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Why Honest Fertility Movies Like Private Life Matter

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I was sitting in the fertility clinic waiting room reading another pregnancy announcement on Facebook: So-and-so was going to be a big brother! Again! He had the shirt to prove it! I tried to tally in my head all the social media pregnancy announcements I had seen since I had begun trying to have a baby in a doctor’s office. Thirty? Forty? In five years, it felt like millions.

It felt like everyone was pregnant: on the sidewalk, at the coffee shop, at a yoga class where I was trying to distract myself from not being able to get pregnant. Inevitably, there would be a woman beside me who required a modified pose because, yep, she was pregnant. She couldn’t possibly do an arm extension in hero pose; she was a hero all on her own, carrying life inside her. I was not, nor would I ever be able to carry life inside me.

More: How I Found the Humor in Infertility

Where could I go to talk about my pain? I wanted to get up right in the middle of Savasana, stand over everyone lying quietly on their backs and scream. I didn’t. I finished class and went home.

It was possible the pregnancy announcements I was reading were a product of a long, hard-fought process. I wouldn’t know because seldom do peopletalk about the typically intimate process of trying to have a baby. People don’t usually post “I have a low ovarian reserve and my husband has poor sperm motility, and we probably can’t have a biological child together.” People are much more into seeing the ultrasound photo.  

This is why we need to see films like Tamara Jenkins’ Private Life, which just came out on Netflix. We need to see women lying on their sides with their underwear pulled down writhing in pain from an intramuscular injection. We need to see the collection of these used needles sitting in a water bottle on the bedroom dresser, evidence of all the times she has writhed in pain before. We need to see the unsexy, heartbreaking side of trying to conceive.

More: The Real Cost of Fertility Treatments & Adoption

In this beautifully honest film, Jenkins lets us into the private lives of couple Rachel and Richard (Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti, respectively), whose lives are no longer private as they pursue various forms of assisted reproduction and must now be subject to diagnosis, opinions and judgments from people who can’t even begin to imagine what they're going through.

I thought you were “just trying to adopt,” say friends and family as they learn Rachel and Richard are back at IVF and then egg donation (spoiler alert: There is no such thing as “just adopt”). “They’re fertility addicts,” says their sister-in-law, played by Molly Shannon, whose own identity and life has been shaped by her role as a mother.

Through it all, Rachel and Richard have each other — and sometimes not even that — as the financial and emotional strain of infertility grinds down the strongest bonds of marriage. The brilliant Kathryn Hahn is impossibly stormy and luminous all at the same time. She displays this inspiring strength and uncomfortable scratchiness as she contends with the betrayal of it all. How can fertility treatments not work? How can two loving, committed, interesting, amazing artists not be able to have a child through some kind of expensive means? How? 

It is a question I asked myself over and over again as I wrote How to Buy a Baby, a digital series about a couple struggling through a round of IVF, based on my own experience with infertility. While in the depths of grieving my inability to conceive, I felt so completely isolated. I was struck, though, watching Private Life how similarly we all experience infertility.

It’s horribly sad to know that the other 1 in 8 couples in the United States also struggling are feeling the same excruciating heartbreak — but there is something ultimately validating and empowering in seeing that our glue comes apart in the same way. We all come undone in public, ranting about eggs and sperm and biology and next steps while jumping out of the way of passing strollers. We are all questioning the feminism of it all and what our careers and our assumptions about our biology have to do with our current predicament.

More: I Missed My Son's Birth & It Breaks My Heart

I’m grateful to filmmakers like Jenkins, who tear down the curtains to reveal the complex interior of a marriage — and in doing so, bring to light the beauty of enduring love. I am grateful to Jenkins for showing me that so many of us who are struggling to become parents are all crying the same tears and fighting the same fights. We are all so very not alone at all. Our not-so-private private lives are similar in profound ways.


6 Ways to Tell You Need a Career Change — From Women Who Have Done It

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As we grow, we change, discover new talents and develop values that impact the trajectories of our careers.

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker holds an average of 11.7 jobs between the ages of 18 and 48. While the reason for switching jobs — or even careers — varies from person to person, choosing to make the change is a major decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Often, it requires major courage and sacrifice. But sometimes, it needs to be done.

Here are seven ways to know you should change careers sooner rather than later from women who've successfully made life-changing career transitions. 

1. You dread going to work

"I switched from fundraising and education to content strategy and marketing. I realized it was time to change careers when I started dreading going to work. I no longer felt fulfilled or happy with what I was doing. I felt trapped. At first I was terrified. I was so worried I had made a poor decision. But now that I’m thriving in that role, I am so much happier than I could have imagined. I think the biggest challenge was being patient and consistent. Before things started falling into place, I felt like I was free falling. But I leaned into my support network, made sure I was doing something everyday to support chasing my goals, and now, I prioritize self-care." —Alex Sundstrom, content and marketing strategist

More: 4 Times It's OK to Take a Promotion Without a Raise

2. Your health is suffering because of your job

“I made a significant career change two years ago after working in many aspects of sales and marketing for nearly 15 years. I sold luxury kitchen appliances all over the Northeast during the last six and a half years of my career, and while I enjoyed the company I represented, I wasn't passionate about what I was doing. The job came with a lot of stress and constant travel, which led to anxiety, chronic fatigue and adrenal burnout. Then, in June of 2016, my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and I realized life is short, so I resigned with a very loose plan and enrolled in a culinary nutrition program.

"Fast-forward two years, and I currently own a healthy personal chef and catering business. Yes, there are days or weeks when this new journey seems scary, but I am so glad and thankful I took the leap that I did.” — Melissa Eboli, Via Melissa LLC owner

3. You're experiencing discrimination

“After graduating from college, I got a job in the leading political-reporting law firm in the country. I signed onto a two-year contract, but I only made it six months. I experienced sexism, discrimination and being overworked. I quickly realized that even though I thought I wanted the typical nine-to-five job with benefits, once I had it, I felt like I was living in a nightmare.

"I left that job and bounced around to a few other positions — from teaching at summer camps to working at another law firm — before deciding to get involved with various volunteer roles to gain more skills in the nonprofit sector. I met Drusilla Cowan, who shortly after asked me to come on as a cofounder of Survivor Alliance. I agreed, and since then have dedicated my life to being a social justice entrepreneur and educator. Nowadays, I'm doing some of the most challenging work dealing with trauma. Yet I feel full of joy because I know that I am dedicating my life to helping others.” — Asehli Howe, Survivor Alliance cofounder

More: How to Use the 5 Love Languages to Get Ahead at Work

4. You miss an old passion

“I worked as a freelance writer part-time while I was getting started as a dietitian. But over time, my writing started to get placed to the side while I focused on my full-time career. After my husband got laid off from his job in March 2017, I started freelance writing again in the evenings and on weekends as a way to make some extra money. In the midst of the financial chaos, I remembered how much I love writing and made the decision to become a full-time freelance writer once my husband found a new job. I am still able to provide meal-planning services and recipe-writing services through my freelance work, so I am keeping my dietitian skills intact. I don't regret this decision for a single minute.” — Staci Gulbin, Lighttrack Nutrition owner

5. You want to reach your fullest potential 

“I was working in corporate HR, and I really loved parts of the job. But as great as my leaders were about allowing me to stretch my wings and take on projects, I knew there was only so far I could grow and that there was a possibility the company would close my location. I took their struggle as a sign and began proactively positioning myself as a freelance creative.

