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Savannah Guthrie's Daughter Didn't Want to Start Preschool for the Cutest Reason

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Going back to school or work after summer vacation can be an emotional experience. You've got to adjust to a new schedule and take on more responsibilities, and you can no longer live in your flip-flops. And if you're like Savannah Guthrie's 4-year-old daughter, Vale, you might be experiencing a major case of FOMO. 

In a recent interview with People, the Today coanchor revealed that Vale had a hard time understanding why her parents wanted to ship her off to preschool after months of playtime. 

More: Savannah Guthrie Is Sick & Tired of Being Asked This Question

"She's been a little bit reluctant to go back to school," Guthrie said. "Instead of saying, 'Don't worry, it's going to be great,' I tried to ask her, 'Well, why do you not want to go to school?'" Her reasoning is pretty cute: She doesn't want to miss a moment with her parents or her 21-month-old brother, Charley. 

"I was like, 'Well, Daddy will be at work, and Mommy will be at work, and Charley's going to go to preschool too," Guthrie continued. "She had total FOMO. She thought that this whole party was going on without her while she's off at school. I'm like, 'Nobody will be here. You're not missing anything.' Then, she felt better about it." 

Can you blame the kid for wanting to keep the party going? 

More: Savannah Guthrie Chose Her Job Over Maternity Leave

If she's anything like her famous mom, we have no doubts Vale will quickly adapt to the new changes and quickly make friends of her own — especially since Guthrie has been fostering her daughter's confidence since day one. 

"I hope, too, that I can instill in her a sense that she is really special," Guthrie wrote about Vale in a 2016 essay. "And that's what's special about her is something that comes from the inside. That it's about who she is. It's how she treats others. It's in her heart and her kindness, and it flows from within."

Just wait; Vale's going to have so much fun learning and growing with her preschool pals this year she's going to be sad when next summer rolls around. 


Goldie Hawn Swam & Ate Doritos During Daughter Kate Hudson's Labor

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If you've been following Kate Hudson's pregnancy, it may seem like she's been pregnant forever — and, well, she feels like that too. Hudson announced she was expecting baby No. 3 in April, and Us Weekly reported she was due in August — a month which has come and gone. However, in a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Hudson addressed the elephant (er, um, baby) in the room.

More: Surprise! Kate Hudson Is Pregnant With Her 3rd Child

In fact, according to People, Hudson told DeGeneres she has "probably never had anyone this pregnant on [her] show," adding that her "water could go any second.”

Of course, every woman who's ever been pregnant knows those feelings. The last trimester is a test of will and patience. But Hudson's comments weren't what surprised most; Hudson's mother's did.

You see, when Hudson was in labor with her last child, Bingham, Hudson's mom, Goldie Hawn made some unusual choices.

"She was in the stirrups and everything and was dilated. So I said, ‘I’m really hungry. I’m just going to come back,’" Hawn confessed to DeGeneres. And come back she did: with pizza and Doritos.

But ditching her laboring daughter for Doritos wasn't her only faux pas. Hudson also revealed that her mother had a few other things she wanted to do. “The best part was when mom called me when I was in labor and said, ‘I was about to take a swim and then I was going to have a massage. How long do you think you’re going to be laboring?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know, Mom!’ I’m, like, calling the nurse going, ‘Do you know how long I’m going to be laboring? My mom wants to swim.’"

More: Pregnant Kate Hudson Share Gorgeous Bikini Selfie

That said, all is good between Hudson and Hawn, and while we don't know when baby No. 3 will come, we do hope Hawn gets her exercise (and meals) in beforehand.

10 Paint Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Rookie

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Painting the walls of a room is one challenge almost every homeowner or renter will face at some point or another. For those less seasoned in the art of DIY, simply navigating the hardware store is stressful in and of itself — let alone taking your roller to the wall. And while we’d like to tell you that painting is as simple as laying down tape and letting luck take it from there, such a pursuit is easier said than done.

When it comes to proper painting technique, we’re not just talking about how steady your strokes are. In fact, the most common mistakes DIYers make often happen before they’ve even picked up the brush. As you sort through samples, select finishes and gather your trusty tools, remember that every decision you make will ultimately affect how smooth and durable your walls turn out.

To get the DL on all the do’s and don’ts, we took our most pressing questions to a handful of interior designers and experts who know paint best. From picking out colors to prepping the walls, these are the mistakes they want every DIYer to avoid.

More: If Picking Paint Stresses You Out, Read This

Picking colors that are too bold

“I think the biggest mistake I see people making with paint is picking colors that are far too saturated,” shares Jacquelyn Clark of Lark and Linen.

Sure, a glossy black might appear stunning in swatch form, but once executed on a much larger scale, an all-over look has the potential to overwhelm the eye. When you want a little color in your life but are concerned about overpowering a space, a soft lavender, muted blue or "greige" might be your best bet. Likewise, relegating a saturated hue to an accent wall is another great way to embrace color in smaller doses.

“I personally feel like greens of all shades are the most difficult hue to select for your walls. They’re better left to the pros for sure!” adds the designer. For a complete list of bold hues that are hard to get wrong, check out our paint guide here.

Forgetting to sample

We get it, you know what you want. And while we envy your confidence, may we still suggest you take your color for a test run before committing? “Sample, sample, sample!” says Amber Lewis, the blogger and designer behind Amber Interiors.

“It’s crucial to test out the paint color on a large area (at least 24-by-24 inches) on the walls you plan to cover. Live with those samples for a couple of days and check how they change throughout the day and into the night.”

More: The Only 9 White Paints Worth Considering

Using cheap tools

Even if you’re not hiring a professional to get the job done, between purchasing the paint and stocking up on the essential accoutrements, your expenses can quickly add up. Although it can feel especially tempting to save on tools, investing in quality paint brushes and painter’s tape can actually save you money in the long run.

“The tools often make the difference between an easy job that looks great and a hard job that doesn’t look so good when it’s finished,” explains Mike Mundwiller, field integration manager at Benjamin Moore. “A good-quality brush will apply more paint quicker and give you a good, clean, straight line. Not to mention, it will last a lifetime if you take care of it.”

Using the wrong type of brush

Part of selecting quality brushes is making sure you have a variety of options. Before you even think about walking down the brush aisle, make sure you’ve selected your paint already, as the types of brushes you’ll want to buy largely depends on the kind of paint you’re planning to use. Selecting the right tools is essential to achieving a smooth, durable finish and consistent coverage.

“I recommend Wooster brushes and rollers — they are the finest, highest-quality materials, allowing for easy application,” suggests Jessica Barr, a national sales and development trainer at Behr Paint. “For Behr’s water- and latex-based finishes, use a high-quality, nylon-and-polyester brush, which is clean, durable and will last for years with the proper care. Natural-bristle brushes made with animal hair are best for oil-based paints, as they hold more paint and assure a smooth finish.”

