If you've got it, flaunt it — unless, according to one Instagram user, you're a new mother. Yeah, we're confused too. Caitlin McHugh, who along with her husband, John Stamos, welcomed a baby boy into the world in April, received a ridiculous message from someone earlier this week criticizing her for posting a video of herself wearing a bikini to her Instagram Story.  

"You're a mother now," the commenter wrote in a direct message. "Gross, tattoo and all." 

More: John Stamos & Caitlin McHugh Welcome a Baby Boy

McHugh, who gets paid to model bikinis professionally, was having none of the shaming and shared a screen-grab of her perfect response. "Not as gross as trolling," she fired back along with a hand-wave emoji. 

Pretty perfect response. Stamos also seems uninterested in what anyone has to say about his wife. Though he didn't respond directly to the absurd message, he did share two behind-the-scenes videos of McHugh dancing on set with the captions, "MILF-wife Life" and "Good gosh!" 

McHugh is only the latest on a seemingly endless roster of celeb moms trolls have attacked for wearing a bikini. Earlier this month, haters slammed Kate Hudson, who is pregnant with her third child, after paparazzi took photos of her in a swimsuit while on vacation.

"Why do women in Hollywood think that everyone is interested in seeing their pregnant bodies in bikinis?" one person wrote online. "Frankly, no one is really interested in seeing a fully pregnant almost naked woman." 

More: John Stamos Introduces Newborn Son to Full House Castmates

So, which one is it? Should moms, in all of their stages of motherhood, be allowed to wear bikinis or not? Did we miss the bombshell scientific study that revealed showing a little skin and staying cool in the summer heat somehow makes someone care for her child less than if she wore full sleeves and jeans 24-7? 

Of course we didn't, because no such study exists. Moms, please continue living your best bikini-clad lives, and don't you dare let the haters drag you down. 

Khloé Kardashian has televised some of the most intimate details of her life on Keeping Up with the Kardashians for more than a decade. But just because she's used to the cameras doesn't mean the fitness queen wants to share everything about herself with millions of fans. 

In a new blog post titled, "10 Things to Never Say to a New Mom," Kardashian shared that some things, like her vagina, are off-limits to the public. According to People, Kardashian shared that she hates the question, "Did you deliver naturally?" 

"My vagina — its past, its present, its future — is none of your business! Period," she wrote in response to the hypothetical inquiry. 

More: Khloé Kardashian Begs Fans to Be Kind to Her "Pregnancy Lips" ... Huh?

It's hard to argue that one.

Kardashian also warned fans never to ask a new mom about breastfeeding. "This is just such a personal issue," she wrote. "You never know the private struggles someone could be going through and how terrible it may be making them feel."

She knows this firsthand. "I had to stop breast feeding," Kardashian shared with fans on Twitter. "It was really hard for me to stop (emotionally), but it wasn't working for my body. Sadly."

Later, she added that deciding to quit was actually "a relief." 

"I fought and fought to try and continue but then when I actually stopped, I didn't realize what a relief it was for me to not stress and worry anymore," she continued. "Any sec I had of downtime I was stressing to produce more for the next feeding." 

More: Khloé Kardashian Shamed for Leaving Baby True With... True's Dad?  

It's not too much of a shock that Kardashian would want to keep some things to herself. After all, she's been the victim of mom-shaming ever since announced her pregnancy. Most recently, trolls have criticized her for having "pregnancy lips" and for daring to leave baby True at home with (*gasp!*) her dad, Tristan Thompson. 

Can you imagine thousands of people coming at you with pitchforks for heading out for one night (!!!) after having a baby? Or, for nitpicking every aspect of your changing pregnant body? Nope, none of that is fun. So let's all think twice next time before asking a new mom anything invasive. 

Sometimes it took three nurses to hold me down. This may sound extreme, but it was entirely necessary, as I had a tendency to cry, squirm my way out of my chair and run down the hallway of the pediatric phlebotomy department to escape. 

It was the summer between second grade and third grade, and because of complications with the chickenpox virus, I ended up with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which meant I needed to get my blood drawn weekly. ITP is a blood disorder characterized by low platelet counts and bruising very easily and can look a lot like leukemia. In order to make sure my counts weren't veering into dangerous territory, I had a standing weekly appointment for a blood test for an entire summer. 

I'm not sure who dreaded these appointments more: me or the nurses tasked with collecting my blood samples. As soon as I'd sit in that hard plastic chair with one elongated armrest, I would transform from a sassy but mild-mannered 7-year-old into a creature from a horror film. I had always been scared of needles, but this time, it wasn't just a vaccine I was getting in the school nurse's office. I knew the results of this blood test could mean I was sick enough to have to stay in the hospital overnight.

More: My Anxiety Got Me Fired From 5 Jobs

Eventually, I did make it through all my appointments that summer, and my platelet counts returned to normal. As a peace offering, my mother made me draw an "I'm sorry" picture for the nurses at the lab, probably in the hopes that my terrible behavior wouldn't end up on my permanent medical record.

But it didn't end there. For years, every time I had to get a shot or have my blood drawn, I'd be nauseated for several days before the injection because of the anxiety. This lasted well into my 20s, and every time the needle would come out in the doctor's office or lab, I'd try to convince myself that this time will be different and I'll be fine.

And strangely, one day, it was. But before I get into what ended up finally working for me, here's what I learned from speaking to two physicians about trypanophobia — a fancy word for the extreme fear of needles.

What causes a fear of needles?

Like many fears, trypanophobia can stem from a variety of experiences or conditions. On a logistical level, a person (like myself) might have very small veins, which can make it difficult for blood to be drawn, sometimes necessitating multiple needle sticks as the clinician attempts to locate a good vein, Dr. Mimi Trinh, a family medicine physician at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, tells SheKnows.

But there are plenty of psychological reasons behind having a fear of needles too.

"Needle-phobic people may have had previous painful experiences (learned conditioning) with injections or vicariously through witnessing a family member having had an undesirable experience with needles or injections," Dr. Trung Tristan Truong, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Medical Group in San Juan Capistrano, California, tells SheKnows. He also notes that it's possible there may be a hereditary predisposition to the phobia.

Other potential reasons for having a fear of needles can include generalized anxiety or having a sensitive or negative temperament, previous trauma, having fainted or had severe dizziness due to a vasovagal response to shots or blood draws in the past, hypochondria, sensitivity to pain or memories of painful needle sticks and a fear of being restrained, Trinh says. 

What can help someone get over a fear of needles?

Like the causes of a needle phobia, the possible ways to help can be both physical and psychological. For example, Trinh says that psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy can all be useful in treating various types of phobia. 

"Therapists are trained to help patients develop coping skills towards certain fears and exploring where the fears may be coming from," Trinh notes. "However, if underlying anxiety could be a factor, then treatment with medications to help reduce anxiety may help as well." 