"I had to learn how to be the face of my business, win or lose. I read every industry publication I could about developing my business processes, talked to insiders about their experiences and applied many of the skills I learned in HR to establish myself as a trustworthy, reliable creative for hire. Those years spent freelancing allowed me to obtain a position at a creative agency I absolutely love. One leap of faith and a lot of planning and grinding became a career in my dream industry.” — Laura Prestwich, client coordinator lead copywriter

More: 10 Women Share Their "Secret Weapon" to Standing Out in an Interview

6. You want to push yourself 

“Earlier this year, I moved from marketing for a law firm to marketing for a startup cryptocurrency exchange. A number of factors influenced my decision, the most significant one being that I wanted to work at a global company and step out of my comfort zone. When I first made the decision, I had concerns that I was leaving a good opportunity behind. But after much consideration, I felt that I was ready to try something new and take my career in a fresh direction.” — Joanne Goldy, marketing specialist


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.

7 Outdoor Fall Workouts You Can Do Now That It’s Finally Cool Enough Outside

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The leaves are changing colors, the temperature is starting to drop and fitness enthusiasts are itching to stretch their limbs and feel the freedom of the great outdoors. Fall ushers in a slew of beautiful transitions, including the ability to get back into the activities you avoided during the hot summer months. 

If you’ve been waiting for the never-ending heat wave to pass in order to get your sweat on in the fresh air, then now’s the time to make it happen. We asked four fitness experts to share some creative ways to kick-start your fall workout program and get you moving on your exercise goals. Here are the seven workouts they say will get you outdoors and feeling fit in no time. 

Join a local exercise group

Friends and fitness go hand in hand when it comes to finding the motivation to exercise. If you like to run, Pilates instructor and studio owner Jennie Gall tells SheKnows that joining a local run group is a great option. Plus, you’ll meet some new people as well. “Many training groups for runners have slower-paced groups for fast walkers as well,” she adds. 

If running is not your thing, fitness expert Patricia Friberg suggests joining an outdoor boot camp class. “Fall is the perfect time of year to do these programs since you will get vitamin D, and as we go into the holidays, you will have a good routine in place,” she tells SheKnows. 

More: 6 Summer Exercise Hacks for When It's Too Hot to Go Outside

Take your workout to the pumpkin patch

Who says the pumpkin patch is just for kids? One of the fall workouts Gall loves to do is head to the pumpkin patch. “We lunge and jog around and use the pumpkins as weights.” Tip: See if you can get a group of two to three people together. Approach the pumpkin patch owner and ask about using the area during a low-traffic time. When you’re finished, you can hunt for pumpkins and play in the corn maze.

Hit the track

Your local track is the ideal location for a fall workout. Look for tracks at a community center or your local high school and perform this workout designed by fitness expert and triathlon coach Dr. Rick Kattouf

  • Jog or walk-jog one lap (400 meters).
  • Perform the following: 10 repetitions of push-ups, 10 repetitions of sit-ups, 10 repetitions of jumping jacks. 

This is one round. Kattouf tells SheKnows that depending on your fitness level, you can perform up to eight rounds. 

Run-strength circuit

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, this workout is adaptable to all fitness levels. “You can choose to jog or a jog-walk combination,” says Kattouf. “This is an incredible workout, as it will work the cardiovascular system as well as [being] great strength work for the lower body.” Here's what he suggests:

  • Begin by jogging or jog-walking for four minutes and 45 seconds. 
  • Stop and perform body-weight squats for 15 seconds.

This is one round. Perform up to six rounds (this depends on your fitness level).

Bike & barre

Getting outdoors for a bike ride and a little booty building is a great way to kick-start your fall workouts. Gall says she and a friend use their bikes in a way similar to a ballet barre for fun barre workouts. “We ride the bikes to a park, then we park the bikes and use them as a stability barre for pliés, squats and lunges,” she explains.

More: 10 Full-Body Exercises That Tone Everything in One Fell Swoop

Walk-strength circuit

Kattouf says the walk-strength circuit is a great workout you can do at your local running track. 

  • Begin by walking one lap (400 meters).
  • Perform the following: 10 reps of jump squats, 10 reps of leg or front lunges, 10 reps of leg side lunges, 30-second plank hold (on forearms and elbows), 30-second plank hold (hands on the ground, arms extended). 

This is one round. Perform up to eight rounds (this depends on your fitness level). For more intensity, hold a medicine ball during the jump squats and lunges. 

Tone & tighten while you’re waiting

Getting a quick workout in while you’re watching soccer practice, on your lunch break or just hitting the park for a crisp fall day outing is easy with these five moves that fitness trainer and RSP Nutrition athlete Danyele Wilson shares with SheKnows.

This total body HIIT workout will increase your heart rate and strengthen your muscles. Plus, Wilson says it’s great because it can be done anytime, anywhere, any season and is even better for fall when it's not as hot. 

Complete as many reps as possible in 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. After completing all five movements in the circuit, rest for two minutes and repeat the circuit three to five times. 

Here are some specific exercises from Wilson (click here for descriptions and pictures of the exercises):

  • Plyo push-up
  • Fast feet
  • Mountain climber
  • Burpee
  • Speed skaters

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in one of these workouts, there are always the trails. When all else fails, lace up your shoes and head to your local trailhead. Walking, running or simply exploring the outdoors is a great way to escape the stress of the day and get some exercise in!

3 Surprising Reasons You Need to Talk About College With Your High School Freshman

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“My kid just started high school — and now you want me to bring up college?”

I sure do.

Get that awkward conversation rolling now — yes, even while your kid’s a mere high school freshman struggling to remember her locker number and find her homeroom in those endless identical hallways. Starting now will be a big help over the next few years as you both wrestle with what you want to get out of her eventual higher-ed experience — and how the %$&@ you’ll pay for it.

More: The Biggest College-Savings Mistakes Parents Make 

For my new multimedia project, We Need to Talk: College, I recorded a set of fly-on-the-wall college conversations between real parents and their kids. Each was surprising and touching in its own way. But this one, between Lake Oswego, Oregon, mom Julie and her teenage son, Perry, really got to me.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but we were catching them for their very first sit-down on the subject. Perry was a 15-year-old student at Lakeridge High School — and let’s just say college was the last thing on this kid’s mind. “He likes to FaceTime with his friends when he gets home,” his mom said. “And he likes Legos. He likes laughing and playing Frisbee and tennis with his dad.” So when they entered the recording studio outside of Portland, they were both in for a lot of surprises about the realities of the planning-for-college experience.

Here's what Julie and Perry learned: Three unexpected reasons to get your own college conversation underway ASAP.

More: Affordable Dorm Decor Your New College Student Will Love

1. You might think you know what your kid wants, but…. 

Julie was genuinely shocked to find out how petrified Perry was by the prospect of college. But maybe parents shouldn’t be so surprised. As much as we wring our hands over the idea of empty nest syndrome, it’s just as scary to be the one taking flight. 

When we talk to our kids about college, we’re often focused on how valuable undergraduate education is — and we’re right. In terms of financial rewards, graduates make, on average, a million dollars more over a lifetime than their peers who stopped at a high school diploma according to a Georgetown University study. Our teens, meanwhile, probably have a lot of emotions to work through before they can even begin to get excited about taking on that campus adventure solo.

