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Halle Berry Is Taking on Her Most Exciting Role Yet: Movie Director

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Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry is looking to conquer another creative realm! Not only will she be starring in the upcoming MMA drama Bruised, but Berry will also be making her directorial debut.

According to The Hollywood Reporter,  she’ll be teaming up with producer  Basil Iwanyk, whom Berry worked with on John Wick 3: Parabellum (now in post-production). Although Berry has served as executive producer before — recent examples include 2017’s Kidnap — this is the first time she’ll be stepping behind the camera as a director.

More: Halle Berry Addresses Pregnancy Rumors Herself

Berry will also have a starring role in Bruised as a disgraced MMA fighter by the name of Jackie, aka “Justice.” Per THR, Jackie must rise to the challenge when the six-year-old son she walked out on reappears in her life. She has to conquer her own demons in order to step in the ring with MMA’s rising crop of fighters but, if she can, she may just be able to become the mom her little boy needs.

And if you ask Berry’s trainer, having the actress step into the role of a fierce MMA fighter isn’t too farfetched.

More: Halle Berry Is Officially Giving Up on Love

“If Halle wasn’t an actress, she would very easily transition into becoming a professional athlete if she was coached the right way,” trainer Peter Lee Thomas told People in August. “She’s also not afraid to experiment and explore and take risks when it comes to fitness because she understands that in order for there to be potential growth and change, she’s going to have to do things that are commonly difficult to do.”

In fact, when Thomas first met Berry, he was shocked to learn she was 51 — largely due to her athletic prowess. “I had no idea what her age was when I met her. I never looked or was interested in that and when I found out I was absolutely shellshocked because she has the discipline and athleticism of a 25-year-old,” he explained.

Based on Berry’s previous body of work and that one-two punch of qualities, we have no doubt she’ll K.O. her first turn as director.


How (& When) to Talk to Your Teens About Birth Control

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Talking to your teens about birth control might not be your ideal way to spend an evening, but it's one of those things that as a parent, you really shouldn't avoid. And now, with so many resources available and our teens spending so much time online, they are exposed to so much, and it’s our duty as parents to get involved and make sure they are getting the correct information.

But when is the right time to have this important talk with your child? To find out, we spoke with sex educators who have worked with families and teens. They shared the right time to have the discussion as well as dialogue that will make you and your teen comfortable.

Have the talk before your teen is dating

When it comes to having the birth control talk with your teen, timing is key. Specifically, you need to do it before they start dating and are put in a position where they may need birth control.

More: 5 Birth Control Delivery Services

Kim Cook, a registered nurse and certified health education specialist and author of Teen World Confidential: Five-Minute Topics to Open Conversations about Sex and Relationships, says it's imperative you talk to your teens before they begin actively dating.

In fact, the sooner you can have the talk with your child, the better, Dr. Lori Whatley, a licensed marriage and family expert and clinical psychologist, tells SheKnows. She also reminds us that if we don't feel like we can talk with our kids about sex and all its risks, find someone who can as soon as possible.

More: 6 Things That Happen When You Ditch Hormonal Birth Control

Keep it casual

If you need a starting point, Cook tells SheKnows you can begin the conversation by saying, "Hey, have you talked about birth control in your health class yet?" You can them ask what they've learned, their thoughts and if they have any questions. 

It's also important to let them know any time they want to go to see their physician or gynecologist to explore birth control options, you will gladly take them, because the most important thing to you is they stay safe and healthy, she adds. 

Similarly, Whatley suggests accompanying your teen to their doctor's appointment to show your support, adding, "Even if your teen doesn't use [birth control], it's imperative they have it and be properly prepared."

In fact, Cook recommends all teens visit their doctor for a one-on-one talk about sexuality. "This initiates a relationship with their provider in the event they need to seek medical advice," she says, adding that she would recommend this for children regardless of sexual or gender identity. 

Furthermore, you shouldn't overreact if your teen comes to you with questions about birth control, as that will make them feel shame and judgment and they will go elsewhere for information, Whatley adds. Instead, calmly answer their questions, and if you don't know the answers, point them in the direction of someone who does.

Include information about STI risk

An important part of having the birth control talk is addressing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. 

Whatley suggests a good way to bring it up could be to say something like, "When you find a person you care about and decide to become sexually active, always use protection against pregnancy and STIs." You can then start talking about some of the different options available for birth control (like condoms or oral contraceptives) but the risks and some education about STIs are also important.

Along the same lines, another crucial aspect of having the talk with your teens is drawing a distinction between using contraception to prevent pregnancy versus protecting against STIs. For example, if they decide to opt to take birth control pills or get an IUD, they need to know that, yes, those methods can prevent pregnancy, but they do not prevent STIs: for that, you'd need a barrier method, like a condom, Cook explains.

This isn't a "one & done" conversation

Our teens need to know we are there for them without judgment, Cook explains, and that we should make sure to keep the door open and the conversation going about sex, relationships and birth control. She also reminds us "parents don't need to know everything," so don't be afraid to turn to resources like Bedsider or Scarleteen for information.  

The most important thing we can do for our kids is to help them choose what's right for them when they do become sexually active. Whitley says keeping the lines of communication open is always a better choice than putting our heads in the sand and adds it is a parent’s responsibility to do this for their teen no matter how uncomfortable. 

Whitney Port's Baby Is Joining The Hills Reboot, Be Still Our Hearts

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It's time to get ready for some serious nostalgia, because The Hills will return to our small screens next year. Thus far, it's been confirmed that Audrina Patridge, Heidi and Spencer Pratt, Stephanie Pratt, Jason Wahler, Justin Bobby, Frankie Delgado, and Port will return for the reboot, titled The Hills: New Beginnings

If you're sad about the absence of Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth and Kristin, don't despair (or decide to sit this one out) just yet. A new (and totally adorable) face is likely joining the cast: Port's baby son, Sonny Sanford. 

More: Whitney Port Gets Real About Her Difficult Pregnancy

In an exclusive interview with People, Port said Sonny will probably make at least a few appearances. "Being a mom is a huge part of my identity now, so it would feel weird if he was never on it and I just talked about him,” she told the outlet. "So I feel like Sonny will be on it a bit here and there."

More: Whitney Port Reveals Struggle With Breastfeeding in Emotional Video

Port also shared that Sonny, who is now 13 months old, is officially on the move — and speaking in his own adorable lingo. "He’s standing up and couch surfing, crawling so fast all over the place," the new mom shared. "He’s definitely starting to think he’s having conversations with us by babbling but he’s actually not really saying any words. He doesn’t want to be fed at all anymore — he wants to do everything on his own." 

It sounds like Sonny has quite the independent spirit, and we can't wait to see his antics on The Hills: New Beginnings

And apparently, one thing we'll most likely get to see is Sonny uttering the word "Mama." (Can you deal?!) OK, so Port says he most likely doesn't really understand the word's meaning, but it's still precious to hear."[E]ven when my husband walks out of the room, he calls him Mama too, so I’m like whatever, it’s not that special," the refreshingly down-to-earth star explained. "I think Mama to him is whoever's taking care of him."