“A good-quality brush will apply more paint quicker and give you a good clean straight line.”

If you’re covering a large area, Mundwiller suggests using a roller for most of the job (but “try to avoid pushing the roller into the wall when you paint”). Angled brushes that are 1 to 2 inches work best for trim, notes Barr, and 4-inch brushes are best for large, flat surfaces.

Not knowing your finishes

There are certain finishes (flat, high-gloss, eggshell, semi-gloss, satin) that look better in certain rooms and on certain surfaces than others. For instance, it’s best to avoid using a flat paint on the walls in a high-traffic area, as this type of paint is often harder to clean and soaks up light, rather than reflects it. And remember: The higher the sheen, the more defects it will show.

“My rule of thumb is: flat on the ceiling, eggshell on the walls and satin or semigloss for doors and trim,” shares Clark.

Painting without washing the walls

If you’re serious about pulling off professional-looking walls on your own, you have to be willing to go through the extra steps it takes to achieve said flawless surfaces. Once you’ve removed items from the room like picture frames, doorknobs, doors and nails and have protected your furniture and flooring with plastic sheeting, it’s time to take your talent to the walls.

“One of the most common painting mistakes DIYers make is painting an unprepped surface. Starting with a clean, prepped wall ensures a smooth painting process from beginning to end,” Barr tells Domino. Here are her steps for getting your space in top shape:

  1. Clean the wall with warm water and dish soap to remove dust and surface debris.
  2. Once the walls are thoroughly dry, apply patching material to any cracks, holes or imperfections.
  3. Allow the patching compound to dry completely, and sand the finished area so it blends evenly with the surface.
  4. Lightly wipe the patched and sanded areas clean with a rag dampened with warm water to remove sanding dust.
  5. Apply painter’s tape to protect the trim and ceiling. Once all walls are prepped, you’re ready to begin priming and painting.

More: Amazing Paint Color Combinations Inspired by Our Travels

Painting without priming

“Priming walls is an important step, especially if you are painting new sheetrock,” notes Mundwiller. “The primer will seal the substrate (walls, wood trim, etc.) for optimal paint performance. Another important point to remember is spending the time to prepare your walls and trim properly. By fixing small imperfections and using Spackle to smooth out questionable surfaces, the color will look that much better, and you will be that much happier with the end result.”

All this prep work might seem like a nuisance, but skipping an essential step can cost you time and money — especially if you’re thinking about using lacquer.

“When painting with lacquer or anything super-high-gloss, you essentially want to make sure that your base is completely flawless. The tiniest dent or bump in your pre-painted surface will glow like the light of a thousand suns once the paint has been applied.” warns Clark.

Skimping on your roller

Finally, it’s time to get down to technique. If you’re making over a room with four walls, chances are you’ll be using a roller for most of the work to save on time. While having too much paint on a brush is a no-no (excessive dunking can lead to runs and wasted paint), that’s not necessarily the case for rollers.

“Roll your roller through the paint about 10 to 15 times, making sure you have allowed the paint to saturate the roller fabric completely. This will ensure you apply paint at the recommended coverage rate. And don’t forget to reload that roller — show your roller and your wall some love by adding paint for every 2-foot-by-2-foot section of wall,” explains Barr.

Because paint runs and roller marks are practically impossible to avoid — especially if you’re new at painting — wait until the excess paint has already dried, and then lightly sand the spot and reapply the paint.

“If the run or roller mark is still wet, a damp cloth will clean it right up. To avoid these mistakes in the future, keep in mind that a properly loaded roller or brush should not drip when you lift it to your wall,” adds Barr.

Painting straight up & down

Want to keep your DIY a total secret? The key to pulling off a proworthy job lies in the hand. For a perfectly smooth surface, Barr suggests sticking to the “W” method.

“When starting a new wall or room, roll your paint onto the wall in a W shape. Then fill in around and inside the W to create a square and repeat, loading your roller with more paint, until the wall is covered. Each W should be about an arm’s length, with strokes 12 inches or longer. This method will give the wall a clean, even and professional-quality finish,” she says.

Freestyling

For those who are feeling more concerned than confident, don’t overlook the value in consulting the pros. Seeking advice from your paint retailer or contractor is much preferred to winging the job on the fly. “Every job has some unique aspects that an experienced professional can help sort out,” shares Mundwiller.


Originally published on Domino.

Would Alicia Silverstone Really Ask Her Ex to Have Another Baby With Her?

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Alicia Silverstone's parenting style has yielded a lot of headlines over the past seven years. There was the time she posted a video of herself bird-feeding her son, Bear. Then Silverstone shocked fans by admitting she ran a diaper-free household in which she monitored her son's "elimination needs" to make sure she got him to a toilet in time. And of course, who could forget the times she advocated for sharing a family bed and not vaccinating your kids? 

Silverstone's said and done some controversial things in the past, which is why a recent Working Mother article that states Silverstone would be willing to ask her ex-husband, Christopher Jarecki, "for an assist" in conceiving another child — is strange but isn't all that shocking. Although, it's worth noting the article includes no direct quote from Silverstone that spells this out.

More: Alicia Silverstone Is All Smiles After Divorce Announcement

She did reveal during the interview that she's never been more serious about adding another child (or two) to her family, and she won't let her single status get in the way. 

"I have always dreamed of having a little girl, but of course I want another little Bear too," she said. "So whatever happens, if it happens, is good by me. I'm not in a relationship, but there are other ways to make babies." 

Silverstone and Jarecki split in February after 12 years of marriage, but according to their joint statement, they left things on good terms. "They still deeply love and respect each other and remain very close friends," the statement read. Close enough to make another baby together? If she could make bird-feeding her kid work, who's to say she couldn't work out procreating with an ex?!

More: Alicia Silverstone Is Dating Again & Finds It "Very Fascinating"

But why the rush now? According to Silverstone, she's craving a little more connection since her son "is now fiercely independent."  

"That's another reason I want to have a baby: Bear doesn't need me," she said. "I mean, of course, he needs me, but he's so free."

From the sound of things, Bear runs the show wherever he goes. "He's always talking to people, asking if he could help them," she explained. "He buses tables at restaurants. He hands things out and takes the trash back on airplanes... One day he came to set with me for the whole day. He was doing the sound machine and the clapper. And he used to come to the theater with me when I did Broadway. He would pretend he was the stage manager, and he would help us rehearse." 

Sounds like he's totally ready to take on the responsibilities of an older brother — regardless of wherever that little brother or sister may come from. 

You Can Stay in a Cottage Made Out of Chocolate, but You Need to Book It Fast

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France is a land of culture, from art to wine to cheese. But they've surpassed even themselves with this newest innovation: a chocolate cottage inside a glass house inside the national ceramic museum, and you can actually spend the night in it. Now that's our kind of art.

The Chocolate Cottage is available to stay in on Oct. 6, with reservations opening up on Sept. 26. It's the hottest ticket in town, and it's easy to see why.

