We all know a couple that breaks up and gets back together so often that it becomes a normal part of their relationship. Maybe we've been in one of these relationships ourselves. Either way, we know they're very stressful to be around and/or in, but beyond that, they can also be bad for our mental health. 

According to researchers at the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the pattern of breaking up and getting back together can result in psychological distress. The study, published in the journal Family Relations, indicates that more than 60 percent of adults have been involved in these on-again, off-again relationships, and more than one-third of couples who live together reported breaking up and then getting back together at a later point.

What's particularly troubling is that researchers found that these types of relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication and lower levels of commitment.

More: My Anxiety Chased Me Out of My Job, Relationship & Country

But interestingly, it's not always bad news.

“Breaking up and getting back together is not always a bad omen for a couple,” Dr. Kale Monk, assistant professor of human development and family science at the University of Missouri, said in a statement. “In fact, for some couples, breaking up can help partners realize the importance of their relationship, contributing to... healthier, more committed unions. On the other hand, partners who are routinely breaking up and getting back together could be negatively impacted by the pattern.”

After examining data from more than 500 couples, Monk and his colleagues noticed that people in on/off relationships experienced more psychological distress symptoms, like depression and anxiety. This was the case for both same-sex and heterosexual couples.

This completely makes sense. If, like me, you've ever been involved with someone who would constantly change their mind about whether or not they wanted to be in a relationship, regularly threaten to end things, then promise to change and want to get back together, you know that it basically turns you into a ball of anxiety. Not having any sort of security and not knowing if today would be the day he'd decide to end things (or if we were broken up, would decide to get in touch again and reconcile) made me a nervous wreck.

More: What Is Closure, & Can We Ever Really Get It?

So, what's causing couples to keep breaking up? The researchers found that one of the primary reasons is because they see staying in the relationship as practical or necessary; for example, someone might opt to remain in a relationship for financial reasons or because they feel they have invested too much time in it for it to end. To prevent this, Monk advises that people get back together out of dedication, not obligation.

“The findings suggest that people who find themselves regularly breaking up and getting back together with their partners need to ‘look under the hood’ of their relationships to determine what’s going on,” Monk said in a statement. “If partners are honest about the pattern, they can take the necessary steps to maintain their relationships or safely end them. This is vital for preserving their well-being.”

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris may be separated, but that doesn't mean they are apart. In fact, according to E! News, the pair was spotted in Santa Monica, California, earlier this week taking a stroll with their son, Jack. In fact, they were spotted together two days in a row, so naturally, we have questions about what's going on. 

More: Chris Pratt & Anna Faris Have Made Their Separation Even More Official

Of course, their appearance is curious and a bit exciting, as this is the first time Pratt and Faris have been seen together since announcing their separation in August 2017. However, fans shouldn't get too hopeful, as Pratt has been seeing Katherine Schwarzenegger since June, and Faris has been dating cinematographer Michael Barrett. 

So, what's the deal? Can we get excited over the possibility of a reconciliation, or is this just two very amicable exes getting together to touch base and co-parent? In all likelihood, Pratt and Faris were probably just enjoying some family time with Jack, who recently celebrated his sixth birthday. There have also been no signs from either actor that they've split with their respective new love interests, and we certainly don't want to presume something shady is happening between them if that's the case.

That said, despite their seemingly cordial exchange, divorce has been hard on the couple. In April, Pratt told Entertainment Weekly, "[D]ivorce sucks." But he also noted of himself and Faris, "[A]t the end of the day, we've got a great kid who's got two parents who love him very much. And we're finding a way to navigate this while still remaining friends and still being kind to one another."

And in an interview with SiriusXM's Hits 1 in Hollywood Faris echoed a similar sentiment: "We have a great friendship, we really do and we always have. And it's always tough to envision your future as one thing, but I think there is a lot of love."

More: Chris Pratt Just Got Dissed by Son Jack in the Most Adorable Way

That said, regardless of the reason for their reunion, one thing is certain: It is great to see Pratt and Faris come together for their son.

Miranda Lambert is clearly a woman who knows what she wants — and who knows what she doesn’t want too. In the wake of the country superstar’s surprising split from Evan Felker, sources are saying Felker simply didn’t abide by Lambert’s dating rules. So she cut him loose.

News of the sudden breakup spread last week when Lambert gave an interview with The Tennessean during which she revealed she was “happily single.” This, of course, shocked fans who’d just become accustomed to the idea of her dating Felker, the frontman of the Turnpike Troubadours.

But a source told People that Lambert’s approach to dating is finite.

“I don’t think it was a dramatic split, but he knew what he was ‘allowed’ to do based on her rules and he broke them,” revealed the source. “He did something that he knew she wasn’t going to approve of, she assumed he did it and he didn’t deny it.”

More: This Is Why Miranda Lambert Won't Talk About Her Album

Intriguing, no? If you’re anything like us, you’re undoubtedly wondering right now what Lambert’s dating rules consist of and which one Felker broke. That much is unclear.

During her interview with The Tennessean, Lambert alluded to the tumultuous nature of her romantic life recently, saying, “Love is a hard road sometimes and it’s been a roller-coaster ride for me, but I’m definitely thankful for all the ups and downs because I’ve had some really good songs come out of it. You’ve got to take the bad parts and put them on paper and then move on to the happy parts.”

More: Miranda Lambert's Rumored Boyfriend Is Officially Unmarried

By that standard, Felker — a prolific and well-respected songwriter in the country music world — should have no shortage of inspiration for upcoming material. In addition to his breakup with Lambert, the Turnpike Troubadours canceled a show on Sunday due to Felker’s “inability to pass a kidney stone.”

Felker’s divorce from estranged wife Staci Nelson, whom he reportedly ghosted to be with Lambert, was finalized on Aug. 17.

Depending on where you live, Labor Day is often the last chance to go all out with the grill before fall weather sets in. But after a summer of grilling everything from sausages to peaches, those grates might need a little TLC. Most of us don't love deep-cleaning, so facing all of that burned-on food, grime and grease can be more than a little daunting. Luckily, there are some hacks that can make getting your grill back to its best self easier than you might think.