2. You’ll reexamine your own college experience — in all its messy glory

In the video, Julie confesses to her son about her “bad choices” paying for her own higher ed. As a young parent, she couldn’t make her student loan payments and had to defer. (Luckily, she’d taken out federal student loans, which offer more flexible payback plans than do private loans from banks.) The downside: She’s still making those payments. Julie admits to Perry that her choice of major (art) was a factor. “The idea is that you have a job when you graduate,” she tells her son, “unlike me, who was qualified to babysit.” Our kids can have a hard time believing parents ever make mistakes, but they can learn from our foibles — so it might be time to fess up to yours. It might make you feel better too.

3. Your kid will find out how important their college education is to you

One point that didn’t make it into the animated video was just how much Julie was sacrificing to put her kids through college. (She also has a daughter, who’s already attending school.) After decades working at her own one-woman design business, Julie had to make a tough call; she took an office job to pay for college tuition for both of her kids. As Julie told Perry in a part of our recording not included in the video, “I’ve been working for myself for a long time, but that’s not enough to pay our monthly bills and send you both to college.”  

More: 9 Investment Tips for Parents Who Are Setting Up a College Fund

To guide you through the first college conversation and the many more that will follow, check out We Need to Talk: College

Oh, and for one more surprise, ask your kid: How much do you think college will cost? If you’re like Julie, you might be shocked to learn just how little they know about what they’re getting into.

The First Look at Disney’s Live-Action Aladdin Is Here, & It’s Magical

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Disney just gave fans their first sneak peek at the live-action remake of Aladdin, and it’s not exactly a whole new world — but that’s a good thing. The magical, albeit brief clip looks amazingly like the animated original.

Even better? The score in the background hints that fans will be treated to songs from the 1992 soundtrack, likely given a modern spin.

More: All the Disney Remakes Happening Through 2019

In the first few seconds of the teaser trailer, the camera pans over the sandy peaks and valleys of Agrabah. In the distance, the palace skyline appears as a bird (presumably Jafar’s parrot Iago!) flies overhead. An instrumental “Arabian Nights” sets the tone as it plays in the background.

Got goosebumps yet? OK, we’ll keep going.

Day turns into night, and the parrot swoops beneath a desert arch toward the unforgettable Cave of Wonders — not to mention a silhouette of the villainous Jafar.

And then, a familiar voice from within: “Only one may enter here… a diamond in the rough.”

Although we don’t actually get to see the Genie, we get our first glimpse of his home. As the clip ends and an instrumental version of “Friend Like Me” cues up, we see Aladdin (Mena Massoud) reach for Genie’s lamp.

More: Will Smith Discovered the Only Key to Real Happiness

Of course, we do know Genie’s identity. Earlier this year, news broke that Will Smith will be filling those iconic shoes. Or, as it were, that lamp.

On Wednesday, Smith shared the first look at the live-action remake’s poster on Instagram. On the poster? That signature gold lamp with the saying, “Choose wisely.” In the caption, Smith exclaimed, “LEMME OUT!! Can’t wait for y’all to see Me BLUE! ?? #aladdin.”

As exciting as it is to finally see these sneak peeks, the film — which is being directed by Guy Ritchie — hasn’t been without controversy.

More: Disney's Live-Action Aladdin Reboot Faces Serious Allegations While Filming

The production has been criticized for not casting more Middle Eastern actors, and there have even been rumors that white extras on set are spray-tanned to appear Middle Eastern. However, the film’s producers insist the film will feature global influences and hearken the more traditional Arabic folktales of One Thousand and One Nights.

The adaptation, which will hit theaters in May 2019, has a lot to live up to. The original animated version was the highest grossing film of 1992.

Alias Is Reportedly Coming Back to TV, But Not With Jennifer Garner

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For five seasons, Jennifer Garner kicked major butt as Sydney Bristow on Alias. And while fans of that fierce TV series will undoubtedly be happy to hear a reboot is in the works, they may be equally unhappy to hear the new show will be missing one key component: Garner.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Garner confirmed that the spy who first introduced her to TV audiences could soon be making a comeback. The difference, however, would be that Garner would not be reprising her trademark role.

“I’ve heard that there’s an Alias reboot happening, but no one’s talked to me about it. I mean, it would be totally different,” she revealed.

Garner isn’t ruling out a possibility of a cameo, though, saying she’d be “very, very angry” if creator J.J. Abrams didn’t have her on the reboot as a guest star. Accordingly, the actress assumes the reboot is still in the earliest of stages, saying, “But I can’t imagine it being that serious yet because I haven’t heard anything about it at all.”

Happily, Garner is returning to TV (even if not as Bristow). The Peppermint star’s new HBO series, Camping, kicks off its eight-episode run tomorrow night.

“I’ve never thought of returning to TV as some huge thing, so it wasn’t a barrier to me that I had to get over. It was a job,” Garner said. “And it as shot in L.A., and the words were genius, and [showrunners] Jenni Konner and Lena Dunham were a pair that anyone would be so lucky to work with.”

The HBO series presents an interesting dichotomy for Garner. 

While she’ll be playing against type as a super-controlling and deeply unlikable woman named Kathryn, the series itself will be full of laughter — and if you’ve spent any amount of time on Garner’s Instagram, you know that the actress fully embraces laughing any chance she gets.

And speaking with ABC affiliate 13 On Your Side, Garner described Camping as a welcome reprieve. “I had just finished this action movie and it was so brutal and sad, and I cried all the time,” she shared. “I was so happy at the thought of being in an ensemble comedy with words, words, words and this definitely provided. Once I was on [board], it just kept getting better and better as the cast was rolling in.”

That incredible ensemble cast includes Ione Skye (from the iconic ‘80s film Say Anything), Juliette Lewis (who co-starred with Garner in 2006’s Catch and Release), Chris Sullivan (everyone’s favorite sarcastic brother-in-law from This Is Us) and David Tennant (of Dr. Who and Broadchurch brilliance).

So, tuning into Camping should soften the blow of learning about a Sydney-Bristow-less Alias, right?

Here’s hoping.

The Must-Know Ingredients Clean Beauty Brands Love Using

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Investing in a beauty routine that’s truly devoid of harmful ingredients means your clean beauty education never ends. There’s always legislation regarding animal testing to familiarize yourself with, new small-batch brands to discover and, of course, knowing the actual difference between frequently used terms, such as "all-natural," "green" and "organic."

More: The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Clean Beauty

And though this list can easily include a constantly evolving list of innovative, lesser-known ingredients, there’s also a not-so-short list of those with serious lasting power. And if you’re new to the clean beauty arena, getting familiar with these old faves is definitely a solid place to start. Ahead, with the help of aesthetician and Monastery founder Athena Hewett, is a handy guide for the beginning of your eco-friendly beauty transformation.

Clean Beauty Ingredients Chart


Originally posted on StyleCaster.

The Sunday Ritual That Changed My Life

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I celebrate the Sabbath in two ways, both equally sacred and necessary for my spiritual well-being. The first is attending church services — makes sense, right? The second and the focus of this commentary is my Sunday nap. It is a day of rest. So, I rest. 

I take this nap very seriously and prepare for my second act of worship before I begin my first. I typically freshen the bed linens, spritz the bed with lavender spray and turn the bed back. The only thing missing is the chocolate mint. Hey, why am I denying myself the chocolate mint? I shall attend to that immediately for next Sunday. In the winter, I leave out my flannel jammies, and in the summer a tank sleep shirt. 