More: Universal's Toothsome Chocolate Factory Will Make Your Childhood Dreams Come True

For just €50 (about $59 USD), you get to spend a night at the cottage, which is made entirely out of chocolate (except for the beds, because no one wants to wake up at night wondering "uh...is that chocolate?" about their linens). It was created by chocolatier Jean-Luc Decluzeau, and everything from the walls and roof to the flower garden and duck pond outside is real chocolate. Since it's encased in a glass house, you don't have to worry about any pesky bugs, and the chocolate stays at the perfect temperature so it won't start melting on you.

Chocolate kitchen  

Tragically, you can't actually eat the house itself. But guests will be provided with lots of chocolate snacks to feast on and will also be served dinner and breakfast. You also can't bring your pets, which makes sense... the cottage seems like a truly treacherous place for a hungry pup.

More: Food Porn Friday: 20 Times Chocolate Was Utterly Seductive

Chocolate sink  

You can try to get a reservation on Booking.com on Sept. 26, but if you miss out, you'll still get a chance to see the Chocolate Cottage when it's moved to Choco-Story, a Parisian chocolate museum.

In the meantime, do you think anyone will notice if I replace all the art on my walls with chocolate bars? Worth a try!

Your Coworkers Might Be Making You a Bad Mom According to New Study

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As hard as we may try to avoid bringing work home with us, a new study by the American Psychological Association indicates that the impact of working with bad coworkers can reach far beyond office walls. The study surveyed 146 working mothers and their spouses to reveal that mothers who experienced workplace behavior that was considered “rude, disrespectful, impolite or otherwise violating workplace norms of respect” from coworkers were more likely to punish their children harshly and to micromanage their lives. 

“In uncovering how this mistreatment in the workplace interferes with positive mother-child interactions, this research also speaks to a previously unacknowledged group of indirect incivility victims, namely children,” said Dr. Angela Dionisi, one of the study’s researchers. 

One reason the workday is so hard to shake off is that working moms feel their competency is challenged in one area, so they feel they have to double down to make sure that their authority is not challenged in another. 

More: The Best Way to Raise Successful Daughters? Nag Them, Science Says

“Being on the receiving end of workplace incivility has been linked to lower levels of effort and performance on the job, higher levels of stress, and impaired attention, information processing and decision-making,” said researcher Dr. Kathryne Dupré.

Being raised in a household by someone practicing an authoritarian parenting style can have devastating consequences for children. Children raised in authoritarian homes can grow to associate obedience with love, behave aggressively, exhibit a lack of self-control and experience anxiety as a result of receiving less praise and more punishment during crucial developmental years.

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

Working with disrespectful people can often be brushed off as being "not that big a deal," but it has serious effects. 

"This is a form of mistreatment that many likely dismiss as non-effectual. It’s unpleasant, it’s frustrating, but it may boil down to one seeing a coworker behaving as a jerk. Our findings, however, suggest that this low-intensity behavior can actually erode one’s sense of parental competence,” said Dionisi.

More: Working Moms Are Taking "Momcations" — the Latest Controversial Travel Trend

Because of the varied negative outcomes of working with bad coworkers, supervisors should appropriately address complaints about coworker incivility. Promoting respectful workplace cultures impacts more than just the office; it impacts the next generation.

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.

Kaley Cuoco Talks About the Emotional Moment She Learned TBBT Was Ending

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Kaley Cuoco has been playing Penny Hofstadter for 11 years — 11 amazing years — but in August 2018, she and the rest of her cast mates shared devastating news: The Big Bang Theory was coming to an end. And while many of us cannot imagine life without Leonard, Sheldon, Penny, Howard, Bernadette, Amy or Raj, it seems the actors can't either.

More: The Big Bang Theory's End Date Is Finally Confirmed

On Wednesday, September 19, Cuoco told James Corden, on The Late Late Show With James Cordenthat learning the series was ending was tough.

“It was definitely tough. There was not a dry eye in the room. A lot of hysterical sobs," Cuoco said.

However, Cuoco believes the timing didn't affect their reactions. "It wouldn’t have mattered when it ended, we all would’ve been completely devastated. So it’s been a long run and we’ve been very grateful. It’s time to, I guess, move on to other things, which is so heartbreaking, you know? But it would’ve been heartbreaking no matter when.”

Cuoco's latest remarks are no surprise. When she initially learned of the shows cancellation late last month, she expressed her heartbreak on Instagram. “This ride has been a dream come true and as life changing as it gets. No matter when it was going to end, my heart would have always been broken in two. Drowning in tears, we promise to bring you the best season yet. To the fans, our crew, families, Chuck Lorre, Warner Brothers, CBS, and everyone who has supported us for so many years, thank you. We are goin out with a bang.”

And we can't wait, especially since the show has been a dream for fans too. Many of us watched it religiously every Thursday night. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end — and it seems The Big Bang Theory has reached that end.

More: Is  Big Bang Theory  Ready to Give Penny & Leonard a Baby?

That said, the new season of The Big Bang Theory kicks off next week. So don't cry, at least not yet. Instead, get the kids to bed early  — or set your DVR — to CBS for a special premiere on Monday, Sept. 24 at 8/7c. 

Why Eating Disorders Disproportionately Affect This Minority Group

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As a cisgender, Caucasian female in recovery from an eating disorder, I'm all too aware that I fit the bill for what we presume is the stereotypical eating disorder patient. So often in movies and TV shows that is all that is shown, so it never surprises me when others are surprised at the various ways eating disorders show up in different cultures and minority communities.

Humans are dynamic in all our little ways, and each of us is susceptible to an eating disorder existing in the world that we do, surrounded by media influence and cultural preferences of what beauty “looks like” within our communities. 

With this in mind, I set out to speak with eating disorder specialists about what minority group is affected most by eating disorders. As a member of the LGBTQ community, it did not surprise me to hear it is our minority group disproportionately plagued, specifically trans youth. I am a bisexual woman who is often assumed to be heterosexual based on the way I dress and appear. So, in essence, I understand to some degree how eating disorders can manifest as we come to terms with our sexuality, gender, etc., in a world where it can be difficult to be different from the masses. We cope as we are able, which can develop into negative coping behaviors — such as an eating disorder.

Let's take a look at why our community can be vulnerable to eating disorders and what we can do about it.

More: How My Dad & I Became Advocates for Eating Disorder Awareness

Behind this connection

According to Dr. Ashley Solomon, a psychologist and regional managing director of telebehavioral health division at the Eating Recovery Center in Ohio and South Carolina, “Studies have shown that compared to their cisgender counterparts, trans youth in particular are more likely to engage in unhealthy fasting, using diet pills and steroids and taking laxatives. In fact, the risk is about four times greater in this population of individuals.” 

