Ah, Halloween — the perfect time to sit around a fire with the family and get into some good, old-fashioned spooky storytelling. Don't you love a good ghost story? OK, maybe you love a good ghost story until every single one of your kids is crammed into bed with you because they're suddenly afraid to sleep in their own rooms. Yes, Halloween is the perfect time to tell ghoulish tales — but some of the classics walk a fine line between frightfully fun and nightmarish. 

There are a few notable tales, though, that successfully avoid over-the-top terrifying — and those tend to be the family favorites. Here, we've rounded up the best just-so-spooky stories so even the kids can feel festive this Halloween without too much drama.

More: 17 Scary Books to Get You Ready for Halloween

1. "The Hairy Toe"

This spooky story is about an old woman who, for some reason, eats a hairy toe she finds in the woods behind her cottage. But what about the owner of the toe? An excerpt from the book Spooky Maryland by S.E. Schlosser ($5.49 at Amazon), this tale has enough fantasy to it that it’s not terribly scary for the younger ones.

2. "Dem Bones"

Is your little one crazy for pirates? This is the tale of Captain Kidd and his band of pirates, who bury treasure on the New Jersey shore and then come back to haunt the area on reality TV (just kidding about the last part). Retold by S.E. Schlosser as part of his Spooky New Jersey book ($6.93 at Amazon), this tale will remind you of ghost stories from days gone by.

3. "White Dog"

Who doesn’t love a good dog story? Take one loyal dog, an adventurous boy, danger, and a ghost, and you’ve got a not-that-scary story for younger kids. This is just one story available on the TLC website that the whole family can enjoy.

4. "The Canterville Ghost"

What if your house were haunted but you could turn the tables on your ghost? In an adaptation of the classic Oscar Wilde story, "The Canterville Ghost" shows how a whole family deals with a ghost in their new home — and eventually help him move on.

5. "The Pleading Ghost"

James M. Deem is a children’s book author who has collected some of his favorite ghost stories and made them available in his "Haunted House" online. This story is from his book Ghost Hunters (out of print). Note: The pleading ghost in this story isn’t very scary, but it is a boy who died young, so make your own judgment call when reading it to little ones.

Next: "Looking for Dracula"

A version of this article was originally posted in September 2015. 

6. "Looking for Dracula"

This classic song by Charlotte Diamond is a story told within a song — you may even remember the lyrics from childhood. You can watch the video and sing along or add the song to your collection. Kids love following the lyrics and acting out the story. A winner for the elementary or preschool crowd.

More: Why the Tooth Fairy Only Gave My Kid a Quarter

7. "Shadows in the Mirror"

Got tweens who can handle a bit more of a scare? "Shadows in the Mirror" has all the elements of a good ghostly mystery for older kids who won’t be too easily frightened by the idea of a ghost in their home.

8. "The Vinder Viper"

What sounds like a scary tale of snakes is actually a comic tale — best delivered in a dramatic manner. This is an old summer camp favorite of many and great for any younger kids who may be too scared by a story without a "happy" ending.

9. "Haunted"

Written by Harris Tobias, "Haunted" is a kid-friendly story about ghosts who love to party. Kids of all ages will follow this short story with rapt attention — and then be surprised by the delightful ending.

10. "The Scarecrow"

Do scarecrows keep evil spirits away or can they be possessed by them? This first-person narrative has many elements of a perfect scary story and is great for the elementary school crowd.

Next: Tell Me Another Scary Story... but Not TOO Scary!

11. Tell Me Another Scary Story... but Not TOO Scary!

What if kids could decide when a story gets too scary for them? In Tell Me Another Scary Story… but Not TOO Scary!  ($16.95 at Amazon) by Carl Reiner, kids can decide whether to move forward as the story gets scarier — or end it there. This sequel to Tell Me a Scary Story… But Not TOO Scary! comes with a CD to listen along as the author himself reads the story. Perfect for ages 9 and up; even adults will love the creative illustrations and Reiner's wit.

12. Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich

This fun book by Adam Rex is a fun collection of silly, scary poems perfect for the 6- to 9-year-old crowd. The illustrations in Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich ($7.99 at Amazon) are just as entertaining as the poems are. Favorite characters like Frankenstein, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Phantom of the Opera and Dracula all appear in this fun children’s book.

13. Halloween Stories: Spooky Short Stories for Children

Looking for spooky stories that are OK for the under-10-year-old crowd? Halloween Stories ($6.99 at Amazon) by Uncle Amon is just right for a little fright that won’t keep them up all night. Grab the Kindle edition for free, and you can start enjoying those hair-raising tales tonight. With stories like "The Haunting" and "The Shadowy Figure," your kids are bound to find a favorite.

14. The Scare: A Halloween Story

Perfect for kids ages 3 to 10, The Scare: A Halloween Story ($9.99 at Amazon) is a creative, fun way to share “spooks” with your kids. The illustrations are fun, and this tale of two best friends — a pig named Simon and a mouse named Jim — will be a favorite in your house. This book has a creative storyline and is a fun way for kids to enjoy a scary-ish story.

15. "The Green Ribbon"

There are various versions of this story floating around in which the color of the ribbon changes, but the chilling ending is the same in each of them. The story revolves around a girl who always wears a ribbon around her neck. When her husband finally removes it, he discovers the horrifying reason. This one's a little on the scarier side.

Another blindside rocked Survivor: David vs. Goliath as Natalia Azoqa was sent packing earlier this week — but she didn't go quietly. Azoqa will likely be remembered for firing off her disappointment, at one point even telling teammate Alec Merlino to shut up as he attempted to apologize for voting her out. We've seen blindsides, yes, but never quite like this.

SheKnows had the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Azoqa, and she didn't hold anything back. Check out her thoughts on that painful elimination and why talking about it now actually makes her — get this — happy. 

More: Survivor's Jeremy Crawford Makes Bold Claim About Another Castaway

SheKnows: You were clearly very upset when the group voted you out.

Natalia Azoqa: You know what, talking about it makes me a little bit happier. I got over it, and now I'm, like, reliving it again. The feelings were very strong watching it back. Honestly, I'm just happy I had my moment. I feel like if I didn't have the opportunity to express myself after getting voted out, I think I still would've still been upset about it. Knowing that I went out guns blazing, I'm happy with it. I'm good.

SK: How long did it take you to get over what happened during your elimination?

NA: It really took me a long time. My head was constantly reliving that moment. To this day, I'm still gonna think about it and I'm still going to regret certain things I did and how I could have changed it. I thought that Alec and I were very close friends. We didn't really talk strategy that much, and I think that's why I started to really second-guess our relationship. So it was a shock to really confirm my suspicion that he would get me out.

SK: Where exactly did it go wrong? 

NA: The audience thinks that Alec and I are really close, which is true. We had a bond, especially on the Goliath tribe, but we never talked strategy. I tried a lot of times to discuss strategy with Alec and to bring him into working with me. I always wanted Kara and Angelina on my side, but Alec is someone I knew I wanted to work with because we had a good bond. He never wanted to open up to me. I already was kind of having doubts with our relationship going forward in the game. 

SK: If you and Alec agreed to target Davie instead, do you think that the outcome would have been different?

