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Kelly Ripa Remembers the Exact Moment She Fell in Love With Mark Consuelos

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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have been married for 22 years, and they have three beautiful children together. Their romance, often featured on their respective social media accounts, seems like something straight out of a fairy tale: sweet, sexy and, most of all, totally committed. Apparently, even before they were together, Ripa knew that Consuelos was the one for her, which seems almost too good to be true.

More: Kelly Ripa Recommends Doing This if You Want a Long, Healthy Marriage

People reports that in an interview with Bruce Bozzi on Tuesday's episode of the Radio Andy podcast, Ripa admitted that she knew she'd marry Consuelos even before they met. “I saw my husband in a photograph before I saw him [in person]. I knew [I'd marry him] when I saw his photograph.”

Aww, that is just too cute! Ripa and Consuelos met when he auditioned to play Mateo Santos on All My Children, opposite Ripa as Hayley Vaughan. “They had been looking for this character for some time," Ripa said. "They were looking really for a Latino actor, not an actor that was like — they didn’t want like a dark-haired guy. They wanted a Latino actor. And so I had auditioned every Latino actor in the city and around the city and then California. And then all of a sudden, Judy Blye Wilson, who was the casting director at All My Children, said, ‘I found him.’”

Ripa said, “When I saw him, the photograph of him, I saw my entire future with him flash before — like I saw it. And I don’t believe in any of that and now I do because of that moment.” Their chemistry was so great that Consuelos was obviously offered the role, and their characters actually married during their run on the soap opera.

More: Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos Are Peak Proud Parents Over Son's Riverdale Role

But while Ripa knew they were meant to be before they even met, Consuelos told HuffPost Live in October 2014, “I thought she was adorable, hot and sexy and all that stuff, but I was very focused — I didn’t really think I had a chance with her, so I wasn’t really focused on that.”

It's nice when things work out, isn't it? We love this love story.


After 40 Years, the Grease Reunion We've Always Wanted Finally Happened

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On Wednesday, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John reunited for a 40th-anniversary screening of Grease, and let me tell you, reuniting has never looked or felt so good to watch.

According to Entertainment Tonight, the pair — who will forever be known as Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson from that beloved movie musical, at least in our minds — arrived Wednesday evening at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles for the special event. Per the news outlet, after joking and smiling and dancing (yes, dancing!), Travolta and Newton-John were joined by former Grease costars Didi Conn and Barry Pearl, who played Frenchy and Doody respectively, on the red carpet. Later, the Grease stars were joined by the film's director, Randal Kleiser.

More: New Claims About John Travolta & Kelly Preston's Lives as Scientologists Emerge

Grease, originally released on June 16, 1978, may be 40 years old, but amazingly, it is still the second-highest-grossing live-action musical in history, trumped only by Beauty and the Beast according to Box Office Mojo.

In a recent issue of People, the cast discussed what the film meant to each of them: “We did something life-changing, making that film,” Newton-John said about her friendship with Travolta. “[At the premiere,] you got the feeling from the energy that something was happening. It was a huge response. I feel grateful to be a part of that and to have worked with him. We’ve stayed friends ever since.”

And Travolta echoed a similar sentiment: “When you share that kind of meteoric success—and nothing has been able to exceed it—you share a bond [, and while] I’ve been through her having a child, getting divorced, losing her sister, she’s been through my getting married, having children,” Travolta said. “It’s wonderful and full of shared memories.”

More: All the Nostalgic TV Shows & Movies Being Rebooted in 2018

It seems the pair is still hopelessly devoted to one another even after all this time —and we are so here for it.

A Car Seat Photo Lands Chip Gaines in Hot Water, but Not for the Reason You Think

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Being the parent to a newborn is no joke, and Chip Gaines knows that firsthand. He and Joanna Gaines, his business partner and wife, now have five kids, including little Crew, who is just about 7 weeks old.

More: Joanna Gaines Is Showing Off Baby Crew's Nursery & Giving Us Design Tips

So when he posted a silly picture on his Instagram about car seats, it was bound to get a reaction. But it wasn't for the reason you might think!

In the picture, you can see that Gaines has placed the baby's car seat on the stovetop, which clearly isn't a great idea (though luckily, Crew is snuggled up safely somewhere else).

But what people really took issue with was the tray of cornbread sitting next to the seat.

Some people mistook it for plain old cake, wondering why it was completely devoid of frosting, and one person even thought it was a casserole. Still others couldn't help but hone in on the strange way the cornbread was cut, through the middle instead of along the edge.

“What car seat? I can’t get past the cake with no frosting AND it was cut in the middle! BLASPHEMY!” one commenter wrote. 

More: Chip Gaines Slammed Negative Parenting Comments So Hard, It Forced an Apology

Our theory? The Gaines household is full of kids, and kids are notoriously picky about things like corner pieces and crusts. Chances are there were more than a few hungry mouths in the house that wanted an edge-free piece of cornbread, so cut through the middle they did.

The car seat on the stovetop might not be the greatest parenting example, but baked good distribution flexibility? That's what being a dad is all about.

Serena Williams Had the Best Response to a Coach Who Said to Stop Breastfeeding

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Legendary tennis player Serena Williams is a force to be reckoned with, especially as a parent. The seven-time Wimbledon winner recently sat down with Time magazine and recalled an instance when her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, told her to stop breastfeeding her newborn daughter, Alexis Olympia — so that she could refocus her efforts on tennis.

More: Serena Williams Misses Baby's First Steps, Cries, Is Consoled by Chrissy Teigen

"It's absolutely hard to take that from a guy," she told the magazine. "He's not a woman. He doesn't understand that connection, that the best time of the day for me was when I tried to feed her. I've spent my whole life making everyone happy, just servicing it seems like everyone. And this is something I wanted to do." 