When I return home after church services and sometimes brunch with my Biggerest (my bigger, better best friend — after all, anybody can have a best friend, but we are the only folks in the world with a Biggerest), I grab my baby dog Lucy and tuck in for a long winter’s/fall’s/spring’s/summer’s nap.

More: Go Ahead, Be Lazy — Science Says It Might Actually Be Good for You.

It is a bit odd that I am so dedicated to this ritual since as a child, eschewed nap time. I never took a nap. (What was wrong with me? So many nap hours lost forever.) While my classmates napped in day care, kindergarten and first grade, I spent my nap time helping my teachers put up bulletin boards, grading papers and reading. 

However, as an adult, I am all about this revered weekly occurrence. My husband is envious and makes comments about it, but he knows better than to disturb me. And my family and friends — who plan to continue in those roles — know better than to call me before 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Interestingly, my parents have picked up on my custom. My mom has this wonderful recliner chair that she claims grabs and wrestles her to sleep every Sunday while she tries to watch whatever sporting event that happens to be in season. My dad unabashedly gets back in bed and dozes on and off all afternoon.

More: 7 Tips to Help You Wind Down at the End of a Nonstop Day

I have been asked, “Does my Sunday nap inhibit my ability to fall asleep on Sunday night?” Let me put your worry to rest (pun intended) — not at all. But being denied my nap makes me tired all week. I used to consider my Sunday nap an indulgence, but in light of all the research regarding rest, I see it as my duty and my God-given right. Anything that allows me to serve and to love my fellow man better and with a smile should be a priority and considered hallowed. Come and commune with me in the land of dreams next Sunday about 1:30 p.m. CST. I promise you, we’ll have a good ol’ sleepy time together.

More: Can’t Start Your Day Without Caffeine?

Reading Thrive Global’s new initiative Shabbat: A Day of Rest inspired this reflection.


Originally published on Thrive Global.


What The Kids Are Alright Gets Right About Life in the 1970s

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When I first heard about the new ABC show The Kids Are Alright, set in the 1970s, I was skeptical. I’m old enough to remember the '70s and was worried the show wouldn’t get it right. I enjoy Stranger Things, but its creators, twin brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, were born in 1984 and seem to use movies from the '80s as their compass to navigate the era. There's nothing wrong with that, but to me, Stranger Things just doesn't feel authentic.

Maybe it's picky, but most of us feel protective of the time period in which we came of age, and it’s annoying when a show gets it wrong. The good news is that The Kids Are Alright was created by Tim Doyle, whose past credits include The Real O’Neals, Speechless and Last Man Standing and who was born in 1959, so he certainly remembers the '70s and how laid-back parenting was. And by that, I mean parenting didn’t really exist. 

More: Why I Feel Bad Is the Comedy Every Mom Needs

The Kids Are Alright is about the Cleary family, staunch Catholics with eight sons; the youngest is a newborn and the oldest is in college. They live in suburban Los Angeles (Doyle himself grew up in Glendale, California, which is one freeway from Hollywood). Mike (Michael Cudlitz), the dad, works in the aerospace industry, and Peggy (Mary McCormack), the mom, is a housewife who makes her own ketchup. 

But the heart and soul of the show is 12-year-old Timmy (Jack Gore). Doyle narrates as the adult Timmy, acting as a tour guide for people who weren’t alive in the 1970s and may not have any idea what a Laurie Partridge trading card is. What The Kids Are Alright nails on the head is the lack of parental supervision and concern.

Here are the first few sentences of adult Timmy’s opening narration: “I turned 12 in the summer of 1972, an awesome time to be a kid. It was the Wild West. Bike helmets hadn’t been invented yet, or seatbelts, or nutrition. Neither had normal adult supervision. Dads weren’t around as much as they are today, and Mom had her hands full running the house.” 

Yes, I remember those days. It was a time when kids (and parents, for that matter) did pretty much anything they wanted. Today, neighbors or the authorities might raise the alarm if they see a kid walking alone, but not back then. In the show, Peggy suggests that hitchhiking is preferable to wasting money taking a bus. It was a different time. 

At one point in the pilot, Timmy decides to make his way to "Hollyweird" to audition for a play. The show nails the sleaze of Hollywood Boulevard, which had adult movie theaters on every corner that attracted every kind of seedy person — a stark contrast to the Hollywood of today, which has been cleaned up significantly to cater to tourists. 

More: Essential Fall TV Premiere Dates You Need to Know About

Still photo from ABC's 'The Kids Are Alright'

The other thing I adore about the show its inclusion of real 1970s food (if you can call it that). The food of the '70s was a world away from today’s organic, non-GMO offerings available at Whole Foods. Other than a tasteless, gravelly cereal called Grape-Nuts (which — shocker — isn't made from grapes or nuts), there were no healthy cereals, only sugary puffs loaded with Red Dye 40, which is made from coal tar and can cause hyperactivity. The Cleary family drinks high-fructose corn syrup-laden Hi-C from a can and eats crustless sandwiches made with now-verboten white bread.  

Ah, the memories.

MoreWhat We Know About Will & Grace Season 10

There was one key moment in the pilot when I was transported from the 1970s into 2018. At one point, Mike asks one of his older sons how young people view then-President Richard Nixon. The son responds that young people are worried about the whole Watergate thing, and Mike says, “You know what I call Watergate? Phony news!” Obviously, "phony news" is a reference to what our current president, Donald Trump, calls “fake news.” The line is played for laughs, of course, but it also jolts us back into seeing how this show wants to draw parallels to today to stay relevant to viewers.

Photo of Mary McCormack and Michael Cudlitz in 'The Kids Are Alright'

What I hope The Kids Are Alright does for its adult viewers is remind them that perhaps the currently favored style of parenting — the hands-on, helicopter kind — could go hand-in-hand with a more hands-off approach from the '70s. I remember having a lot of freedom as a kid, and it nurtured my independence and creativity. 

The 1970s were not perfect by any means, but even without Whole Foods, bike helmets and organized play dates, us kids were alright.

The Kids Are Alright premieres Tuesday at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Michael Bublé Is Not Retiring (Yet), Says His Rep

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Don’t worry, Michael Bublé fans, the crooner isn’t going anywhere yet. Despite news circulating this weekend that Bublé was officially retiring from music, the singer’s rep told ET that simply isn’t true.

Per ET on Sunday, when asked about the retirement rumors, Bublé’s rep refuted the claim. So, how did this idea take root? 

More: Michael Bublé Is in Tears Discussing Son's Cancer Diagnosis

On Friday, The Daily Mail ran an interview in which Bublé reportedly said that his 5-year-old son Noah’s battle with liver cancer devastated the family and made Bublé and his wife, Luisana Lupilato, reevaluate their priorities. So much so, in fact, that Bublé allegedly plans to walk away after the release of his upcoming album, Love

“I don’t have the stomach for it anymore. The celebrity narcissism,” Bublé reportedly told the Daily Mail, speaking of fame. “This is my last interview. I’m retiring. I’ve made the perfect record and now I can leave at the very top.” 

Whether those comments were taken out of context or not is unclear. But Bublé’s comments concerning his son’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment (he’s now in remission) certainly underscore the singer’s new outlook on life. 

More: 25 Cutest Photos of Michael Bublé’s Family

“My whole being’s changed. My perception of life. I don’t know if I can even get through this conversation without crying,” he told the Daily Mail. “And I’ve never lost control of my emotions in public.”