In more extreme cases, Truong says that some people find taking antianxiety medications helpful as well as nonmedical anxiety-reducing techniques, like deep breathing, reading, listening to music or watching a video. A chest-to-chest hug for a child from a parent or guardian may also be comforting for them, he notes. Children may also fare better if they are offered a reward after receiving their shots or having their blood drawn, Truong adds.

More: Can Workplace Anxiety Be a Good Thing?

If the physical pain is the root cause of the fear, Truong says that there are numbing creams or gels that may be applied over the injection site prior to the medical visit as well as devices (like the Buzzy) that can transmit cold and vibration sensation to the skin to distract from or divert the actual pain sensation from the needle or injection using the concept of "gate control theory of pain."

What worked for me?

At some point during my mid to late 20s, my fear of needles kind of just went away on its own without me really realizing it until after I had my blood drawn and was walking home from the doctor's office. At that stage of my life, my unmedicated anxiety disorder and depression were really kicking into high gear, and compared with everything else I was anxious and/or depressed about, a little needle didn't seem that bad.

I also realized that this pain I was so afraid of was actually quite minimal when compared to other types of pain I experience on a regular basis — primarily menstrual cramps. Those suckers are so excruciating every month that when it came time to getting a shot or blood drawn, I'd go into it bracing for the pain of period cramps, and when that skinny needle made its way into my arm, it felt like a gentle caress in comparison. 

Of course, not everyone can be this lucky when it comes to painful periods and anxiety and depression, but in both cases, it was more a matter of me putting this short rendezvous with a needle into perspective. Not only has this made trips to the doctor easier, it has also freed up the time I previously spent making apology drawings for nurses and phlebotomists, so win-win. 

Whether you just tolerate it or downright loathe it, homework is an unavoidable part of life for most school-age kids. Which means it's an unavoidable part of family life too because chances are your kid needs a little help to establish good homework habits in the first place. That's where you come in, oh, wise parent.

Here are some expert tips to help you and your kid get into a successful — and achievable — homework routine this school year. 

More: The Only Back-to-School Clothes Checklist You Need This Year

Make a schedule that suits your kid

"Schedule after-school time to set your child up for success," Dr. Pam Roggeman, academic dean in the College of Education at University of Phoenix and former teacher, tells SheKnows. If your child needs some downtime after school, make sure you incorporate that into the schedule. It might go something like: snack, play, homework. On the other hand, your child might only have a finite amount of motivation, in which case a better schedule could be: homework while snacking, play, family time. "The key is to stick to your schedule," says Roggeman. "When your child knows that you will stick to your schedule and playtime will take place at some point, you can alleviate the battles." 

Follow your gut

Nobody knows your child better than you do, so when it comes to homework, use that insider knowledge, advises Roggeman. You might want to believe your kid when they look at you with wide eyes and claim, "I don't have any homework," but you'll know whether they're actually saying, "I want to be doing anything other than homework right now." Don't let it slide just because you don't have the energy to fight about it. 

Use positive reinforcement

Children need positive reinforcement the same way adults do, writer and former therapist Emily Mendez tells SheKnows. Tie in a positive reinforcement to completion of homework assignments. Mendez suggests a fun activity, video game or TV time at the end of homework time. "Schedule the positive reinforcement for as soon after completion of homework as possible," she says.

More: 6 Reasons After-School Activities Are Worth the Effort

Ask for help

I know I'm not the only parent who regularly has to google the answer to my 10-year-old's algebra homework. "Most parents do not use calculus, algebra and geometry on a daily basis," says Roggeman. "It’s hard to admit, but our kids learn some pretty sophisticated concepts that may have left our brains." If you know someone — a neighbor, relative or college student who's strong in any of these areas or any other area you need help with, ask! Also, many teachers are happy to tutor kids for extra money. It's money well spent if it helps your kid get ahead in school. Your community might have a "homework hotline" through the local library. "Help your kid utilize these resources," says Mendez. "This will teach problem-solving skills, which is critical for developing good study and work habits."

Keep perspective

"Homework should enrich, not deflate, your child's self-efficacy," says Roggeman. She has another favorite saying to remind yourself of the next time you're facing a homework battle: "There are lots of things to cry about in this world, but homework isn't one of them." If your child puts a lot of effort into their homework, be prepared to leave it at that — even if you think there's room for improvement. "No teacher wants a homework assignment to stress out and frustrate your child," says Roggeman. "Use a point of frustration as a sign to move on." And when it's age-appropriate to do so, teach your child to reach out to their teacher if they need their input. "Sitting in the driver's seat for learning and getting help is a skill our kids will need for the rest of their lives," says Roggeman. 

Create a homework space

If your child has a designated homework space — whether that's a desk, a corner of a room or even an entire room — they're more likely to get their head down and do the work. Of course, you have to make sure the space is always available for homework (fighting for space at the kitchen table isn't conducive to a positive homework experience) and has all the equipment your child needs. As they get older, they can be responsible for this themselves. Encourage your child to keep their school bag in this space, provide a comfortable, supportive chair and have a constant supply of sharpened pencils, paper and erasers. 

More: The Pros & Cons of School Uniforms: Moms Weigh In

Homework is a drag for most of us, but resistance is futile. (I've learned from experience that the more I complain about the amount of homework my kids get, the less enthusiastic they are about actually getting it done — which is a major lose-lose situation.) 

Try to be excited about learning and your kid will share that excitement, says Roggeman. "Our kids need to know that we want to share in the interests, accomplishments and journeys they experience during their school career."

Between our abysmal maternal mortality rates and reproductive rights currently under threat, we are facing a critical moment for women's health in the United States. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, directly addressed these challenges — in addition to the need for paid family leave and equitable access to care for women of color — at the #BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York City on Thursday, Aug. 9. 

In conversation with maternal rights activist and model Christy Turlington Burns, Gillibrand did not hold back when it came to describing how various aspects of women's health are at risk, especially as it pertains to President Donald Trump and his nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

More: Roe v. Wade Is Terrifyingly Vulnerable Right Now — Here's What You Need to Know

“The reason why we should care is because [Kavanaugh] intends and will overturn Roe v. Wade,” she told the audience. 

Gillibrand then pointed to Kavanaugh's speeches and writings, where he has indicated that "he does not see where our basic human and civil rights exist in the U.S. constitution." 

“Without the protections of Roe, it means you’ll criminalize abortion and it means that you will force women to take a child to term, even if it costs her her life," she added. 

And it's not just our abortion rights that should be a concern. According to Gillibrand, women of color in New York City are 12 times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, which she says is a direct result of the "impact of institutional racism." 

Gillibrand went on to discuss a bill she introduced in the U.S. Senate that would create standardized best practices for maternal health in hospitals across the country in addition to the money to fund this program. A component of this would involve having emergency kits on hand when someone gives birth so that if they go into cardiac arrest, for example, the equipment is right there in the room and the patient wouldn't need to be transported to another part of the hospital, saving previous minutes that could mean life or death. 