More: Whitney Port Gets Real About How Motherhood Changed Her Body

Port has always been honest with her fans about the ups and downs of new motherhood, but there are far more ups and downs these days, and she's eager to share this on The Hills: New Beginnings.

"[As] he turned 1, there was a huge shift in how I viewed motherhood and just my overall happiness as a mom and I think that's important to share," Port said. "Yes, the first year was really hard and I want to be realistic with everybody about that, but it doesn’t last. It’s not going to be like that forever and I think that’s an important message to send."

What else can we expect from The Hills: New Beginnings? Well, the rest is still unwritten.

Apple Just Unveiled 3 New iPhones — Here’s What You Need to Know

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Apple hosted their annual keynote on Wednesday, and — in typical Apple fashion — the event was epicHowever, the big takeaway from the keynote wasn't the Mission Impossible-style intro or the fact that Apple stores are now welcoming over 500 million visitors each year (though these things were impressive); no, the big news was that there is a new iPhone coming.

Scratch that, there are three new iPhones coming: the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR.

Here's everything you need to know.

More: Google Releases App that Helps People Reduce Waste

iPhone XS/XS Max

  • Available in two sizes: 5.8-inch (XS) and 6.5-inch (XS Max) with OLED super-retina display
  • Comes in three colors: gold, silver and space gray 
  • Offers new dual-camera system with 12-megapixel wide and telephoto lenses
  • Offers smart HDR and dynamic depth of field, which allows users the chance to change the Bokeh effect in portrait mode
  • Offers new AR experiences thanks to A12 Bionic chip: the smartest, most powerful chip ever used in an iPhone
  • 4K video now records in stereo
  • Both the XS and XS Max now support dual SIM cards
  • Runs iOS 12 software
  • Is more water- and dust-resistant than previous models
  • Has improved Face ID system
  • Battery life: the iPhone XS should last 30 minutes longer than iPhone X; the iPhone XS Max should last 90 minutes longer than the iPhone X
  • Available in 64, 256 or 512 gigabytes 
  • Pricing starts at $999 for the XS and $1,099 for the XS Max

iPhone XR

  • 6.1 LCD screen with liquid retina display
  • Comes in five colors: white, black, blue, coral, yellow and Project (RED)
  • Made of aerospace-grade aluminum
  • Has more durable glass
  • Screen goes edge to edge and top to bottom
  • Offers same true-depth and wide-angle camera system as iPhone XS and XS Max
  • Offers same A12 Bionic chip as iPhone XS and XS Max
  • Takes portrait mode photos through software
  • Runs iOS 12 software
  • Is more water- and dust-resistant than previous models
  • Has improved Face ID system
  • Battery life: the iPhone XR battery should last 90 minutes longer than iPhone X 
  • Available in 64, 128 or 256 gigabytes 
  • Pricing starts at $749

More: 11 Ways to Go Green Without Blowing Your Budget

Apple also announced their ever-popular watch is getting an update, which is huge, especially since this will be the Apple Watch's first major redesign since it was originally released in 2015. To learn more about Apple Watch Series 4, check out our complete rundown of the new watch and all its new features.

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max will be available for preorder on Friday and will begin shipping on Sept. 21. The iPhone XR will be available for preorder on Oct. 19 and will begin shipping on Oct. 26.

David Foster Has Felt a Connection With Katharine McPhee Since They Met in 2006

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Much has been made of newly affianced Katharine McPhee and David Foster’s considerable age gap, but it’s a nonfactor for the couple. In fact, 68-year-old Foster says he and his future bride first felt sparks over a decade ago. 

More: Katharine McPhee Says You Should Worry About This & Not Her 68-Year-Old Fiancé

The couple, who first met when Foster mentored McPhee and other American Idol hopefuls in 2006, started out purely professional. However, Foster told People it wasn’t long before they knew there was something more developing between them. “She didn’t catch my eye on the first day because I was so busy trying to do my job. But the reality is that in the last 12 years I’ve always had a connection with her,” he revealed. 

And they apparently weren’t the only ones who realized it. 

At the Celebrity Fight Night charity event in Italy on Sunday, McPhee sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love" alongside Andrea Bocelli — although it was clear McPhee was singing straight to (and about) Foster. And Bocelli, a longtime friend of the pair, commented on the couple’s intense chemistry before the performance. “A few years ago I told you she was the one,” said Bocelli, to which Foster responded, “You were right.” 

The bottom line according to McPhee? “We genuinely love and respect each other and have for a very long time.” 

While most people struggle to get past the pair’s 34-year age gap, Foster and McPhee insist age is one of the only things they don’t have in common. Otherwise, though, they’re pretty perfectly matched. Foster says, “[T]he fact we are both in the music industry helps” deepen their bond, adding, “We understand each other.” 

More: Katharine McPhee & David Foster's Past Connection Is Jaw-Dropping

If anyone was going to have a problem with the union, you would expect it might be Foster’s daughters, Sara and Erin, who at 37 and 35 respectively are older than McPhee. However, People reports that the women are both on board with the relationship. 

On Thursday, the sisters gushed about their dad, with Sara telling Us Weekly, "He's so happy. He's never looked better. He doesn't age. I said to him the other day, I'm like, 'Are you on HGH? What's happening?' He just looks so young." 

Noted Erin, "I think that's the gift of having a young fiancée. 

Plus, their hilarious social media exchanges with McPhee suggest they all get along famously. 

So, yeah, Foster and McPhee aren’t really sweating the haters as they plan his fifth wedding and her second. “It doesn’t make sense to a lot of people, but it does to us,” McPhee said. “He has things to learn from me and I have a lot of things to learn from him, so I think we have a nice yin and yang.” 

8 Things Parents of Successful Kids Do Differently

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When it comes to parenting, every person has his or her own style depending on what's best for their families — and their personal lives. But it's no secret that parenting styles can greatly shape the future of a child and determine their success in life.

Some parenting decisions have been proven to produce more successful children than others. Here's what the parents of successful children are doing differently.

1. They exhibit an authoritative parenting style

Parents who raise successful children exhibit an authoritative parenting style rather than authoritarian. Authoritative parenting can be compared to a hosting a democracy. Authoritative parents set rules and expect them to be followed, but they also allow rules to be up for debate. Authoritarian parents do not allow debate or even questioning of rules. Children of authoritarian parents tend to have lower self-esteem and are at a greater risk for depression than those of authoritative parents according to Psychology Today.

More: Should I Give My Child a Smartphone? Women Weigh In

2. They choose a healthy diet & exercise regime for themselves

Parents who are in good physical shape are better able to keep up with their kids and spend more time with them. Further, children look up to their parents, so being a fit role model means having fit children. Children with healthy parents are likely to mimic healthy behaviors throughout their lives.

3. They expose their children to different cultures

Exposing children to different places, people and cultures helps them to utilize parts of their brains that are not used in their natural childhood environment according to The Telegraph. Traveling activates the area of the brain responsible for a child’s cognitive functioning, social intelligence, attention, motivation and memory.