The reasons for this increased vulnerability are complex, and no one can point to one particular cause, she tells SheKnows. Oftentimes, Solomon explains, it’s assumed that the eating disorder develops because someone undergoing transition may be uncomfortable in their body and starts using behaviors to try to change their body, such as in an effort to be thinner or what is more traditionally accepted as feminine. 

Another major psychosocial explanation derives from minority stress theory, which has demonstrated that the drive for unhealthy, problematic behaviors found among LGBTQ individuals are the result of the chronic social stress they experience due to their sexual minority status, Dr. Norman H. Kim, the national director for program development at Reasons Eating Disorder Center, tells SheKnows.

Significant stressors — like those associated with a history of microaggressions, discrimination and marginalization, stigmatization and social rejection, bullying and teasing, harassment and physical violence, not to mention rejection from one’s family of origin and/or community — can all lead directly to behaviors such as disordered eating, Kim adds. 

It's complicated

Exposure to stigma, discrimination and rejection has been clearly tied to negative effects on both physical and mental health as well as on self-esteem, which is another key risk factor in the development of eating disorders, Solomon notes.

“It’s still often more complicated than that,” she explains. “In particular, a personal and cultural history of social stigma and discrimination is a major risk factor for developing mental health challenges, including eating problems. For someone who has the genetic makeup to be at risk for an eating disorder, bias, bullying, family rejection and an overall hostile world can tip the scales, so to speak, and lead to dangerous eating disorder symptoms.” 

I also wondered if there were added physical and emotional dangers for someone who is in the process of transitioning. According to Kim, one of the more complicated treatment issues to navigate with someone who is transitioning and who has an eating disorder is that while on the surface, both involve dissatisfaction with one’s body, the goal and process of treatment is quite different.

“Supporting the trans identity of the [transgender] person through hormone therapies, reassignment surgeries or other transitions is affirming and an important, necessary part of working with that person and helping them heal,” Kim says. “In contrast, healing from an eating disorder involves not engaging in potentially lethal eating disorder behaviors and letting go of that identity in service of reconnecting with one’s true self.”

More: Yes, I Had an Eating Disorder, & No, I Won't Show You Before & After Photos

Understanding the treatment

Treating a person who is transitioning and also living with an eating disorder is no simple task, and as I pressed the experts on how they service and help those who are undergoing both, it was clear that there is still a lot of work to be done but that eating disorder specialists around the country and world are dedicating resources and their time to working on the unique treatment plans for those affected.

“The greatest danger is that in the eating disorder treatment community, just like most of the medical and psychological communities, there is very little understanding of how to work with [trans] people,” Kim says. “Finding eating disorder specialists who also have experience working with the trans population is essential but can be challenging, although we are seeing increasing efforts to correct this in our field."

The most important question we have to ask ourselves is "What can we do to help support someone undergoing transition if they live with an eating disorder as well?"

“Recognize that this is not a choice that a friend is making to be difficult or often even to change their body,” Solomon says. “Eating disorder behaviors generally develop as a mechanism for coping with seemingly unmanageable feelings and stress."

She also recommends being present and available to support them and to allow them to practice healthier ways of connecting. 

"Keep in mind that most people will need professional support and direct them to support and services," she adds. "Know that you won’t be able to solve this for them, but there are effective treatments that work.”

If you or someone you love needs help with an eating disorder, contact Walden Behavioral Care toll-free at 888-791-0004 for a free confidential consultation. Walden is a safe, supportive and inclusive facility for those who are LGBTQ. 


Carrie Underwood Gets Sentimental About Receiving Her Walk of Fame Star

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Carrie Underwood celebrated 13 years in the music business on Sept. 20 in a pretty special way: by receiving a star on in front on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, right in front of the Capitol Records building in Los Angeles. The emotional ceremony featured speeches from American Idol judge Simon Cowell, Underwood's longtime CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley, and Underwood herself.

More: Carrie Underwood's Opinion About Female Representation in Country Music Is Important

According to People, Underwood's Walk of Fame star is the latest in a long list of accomplishments for the singer, whom Cowell said is the best-selling artist to ever win American Idol. “This shy lady walks in and sings ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ and the show turned into full color," he said. "That was the effect Carrie had on me and the producers and we thought we may have found a great artist here."

During his speech, Paisley described Underwood to country legend Dolly Parton. He said, “I don’t think there’s anything she can’t do. This is the best of country music in concrete. I can’t wait to see everything you do from here. I think of the artists that’ll be in here at Capitol Records that are going to walk out here one night drunk and throw up on the star of one of the most important artists we will ever have in our format.”

Jokes aside, Underwood was sentimental in her own speech, per People. “How is this my life? How does a girl from Checotah, Oklahoma, get a star on the Walk of Fame? I will tell you: belief. So many people who have believed in me,” she said.

Later, Underwood took to Instagram to reflect on the day with photos and heartfelt words. On the photo of her star reveal, she wrote, "What an amazing day! I am overwhelmed and overjoyed at the love I felt at my Hollywood #WalkOfFame Ceremony! Thank you @simoncowell and @bradpaisley for the kind words. It was an honor to have you there! Thanks to all the amazing fans that came out! This is a day I will never forget!"

In another photo set, Underwood stands with her family, including husband Mike Fisher and son Isaiah. She wrote, "..And my life wouldn’t be what it is without my boys, my family and my friends! Thanks to all who could come today! I don’t deserve all of this! But I am so grateful and my heart is so full!"

More: Carrie Underwood Is Spicing Up Football Season With a New Song

Underwood has been incredibly busy as of late, with both a new album and an upcoming tour. She recently recorded a brand new theme for NBC's Sunday Night Football and she announced in August that she's pregnant with her second child, per People. In November, she'll host the CMA Awards for the 11th year in a row. With so much on her plate, it's impressive that she manages to keep it all balanced — and that star ceremony probably felt like a well-deserved moment to breathe and take it all in.

Everything We Know About The Good Place Season 3

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When we last saw the characters on The Good Place, they were declaring feelings, arguing with an eternal judge (Maya Rudolph, in possibly one of the best roles of her life) and fighting for their right to Heaven based on their good behavior in the Bad Place. Michael (Ted Danson), the architect who experimented on four humans in season one to torture them by making them believe they were in the Good Place, came up with an all-new way to determine if they were actually worthy... by sending them back to Earth. A second chance! Or something.

More: Did Anyone Else Notice The Good Place Is Basically Selfie In Heaven?

It's the "or something" that will be explored in The Good Place season three. In preparation for the season premiere, we've compiled this list of everything we know about what's to come. However, it's important to note that whatever we know now, there are surely some major twists ahead. It's what The Good Place is best at, after all.

Eleanor and company really are back on Earth

In a June interview with Rolling Stone, The Good Place executive producer Michael Schur opted not to beat around the bush and just said where Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) ended up at the end of season two.

"Normally I don’t like to just flatly state what’s going on," Schur said, "but here I don’t see the benefit of people experiencing ambiguity: The four of them are straight-up back on Earth, in a new timeline where they didn’t die."

