Though officially recognized by the World Health Organization as a mental health condition, sex addiction is still pretty misunderstood. Part of this is that many people don't realize there's an entirely separate condition called sex and love addiction that affects people differently.

As a former sex and love addict, Charlene deGuzman, a writer and actor based in Los Angeles, knows this distinction well. While sex addiction utilizes sex as the "substance" used to numb out certain feelings, sex and love addiction is more about the love and relationships part. In fact, deGuzman says that as a sex and love addict, she used sex as a tool to get the validation she craved.

More: Is Sex Addiction Real?

“Sex and love addiction is a lot of not being able to leave a relationship, constantly breaking up and getting back together with someone [and] pursuing unavailable people who don’t like you back or are addicts,” she tells SheKnows.  

Like sex addiction, sex and love addiction has its own 12-step program, which deGuzman went through. Sex addiction is incorrectly assumed to be something predominantly affecting men, but she says that's a misconception, and in her experience, meetings for sex and love addiction have included people across genders.

According to deGuzman, sex and love addicts confuse love with things like feelings of sexual attraction and validation. 

“If I can get him to hook up with me one night, that means I am lovable and validated in that fleeting moment,” she explains. “It comes from this very desperate need for validation and attention, and it comes from not ever learning how to love ourselves — not ever either getting that taught to us or shown to us as we were growing up. That same longing that we probably had for a parent shows up in the longing for this unavailable person in a relationship.”

And this validation doesn't necessarily have to come in the form of actually having sex with another person. DeGuzman says it can come from everything from a sexy selfie posted on Instagram to sexting with someone to contacting people on dating apps to flirting with others out in public, which she describes as external ways to get a hit of validation. 

One of the biggest challenges when talking about sex and love addiction, deGuzman says, is that people truly don't understand it. When she first went into recovery and started to talk to other sex and love addicts, she noticed that some of the behaviors that are part of sex and love addiction are frequently attributed to something else, like being in love or sex positivity or even feminism. But instead of taking control of their sexuality, people dealing with sex and love addiction are controlled by their need for validation through sex. 

“I can only speak from my own experience, but it becomes a problem when you’re destroying your life because of it," deGuzman says. "In my situation, I didn’t get serious about recovery until I had gotten sober for a while — which in my program meant no contact with my ex — then actually leaving my ex, then going back to him four months later and him ghosting me like he always does and me actually wanting to kill myself because it felt more horrible than it ever felt before. It made me feel so broken and unlovable and crazy that I couldn’t be in a healthy relationship.”

Between getting her first boyfriend at age 12 and starting recovery for sex and love addiction at age 30, deGuzman says she made sure she was never without some sort of sexual or romantic partner. 

Part of recovery for sex and love addiction is getting reacquainted with or finding new hobbies and activities. For deGuzman, this meant writing. Back in 2013, actor and producer Mark Duplass started following deGuzman on Twitter, so she sent him a direct message telling him she was a fan of his. He wrote back, asking if she was working on anything, but at the time, she wasn't. But a year later, she had a script for a TV pilot based on her own experiences with sex and love addiction. She sent a copy to Duplass at the end of 2014, and a day later, he got in touch saying he wanted to make her pilot into a movie.

More: What to Do When Your Partner Says They're a Sex Addict

Now, after four years of writing, filming and raising money for the film's production on Kickstarter, their film — Unlovable — will be opening in select theaters on Nov. 1 and will be available through video on demand and digital HD on Nov. 2. Duplass cowrote the final script and is one of the executive producers of the film along with his brother, Jay Duplass.

And even though many people aren't familiar with sex and love addiction, deGuzman's story and performance in the movie are so relatable, you can't help but see yourself in her character, Joy, and her struggles with life, love and validation. 

“I just really hope that people can relate — whether you’re an addict or not, that you’ll be able to relate to it because it’s that same feeling — that want of love," she says. "I hope people feel less alone. I hope people talk about this more. I hope people who need the help will go get the help. I just want to bring hope.”

Two familiar faces grace the cover of the November issue of Entertainment Weekly, though there are key changes to their appearances that will likely have Game of Thrones fans freaking out. Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, in full Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow costumes, are EW's new cover stars, and we've got so many questions about what's to come in the eighth and final season of this epic fantasy show.

More: Naomi Watts Is Officially the Lead of HBO's Game of Thrones Prequel Series

As reported by People, Clarke and Harington's snowy embrace is the first official photo from the new season of Game of Thrones, which is already telling. They're sporting fur coats and gloves, likely to fend off the winter chill, but they also have their hair pulled back — perhaps so they're ready for battle? 

Daenerys' hairstyle is brand new, and Jon has a cut on his face that looks fresh, though there's no blood to be seen. Are they fighting for Westeros together? Have they realized they're related yet? Do they really have to be this photogenic even in the middle of winter, which has finally come?