Imagine for a moment what it'd be like to have the confidence (and overall gall) to tell one of the world's greatest athletes what to do with her body. (Perhaps you'll want to hold onto that confidence and channel it into asking for a raise.)

For clarity, a study published in the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology in 2001 found that moderate exercise does not negatively impact milk production or quality. As with most everything else, the best way to determine what's best for you and your body is to consult with a doctor. There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to breastfeeding or exercise. 

More: Serena Williams Wants to Pass Along This Body-Positive Lesson to Her Daughter 

Ultimately, Williams decided on her terms to stop breastfeeding after eight months. 

"I looked at Olympia, and I was like, 'Listen, Mommy needs to get her body back, so Mommy's going to stop now,'" she told Time. "We had a really good conversation. We talked it out." 

Despite the pressure she received from critics, Williams said breastfeeding was an important part of her motherhood experience. 

"You have the power to sustain the life that God gave her," she said. "You have the power to make her happy, to calm her. At any other time in your life, you don't have this magical superpower." 

More: Serena Williams' Message to Moms Post-Wimbledon Defeat Is So Inspiring

This wasn't the first time Williams acknowledged how maternity has changed her game. After her Wimbledon loss in July, the new mom admitted that she's "just getting started" on her journey to balance both parenting and tennis. 

"It was obviously disappointing, but I can't be disappointed. I have so much to look forward to," she told a reporter in a postgame interview. "You know, I'm literally just getting started, so, you know, I'm looking forward to it... To all the moms out there, I was playing out there for you today, and I tried... I look forward to continuing to be back out here and do what I do best." 

Get it, queen. 

We Can't Handle This Game of Thrones Star's Hints About the Final Season

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With just six episodes planned for its eighth and final season, HBO's Game of Thrones is going to pack a huge punch when it returns in 2019. Since this season will tell fans who wins in the battle between fire and ice and who lays claim to Westeros once the war is won, there's so much at stake. True to HBO's fierce no-spoilers policy for those involved in the series, we don't know much about the upcoming season, but what we do know is that we should probably have tissues at the ready... and maybe some things to throw at the TV if any more of our faves die.

More: Kit Harington Is Making Everyone Cry With His Game of Thrones Finale Statements

In an incredibly teasing interview with the Hindustan Times on Wednesday, actor Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Daenerys Targaryen's (Emilia Clarke) longtime friend and advisor, Missandei, revealed that the series finale is going to be even more epic than audiences could ever guess.

"I think what we can expect from the final season of [Game of Thrones] is just a real push," Emmanuel said. "Like in the last couple of seasons, we have seen the pace of the show increase with the stakes getting higher and higher. There are so many storylines that have to come to conclusion. We have to play them out, so the pace of the show is continuing on that sense."

She added, "There are so many characters and stories that haven't found their conclusion. So, this season is going to be incredibly satisfying for people. It is going to be incredibly exciting and heartbreaking."

Emmanuel could be describing any season of GoT, especially because she can't go into details about what she means. However, we can speculate that since she told the Hindustan Times, "It took us longer to shoot this season than any of the seasons," she was probably (maybe?) around for most of it. That could mean that Missandei survives, which could also mean that Daenerys is triumphant in her quest for the Iron Throne. 

This comment, however, makes us question whether we can predict anything at all about the series finale: "I feel like people will have their mind blown when they watch the final one."

More: Emilia Clarke Shared a Cryptic Game of Thrones Message Over the Weekend

What does that mean? Season seven ended with Daenerys' ice dragon, Viserion, blasting away at The Wall. Meanwhile, we learned that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is a Targaryen himself, confirming fan theories that he isn't Ned Stark's (RIP) son at all. Given how much the series has covered since it premiered in 2011, we wouldn't be surprised by anything at this point.

These 2 Big Little Lies Stars Are Teaming Up for a New Movie

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Big news for Big Little Lies fans: According to Vogue, Laura Dern has joined the cast of Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, making her the second BLL star to sign on for the project. There's no word yet on who Dern will play, but we are already hoping and praying that she will be confirmed to play Marmee because, hello, Dern radiates pure Marmee energy.

More: We Know More About Meryl Streep's Role in Big Little Lies, & It's So Good

Just a few weeks before Dern's casting announcement on Thursday, it was announced that Meryl Streep — who is set to play Mary Louise Wright in Big Little Lies season two — had signed on to the star-studded cast to play the imperious Aunt March. Additionally, in July, Gerwig revealed other members of her supremely talented cast would include Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, both of Lady Bird (which Gerwig wrote and directed), Florence Pugh (who starred in 2017’s Lady Macbeth) and Emma Stone.

But with Dern, Stone, Ronan and Streep, can it really get any better? We think not. 

Well, possibly. Robin Swicord, who wrote the screenplays for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Memoirs of a Geisha, will be producing the film along with Denise Di Novi and Amy Pascal.

The latest adaptation of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel — which follows sisters Amy, Jo, Beth, Meg and their mother as they learn to navigate life alone in Civil War-era Massachusetts — comes just months after PBS released a three-hour miniseries earlier in 2018 and more than 20 years after the original Little Women film (which starred Winona Ryder, Christian Bale, Kirsten Dunst, Claire Danes and Susan Sarandon) hit theaters.

Of course, fans of Dern’s are, understandably, losing their minds at the thought of her infusing this new version of Little Women with her love and light.


More: All the Nostalgic TV Shows & Movies Being Rebooted in 2018

Adding another Emmy-nominated actor to this already amazing cast is sure to make the film extra special. Now we all just need to find a way to make it to 2019, when the film is slated to be released, without fainting from excitement. 