That means that this new lease on life is real, insofar as anything is real on The Good Place. But as we saw in the season two finale, Michael is far more involved in what's happening to our antiheroes now than he was before they died and landed in the Bad Place in season one.

It won't be long before the humans are reunited on Earth

At the end of season two, Eleanor and Chidi had reunited on Earth, after a near-death experience made Eleanor want to try to be a good person. Unfortunately, her behavior didn't pay off quickly enough, but a gentle nudge from Michael (pretending to be a bartender) made her look up Chidi's work, drawing them together once more.

The working theory from the tail end of season two is, of course, that Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani and Jason behave better in the afterlife because they're in each other's company. That means that if they're going to rack up enough points in life to make it to the Good Place, then being around each other should help motivate them to do better.

In an interview with TVLine at San Diego Comic-Con, Schur teased, "The season ended with Chidi and Eleanor being in the same room, and it made everyone happy to see them reunited. I would only say that, for that reason, it won't be very long. It's not gonna be episode nine before the four of them are together, I promise. It's going to happen pretty quickly. By the time the premiere is over, you'll understand the scope, I think, of what we're doing this season."

"On this show, if history proves anything, nothing gets stretched out," added D'Arcy Carden, who plays Janet. "You're not waiting a season to see the thing that you're hoping to see. We bust through storylines."

More: Every TV Show That's Been Renewed in 2018 — So Far

No more "forking" censorship (in theory)

"Theoretically, they could curse, but we're still on NBC," Schur told TVLine at SDCC. Now that the humans are back on Earth, there's no more afterlife censorship, but of course, there are still restrictions on network television. Alas.

The first two minutes of season 3 reveal a new part of the afterlife

At SDCC, attending fans got an early sneak peek at the first two minutes of the season three premiere of The Good Place. In the clip, per Entertainment Tonight, Michael converses with the Guard (guest star Mike O'Malley) about a trip he's apparently taking — to Earth.

"So, I have this ruling. [...] It's kind of tricky," he tells the Guard. "It starts off a new timeline. [...] It's necessary for the new experiment. So... how long does this trip take? Hope I don't get a middle seat!"

The Guard replies, "I haven't heard a joke for 8,000 years. Still haven't." He informs Michael that, in addition to losing his powers once he's on Earth, there are other logistics to take into account. The clip then flashes back to when Eleanor's life is spared in a grocery store parking lot. When Michael returns from Earth, mere moments later according to the afterlife's accelerated timeline, it's clear that his mind has been blown.

What do we learn in this clip? Michael's appearance on Earth at the end of season two took some calculation; there's also, apparently, a bridge connecting the afterlife to Earth, with a door separating the two planes of existence that's managed by a Guard. 

How will these new elements factor into season three, especially with the majority of the story taking place on Earth? We aren't sure, but we're excited to find out.

This new timeline comes with "ripple effects"

Per TV Guide, one of the logistical concerns that the Guard warns Michael about is the "ripple effect" of introducing a new timeline on Earth. Although, as he argues with Rudolph's judge in the season two finale, changing the lives of "just four humans" shouldn't make that big of a difference, The Good Place relies heavily on classic works of literature to structure its tale. Now that we've moved beyond Sartre's theory that "Hell is other people," it would seem that season three might explore "the butterfly effect."

There's a reason time travel is always such a big deal, after all. The Good Place may not be employing traditional time travel, but it's still severely altering things. Knowing this series and its twists and turns, that could mean giant shrimp terrorizing Earth or, possibly, something even more dire.

More: When Your Favorite Shows Are Returning to TV

The Good Place season three premieres with a one-hour episode on Thursday at 8/7c on NBC.

California Is Now the First State to Restrict Plastic Straws in Restaurants

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California Gov. Jerry Brown isn't wrong when he says plastic is "choking our planet." 

Americans use a whopping 170 to 390 million straws per day according to market research firms. And where do most of those straws go? In the ocean, polluting the water and killing marine life.

So it's no surprise businesses like Starbucks and Marriott and cities like Seattle are banning plastic straws.

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

And recently, California just became the first state to restrict plastic straws at restaurants. According to the Los Angeles Times, the new legislation, AB-1884, was signed on Thursday.

Brown signed the nation's first state law that states restaurants cannot give customers plastic straws unless customers ask for them. If restaurants do not abide by the law, they are given a warning on the first two violations and then a $25 daily fine for subsequent violations. The fines are capped at $300.

The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2019, oddly excludes fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, delis and restaurants serving takeout, however. 

"I just don’t see how this is going to make that much a difference in reducing straws in the waterways," said California Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez, per the Times. "Punishing the restaurant for defying this mandate I just think sends the wrong message."

Some people in the disabled community are also worried that, with this new law, restaurants will decide to stop offering plastic straws altogether in order to avoid the possible fines. 

"Some people who need straws may have an invisible disability or illness, and they should be able to receive a straw without being judged or asked if they ‘really’ need it," says Karin Willison, a travel blogger who has cerebral palsy, as reported by the LA Times.

More: Anheuser-Busch Sent 300,000 Cans of Water to Those Affected by Hurricane Florence

In the end, though, Brown's goal is to reduce single-use plastic products.

"It is a very small step to make a customer who wants a plastic straw ask for it," Brown said according to the Times. "And it might make them pause and think again about an alternative. But one thing is clear, we must find ways to reduce and eventually eliminate single-use plastic products."

Chris Evans Will Return to TV to Star in the New TV Show Defending Jacob

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For the first time in almost two decades, Chris Evans is returning to television in a major role. After he finishes filming the final Avengers film, due in theaters sometime in 2019, he'll hang up Captain America's shield and take on two new roles: executive producer and star of Apple TV's Defending Jacob.

More: Chris Evans' Birthday Was Filled With Celebrity Tweets & Childhood Pictures

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Defending Jacob is a limited series (eight episodes) based on William Landay's best-selling 2012 novel of the same name. It follows Andy Barber, an assistant district attorney who discovers that his own son is a suspect in the murder of a 14-year-old boy.

One look at Evans' IMDb page tells us that it has been almost 20 years since the actor's last substantial TV role. Back in 2000, Evans starred alongside fellow TV golden boy Milo Ventimiglia on the series Opposite Sex. He played one of three boys who had recently been admitted to a previously all-girls school. 

Evans hasn't yet commented on his new TV role on Twitter, but that's because he's currently occupied with wrapping up his duties playing Captain America for Marvel Studios. He did share a photo of himself and his dog, Dodger, on Sept. 14, presumably on the set of Avengers 4, captioned, "Senior year. #A4"

More: Hollywood Movie Stars Who Aren't Above Doing TV

Evans leaving the Marvel Cinematic Universe is truly the end of an era, as he's played Steve Rogers since Captain America: The First Avenger in 2011. In Defending Jacob, Evans will test out a new skillset: crime drama, with a side of serious dad feelings and a major conflict of interest. If you ask us, it sounds like Evans may get to put some of those Captain America traits to good use in his new TV role. We can't wait for Defending Jacob — we're so ready to see Evans back on TV.