More: 20 Grilled Vegetarian Recipes That Go Beyond Boring Kebabs

You don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to get your grill sparkling again. Sometimes, it's as simple as boiling a pan of water, and if your grill really needs help, you can whip out the big guns (here's looking at you, ammonia!). The most important thing to remember to prevent your grill from getting into a state of disarray after your deep-cleaning adventure? Make sure you actually clean it after every time you cook!

1. Tongs + vinegar + foil

After cooking, spray warm grill grates with vinegar. The acid will help break down any fatty residue left on the grates. Then, pick up a crumpled ball of foil with your tongs, and scrub away. Brush off any loosened food bits, lightly oil your grill grates using an oiled paper towel, and things will be clean and nonstick the next time you barbecue.

2. Baking soda paste

Baking soda is a miracle worker with burned-on food in the oven, and it works similarly well on crusty grill grates. Slowly add water to a bowl of baking soda to make a thick paste, then brush it on to your grill grates. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then spritz it with hot water and scrub off the burned-on food with a stiff brush. Wipe it clean, oil your grates, and you're in business.

3. Hot grill + onion

This isn't for deep-cleaning, but if you've just got a little mess on your hands, pick up half an onion and rub it cut-side down on your hot grill grates. The moisture in the onion will create steam that helps lift up any gunk (and the smell of grilled onions will whet your appetite!).

4. Hot grill + wet newspaper

Steam is a cleaning powerhouse. Unleash its power on your filthy grill by dumping a load of wet newspapers on your hot grill grates. This will unleash a torrent of steam. Close the grill for a few minutes so the steam can work its magic, then use your grill tongs to work the newspaper like a rag, wiping off all of the loosened dirty bits.

5. Bar Keepers Friend

For really stubborn burned-on food, try using Bar Keepers Friend on your grill grates. You can use the powdered or the soft-scrub version. Just like it works on pans covered in scorched food, it will similarly make your grill grates sparkle.

6. Boil water

This is another simple steam trick. Add a pan of water to your grill, then close the lid and let it boil away for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, grip a rag in your grill tongs and wipe away the grime.

7. Trash bags + ammonia

If you're facing a "we probably just need to buy a new grill" type of mess, it's time to break out the big guns. Add your grill grates to a sturdy trash bag (don't use something flimsy or it might get punctured) along with a few cups of ammonia. Do this outside and make sure you wear a mask (and never, ever mix ammonia with any kind of bleach product). Close up the bag, and let the grill grates sit for about 12 hours. Remove them from the bag, and wipe them down with a rag, rising thoroughly. The ammonia should have loosened most of the cooked-on matter.

More: This Grilling Guide Will Help You BBQ Like a Pro

8. Clean & heat after you cook

Prevention is the best cure for your grill woes. Every time you cook on the grill, clean up after. While the grill is hot, use a scraper or scrub brush to remove any residue, then lightly oil the grill using a paper towel.

9. Preheat & oil the grill before cooking

To prevent food from sticking, lightly oil your grill grates before you cook, and make sure you preheat it every time.

Avocado fiends, if you could get paid eating avocados, would you do it? Because the opportunity has finally arrived thanks to a researcher at the Loma Linda University in Southern California.

More: Jeff Goldblum Cannot Cut an Avocado

Dr. Joan Sabaté, who directs the Center for Nutrition, Lifestyle and Disease Prevention at the university, is looking for 250 people to eat a "moderate" amount of avocados to help prove that avocados have fat-fighting properties.

"The study will examine whether eating one avocado per day reduces visceral adipose fat in the abdomen," Sabaté said in a statement. In other words, he believes avocados can help people lose weight.

LLU and three other American universities — Penn State University, Tufts University and the University of California, Los Angeles — will take part in a six-month trial and will also test 250 participants each, making it a total of 1,000 participants.

As part of the trial, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, with each group receiving 16 avocados every two weeks according to LLU's website. Participants will then eat one avocado per day for six months. The control group, on the other hand, will eat no more than two avocados per month.

To be considered for the study, you must be 25 years old or older and be willing to eat the required number of avocados (depending on which group you're placed in). 

Additionally, men must measure at least 40 inches around the waist, and women must measure at least 35 inches around the waist.

If you're selected, you'll have to attend a monthly meeting with a dietician, and you'll receive a free MRI and health screening by an LLU clinician. 

Now for the part you've been waiting for: Once done, participants receive $300 each, and if you're part of the control group, you'll also get 24 avocados. (Just be sure to enjoy them before they go bad!)

More: This New Starbucks Drink Harnesses Everything We Love About Avocados

"For the last 20 years, we have been doing dietary intervention studies on plant-based foods and nuts, Sabaté said in the same statement. "We are rigorous in our selection of projects," assuring that although the study is funded by the Hass Avocado Board, the sponsorship will not affect the findings.

Interested and meet the requirements? Head to HATstudy.org to enroll or email HATstudy@llu.edu or call 909-558-8382 if you have questions or want more info.

First birthday parties are a big deal, and that's often especially true for celebrities. In fact, plenty of stars throw extravagant bashes for their toddler-to-be. However, Serena Williams is not one of those stars. In fact, the tennis champion recently revealed that Olympia will not celebrate her first birthday or any birthday for that matter — at least not in the conventional sense.

More: Serena Williams Had an Embarrassing In-Flight Moment With Baby Olympia

At a press conference for the U.S. Open on Saturday, Williams explained why she and husband Alexis Ohanian aren’t planning a party for their daughter.

“Olympia doesn’t celebrate birthdays. We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, so we don’t do that,” People reported.

According to the official Jehovah's Witness website, followers of the church don’t celebrate birthdays "because we [they] believe that such celebrations displease God.” What's more, "although the Bible does not explicitly forbid celebrating birthdays, it does help us to reason on key features of these events and understand God’s view of them."