There's a Measles Outbreak in 21 States Right Now Because of Unvaccinated Kids

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Measles is a highly contagious but very preventable disease. In fact, after the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, the number of annual cases dropped in the United States from 3 to 4 million in 1963 to something so negligible the disease was declared eradicated in 2000 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, in recent years, measles has seen something of a resurgence in this U.S., and this year is no different. According to a CDC report released on Wednesday, there have been 107 confirmed cases of measles over a recent six-month period. Yep, 107 confirmed cases from Jan. 1 to July 14 alone.

More: These Are the Vaccines Your Kid Needs Before Going Back to School

The outbreak has affected individuals from 21 states — including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and the District of Columbia — and while both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals have been affected, the CDC has confirmed that most of the 2018 cases have involved those who were unvaccinated.

The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected and include red eyes, a cough, runny nose, a high fever and a red rash that spreads all over the body. While the severity of each case will vary, 1 out of every 4 individuals diagnosed with measles will need to be hospitalized — and two to three cases (per 1,000) will result in death.

So, why is measles making a comeback? According to Popular Science, the rise in the number of measles cases is likely due to the declining number of children receiving MMR vaccines. As fewer and fewer parents choose to get their children vaccinated (for religious or other reasons), we begin losing the crucial herd immunity that protects us en masse from a disease. And that is a problem, not only for those who refuse the vaccine but for those who are too young to get the vaccine and/or physically cannot get the vaccine. What’s more, not even those who have been vaccinated against measles are safe. While “the measles vaccine is pretty amazing,” says Popular Science journalist Sara Chodosh, it does only prevent one from contradicting the disease 97 percent of the time — making vaccination very, very important.

More: How to Change Skeptical Parents' Minds About Vaccines

But it isn't just the measles vaccine that matters: all childhood vaccinations are important because it's so much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it after it occurs. So if you have a school-age child, be sure to get them vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox (varicella). Because the truth is in the science: Vaccinations save lives.

Busy Philipps Encourages Sibling Rivalry for the Weirdest Reason

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For Busy Philipps' family, dinnertime is all about fun and games. The actor and soon-to-be host of E!'s Busy Tonight recently told Us Weekly that she encourages her two daughters, Birdie and Cricket, to eat their vegetables by raising the stakes. 

"I use sibling rivalry," she told the magazine. "I'm like, 'I feel like Cricket's going to finish her broccoli first,' and then Birdie's like, 'I can finish it first.'" 

As Shakespeare probably told his children at his table, "All's fair in love and nutrition — even bribing your kids." 

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

Of course, Philipps doesn't just expect her kids to eat well at home. Philipps, who recently partnered with Tropicana, also told Us about her plans to fuel her girls during the school year. 

"We've been talking a lot about trying to make some better choices in our lunchboxes for my kids and not having the end of the day where I'm unpacking just a bunch of uneaten food, which is the most frustrating thing when you're a parent" she explained.

To make sure the kids' bellies — and not their lunch pails — are full at the end of the day, Philipps says she includes them in the meal-prep process. 

More: Busy Philipps Reams Delta for Rerouting Her Daughter — to a Different Plane!

"I'm a big believer, too, in asking my kids what they want to eat," she said. "And sometimes it's hard to get your kids to answer, and you can say that. You can say, 'If you don't answer me, you're just going to get what I feel like putting in there.' But I do find that they've gotten kind of into it, so I get less uneaten food at home." 

As for her kids' favorite meals? Well, Birdie prefers meats and cheeses, while Cricket is content eating rice and beans out of a thermos. Hey, whatever floats your bento box. 


Build Your Art Collection With Target's Super-Affordable Society6 Collaboration

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Target has always been our go-to when we're looking for affordable but stylish home decor, and they've been upping their game recently in all departments. Whether we're drooling over their collab with Joanna and Chip Gaines or scooping up fashionable gender-neutral clothes for our kids, it's hard not to walk out with way more than was on our shopping list already.

And it's about to get even worse... which means their offerings are getting even better. 

More: 12 Super-Chic Furniture Items You Won't Believe You Can Buy on Amazon

That's because the chain has teamed up with online art website Society6 to offer a new line of affordable prints from independent artists. They come in a variety of sizes, and some even come framed so you don't have to worry about finding one that's the perfect size (or "waiting until I find a frame" and never hanging the picture at all).

They'll be selling 40 of Society6's best-selling prints, featuring artists Tracie Andrews, Ingrid Beddoes, Cat Coquillette, Garrett Lockhart and Ambers Textiles. The styles range from painterly folk art to nature photography, so there's truly something for every home designer and something for every room of the house.

More: 9 Summer Home Trends That Have Serious Staying Power

Wouldn't these paintings from Cat Coquillette look darling in the kitchen? 

Cat Coquillette Avocado Print

Avocado wall art, $16 at Target

Cat Coquillette Donut Painting

Pink doughnut wall art, $16 at Target

The line starts at $16 for an unframed 8-inch-by-10-inch print and tops out at $149 for a framed 30-inch-by-30-inch print. For a limited time, you can get many of the framed prints for 25 percent off, so you can start to build your art collection without breaking the bank. It's time to take down those movie posters you originally bought for your college dorm — your ultimate home makeover is happening now

ICYMI: Aldi Sells Knockoff Girl Scout Cookies Year-Round

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Anyone else still wish their local Girl Scouts troop was still camped outside your grocery store? Us too. But thanks to Aldi, we don't have to wait until next year to get our hands on another box (or two) of Samoas. The German grocer apparently sells knockoffs that are just as addicting.

More: Aldi Announces 2 New Advent Calendars (& They Are Coming to the States)

The brand is Benton's, and nestled in the cookies aisle of Aldi, there are three flavors to choose from that closely resemble your favorite Girl Scout cookies: fudge mint (Thin Mints), caramel-coconut fudge (Samoas) and peanut butter-filled (Tagalongs).

Apparently, these cookies have been here quite some time. Aldi Reviewer posted a review about these indulgent treats back in 2016, even describing the fudge mint cookies as better than the name-brand Keebler Grasshopper cookies. 