Puppies Responsible for Sickening 118 People, CDC Says

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They say dogs are man's best friend, and it's true. Dogs are great companions. However, a recent study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found that puppies — specifically, pet store puppies — have been making humans sick.

More: Pediatricians Urge Parents to Get Children the Flu Vaccine ASAP

In fact, the study revealed that these young dogs have caused 118 infections in 18 states.

According to the report, the puppies were reportedly carrying a bacterium known as campylobacter, which causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. And while campylobacter is not rare — according to the CDC, it causes 1.3 million diarrheal illnesses in the United States each year — most campylobacteriosis infections stem from eating raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water and/or produce. 

So, how did so many pet store puppies contract this illness and pass it on to humans?

According to the CDC, most of the animals were carrying the bacteria before they reached the stores. 

However, the most alarming aspect of the outbreak isn't how the disease was contracted, it is the fact that the dogs were carrying an antibiotic-resistant strain of campylobacter, meaning the bacterial infection could not be treated by medication. 

The CDC believes the reason for the resistance is simple: Pet store puppies are often given large doses of antibiotics when they arrive — whether they are sick or not. In fact, of the 154 puppies studied, more than half were given antibiotics not because they were sick, but to keep them from becoming so. And while this is not a new practice — prophylaxis is common, especially in food production — “this outbreak demonstrates that puppies can be a source of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter infections in humans, warranting a closer look at antimicrobial use in the commercial dog industry," the authors of the study say.

More: Turns Out Air Pollution Can Reach... Your Placenta?!

What's more, Matthew Wellington, antibiotics program director for U.S. PIRG, the Public Interest Research Group, tells Stat we now "have to change how we’re thinking about antibiotics... this is one of the clearest examples I’ve seen where resistant bacteria are originating in animals from antibiotic overuse, and they’re passing directly to people and spreading rapidly. So I think this is one of those situations where it’s incredibly clear that this is a problem we need to solve."

The solution remains unclear; however, antibiotic use will certainly be part of the equation. If you have a puppy that you think may be ill, the CDC is urging pet owners to talk to their veterinarians and doctors to determine the best course of action. 

Finally, Chrissy Teigen Shares Her Much-Anticipated Banana Bread Recipe

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Rewind the tape to September 2017. 

It was a crazy year. Beyoncé made an epic pregnancy announcement, It hit theaters and scared bejesus out of every single one of us, and Chrissy Teigen went viral on Twitter.

The 2017 tweet included a simple request: She asked for a whopping six brown bananas. People were confused. What does she need so many bananas for? Chrissy desperately wanted these six brown bananas and even offered anyone in the Los Angeles area willing to give them up a signed cookbook, a Becca palette and — get this — her husband John Legend's underwear. What a deal, right?

More: Chrissy Teigen Releases a Gorgeous Kitchenware Line at Target

Needless to say, someone in the area stepped forward, and Teigen got her bananas.

Since then, we've all been dying to know: What is this recipe she's been perfecting over the past year?

And now, finally, Teigen has answered our banana bread recipe prayers.

The recipe, appropriately called "Twitter's (and Uncle Mike's) banana bread," is tucked away in Teigen’s newly released second cookbook, Cravings: Hungry for More; and, yes, it calls for "not four, not five," but six brown bananas.

"You will think you only need five because it looks like enough, but it will not be enough. You will get five, you will mash them, you will be about half an inch short and that makes a difference and you cannot get around it. Trust me," Teigen writes.

More: All the Other Celeb Names We're Mispronouncing According to Chrissy Teigen

The recipe will take a little over an hour out of your day to prepare and bake, but it’s likely so worth it. 

Aside from the very ripe bananas, you'll need the usual suspects: eggs, canola oil, flour, baking soda and so on. But it's the addition of shredded coconut and dark chocolate that has us salivating.  

The recipe also calls for one box of vanilla instant pudding mix, but, Teigen writes, don't get any ole brand and, for the love of God, do not use banana-flavored mix.

"I won’t tell you what brand to use, but the right brand rhymes with 'smello,'" Teigen says. "Don’t use banana-flavored pudding mix. I tried it. It is gross."

We're also dying at the fact that Teigen says in the recipe directions to avoid using an "aggressive electric mixer."

Check out the full recipe in Cravings: Hungry for More, out now. Or you can take a peek at USA Today

What's the Deal With Ouija Boards? We Talked to 3 Experts to Find Out

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We've heard the warnings: Using a Ouija board can conjure evil spirits, possibly even lead to a possession or the attachment of a demon. 

We've seen them used on reality TV shows like Ghost Adventures and in horror flicks. 

And yet we wonder: If this set, which includes merely two items — a heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic and a hole to read through (called a planchette) and a flat board with numbers, the alphabet and "yes," "no" and "goodbye" displayed atop — can truly do damage and conjure up fear, why is it sold in the game section of department stores like Target?

And as a valid follow-up question: Why do we continue to play them? 

We'll get to those answers later. First, let's go over Ouija's history.

More: The Terrifying Time I Used a Ouija Board & Accidentally Released a Demon

A hazy history

Where did the board come from? If only we could use the board to get an accurate answer for this, but here's what we do know.

In 1891, the first advertisements for the Ouija board appeared in newspapers. It was described as "never-failing amusement," able to link "the known and unknown, the material and immaterial" and answer questions about the past, present and future with "marvelous accuracy." 

More important, they were advertised as a family game.

Before these advertisements would appear, though, the spiritualism obsession hit America in the 19th century. Back then, believing that the dead and the living can communicate with each other wasn't taboo, and séances took place in homes often.

There were even spiritualist camps in Ohio, where people openly used the talking board. Once the Associated Press picked up the story of these camps in 1886, Charles Kennard read it and decided to make and market this talking board to the masses — with the help of Elijah Bond, an attorney, and Col. Washington Bowie, a surveyor, and other investors. 

The board wasn't named until Kennard used the talking board, asking it what they should call it. It spelled out "Ouija." When Kennard and co. asked what it meant, it replied, "Good luck."

Creepy.

The board was then patented in 1891. Fast-forward a few decades, and Parker Brothers would eventually buy the game in 1967. 

That's the quick history, and there's more to tell. Luckily, Smithsonian.com has a fantastic article about the full and strange history of the Ouija board. (We highly recommend giving it a read.)

But this leads us to the next question: If the board hasn't changed and people used to use the talking board openly and without fear of judgment, why do many people now keep it at arm's length, going so far as to ban them from their households?

Murch's answer is, simply: We've changed.