Of course, this may be surprising to some — as birthday parties are often beautiful celebrations of another year (or the first year!) in someone's life. But according to the Jehovah's Witness site, Witnesses don't need such celebrations because they believe in expressing their love "throughout the year, including giving them gifts and having enjoyable gatherings." What's more, many Witness children prefer this approach; one child was quoted on the website as saying, “It’s more fun getting a gift when you’re least expecting it.”

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

That said, while there won't be cake, presents, pomp or circumstance for little Olympia this Saturday, we're pretty sure she'll have a happy birthday nonetheless.

You've managed to make all three meals of the day nutritious for the kids. Breakfast consists of protein-packed eggs, their lunch boxes are a well-balanced meal of fruits and veggies and dinner is a relatively quick, hearty, kid-friendly meal. But don't forget to prep a very important part of the day: after-school snack.

Without snacks between lunch and dinner, you're bound to watch in horror as the kids morph into ravenous little beasts before 6 p.m. So, to hold them over, it's important to have snacks at the ready — snacks that are both tasty and good for them. However, you don't have to resort to store-bought crackers, chips or cookies packed with sodium and sugar, and you can only serve a bowl of veggies and dip so many days a week. 

That's where these low-sugar snack recipes come in. Not only are they easy to make, they're delicious, too.

Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

Looking for a pinwheel a little richer in flavor? These buffalo chicken pinwheels are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, low-carb and low-sugar. But don't be fooled — they're so irresistible, the kids may devour them in minutes.

Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Who doesn't love cheese crackers? They're one of the best — and easiest — after-school snacks. But as we all know, a box of these beauties is incredibly high in sodium. The best work-around: Make them yourself! This recipe from Real Balanced is a great low-carb option.

Paleo Blueberry Pop-Tarts

Skip the store-bought pop-tarts and give these antioxidant-packed blueberry tarts a shot. The kids will never be able to tell they're made with zero refined sugar.

Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs

In less than five minutes, you'll have these peanut butter chocolate fat bombs ready for the kids to pick up on their way to soccer or band practice. Made with natural, unsweetened peanut butter, golden monk fruit sugar, coconut flour and cacao chips (among other ingredients), they'll give everyone an afternoon boost.

Apple-Cinnamon Biscuits

Kids always crave sweets, so meet them in the middle with these apple-cinnamon biscuits. They are totally sugar-free; however, if you'd like a little bit of sweetener, add 1/4 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses.

Apple-Cheese Wraps

Recipes don't get much easier than this. For these apple-cheese wraps, get some cheddar cheese slices and apples, and fold them gently into a slice of deli meat. This recipe is so easy, you can get them prepared and on the counter for easy access in mere minutes.

This post is sponsored by Applegate®. 

Praise be to the TV gods for small blessings! Instead of just tossing us back into the emotional deep end on Thursday, Sept. 25 with the return of This Is Us, NBC will run a special to help get fans ready for season three. ‘Cause, let’s be real, there was a lot to unpack last season. Who wouldn’t need a refresher?

As for what fans can expect from the Sept. 18 special, think behind the scenes. Through clips and cast interviews, the one-hour episode will offer a revealing look at how the series comes together. Naturally, this means the previous two seasons will be discussed and explored.

More: Here's What's Really Happening to Beth on  This Is Us

Milo Ventimiglia (Jack), Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Sterling K. Brown (Randall), Justin Hartley (Kevin), Chrissy Metz (Kate), Susan Kelechi Watson (Beth) and Chris Sullivan (Toby Damon) will all contribute with thoughts throughout the special according to Deadline.

“Upon its 2016 premiere, This Is Us captured the heart of viewers and immediately took its place as one of television’s most beloved dramas. We are proud to once again partner with our friends at NBC for this very special look at the trials and triumphs of the Pearson family before the series returns for its highly anticipated third season,” said Maureen J. Reidy, Paley Center president and CEO.

The good news is that you likely won’t be weeping nearly as much (if at all) as you do while watching typical This Is Us season shenanigans. The bad news is that watching may remind you the upcoming season will require an arsenal of tissue for your tears — the cast will likely reference Jack’s death by Crock-Pot, as well as Rebecca’s ability to ultimately move on with Miguel.

And we don’t have to tell you both of those topics are total tearjerkers.

Speaking with Extra in January, Moore underscored that her character’s post-Jack marriage would be a “big focus” in season three. “It’s hard to imagine Jack without Rebecca, and Rebecca without Jack, and that she did move on with her life,” Moore said. “I feel like that is going to be the biggest battle of the how is getting people to become Team Miguel.”

More: This Is Us Season 3 Will Feature a Major First for Jack & Rebecca

If Moore and Ventimiglia broach this subject side by side during the special, which we suspect they will, all bets are off and ugly crying is back on the table.

Another potentially explosive storyline that might be addressed? What the future hold for Beth and Randall. Fan favorites Brown and Watson are always dynamite together, so keep your eyes peeled for the beloved pair to discuss those cryptic flash-forward scenes between Randall and a now-adult Tess.

Despite the fact that Watson assured fans “they’re not going to kill Beth” in season three, there is certainly something big lurking in Randall and Beth’s future.

Where the royal family is concerned, there’s no denying that Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan (née Markle) are public darlings. Exhibit A? They got a dog, and the entire world went gaga over it. But as adorable as the Harry and Meghan are, they apparently aren’t the most popular royals among palace staff. That honor goes to none other than the palace patriarch, Prince Philip.

More: There's a Lot to Unpack in Prince Philip's New Portrait

For the first two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown, actor Matt Smith filled the debonair shoes of the young Prince Philip character — a role for which he earned an Emmy nomination. Accordingly, Smith had to learn about Philip on much more than a surface level. What he found, he says, is that despite his cantankerous reputation, Philip is quite beloved.

“One of the interesting challenges for me was that I felt there was a sort of misconception and a preconception about him, which reduced him a bit. And actually all the research I did found him to be brilliantly funny, very clever, very popular,” Smith told Variety.