4. They give their children chores

The Harvard Grant Study asserts that the biggest predictor of one’s success is whether or not they were given chores as a child. Chores help children learn discipline, prioritization, cooperation and teamwork. Chores are children’s first peek into the real world and the hard work it requires, allowing them to anticipate the dedication required of advanced schooling or careers. 

More: Why Sharing Viral "Badass Working Parent" Memes Actually Helps No One

5. They teach their children how to learn from failures

Parents of successful children stress legitimate effort over actual success. While good grades are important to these parents, hard work is even more so. A child who's able to work hard but recoup when something goes wrong is much more poised for lifelong success than a child who's scared to start for fear they won't be perfect. 

6. They eat dinner as a family

Having a regular meal together as a family gives children consistency and structure, instituting personal discipline early. Family dinners also help to build relationships among family members and allow for children to address any issues they may be having. The American College of Pediatricians found that children who regularly eat meals with their families are less likely to exhibit negative high-risk behaviors, likely as a result of being less lonely and having stronger familial relationships. 

7. They give children their own responsibilities

Aside from assigning them chores, parents of successful children let them learn how to be responsible by themselves — allowing their kids to make their own decisions with their time and prioritization. For example, successful parents might allow their child to plan their schedule for the week or decide what to bring to school for lunch

More: 35 Encouraging Things You Should Be Saying to Your Child

8. They help their kids develop social skills

Helping children learn how to interact and work well with others can determine the child’s success in the future. A 20-year study published in the American Journal of Public Health discovered that socially competent children are more likely to have a college degree and a career by the time they turn 25 and less likely to be arrested, engage in binge drinking or apply for public housing.


A version of this post previously appeared on Fairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards and career advice.

Chef Jordan Andino Reveals What It's Really Like to Cook for the Kardashians

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Jordan Andino's love of food started early. At the age of 9, his family moved from Toronto, Canada, to Manhattan Beach, California, and it was then — yes, at 9 years old — that Andino began his culinary career. He started by working with his dad in fine restaurants and eventually graduated from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration.

Now, Andino hosts his own show, Late Nite Eats, on the Cooking Channel and has cooked for The French Laundry, Jean-Georges and even the Kardashian family. We recently got the chance to chat with Andino and get a peek inside his fridge. 

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

Jordan Andino: A bottle of white wine, Sriracha, fresh minced garlic sitting in olive oil, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and eggs.

Jordan Andino's fridge

SK: What about your freezer?

JA: Ice, frozen premade and portioned turkey burgers, mixed frozen berries and, of course, beer mugs.

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

JA: Something that I always keep on hand is Nesquik. I’ve been a lifelong fan, and so it’s a staple in my pantry. Whether I’m whipping up some champorado or blending fresh, delicious smoothies, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate its great taste and wholesome milk goodness into my cooking. 

SK: What’s your go-to healthy snack?

JA: It’s ever-evolving. When I’m not filming, my healthy snack is an acai bowl with granola, strawberries and banana. When I’m filming, I love eating roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and/or broccoli.

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

JA: Best weeknight meal would be moules-frites, or steamed mussels with fries.  These dishes are affordable, easy, delicious and relatively healthy. Most importantly, they’re quick to shop for and quick to make.

SK: What would you consider the ultimate comfort food?

JA: Nothing says comfort like mac and cheese. The best kind is when it’s freshly made with lots of gooey cheesiness, which makes for the most comforting of flavors and feelings.

SK: Any foods you absolutely can’t stand? 

JA: Only one thing…. birthday cake and frosting. Like, the classic chocolate or white/yellow cake bread with traditional frosting…. ew.

SK: Obviously, you love Filipino food, but which country’s cuisine (other than the Philippines) is your favorite and why?

JA: Italian, closely followed by Spanish cuisine. Both cultures cook with love and foster large family gatherings around food, which I think is the most important part of cooking.

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

JA: Blender. I don’t believe in microwaves, and I love being able to purée things quickly and easily.

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

JA: Balut — [which means] "fermented duck embryo" from the Philippines.

SK: Would you eat it again? 

JA: Thanks, but no thanks!

SK: You went to Cornell, and I grew up right outside of Ithaca so I have to ask, is Wegmans truly the greatest grocery store in the U.S.? In my opinion, it totally is. 

JA: Wegmans is a culture — nay, a lifestyle. I personally believe that simply reducing Wegmans to “grocery store” is heresy. If you haven’t been to Wegmans, I’d almost liken it to the Disney World of grocery stores — the happiest place on Earth (for food and stuff)!

SK: You’ve also cooked for one of the most famous families — the Kardashians. What was that like? What did you cook for them? 

JA: It was an incredible experience and something I’d love to do again. They are an amazingly tight-knit family that hustles harder than anybody I’ve ever seen. Even with all their fame and fortune, they are so down-to-earth and quite gracious. They get a bad reputation for absolutely no reason!

You'll Never Guess This Calvin Klein Model's Famous Mom

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If you ever had the opportunity to do something totally awesome as a teenager but your parents told you to wait a year or two, you've got something in common with Laura Dern and Ben Harper's son. Ellery Harper, 17, just made his runway debut at New York Fashion Week's Calvin Klein Spring 2019 show — but as it turns out, Calvin Klein designer Raf Simons wanted Harper to walk in last year's show. 

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

“[Raf] originally asked me to walk. But my dad had different opinions,” Harper told WWD in February. Instead, he attended as an esteemed guest of Simons. (Not too shabby for a 16-year-old.) 

"Really I’m attending with Ellery who has a great love of Raf and is an invited guest of Raf — they have a beautiful connection," Dern said at the time. 

But Harper was allowed to have his moment on the catwalk this time around, and his proud mom was right there cheering him on from the front row. "Always a privilege to witness Raf Simons' genius for Calvin Klein especially when I am the proudest mama witnessing my son walk for him," she captioned an Instagram post. 

More: Laura Dern & Reese Witherspoon Prove They're as Close as Ever & Not Feuding

As reported by W, the Spring 2019 Calvin Klein collection was largely inspired by the film Jaws. In fitting with the theme, Walker was clad in a sweater vest and cargo pants that resembled a deep-sea diver suit. 

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

Harper's first time on the runway was a major success, but it's unclear whether he plans to pursue a modeling career. Luckily, he's got plenty of time to decide — and either way, walking in a Calvin Klein show is a major bucket list moment checked off the list. 


9 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Fruits & Vegetables

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We all know most food products have a shelf life — fruits and veggies having one of the shortest life spans on the market. In order to not feel like we are wasting so much food and money, we scoured the 'net to find some of the top food-preservation systems and gadgets that promise to extend the life of your produce, if only for an extra day or two.

1. Onion Saver

Onion Saver

The Hutzler Onion Saver contains onion odors within its rounded shell while keeping cut onions fresh and moist. Made to look like an onion, the onion saver will never get lost in the fridge or forgotten. The two sides simply attach by a twist lock, and the saver is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.