More: Why the U.S. Was Named the "Most Dangerous" Place to Give Birth in the Developed World

And her plea for accessible, effective medical care for women didn't end there — Gillibrand also spoke to the importance of Planned Parenthood as a major health care provider for women in America.

“Planned Parenthood is necessary care. Planned Parenthood is basic health care for millions of women across the country, and without the protection of Roe, states are literally waiting to make abortion illegal," she said. In fact, four states (Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota) have what are known as "trigger laws" that would automatically repeal abortion rights in those states if Roe v. Wade was overturned.

The current administration is not only committed to rolling back our right to safe, legal reproductive care, but also against providing paid family leave — another issue Gillibrand is passionate about. In fact, she told the #BlogHer18 audience about another bill she has written that would guarantee national paid leave for all workers, regardless of gender, company size and whether you work full-time, part-time or as a part of the gig economy. The idea is that you would buy into it as an earned benefit (the same way you buy into Social Security) at a cost of $2 per week, which would be matched by your employer. 

"Over your lifetime, you'd have more than enough money to take the leave that you need for all life events, so whether it's a new baby or a sick spouse or a dying parent or a sick child, having that flexibility when you need it would make all the difference," she said. 

Gillibrand explained that when someone has a family but doesn't have paid family leave or time off they can take to care for that family, they frequently end up having to quit their jobs. This results in what she referred to as the "sticky floor": the idea that once women leave the workforce to have a family and then attempt to reenter it, they do so at lower-level positions, which typically also come with a pay cut. 

But while Gillibrand's bills would make significant progress, it's not enough that they exist — they also have to make it into law. In order for that to become a reality, she stressed the need for more women to run for political office. Fortunately, she said that we are in the midst of a "pink wave," with more women running in the upcoming primaries than any other election in U.S. history. 

In a particularly touching moment, a woman in the audience stood up and was moved to tears as she described the challenges of being a federal employee under the Trump administration. She received a standing ovation, thanked Gillibrand for her service and then asked her if she was going to run for president in 2020. 

Gillibrand responded coyly, thanking the woman for her public service. 

The votes have been cast and the judges have weighed in, and now it's time to announce the winners of the fourth annual SheKnows Media Femvertising Awards!

On Wednesday at the annual BlogHer18 Creator’s Summit hosted by SheKnows Media, the winners of the #Femvertising Awards were announced onstage by SheKnows Media CEO, Samantha Skey. The #Femvertising Awards don't honor just any ole brands; these are brands challenging gender norms. They're building stereotype-busting, pro-female messages and images into ads that target women. To boot, we launched the 2018 #Femvertising Awards on April 10 (Equal Pay Day), expanding the scope and definition to be inclusive of ads that do the right thing by all humans, regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs and sexual orientation.

"Women currently comprise a $14-trillion market, and their purchasing power is expected to grow significantly over the coming years," says Samantha Skey, CEO of SheKnows. "As their piece of the purchasing pie grows, women are increasingly demanding that brands build more respectful and empowering messages and images into their ads that target women."

More: 10 Authentically Body-Positive Fashion Brands That Are Changing the Industry

It all started in 2014 when we coined the term "Femvertising" at Advertising Week. A year later, the Femversiting Awards was birthed, and since then, more than 300 brands and agencies of all sizes and across all industries submitted their work — and more than 30,000 votes have been cast for the best ads.

Our judges this year are comprised of an impressive, inspiring group of women, who are movers, shakers and experts in their respective fields — from CEOs and radio hosts to authors:

• Angela Chambliss, director of influencer marketing at Best Buy
• Barri Friedman Rafferty, partner, CEO and president of Ketchum
• Claudia Chan, CEO of S.H.E. Summit and S.H.E. GLOBL Media and author of This Is How We Rise
• Lynn Branigan, president and CEO of She Runs It 
• Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
• Sarah Spain, ESPN radio host, writer and TV personality
• Sharmi Albrechtsen, CEO of SmartGurlz Inc. 
• Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient and founder of The Girls' Lounge 
• Solange Claudio, president of Moxie and MRY
• Tricia Clarke-Stone, cofounder and CEO of WP Narrative_

And now, without further ado: the winners.

Inspiration: Lane Bryant for "#I'm No Angel"

Lane Bryant won last year in this same category for their ad "#ThisBody Is Made to Shine." Also nominated this year were Athleta and Chico's.

More: 10 Brands Leading the Body-Positive Movement With Unretouched Ads

Normvertising: CoverGirl for "#IAmWhatIMakeUp"

Coca-Cola and Yoplait were also nominated in this category.

#WinningWomen: John Frieda for "Your Hair Talks. Make a Statement"

Also in the running were Dove and Under Armour.

Social impact: Nissan for "#SheDrives"

Facebook and Google were also nominated in this category.

Next gen: Barbie for "#MoreRoleModels"

Pink Parcel and Vodafone were also nominees.

More: 10 Inspiring Quotes From Female Athletes

Hatch: Coca-Cola for "The Wonder of Us"

Dadvertising: Oreo for "Oreo Dippers"

Congratulations to all the 2018 #Femvertising Awards winners!

You can find more information on the Femvertising Awards here.

While fall is still a few weeks away, fans of all things pumpkin are in luck, because starting next week, Starbucks pumpkin spice products will be back on grocery store shelves.

(Yes, next week.)

More: Starbucks Debuts a New Line of Kombucha Drinks

But wait. The good news doesn’t end there. In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the pumpkin spice latte, Starbucks is releasing new pumpkin spice products — several new pumpkin spice products.

Two of the new products will come in K-Cup form: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee K-Cups and Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Caffè Latte K-Cups. The pods, which are part of a collaboration between Starbucks and Keurig, are perfect for having a quick hot cup of pumpkin-y goodness at home, and while the pumpkin spice ground coffee cups will come in packs of 10, the pumpkin spice caffè latte cups will come in packs of six.

No word yet on the price.

But if you don’t have a Keurig, don’t worry: Starbucks has you covered. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Ground Coffee will be returning to store shelves in bag form with the suggested retail price of $9.99 for an 11-ounce bag, and pre-brewed refrigerated versions of the pumpkin spice latte will also be available in single-serving bottles.

More: 29 Pumpkin Recipes That Go Way Beyond Lattes & Pie

That said, if pumpkin-flavored coffee isn’t your thing — though I don’t know how it’s not — Starbucks has announced another new addition that may be more your speed: the Pumpkin Spice Cookie Straw. According to Starbucks, the straw is a "toasted, white chocolatey rolled wafer cookie" with (yup, you guessed it) pumpkin spice. 

So get ready, y’all, because PSL season is almost here.  

For many, the kitchen is a place where the magic happens… unless you don’t know how to cook. Fortunately, it’s 2018, and there are tons of appliances that do all the hard work for you. If you need a little help pulling off delicious dishes, these nine gadgets will help you realize all your culinary creations. Say goodbye to microwave meals with these must-have appliances. 