Nearly losing his son made him take stock of how silly it was for him to stress over “ticket sales for my tours, what the critics said, what the perception of me might be,” Bublé said.

“I was embarrassed by my ego, that it had allowed this insecurity. And I’d decided I’d never read my name again in print, never read an interview, and I never have. I decided I’d never use social media again, and I never have.” 

This isn’t the first time Bublé has admitted his doubts about the future of his career following Noah’s cancer. In July, he opened up about his uncertainty to the Herald Sun. 

More: Michael Bublé’s Wife Announces the Birth of Their Daughter

“I truly thought I’d never come back to music,” he said. “Family is what matters. The health of my children is No. 1. The relationship with my family, my wife, my faith — all of it is easily No. 1.” 

Thankfully, little Noah is doing very well now and, per Bublé’s rep, the world-renowned singer doesn’t plan to leave his career just yet. 

Still, fans can follow along to see how things shake out once his new album drops on Nov. 16. 

Drake Is Totally Fanboying Out Over Adele Coming to His Show

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While plenty of celebrities name-drop Drake as a favorite artist, one famous fan in particular rattles the rapper: Adele. After finding out the British songstress attended his concert in Los Angeles on Friday, Drake proceeded to freak out. And, really, can you blame him? 

Drake’s fanboy sesh began when Adele took to Twitter to express her appreciation for the rapper’s show. 

“Oii Champagne Papi [Drake’s Instagram handle] blew my mind tonight! Best production I’ve seen hands down and way up there with one of my favorite shows of all time. Huge love,” she wrote, capping off the tweet with a heart emoji. 

And Drake, well, responded in kind.

“Oiiiiiii don’t fucking get me gassed right now I love this woman and she came to the show,” he gushed, adding, “Thank god nobody told me I would have been SHOOK.” 

We can agree that Drake is all of us in this moment, right? 

Of course, it’s worth pointing out that Drake wasn’t the only one affected by his superfan status. Adele couldn’t contain her respect for the rapper, as is evident by her post. Even more precious? This isn’t the first time these two have sung each other’s praises. 

In 2015, Adele joked that she wanted to do a remix of Drake’s mega-hit “Hotline Bling,” featuring her. “I really want us to do an official remix. I love Drake. I love Drake so much. I even got the coat that’s in the video, I got it delivered the other day, I ordered it. The red one,” she told eTalk

Drake responded by telling media in Toronto, “I’d do anything for Adele. I’d literally go to Adele’s house right now and do laundry for her.” 

Naturally, the world is now officially on Drake/Adele duo watch following this second social media love exchange. 

Outside of the musical realm, though, Drake’s been doing some additional raving. On Friday, he was featured on LeBron James’ new unscripted HBO series The Shop and gushed about his 1-year-old son, Adonis.

“[He has] crazy blue eyes — baby blue eyes,” Drake said, noting, “He’s already in the pool shooting basketball.” 

While Drake admits he and Adonis’ mother, French artist Sophie Brussaux, have had their struggles, he also has praise for her. 

“No matter what happens, I have unconditional love for the mother of my child because I want him to love his mother and I have to protect that energy,” Drake told James. 

SNL Parodies Kanye West’s Erratic Oval Office Meeting

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In Saturday Night Live’s third week of the 44th season, the series opened with a spoof of one of this week’s biggest news moments — Kanye West’s much talked about visit to the White House to meet with Donald Trump. 

Playing West was SNL’s Chris Redd, who sported the rapper’s now-trademark red “MAGA” hat. Alec Baldwin returned to play Trump. Kenan Thompson rounded out the sketch’s main players with his impersonation of football great Jim Brown. 

More: Kim Kardashian West Realizes She Has 4 Children, Not 3: Kanye Feels 'Neglected'

The cold open began with Baldwin’s Trump giving a brief disclaimer that West’s appearance was “in no way a publicity stunt” but a “serious, private conversation between three friends — plus 50 reporters with cameras.” 

With that, Baldwin’s Trump introduces Redd’s West, who wastes no time jumping into the real West’s bizarre and often times nonsensical rant on Thursday. 

“First let me begin with the idea that time is a myth… infinite amounts of universe… I’m a prisoner in a different dimension,” Redd rambled, adding, “Have I lost anyone so far?” At which point nearly everyone, including Trump, raises their hands. 

A voiceover for Baldwin’s Trump even ponders at one point, “This guy might be cuckoo. I’ve been in a room with Dennis Rodman and Kim Jong-un and they made a lot more sense [than Kanye].” 

More: 5 Things to Know About Saturday Night Live Cast Member Ego Nwodim

Later in the episode, West’s meeting with Trump was once again addressed in a special Weekend Update segment called “Really!?! With Seth Meyers, Colin Jost, and Michael Che.”

Meyers, returning to his old seat, started the segment by saying, “Really? Don’t you have better things to do? And by the way, when I say that, I’m really not sure which of you I’m talking to. The only place those two should meet is in group. They should be in the basement of a church and a dude with an earring and a leather bracelet should be saying, ‘I’m so glad you both decided to come back.’” 

Jost joked that you could tell a lot by how each of the men in the Oval Office meeting prepared. “Kanye prepared by learning every fact in the world backwards, while Trump prepared by clearing his desk of any valuables,” he said. 

More: 13 Funniest Weekend Update Moments in the History of SNL

And Che admitted he kind of understood a lot of what West was trying to say. 

“It sounds like somebody told him something really smart, and he just retold it really, really wrong,” said Che. “Like when I was a kid and the landlord showed up, and my mother would say, ‘Tell him I’m not here.’ And then I’d say, ‘My mama says she’s not here!’” 

West recently appeared on SNL as a musical guest, where he memorably performed “I Love It” with Lil Pimp (dressed as bottles) and after which he delivered a pro-Trump speech. 

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Expecting Their First Child Together

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are going to be parents for the first time, Kensington Palace confirmed in a statement on Monday. It's been a handful of months since Meghan and Harry's wedding in May but this news, coupled with all of the exciting work they've been doing as part of their royal duties, will surely endear them to fans even more.

More: Meghan Markle Hints at a Another Royal Baby Soon

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019," the palace tweeted on Oct. 15. "Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."

Meghan sparked pregnancy rumors at Princess Eugenie's wedding on Oct. 12, however, there had been no confirmation at the time, despite the fact it was also reported around that time that Meghan and Harry were actively trying for their first. Seeing as the 37-year-old wore a coat over her dress and didn't remove it in front of the public, onlookers couldn't help but wonder if she was expecting a baby. 

According to People, Markle's mom, Doria Ragland, is overjoyed about becoming a grandmother. "Ms. Ragland is very happy about this lovely news and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild,” the palace said in a statement.

People also reported the palace said Kate Middleton and Prince William are "delighted" for Meghan and Harry. 

Meghan and Harry haven't been shy about starting a family. During their first interview as an engaged couple and after being asked if they'll have children, Harry told the BBC in November 2017 that "I think you know one step at a time, and hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future."

More: All the Celebs Who Are Pregnant Right Now

As for Meghan, she told Canada's Best Health magazine in May 2016, "Other bucket-list items, I want to travel more and I can’t wait to start a family, but in due time."

Harry also told ABC News in 2012 that "I've longed for kids since I was very, very young. I’m waiting to find the right person. Someone who is willing to take on the job."