Hutzler Onion Saver, available at Amazon

2. Avocado keeper & storage container

Avocado Storage Joie Fresh

Never waste leftover avocados again. The Joie avocado keeper allows you to store leftover avocado halves to ensure they stay fresh, firm and odor free and also prevents browning.

Joie avocado keeper, available at Amazon

3. Fruit life-extender liner

Food Extender Liner Bandwagon

The fruit-life extender liner keeps produce fresher longer with its open-cell foam material that allows air to circulate beneath food in refrigerator drawers. Fruits and veggies stay crisp and full of flavor longer.

 Fruit life-extender liner, available at Amazon

4. Banana bag

Banana Bag Carol Wright Gifts

Another option for produce storage is a banana bag. The airtight design of the bag drastically slows down the ripening process and can extend the freshness of fruit and vegetables by up to two weeks. Simply place your produce in the bag, pull tight and place in the fridge to keep your food fresher longer. Made from easy-to-clean nylon with a bright yellow color so you never forget the food stored in your fridge.

Banana bag, available at Amazon

5. Farberware Food Huggers

Food Savers Farberware

Food Huggers by Farberware is a set of four reusable silicone food covers that help preserve the freshness of leftover fruits and vegetables. Simply push the leftover half of the food down into the closest-size Hugger and save it in the fridge until you need to use it again. The food hugger works by creating a seal to hold in the natural juices and prevent exposure to circulating air, which contributes to food spoilage or dehydration. They work great on dry items like nuts, candy and cereals too.

Farberware Food Huggers, available at Amazon

6. Produce mesh bags for hanging storage

Mesh Storage Bags Wjkuku 

These reusable fruit and vegetable mesh bags provide convenient hanging storage for produce such as potatoes, onions, peppers, fruits and garlic. Made from polyester, the mesh is breathable and helps prevent the growth of bacteria. The bottoms of the bags have a hole with a Velcro fastener to allow for easy access and prevent items from falling out.

Mesh produce bags, available at Amazon

7. Herb Saver

herb saver containers

Herbs are one of the hardest types of produce to keep fresh. Recipes only call for a minimal amount, and you are usually left with a large bundle that gets placed in a plastic bag to spoil in your drawer. The Hutzler Herb Saver is the perfect way to store fresh herbs — the three-piece set includes a base to be filled with water, a holder ring for keeping herbs in place and a cover to keep them clean and dust free. This device stores them at the optimum vapor pressure and a humidity that keeps them fresh longer.

Herb Saver, available at Amazon

8. Fruit & vegetable freshness extender

Fruit Vegetable Extender Fresh Crisp

Lastly, we have a fruit and vegetable freshness extender by Fresh’n Crisp. This innovative product extends the life of your product by absorbing and neutralizing the ethylene gas that accelerates aging in your produce to prolong their life and freshness, similar to a baking soda box. Simply place the extender wherever you put your produce or other foods and let it work its magic.

Fruit and vegetable freshness extender, available at Amazon

9. Produce Saver food storage container

Food Storage Rubbermaid

The Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver food storage container has a built-in FreshVent lid filter to regulate the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide to help keep your produce fresh up to 80 percent longer. This creates the best environment for your produce, which means fewer trips to the grocery store and more savings for your wallet.

Produce Saver food storage container, 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. 

After Infertility, I Was Scared of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis — Here's Why

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Out of my six years of infertility, three were spent doing some pretty intense treatments. There were three cycles of intrauterine inseminations, or IUIs, where I was on the drug Clomid to push my body to ovulate. Then there was progesterone — the hormone that helped support a possible pregnancy. 

When my husband and I moved on to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, I almost fainted at the cost of the medications — well over $2,000 for each cycle — as well as the sheer amount I needed to inject into my body. Pills, patches, shots in my stomach and buttocks, even some I had to insert vaginally — I did it all. The three rounds of IVF involved multiple shots a day for weeks. 

During those years, along with the hopes and fears of it all working or not, there was also the very tangible concern of getting some horrible cancer from all the added hormones and stimulation medications I was taking month after month, year after year. It would surface in the form of poor-taste jokes I’d make when talking about how horribly infertile I was. 

“I’m probably going to end up with cancer after all this,” I’d say to my husband while injecting yet another shot of hormones. This, of course, was an awful thing to even joke about, but without fail, my mind would go to the dark place reserved only for sick humor. What if I finally got my long-awaited baby only to get breast or ovarian cancer from the very thing it took to get her?

It was a legit concern. All those years of hormone treatments didn’t seem good for me. It didn’t seem good for my body to inject medication after medication, and the fear was always there. Of course I had brought up my concerns with my doctor in the beginning, and he reassured me they were safe, but because the focus was always just to get me pregnant, it was never brought up again by either of us. 

More: How Infertility & Trying to Conceive Changes Sex

And then, in 2014, right after my third IVF failed and we were beginning the process to use an egg donor, my mom called to tell me she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

I remember that period of time as trying to survive two intense stressors. One was the fear of losing my mom, my anchor, and watching her undergo a surgery and chemotherapy. The other was pushing through continued fertility treatments because I wanted to make sure my mom met  her first grandchild.

I saw a genetic counselor during that time to go over my own breast cancer-prevention strategy. The good news was my mom’s type of cancer wasn’t genetic, and therefore, I wouldn’t need my own genetic testing. But I brought up my fears of hormones during infertility, and even the geneticist’s confident reassurance that there was never a link between fertility medications and cancer wasn’t enough — I was still scared of getting cancer anyway. Call it paranoia or stubbornness, but I couldn’t seem to let it go. However, I wasn’t about to stop fertility treatments and give up the chance of a baby. 

That was four years ago when I last talked over my concerns with an expert. I had continued to pursue treatments, and the geneticist’s discussion with me was what helped me push on. That wasn’t the first time I had heard of the low risk of developing cancer from fertility treatments, but when I recently came across the largest study ever done on fertility and cancer risk, I felt I could relax more than ever since the results were overwhelmingly in my favor. 

For the study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2018, more than 250,000 women in the U.K. who received fertility treatments were tracked from 1991 to 2010, and their records were linked to any cancer findings from several different registries. It was concluded that there was no increase in uterine or breast cancer and only a slight risk of ovarian cancer. Researchers thought this wasn’t to do with the fertility treatments themselves, but to outside risk factors of the women. 

But despite the promising findings, the research is what prompted me to speak to some experts in the field. 

To start with, Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow, a reproductive endocrinologist at Extend Fertility, explains that therapies for fertility treatments have been around for 40 years, and research has been done with women who have undergone these treatments. 

“Some studies have shown increased risk of certain cancers in women who are infertile and receive fertility treatment, but it is believed that the risk is inherent in the underlying patient population — i.e., those who are infertile and seek treatment — rather than due to the treatment itself,” she tells SheKnows. 