Then came the revelation of Philip’s status in the palace.

“In the royal house he’s the most popular of all of them,” the actor insisted. “If you’ve talked to any of the staff, Philip’s the one they all love really.”

More: Our Favorite Stories About Prince Philip, Ranked

As for what it is about Philip that makes him so lovable, Smith says he hasn’t lost the quote-unquote common touch. “I think more than a lot of them, he’s a bit more of a man of the people. The royal protocol hasn’t dogged him in quite the same way his whole life and there’s a sort of rebellion in him and a naughtiness and a cheekiness,” Smith shared, calling Philip “quite affable” with the staff.

It’s an interesting notion given how checkered Philip’s reputation (and subsequent portrayal on The Crown) has been portrayed in mainstream media. Married to Queen Elizabeth II since 1947, the Duke of Edinburgh is known for courting controversy — from alleged affairs to making off-color, off-the-cuff comments.

More: Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip Throughout the Years

However, in his six decades as the queen’s consort, Philip has managed to evade any major scandal, largely because so little of his rumored behavior has actually been substantiated.

And now, the good prince has Smith’s claims that he curries favor with the royal family going for him. If Harry, Meghan, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge (better known as Kate Middleton) ever hope to usurp him as palace favorite, perhaps they should enroll as students of Philip’s master class in keeping people guessing.

It's almost time to bid adieu to sandy selfies by the shore, sticky ice cream stains on every shirt and the sun staying up until bedtime. But the season that follows offers a whole new slew of memories to be made. With adventures in produce-picking (apples, pears and pumpkins, oh, my!) and indoor entertainment alike, developing fun family fall traditions is a task many parents take on post-Labor Day. In addition to carving funny/spooky jack-o'-lanterns, raking up a pile of leaves for after-school jumping contests and picking up probably too many gallons of apple cider, there are plenty of activities perfect for autumn that you might not have thought of yet. 

We polled moms far and wide for their top treasured traditions you can easily adopt this season.

More: 15 Must-Haves for Pinterest-Worthy School Lunches in Under 5 Minutes

Visit museums

Summertime attracts much larger culture-seeking crowds since most kids are free from busy school schedules. But feeling like a sardine in the natural history museum is nobody's idea of fun, so why not head there during the fall? There are usually a couple of solid after-school hours prime for art- or dinosaur-ogling before museums close — and honestly, we won't tell if you play hooky in the name of education.

Danielle Crouchley, mom of four, takes her kids to science exhibits and other museums in the fall so they have the most space and time to explore, ask questions and learn. And, hey, her eldest is a finalist in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge this year, so those visits must have paid off.

Go stargazing

If you happen to be floating around the Caribbean during the hottest days of summer, you might see so many stars, you'll think glitter has just been spewed upon the sky. But in many parts of the U.S., fall actually presents a clearer, more crisp horizon view — prime for gazing up and introducing kids to astronomy. For Sujata Vemuri, mom of two, taking a moment to look up as the moon rises is a beloved autumn pastime. “We love huddling under a blanket and sipping hot chocolate. As my daughters and I take turns naming the constellations, our discussions range from space travel to life beyond earth,” she says.

More: Back-to-School Outfits for Every Type of Kid

Have a one-on-one date

If you’re a parent or a caregiver of more than one kid, it can easily feel like herding cats. Constantly balancing a forever-growing to-do list with relationships, career and kids’ schedules can make giving your kid a day or night of uninterrupted mom-time feel impossible. But for Lyss Stern, an author and mom of three, her goal for fall is to spend individual time with each of her children. “I take my 10-year-old son to a new Broadway show, as he loves the arts and is an aspiring actor... I'll then take my oldest son to a baseball game on the weekend, and I always go the ballet with my little ballerina, Blake,” she shares.

More: The Back-to-School Items You Don't Need to Buy

Shop for (& cook with) fall ingredients

Putting kids to work in the kitchen isn’t an easy task; it all depends on their level interest (or whether they're patient enough to wait for a pie to bake). But since babes can no longer be distracted by splashing in a public pool or chasing bubbles in the backyard, getting a dinner-making team together might be your best bet.

Amy Cohn, mom of two and a registered dietitian, suggests making shopping for fall produce into a scavenger hunt. It's an easy way to introduce new flavors and make things fun for kiddos with short attention spans. Since kids being back in the classroom (and on the football field or in choir rehearsal, etc.) means you don’t get quite as much QT with them as during the summer, a weekend trip to the farmers market followed by child-friendly fall recipes can make for a family activity you’ll all enjoy. Need some recipe ideas? Look no further.

After Thomas Markle told reporters about his rocky relationship with his daughter, the press exploded with commentary on the stressful dynamic between the now-Duchess of Sussex and her dad. “How much trouble will Meghan Markle’s dad cause the royal family?” asked the Daily Beast. “[This has] become a dark tale of parental harassment,” The Cut posted. “Let your daughter be happy,” celebrities tweeted.

The concept of a turbulent parent-child relationship isn’t anything new, but with Meghan’s playing out on the world stage, commentators and fans are going to bat in defense of the duchess. Family matters can be deeply personal and psychologically challenging, and it’s unfortunate that this saga has become so public. While the world is concerned that Thomas Markle is causing his daughter stress by airing their family’s dirty laundry to the press, we thought we’d ask an expert about how to deal with a stressful parent in the right way.

More: Three Tips for Beating the Stress Epidemic

“It’s not uncommon to have strained interpersonal relationships in families” says Dr. Marie-Claire Bourque, a psychiatrist and clinical lecturer at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. “Stressful personal relationships are always difficult, and it becomes a lot more emotionally salient if that relationship is with a family member. There are a lot of conflicting emotions that go along with it… love, disappointment, anger — even guilt.”

More: 6 Relationship Killers Every Couple Should Avoid

When it comes to taking action, Bourque says step one is all about identifying your own emotions and setting boundaries accordingly: “Oftentimes, when we’re dealing with a family member, we avoid responsibility and don’t see our own behavior patterns, so it’s important to identify your emotions first.”