"If cookie-selling season is over and you need a Girl Scout cookie fix," the reviewer writes, "Aldi's Benton's cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth."

According to Delish, the boxes cost between $1.30 and $1.45, which costs far less than a box from the Girl Scouts. The best part is Aldi sells these cookies year-round. Now, this is a great option when you need your fix, but obviously, if you can buy through the troop, do it! As we all know, proceeds head straight to their leadership programs. 

"When you buy Girl Scout Cookies you are not only helping girls become business trailblazers, you're also helping them power their Girl Scout adventures and ensuring they have access to the cutting-edge leadership experiences and opportunities that only Girl Scouts can offer," Girl Scouts USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo said in a press release.

More: Aldi Plans to Add 700 More Grocery Stores Nationwide & Increase Its Fresh Food Items

As far as what we can expect from the Girl Scout's next year, they've announced they will sell a new gluten-free cookie: salted caramel chocolate chip. In the meantime, though, spot us at Aldi grabbing all three flavors.

You Need to See Angela Bassett's Jaw-Droppingly Perfect 60th Birthday Photo

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Let’s face it: Angela Bassett is a bombshell and has been for many years. Her arms are toned and her abs are tight, and she is a beautiful soul (actively supporting numerous charitable causes including UNICEF and the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club in St. Petersburg, Florida). But unlike Stella — one of the actor's most infamous roles — Bassett has never needed to get her “groove back” because she has had it all along, and a recent photo that she took on her 60th (60th!) birthday proves it.

More: It's Time We All Recognized the Amazing Essence Black Women in Hollywood Event

In a post to her Twitter (and also posted to her Instagram), Bassett shared an image of herself smirking while rocking a two-piece with the caption "Happy Birthday to all my Leo brothers and sisters. Let’s eat cake.”

Of course, Twitter absolutely lost their minds (and TBH, we kinda did too) because Bassett appears to be ageless. She's glowing, confident, gorgeous. Seriously, what is happening right now? Twitter seemed equally as in awe, as the comments her follower made seem to prove. 


However, in our opinion, the most stunning thing about Bassett's new picture isn't about her body, it's about her eyes. You can totally see that glimmer of pure happiness shining through as she makes eye contact with the camera and it's totally inspiring to the rest of us. Whatever she's having, well, we'll have a little bit of that, too.

More: Meg Ryan Is Absolutely Killin' It While on Vacation in Italy

That said, this isn't the first time the Mission Impossible: Fallout star has flaunted her envy-worth figure on social media. In May, Bassett posted a photo of herself in a black bathing suit that featured sultry cutout that showed off her toned figure. A few days earlier, the actor struck a saucy pose while rocking some white cutoffs. 

Just one look at Bassett's 60th birthday photo and these photos from May and we're already looking up gym memberships and anti-aging serums because she is officially beauty and fitness goals. Whatever Bassett is doing, she definitely should keep doing it because she's proving that age is truly nothing but a number.

Haylie Duff Hates This Common Salad Topping, & She's Kind of Right

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As an actor, singer, writer, TV host and fashion designer, Haylie Duff is a powerhouse. While she's certainly got plenty of work to do, her real passion is food. She wasn't always talented in the kitchen, but with time and perseverance, she found her friends were regularly asking her for recipes. So she started her blog, Real Girl's Kitchen, which led to The Real Girl's Kitchen Cookbook and a TV show called — you guessed it! — The Real Girl's Kitchen on the Cooking Channel.

But what's really going on in her refrigerator? We asked her to give us the details of all the food she's loved and hated, and how she really gets dinner on the table.

SheKnows: Tell us a little bit about what’s in your fridge. 

Haylie Duff: I keep a very well-stocked home. My pantry is always full, and so is my fridge. But at any given moment, I need to be able to whip up a meal and I need options. I usually keep fresh greens, fruit, cheeses, tortillas, lemons, etc.

SK: What about your freezer? 

HD: My freezer is all about entrées. I keep lots of fresh pork and other lean proteins in there so I always have meal options. And [daughter] Ryan also loves salmon, so I cut big filets in to individual servings so I can make quick meals for her.

Haylie Duff's refrigerator

SK: Are there any items you always make sure to keep in stock? 

HD: I can usually make most things with onions, carrots, lemon, celery and a protein.

More: The Surprising Ingredient Olympian Hilary Knight Puts in Her Smoothies

SK: What’s your go-to healthy snack? 

HD: We love avocado in our family. So we do avocado crackers for midday snacks. And Ryan loves raw veggies and ranch.

SK: What about snacks for Ryan? 

HD: Ry digs fruit for snacks. She loves dried mango, avocado and chips, carrots and ranch, raisins, etc.

More: Whitney Port Has Never Eaten Pasta — No, We're Not Kidding

SK: Can you give us an example of one of your favorite weeknight meals?

HD: One of my favorite recipes that I like to cook for the family during a busy weeknight is my pork gyros with fresh tzatziki. It uses Smithfield slow-smoked mesquite-marinated fresh pork loin filet because it's preseasoned, so there’s no prep work, and I can get a flavorful, home-cooked meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but everyone can customize it and add their favorite toppings. 

SK: What would you consider the ultimate comfort food? 

HD: My mind instantly goes to mac and cheese [laughs].

SK: Any foods you absolutely can’t stand? 

HD: Raw onion! It’s really the only thing I won’t eat.

More: A Look Inside Paige Davis' Fridge

SK: Which country’s cuisine is your favorite, and why? 

HD: I would probably choose Italian. I love French food too, but I love the Italian way of eating. Leisurely and often! Plus, I always have cheese, meats, great bread and a glass of wine.

SK: If you could only use one small kitchen appliance (microwave, blender, slow cooker, etc.) for an entire month, which one would you choose? 

