes people feel loved, respected and admired and creates a positive feeling in the home. It’s also good for raising a kid, to have them see their parents in love.” 

OK, time to tackle sex — literally. It might not have been a priority — or even an event — for months, but it's "one of the fabulous ways partners can connect and enjoy each other." That's according to family and relationship psychotherapist Dr. Fran Walfish, who helps many couples get their sex lives back on track after having a baby. "The entry of each new baby into the family, especially the birth of the first child, brings added stress to a couple," she tells SheKnows. "Many new parents become preoccupied with their infant, direct all of their energy and attention toward the baby, and their partners often feel a bit lost in the equation, wondering, 'Where do I fit in?' When each of the partners is unaware and inattentive to this shift in their relationship, it can cause a crack in the foundation of the marriage. A decrease in sex is often symptomatic of poor communication and can drive a wedge between the couple." 

It's natural to worry about having sex when your children are at home and awake. If a babysitter isn't available — seriously, get on that ASAP — Walfish suggests letting kids over the age of 7 watch a video or play by themselves in their room while you're in your own (locked) bedroom. 

And while opportunities to actually have sex may be few and far between, you can build anticipation and spice things up by sending romantic/sexy texts and emails to each other during the day. Enjoy being more intimate in lots of different ways, like taking a shower or bath together in candlelight. 

More: Here’s How I Told My Boss That My Family Is More Important Than My Job

Walfish's final piece of advice is simple: "Put all of your worries in a box, lock the box, and leave it outside of the bedroom!" Mountains of laundry, untidy bedrooms and homework assignments will still be there when you come out — but you might find them a lot easier to deal with if you've taken off your parenting hats for a while and given your relationship some TLC. 

MSNBC host and business expert, JJ Ramberg invited four innovators to the stage at the #BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York on Thursday, Aug. 9 for SheKnows Media's The Pitch contest. The Pitch — which was introduced onstage by Jen Denton, Senior Vice President of Programming for SheKnows Media — spotlights up-and-coming female visionaries, giving them the chance to explain their business ideas to a panel of discerning judges. After a hardball Q&A session, the audience votes, and the winner takes home a prize of $50,000 worth of marketing investments and a dinner with business mentors.

One of this year's four strong contestants, Denise Woodard took to the stage to pitch her company, Partake Foods, which she was inspired to launch after struggling to find healthy, convenient and safe foods for her daughter, who suffers from several food allergies. In July 2017, Partake Foods debuted three flavors of mini cookies (chocolate chip, carrot oat and sweet potato millet), all of which are free of the top eight food allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish). They're gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO and available at Amazon and more than 100 brick-and-mortar stores.  

More: Brooklyn Decker's Advice for Dealing With Rejection & Starting a Business

Mini cookies (three-pack), $15.99 at Partake Foods

Sarah Neill pitch the app she developed called Hot Hot Cold, a location app that quickly indicates how close you are to a loved one by telling you if you're hot or cold. Think of how much easier finding your kids, partner or friends at a food festival, beach or concert will be if you can quickly pinpoint where you are instead of wandering through crowds, texting: "I'm near the yellow awning now — where are you?" Hot Hot Cold is currently available to download for free, and we know we'll be adding it to our phones ASAP. 

 More: Tiffani Thiesen Addresses Whether Kelly Kapowski Was a Feminist

Brittany Finkle also pitched her company, Happily Ever Borrowed. A Cornell graduate, Finkle spent the last 10 years as a merchandiser for top luxury companies including Ralph Lauren, Hermès and Chanel. Astounded by the cost of bridal accessories that are typically only worn once, Finkle launched Happily Ever Borrowed in 2012 to help women rent stylish bridal accessories and stay on budget.

More: This Product Is Going to Revolutionize the Way We Take Pregnancy Tests

Lia Winograd, the final contestant to take the stage, riveted the audience with her pitch for Pepper, a bra company she founded after years of frustration with the lack of options for small-chested women. Pepper offers a variety of bras that are "designed to cup, lift and flatter small chests without intolerable push-up padding." A proud Colombiana, Winograd leveraged her family’s manufacturing business to partner with a female-owned, socially responsible factory in Medellín, Colombia, where Pepper’s bras are produced. 

With four brilliant women who presented such awesome ideas, the competition this year is fierce. The winner of The Pitch will be announced on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 9 at the #BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York, but if you'd like to cast your vote for your favorite pitch contestant, you can do so by tweeting #PitchBrittany, #PitchLia, #PitchSarah or #PitchDenise along with the hashtag #BlogHer18. 

We reported earlier this week on a serious claim made by Angelina Jolie via a new court filing that alleged Brad Pitt had not paid "meaningful" child support since the couple began their divorce process in 2016. This claim — which could be interpreted as a serious one against Pitt's character and ability to fulfill legal responsibilities — was swiftly rebutted on Wednesday when Pitt took back the proverbial microphone and decided to give his own thoughts on the issue. 

More: Angelina Jolie Made a Serious Claim About Brad Pitt & His Child Support Payments

As reported by E! News, a source close to Pitt commented, "Brad always fulfills his commitments," and later, Pitt's attorney, Lance Spiegel, filed a four-page brief with the LA Superior Court stating that Jolie's claims are "unnecessary" and that they "[omit] material information and [are] a thinly-veiled effort to manipulate media coverage."

The documents go on to indicate that Pitt and Spiegel have been trying to work with Jolie and Jolie's lawyer, Laura Wasser, to get proceedings back on track. On Aug. 1, Spiegel reportedly told Wasser that Pitt "wanted to bifurcate the issue of marital status and have the divorce finalized before other pending issues were resolved." Wasser said she would speak to Jolie about that and get back to Spiegel, but Jolie later rejected that and, only a few days later, issued those new claims about Pitt not having paid a "meaningful" amount of child support. 

This new court filing indicates that Pitt "adamantly disputes the contention that he has not paid significant child support," with the filing going on to say he has allegedly loaned Jolie approximately $8 million to "assist her in purchasing her current residence" and has paid $1.3 million for bills "for the benefit" of Jolie and the children. It is still not clear what the original agreed-upon amount was for Pitt's child support payments or how that $1.3 million was disbursed (all at once? a lump sum?).

Not one to sit back and let Pitt's rejection of her claims be the final word, Jolie's reps issued a lengthy statement to E! further clarifying her position on this issue: "Angelina's filing of yesterday was both legally appropriate and factually accurate in all respects. What has been filed by Brad's side today is a blatant attempt to obfuscate the truth and distract from the fact that he has not fully met his legal obligations to support the children. Following the incident of September 2016, Angelina and the children needed to move from the family home, which Brad chose to keep, including all of its contents. Brad was asked to assist in the expense of a new home for Angelina and the children, but instead, he loaned Angelina money, for which he is charging her interest on a payment plan. Angelina will of course honor that loan. A loan is not, however, child support and to represent it as such is misleading and inaccurate."

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The statement continues, "Angelina is asking Brad to pay 50 percent of the children's expenses. He has not. Angelina has had to shoulder the majority of those without his contribution for the past two years. Child support is not optional in California. Typically a father of means would pay these expenses voluntarily without the need for a request or court order. We are hopeful that this can be resolved without further delay or posturing."

Who knows how much longer this will continue, but at the rate these two A-listers are going, it could be a long while until the dust settles and the divorce proceedings are finalized.