Our relationship with death

"The difference is, coming off the spiritual movement collides with massive death in this country," says Robert Murch, chairman of the board at the Talking Board Historical Society and a collector, historian and expert on the Ouija and talking boards.

He says that in the Civil War, everyone lost a father, a son, a grandson, a grandfather, an uncle. 

"Death touched everybody in a way that had never touched the United States before," he added.

And now, we have a completely different perspective on death. We don't see it as often as we used to. We're [made] uncomfortable by it. It's not something we physically live with it anymore. Hell, we've even changed the name of the parlor room — or "the death room" — to the living room.

"It is a reflection of our comfort level and our experiences with death," Murch adds.

And yet our relationship with death and how it impacts our individual lives is why Murch believes Ouija boards are still popular and used today: because people are still dying.

In a way, it can bring comfort — if we feel we are actually successful in contacting a loved one "on the other side." 

"People who don't believe in God don't experience miracles. People who don't believe in ghosts never have a paranormal experience. If you believe, you are open to those things, and then you see things differently. That's what makes the Ouija board so incredibly intriguing and popular today,” he says.

According to Murch, it's the narrative we create that allows us to be believers in the power of the board.

"Once you've started this narrative playing the Ouija board, suddenly you hear things that have always been going on in your house, but we give them meaning because we have a backstory," Murch says.

However, not everyone agrees with what Murch is saying.

Some believe the board is downright dangerous — including Dr. Brian Sterling-Vete, author of Paranormal Investigation: The Black Book of Scientific Ghost Hunting and How to Investigate Paranormal Phenomena. 

A harmless children's game?

The Ouija board has always been sold as a toy, a family-friendly game. However, Sterling-Vete says it shouldn't have been.

"They are wrongly sold as a child's toy when in fact, they can apparently make contact with and channel some very nasty energy and entities," he says.

Sterling-Vete says he has witnessed people use the board and develop some "very strange energy attachments" as a result.

"The problem seems to be in that the Ouija board can, on some occasions, somehow open a line of communication with ‘something' malevolent, and once the line is opened, even if the Ouija board user ends the session, the malevolent entity can still keep the line open to come through to that end."

In the end, Sterling-Vete advises not to use the Ouija board without an experienced professional to guide you.

More: The Best Trips to Take This Fall

Ouija board quote

Setting an intention

Professional psychic and energy healer Julie Bradshaw, on the other hand, has always had positive experiences with the Ouija board, including making contact with her deceased father.

"My dad died in an accident when I was 9 years old, and I remember him coming through more than once when I was a young girl and teen," she recalled. 

While she has admittedly had one very scary stint with the board in college, she said that since then, she's figured out where she went wrong with the board.

"The Ouija board is no different than any other form of dowsing or divination," Bradshaw says. "You must set the intention of who is allowed to ‘speak' to you through the medium of the board."

She says this is where people get in trouble, by allowing darkness in.

"It's highly likely that the people who are most drawn to Ouija boards are also highly intuitive themselves, thereby attracting all sorts of entities, both dark and light," she adds. "Setting the same intention applies to any form of dowsing or divination, whether it is tarot or oracle cards, pendulums, scrying mirrors, crystal balls, runes, I Ching or tea leaves."

In the end, she seems to agree with Murch regarding why people seek and use the Ouija board: for answers.

"To be able to speak with a different dimension always has and always will hold fascination," Bradshaw says. "Answers to the unknown, connecting with loved ones who have passed on, seeking solutions to problems — these are the most common reasons people seek out the Ouija board." 

More: This Year's Halloween Decorations Are Here

The do's and don'ts

Now that you've heard both sides of the story, are you interested in giving the Ouija board a shot? Murch has some advice.

In addition to Bradshaw's suggestion of setting an intention, Murch says to gather four or more people for the session — "whether you believe it's giving more power or energy to spirits or whether you believe that what's happening is you're giving more ability to people's subconscious."

Tip No. 2: Don't push too hard. It's natural to want to dig the planchette into the board because you might be scared or spooked, but it's best if you try to relax.

Next, write down 10 questions before you start and have them with you. Once the planchette starts moving, you might get so worked up, you forget everything you wanted to ask and know.

If the board works for you, how you interpret it is completely up to you. Are there really ghosts or spirits or demons in the room? Are you actually speaking to your dead loved one? 

Or, Murch asks, "Do we make our own ghosts?"

"Are we actively projecting this energy out there so that it then takes on a life of its own? I don't know," Murch says. "To me, all of those potential ways that are making the Ouija board work are all fascinating."


Kelly Clarkson Claims iHeartRadio Isn't Playing Her Music & Calls Them Out

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What do you do when you're headlining a major festival but the sponsoring company doesn't play your music on its stations? One option is to call it out and see if you can get some answers — which is what Kelly Clarkson did in a tweet she posted on Thursday.

More: Kelly Clarkson Confirms Her Talk Show Is Happening & Teases What to Expect

When news of Clarkson's new talk show broke on Wednesday, iHeartRadio published a story about it, then promoted it on Twitter with the text, "#iHeartFestival performer? Check. Talk show host? Check. @kelly_clarkson is doing it all." But, as reported by Variety, Clarkson wasn't having it. She took the opportunity to publicly remind iHeartRadio that if they want to book her as a headliner for their festival, maybe they need to give her some actual airtime on their station — which, if the claims her statement implies are true, they haven't been doing much lately.

Shortly after iHeartRadio posted its tweet, Clarkson quote-tweeted it and said, "...except for getting my songs played on your stations. I guess I'm cool enough to invite but not cool enough to play my record. #truth #check #seeyasaturday HAHAHAHAHAHA #MeaningOfLife."

iHeartRadio, which has its annual music festival in Las Vegas this weekend and will feature Clarkson, Justin Timberlake, Fleetwood Mac and Childish Gambino, among others, boasts over 800 radio stations in its network. An iHeart representative told Variety that Clarkson's tweet simply isn't true.

“Kelly has always been one of our most played artists," the representative said. "As soon as her record company puts out her next song, we’ll be playing that one too.”

Meanwhile, fans were quick to support their fave on Twitter, firing their own criticisms at the company. One user wrote, "@iHeartRadio y’all deserved that shade. Every hour, your stations play like 25 minutes of the same 15 songs on your short playlist and the rest of the hour is filled with commercials. @kelly_clarkson is my hero."

YouTuber and best-selling author Tyler Oakley commented, "LET!! THEM!! KNOW!!" Several fans responded to Clarkson's tweet and supportive comments with tea-sipping gifs, clearly reveling in the drama.

More: Kelly Clarkson Has a New Job, & We’re Totally Here for It

Regardless of whether or not Clarkson's songs are played as frequently as others on iHeartRadio stations, the fact is that she's on top of the world right now, as she has been for a long time. With her new talk show getting picked up at NBC and her latest album, 2017's Meaning of Life, receiving solid praise from music critics, there's nothing that can knock her down right now.