NA: Yes, I really do think so. I think that Alec wanted to be heard. I was shutting him down for obvious reasons. Elizabeth was saying my name. Davie was totally on board to work with us in the game. If Elizabeth is already talking bad about one of the three of us, why in the world would we move forward in the game with her? It literally didn't make sense. Alec was so on board with getting Davie out because Davie and Carl are close. To me, I'm like, "That brings the five of us even closer together. If we know that, we can work with both of them." 

SK: Going into Tribal Council, did you have any idea the tides had turned against you?

NA: I had an idea. I think maybe I tried too hard, and that could've also been what led to me going home. I knew Alec didn't trust me. I didn't feel comfortable at all, and that's why I had to keep asking for reassurance because I wasn't getting it. 

Going into Tribal Council, I definitely had doubt. That moment I told them to go back to sleep in the shelter was the final straw for me. I get to the camp and they're sleeping. I'm like, "What are they doing? Why are they sleeping?" We're about to go to Tribal Council [and] I was freaking out. I woke them up and they were shocked, clearly annoyed that I woke them up. I was like, "Guys, I just need to confirm the vote one more time. Can we please just go over the plan?" I was freaking out because we were about to go to Tribal Council. We can't really talk until Tribal Council, and I didn't feel sure. I think in that moment is what triggered it for him. 

More: Jessica Peet Tells Us Who She Credits With Masterminding Her Survivor Blindside

SK: How did you get on the show?

NA: I went to the EW Popfest event and I posed for a photo with Jeff. I was like, "I need to get a selfie with Jeff. If I talk to him, maybe I will have a chance at the show." I told him, "Hey, I'm going to be on Survivor one day." He said, "What's holding you back?" I said I was graduating in a month and would apply after that. I did. I got a callback. I was like, "Wow! This is real! I'm going to be on Survivor." To me, that callback was it. I'm really happy that I got to be on the show.

We know the grocery store of choice of Duchess Meghan (née Markle) of Sussex is Whole Foods. We know Meghan starts her day off with a breakfast shake. We know the Duchess of Sussex loves, loves, loves banana-flavored sweets. And we’re all aware her favorite recipe of all time is a pumpkin fondue recipe from her now-inactive lifestyle blog, The Tig, that's still available thanks to the wonders of the internet. 

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Expecting Their First Child Together

But what is her favorite tea? HelloGiggles might’ve just figured it out.

Meghan and Prince Harry are currently on a 16-day royal tour of Australia, and on Wednesday of this week, the royal couple visited the Woodley family at their farm in New South Wales, and Meghan brought a homemade gift: banana bread. According to Elle, she baked the loaf at Admiralty House in Sydney on Tuesday evening.

Pictured in a tweet posted by royal correspondent Rebecca English, the banana bread, which had "chocolate chips in [it] and a bit of ginger," was paired with the Royal Blend tea.

“She said she was worried about the bananas, that she’d put too many bananas in it,” the Daily Telegraph's royal correspondent, Hannah Furness, tweeted. “But the Duke said there’s never too many bananas.”

While it's not clear if this is Meghan's favorite, we can only assume she chose this tea for a reason — and you can bet we're all in a frenzy to purchase a tin online, stat.

The tea is Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend, and according to the Williams-Sonoma website, Fortnum & Mason have been suppliers of tea to the British monarchy for over 200 years.

Royal Blend is the brand’s most popular tea, and it “combines flowery Pekoes from Ceylon and Assam in a blend developed in 1902 for King Edward VII.”

More: Meghan Markle Has Already Given Us a Big Hint About Her Future Baby's Name

And with the holidays coming up, you might want to purchase a few tins or packs — after all, as Meghan told Furness, “[I]f you go to someone’s house you always bring something.”

Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend tea (4.4-ounce container), $15.95 at Williams-Sonoma 
Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend tea (25 bags), $20.88 at Amazon

Gushing about your significant other is fun, but what happens when the two of you are always in the public eye? It's got to be tough to be candid about your relationship when so many people are watching and potentially obsessing over whatever you have to say. For Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, opening up about his romance with former race car driver Danica Patrick is kind of a rarity — but in a new interview, he said it's getting easier with time.

More: Danica Patrick Gives an Update on Her Relationship With Aaron Rodgers

Speaking to Artful Living, Rodgers said that when the circumstances are right, he doesn't mind sharing special moments with Patrick — for example, posting about her and their relationship on social media.

"There’s still the right time and right place, but I don’t feel like I have to be reserved all the time," he said. "We’re just two people who enjoy being around each other and love each other. We’re really into each other. So there are going to be posts with each other because we enjoy each other’s company a lot. We’re really attracted to each other."

When Rodgers or Patrick do post about each other, he told Artful Living, he opts not to scroll through the comments or worry about what people will say — which makes it easier to "just live life... It's pretty freeing, actually."

Rodgers also told the magazine that he and Patrick really enjoy traveling together. "I’m a little further out there in my love for history; I want to go to historical sites around the world," he said. "She’s getting into it as well, but she’s spontaneous. She’s up for anything travel-wise, which is fun.

"She’s a good travel partner because she’s so laid-back and low-maintenance," he added. "And she’s a hell of a cook, so we love just staying in, too. She eats really healthy. She’s inspired me in that way."

Plus, these two are super-supportive of each other's careers and accomplishments. Patrick posts frequently about Rodgers' football successes, despite her family being lifelong Chicago Bears fans, and Rodgers openly gushed about Patrick making history as the first woman to host the ESPYs in his interview with Artful Living.

"I’m really proud of her for that. I always enjoy going to the ESPYs, but to finally have a woman up there was awesome," Rodgers said. "Doubly awesome that I’m dating her and that I got to be in the I, Tonya spoof. I remember talking through it with her, and she was really drawn to being the first woman host. She’s a strong woman who’s had to fight through some gender issues in her sports for years."

More: Danica Patrick Spoofed This Oscar Winner at the ESPYs

It seems these two are still going super strong, and it's great that Rodgers is starting to feel more comfortable being open about their relationship. When you're as into someone as he seems to be into Patrick, it's nice to be able to gush, at least once in a while.

On the fourth day of her royal tour with her husband, Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex, whom you may know better as Meghan Markle, spoke candidly about her own pregnancy with another pregnant woman on Australia's famous Bondi Beach.

“Meghan told me that pregnancy was like having jet lag,” Charlotte Connell said according to Sky News. “She said she was up at 4:30 a.m. this morning doing yoga in her room as she couldn’t sleep.” 

Pregnancy insomnia and 4:30 a.m. yoga while Prince Harry smirks under the blankets! Meghan, we feel you.

More: Meghan Markle's Special Gift for Her Unborn Baby Hints at a Name

It's no surprise that Meghan turns to yoga when she's not feeling her best. Her mom, Doria Ragland — with whom she is reportedly very close — is a yoga instructor.

“Yoga is my thing,” Meghan said in an interview with Best Health Magazine. “My mom is a yoga instructor, and I started doing mommy-and-me yoga with her when I was seven.”

Here's the sweetest part: Ragland had a very special nickname for her daughter. 

“I was very resistant [to yoga] as a kid,” Meghan told Best Health. “But [my mother] said, ‘Flower, you will find your practice — just give it time.’ In college, I started doing it more regularly." 

Meghan added, laughing, "Yes, my mom calls me 'Flower.' She has always called me 'Flower.' It’s really funny because I don’t even think about it when I’m describing how we chat."