Well, it's clear Harry found the right person to be the mother of his children. Meghan's pregnancy is truly joyous news and for fans to be able to celebrate this huge milestone with them is exciting.

The Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkins

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Pumpkins might be one of the most underrated and overlooked fruits that you’re not eating. Rich with antioxidants and high in fiber, pumpkins pack a nutritional punch, proving they are not just for carving scary faces or for your seasonal pumpkin spice lattes (if there is even real pumpkin to be found in there, that is). 

But before you go biting into your pumpkin — which isn’t recommended, by the way — it’s important to note that, according to Ashley Reaver, a registered dietitian, only the flesh and the seeds should be consumed. And while technically, carving pumpkins are safe to consume, you're better off with those grown specifically to eat.

"Both are great for your health and offer different benefits,” she tells SheKnows. “The pumpkin flesh is high in carotenoids, a potent type of antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help to improve metabolism, manage weight and control hunger.” 

Pumpkin is high in vitamin A

Pumpkin is a great source vitamin A — a vitamin characterized by a group of compounds associated with many aspects of overall health. 

“Technically, what pumpkin contains is beta-carotene, a plant pigment that is converted into vitamin A in the body,” Summer Yule, a registered dietitian and nutrition communication specialist, tells SheKnows. “What is nice about getting this vitamin through plant sources is that unlike preformed vitamin A from animal-based foods and some supplements, excess intake of beta-carotene is not generally associated with toxicity.”

More: Cranberries Aren't Just Festive — They're Good for You Too

Although she does caution that an excess of beta-carotene can give the skin “an orange glow.” 

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is especially critical to vision, according to Yule. “It is an essential component of a protein [called rhodopsin] that absorbs light in the receptors of the retina...” she says. “One of the earliest signs of a vitamin A deficiency is night blindness, so if you are having a little more trouble seeing at night lately, make sure you are getting enough vitamin A in your diet.”

As a potent antioxidant, Reaver says vitamin A can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system by reducing the damage caused by free radicals in the body. 

“For this reason, vitamin A is also linked to lower incidence of some cancers," she adds. "It is also essential for optimal to vision, reproduction, skin health and the proper functioning of many internal organs.” 

Yule says a half-cup of pumpkin (canned or fresh) has about 100 percent of the daily value for vitamin A. “But I've seen some canned pumpkin with 200 percent of the daily value per half cup, so I would check the label for exact amounts,” she says. 

Both fresh pumpkin and canned pumpkin offer the same benefits, says Reaver, who recommends mixing puréed pumpkin into oatmeal, in a smoothie or into energy balls. 

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin C

While pumpkin contains less vitamin C than vitamin A — around 8 to 9 percent of the daily value, or one-half cup of fresh pumpkin cubes — says Yule, it’s still a good option when you need to add more of it into your diet. 

“We need vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen, a component of our connective tissue that plays a role in wound healing,” Yule explains. 

Vitamin C is also important for its antioxidant activity, limiting free radical damage in the body, says Yule, as well as helping us to absorb sources of nonheme (plant-based) iron. “If you are a vegetarian with anemia, make sure to get some vitamin C in with your iron,” she notes. “Stirring some pumpkin into fortified oatmeal is a great way to get both nutrients in together.”

Pumpkin seeds are delicious & nutritious

Those pesky, sticky seeds, also known as pepitas when they've been shelled, are a great addition to your diet. They might be small, but they’re mighty in terms of their nutritional value.  

“Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron, fiber, protein and healthy fats,” Reaver explains. “The iron found in pumpkin seeds is crucial for the proper transportation of oxygen throughout our bodies. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by fatigue, decreased athletic performance, decreased mental acuity and poor mood.”

More: 7 Foods to Eat to Boost Your Sexual Health

Iron is an important nutrient for premenopausal people, Reaver adds, especially because iron is lost in the blood during menstruation. Active young females have even higher requirements. 

Reaver says the seeds should be roasted (to make them taste better) and that they make “a filling snack alone or in a trail mix or an awesome addition to salad, stir fries and vegetarian dishes.” 

So, before you dismiss the pumpkin as just something to adorn your front steps for the month of October, you might want to consider working it into your diet too.

The Definitive Guide to Growing Out Your Eyebrows

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As mood-altering and face-defining as a red lip can be, brows have a similar power to completely transform a face. But if you’ve been experiencing the forever struggle of sparse arches or you’ve found yourself in recovery mode from a grooming mishap, all is not lost. The good news is you can get them growing.

Ahead, two experts share what you should and shouldn’t do to help make your archenemies your most powerful face-framing ally.

More: The All-Time Best Products for Sparse Eyebrows

Get to the root of the matter

Brow expert Giselle Soto says internal factors like poor nutrition, alopecia, aging, hormones and stress can be equally responsible as more obvious reasons for sparse brows, like over-tweezing, which can cause the hair follicle to actually become inactive, and clogged pores from makeup and creams, which stop the hair follicle from opening up and inhibits growth.

It’ll take some time to figure out just what is holding you back from your best brows. Soto says if you’ve always had thin brows, there's a chance they won’t grow in any more than the current state they are in. However, once you get to the problem, it’s worth making a few adjustments to your diet and grooming routine to see if you notice any changes.

Give it time

Compared with the rest of the hair on our bodies, brows tend to need a bit more time and coaxing to sprout — so try to be patient. “Unfortunately, you can’t stimulate hair to grow any faster than your body naturally would. Eating a clean diet does increase your chances; however, eyebrow hair growth takes time,” says Soto.

If you’ve had a brow mishap, it can typically take six to eight weeks for your brows to fully grow back in. While everyone has different skin regeneration timing, this is the minimum amount of time you’ll need to see a difference in this particular area.

More: 5 Things I Learned After Refreshing My Microbladed Eyebrows

Try a serum

It’s going to be a labor of love, but Soto says if you’re willing to put in the time, the best way to get your arches growing is to commit to a brow serum. You can either mix one up yourself using equal parts castor, vitamin E and argan oils (1 teaspoon of each) or layering castor, rosemary or lavender essential oil on them everyday.

“Massage the oil into your eyebrows for two to three minutes before bed, leave it on overnight, and wash it off the next morning,” Soto explains. If you prefer a store-bought treatment, look for ingredients like peptides, keratin and biotin, which all help stimulate and boost and rebuild the hairs and follicles.

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: Feathered brows pink eyeshadow

Be careful when shaping

Whether you’re a waxing devotee or prefer threading to tweezing, both Soto and Jaimineey Patel, head of training at Blink Brow Bar London, agree that the way you shape affects how your brows grow. “Waxing causes the brow hair to grow back at the slowest rate compared with all the other shaping methods,” says Soto, who notes that sugaring also has a similar growth effect as waxing. If you prefer threading or shaving, the hair will grow back quicker, but keep in mind that it will also fill in with a spiky edge, which will impact how it looks and how your fill-in (with products) turns out.

Patel says that over-plucking is a major factor in poor hair growth. She recommends avoiding tweezing altogether but says if you can’t resist, make sure you are removing only the hairs that are outside your brow shape.

Mind your skin care

Many exfoliants and peel-off masks are extremely harsh on the eyebrow region, which will cause hair to fall out. Patel also adds that any stringent products, like alcohol-based face treatments, can be dehydrating to the skin and should be avoided around the brow area. It can strip the natural moisture your brows need to flourish.