In terms of communication, honesty is the best policy. “Be honest,” she suggests, “And come from the lens of feelings. Tell your parent, ‘I am saddened’ or ‘I am angry.’” Beginning the conversation with emotional honesty will help foster a healthier, more open dialogue. “What not to do is avoid,” Bourque says. “Set your boundaries clearly, but remember that avoiding your parent entirely can often perpetuate and amplify the conflict.”

More: This Is How to Deal With Passive-Aggressive People

Finally, overall compassion is key. Dealing with a stressful parent is never easy, and while there isn’t one best practice that will work for every family, it’s important to avoid blame and try to be sensitive. Blame will only cause more tension, while communicating with compassion may help alleviate some of the stressful tension. As Bourque advises, “Be compassionate with yourself, and be compassionate with your parent.” 

Originally published on Thrive Global.

When someone is going on a fabulous vacation and they aren't into the idea of packing you in their suitcase, following along on Instagram is the next best thing, right? This policy naturally applies to celebrities as well, so we highly recommend you check out Jessica Alba's adorable photos of her mother-daughter vacation with 10-year-old Honor. (Spoiler alert: They're dreamy.)

The duo "hit the ground running" when they made their first stop in Florence over the weekend. 

More: Watch Out — Jessica Alba Will Probably Comment on Your Instagram Post Soon

During their time in Florence, Alba and Honor hit up popular tourist spots, including Michelangelo's David sculpture. They also made sure to eat plenty of gelato because, frankly, it would be a crime not to when in Italy.

They also took a cooking class in Florence — so if Honor grows up to be an amazing chef, we'll know where she got her start. (No pressure, though, Honor; you do you.)

More: Jessica Alba & Cash Warren Just Welcomed a Baby Boy 

Next, the mother-daughter dream team touched down in Milan, where they ran into some slight avian-related troubles. It all started when they posed for a photo in front of Duomo di Milano cathedral (as one does on Italian vacations). No one likes being photobombed, but being literally dive-bombed — by a pigeon — is even more dramatic. 

In an Instagram story, Alba described the pigeon's antics as "my nightmare," and I mean, same. (Seriously, did you see how close it got?)

"A real mofo pigeon tried to take us out," Alba added. 

More: Jenna Dewan Tatum & Jessica Alba Know All About That Working-Mom Guilt 

We can't wait to see where Alba and Honor head next — pigeons be damned.

Whether you live in a small apartment or a big house, keeping track of everything your home needs can be daunting. Fortunately, as smart home products become more and more affordable, they can make life easier, helping with everything from securing your home to controlling the lights with a simple voice command.

Read on to learn how some of the best products can turn your home into a smart home, letting your phone and a few add-ons do the hard work. That way, you can actually spend time enjoying your sanctuary.

Feel more secure
Home should be a place where you feel safe, but paying for a security service can get pricey. Instead, trick out your home with a DIY smart security system that includes 24/7 professional monitoring for less than $15 a month. The Iris Security Pack, paired with the Iris Smart Hub, lets you designate the areas of home you want secured. Not only will it send alerts if any doors or windows are opened unexpectedly, but it will also allow you to schedule lights to turn on and off.
Know when your kids are safe at home
In the '80s and '90s, it seemed like most kids were latchkey kids, but these days parents are more watchful. Thankfully, there are ways to monitor your kids' coming and going so you always know when they're safe at home. With the Iris Pro Monitoring kit, you'll know as soon as your kid walks in (or out) the door, thanks to a key fob that goes right on their backpack. It also works with an indoor and outdoor camera that you can access remotely, so you can actually check in to make sure that they're safe at home. Should you need it, this kit also allows for 24/7 emergency dispatch, so help is never far away.

Care for older relatives
Make sure your parents are always able to notify you that they need help with an Iris Care Pendant or Smart Button. The Smart Button allows you track when your relative enters or leave the house, and you can also attach it to the medicine cabinet to make sure they're taking their medication. Better yet, the device will notice irregularities in their routine and notify you so you can check in. It can be nerve-wracking to leave older relatives alone, but with these devices, you'll know they're needs are being met, and they always have a way to call for help.

Keep your home warm and cozy
We all have that one room in the house that never seems to get warm. Enter the Duraflame infrared heater. You can turn it on and off remotely, which means you never have to fret about leaving it on. Even better, it can be put on a schedule — set it to turn on a half-hour before you get out of bed in the morning so you don't have to slip out from warm covers into an ice-cold room.

Stay alert during travel
If you're worried about what's going on at home, it can be hard to enjoy your vacation. This First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide detector puts you at ease, knowing your smart home can send alerts to your phone and tablet if disaster strikes.

Never worry about the garage door
Worried about whether the garage door was left open? Never again, with the Iris garage door controller. You'll be able to make sure it's shut tight, no matter how far away you are.

Set up an easy home rental
In the era of Airbnb and VRBO, renting out a room, guest house  or second property has never been easier. The only annoying part is having to be there to let people in the door. Make things easier on yourself with the Kwikset Deadbolt. You can create multiple PINs for multiple guests or for properties with more than one unit inside, and you'll rest easy knowing your dwelling is secure. You can reset it after the guest leaves, too, so they can't use the PIN to get into the house when they're not supposed to. Learn how one family used Kwikset to manage their cabin in Wisconsin here. 

Prevent pricey water damage
Every homeowner knows water damage is one of the biggest disasters you can face. Detecting a flood or leak before it gets out of hand is key to keeping your house in good shape. Pair the Leaksmart water shutoff valve and Iris indoor flood sensor so you can detect water activity in your home and immediately switch off the water, potentially turning $25,000 of damage into a $25 mop-up job.