HD: The slow cooker. I have really fallen in love with mine recently. It’s a fantastic way to cook anything that comes in big portions like carnitas or ribs. I have been shredding the meat and eating it on top of crisp green salads with spicy avocado dressing. So yummy!

SK: What’s the strangest food you have ever eaten?

HD: I don’t really know... I’m not so down with the strange stuff!

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Speech to Her Veep Family Is Perfect

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It's been a roller coaster of a time for the Veep cast and crew as they have rallied around the show's star, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as she has bravely battled breast cancer after announcing her diagnosis in September 2017. In the ensuing months, cast members like Tony Hale and Timothy Simons have made videos to cheer Louis-Dreyfus on and Veep actually confirmed they would postpone production on the final season until the star got well. Now, it's Louis-Dreyfus' turn to show her love and appreciation for her work family's constant support. 

More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus Just Returned to Work, & the Photo Is Everything

When rehearsals began for season seven earlier this week, Louis-Dreyfus made sure to record a video of her addressing the Veep cast and crew before they began rolling. During her short speech, the Emmy-winning actor wanted to thank everyone for all their unending support during the last 11 months. 

"I really appreciate everyone coming back and working it out to come back. I'm very grateful. Thank you very much. Love you guys," she remarked before cheerfully exclaiming, "Season seven!"

Louis-Dreyfus' sentimental speech is yet another instance of her documenting all of the fun she is having back on the Veep set, surrounded by her longtime friends. Since officially getting back to work on Aug. 9, Louis-Dreyfus has been posting fun photos and videos for her followers, including a recent video of her and costar Tony Hale. In the video, Louis-Dreyfus, in full Selina Meyer garb plus a wig, carefully shaved off Hale's epic mustache. Both actors made deadpan comments about how the 'stache just had to go as the transformed Hale back into his Veep character, Gary Walsh. 

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

It is so, so good to see Louis-Dreyfus looking radiant and readier than ever to dive back into work. She's fought so hard to get back to a healthy, productive place and it looks like she has no intention of letting this streak of good luck slip through her fingers. 

Sarah Drew Reflects on Her 'Profound & Incredible' Time on Grey's Anatomy

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Production on the historic fifteenth season of Grey's Anatomy is already underway and the cast has already expressed just how excited they are to be a part of the "Season of Love". But, sadly, not everyone will be able to participate in this highly-anticipated season, like former Grey's Anatomy star Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner for the better part of nine years. In Drew's case, all she can do right now is reflect on her time on the show and recall all the highs (and one serious low) she acquired during her run. 

More: The Grey's Anatomy Cast Is Getting Sentimental About Its Historic Upcoming Season

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Drew wasn't afraid to get candid about her time of Grey's. That reflection began with ripping off the proverbial Band-Aid and recalling to the news outlet in vivid detail what it was like the day she learned that she had been fired. 

"It was in the afternoon and I went back to my trailer and I did my crying and called my people. A whole bunch of people came into my trailer to give me hugs and cry with me and tell me they were so sad I was leaving. I was supposed to be shadowing Kevin this whole episode with the hope that I would get to direct an episode of Grey's but [after being let go] it seemed like wasn't a possibility anymore," she told THR. 

And while Drew did call the whole process of getting fired but still having to work that day a "painful" time (she explained the firing was because "they needed to downsize because they couldn't service all of the characters effectively"), she said that she is "a believer in things happening for a reason and finding beauty in the midst of grief." For that reason, it would seem, she can now look back at her time on Grey's and speak of it only in the most genuine, kindest terms. 

"I don't regret or begrudge anybody this season of my life. I'm embracing it. I had a profound and incredible season of my life on Grey's Anatomy. I got to tell stories I believed in. I got to work with Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers and learn from the best. I got to work with an incredible community of people that I will have lifelong friendships with," she said. "I got to build a platform and have my children in an environment where I was cared for because of who Shonda is and how she takes care of her mamas and her women. It's hard for me to come up with anything I could be angry about," Drew explained.

More: The First Photos of Grey's Anatomy Season 15 Are Here, & They're Promising

With that lovingly Zen attitude about the entire process that was her departure from Grey's, it seems like Drew is taking on a considerably less hectic work schedule these days. After the TV show she jumped into right after Grey's, a reboot of the hit '80s show Cagney & Lacey, didn't get picked up, her IMDb indicates that she has just two projects in the works: the feature film Indivisible and a short film titled A Cohort of Guests. From there, anything is possible and you know what? We're pretty darn excited to see what she does next.

10 Products to Help You Survive Summer Road Trips With Kids

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Traveling with kids can be tricky no matter your mode of transportation — but road trips might be the most taxing of all. The key to survival? Be prepared, organized, anticipatory and, most of all, flexible. To achieve all of those at once, we’ve rounded up 10 travel-friendly products that will help keep your kids comfortable, occupied and happy for the long haul.

1. Seat belt protector cushion

Seat Belt Protector Cushion

One of the first steps when planning for road trips with kids is striving for comfort. It's uncomfortable enough for us adults to sit in a car for hours on end; just imagine what it's like for antsy, overenergetic kids stuck in the backseat. One solution is the seat belt protector cushion. These pads for seat belts are made for older kids who use a regular seat belt and are out of a full car seat. Easy to use, this protector cushion is a great way to prevent a sore neck or shoulder, easy to remove and clean (thanks to a Velcro closure) and will comfortably cushion your child’s head when they inevitably fall asleep in the car.

Seat belt protector cushion, available at Amazon

2. Traveling car seat accessory

Travelling Car Seat Accessory

Car seat? Check. Suitcase? Check. Traveling toddler? Maybe not yet, but this unique car seat accessory is a safe and comfortable way to travel with your child, as this toddler strap allows you to easily attach your car seat to a rolling carry-on suitcase. Now, wherever and however you travel, you can quickly connect the car seat to your luggage without having to remove the kids from the seat. Once the accessory is attached, it can be detached and reattached in seconds. The best part is that it works with almost all car seats, slips easily into the pocket of your carry-on when not in use and keeps your toddler safe and comfortable.