1. Nostalgia Retro Series pop-up hot dog toaster

This bright ‘n’ shiny red toaster cooks two regular or jumbo-size hot dogs and their buns at the same time. Instead of popping your dogs in the microwave, give ‘em a little love with this retro toaster. The included drip tray makes cleaning extra easy too.

Nostalgia Retro Series pop-up hot dog toaster, available at Amazon 

2. Hot-dog-on-a-stick maker

What’s better than a hot dog? A hot dog on a stick! This corn dog maker features room to cook six dogs at the same time. Not a fan of corn dogs? No problem. You can also cook cake pops, sausage links and more.

Hot-dog-on-a-stick maker, available at Amazon

3. Peanuts Snoopy blue grilled cheese sandwich maker

Because who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? This Snoopy-style sandwich maker comes in a beautiful blue shade and lets you easily cook two grilled cheese sandwiches to perfection at the same time. You can almost taste that golden-brown goodness.

Peanuts Snoopy blue grilled cheese sandwich maker, available at Amazon 

5. Fish-shaped hot dessert waffle cake maker pan

Impress your friends with this easy-to-use waffle cake maker. Able to make two fish-shaped waffle cakes in a matter of seconds, you’ll be amazed by how good they look (and taste). This Taiyaki maker is a must for the budding chef.

Fish-shaped hot dessert waffle cake maker pan, available at Amazon 

6. Portable BBQ grill briefcase

Unleash your inner grill master with this portable barbecue suitcase featuring an inner stainless-steel grill, ash catcher and a secure lock mechanism. Great for grilling on the go, this BBQ briefcase is perfect for tailgates, parties and just because.

Portable BBQ grill briefcase, available at ThinkGeek

7. Hello Kitty 2-slice toaster with cool-touch exterior

Turn your toast game up a notch with this cute Hello Kitty toaster. Extra-wide slots help accommodate both bread and bagels, and the adorable Hello Kitty stamp on each slice helps turn your ordinary loaves into something great.

Hello Kitty 2-slice toaster with cool-touch exterior, available at Amazon

8. Bacon waffle maker

This sleek bacon-style waffle maker lets you cook bite-size waffles that are filled with bacon. These bite-size waffles look and taste better than traditional waffles, and the infused bacon makes ‘em an instant party hit.

Bacon waffle maker, available at Urban Outfitters

9. NutriChef cheese raclette machine

With a high power max of 482 degrees F, this raclette maker is no joke. Fortunately, it’s easy to use and looks great on any kitchen counter. Hassle-free operation lets you melt your cheese of choice, and a stainless-steel build makes cleaning a breeze. Transform your meals instantly.

NutriChef cheese raclette machine, available at Amazon 

This story was originally published on Spy.com. This is e-commerce content. If you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

It's been a hot minute since we've had some celebrationworthy Veep news, but finally, here we are. August has arrived, and so has the good news we've so desperately longed for. It comes in the form of a cast reunion preparing for the seventh and final season. Oh, and it involves the triumphant return of the one, the only, the head badass in charge, Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Veep Costar Gives an Important Health Update

On Thursday, the Veep cast got together to do a table read for some of the first episodes of season seven. Clearly not wanting to miss out on the opportunity to commemorate this truly special occasion, Louis-Dreyfus opened up her camera and got the whole team to say cheese. 

"Guys, we just learned how to take a picture of ourselves on my phone! How cool is this? @veephbo Table read episodes 2 & 3 Season 7, baby!" Louis-Dreyfus captioned the sweet pic when she posted it to her Instagram.

Similarly, a more high-resolution photo of the cast and writers was posted to the official Veep Instagram. You can catch a better glimpse of Tony Hale's mustache (is that going to be following him into season seven?) and lots of smiling cast members looking stoked as heck to be back with their fearless leader, Louis-Dreyfus.

 More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus Is My Hero, & This Is Why

This is a seriously big moment for the entire Veep family, and it's because of Louis-Dreyfus, who previously announced she would be taking a break from acting so she could focus her time and energy on battling breast cancer. As Louis-Dreyfus has kicked cancer's ass, her Veep family has rallied around her, sending her messages of love and support, going so far as to postpone season seven production until she was ready to get back to work. 

Well, it looks like that time has finally come; it's good to see Louis-Dreyfus back in one of her happy places.

There's no question that Netflix's original series Orange is the New Black is an innovator in TV — and OITNB star Uzo Aduba will be the first to tell you so. The actor spoke at the #BlogHer18 Creator's Summit in NYC on Thursday, August 9 and revealed how OITNB surprised her with a powerful lesson about women and career in Hollywood.

For one thing, OITNB paints a surprisingly complex and authentic picture of so many issues — from friendship to sexuality to grief and beyond. But perhaps most notable is the show's as-yet unparalleled level of diversity and representation of women — both on-screen and behind the scenes. And for Aduba, it's that representation that has made all the difference. 

More: Don't Blame Gabrielle Union's Infertility On Her Career

"Before OITNB," Aduba told the #BlogHer18 audience, "I’d never seen more than one Black female representative [on a show], one Latina female, etc." OITNB, on the other hand? "We have seven Black women, we have Asian women, gay women, we have trans women on our show, we have varying sizes on our show, and women who are able to tell those stories effectively," Aduba explained. "Then, on the back side of the camera, we have so many different representations of women as well."

Aduba went on to chronicle a particularly pivotal moment regarding her career — or rather, regarding her own perception of what the career of a woman in Hollywood could entail. It happened in 2012 on the OITNB set:

"When we're filming, there's an area called 'video village' where the producers, writers, and directors, that's where they watch the show," Aduba explained. "So we're walking back to our dressing rooms through video village, and sitting there we had Jenji, our show creator, we had Cindy Hall, the executive from Netflix, I think Jodi Foster was there... All these women were sitting in those seats, and there was just one man. And I remember thinking to myself, I’ve never seen this before." 

More: How Amy Schumer Learned to Be Woke from Gabrielle Union

For Aduba, what was so powerful about the primarily female production and artistic team on the OITNB set was how rare it was. That kind of gender ratio, she told the #BlogHer audience, was still for the most part "not happening" in Hollywood in 2012. And it damn sure needed to be happening.

"It was a rarity, what I was seeing there," Aduba added. "And what it did for me — why things like representation matter, why things like your voice being heard matter — is it made me think differently about my own possibility."

A behind-the-scenes scene like this one disproves the obnoxiously present myth that women "can't work together" (you know, because we're "too competitive" or "catty" or "too threatened" by each other or whatever other bullshit people invent to keep us down). And for Aduba, witnessing so many women working together seamlessly and powerfully on OITNB, both on set and behind the scenes, "expanded, for me, the idea that wow, there’s a host of jobs within this industry that I could be part of" — jobs that so many talented, driven women in entertainment could be part of.