Control everything from your phone
It can be a little overwhelming when you first wade into the world of smart home technology, but never fear. The Iris Wi-Fi smart switch makes it simple. You'll be able to control any device that's plugged in, whether that's the lights, your coffeemaker or that hair straightener you never remember to turn off. You don't need a separate smart hub to use it, either — just your smartphone. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Use voice commands to control your home
When you're juggling your phone, tablet and laptop, figuring out which device controls what can give you a headache. That's why a smoothly running smart home works even better with a voice-activated assistant, like the Google Mini and Amazon Alexa. Just tell the device to turn the lights on or off or to adjust the thermostat, leaving your hands free to play Words With Friends on your phone while catching up on work on your tablet.  

This post is sponsored by Iris by Lowe's.

Sometime over the summer vacation, you can usually expect your child's school to send a letter or email letting you know which class they will be entering and who their new teacher will be. This information might be met with delight or perhaps surprise — but what if the announcement leaves your child upset?

I was a teacher for 13 years, and in that time, more than 400 students passed through my class. I formed wonderful relationships with the vast majority of them, who I recall with fond memories. But I have to be honest; there were a few out of those hundreds who I just didn’t click with. And I'm sure there were also more than a few who definitely wouldn’t choose me as their favorite teacher of all time. Sometimes, it just comes down to a mismatch of personalities. After all, we are all different and work better with different people.                    

Your child might not be looking forward to a year with their new teacher for a number of different reasons. Perhaps they've had previous negative interactions with this teacher already, or maybe they've just heard rumors about how much homework that person assigns or how strict they are. If your child is less than thrilled about their prospective teacher, here's how you can help.

More: What Your Child's Teacher Wishes You'd Do Before School Starts

Keep your opinion to yourself

You might also have a negative reaction to seeing a particular teacher's name, but whatever you do, don’t express this to your child. Children will take on the opinions of their parents quite easily. Try to remain positive about the teacher, and don’t let on that you’re not keen on the pick either.

Listen to your child’s concerns

Although it’s a good idea to remain impartial and not reveal your particular feelings about a new teacher, it’s also important not to dismiss your child's very real feelings. They may be scared or anxious about the changes a new teacher and class might bring, and they need to feel safe to discuss their feelings with you.

Schedule a meeting

GinaMarie Guarino, a licensed mental health counselor from the Greater New York City area, suggests that parents address the problem at the source and schedule a meeting at the school. “Often, children who don't like their teachers feel their teachers don't like them, so helping child, teacher and parent all be on the same page with expectations for behavior, education and classroom rules is helpful to ease your child's upset feelings toward his or her teacher,” she tells SheKnows.

Remind your child of their past achievements

Sometimes, your child may say they don't like a new teacher when really it's not personal at all. They may just be feeling general anxiety and nervousness about the unknown of a new school year and a new class. It can be helpful to remind your child of all the ways they have overcome problems in the past. Perhaps they found cursive writing tricky, but with practice, they gained a new skill — or maybe they didn't enjoy karate class at first, but with perseverance, they began to love the new activity.

More: The Pros & Cons of School Uniforms

Model conversations

Dr. Katie Davis, a New York state licensed clinical psychologist, says that it can be helpful for children faced with a non-favorite new teacher to practice expressing themselves to their parent first.

“The best strategy is to model for children how to have difficult conversations with their teachers in order to improve the relationship. It's more helpful to try to improve the situation rather than to remove the kid from it,” she tells SheKnows. Let them get their feelings off their chest and then model appropriate ways they can talk with their teacher themselves.

Give it time

Then again, not liking a new teacher could simply be a temporary problem that will resolve itself once your child settles in and gets used to their new class.

“Like any other type of relationship, this one also takes time and work to build trust. As time passes, your child will start to be more comfortable and 'like' their teacher. In addition, with time, the teacher also gets to know the child,” Ais Her, director of schools at Fountainhead Montessori School in Dublin, California, tells SheKnows.

Share just how special your child is

Teachers have a lot of faces to remember, and at the start of the term, it can help to share special information about your child and their interests with their new teacher. This can help your child to begin to build a relationship with their new educator. As Her explains, “Parents should make a point of sharing information about their child's interests, hobbies and personality with teachers. These insights provide teachers with a small but more complete picture of who the child is.”

More: Want to Help Prevent School Shootings? Let Teachers Care About Kids

Not liking a teacher is not the worst thing that can happen to your child. In fact, it can even be a positive, teachable moment. During the course of your child's life, they are bound to meet people that they simply do not care for. Learning how to work with people that they dislike helps kids develop all sorts of interpersonal skills — and teaches them to be resilient and adaptable. And who knows? By June, that teacher may well be their new favorite.

There are many things we envy about celebrities' lives, but raising kids in the spotlight isn't on the list for most of us. One of the many reasons we love Kristen Bell, however, is her refreshing candor and honesty — particularly about navigating parenthood as a celebrity.

In an interview with PopSugar, the actor (and voice of Anna in Frozen, and Gossip Girl in Gossip Girl, lest we forget) shared that she and her husband, Dax Shepard, prepared for parenthood by speaking with friends who are the children of celebrities. 

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

"Being friends with Jason Ritter [whose father is the late John Ritter] and people who have had a life similar to his, we've asked, 'What did your parents do that you enjoyed? What did they do that you didn't enjoy?'" Bell recalled. 

There was one piece of unanimous advice, and the couple is sticking to it: When they are in public as a family, their focus is solely on their children. For example, Bell said she won't stop for pictures with fans when she's with her kids. This is not due to "disregard or disrespect to my fans," she explained. Rather, it's because she needs to put her children first. 

More: Kristen Bell Confesses Her Kids Busted in While She Was Having Sex

"It's very hard for a five-year-old to understand why her mommy is paying attention to strangers and not her," Bell told PopSugar. "And ultimately, her well-being is more important to me, so I find a nice way to say, 'Oh, right now I'm Ms. Mom' or 'I don't take pictures when I'm around my kids.'"

In fact, Bell has done such a great job of keeping her fame on the DL that her 5-year-old daughter, Lincoln, was shocked when Shepard referred to himself as "famous" while answering her questions about this podcast. When her dad gently pressed by asking, "Why do you think people ask me and Mommy for pictures when we're out in public?" Lincoln's adorable response was: "Mommy's famous?!" 