Traveling car seat accessory, available at Amazon

3. Car garbage can

Car Garbage Can

Another way to make road trips more pleasant is to keep a clean and organized car. The Drive Bin is a versatile container that will help keep your vehicle clean and doubles as a soft cooler for travel snacks and drinks. This garbage can is perfect for road trips, as you tend to collect a ton of junk during a long car ride with kids. As a bonus, the Drive Bin comes with a 20-pack of extra waterproof liner bags that will help keep the car tidy and odor-free.

The Drive Bin, available at Amazon

4. Travel board games

Travel Board Games

An obvious yet invaluable survival tool when on a road trip are games. This superset of 12 board games is great, as they are compact, portable and, best of all, magnetic, so the pieces stay on the board. Games included are checkers, chess, Chinese checkers, tic-tac-toe, backgammon, snakes and ladders, solitaire, nine men’s morris, auto racing, ludo, Space Venture and racing.

Travel board games, available at Amazon

5. Backseat travel kit

Backseat Travel Kit

Another great travel accessory for long car rides is the Kid's Backseat Travel Kit by Rand McNally. The bundle includes three activity books (which have puzzles, quizzes and games) a 32-page doodle book and two sticker sheets. All are housed in a sturdy case fitted with a magnetic closure with room to store extra writing and drawing utensils and paper.

Backseat travel kit, available at Amazon

6. Backseat car organizer

Backseat Car Organizer

With all the games, toys and coloring paraphernalia you’ll be bringing with you on your road trip, it might be helpful to have a place to store them for easy access. This backseat car organizer has pockets to store almost everything needed for travel and your daily routine essentials. Declutter your backseat with this insulated neoprene organizer that features thermal pockets to keep your drinks extra cold or hot for six to eight hours and a clear touch-screen viewer window for tablets.

Backseat car organizer, available at Amazon 

7. Travel lap tray

Travel Lap Tray

Another option for stress-free road trips is the travel lap tray. This tray is durable, made of foam and has plastic inserts to create a solid, firm and flat surface for your child to write and play on. Also included is a zipper-protected pocket and expandable storage to hold notebooks, crayons and snacks, all within arms reach. The lap tray is durable, wipe-able and machine washable for germ-free cleaning. The tray is also easy to put on and take off. Simply wrap the adjustable strap around your child’s waist and click.

Travel lap tray, available at Amazon 

8. Kids headphones

Let your children control their own music and video with these kid-specific headphones. With no splitter needed, these headphones have a share port on the side so they can connect with another headphone to share any video/music with their friends. Equipped with a volume-limited restrictor set to the maximum noise level recommended by auditory health organizations, these headphones are also specially designed with an adjustable headband for small heads, have cushioned ear pads and snug pads for a comfortable wearing experience.

Mpow kids headphones, available at Amazon 

9. Drawing activity set

Drawing Activity Set

This drawing stencil kit is an all-in-one activity set that includes a high-quality storage case, plastic drawing stencils, blank sheets of paper, colored pencils, a sharpener and clips. This is another great activity option for a road trip that can be shared with everyone in the car and includes a lap tray for easy playing. With over 280 individual stencils, from animals and flowers to boats and cars, this complete travel-friendly kit is perfect to take wherever you may go and provides hours of creative fun.

Drawing stencil kit, available at Amazon 

10. Travel potty-chair

Travel Potty Chair

No road trip with children is complete without some conveniences. Consider a travel potty-chair an unconventional yet helpful convenience. Great for long car rides, this travel potty folds easily to briefcase size, uses disposable bags and can be taken anywhere. The chair also comes equipped with two large storage compartments for supplies and comes with extra zip-close disposable gallon bags.

Travel potty-chair, 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.


Ina Garten Has a Sweet Corn Hack You Need to See

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Your girl Ina Garten is back with a cool new hack. This time, it involves corn and a kitchen towel.

Ina Garten GIF

Food Network's Garten tweeted a video of herself looking genuinely enthused to show us just how to cut corn kernels off the cob without getting it all over your kitchen and kitchen counters. And it works! Well, kind of.

More: Ina Garten Just Shared a Recipe From Her Upcoming Cookbook, & Its Perfect for Summer

It's simple, really: Place a clean towel down on your counter, grab an extra-sharp knife, and cut the kernels straight off the cob over the towel, which should collect all the kernels. Then, pour them from the towel right into a bowl. Bada-bing, bada-boom.

But the best part? Garten still manages to get kernels on the counter! 

Ina Garten corn hack

We still love you, Ina.

Commenters were quick to share their own tips, and we have to say, using a large bowl is also a fantastic option. 

Or, you can use a Bundt pan. 

And as Renee suggests, use a tub pan for creamed corn.

More: 8 Relationship Tips From Ina & Jeffrey Garten

You might notice Garten uses the hashtag #CookLikeAPro, and for good reason: It's clearly tied to her forthcoming cookbook, Cook Like a Pro. Not only will she have plenty of new recipes for you to try when the cookbook releases on Oct. 23, but she's also arming you with the know-how and hacks to cook like one too. Isn't she the best? 

In the midst of promoting said cookbook, Garten is also hard at work helping to fight childhood hunger. She recently teamed up with Williams-Sonoma, designing an exclusive spatula. Proceeds from spatulas sold will go straight to No Kid Hungry.

All hail the cooking queen.

Essential Dorm Items for Your College Student's Care Package

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College: It's the most exciting time of a teenager's life, but for you, dear parents? Wait. Sorry, what did you say? We couldn't hear you through all your blubbering. 