Heath Ledger's Parents Are About to Meet Michelle Williams' New Husband

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It's been 10 years since actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose when he was just 28 years old. And much has changed for his family since that time: His daughter, Matilda, is now a young woman, and his wife, Michelle Williams, has remarried. But Heath's parents, Kim and Sally Ledger, have stayed close with their granddaughter and Williams — and now, they're about to meet her new husband, Phil Elverum. 

More: Michelle Williams' New Relationship Is Basically a Nicholas Sparks Love Story

According to Us Weekly, Kim and Sally initially planned the trip simply to visit their granddaughter. “We’re going to see [Matilda] in New York next week. So we’ll be there a few days and see how she’s grown,” Kim told the publication, noting that they're also looking forward to meeting Elverum, whom Williams married in a secret ceremony in July.

Kim previously told The Goss that he and his wife are very happy for Williams. In fact, when asked about her wedding, Kim said, "we are terribly happy [for her], it is great... [and while] she’s very private and I don’t really like to make too many comments about her... we are very happy.”

Kim and Sally also told Us that Matilda reminds them of their son.

"We won’t see the full effect of that [Heath's influence] for a number of years, I’m sure... that’ll all come out in time,” Kim explained. But Matilda's already “got his beautiful flowing limbs, a lot of his mannerisms and his smile... it’s quite incredible.”

More: Would Alicia Silverstone Really Ask Her Ex to Have Another Baby With Her?

And while we have no doubt the last 10 years have been hard — for the Ledgers and for Williams and her daughter — they're definitely blended family goals

Chris Pratt Admits He Models His Career Goals on Tom Cruise's Career

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Chris Pratt's recent turn as an action star in movies like Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy is a far cry from his previous roles, like the fun-loving Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation. His newfound movie star status has opened him up to a number of new roles, which may come from a star who Pratt says inspires him. 

More: Here's What Bryce Dallas Howard Told Us About Working With Chris Pratt

In a new interview with the Associated Press published on Thursday, Pratt admitted that he really admires Tom Cruise, a Hollywood heavy hitter who's known for his action films, including the Mission Impossible franchise, as much as his depth of character in more dramatic films like Interview With a Vampire

"One of the career goals that I have based on Tom Cruise is his reputation as being a really nice, positive guy who works hard," Pratt told AP. "I’ve never actually met him, but I would like — if you’re going to leave a legacy, it’d be nice to have it be that people thought you were nice and easy to work with and you worked hard. I think that’s pretty cool."

Pratt also admitted that he thinks Cruise is the best on-screen runner he's ever seen. Pratt, on the other hand, is often self-conscious about his action scenes that involve running because of a childhood injury to his femur growth plate.

“My leg grew in a little funny," he said. "So when I run, I run a little crooked. And if I run at top speed, there’s a high likelihood I will fall down. My high school football highlight tape was all just images of me falling down midfield, like I just tripped over my shoelaces or something. So that’s always a little bit of a concern for me.”

Pratt spoke to AP about his career (and running) goals after he met with seven athletes with disabilities who are part of Achilles International. This nonprofit group empowers athletes with disabilities to participate in mainstream running events; Pratt surprised these members with the news that Michelob Ultra, a beer brand for which he's a spokesperson, wants to sponsor them for the 2018 New York City Marathon.

More: Chris Pratt & Katherine Schwarzenegger Look Very Cozy on Their Winery Date

If Pratt wants to gain a reputation that's similar to Cruise's, he's well on his way to doing exactly that by proving that he's a star on-screen and off.

Caitlyn Jenner Says Kylie Jenner's Pregnancy Reveal Was Tough on Her Daughter

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While Caitlyn Jenner may have a strained relationship with some of her daughters — she's reportedly on the outs with both Khloé Kardashian and Kim Kardashian West — her relationship with daughter Kylie Jenner is strong. In fact, the pair posted a series of videos on Instagram last month. However, that doesn't mean Kylie always finds it easy to talk to Caitlyn.

More: Kylie Jenner Shares First Photo of Daughter — & Super-Surprising Name

In fact, Caitlyn recently revealed that Kylie had a hard time sharing her pregnancy news with her.

“She’s always wanted to be a mom," Caitlyn said during an appearance on ITV's Loose WomenBut "when she called me up, it was a little bit tough for her because, obviously, she’s not been married, but fortunately, she’s in a position where she can have a child and the child will be very well taken care of."

Caitlyn also told Loose Women that Kylie's pregnancy was very welcome. "She wanted to start a family [and] she wanted to start it young,” although Caitlyn did say she still believes “you’re better off waiting." 

"There’s no rush," Caitlyn said during the interview. "[I] had my first child at 29, and I kind of had everything done.”

More: Kylie Jenner Shares Stormi-Chicago Matching Slumber Party Pic, & It's Epic

That said, Caitlyn has been nothing but supportive of her daughter's decision. In fact, just days after Kylie gave birth to Stormi and shared news of her daughter's birth on Twitter, Caitlyn shared her own post on Instagram. “My daughter just had a daughter," Caitlyn wrote. "It's amazing to be by your side through this journey. She’s SO beautiful already. Can’t wait to watch her grow.”

Rihanna Was Just Named Ambassador of Barbados, & It's a Huge Deal

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Rihanna can officially add a new title to her growing list of accomplishments: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for her home country, Barbados. Since Rihanna's career took off in 2005, when she released her first single, "Pon de Replay," she's raised the profile of the Caribbean island and has donated to the country as well.

More: Rihanna's Strategy for Accepting Her Body at Any Weight Is Goals

According to E! News, the Barbados Government Information Office announced the news on Thursday, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley saying it was an honor to bestow the title upon the singer, actor and CEO.

"Rihanna has a deep love for this country, and this is reflected in her philanthropy, especially in the areas of health and education," Mottley said. "She also shows her patriotism in the way she gives back to this country and continues to treasure the island as her home. She has also demonstrated, beyond her success as a pop icon, significant creative acumen and shrewdness in business. It is therefore fitting that we engage and empower her to play a more definitive role as we work to transform Barbados."

Rihanna also expressed her excitement about the role. "I couldn't be more proud to take on such a prestigious title in my home country," she said, according to E! News. "Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I'm ready and excited to take on the responsibility. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to reimagine Barbados."

As part of her duties in this ambassador role, Rihanna will be responsible for promoting education, tourism and investment for Barbados, E! News reported. She has been a cultural ambassador for the island since 2008, focusing on tourism on behalf of the ministry. This new role expands her duties, but we're sure she can handle it.

More: All the Other Celeb Names We're Mispronouncing, According to Chrissy Teigen

A nine-time Grammy winner, Rihanna was named Harvard University's Humanitarian of the Year in 2017 and keeps launching new products for her Fenty Beauty line of makeup products. She also has a lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. Rihanna is a busy bee, and we love that she's using so much of her limited time to support the people of Barbados.

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