"And I think that’s what’s so powerful about our show," Aduba added.

Well, that and the show's countless other game-changing choices, moments, and talents — including you, Uzo. 

Demi Lovato isn't out of the woods just yet. After she was rushed to the hospital following an apparent overdose on July 24, social media was flooded with celebrities and fans sending her well wishes and hoping for a swift recovery for the star. Now, Lovato is back in rehab, and despite the old saying "the show must go on," fans will have to hold on a bit longer before seeing Lovato perform again.

More: Demi Lovato Opens Up About Overdose: 'I Need Time to Heal & Focus on My Sobriety'

According to Entertainment Weekly, Lovato has canceled the remaining dates of her "Tell Me You Love Me" 2018 world tour. In a statement to the outlet, Live Nation spokespersons said, “Unfortunately, Demi Lovato has canceled her upcoming 'Tell Me You Love Me' tour dates in South America, as she is focusing on her recovery. The six-city tour was scheduled to visit Chile, Argentina, and Brazil starting Nov. 14. Ticket refunds will be available at the point of purchase, and credit card purchases will be automatically refunded.”

EW did not report on whether Lovato's scheduled dates in Mexico following the South American leg of her tour have been canceled, but we can assume that Lovato won't be well enough to hit the stage in September, just one month away.

Lovato released a statement on Sunday, writing, “I have always been transparent about my journey with addiction. What I’ve learned is that this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time. It is something I must continue to overcome and have not done yet.”

In March, Lovato celebrated six years of sobriety, but admitted in the June single "Sober" that she had apparently broken her sobriety. Lovato has always been candid about her struggles with addiction, self-harm, eating disorders, and mental health, and this is no different. Canceling her tour to focus on her recovery is a smart move and it's one that her fans understand, according to responses to the news on Twitter.

One person wrote, "Health over EVERYTHING. [Demi Lovato] is heading to rehab. She had to cancel her tour for a reason. I'm hoping Demi gets better. Positive vibes, that's all." Another person said, "Demi my love, you can cancel Tell Me You Love Me Tour in Brazil, no problem, I'll save my ticket, my baby will take care of your health, please, you are an inspiration for all young people, that's it a ray of light, I love you Demi."

When Lovato was initially hospitalized in July and her Atlantic City dates were canceled, fans put on a show of their own, per HuffPost. They sang several of Lovato's songs, including "Sober," in honor of the recovering singer.

More: What People Don't Understand About Addiction

Everyone seems to be standing behind Lovato as she fights through this next part of her journey toward recovery, which is wonderful to see. Too often, when musicians cancel tours — no matter the reason — fans react with anger before they react with kindness. Lovato's fans mostly seem eager for their fave to recover.

Before our children begin the school year, there are certain vaccinations they should have, depending on the grade they're starting. While no one's really a fan of shots, we know they're for our kids' own protection as well as the protection of others. Some of these are mandatory while some are strongly suggested by pediatricians.

It can be hard to keep track of who needs which vaccine and when, especially if you have more than one child. SheKnows spoke with pediatricians who let us know the shots your child needs before they start school, why and what to look out for as far as side effects.

Before starting kindergarten or pre-K

There are several booster vaccinations that are needed prior to entering school for kids between ages 4 and 6, Dr. Mildred F. Carson, a board-certified pediatrician with over 15 years of experience in outpatient and inpatient practice, tells SheKnows. These include diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps and rubella and chicken pox (varicella). 

More: The Questions You Need to Ask at Your Child's Annual Checkup

Where are vaccinations available?

All these vaccinations are readily available at your child’s doctor’s office or health clinic, Carson says. They keep track of the vaccinations your child has had as well as when they are due for their next ones, but it's important that parents and guardians keep an eye on this as well. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor or nurse to print out a list for you for easy access.

Possible side effects

Vaccinations do have common side effects that usually do not require intervention, Carson explains. These side effects could include irritability, fever, swelling, restlessness, decreased appetite, fussiness and discomfort or pain and/or redness at the site of injection. Your child’s pediatrician will warn you of these and most likely give you a handout walking you through what to look for.

These symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of the shots and "can last up to seven days at most but usually last three to five days," says Carson.

While most children tolerate vaccines without much difficulty, Carson says occasionally there can be some adverse reactions. If your child has a fever of over 104 degrees F, trouble breathing, swallowing difficulty, convulsions, severe weakness, difficulty waking, high-pitched crying lasting greater than an hour or nonstop crying for more than three hours, Carson says that parents should immediately seek medical attention.  

Optional vaccinations

Dr. Tania Elliott, an allergist and internist, recommends kids also get the influenza and pneumonia shots before entering school to help protect them from coming down with these conditions. She notes, however, that these vaccines are not mandatory.

More: How Hot Is Too Hot for Your Kids to Play Outside?

Older kids

Dr. Barbara Pahud, the associate director of the vaccine unit at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, tells SheKnows that last summer, National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers issued a statement voicing support for the HPV vaccine for children.

Although the recommended age for the HPV vaccination is 11 to12 years of age, Pahud recommends that kids get the vaccine by the age of 9 “because, like any other vaccines, parents should want their children protected long before exposure.” Pahud believes receiving the HPV vaccine as early as possible is critical because it produces a more “robust immune response in preteens” than in older teens before exposure to HPV.

Shots aren’t fun for the kids or the parents, but they are essential to keeping everyone safe from outbreaks that are preventable.

On Wednesday, Aug. 8, award-winning journalist Tamron Hall made two major announcements. First, Hall shared the exciting news that she'll host a new talk show for Disney-ABC. Then, Hall revealed the recipients of this year's Voices of the Year Awards at the #BlogHer18 Creators Summit in New York City. 

Before turning over the mic to the VOTY winners, Hall spoke about the importance of women supporting each other — an overarching theme of the whole conference. "If your journey does not include building up another woman, find another road," said Hall to cheers and applause from the more than 1,500 people who attended the event. 

Earlier in the day, comedian Amy Schumer made a surprise appearance to introduce the concept of the VOTYs, prompting conference attendees to literally pledge aloud: "When I find an honest, powerful creator of content, I will promote the ever-living shit out of her."

This year's VOTY winners come from a variety of backgrounds, including entrepreneurship, social impact and journalism. Monsurat Adebanjo received a VOTY in entrepreneurship and innovation for founding the Urban Culturist and the Brown Girl for the Arts initiative, an organization dedicated to empowering girls of color to envision their futures as artists, professionals and world-changers by connecting them with role models. 

More: Don't Blame Gabrielle Union's Infertility on Her Career

The VOTY for social impact went to Nekpen Osuan, who cofounded WomenWerk, a nonprofit that brings women and men together for a modern take on gender equity by curating community events showcasing the accomplishments of women and feminist allies. She also serves on the Democratic National Committee's Women's Leadership Forum and has spoken at the White House several times. Dr. Alaa Murabit, a medical doctor and one of 17 global sustainable development goal advocates appointed by the U.N. secretary-general, was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and was also awarded a VOTY. 