More: Prince Harry Talks About Meghan Markle's Pregnancy in the Most Bashful Way

The 4:30 a.m. yoga trick seems to be helping. Meghan and Prince Harry were all smiles at Bondi Beach, where they were met by Grant Trebilco and Sam Schumacher, the founders of OneWave — a community surf group committed to raising mental health awareness in a friendly, accessible way. 

Mental health campaigns are a particular focus of the royal family, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seemed delighted to take part in an "anti-bad-vibe circle" on the sand. And speaking of flowers, wow. What a gorgeous photo, and what a wonderful royal tour (despite the pregnancy insomnia) this is shaping up to be for Meghan and Harry.

Childbirth is painful. Whether you are passing an 8-pound baby from your vaginal canal or undergoing a serious operation, the act is difficult, arduous and agonizing. But doctors know this already, which is why pain management during labor and delivery is of the utmost importance. However, a new study conducted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists reveals that postpartum pain care may be just as important.

In fact, the pain one experiences after childbirth, rather than during it, may significantly contribute to postpartum depression.

More: What to Know About Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

The study, presented at The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, analyzed the pain scores of 4,327 women from the start of labor through their discharge. The researchers then compared the mothers' pain scores to their Edinburgh postnatal depression scale scores one week later. What they found was that women who had higher postpartum pain scores also had higher incidences of postpartum depression.

Lead author of the study and assistant professor of anesthesia at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Dr. Jie Zhou, said in a statement that this data suggests doctors need to be doing more for new moms.

"For many years, we have been concerned about how to manage labor pain, but recovery pain after labor and delivery often is overlooked," Zhou said. However, "our research suggests we need to focus more on helping new mothers manage pain after the baby is born... [and] we need to do a better job identifying who is at risk for postpartum pain and ensure they have adequate postpartum care."

That said, the study also notes that a number of factors can contribute to one's postpartum depression risk; for instance, postpartum depression is more common among women who are obese or overweight. It is more common when a new mother suffers from a perineal tear, a rip near the vaginal opening. Postpartum depression is more common in women who have a history of depression, anxiety and/or chronic pain, and it is also more likely to occur when women give birth to smaller babies with lower Apgar scores, a scoring system used to assess the physical health of newborns.

More: We May Finally Have a Drug to Treat Postpartum Depression

However, in spite of all the other factors, identifying this factor may help doctors to treat (and even prevent) postpartum depression, and that is good news for moms and moms-to-be everywhere.

What’s not to love about Aldi? 

The no-frills German discount grocery chain prides itself on fresh produce, unique sweet treats and, most important, affordable groceries. You can find virtually anything you need and ever wanted at Aldi. 

More: Aldi Will Now Deliver Groceries Nationwide With the Help of Instacart

But what we love most about the grocery chain is that they make it incredibly easy for their customers to find new items. 

Every Wednesday, Aldi posts its list of Aldi Finds. These Aldi Finds are new products brought into rotation for a limited time, and they include everything from kitchenwares and women’s apparel to frozen desserts.

This week, the best Aldi Finds include an Ambiano Classic stand mixer for only $59.99 and a 12-cup programmable coffee maker for only $19.99, and we even spotted chic ladies booties for a whopping $14.99. (We may or may not have already purchased the latter.)

The Aldi Finds for the week of Oct. 24 are even better, believe it or not. Here are five we’re most excited about.

Crofton cast-iron 6-quart Dutch oven

This beauty comes in gray or red; has a porcelain enamel interior and exterior; has integrated cast handles; is safe for glass ceramic, gas and electric stovetops and even comes with recipes. Quadruple score. 

Crofton cast-iron 6-quart Dutch oven, $29.99 at Aldi

Belmont chocolate truffle or raspberry-white chocolate cheesecake

At a price this low ($5.99 each), you might as well try both flavors.

Belmont chocolate truffle or raspberry-white chocolate cheesecake, $5.99 at Aldi

Crofton cast-iron 5-quart braiser

Like the Dutch oven, you can take your pick between gray and red. It also has all the same features as the Dutch oven, including recipes. 

Crofton cast-iron 5-quart braiser, $29.99 at Aldi

More: Aldi's Pumpkin Spice Liqueur Returns This Fall — but There's a Catch

Crofton 12-quart porcelain enamel stockpot

This blue-speckled beauty is heat resistant up to 500 degrees F. And if you don't like blue, get it in red instead.

Crofton 12-quart porcelain enamel stockpot, $19.99 at Aldi

Belmont Cobblecakes in blackberry or peach 

Do you sense a theme here? Kitchenwares and sweets, all the way — and we can’t wait to get our paws on both of these Cobblecakes. 

Belmont Cobblecakes in blackberry or peach, $5.99 at Aldi

Take a look at all the Aldi Finds for the week of Oct. 24 here, and here’s the full list of Aldi Finds for the week of Oct. 27.

Ben & Jerry's may be best known for their indulgent ice cream flavors — flavors like Phish Food, Cherry Garcia and Americone Dream — but earlier this year, the Vermont-based company launched Moo-phoria, a "light" line that has fewer calories and less fat. Of course, many were thrilled by the Halo Top-like product, especially those looking for a solid low-calorie snack, but the line was limited in size. At launch, Moo-phoria contained just three flavors. But all that is about to change.

More: All the Pumpkin-Flavored Foods Available at Trader Joe's Right Now

The ice cream purveyors just announced four new Moo-phoria flavors, and they are on sale now.

The new flavors are inspired by classic Ben & Jerry’s favorites and include Mocha Fudge Brownie, P.B. Marshmallow Swirl, Chocolate Cookie EnlightenMint and Cherry Garcia with a Twist. And while the Moo-phoria products are lighter, they still use the high-quality ingredients Ben & Jerry's is known for, like organically sourced milk and cream.

They also contain no sugar substitutes or sugar alcohols.

That said, online reviewer Junk Banter noted the Moo-phoria flavors are not as creamy as their full-fat counterparts — "there’s less cream in it after all" — however, with 140 to 160 calories, this ice cream feels like a reasonable (and nearly guilt-free) indulgence.

More: The Best Limited-Edition Halloween Candies of 2018

Each pint retails for approximately $4.89, and the new flavors will join old Moo-phoria favorites P.B. Dough, Chocolate Milk & Cookies and Caramel Cookie Fix in stores and online on Oct. 18.

Mommy-shamers, step off. Kim Kardashian West knows she can't get a break when it comes to her parenting — and she's over it. 

On Tuesday, Kardashian West shared a sweet recent photo of herself with son Saint, 2, and daughter Chicago, 9 months on Instagram. No big deal, right? Wrong. This is the internet, people.

“Missing my babies!" Kardashian West first captioned the shot while she was on holiday in Uganda with hubby Kanye West and daughter North, 5 (the littles stayed at home). Then, when commenters freaked out at what they thought was a pacifier in Saint's mouth, she edited the caption to add: "P.S. mom shammers [sic] it's not a pacifier, he's eating candy!”  

Oopsie. Instantly, she was nailed to the wall (metaphorically speaking, of course, although we worry that some of the commenters have actual nail guns at the ready). Commenters had a field day arguing whether candy or pacifiers were actually good for a toddler — and what it meant about Kardashian West's parenting.

More: Kim Kardashian West Realizes She Has 4 Kids, Not 3: Kanye Feels "Neglected"

Haters are indeed gonna hate. Some comments were judgmental about the candy:

"Umm some mom’s [sic] might think the candy is worse," one said.