More: Kristen Bell Opens Up About Living With Anxiety & Depression in Powerful PSA

Although Bell and Shepard don't harp on their fame at home, they are conscious of teaching Lincoln and 3-year-old Delta that they are far more privileged than most and frequently receive special treatment in a manner that isn't normal.

"We constantly remind them how lucky we are," Bell said. "We never let them take it for granted — not even the fact that we can pay our bills." 

In addition to Bell's viral (and totally relatable) sloth meltdown and her openness about living with mental illness, we love that she's so committed to raising down-to-earth children. Then again, we'd expect nothing less from her. 

Need a little feel-good warm and fuzziness to get you through the rest of the week? The Douglas family has your back.

On Tuesday, Kirk Douglas' grandson, Cameron Douglas, shared a black-and-white photo of his 8-month-old daughter, Lua, spending quality time with her 101-year-old great-grandfather, Kirk Douglas. Spoiler alert: The multigenerational snapshot is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

In the precious pic, little Lua appears to be reaching for Kirk, who stares down at the toddler adoringly from his seated position in a nearby chair. Cameron added a simple yet fitting caption: “LOVE.”

The pair’s connection apparently extends to the child’s name too — per People, Cameron and his girlfriend, Vivian Thibes, gave their daughter the middle name Izzy after Kirk, who was born Issur Danielovitch (aka “Izzy”).

Kirk and Cameron aren’t the only Douglas men who are wrapped around Lua’s finger, though. In December 2017, Cameron’s father (and Kirk’s son), Michael Douglas, shared the first photo of Lua after her birth.

More: Kirk Douglas' 12 Most Iconic Roles

In addition to Cameron, whose mother is Michael's first wife, Diandra Luker, Michael has two other children, Dylan and Carys, with current wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. However, Lua is his only grandchild at this time.

Michael’s love for Lua may also be magnified by the fact that she represents a decidedly different chapter for Cameron. “He’s doing great,” Michael told Us Weekly in June of Cameron’s life in the two years since he wrapped a seven-year prison stint for drug charges.

More: After Seven Long Years, Michael Douglas' Son Is a Free Man

These days, Cameron devotes his time to being a family man like Michael and Kirk before him. 

Time truly flies: Michael Jackson would have been 60 on Wednesday. While it's hard to imagine another year without the King of Pop, Janet Jackson is honoring her brother's life and legacy with a with a short video inspired by his 1992 hit, “Remember the Time.”  

More: Janet Jackson's New Mom Life Involves "Being Waited on Hand & Foot"

In Janet's video, posted on Instagram, she plays an African queen who wants to be entertained. Much like Michael's original video, the queen finds herself disappointed by the performers and dismisses them one by one. That is, until a final performer takes the stage and dances — and his dance takes the queen's breath away.

Of course, the dancer in Janet's video is great — as is the video itself — but both he and the new clip do not compare to Michael (but how could they?). That said, the collaboration with Kwaylon “BlameItOnKway” Rogers, Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor and Diamond Batiste paid off, as the video is a fitting tribute.

But Janet isn't the only one honoring the late Michael today. La Toya Jackson posted a touching message on Instagram:  "You graced the world with your Untouchable Phenomenal Talent! Your Bright Beautiful Smile and your unconditional love for all! There will never be another! We love you! Happy Birthday Michael!"

Tito Jackson also shared a photo of he and Michael on the social media platform, with a simple caption "#MJ4EVER."

More: The Internet Is Crying Over Paris Jackson's New Photoshopped Picture (& So Are We)

And most of the Jackson clan will be in Las Vegas this evening for the MJ Diamond Celebration at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. In fact, Michael's brothers will be performing alongside Cirque du Soleil. That said, there is no word as to what Michael's three children, Michael Jr., Paris and Prince are doing and/or if they will be there.

I read my horoscope pretty much every day and identify so strongly with my zodiac sign (Gemini, in case you were wondering) that I include it in pretty much every author bio I've ever written. So, needless to say, I have a lot of fun with astrology. But "fun" is the key word and that's why I've been somewhat alarmed by the new trend of women's health publications promoting horoscope or moon-related health advice. 

When it comes to my physical and mental health, the only people I want to consult with are my doctors. So, naturally, I turned to medical doctors to get some insight on what they think of this trend. 

More: 5 Bad Health Habits & How to Fix Them

Dr. Darlene Mayo, a board-certified neurosurgeon, says that people turning to "health" horoscopes for answers is concerning for a number of reasons. "While some people firmly believe our future is written in the stars and astrology can be the key to unlocking the answers, even experts in that field will tell you that it is far more complicated than looking at only the month you were born to learn about your character and certainly to learn about your future," Mayo tells SheKnows. 

More: 5 Terrible Diet Tips to Stop Using Immediately

Mayo says this is especially true when it comes to health concerns, and the reason comes down to simple math. There are 12 zodiac signs and over 300 million people in the United States alone. "That would mean that 25 million people each day would all have the same health concerns [and] would get better or worse that day if you only look at your horoscope reading," she says. The odds of that happening are nil. 

As a specific example, Mayo says that she recently read a health-related horoscope that said "that nagging illness will start to get better today." 

It's an incredibly general statement, but there are very real dangers if readers take it to heart. "You could possibly lose your life," Mayo says. "Every day in the United States, 2,200 people have a stroke, which is usually caused by a blood vessel in the brain being blocked. Nearly 400 of the people who have a stroke die every day." 

But stroke is often treatable if you get to the hospital quickly. So the danger of following health horoscopes religiously is that you may be more likely to brush off symptoms and warning signs because your horoscope assured you that you'll start feeling better soon. 

More: The Perfect Spring Recipe for Every Zodiac Sign

Dr. Chirag Shah, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, has a slightly different perspective. "It's fine to read a horoscope to see what it says about your health as long as you implement any advice after consulting with a licensed medical provider," he tells SheKnows. 