Sweta Vikram received the VOTY for written work for her debut novel Louisiana Catch, which tells the story of a 33-year-old grieving daughter and sexual abuse survivor from New Delhi. Also from the world of literature, Clementine Wyamara, a storyteller, social entrepreneur, human rights advocate and author of the novel The Girl Who Smiled Beads received a VOTY as well.

More: Women's Symptoms Are Routinely Dismissed, but Amy Ziering Is Working to Change That

There were two VOTY winners from the journalism sphere: Attorney and Fox News host Eboni K. Williams and attorney and sports reporter Adrienne Lawrence. Last but not least, former pro basketball player and president of the WNBA Donna Orender also received an award.

Following the announcement of the winners, Hall took the stage again to close out the ceremony and drive home the importance of women's powerful voices, telling the audience of content creators: “You are women who really can help [others]. People who will never know your names will benefit from what you’re doing."

There's no beating around the bush: Being a mother is tough work. Rewarding, yes, but getting to those sweet rewards involves lots of time, attention and patience with your children. Raising a tiny human can take a lot out of you, and it doesn't get any easier when you feel the pressure of the outside world judging you on your skills as a mother and making sure you're doing a good job or when you see various aspects of motherhood being turned into a cruel joke in the media. 

This August, we wanted to take a look at positive representations of one aspect of motherhood that is still highly debated and stigmatized in real life: breastfeeding. Not only is August National Breastfeeding Month, but also, we're just plain fed up with repressive, rude opinions and stereotypes about breastfeeding continuing to proliferate when it is actually one of the most beautiful, loving things a mother can do for her child. 

More: 15 Celebrity Moms Who Struggled With Breastfeeding

On that note, we've put together a list of some notable moments when women were shown on-screen breastfeeding their child or dealing with a breastfeeding-related concern and the moment being used to illustrate just how good breastfeeding is while also destigmatizing the act of breastfeeding. It's interesting that many of these moments have happened on television (likely because television allows time for characters to talk about these issues), but we're glad that they happened period because destigmatizing breastfeeding is an initiative we should all get behind.

1. The Letdown

Australian comedy The Letdown tackles lots of issues concerning being a first-time new mother through the eyes of protagonist Audrey. As such, one of the issues the show focuses on is breastfeeding. Not only do we frequently see Audrey and her fellow new moms breastfeeding their children throughout the show, but we see them come together to support one mother who claims she was thrown out of a coffee shop for breastfeeding her child.  

2. Girls

The series finale of Girls was largely focused on Hannah's life as a new mother (which the above clip partially focuses on). Of course, Hannah's transition into motherhood was anything but smooth, as she faced a ton of obstacles in adjusting to being a mother, like successfully breastfeeding her son. But as Hannah slowly grew into her role as a new mom, she ended up being able to breastfeed, reminding viewers that new moms and their babies don't always get it right away and not everything — like breastfeeding — comes easily. 

3. Friends

Friends got very real and honest about the need to destigmatize breastfeeding when it came to the way men reacted to it and treated women who do breastfeed. Early on in the second season, Carol has brought over her and Ross' son, Ben, to visit with the gang. When she begins to breastfeed Ben and the women stay around her in the living room to chat because it's not a big deal, Joey and Chandler get a little weirded out and go to the kitchen. There, Ross encourages them to drop their repressive ideas about breastfeeding, reminding them it's totally natural and letting them know it's OK to ask Carol questions about it if they want. 

4. The Office

In the same vein as the Girls finale, The Office also tackled a tricky breastfeeding-related issue: getting your baby to latch so that they can feed. After Pam gives birth (which you can see in the clip above) to her first child, Cece, she finds that she's having trouble getting Cece to latch during her first day. We see Pam call for a specialist who is on staff to assist (a man, no less, which is pretty freakin' cool), and while it weirds Jim out a little to see a man helping his wife out, the important point this moment makes is that there is no shame if you, as a new mom, are having trouble getting your child to latch. 

5. Sex and the City

Sex and the City was very chill about breastfeeding, reminding us that it's a totally natural, normal, unsensational act when Miranda proceeded to breastfeed Brady while chitchatting with Carrie. Carrie may have had a bit of a shameful reaction to it, looking somewhat thrown as Miranda breastfed, but Miranda was totally cool about it, reacting like it's not a big deal and shouldn't be turned into a big deal either.

6. Charmed

New mom Piper was put on the defensive in Charmed when she was, unfortunately, harassed for breastfeeding her child in public. In one episode, she attempted to feed her new son while she was in a restaurant, but was asked to leave. Being asked to leave to feed your child is not the right message to grab on to here; instead, what's important is to be reminded that breastfeeding is not a sexual or lewd act that cannot be done in public. In fact, it's quite the opposite, and women should be able to breastfeed in a public space if they need to. 

7. The Office (again)

The Office did such a great job destigmatizing breastfeeding that it lands on our list for the second time, but this time around, it's for a more understated moment. The moment in question happens during season three, when one employee, Hannah, brings her infant son into work. At one point, she calls dunce manager Michael Scott over because another employee, Creed, is ogling her as she tries to pump, leading her to file a complaint. While Michael completely bungles the conflict resolution, the two key ideas presented here are that women should be free to breastfeed without feeling like their space is being invaded and that working mothers should have the option to do whatever is necessary to care for their children while at work, including pumping during the day so their child has food later. 

8. Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy has never shied away from discussing important topics related to women, and so it should come as no surprise they also low-key tackled a breastfeeding-related concern with total ease. The issue in question was the tricky side effect of breastfeeding, leaking, and it was shown when Miranda — a new mom at the time — was trying to console Addison, who was crying while they were working together. Miranda kept asking Addison to stop crying but Addison, not catching her drift, kept at it until Miranda accidentally leaked through her shirt, implying it was her body's natural response to that kind of behavior because she was a nursing mom. It's important to see that not only is breastfeeding normal, but all aspects of being a new mom are just as normal too, which Grey's showed perfectly in this instance. 

9. Game of Thrones

Arguably one of the most mundane instances on Game of Thrones where a woman's naked breast is visible happened when Sansa visited her aunt, Lysa Arryn. During their initial meeting, Lysa's son, Robert, approaches her for a feeding and does it as Lysa continues to talk, showing that women are actually capable of feeding their children and taking care of important business. It also sought to normalize breastfeeding of older children, a hot topic today. 

10. Gilmore Girls

Always a badass, Lorelai Gilmore once refused to partake in Luke's regressive stance on breastfeeding in public. While Luke spends most of this moment yammering on in typical Luke fashion about how a group of young mothers and their husbands are taking over all the seating in the diner and, horror of horrors, choosing to feed their children in public much in the same way Luke feeds his customers, Lorelai just sits back and shoots down his negativity as coolly as she can.  