Another added, "Just as bad, beautiful... we can learn from others... sometimes x"

Others were judgmental about the baby's outfit:

One commenter questioned, "Where is Chicago's socks? Everyone is dressed warm."

"A sweater and pants on your baby, but no socks on her feet..????" chided another.

More: Contour Kits, Cosmetic Queens: What Are We Doing to Our Little Girls?

We also had an environmentalist get involved, calling out Kardashian West for her involvement in the ruining of the globe:

"We’re slowly killing the earth by producing billions of tons of plastic every year and the consumerist culture you promote is part of the reason! Just in case you’re interested :)) Keep doing u hon xx"

There are always defenders, though, when it comes to the Kardashian clan. One commenter wrote, "It's a two-year-old what two-year-old doesn't eat candy? I'm sure the child has a well-functioning diet outside of that little pacifier of candy...."

Whew. Maybe you should have just let them think it was a pacifier, Kim. But you can't win; we get it.

It's rumored that Maroon 5 will be playing the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show in 2019, but apparently, the rock group wasn't the NFL's first choice. Allegedly, two superstar women — Rihanna and Pink — turned down the opportunity first, which is a loss not just for the NFL but for fans who tune in to watch these legendary performances each year.

More: Maroon 5 Is Playing the Halftime Show at Super Bowl LIII, & Twitter Has Opinions

On Thursday, Us Weekly reported that Rihanna turned down offers from the NFL to headline at halftime. According to a source, “The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year’s performer in Atlanta. They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn’t agree with the NFL’s stance.”

Entertainment Weekly's source said Rihanna was "the front-runner" for the halftime show, but "after thinking about the offer, [she] decided to pass." They said Rihanna "stands with the players and Colin Kaepernick. The offer and exposure would have been great for Rihanna as she’s planning a new album and tour, but she stuck to what’s right in her eyes."

Meanwhile, ET also reported that Pink walked away from negotiations to perform, not for political reasons but because reaching an agreement was taking too long. She performed the national anthem ahead of the 2018 Super Bowl. The same source who told ET about Pink claimed that Rihanna also walked away from the opportunity because negotiations were taking too long — the source said that Kaepernick wasn't a consideration at all.

Ahead of Super Bowl LII, Pink Instagrammed a photo of her national anthem rehearsal, which was tough because she had the flu. "I will tell you, this is one of the biggest honors of my life, singing this song in front of my family, my military family, my dad and brother and step mama and family and the world. And the EAGLES!?!?!" she wrote. "I promise I will do my best, as I always do."

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

Although Maroon 5 is reportedly playing next year's halftime show, the band, the NFL and Super Bowl sponsor Pepsi have yet to make a formal announcement. Whatever happens, we'll always wonder what a Rihanna or Pink halftime show would have looked like.

Buckle up, Big Little Lies fans! Heather Graham is adapting author Liane Moriarty's book The Hypnotist's Love Story for TV, and we suspect it will be full of twists and turns like the beloved HBO show. If this new series is picked up from the pilot, it could air on ABC starting in 2019.

More: Alexander Skarsgård Will Return for Big Little Lies Season 2 but Won't Say How

According to Variety, Graham will executive produce and star in The Hypnotist's Love Story, though it's unclear whether she'll play the main character. The story follows Ellen, a successful hypnotherapist with a string of failed romances. She's hopeful about her new boyfriend, a single father, until he reveals that he has a stalker ex-girlfriend named Saskia who's apparently been following him for years. Ellen becomes fascinated with this mysterious woman, unaware that they have already met. 

"I love Liane Moriarty so much," Graham tweeted on Thursday. "So excited ABC wants to make this book into a TV show."

Moriarty said on her website that the premise of the book came from personal experience, though the book is much different than what she set out to write. "After I wrote the first three chapters, I thought, Mmm, I think I’m accidentally writing a thriller," she wrote. "But although it does have elements of suspense, The Hypnotist’s Love Story is really a contemporary story about the murky areas between right and wrong, and the lines we’ll cross for love."

Variety noted that Graham, who's known for her acting, has taken on more behind-the-camera work lately. She wrote, directed and starred in the romantic comedy Half Magic and, in a vein closer to the material explored in The Hypnotist's Love Story, she recently starred in Law & Order: True Crime.

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

The Hypnotist's Love Story is still in development and has not officially been picked up by ABC. We hope it will be, especially because the future of BLL is yet to be determined. It's clear that Moriarty knows how to write good suspense, so we're all here for any adaptations of her work that we can get.

First things first: Facial hair growth in women is not usually anything to worry about, so if you’ve got a bit of fuzz above your lip or on your chin, don’t fret — this is totally normal for many people. But what if you have facial hair that’s appeared suddenly where you didn’t have any before, or it’s growing in thicker or faster than usual? There are some health-related reasons you might be sprouting new facial hair, and these are good to know.

While most women have at least some amount of facial hair, it tends to be very fine and light in color. Sometimes, it can come in darker and coarser, but this isn’t necessarily any indication of health problems. The Mayo Clinic notes that the amount of facial and body hair you have tends to pivot on genetic factors and there’s a wide range of normal hair growth, color and bodily distribution based on a woman’s family traits. According to Healthline, excessive hair growth on women’s bodies and faces, however, is called hirsutism. 

More: Here's What You Should Know About Women & Facial Hair

Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, Harvard and Yale-trained ER doctor and author of Mom Hacks, tells SheKnows that when women have hirsutism, their hair growth resembles what you’d usually see in men, and it can happen when a high amount of male hormones — such as androgens and testosterone — are present in a woman’s body. Gillespie further explains that hirsutism affects about 5 to 10 percent of adult premenopausal women.

Various hormonal factors can come into play when it comes to facial hair growth, Dr. Adeeti Gupta, founder of Walk In GYN Care, tells SheKnows. Specifically, excessive facial hair can be caused by an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone — one of the most common being polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Gupta recommends that in addition to noting any new facial or bodily hair growth, also be on the lookout for other symptoms, such as sudden weight gain, acne, irregular periods or even male-pattern baldness, and discuss these issues with your doctor. Gillespie also explains that while hirsutism may be an isolated condition requiring minimal therapy — if any — it’s usually a sign of unbalanced hormone levels. 

It’s worth noting that while facial hair growth can be a cause for concern, it’s important not to panic if you notice any changes. Dr. Donnica Moore, a physician, president of Sapphire Women’s Health Group and host of the podcast In The Ladies’ Room With Dr. Donnica, tells SheKnows that causes of hirsutism include any health condition that causes an excess of androgens. “These are the so-called male hormones, but women make them too,” she adds.

More: These Are the Causes of Hormonal Imbalance & How to Treat Them

According to Moore, other potential causes of newly grown facial hair in women can include Cushing syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, certain tumors and even some medications. And while it’s easy to hit the panic button if you spot some new chin hairs, Moore explains it’s best to stay calm and talk to your doctor about the possible underlying cause.

When you do see a physician, they will do a health intake tracking your menstrual cycle and look for possible triggers of the new hair growth, like PCOS, according to Medical News Today. If no underlying hormonal imbalances are present, your hirsutism is most likely genetic. But, if sudden menstrual irregularity is coupled with new hirsutism, your doctor may test for more serious conditions, such as tumors of the ovaries, pituitary or adrenal glands. 

And while there’s a wide range of what’s considered "normal" when it comes to facial hair growth in women, if you notice changes in your menstrual cycle or other new symptoms, see your doctor so they can rule out any potential underlying medical conditions — just in case.