We get it. It's an incredibly emotional time for you, saying goodbye to your sweetums or munchkin or whatever you call your kid. Suddenly, your home has turned into an empty nest — particularly if you have one child or it's your last child heading off to college — and you aren't sure what the heck to even do with yourself. Plus, it's incredibly stressful for you! Mainly: Are you sending your kid off to college with all the essentials?

Yes, you can turn to premade and perfectly curated care packages, but what's the fun in that? What makes care packages so important and meaningful for students heading off to college is how you — Mom and Dad — personalize them. Remember when you headed off to college and how homesick you were? They'll go through a similar ride, so be sure to not only send them off with their favorite foods and those essential dorm items, but don't be afraid to throw in a few small sentimental gifts too. They may cringe a little bit, but in the end, they'll love it. Trust us.

More: Affordable Dorm Decor Your New College Student Will Love

Ahead, we’ve gathered all the essential dorm items, from bedding and appliances and bathroom and kitchen items. Then, when you're done, toss in their favorite snacks, family photos or whatever other items that'll mean something to them.

Cooling & hypoallergenic memory foam pillow

Cooling & Hypoallergenic Memory Foam Pillow

"What? $50 for a pillow?!" Yes, it's steep, but it's so worth it. When the dorm is likely the size of a shoebox, the least you can do is ensure their bed is extra-comfortable.

Cooling and hypoallergenic memory foam pillow, $49.99 at Amazon

Duvet set

Distressed Check Duvet Set

Urban Outfitters has a ton of trendy, affordable duvet sets — and this particular design is great for both guys and gals. 

Distressed check duvet set, $59.99 at Urban Outfitters

Laundry basket

Snapbasket Laundrycaddy

This isn't your typical laundry basket. This pop-up laundry hamper snaps open and closed and can carry two whole loads of laundry — perfect for when your student goes weeks without doing laundry. (Hey, we've all been there.)

Snapbasket laundry caddy, $19.99 at CleverMade

The bathroom essentials

Showaflops Geode

Who could ever forget the experience that is showering in the dorms? The flip-flops, the shower caddy, the lugging around of all your bathroom products. 

Showaflops are unique in that they have holes for draining excess water and antimicrobials that help protect against bacteria and odors. 

Showaflops in geode, $27 at Showaflops

EMME Original Cosmetic and Toiletry Bag

Emme's toiletry bag has a pretty print that will fit right in. 

Emme original cosmetic and toiletry bag, $49.99 at Emme

SANNO mesh shower caddy tote

And the Sanno mesh shower caddy tote is a no-frills, totally functional, reasonably priced caddy that'll get the job done — and you won't feel guilty tossing it at the end of the school year.

Of course, don't forget to grab the other essentials, including a bathroom trash can, toilet paper, bath towels and bath mats.

Sanno mesh shower caddy tote, $9.99 at Amazon

More: 8 Health Checks Everyone Should Get Before Starting College

Air freshener

Air + Fabric Freshener in lavender blossom

You really think your kid is going to clean his or her dorm room frequently — or at all? Dream on. The least they can do is spray the room down before you come to visit, so equip them with an odor-eliminating freshener that's 100 percent plant-based and toxin-free. 

Air + Fabric Freshener in lavender blossom, $7 – $12 at Grow Fragrance

Alarm clock, Bluetooth speaker & headphones

iHome Bluetooth Color-Changing Dual Alarm Clock

Kill two birds with one stone with this iHome color-changing alarm clock and Bluetooth speaker. 

iHome Bluetooth color-changing dual alarm clock, $49.95 at Amazon

Tivoli Audio bluetooth speakerIf you want to give them something with a little more oomph, then opt for the Tivoli Audio Bluetooth speaker. Not only will this fit right with their dorm decor (it comes in seven different colors), but it's portable and weather-resistant too.

Pal BT, $199.99 at 
Tivoli Audio

Mpow bluetooth headphones

Not only are these headphones reasonably priced (less than $40), but they're also highly rated — with over 15,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Hell, we might also purchase a pair while we have this tab open...

Mpow Bluetooth headphones, $35.99 at Amazon

Kitchen essentials

Keurig K15 Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

A water filtration pitcher, a trash can, a microwave, a mini fridge, a toaster: These are all much-needed kitchen items. But the one your kid cares the most about? A coffee maker. This single-serve Keurig will get the job done.

Keurig K15 single-serve K-Cup pod coffee maker, $79.99 at Target

A desk lamp

Waking up in the early afternoon, going to class, late-night studying: It's a typical day for a college kid. On nights when they aren't up for the trek to the on-campus library, give them the option to stay in the dorm room to study with a desk lamp that'll also help keep their pens, pencils, highlighters and sticky notes organized.

Organizer task lamp, $18.99 at Target

Dinnerware & utensils

AmazonBasics dinnerware

Their dinnerware set really needs to have one very important quality: that it's microwave-safe. This set from Amazon is just that. Plus, it's a reasonable price. Also, don't forget to grab flatware!

AmazonBasics 18-piece dinnerware set, $34.99 at Amazon
Gibson Sensations stainless-steel 16-piece flatware set, $6.96 at Amazon

What to Do When You're No Longer Sexually Attracted to Your Partner

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There is nothing like that fire you feel when your relationship is fresh and you are so attracted to your partner, it's hard to keep your hands off one another. Over time, for some people, the attraction fades and the novelty wears off, which is a very normal part of being in a relationship. But for others, the attraction disappears completely, and it can be tough to overcome.

But is this normal? Is it worth ending a relationship over? We spoke with experts to let you in on why this happens, if you can overcome it and how.

It happens to many couples

First, it's important to understand that losing sexual attraction happens to most couples as we move on with our normal life. Dr. Tina B. Tessina, a psychotherapist and author of How To Be Happy Partners: Working It Out Together, tells SheKnows that decreased attraction "is very common as time passes in relationships." 