Along the same lines, Dr. Mandy Katz-Jaffe,  a reproductive geneticist and scientific director at Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, tells SheKnows that fertility providers try to make fertility treatments as safe as possible for the patients. She explains that women don’t need to be concerned with certain cancer types and health issues due to the increase in hormones such as estrogen that are frequently taken during their treatments. 

Both experts agree that the U.K. study is thorough and well researched and is good news for people who have gone through or are thinking about fertility treatments to grow their family. With the decade of follow-up on more than 250,000 women, it means women like me can breathe easier about the concern that their fertility treatments might cause cancer. 

Plus, as Maslow points out, “Women who undergo fertility treatments are under more frequent physician care, which means that if something looks suspicious, it is more likely to get noticed at an earlier stage.” 

More: Trying to Conceive? The Important Test Your Gynecologist Isn't Telling You About

In fact, Katz-Jaffe says the clinic where she works is taking extra precautions by having patients undergo mammograms as part of their initial workup so they are in the best health they can be before undergoing treatments. “All this information represents good news for couples who have gone through several rounds of assisted reproductive technology,” she explained.

After five embryos transfers, I gave birth to my daughter in 2015, ending the fertility battle — at least until we repeated the process for a second child. I remember during all this, when I was making the comments about getting cancer from the fertility medications, these comments were always followed up by, “Why did you keep going if you were scared about getting cancer?” The simple truth was I wanted a baby. And maybe that made me selfish, taking that risk of bringing a child into the world just because I wanted to grow my family. But this was a baby that had been loved long before she was conceived, and that drive to hold her in my arms was powerful — much more powerful than that nagging worry in the back of my mind. 

Now that my husband and I are facing another fertility treatment in less than a month, my outlook is different this time around. My mom has remained cancer-free, and I know I didn’t inherit a gene for cancer from her, which is one less thing to be concerned about. My doctor recommended that I have yearly mammograms starting now (in my early 30s), because of my direct relation to someone who developed breast cancer. 

But I’m much more reassured than I was years ago knowing I am doing all that is in my control. I’m also armed with a lot more reassuring evidence that, while I have plenty to stress about with this next cycle, the damage to my body from the hormones doesn’t have to be one of them. 

Ryan Gosling Visits the Coffee Shop With a Viral Campaign Based on... Him

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Sometimes, all you need to meet your favorite celebrity is a cardboard cutout and a viral Twitter campaign. At least, that's the method that worked for Grinder Coffee in Toronto, whose employees started a 10-day campaign on their social media to gain the attention of actor Ryan Gosling while he was in his homeland for the Toronto International Film Festival. The power of social media knows no bounds.

More: Emma Stone "Can't Imagine Life Without" Ryan Gosling, & Honestly, Same

According to E! News, Grinder Coffee began sharing photos on Sept. 3 of a Gosling cardboard cutout drinking coffee at their café and enjoying local hotspots in Toronto. Each photo was accompanied by a caption explaining why Gosling should make a visit to Grinder Coffee. Then on Tuesday, after just seven days of their 10-day campaign, Gosling actually arrived at the shop.

"And this happened..." the shop tweeted along with the photo of Gosling and shop owner Joelle Murray. "#ryanneedsgrinder worked. The man himself showed up. What a good sport, a well brought up Canadian boy. We truly appreciate Ryan taking the time to visit us during #tiff."

Murray told Toronto news outlet Canoe that Gosling popped into the shop for about two minutes to greet her and patrons. She said Gosling told her he had seen the tweets, but his mother ultimately told him that he should visit. 

“He made it seem that he enjoyed meeting me as much as I enjoyed meeting him,” Murray said. “And it was a lovely feeling. He was very well-spoken, a wonderful Canadian boy with very good manners.”

So, what did the campaign that got Gosling's foot in the door consist of? Lots and lots of tweets, beginning with this announcement tweet from Grinder Coffee on Sept. 3 after announcing their new campaign on Sept. 1: "See @RyanGosling we are very dedicated to our campaign." 

In a tweet on Sept. 4, Grinder Coffee shared photos of their employees, including Murray, posing with the Gosling cutout. "Real @RyanGosling meet Grinder Ryan. Think of the fun you could have taking selfies with a selfie. If you do you get to be entered into our contest." They also referenced last year's failed campaign to get actor Idris Elba to visit, adding, "@idriselba didn't get that treatment."

When Gosling arrived at TIFF for the premiere of First Man, the shop offered to pay for half of his Uber ride for the 18-minute drive from the main festival strip to Grinder Coffee's location, sharing a map of the route on Twitter. That same day, Gosling made his appearance at the shop, but there's no word on whether he actually took an Uber.

More: Witness Harrison Ford & Ryan Gosling's Bromance in All Its Adorable Glory

We can't help but love that Gosling visited Grinder Coffee because his mom encouraged him to stop by, though we must admit that employing a cardboard cutout of a celebrity to start a viral campaign asking them to visit is odd. It's great publicity, but this is just another time we’re reminded that celebrity life can something get pretty weird.

Kelly Rowland Reveals the Serena Williams-Inspired Lesson She's Teaching Her Son

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We are major fans of Kelly Rowland. We've loved her for a while, but it seems that as the years go by, we love her more and more. Whether Rowland is delivering us some new music (and there should be more on the way since she's back in the studio!) or she's dishing on her favorite parenting tips, we will never find fault with her. 

That's why we were so excited to have the chance to catch up with her in a phone interview recently. With back-to-school season upon us, we wanted to chat with Rowland not only about how she is preparing herself and her son, Titan, for a successful school year but also pick her brain on things like the essential, age-appropriate life lessons she wants to teach him and why she's teaming up with Clorox for a "Donors Choose" campaign that is all about supporting teachers.

More: Kelly Rowland Has Mommy Guilt Too — & That's OK

SheKnows: Hey there, Kelly! How's your day going so far? 

Kelly Rowland: It's going great. I'm just coming from Pilates.

SK: Are you a frequent Pilates-goer? 

KR: Yes! It just happened over the summer, and it just makes me feel a little bit taller and I just feel so good. 

SK: Are there any other kinds of self-care or activities that you do for yourself that you're really loving?

KR: I'm meditating right now. It just keeps me a little more focused and centered and calm. I'm also really into Epsom salt baths right now because my body is sore from Pilates. A nice little soak has just been so good for me recently.

SK: Oh nice! Since it's back-to-school season, we're curious to know: With Titan going back, have you guys had to deal with separation anxiety?

KR: On his first day of school last year, he literally looked back at me and held his friend's hand and said, "Bye, Mom! See you later!" and just went to class. There was absolutely no separation anxiety. He was just so excited to meet all these new kids in school and all I could think about was [the advice] everybody [gave me] that was preparing me for his first year [in school]. 

SK: We bet you have some good back-to-school preparation tips for moms. What are some organizational tips you're loving? 

KR: Well, someone told me last year to start everything the evening before. Like if [Titan] is in the bathtub and he's playing with his whales — he's obsessed with whales right now — I actually prepare his clothes and everything the evening before and it makes the next morning extremely manageable. We brush our teeth every morning, the whole morning routine, get his clothes on, go downstairs, prepare breakfast, and he eats and we talk about the day. In the morning, it's great to be able to have this communication with a kid because you can get so wrapped up in your day that we have to always remember to keep those lines of communication open with them.