Amy Schumer is no stranger to photobombing, but now she has a special partner in crime. On Wednesday, Schumer and her husband, Chris Fischer, showed up unexpectedly at a couple's engagement photo shoot in Central Park, where they posed for a quick group shot that's gained more than 600 likes on the bride-to-be's Instagram account.

More: Amy Schumer Detained in Washington During a Protest Against Brett Kavanaugh

"Sneak peak of the engagement shoot, special shout-out to @amyschumer and her husband Chris for making today so much fun!!" wrote Jillian Georgio in the caption of a photo showing her and her fiancé standing beside Schumer and Fischer, who were both dressed casually for a daytime jaunt through the park.

As reported by Entertainment Tonight, Schumer previously crashed an engagement shoot — also in Central Park — in 2015. Plus, she showed up at a wedding that same year and crashed another in 2017 with Judd Apatow, when they were doing press for Trainwreck. This is the first time Schumer has photobombed a couple with Fischer since they got married themselves in February, though he looks pretty stoked to be included in the fun.

Commenters on Georgio's photo can't even handle it. "STOP. I need more!!!" wrote one user, while another added, "Definitely Instagram of the month!!"

Another thought Schumer and Fischer making an appearance could only mean good things for Georgio and fiancé's impending nuptials. They wrote, "This is a good omen for sure."

Others chimed in with simple comments like, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME" and "UNREAL." One person also took the time to compliment the couple(s): "This is truly incredible. And you guys look fab!"

More: Keanu Reeves Is Crashing Weddings to Promote His New Movie & We Can't Get Enough

We appreciate Fischer and Schumer's dedication to posing as similarly to the happy couple as possible, and we love that Georgio was excited enough about the interaction to post the photo on her social media. It's not every day that an engagement shoot gets to feature more than one couple, after all.

On Dec. 22, Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten and her husband, Jeffrey Garten, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. While making it to such a milestone is a huge feat, it is particularly rare in Hollywood, but Ina and Jeffrey make it work. How? Well, with love, patience and a great sense of humor. Before the fame and fortune, Ina and Jeffrey shared a sweet relationship that started with a photograph and letter.

More: 8 Relationship Tips From Ina & Jeffrey Garten

According to People, Ina and Jeffrey met in 1963, while she was visiting her brother at Dartmouth College. “He [Jeffrey] saw me on the street and then sent me a letter with a photograph of himself in it,” Ina explained — and she was immediately enamored. “I just remember running through the house and going, ‘Mom, Mom, you’ve got to see this picture of this guy. He’s so cute!'”

But that wasn't Jeffrey's only letter to Ina. In fact, he would write to his girlfriend and, later, his wife many times over the years, such as when he was deployed to Thailand shortly after they were married. “I wrote to Ina every single day,” Jeffrey told People. “During the whole year I was only able to call her once.”

When Jeffrey's job relocated him to Japan, he turned to the written word again. “For a couple of years we commuted between Tokyo and the Hamptons,” Jeffrey said, but letters helped keep them connected. 

“He used to write me notes all day, and he would fax them to me at night so when I woke up in the morning, I had them,” Ina explained.

Today, these love notes remain a cornerstone of their relationship. “When we’re not together, I’ll send her five or six texts per day,” Jeffrey told People. 

Of course, these messages seem like a simple, obvious gesture — after all, communication is key. However, they are a particularly integral part of Ina and Jeffrey's relationship, and one the pair doesn't plan to give up any time soon.

More: Ina & Jeffrey Garten Have a Pretty Inspiring Love Story

As for what comes next, Ina is slated to release a new cookbook, Cook Like a Pro, on Tuesday and Jeffrey is continuing to teach at the Yale School of Management, but it seems that what they do doesn't matter as much as who they do it with. "We’re like two vines that grew and wrapped themselves around one another,” Jeffrey told People. Intertwined, but never separated. And if that isn't love, we don't know what is.

Even with my mental health history — I was first diagnosed with depression in my late teens — I was still surprised to get prenatal depression only a few weeks into my second pregnancy. It was one of the toughest times of my life. I was delighted to be pregnant, but almost overnight, those feelings of joy were replaced with overwhelming sadness and worthlessness. As well as wrestling with this sudden, unexpected reversal in my emotional state, I had the burden of a huge decision — should I take antidepressants during my pregnancy? — and so many questions I didn't know where to find the answers to: How was my emotional state going to affect my baby, my ability to be a good mother and the 2-year-old boy I already had? 

More: Yes, Kids Can Have Depression Too

According to the World Health Organization, about 10 percent of pregnant women worldwide experience depression or another type of mental disorder, such as anxiety or OCD. This makes awareness of prenatal depression, which is also referred to as antenatal depression, just as important as that of postpartum depression, which gets much more media coverage. 

"Depression is a treatable condition that responds extremely well to psychotherapy, psycho-social supports and medication. Early intervention supports remediation of depressive symptoms and promotes adaptive and productive function," licensed psychotherapist Dr. Mayra Mendez tells SheKnows. "Just as postpartum depression requires identification, attention and treatment, prenatal depression requires the same if not more support, as the symptoms do not just impact the mother, but affect the fetus as well." 

Prenatal depression is often overlooked or underreported, says Mendez, largely due to the persisting stigma associated with mental illness. "Women who want to have a baby or are pregnant may not reveal struggles with depression for fear of being criticized, condemned or stigmatized," she says. 

Then there's the fact that there's often an overlap between symptoms of depression and those of pregnancy in general: sleeping a lot, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and changes in appetite. It's also natural to feel some amount of anxiety concerning the pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. 

This can lead to genuine symptoms of depression being dismissed as part of the hormonal impact of pregnancy. "There may be an attitude of dismissal stemming from stereotypical beliefs that 'women are emotional,' especially when pregnant," explains Mendez. 

More: I Was a Teenage Cutter — & This Is What Parents Need to Know

According to Mendez, red flags for mental health concerns during pregnancy include intense and persistent sadness, excessive and unprovoked or unrealistic worry, dramatic and out-of-character eating changes, disruptions in sleep patterns beyond that expected typically during pregnancy, loss of interest in otherwise pleasurable experiences and activities, withdrawal, persistent distress and despair, high levels of irritability, intense and irregular displays of anger, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, negativity and anticipating doom and a loss of enthusiasm for life.  

Just as with postpartum depression, it's crucial to seek support if you have (or think you may have) prenatal depression. Of course, this may be difficult if you're struggling to deal with your mood changes yourself and have feelings of guilt about your symptoms, but getting as much support as possible really does make a world of difference — take it from someone who knows. 

"The primary coping recommendation is to seek support from family, friends and mental health professionals," says Mendez. "Talk about your feelings and experiences, share your thoughts and concerns and maintain an open line of communication with trusted people." 

Mendez also recommends consulting with medical professionals for connections to mental health specialists who work with issues of maternal depression and mental health conditions. "Isolation can fuel despair and intensify depressive symptoms," she says. "Seek help and take comfort in the knowledge that depression can be managed, treated and tamed."

Sometimes, treatment comes in the form of antidepressants, which don't come without risks to the fetus. Reported risks include heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, autism and ADHD as well as withdrawal from the meds manifesting as irritability, fast heartbeat, restlessness, breathing problems, low blood sugar, muscle spasms and high blood pressure in the lungs. Although the risks are low and the research is inconsistent, that's still quite a list to be faced with when you're already struggling and likely to be feeling huge amounts of guilt for spending your days crying instead of celebrating. 