More: Celebrity Moms You Should Follow on Twitter

11. Sesame Street

One of the oldest and most memorable moments breastfeeding was destigmatized on-screen was in 1976, when folk singer Buffy Sainte-Marie appeared on Sesame Street. Sainte-Marie's appearance focused on the singer talking about her Cree heritage and debunking misconceptions about the Native community, but it also included her breastfeeding her young son, Cody, while Big Bird looked on and asked her questions about why she was doing it.

Endometriosis affects 176 million women worldwide, though there is still a lot of misinformation about the disease, its symptoms and how to treat it. 

The symptom that people with endometriosis report the most is invariably pain, though the type of pain — and its location — varies. The severity and type of symptoms depend on a number of variables, including where endometriosis is located. For instance, many who have endometriosis on the recto-uterine pouch report IBS-like symptoms. Those with endometrial cysts may experience urinary frequency caused by increased pressure on the bladder. Endometriosis is mainly found in the pelvis, though it can also affect other areas of the body, including the diaphragm. It can reduce fertility in some women. This debilitating disease also has high comorbidity with a number of other conditions. 

With all this in mind, the treatment for endometriosis is not one-size-fits-all. While many people report long-term improvements after surgery, others notice relief with hormonal treatments and dietary changes. 

SheKnows asked 100 women what best helps alleviate their symptoms. Respondents ranged in age from 17 to 51, and 33 was the average age. There are obvious limitations, which here are the relatively small study size and the absence of full medical histories. 

Some of those we asked were able to report long-term benefits of certain medications, dietary changes or procedures, while others were fresh out of surgery. And many didn’t have access to certain treatments. A resounding message that came from many of the women with whom we spoke was this: Everybody is different.

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One of the great joys of reading is to be transported to other places and times. So often we think of historical fiction as books about the Tudors (especially Henry VIII) or just as historical romance, but the genre can also introduce us to interesting people and help us understand the past. 

Don't know where to start reading? Here are some suggestions that will take you around the world and into the past.

More: The Game of Thrones Spinoff Is Going to Be Fiery (Literally)

1. Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan

Beneath a Scarlet Sky is based on the true story of Pino Lella, a forgotten hero who joined an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps. That's not all: When Lella was 18, he was the personal driver for Adolf Hitler's left hand in Italy. This book will transport you back to one of history's darkest hours.

2. Terrible Virtue by Ellen Feldman

No matter what side of the aisle your political leanings have you, Planned Parenthood is a hot topic this election year. This book is the perfect way to learn more about Margaret Sanger, the nurse who founded the program to help women around the world.

More: 11 nonfiction books to help you start over in life

3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Few people now remember the unfathomable loss and the horrifying struggle for survival in the "single greatest maritime disaster in history," caused when Russian torpedoes brought down a former cruise ship filled with 10,000 refugees fleeing the ravages of World War II. This well-researched novel honors the human spirit.

4. Stars over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner

This novel takes us back to the golden years of Hollywood and onto the soundstage of one of the most beloved movies of all time: Gone with the Wind. Told from two time periods, this tale of glamour, secrets and friendships is the perfect escape from the modern world.

More: 12 dystopian novels where women kick the future's ass

5. Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon

Decades after the Hindenburg exploded over a New Jersey airfield, the cause of the disaster is still a mystery. This beautifully written novel is not only a fascinating, personal look at the passengers and crew on that fateful flight but a suspenseful take on how the airship was brought down.

6. Diamond Head by Cecily Wong

Fate, history, and deeply buried secrets follow the Leongs from war-torn China to the beaches of Hawaii. The novel, a family saga, spans three generations and two countries in exploring the strength of our cultural past even as we make a life in a new world.

7. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

8. Into the Savage Country by Shannon Burke

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

9. I Always Loved You by Robin Oliveira

Impressionism is one of the most loved art movements of the late 1800s. Although many of us recognize the name Edgar Degas, few know of his student, friend and possible lover Mary Cassatt. As told in this book, their story and that of the French art world is not to be missed.

10. Chasing the North Star by Robert Morgan

Set in the pre–Civil War era, this novel is an action-packed tale of one teenage boy's escape from slavery. Based on historic fact, it's a tribute to personal strength and the power of hope.

11. Stones in the Road by E.B. Moore

12. Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

Robert Louis Stevenson is known for his great adventure stories, but were you aware he was a man of delicate health? This well-researched novel focuses on Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne, the author's American wife, and her role in keeping Stevenson grounded and comfortable, especially after they relocate to the South Pacific.

More: 12 spectacular young-adult books by diverse authors

To say Nikki Bella and John Cena have had an eventful 2018 thus far would be a severe understatement. They began the year as a seemingly blissfully happy, engaged couple and quickly that turned into a series of events including the couple breaking up, reconciling for a brief time and then officially calling it quits. Now, it looks like Bella is attempting to find some closure and she may be speaking directly to Cena in a new, slightly cryptic Instagram post.

More: Nikki Bella & John Cena Are Officially Done for Real This Time

On Thursday, August 9, Bella took to her Instagram to post what appeared to be a text-based post that spoke directly to Cena — although we cannot be entirely sure although the caption that Bella included — "8/9 | 6" seems to be a reference to the six years that she and Cena would have marked on Thursday if they were still together. 

The picture itself is also quite telling that Bella was in a sentimental mood and was perhaps even seeking to close the Cena chapter in her life or, at the very least, put things in a good spot for them both. "You've changed me forever," the post reads. "I'll never forget you.

Bella has been posting similarly meaning-loaded yet vague posts recently, indicating something (mostly positive) about her journey thus far through this huge transition. On August 5, she posted a photo with a short quote that hinted at the fact that she is motivated to come out stronger than ever. 

"She has been through hell," the post reads. "So believe me when I say, fear her when she looks into the fire and smiles."

More: Did John Cena Hint at the Real Reason He & Nikki Bella Are Over for Good?

At the time Bella officially and permanently broke off the engagement to Cena, she gave a statement to E! News that planted the seeds of this hopeful mindset, telling the outlet: "After I called off the engagement, we tried to work on our relationship to get back to where it was, and in order to move forward with our wedding. After much time and soul-searching alone and together, we have decided to officially part ways. I had a beautiful and loving 6-year relationship with a wonderful man. I have the utmost respect for John, but I know this is what's best for me."

Rob Lowe has one. Bill Gates has one. Hell, even Warren Buffett has one. And you could too: the elusive McGold Card.

That's right; it's very real, and McDonald's is giving one away.

More: Starbucks & McDonald's Are Teaming Up to Help Save the Environment

What's so special about this card, you ask? It grants you free McDonald's for life. Did you read that? For life, people! Even if you aren't the biggest McDonald's fan, it's food that is free for the entire rest of your life.