SK: At this stage in your journey as Titan's mom, are there any lessons or values you're hoping to pass along to him that are age-appropriate?

KR: The thing that I'm teaching him right now is his awareness of who he is. Like, when he brushes his teeth in the morning, I'm like, "You know, Titan is so handsome," "No one looks like Titan," "Titan is one of a kind" — you know what I mean? I actually learned that from watching Serena Williams' father train her. I remember watching him train her in videos — and even when I'm hanging out with her these days while she's practicing — and he was telling her, "You're No. 1, Serena Williams," "This is why you're so great, Serena Williams," "Wow, that's an awesome backhand, Serena Williams." To me, it just felt so loud because you're learning about who you are from your parent. 

SK: We love that! Let's focus on you for a sec. Now that you're back in the studio, is there any chance you could tease what kind of direction you're going with your new music?

KR: I literally have gone into this project with wanting to make you [the listener] feel something, like, on the inside, you know what I mean? I want you to feel something in your gut, whether it's a fun song, whether it's a love song, whether it's a sexy song. The base, of course, is R&B. Rhythm and blues has always been a part of my DNA, and it makes up who I am as a woman, as an artist, as a wife and a human being.

More: 20 Inspiring Beyoncé Quotes About Motherhood

SK: We love your partnership with Clorox for the Donors Choose campaign. Why did you want to team with them for such a great cause?

KR: I hear about students and classrooms all the time because two of my girlfriends work in a school district in Texas. They always have the same story, even though it's different things. For example, one friend says, "Oh, well, you know, such and such came to school today and she didn't have this because her family can't really afford it," and another friend is like, "Well, it comes back to funding for the art department because of this and that." I loved "Donors Choose" because I actually get to tell my friends about it, and it allows them the opportunity to have projects and create all these cool opportunities in the classrooms for the kids. That's what makes me excited. And you know, I'm just happy to be getting the word out about Donors Choose.

About Kelly Rowland & Clorox's Donors Choose campaign: Rowland is helping Clorox raise awareness for their partnership with Donors Choose, which supports teachers and classrooms across America by raising money for teachers to get the materials they need to create a successful learning environment.

7 Things You Should Know About the New President of Planned Parenthood

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When Cecile Richards stepped down as president of Planned Parenthood in January 2018 after more than a decade in the position, we were all left guessing who would take her place and how this person would shape the future of the health organization. On Sept. 12, 2018, we learned that Dr. Leana Wen would step into the position, and while we love Richards — who spoke at our BlogHer conference back in 2017 — we're pretty excited about the possibilities under new leadership. 

Here are a few things to know about Wen, including the experience that prepared her for taking the helm of Planned Parenthood.

1. She's a doctor!

Believe it or not, Wen is the first physician chosen to lead Planned Parenthood in almost 50 years according to a release from the organization. And while you might guess that she's an OB-GYN, she's actually an emergency room doctor. When you think about it, being calm under pressure will be invaluable when she has to deal with the inevitable political battles the organization has always faced.

2. She has also worked in public health

Clearly, we know that sexual health is a public health concern, so it makes sense that Wen has experience working in public health. In fact, she currently serves as the commissioner of health for the City of Baltimore — a position she has held since 2015. As the "Doctor for the City," she oversees more than 1,000 employees with an annual budget of $130 million.

More: What You Need to Know About the Latest Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood

3. She's an immigrant

Wen was born in Shanghai, China, and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was 8 years old. Her family was granted political asylum, and they became citizens in 2003.

4. She was a Planned Parenthood patient

According to a release from the organization, Wen, her mother and sisters all used Planned Parenthood for basic health care at different points in their lives.

5. She was a Planned Parenthood volunteer

Not only was Wen a patient, but she also worked as a volunteer at Planned Parenthood while she was in medical school, the New York Times reports.

6. She's basically a genius

Wen graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Los Angeles, at the age of 18, then got her medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine and then became a Rhodes scholar at the University of Oxford. 

More: No, Planned Parenthood Still Doesn't Use Federal Funds for Abortions

7. She sued Donald Trump — & won

Last summer, Wen was not pleased when she heard about Trump's plan to cut a grant for teen pregnancy-prevention programs in several cities, including Baltimore. So, she did what any responsible commissioner of health would do and got the city to sue the Trump administration. Thankfully, they won, and the programs remain in place, Rolling Stone reports

In short, we're confident she can get stuff done on both national and local levels and can't wait to see what's next. Congratulations, Dr. Wen!

Kate Beckinsale Packs the Most Unusual Food in Her Suitcase When She Travels

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Packing for vacation or a business trip can be a daunting task. You need to make sure you have work outfits, casual outfits and some dressy outfits. And, of course, you can't forget the various types of undergarments, socks, shoes, toiletries. But Kate Beckinsale packs something extra: something most of us do not.

More: The Internet Is Having a Field Day With Cynthia Nixon's Bagel Order 

According to People, the actor travels with butter, specifically Kerrygold grass-fed butter.

“I find it quite hard to get a hold of,” Beckinsale told People. “If I’m going from one city to another I’ll put some in my suitcase to make sure I have it. I’m the crazy person traveling with butter.”

Beckinsale uses the butter to make bulletproof coffee, a keto diet staple of coffee mixed with butter instead of sugar or cream. She also spreads butter on her vegetables. 

According to Beckinsale, this helps her maintain a high-fat diet, which keeps her looking her best. 

“When I did Pearl Harbor they had me on a very strict low-fat diet,” Beckinsale said. “I remember my mum coming and visiting me and going, ‘You look so old.’ I was 24 and I had lines on my face because I didn’t have enough fat. And so now, I remember very early on meeting a great nutritionist and they said, ‘One day everyone is going to say don’t eat low-fat margarine or they are going to say eat butter or eat olive oil.’ And it did take quite a long time, but I really noticed if I can eat coconut oil and butter and things like that, obviously in moderation, it makes almost an immediate effect on your skin.”

She continued: “I don’t think it is a myth. I think you can see the difference in a week or two.”

More: The Keto Diet: Here's What It's Really Like to Commit to It

So while butter may seem like a strange thing to pack, hats off to you, Kate, for knowing what you (and your body) need.

My Daughter’s Decision to Attend Boarding School Breaks My Heart, but I'm Here for It

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My eldest daughter was born two weeks past her due date with a wild shock of blond hair that stood on end and a fierce independent streak. Both Kathryn’s hair and her autonomy have grown exponentially in the 14 years since her birth, and in many ways, she would be unrecognizable to me were these qualities to disappear; they are, after all, hallmarks of her character. So it came as no surprise to me when, during the summer before eighth grade, Kathryn launched a search... for a boarding school.