Whether or not to take antidepressants for prenatal depression is the right decision is determined on a case-by-case basis. I knew from past experience that antidepressants always alleviated my symptoms, and my doctor (and later a psychiatrist) agreed that in my case, the risks of not taking the meds outweighed the risks of taking them.

While mild to moderate depression may be best treated by therapy, Dr. Gail M. Saltz, a psychiatrist and associate professor at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says medication may need to be considered for moderate to severe depression. Saltz tells SheKnows that the risks of not treating depression during pregnancy include loss of appetite (and therefore nutritional compromise to the fetus), risk of suicide, neglected personal care and the overall impact of depression on the fetus, which seems to correlate with low birth weight.

More: What Is Attachment Parenting, & Is It Too Extreme?

It's been amazing to see so many parents, celebrity or otherwise, share their stories about postpartum depression over the last few years. We desperately need to see the same happen with prenatal depression. Because depression is depression, whether it happens before or after the baby is born — and only by talking about it can we help to normalize it as a real and serious but ultimately treatable illness. 

The flu season is right around the corner (and in many areas, it's already off to a hot start). This means it's time for an influenza shot for you — and your kids. The flu shot is one of those necessary tools we have available that helps us stay healthy, but for some of us, shots are not something we really enjoy dealing with, and for many kids, needles are the worst thing ever. Here's how you can help your kids deal with the flu shot a little better.

Why the flu shot is important

Influenza is very contagious and infects your nose and throat and sometimes your lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While most people recover from the flu without complications, it feels terrible and can last for a while. Worse yet, in some cases, it can be fatal. Some people are at higher risk of developing complications, including children younger than 5 and adults over 65 as well as those with certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma or heart disease. 

Flu shot timing

The CDC says everyone who is 6 months old or older should get a flu shot. As far as when, they recommend that people get their flu vaccines before the end of October. However, some age groups need two doses (children who are age 6 months to 8 years). They should get their first vaccine as soon as it's available so they can get their second dose by the time October ends. 

More: When Is the Best Time to Get Your Flu Shot?

How you (& your doctor) can help your kids

That being said, you are getting ready to take your child in to get their flu shot, but you're silently stressing out about the whole experience. How can you make the vaccine experience better, especially for those who are young enough to need more than one shot? Thankfully, we consulted a few experts who had some amazing tips for us.

More: How to Overcome a Fear of Needles (From Someone Who Has Done It)

Read to them

Parents can help prepare their kids before they even hop in the car to go to the doctor's office, Dr. S. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatric obesity specialist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SheKnows. He suggests reading a book about going to the doctor or getting vaccines, which can make doctor visits a little more comfortable.

You get a shot too

Ganjian has another suggestion as well, which would work if you all go to the doctor as a family. "Let them know you get shots too," he explains. "When families come in for the flu vaccines, I give the vaccine to parents first so the parents can model the appropriate response to getting vaccines — I remind parents to smile while getting the vaccine."  

Talk to them

Dr. Gina Posner, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells SheKnows that she has a few tricks that she tries when approaching a child with a needle in hand. "I try to talk with kids that are older about what it is preventing," she says. "I never lie. I tell them it will hurt for a second and then it will be done."

Distract them

Distraction is an amazing tool that parents should absolutely use, says Posner, especially if their child is young and easily distracted. "I try to have a parent distract them as much as they can — with a video on a phone or a book," she adds.

Bribe them

No, we are definitely not above bribing our kids, especially if it's to get them some preventative health care. Ganjian says that a reward or a treat can make the shot more bearable. 

Try a Buzzy

Some doctor's offices carry these, but if they don't, it may be an investment you're willing to make, especially since your child will have plenty of flu shots as they grow up. A Buzzy is a device that you place on your child's arm or leg that vibrates and overwhelms nerves that transmits pain, and while Posner says that the anticipation may be worse than the actual shot, it still might work for your child.

Try a topical lidocaine

Ganjian says a topical ointment called Emla can be applied at least 30 minutes before the vaccine (your doctor can provide this). It can make the vaccine hurt less.

More: How to Help a Toddler Who's Scared of Shots — & Avoid a Meltdown

Consider the nasal spray 

If your child is inconsolable and you're second-guessing your decision to get the shot in the first place, Ganjian says that the nasal spray flu vaccine is better than nothing. However, there is a caveat. 

"Remember, that the nasal spray flu vaccine is not as effective as the shot and is only recommended for children who will otherwise not receive the flu shot," he warns. "The thought process is that it is better to have some immunity with the nasal spray than no immunity at all. Nevertheless, aim for the best option — the flu shot." 

It's also important to note that the nasal spray is not acceptable for certain people, like kids under 2, people with weakened immune systems and kids with asthma who are 5 years or older. 

Take heart, moms & dads

You're not alone with a freaked-out child who is terrified of needles, and your child's doctor is accustomed to helping kids get a flu shot. Keep these tips in mind as you make your appointment, and it should be a smooth(er) experience instead of one everyone dreads every year.  

One of my favorite European cities for food, fashion and fun is Madrid. While living in Morocco, I’d plan overnight layovers in Spain’s capital when flying to and from the U.S. Last summer, I stayed longer, and with the help of Devour Madrid and my Spanish friend Moni discovered even more family vacation options.

Where to eat

Spain’s capital is formidable, with its grandiose palaces, splendid museums, massive parks and proud cultural heritage. Equally impressive is the food. Good thing, because first on the agenda of a tot, tween or teen is what you’ll feed them. With so many superior farm-to-table, foodie and home-style cooking choices, where to eat becomes a treasure hunt steering the itinerary. 

On the first night of my stay, Devour Madrid’s tapas tour divulged city secrets as we ate our way through four family-run taverns. Tips saved money — like learning that locals here order larger portions of tapas — raciones — to share with family. Or that a daily menus scrawled on chalkboards are signs, literally, of restaurants using the freshest ingredients. We learned history and talked at the table like old friends. In the group were a mom and son celebrating his high school graduation. Views on world events and cultural differences furthered our education. 

If your children are 4 to 12, a Private Madrid for Kids walking tour engages them in language learning games while strolling through Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Parents can enjoy a drink while the kids learn about ham and olive oil and make their own sandwiches. The tour ends at Chocolatería San Ginés, the city’s most famous churros-and-chocolate restaurant.

In La Puerta del Sol is another kid-pleaser. The shop’s motto, "From Madrid to heaven ... but passing through La Mallorquina," is backed by loyal local patronage dating from the reign of Alfonso XIII, through two world wars, the Second Republic, the Civil War, the Franco regime, and modern democracy. 

Traditional and trendy sweets — like artisanal ice cream at Mistura and cupcakes at Celicioso, a gluten-free bakery — make Madrid a children’s paradise. 

If traveling there over the winter holidays, plan to stay through Jan. 6, Epiphany, which is a bigger celebration for Spanish kids than Christmas. On Jan. 5, they write letters — not to Santa but to the Three Kings — asking for presents. On the 6th, 100,000 locals gather for a parade to sing carols as the Three Wise Men on camelback throw candy to kids. The children then rush home, leave bread and water on their windowsills for the camels and go to sleep so the Wise Men — Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar — can climb through their windows and leave presents in their shoes. The holiday is also celebrated by finding the baby Jesus baked inside a roscón de reyes ("king's ring") cake.