Fair enough, but can these horoscope readings ever be beneficial? Shah points out that although many people experience chronic symptoms like fatigue on a daily basis, they don't seek medical care to find out if there is an underlying (and potentially treatable) medical problem. 

"If reading an astrological forecast is what it takes for a person to recognize the presence of the undiagnosed symptoms and then take action to seek out medical care, I think that most medical providers would agree that the reading was beneficial overall," Shah says. Of course, his major caveat is that implementing astrological health advice without consulting a medical provider is not recommended. 

If you simply can't quit your horoscopes, the crucial thing to remember is that all health decisions should be made after consulting with your doctor. As long as you keep that advice top of mind (no exceptions), reading health horoscopes can be harmless fun. 

The audience at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre got a one-of-a-kind mini-encore performance on Wednesday night — and, fair warning, you’re gonna wish you hadn’t missed it. After enjoying the production of Hamilton, Prince Harry took the stage and showed off his acting chops. Granted, Harry isn’t likely to trade it all in and join an acting troupe anytime soon. The Duke of Sussex only belted out a few notes, singing the first two words of “You’ll Be Back.” In the play, the piece is sung by the character of King George III.

More: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Ignore Family Drama, Get a Dog

“You say,” Harry sang, eliciting an immediate outburst of laughter and applause from the cast and audience alike. He quickly stopped, reassuring the audience, “That’s definitely not going to happen.” He then joked of Lin-Manuel Miranda trying to recruit him to join the production, “He did try, but I said no.” 

According to Newsweek, Miranda discussed his excitement over the royal guests ahead of the night’s performance, saying, “The prince’s sixth-great-grandfather is a character so that’ll be fun and surreal for all of us. You don’t get that every day.” 

And while Hamilton boasts many famous fans, Miranda admitted this one was special. 

“We’ve had some popular folks come see our show but you don’t often get a direct descendant of one of your main characters. That’s very exciting and I’m very curious to see their reception,” he said. 

More: Prince William & Prince Harry Are So Handsome, They Even Make Great Portrait Subjects

While Harry and new wife Duchess Meghan (née Markle) of Sussex are undoubtedly patrons of the arts, this wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill night at the theater. Rather, it was a charity performance to raise money for Harry’s charity Sentebale, which supports the mental health and well-being of young people affected by HIV.

While onstage, Harry expressed his gratitude to the audience for helping him to “raise a huge amount of money to change the lives of thousands of children in Botswana and Lesotho,” noting that through the work the money will fund, they can stop the “hand-down of the stigma of HIV.” 

More: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Won't Have Custody of Their Future Children

A worthy cause, and one that was also important to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. All told, the evening raised an impressive $390,000 for Sentable. 

Maybe the next charity performance will see Meghan take the stage too. After all, we already know she's got the acting down. And even though she left that career behind for royal life, certainly no one would mind if she trots it out for a good cause occasionally, right?

Not in the mood to cook at all this long 2018 Labor Day weekend (aside from that backyard barbecue you've already planned)? You're in luck. Plenty of fast food joints and restaurants are offering up free (or really cheap) food all weekend long.

See below for all the deals!

More: All the Grill-Cleaning Hacks You Need Before Your Labor Day BBQ

Baskin-Robbins

Get a sugary midafternoon pick-me-up at Baskin-Robbins. Head to the store nearest you and pick up a free sample of their Pumpkin Cheesecake Cappuccino Blast on Sunday between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. If you don't mind paying a little extra for a slightly larger size, purchase a small Cappuccino Blast for just $2.99 throughout September and October.

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

Get half off any pizza on Sept. 3 at BJ's. They're also offering $10 off your $40 purchase through Sunday.

Carrabba's

Cheap drinks and apps over at Italian restaurant Carrabba's! From Friday through Monday, Carrabba's has an all-day happy hour that includes $2 to $3 beers, $5 premium spirits and specialty cocktails and half off their appetizers. Plus, you can get 9-ounce glasses of wine and sangria for the price of their 6-ounce glasses of wine/sangria.

Chipotle

Until Sept. 12, get free delivery on any order of $10 or more using the DoorDash app.

Church's

Fast food chicken joint Church's has a deal that extends far past Labor Day weekend. Throughout the month of September, get their Real Big Deal meal for just $5. The deal includes fried chicken and two sides.

Cumberland Farms

Through Tuesday, get a free snack with the purchase of a drink, or get a free drink with the purchase of a snack. Here's the full flyer with more info, but basically, it's a buy-one-get-one-free offer.

Dairy Queen

Download Dairy Queen's new mobile app and get a free small Blizzard. If you're willing to pay, Dairy Queen is also offering a $4 burger-and-a-Blizzard deal.

More: How to Teach Your Kids the True Meaning of Labor Day

Popeyes

For $5, get six boneless wings, a buttermilk biscuit, dipping sauce and your choice of a side.

LongHorn Steakhouse

No free or cheap food here — LongHorn Steakhouse is doing things a little differently this Labor Day weekend. For those hosting a barbecue at home and in need help grilling, you can call up LongHorn's Grill Us Hotline at 1-855-LH-GRILL on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you call, a certified grill master will answer the call and guide you.

Marie Callender's

On Labor Day, get one free slice of pie as part of Marie Callender's Free Pie Monday deal. The catch? You must buy an entrée too.

Olive Garden

Through Sept. 23, Olive Garden is offering a BOGO meal deal (specifically, buy one meal in the restaurant, and take one meal home for free). 

Rubio's Coastal Grill

Buy one entrée at Rubio's and get one free through Sept. 23, but you must use this coupon.

Sonic

On Labor Day, all of Sonic's shakes, floats and ice cream slushes are half off after 8 p.m.

Spaghetti Warehouse

For just $30, you can get a four-person family feast at Spaghetti Warehouse. The offer is valid Saturday through Monday, and you must use this coupon.

Have fun and be safe this Labor Day weekend!