Entering the McDonald's contest is incredibly easy too. Starting today and continuing through Aug. 24, all you need to do is place an order on the McDonald's app, and you're automatically entered to win. Seriously, that's it — no minimum purchase requirement, nothing. To increase your chance of winning, you can order McDonald's once a day every day until the contest ends, (hello, dollar menu!).

However, according to the tiny-text rules on the McGold Card website, you can enter the contest without purchasing one single item off the menu. Simply send an email to entry@amoeentry.com with that day's date (in the mm/dd/yy format) in the subject line and your first/last name in the body of the email. You can send one email per day.

This is the first time McDonald's has ever randomly given away its McGold Card, which dates all the way back to 1965, and apparently it has an approximate retail value of $52,350. (Um, if we win, can we just cash this card out?)

More: McDonald's Is Serving Up Wasabi Fries — Here's Where to Get Them

The winner will be announced on or around Aug. 29. In addition to receiving two meals per week for 50 years (which will be awarded as credit on the app and in cash), the McGold winner will also receive a 24-karat gold-plated phone case etched with their name.

McDonald's is not messing around with this contest, you guys.

Job searches are rough. First, you’ve got to find a gig that feels like a good fit, then you’ve got to make sure your résumé is up to date and lively, and then there’s the — let’s just call it what it is — dreaded cover letter. You’ve already filled out an application and attached your résumé, probably sent along your LinkedIn profile — don’t companies have enough?

No, according to Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster, because what they’re looking for in a cover letter isn’t a list of previous jobs, but a glimpse at you as a potential candidate. “It’s your elevator pitch in writing,” says Salemi. “So if you’re talking to someone, and you only have 30 seconds to highlight who you are and what makes you awesome, that needs to go in the cover letter.” Just make sure it’s relevant to the position you’re applying for.

How to format your cover letter

[Your email and phone number]
[Date]

Dear [Employer],

I’m interested in applying to [job title] [requisition number].

[Here’s why.]

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

A few key basics on formatting

1. Keep it under a page
2. Avoid gender in your greeting (e.g., don’t say “Dear Sir,” but “Dear Employer,” or something similar)
3. Customize it to the job you’re applying for

OK. Now that the formatting is out of the way, here's what you need to know about writing your cover letter.

1. Include the job title & requisition number in the application

Although you’re likely submitting your application all at once, when it’s getting forwarded to other people in the company, it may come piecemeal, so it’s important to include both the job title and the requisition number — if there is one — on your cover letter. The same goes for your contact information, Salemi adds.

More: Why You’re Sabotaging Your Success at Work if You Skip Your Lunch Break

2. Make it pop

“Think about if your résumé was in a hardcover format, and you wanted to literally physically take a yellow highlighter and highlight the top three things…what would you want to stand out?” Salemi explains. “The highlighted section of your résumé goes in your cover letter.”

3. Use the job description as a guide

The job description for the position you’re applying for can clue you into what you should talk about in your cover letter, both in terms of content and tone. Most of the time, “the most important responsibilities are in descending order,” Salemi says, so use this as a suggestion for which parts of your background should make sure to include in your letter.

Additionally, the tone of the job description can give you an idea of the company’s culture and how much personality to include in your cover letter. But don’t get too caught up in being entertaining. “I would focus more on content than personality,” Salemi suggests. “However, if the job you’re pursuing is for a copywriter at an ad agency, and let’s say their job description is really fun and quirky, then absolutely your response — especially as a writer position — technically you should view the cover letter as a writing sample.”

If it’s possible to get a sense of their company culture or values on their website or social media, this can also help you decide on how much to spice up the language in your cover letter.

More: A New Report Shares the Reality of Coming Out With a Disability in the Workplace

4. Include accolades, accomplishments, numbers

It’s important to get specific about your accomplishments, Salemi urges. If you’ve won a relevant award, name it and include it. The same goes for other quantifiable assets. “Maybe you’re an awesome manager and you saved the company a ton of money each fiscal year while managing a team of 10 — that’s important to highlight,” she says. If you managed a big budget, include how big the budget was. Avoid vague, general statements and try to include these kinds of specifics.

On the other hand, “If you don’t have those impressive numbers… you don’t want to include a number that’s not stellar,” she says. Figure out what is most marketable about your experience and run with that.

And your cover letter doesn’t have to be exclusively about work. If you have relevant experience thanks to volunteering, if you’ve taken a class or have some kind of industry knowledge, those are worth including too.

5. Address the elephant in the room

Maybe you’re looking at jobs out of state (though Salemi suggests that you leave your address off of your résumé and cover letter and simply include an email and phone number). Maybe you’re applying for a position that your job history doesn’t immediately seem relevant for. If there’s something you know might raise a question for your employer when they’re looking at your application, it’s worth addressing it.

More: 13 Side Hustle Ideas for Some Extra Summer Cash

“Employers can take as little as a few seconds to look at a cover letter or résumé to make a decision whether or not to proceed,” Salemi says. “So it’s OK to address the elephant in the room.”

More than anything, take the time to write the cover letter. "Don’t procrastinate or postpone it," Salemi says. "It’s the key to the open door for you to get past that first round."

After news arrived that Sara Haines would be leaving The View and heading over to Good Morning America to cohost the third hour with Michael Strahan, fans of the show were undoubtedly curious to see who would come aboard as the newest, opinionated member at the table. Well, on Thursday, the time finally arrived; the next cohost for The View has been confirmed.

More: The View Is Losing Another Cast Member, but You Can Still See Her on Daytime TV

According to E! News, former Fox & Friends Weekend cohost Abby Huntsman will be coming aboard the View ship soon. While an official start date has not been confirmed, E! News did confirm that Huntsman's last appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend will be on August 11 and 12. Neither ABC nor Huntsman have officially commented on the news, however, a source close to the situation told E! News, "Abby has lots of fans at ABC and is expected to land at The View."

Huntsman will likely add a more conservative viewpoint to The View's roundtable — a viewpoint that will be shared by cohost and former Fox News contributor Meghan McCain. In addition to being a wife and mother, Huntsman, who joined Fox News in 2015, comes from a deeply political background. Growing up in Utah, Huntsman served as a political commentator for ABC in 2012 when her father, Jon M. Huntsman Jr. a Republican who currently serves as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, ran a presidential campaign. During her time on Fox & Friends Weekend, she has been one of the few leading female cohosts and commentators who was embraced by viewers — until accidentally referring to the meeting between President Donald J. Trump and North Korean leader Kim-Jong Un as a meeting between "two dictators," a comment that caused outrage amongst viewers. In spite of this blip, Huntsman is a seasoned TV personality with prestigious credits including repeated visits on Piers Morgan Tonight, The Cycle and PoliticsNation With Al Sharpton.

More: The View's Meghan McCain Tied the Knot in a Secret Desert Wedding

Huntsman is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the View table and we're already curious to see what kind of chemistry she has with the other cohosts. Bring. It On.