More: 15 Famous Women Whose Brows Have Gotten Major Makeovers

Camouflage the patches

While you wait out the six weeks before new hairs fill in, use a soft powder and highlighter to hide the skimpy spots. “The contrast between the light highlighter and dark brow powder will camouflage the sparse areas,” says Soto.

Patel recommends a brow gel enriched with mini microfibers to coat tiny baby brow hairs and give the illusion of thicker, fuller brows or a brow pen or pencil with a fine, nimble tip you can use to gently draw upward strokes through the brow to resemble brow hairs. When you’re ready to get growing or at least look like you are, give one of these brow boosters a go:

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: Blink Brow Bar London Brow Build Gel

Blink Brow Bar London Brow Build Gel

Tiny little microfibers within a tinted gel base stick to sparse spots to make it look like your brows are a lot fuller and thicker than they really are.

Blink Brow Bar London Brow Build Gel, $28 at Net-a-Porter

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: RevitaBrow Advanced

RevitaLash RevitaBrow Advanced

While it’s not a brow-growth formula, this nourishing conditioner that has peptides, lipids, biotin and green tea extract does for compromised brows what skin care serums do for stressed-out skin.

RevitaBrow Advanced, $110 at RevitaLash

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: Benefit Brow Contour Pro

Benefit Brow Contour Pro

Click each of the four sides on this elementary school throwback pen to fill, shape, highlight or define.

Brow Contour Pro, $34 at Benefit

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: BrowFood Velvet 3D Brow Glide

BrowFood Velvet 3D Brow Glide

Fill and go with a formula that’s a liquid pomade, thickening gel, styling wax and conditioner all in one. It’s really pigmented, so it’ll look like your brows are tinted, and once you swipe it on, it stays put for the day.

BrowFood Velvet 3D Brow Glide, $24 at LashFood

Growing Out Your Eyebrows: Joah Brow Down to Me Precision Brow Pencil

Joah Brow Down to Me precision brow pencil

Use the superfine tip to recreate the look of natural brow hairs and then the spoolie end to brush any strays into place.

Joah Brow Down to Me precision brow pencil, $9 at CVS


Originally posted on StyleCaster.


Pink’s Best Mom Moments so Far, as Told on Instagram

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Pink has 5 million Instagram followers — and it's not just because the pop star can sing like a beautiful badass angel. In addition to her amazing music career and enviable rocker style, Pink is the mom to two kids, 7-year-old Willow Sage and 2-year-old Jameson Moon. 

Unlike many celebrity parents, who tend to paint a picture of perfect parenthood, Pink and her motocross racer husband Carey Hart share the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult, when it comes to raising their kiddos in the limelight. Let's take a look of some of Pink's best parenting moments, as captured on Instagram. 

More: Pink Stopped Her Concert Because of a Fan, & the Reason Is So Pure

1. She stays active with her kids — right down to BMX biking

We love Pink's energy — and her willingness to jump into things even if they seem a little scary. We also love that she encourages healthy risk-taking and adventure in her kids, like when she signed them up for a good old BMX bike race — and stayed right by her daughter's side.

2. She shows us that traveling with kids is just as tough as it seems

Traveling with kids when you are stinking rich couldn't possibly be as hard has traveling with a normal budget, right? Well, Pink is here to let you know that even if you are a superstar, traveling can be extremely tough when you have two kids under 10. In her words, not ours, it's a "total shit show."

3. She juggles work & parenting like it's no biggie

When Pink was preparing for her "Beautiful Trauma" tour earlier this year, it involved a lot of physical work and a lot of practice — enough that anyone would be stressed out. But add this job on top of mothering two young kids, and you have to have superhero strength. We love how she manages to balance work and motherhood (or at least how she endures the juggling act with grace and a good sense of humor). Here, she's literally balancing the two as she executes a dance move with the extra weight of Willow on her back.

4. She shares her incredible style with her daughter

One of the joys of having kids is teaching them about your favorite things. Pink's daughter is lucky to have a punk mom to help her stay cool in all the ways — starting with a very signature hair color for the family. We can't wait until Jameson is old enough to start experimenting with style too.

5. She's a multitasking hero 24-7 (& we're in awe)

Pink got a lot of heat for sharing this 2017 picture of her being a multitasking genius who cooks a healthy dinner while her kids run around the kitchen. Some followers thought the kids were in danger — of falling or getting burned. But many moms saw themselves reflected in Pink, doing everything she can to care for her kids while providing for them at the same time. Our only question: Who is taking this picture? Give Pink a hand!

6. She lets her kids play the drums 

Only the very best moms on the planet let their kids play a drum set. We love that she does it, but drum sets are not allowed in our houses.

7. She's always honest about car rides with toddlers

Is there anything more terrifying than a long car ride with a toddler? Pink feels our pain and isn't afraid to be honest about it on social media. She's also not afraid to admit that long car rides are so much easier with headphones, snacks and screens.

MorePink's Daughter, Willow, Dyed Her Hair & Is Cooler Than All of Us

8. She's cool with letting Willow ride her bike indoors 

We've all be there. We're tired. We need a break. And the kids just want to play. In this Instagram shot, Pink is all mothers who have ever sort of just given up and looked at their phone while their child roams free. Yep — there's Willow riding her bike naked in the house without a helmet while Pink takes a needed break from the helm. We have been there, and we salute you.

9. She normalizes breastfeeding

Pink reminds us it's not weird to breastfeed in public. This sweet snap she took while breastfeeding Jameson was not only a peek into her life as a mom to a newborn, but it's also a good reminder that breastfeeding is natural and normal.

10. She captures the perfect moment of being a human pillow

Moms do a lot of things well, but perhaps our biggest and best job is human pillow. Here's Pink on full pillow duty not long after the birth of Jameson. And we've all been there. And we sort of love it.

MorePink & Her Kids on the Cover of People Made Our Week

Pink might be the perfect celebrity mom. She inspires us to do better, but she also reminds us that we're doing the best we can. Please keep it up, Pink, and please keep sharing your best (and worst) motherhood moments on Instagram. 

A New Study Confirms the Best Way to End an Argument Is to Hug it Out

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“Never go to bed angry.” It’s a solid piece of advice you’ve heard from films, TV shows and likely your own mother. But that’s much easier said than done because when you’re in the middle of a heated argument, tempers flare, egos inflate and no one wants to admit they’re wrong. So the simplest next step is usually taking some time apart (either physically or from the topic at hand) and sleeping on it.

More: What Have Millennials Destroyed This Time? Divorce

According to science, though, it's much simpler than this. A new study published in PLOS One on Oct. 3 suggests the best way to end an argument is to hug each other. Yep, it's as simple as that, folks: hugging. 


Authors Michael L. M. Murphy, Denise Janicki-Deverts and Sheldon Cohen interviewed over 400 adults between the ages of 18 and 55, and of those 404 participants, 306 of them were unmarried and 98 were married. These adults were interviewed every night for 14 consecutive days about their conflicts, how often they hugged and whether the act of hugging had a positive or negative affect.

In the end, it was determined that those who were hugged experienced an increase in positive mood markers and a decrease in negative mood markers. 

“Enthusiasm for this topic is bolstered by multiple lines of converging evidence suggesting that individuals who engage more frequently in interpersonal touch enjoy better physical, psychological, and relational health,” the authors write.