More: How to Talk to Your Partner About Having a Low Libido

There are lots of factors that lead to decreased attraction

Debi Silber, a transformational psychologist and health, mindset and personal-development speaker, tells SheKnows that a decrease in sexual attraction to your partner happens when your needs and expectations are unmet. When this happens, she explains, you're not feeling as attracted to your partner as you once were, which "is a natural response," as many of us pull back, especially if we have communicated to our partner what we need and we don't feel heard. 

This makes us "feel unimportant, disregarded and, in their eyes, not taken seriously," she adds.

Silber says another factor is physical attraction decreases if we feel our partner has "let themselves go." It sends a message our partner no longer cares about looking nice for us. "Neglected physical health and hygiene can be conveyed as a sign of disrespect to the other person," she notes.

Along the same lines, Tessina reminds us that it is easy to feel attracted to each other when you aren't living together, but as your relationship evolves and you share a home, "romantic moments are no longer automatic," and everyday things no longer feel exciting, as it's easy to fall into a rhythm.

But Dr. Julie Gurner, a clinical psychologist, says that it's about more than looks. "Attraction isn't simply about physical appearance," she tells SheKnows, adding that people evolve over the duration of relationships, which can lead to them being less attracted to their partners.

Gurner also says people lose their attraction for their partners when it comes to things like being unsupportive, as it causes us to see an ugly side of our partner and we lose attraction.

Can you get attraction back?

According to Silber, yes, it is possible, but first "you must realize what caused the decreased attraction in the first place." For instance, maybe you started neglecting each other because you were too tired. A good place to start is to make a commitment to spend more time alone together, she adds.

Decreased attraction has to be replaced with "affection, a sense of humor and intimate communication" Tessina says. It's also important to note it takes two willing people to get things going again, and "you both need to create ways to communicate that you want to be close to each other," she adds.

It's also important to note that over time, sex may be less about having an orgasm, and instead, "the focus should be on pleasure," Tessina says.

As unromantic as it may sound, Tessina recommends scheduling sex, communicating to your partner and trying some new stuff in the bedroom to spice things up.

More: Why You May Want to Consider Scheduling Sex

The good news? Gurner says that unless something happened in the relationship that is very painful, most partners can get the attraction back if you and your partner care enough to put in the work it takes to get there.

It's important to remember all relationships go through ebbs and flows and if you look back and remember what attracted you to them in the first place, think about why you don't see them the same way anymore and can communicate these things to your partner in a supportive way, there is hope you can get those old feelings back.

Ellen DeGeneres Shared Something Special on Her Wedding Anniversary

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You may have been preoccupied, living your life and doing your thing earlier this week (and that's totally cool), but we feel it's very necessary for you to stop whatever you're doing and take a look at the beautiful video Ellen DeGeneres shared of her wedding day 10 years ago. It is perfect, and you deserve to treat yourself to this heartwarming exhibition of love.

More: 10 Times Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi Were the Best Couple in Hollywood

DeGeneres and her wife of 10 years, the gorgeous and talented Portia de Rossi, have always been #CoupleGoals. We've loved watching their relationship mature as time has gone by, as they stood by one another, laughed together, participated in charitable endeavors together and even done adorable things like interview one another on The Ellen Show. 

But, as DeGeneres reminded the world on Thursday, their journey as spouses and best friends began on Aug. 16, 2008. DeGeneres took to her Twitter account to post a heartfelt video from her wedding to de Rossi, with the caption, "Ten years ago today. This was such a special day for us." The video shows the first moments that she and de Rossi saw one another in their gorgeous wedding outfits, wedding photos and video of them together and hanging out with their dogs. Best of all, the video also shows them sitting together at their reception as they're serenaded by Joshua Radin, who sings "Today" and plays guitar.

DeGeneres also hopped onto her Instagram to post a sweet black-and-white photo of her, de Rossi and author and philosopher Wayne Dyer, who officiated their wedding. Overlaid onto the photo was an excerpt from Dyer's speech on their big day, giving us all another sneak peek at the wedding. 

"Ten years ago, Wayne Dyer officiated our wedding ceremony," DeGeneres captioned the photo. "These words were life-changing to us then, and they mean just as much now."

And, to celebrate National Roller Coaster Day (although we think it was a sly excuse to celebrate their anniversary a bit more), DeGeneres posted a video of her and her wife riding a roller coaster together 10 years ago. Too precious, if you ask us. 

More: Ellen DeGeneres Is Coming Soon to a Walmart Near You (Well, Sort Of)

Once again, DeGeneres and de Rossi have reminded us how truly special their bond is and we are so, so happy that they did. 

This Is Us Star's Daughter Is Starting High School, & Dad's in Shock

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One day, you're holding your newborn baby, and just a few days later, she's headed off to high school. OK, it doesn't really happen quite that fast, but when your baby girl is inching her way toward prom, it can feel like it went by in the blink of an eye. And not even celebs are immune to this trick of time, as actor Justin Hartley knows too well. He spoke to People about his daughter Isabella heading off to high school — and how he just can't get over it.

More: What Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know — but Won't Tell You


"Unbelievable right?" the This Is Us star told the magazine. "It is a shock because I remember feeling like I woke up and she was 10. Then I looked at her again and she was 14."

Don't worry, Justin. All parents know these feels — even if we're not on one of TV's biggest sobfest shows ever. It's so bittersweet watching your child grow up, from first steps to SATs and everything in between. And guess what? The milestones definitely don't stop there; thirtysomething "kids" have firsts too! Parenting is a roller coaster, and it doesn't get any easier — it just gets different.

More: Teaching Your Teenager Responsibility Doesn't Have to Be Torture

Congrats, Isabella, and enjoy these new adventures to come. And Dad, you'd better hang on for dear life, because prom's a-comin'.

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