For a big breakfast and more, try La Carmencita, the city’s second-oldest tavern, known for its Cafe Angelica coffee; partnerships with organic farmers; and impressive list of Spanish wines, vermouths and sherries. 

For lunch, we loved chic Chueca’s Restaurante Bazaar, with its chefs-in-training, pasta for kids and three-course gourmet menu Monday through Friday, including drinks for €12 (around $14 USD). Another family favorite is La Sanabresa.

For more tapas, there’s La Taberna Sanlúcar, where I loved sampling wines made from grapes from the Càdiz region of Spain. Stored in barrels, they taste like sherry. 

At markets, friends are made over community tables. Mercado San Antón, a three-story upscale food mall, has areas to eat Greek, Canarian, Japanese or Spanish dishes on the second floor and a rooftop lounge and terrace. When you exit, you’ll land on Calle de Augusto Figueroa — the “shoe street” of Madrid. 

In the Latina Quarter at Mercado de la Cebada, fresh seafood (try the octopus) is sold directly from fishmongers’ stalls. On the top floor, children ages 4 to 11 can enjoy crafts, storytelling and plays. Not to be missed is Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid’s gastronomic mecca. Near here are three Hemingway haunts for parents' night out.

For amazing service and the best suckling pig in town, reserve a table at the Botin, the world’s oldest restaurant. Before dinner, stop in art deco Museo Chicote for a craft cocktail — they're famous for inventing over a hundred of them since opening in 1931 and for the very special patrons you’ll see in photos on the wall. Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra. You might bump into Javier Bardem. After dinner, a must-do is piano bar Cuevas Sesamo, known since Papa’s day for Madrid’s best sangria, piano man and bohemian crowd.

What to see & do

Thankfully, there are many outdoor attractions to work off calories, learn and play. Near the Prado Museum is Retiro Park, where families row along the pond in rentals. In Parque del Oeste, kids can run and smell the roses. And for a world tour, Parque de El Capricho, just outside the city center, is divided into a French park modeled after Versailles, an English garden and an Italian giardino ("garden"). 

For more romping room and a huge lake, Casa de Campo is the largest park in Madrid — five times the size of Central Park in New York City. It houses the Zoo Aquarium and an amusement park with attractions for all ages. The Walking Dead Experience will be a huge hit with teens who are fans of the TV series. And if parents really want to score points with young soccer players/fans, book Tour Bernabeu to visit Real Madrid’s home stadium. When teaching in the Dominican Republic, many of my students said the best day of their lives was when their parents took them to a game to meet player Lionel Messi.

Perfect for rainy days or hot afternoons is The National Museum of Natural Sciences and Palacio Real (the royal palace of Madrid), where children can step into the lives of kings and queens on a tour of the royal residence. 

Where to stay & shop

Though you might save a bit staying further from the city center and commuting in, being near the action saves time and energy, important when traveling with children. (That said, on the last night of your trip, if you need to stay near the airport for an early flight, Nuevo Boston Hotel is my go-to. Also, taxis with car seats are available through the Cabify app. On arrival, select the Cabify Kids option to order. Or if using public transportation, go here for a list of accessible stations.)

In the center is family-friendly Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía, located on one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Here, Europe’s popular Primark is the size of a multilevel mall. Also, there’s Desigual, a favorite Spanish brand, and boutiques galore. And if you have young knights in tow or need gifts for Game of Thrones fans, (Spain was a set location), the Objetos de Arte Toledano is the largest location for Spanish souvenirs. 

Also in the center is El Corte Inglés, the biggest department store chain in Europe, carrying clothing, sports equipment and books. On the ninth floor is a gourmet food hall with the best view of Madrid. From here, formerly the Hotel Florida, journalists covering the Spanish Civil War reported on battles raging below. Among them were photojournalist Robert Capa, Ernest Hemingway and Martha Gellhorn. If traveling with teens, suggest they read For Whom the Bell Tolls. Moms, check out the movie Gellhorn and Hemingway.

Other options for stays in the center include economical Casual Madrid Teatro, a typical Spanish hotel themed for Broadway shows, located near Puerta del Sol. They offer a free car seat stroller, baby carrier, cot and bath. La Rollerie, the café next door, has an excellent breakfast and bakery. 

Also reasonably priced is Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII, located in a 19th-century palace with views of El Retiro Park. They offer family suites, stroller rental and welcome gifts for children.

Two other options with family rooms in residential areas are Petit Palace Santa Bárbara and Hotel Barrio de Salamanca. Salamanca is known for sophisticated shopping; in Malasana, the neighborhood next door, eclectic boutiques line Calle Corredera Alta de San Pablo. There, you’ll find Spanish-made and -designed clothing, arts and bags at La Intrusa and peSeta.

Excursion to Toledo

Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the perfect place for a day trip or overnight stay in the picturesque “Imperial City.” We caught the Avant fast train from Atocha station and arrived in 30 minutes. Buy a ticket on the hop-on-and-off-bus, which takes you to the hilltop village after photographing the train station’s Moorish Revival architecture.

In the 1st century, Toledo was the Kingdom of the Visigoths. The Alcázar, the stone fortification at the highest point, was a 3rd-century Roman palace, and in the 16th century, the court of Charles V, ruler of the Spanish empire and holy Roman emperor. Known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its Islamic, Hebrew and Christian occupants, it’s a mix of Islamic elements (arabesque tile work and horseshoe arches) and 13th-century Gothic (the Toledo Cathedral). 

As the Catholic religious center, it’s the site of the largest Corpus Christi celebration in Spain. We were there in late May, three nights before the big event, to see a parade in which the Eucharist is carried by costumed religious brotherhoods in a 350-pound “Monstrance” made of gold, silver and pearls in 1515. Already, garlands and lanterns were draped from buildings, swinging in anticipation. In the square, we watched cultures mesh at a celebratory concert lit by Cathedral lights where a belly dancer gyrated across the stage. 

Children can check out the authentic suits of armor in the Alcázar (Cervantes’ Don Quixote, who was from La Mancha, near here). And for some modern adventure, the family can zip line along the river or ride Segways in the square while eating gelato.

Leave space for surprises. My best memories of Toledo were listening to music under the stars, feeling I was back in Morocco in dance class and wandering into Jamoneria Risco II, where we grabbed stools and laughed over the best sandwiches and sangria I’d ever tasted. 

The first year of marriage is typically the honeymoon phase, when both partners are in love and life feels pretty magical. The problem is, many couples could unknowingly walking into a ticking time bomb if they’re not aware of some of the challenges that come with being newlyweds. These are 13 of the most common mistakes couples make in the first year of marriage and how they can work to fix them before they destroy the marriage.

1. Over-nestling

"Couples can start getting into a rut of enjoying the marriage in the first year to the extent they may stop being social as a couple or individually, which could set up bad patterns ahead," certified clinical psychologist Paul DePompo tells SheKnows. “So discuss what balance would look like in terms of time together, apart and with others. It is irrational to believe you must want to be together all the time.”

2. Expecting your partner will be different

People think marriage will make someone more mature, calmer, etc. “Do not expect your partner to now be any different than they were last year. You married a person with their own history, personality and experience — so we should expect this is what you are getting at the most part,” says DePompo. 