She invited me to watch admission videos with her in the evenings before bed. Of course, at this point, high school seemed a distant splotch on the horizon, but sharing time together dreaming about the future felt like an intensely satisfying way of being present with my daughter. We’d curl up on the couch, a tangle of lanky legs, as Kathryn became transfixed by the myriad opportunities unfolding at her fingertips. Was I nervous? Sure. But a simple shift in perspective allowed me to see that I had but two choices in the matter: I could run from my fear and demand she remain under my roof, or I could embrace the opportunity to be an invaluable part of my daughter’s growth and independence.

Spoiler alert: I chose the latter option. I decided to stand firm in my belief that fostering my teenage daughter’s independence is really an investment in our relationship — regardless of what others have to say about it.

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

Has this process been an easy one for me? Heck no. But I did come to understand that if I was to support my daughter and let her fly, I needed to first step aside in order for her to stretch her wings. It’s the same approach I took when she initiated sleepaway camp at the tender age of 8 (a habit she’s continued every year since) and when I dropped her off to spend 48 hours alone in the woods with seven peers during a Rites of Passage program this summer.

If Kathryn can consistently step outside her comfort zone, free from pangs of homesickness or regret, who am I to get in her way? I’m just her mom, and fostering a solid relationship with her — wherever her life’s path takes her — is far more important to me than having a humdrum relationship with a surly teenager who retreats to her room craving only the companionship of an iPhone.

People have said some horrendous things to me as a result of Kathryn’s decision to go away to school, and I’ve had to ignore all of it.

More: How to Talk to Your College-Bound Kid About Sexual Violence

“Sending her away already? You must be really stressed out,” or “How sad that Alice will be all alone,” or, my personal favorite, “Well, we think the local school system is just fantastic.” Sadly, the initiator of each comment is missing the real key: Kathryn is choosing her own path, taking a tremendous leap of faith and refusing to submit to fear of the unknown. With Kathryn’s adventurous spirit leading the way, my truth is a beacon: supporting teenage girls to be independent and autonomous is actually the key to establishing and sustaining solid relationships with them.

The start of school is closing in on us, and we are well prepared. Kathryn breezed through her summer reading list and is looking forward to joining the equestrian team; she is frustrated at having been placed in beginners French after two years of middle school experience but thrilled to have earned a spot in advanced algebra; she was hoping for an international roommate but is excited to be living with someone from Houston, Texas. And she never takes herself too seriously, as evidenced by her new bathrobe, which — of all things — is emblazoned with pink llamas.

Just a few weeks ago before heading into the woods for a week, Kathryn turned to me and placed both her hands on my shoulders before delivering a little pep talk: “Don’t worry, Mom. I am independent, self-sufficient and completely capable. I know I am going to survive. It’s simply a matter of whether or not I am going to thrive.”

More: 15 Amazon Items to Make Your School Mornings a Breeze (Really)

In that fleeting moment, I caught an unexpected glimpse of the young woman Kathryn is becoming. Before August is up, I will be dropping her off at boarding school to embark on the next leg of her life’s journey. I am incredibly grateful for the myriad opportunities I’ve been granted to support Kathryn’s independence, and I’m going to miss her like crazy. I know enough to hold space for both.

Amid all the uncertainty swirling about in my head and chest as I contemplate her departure, I am incredibly certain of one thing: I won’t be missing out on my daughter’s best years when she goes off to boarding school; in fact, I am providing her the keys to unlocking them.

In the end, it’s about cheering for our kids no matter the direction in which they choose to take their lives — an invaluable lesson borne of having stood witness to a process that has been priceless.


Michelle Obama Has Announced Her Book Tour, & We Need Tickets ASAP

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If Michelle Obama releasing a memoir isn't exciting enough, the former first lady has now announced that she'll be embarking on a 10-city book tour to promote it this fall. Starting on Nov. 13, when Becoming hits shelves, Obama will make her way across the U.S. to promote her new book and share some of its content with readers — so grab your tickets now, because these dates are sure to fill up fast.

More: Michelle Obama Is Getting Personal in Her Upcoming Memoir

On Wednesday, Obama took to Instagram to announce her book tour with a video.

"Over this time that I’ve been out of the White House, I’ve had time to think and reflect for the first time in a long time, and I spent some time really thinking about the people and the stories and the experiences that have shaped me and helped me become the person I am today, and I am proud of what I’ve created," Obama said in her video announcement. "I’m proud because it’s candid. It’s totally and utterly me. So I’m also a little frightened because it’s candid and honest and open, but I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

In her caption, Obama expanded on her thoughts, remarking that the "stats" of who she is are often all she reveals when talking about herself, but in Becoming, she digs much deeper. 

She wrote, "This fall, I’d like to share that fuller story with all of you on my book tour. It’s the story of my humdrum plainness, my tiny victories, my lasting bruises, my ordinary hopes and worries. It’s the story of who I am, truly, and I’m proud of it—blemishes and all."

Per Us Weekly, the Becoming book tour kicks off in Obama's hometown of Chicago on release day, Nov. 13. Then she'll make stops in Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Boston; Philadelphia; Brooklyn; Detroit; Denver; and San Jose before ending the tour in Dallas on Dec. 17.

“I hope that this tour will inspire others to reflect upon and share their own stories — all the joys and sorrows, all the scars and renewals — so that together, we can better recognize that each of us, in our own way, is in a constant process of becoming,” Obama said in a press release.

In addition to the release of Becoming and her book tour, Obama has been cochairing the "When We All Vote" campaign, working with young leaders through the Obama Foundation and developing content for a Netflix deal with husband Barack Obama under their Higher Ground Productions banner. Michelle Obama has an incredibly full plate, which is why it's extra cool that she's going on tour to interact with her readers and fans.

More: Michelle Obama Went to Another Beyoncé Concert but Took Her Husband This Time

Further details on Obama's book tour, including presale information, can be found at her website. Tickets go on sale for the public on Friday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

Among Teens, Transgender Boys Are Most Likely to Attempt Suicide

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Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States, and the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults (age 10 to 34). And while there are countless reasons one may attempt suicide, a new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics found being trans may put one at an increased risk.

More: I Attempted Suicide, but I Didn't Want to Die

In fact, transgender teens are far more likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender counterparts, the AAP reports.

According to the study, which followed 617 adolescents for a 36-month period, 14 percent of the teens surveyed had attempted suicide. However, there was a huge disparity when it came to one's gender identity, i.e., more than half of the transgender male teens surveyed attempted suicide, while 29.9 percent of transgender female teens said they attempted suicide. 

Among nonbinary youth, 41.8 percent stated that they had attempted suicide at some point in their lives.

The reason for the elevated risk was not specified; however, the Human Rights Campaign believes it could be due in part to increased rates of bullying, harassment and family rejection. In fact, earlier this year, the HRC conducted a study with the University of Connecticut that seemed to echo these very notions: only 26 percent of LGBTQ teens say they feel safe in their school classrooms, just 5 percent say their teachers and school staff are supportive and 67 percent hear or have head family members make disparaging remarks about LGBTQ people.