Interpersonal touch is defined in the study as touch behaviors, such as hugging and holding hands, used to communicate affection or generally thought to indicate affection.

More: Here's What's Actually Involved in the 'Girlfriend Experience'

The study also found that associations between getting a hug and how it affected a couple’s conflict did not differ between women and men, nor did it differ “between individuals who were married or in a marital-like relationship and those who were not.”

So, the next time you want a squash an argument with your S.O., hug it out — because science says so.

The Female Bachelor Vietnam Contestants Who Went Viral Are Officially Together

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Last month, fans of The Bachelor Vietnam witnessed history when female contestant Minh Thu confessed her love for another female contestant, Truc Nhu, during a rose ceremony. The episode clip went viral before it was revealed that although the two women left the rose ceremony together, seemingly to pursue romance off-show, Nhu actually returned to the competition after a heart-to-heart with Bachelor Quoc Trung.

Now that moment has been contextualized in a totally unexpected and heartwarming way. After staying in the competition for two more episodes, Nhu has left The Bachelor Vietnam and, in what may be the best part of the whole story, she and Thu are officially dating.

More: 2 Female Bachelor Vietnam Contestants Went Home Together, & the Internet Loved It

On Thursday, Oct. 11, a public Facebook post made by one user showed a photo of Thu and Nhu together, as well as screenshots of Reddit threads discussing the status of their relationship. 

When Nhu decided to stay on the program after Thu confessed her feelings and asked Nhu to leave with her, fans were understandably disappointed. However, according to one Reddit user whose comment is included in the above Facebook post, the decision was agreed upon by both women.

"They wanted to make sure their feelings weren't just a misconception of love because they are so close in the Bachelor share house," the user wrote. "[Nhu] stayed on for 2 more eps and asked to leave the show saying 'She already found what she was looking for and it's waiting for her at home.'"

The Bachelor Vietnam executive producer Anh Tran told NextShark that the two women are, in fact, together at last. “They left the show and have been together since. We delivered on our promise that two people would find love,” Tran said.

The impact of this moment has been felt all across the world, especially following this new update. Another producer on The Bachelor Vietnam, Anh-Thu Nguyen, told NextShark, “As both a queer Vietnamese-American woman and as someone involved in the show who witnessed this first hand, this was a moving and powerful moment showcasing that love is love."

Nguyen continued, “Especially in the context of Vietnamese culture, where family and saving face can often be prioritized over all else, including love, the fact these women made this declaration during the rose ceremony in front of everyone is even more awe-inspiring. It’s been a proud experience to see our clip resonate around the world and become an unexpected platform for discussing LGBTQI+ issues in Vietnam on a global scale.”

Fans are understandably excited about the update to this story. In response to the news, one person tweeted, "This is everything" with a crying emoji, a heart, and victory hands. Another shared screenshots of the rose ceremony beside the new photo of Thu and Nhu and wrote, "REMEMBER THE GIRLS FROM 'THE BACHELOR VIETNAM' ARE OFFICIALLY TOGETHER NOW." 

Another added, "OMG!! Minh Thu and Truc Nhu from The Bachelor Vietnam are actually together!!"

More: Jonathan Scott Has Had 3 Chances to Be Our Next Bachelor

The fact that these two women decided to take time in order to be sure of their feelings before diving into a romantic relationship is honestly pretty inspiring. Feelings are probably extra intense in a setting like the Bachelor house, so we respect that they wanted to do things right. We're also happy to see them apparently thriving together and we hope their future is beautiful.

John Stamos Is Afraid to Share Pics of Son Billy Because Online Trolls Ruin Everything

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John Stamos would love to share his crazy-cute kid with you, but the baby-shamers of the world have him running scared. He talked about being baby-shamed with ET at Variety's Power of Women: Los Angeles gala on Friday. 

MoreJohn Stamos & Caitlin McHugh Welcome Baby Boy — Stamos' First Child

At the event — held at the super-swank Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel — Stamos revealed why he's been hesitant to share photos of his firstborn, 6-month-old Billy, on social media: "I've only put him on barely once, on mine, and I got so baby-shamed about how I was holding him or whatever. I said, 'That's it!'" 

"[Y]ou know, there's a lot of critiques out there," Stamos said. He said that he and wife Caitlin McHugh have decided to wait until Billy is old enough to decide for himself how much of a social media presence he'd like.

Stamos told ET that the threat of online criticism and bullying of parents is disturbing to him because "[you] want to share your happiness with the world."

MoreJohn Stamos Introduces New Son to Full House Castmates

We happen to love the guitar case photo of baby Billy. And Stamos also Instagrammed a recent pool pic with his son. *Melt*

Pics or no, Stamos was delighted to talk about his beloved son — and joke about his achievements.

"He's riding a bike now, and he plays trombone," he quipped. Stamos continued, "He loves swimming. He loves laughing. This morning, we just laid in bed, and he's, like — I swear for, like, 25, 30 minutes — just [giggling and cooing]... I love it."

Sleep is in short supply, though, according to Stamos. The actor revealed he'd been up with Billy at 5 a.m. on Friday, while McHugh, a model, was at a photo shoot. Stamos admitted that he was tired at the gala.

Still, the couple is apparently eager to have a second child, and Stamos hinted it will happen soon. The Fuller House star said he and McHugh are hoping to have a girl because society "need[s] more women." 

Oh, Uncle Jesse, you sweet talker. How could anyone shame you? 

Angelina Jolie Transforms for Her New Film, Come Away, & We're Here For it

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Angelina Jolie's new film, Come Away, just wrapped filming in Los Angeles and fans are having a hard time recognizing her in costume, per comments left on a group selfie posted on Instagram by her costar David Oyelowo. It's not just Jolie's look that makes this film unique, though—it's the whole premise.

More: File the Angelina Jolie-Brad Pitt Divorce Settlement Issue Under 'Never-Ending'

"Our film COME AWAY is now in the can!" Oyelowo wrote in the caption of his Oct. 14th Instagram post. "Can't wait to share this reimagining of Alice In Wonderland and Peter Pan with you all."

In the comments, fans couldn't quite believe that the woman in a floor-length black dress and loosely-pinned blond curls standing in the front of the crowd behind Oyelowo is Jolie. While several people commented to ask if it was her, one fan asked Oyelowo if he learned anything from her while filming.

“Excellence never sleeps," he replied.

Even more interesting than Jolie's new look, which we first got a glimpse of from People in September, is the description of the film itself. According to Deadline, Come Away is a "prequel" to these two classic novels written by Lewis Carroll and J.M. Barrie: "Before Alice went to Wonderland, and before Peter became Pan, they were brother and sister who live an idyllic childhood with parents Jack and Rose (Oyelowo and Jolie) and older brother David. Fate turns their games of tea parties, pirates and lost boys upside down, setting the stage for their iconic journeys into Wonderland and Neverland."

More: 12 Female Actors Who Are Also Big-Time, Badass Directors

In an era of reboots and reunions, it's interesting to see a reimagining of two classic novels that have been adapted for stage, film, and even television multiple times, but never in the same universe. We're especially curious to see how Jolie and Oyelowo work together because they are both such dynamic performers in their own right. Other cast members, according to IMDB, include Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Caine, Anna Chancellor and Clarke Peters. Jordan A. Nash and Keira Chansa will play Peter and Alice, respectively.

There is no official release date for Come Away just yet, but with all the new information to process, it's safe to say we're already eagerly awaiting the film's first trailer.

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