3. Not knowing how to fight

Couples might not know how to fight with their partner. “They might not know if it’s best to figure things out before going to sleep or to cool off for the night,” says Katie Leikam, a relationship and LGBTQ-affirming therapist. “Have a conversation with your partner when you're not fighting and ask them what’s most helpful to each of you and implement it next time a fight comes around,” she tells SheKnows. 

4. Not knowing the household expectations

Were you raised to believe that one gender does certain chores around the house? Do you have different expectations of who does what to keep the house functioning? “Sit down and talk to your partner about how you were raised about gendered roles and what you believe should be the same or different based on your opinions. Make clear expectations about who is responsible for what. It may surprise you,” says Leikam. 

5. Fighting over the little stuff 

Arguing over the toilet seat being left up or for crumbs on the floor does not set the tone for a healthy relationship. Marriage is about biting your tongue at times; otherwise, you will find yourself in a constant argument with your new spouse. Try discussing your pet peeves in an effective manner. 

6. Not attending premarital counseling

Most couples spend thousands of dollars on lavish, beautiful weddings, but they completely skip out on the counseling. “Even when the signs of trouble are clear in a relationship, they often feel too embarrassed to seek help,” Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells SheKnows. “Counseling actually works best when the relationship has not hit a point where both partners have their walls up. It's so much better to iron out differences before you walk down the aisle than to spend the first year bickering.”

7. Sweeping things under the rug

In the first year of marriage, the starry-eyed lovers often forget that some level of disagreement can actually be healthy. “Rather than brushing small irritations away, actually talk about it. Small irritations can easily build up into large annoyances. To fix this, set a time each week or even once a month to have a relationship check-in,” says Osibodu-Onyali.

8. Failing to set clear boundaries

This is a common mistake with couples who have dated or known each other for a long time, Osibodu-Onyali says. “They rely on the knowledge of each other to keep things moving along. The problem with this is that most people expect their marriage to look like their parents' marriage. Consider having a sit-down, no-nonsense discussion about what you each think your roles should be.”

9. Trying to have a baby right away

We’re all aware of the clock ticking as women, age but Osibodu-Onyali tells SheKnows it’s important to get to know each other as a married couple first before you bring a new dynamic into the marriage. Children can cause stress, sleeplessness and other challenges that need to be overcome with two solid partners. Certainly, discuss how many children you want, fertility and timing, just don't start right away.

10. Not organizing the finances 

Newlyweds rarely talk about money. Sonya Schwartz, a relationship expert, tells SheKnows it is commonly assumed a married couple should share income and expenses, but that’s not a rule. “Talk to your spouse and work out a formula that fits you, even if that means managing your incomes separately.”

11. Forgetting those little things

Living together and sharing a life often transforms into the habit of having the other one around. “You no longer flirt or say compliments; you just take your partner for granted. But this could easily turn into frustration for one or both of you, says Schwartz. “To avoid this, keep going on dates, say compliments, make yourselves small presents and always try to surprise the other with something cute.”

12. You stop having sexy sex

When you’re dating, you are filled with ecstatic, excited, sexy feelings. “You want to impress your new partner,” Laurel House, dating and relationship coach and resident sex expert for My First Blush, tells SheKnows. “You want to show how amazing, fun, erotic, interesting and flexible you are. And then you get married, and things change. Real life, routine, daily stresses occupy your time, energy, thoughts and heart. And your sex drive plummets. Remember how sexy, excited and fun you used to be together. Make, don’t 'find,' the time for intimacy, sex and fun.”

13. Wearing sweatpants

It’s not necessarily the sweatpants that are the issue, but they are a symbol of a bigger issue — one that says you don’t care enough to try anymore. “Not that you need to be done up. But you don't want to wear your ugly sweats. Comfy sweats that are cute are reflective of trying to put effort into you and your relationship. Wearing 'I don't care' sweats can lead to an 'I don't care' attitude — not brushing your teeth, not shaving your legs, not dressing up for each other…” House warns.

True to form, Prince Harry — a royal of the people — is already sharing Meghan Markle’s pregnancy with the world. At the 2018 Invictus Games Opening Ceremony on Saturday evening, Harry couldn’t resist making a reference to the couple’s baby.

“First of all, thank you for the welcome you have given Meghan and I over the last few days,” he told the crowd at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. “I have been so proud to be able to introduce my wife to you, and we have been so happy to celebrate the joy of our newest addition with you all.”

More: Prince Harry Discusses Meghan Markle's Pregnancy in the Most Bashful Way

Say it with us: Awwwww!

The Invictus Games, an event Harry founded in 2014 as a way to honor the healing power of sports for wounded and recovering service members and veterans, bear a sort of special resonance for the couple, who made their first official public debut at last year’s ceremonies.

Earlier in the day, Harry and Markle geared up for the night’s festivities by attending the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge, where they proved their parental prowess by playing with kids and remote-controlled cars.

The royal couple wore matching black Invictus Games shirts. Markle paired hers with tortoiseshell sunnies, a crisp white blazer, black skinny pants and matching black heels. Harry also looked sharp yet comfortable in sunnies and gray jeans.

More: Can You Guess What Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Named Their New Dog?

On Monday, hours after Harry and Markle arrived in Australia, the pair put any speculation to rest by confirming that Markle is indeed expecting their first child.

“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. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all 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,” Kensington Palace posted on Instagram.

According to People, Markle has had her 12-week ultrasound and is feeling well so far. Or, you know, as well as can be expected. As any mother knows, every pregnancy comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Earlier this week, Markle described adapting to hers. “Meghan told me that pregnancy was like having jet lag,” local reporter Charlotte Connell, who is also expecting, said (per People). “She said she was up at 4:30 a.m. this morning doing yoga in her room as she couldn’t sleep.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the stop in Australia as part of their first royal tour as a married couple. After leaving Australia, they’ll continue on to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand before heading back to Kensington Palace in early November.

If you need your hope in humanity restored today, look no further than Keith Urban. On Thursday, the country music superstar made a pit stop in Toledo, Ohio, to serenade a gravely ill fan who couldn’t make it to his concert.

More: Keith Urban Reveals What Makes Him Have a Good Cry

Marissa English, 25, whose health conditions include an inoperable brain cyst, cerebral palsy and severe scoliosis, according to ET, is currently in hospice care at Mercy Health St. Vincent Hospital.

To say she is an Urban fan would be an understatement.

“She has memorabilia from a couple of the concerts we’ve been to,” her mother shared with WTOL. “She has a T-shirt that we put on a pillow that’s beside her all the time. It’s actually cute because we’ll pick up the pillow and hug it and kiss it... She’ll point at it and say, ‘Mr. Hottie.’”

When nurses discovered English’s love for Urban and realized she would be too sick to attend his Graffiti U tour, they started a social media campaign to get Urban to visit English in the hospital.

More: 16 Adorable Quotes From Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban About Their Family

“We knew how important it was to Marissa to be at that concert tonight, and since she wasn’t able to, we were hoping to try and find some way to have Keith make a connection with her,” nurse Jan Cassity told WTOL.

And on Thursday, Urban did just that — swinging by before his concert that evening to sit at the bedside of his “number 1 fan” and serenade her with “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

English appeared visibly moved by the performance, reaching out for Urban's hand as the song ended. Her family watched emotionally from around the room. 

Later that night at Toledo’s Huntington Center, Urban dedicated his concert to English.