That said, it appears suicide rates are on the rise across the board. In June, the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published a startling statistic: Rates of suicide in the United States have increased nearly 30 percent since 1999. As such, it is imperative proper suicide-prevention steps are taken... and taken now.

But how can you prevent suicide? Well, we can start by talking openly about suicide, by talking honestly about suicide and by listening to those you love — without guilt, shame or stigma.

More: 13 Things Never to Say to Someone Who Is Suicidal or Depressed

For more information about preventing suicide, visit the National Alliance of Mental Illness and/or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you’re a young LGBTQ person and need to talk to someone, call The Trevor Project’s 24-hour crisis hotline for youth at 1-866-488-7386 and/or The Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. 

Debra Messing Claps Back at Susan Sarandon & Reopens Their Ongoing Feud

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Debra Messing and Susan Sarandon have a hard time seeing eye to eye when it comes to things like politics, which is apparently not a new feud for the pair. When Sarandon reportedly credited the current administration with inspiring more women and people of color to run for office in 2018 while she was at the Toronto International Film Festival, it didn't sit well with Messing, who took to Twitter to air her grievances.

More: Debra Messing Slams E! News While Talking to E! News

As reported by Vulture, Messing and Sarandon have butted heads over politics in the past, since Sarandon supported democratic candidate Bernie Sanders over Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2016 election season. Following Sarandon's comments at TIFF, Messing tweeted, "STFU Susan" and wrote an entire thread criticizing the fellow celeb.

Diving deep into her political stance on the current administration, Messing broke down all of her issues with Sarandon's statement and called her a "self righteous narcissist."

The feud hasn't stopped there, however. According to reports from People, the day after her September 12th Twitter thread, Messing also retweeted President of the Center for American Progress, Neera Tanden, who wrote, "I would literally pay for a service to purge @SusanSarandon in every form from my feed. This woman has borne no pain from her stance on Trump and seems perfectly happy at the suffering of others. Kids in cages. But thankfully she’s inspired."

The implication of the retweet is clear, and falls in line with Messing's previous tweets. Meanwhile, Sarandon hasn't made any direct comments on Messing's tweets, though she did retweet journalist Natalie Shure, who wrote, "The 'Trump era has inspired more women to run for office' take has been absolutely ubiquitous but, strangely, no one lost their shit over it until Susan Sarandon said it," along with a contemplative emoji.

In 2017, when Vulture asked Sarandon to comment on this ongoing feud with Messing, she said, “I haven’t spoken to Debra, but I would certainly look forward to any opportunity to say hello.”

More: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Embodies Why We Need More Women in Politics

Celebrities feuding over politics certainly isn't new, especially in the midst of primary elections for midterms. We'll have to see whether this feud between Messing and Sarandon continues, but we predict, given the vehemence of Messings' critiques, that it definitely will.

5 Bread-Free School Lunch Ideas

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Back to school means back to packing lunches, and the last thing you want to hear from your kids is “PB&J/ham and cheese/tuna again?” But, as annoying as it is, we see their point: These stalwart sandwiches get old after a while. 

So, whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, your family has gone paleo or gluten-free or you're simply out of bread right now (happens to the best of us), try one of these no-bread options. The kids won’t even miss it.

Bits and Kabobs

You may associate kabobs with summer barbecues, and if you’ve still got those going on during back-to-school season, great. If not, rescue extra wood skewers by breaking them in half and spearing the meat of your choice (sautéed chicken breasts or thighs, cubed deli meats and beef all work), Applegate Naturals® American-Style Colby Cheese and kid-friendly raw veggies like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Repeat until the skewer is covered and with each skewer thereafter. Pack with a small container of mustard, balsamic vinaigrette or other favorite sauce for dipping.

Turkey-Egg Roll-Ups

Omelets are not only a breakfast food. You can actually use them in lieu of bread to create a lunchtime “wrap.” Start by preparing your omelet in a nonstick pan, adding any grated cheese, chopped veggies and herbs you like. Let cool. Lay non-GMO Applegate Organics® Oven Roasted Turkey Breast atop the omelet and roll up. Wrap in parchment paper for less-messy eating.

Ants on a Tree Ring

Peanut butter and raisins never go out of style. Instead of serving them as a snack on celery, use these ingredients as the filling for a meal of mini apple “sandwiches.” Core an apple and slice into rounds half an inch thick. Spread peanut butter on one round, sprinkle on raisins and close with a similar-size round. Repeat until you have enough sandwiches — you may need another apple.

Avocado Boats

Let creamy, healthy-fat-filled avocados take the place of potatoes as a delicious base for any hearty filling. Slice an avocado in half and carefully remove the pit with a sharp knife. Stuff with beans and chopped tomatoes and drizzle with salsa or sour cream for a taco-like veggie option. For a protein-rich version, fill with chicken salad, tuna salad or egg salad.

Deviled Eggs With Hummus

You don’t have to wait until Easter for a more wholesome take on deviled eggs. Simply hard-boil eggs, peel and cut in half. Remove yolks and mix them with your favorite ingredients — mustard, vinegar, spices — to create the filling, swapping in hummus where the recipe calls for mayonnaise. Use a teaspoon to refill the egg whites, and pack them with a side of veggies (sliced peppers, baby carrots, celery, grape tomatoes etc.) and hummus.

This post is sponsored by Applegate®

A New HBO Doc About Queen Elizabeth II Is Going Deep Into Her Life

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Fans of the royal family are not going to want to miss HBO's new documentary about the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II. Slated for release on ITV on Oct. 1, Queen of the World will take viewers deep into the palace for an intimate look at the queen's relationships with members of the royal family, as well as her position on the global stage as a royal, a politician, a public figure and a person.

More: This British Royal Is a Favorite With the Palace Staff

Bustle reports that the HBO documentary is an hour-long dive into exclusive film footage from the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's private archives as well as treasures from the Royal Collection. The documentary will follow the queen's early years as Head of the Commonwealth, starting when she ascended to the throne at age 25, as well as her current relationships with Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla (née Parker-Bowles) of Cornwall, Princess Anne, Prince William, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton), Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan (née Markle) of Sussex.

This isn't the first documentary about the royal family, but it will be the first one seen in literal decades. In the late 1960s, the royal family permitted BBC cameras to follow them around for 18 months, then put together a documentary based on the footage. It was shown in the U.K., per Bustle, but then it was shelved for being too personal according to Express. The Royal Family documentary has since been locked up in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle because to this day, the queen is still uncomfortable with the unprecedented intimate look it gave into the lives of her family.

As Harry and Meghan usher in a more "modern era" for the royal family, it would appear that the queen and other members of the royal family are allowing the public more of a glimpse into what goes on behind palace walls. Queen of the World, according to Bustle, might be the most personal story shared by the monarchy since The Royal Family was removed from circulation.

More: Meghan Markle Reportedly Has Trust Issues With Family & Friends Right Now

Given the history of the royal family and documentaries, we have to admit we're extremely intrigued by Queen of the World. After The Story of the Royals aired on ABC in in August, we can't get enough of the illustrious history behind the monarchy.

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