It'll be a while before we learn the answers to any of those questions, so buckle in for the ride. The final six episodes of Game of Thrones were shot over 10 grueling months, according to People, because the cast and crew were so invested in getting the final hours right for die-hard fans. Since the final season will reveal these characters' fates, which haven't even been published yet in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, it's a pretty big deal.

“It’s relentless; scenes that would have been a one-day shoot five years ago are now a five-day shoot,” Harington said in the EW interview, per People. “They want to get it right, they want to shoot everything every single way so they have options.”

Clarke added, “[Camera] checks take longer, costumes are a bit better, hair and makeup a bit sharper — every choice, every conversation, every attitude, has this air of ‘this is it.’ Everything feels more intense.”

As for what we can expect from the final season plot, co-executive producer Bryan Cogman said, “It’s about all of these disparate characters coming together to face a common enemy, dealing with their own past, and defining the person they want to be in the face of certain death. It’s an incredibly emotional haunting bittersweet final season and I think it honors very much what [author George R.R. Martin] set out to do — which is flipping this kind of story on its head.”

More: Game of Thrones Star Sean Bean Teases a Possible GoT Reunion TV Special

All this build-up is killing us, especially with this brand-new photo in the mix. Previously, Sophie Turner hinted that fans will likely be divided by how Game of Thrones ends, and Peter Dinklage was just vague enough about the fate of his character, Tyrion, to make us shake in our proverbial boots. Meanwhile, we also learned about an important returning character and started stocking up on tissues, because we know we're going to need them.

Justin Timberlake is bringing ugly-crying back in his new memoir, Hindsight: And All the Things I Can't See in Front of Me, in which he reveals how he learned his wife, Jessica Biel, was pregnant with their son, Silas. 

"I was on the 20/20 Experience tour when my life changed forever," he wrote, according to Us Weekly. "I was in Detroit and pulling a week or two by myself because my wife was working in Los Angeles but was coming to visit me in a few days. I had just finished a show, and I got into my car and took my phone out." 

More: Justin Timberlake Is "100 Percent Dad" — Even on Tour

Timberlake explained that he was greeted by an all-caps message — "CALL ME NOW" — from Biel and "FaceTimed her back immediately." 

"She answered with this look on her face, and I knew exactly what she was going to say," he continued. "Instead, she just held up the pregnancy test, and we both started bawling. I ended the tour early so I could be at home and take care of my family." 

Excuse us while we cry our way through an entire box of tissues. 

Timberlake and Biel have been serving up #RelationshipGoals since they announced they were dating back in 2007, but our love for the couple has skyrocketed as we've witnessed their parenting journey.  

More: Justin Timberlake & Jessica Biel Flash Secret Sign to Son Silas During Emmy Awards

The couple, who has been wildly busy with concerts and a hugely successful TV series, has somehow managed to make their family their top priority, whether they're dressing up for Halloween or just taking the time to acknowledge one another. When she spoke with SheKnows around Mother's Day, Biel revealed her favorite gifts always include "the simple things."

"My husband always, always sends me flowers, which I always adore and it's something I look forward to," she said. "It's the simple things, I think. I'd much rather spend a day hanging in the park or playing in the pool than getting some kind of big thing." 

Documenting the most precious moments of their relationship is no small gift, but we think it's one Biel will love and appreciate anyway. 

Ah, the dreaded sick day. When you’re an adult, sick days are uncomfortable but offer a chance to nap, binge Netflix and give yourself a pedicure while bitching to your sister over the phone about how ridiculous your mom is being. When you’re a kid, not so much. And when you’re an adult with a kid who's home sick, forget it. Grit your teeth and buckle in, because as much as you love and feel bad for them, you can only bear so much snotty, sneezy whining. But thank your lucky stars and put down the Benadryl, because we have the answer. We’ve found ways to make sick days fun (yes, really). No more terrible daytime kids TV that all too quickly becomes the soundtrack to your nightmares. Here are 12 ideas to make your kid's sick day, dare I say, actually enjoyable for (drumroll please…) both you and them.

2 words: Pillow fort

There is something so special about camping out indoors. Take all the blankets and pillows you can find and make Frank Lloyd Wright proud. Comfy and cozy are key when your little one isn’t feeling up to snuff, so empty out the linen closet and go nuts. Might I suggest setting up in front of the television just as a backup.

Paperwork

No, not the boring kind. Stash a few coloring books away for a rainy (i.e., sick) day or pull out some sudoku or even some word searches or Mad Libs. A good thing to think about are activities you would bring on a long car trip. Just like being confined to a car for a long time, if your kid is confined to their bed (or bathroom, yuck), similar activities will be good for a sick day.

Read some relatable books

If your child is old enough to read, bust out a few picture books to make them smile, and if you’re cast as narrator, enjoy the snuggles. It’s rare they stop moving long enough to give you hugs when they’re feeling well, so breathe it in and give them some extra squeezes. Try the hilarious board book, Sherm the Germ ($7.19 at Amazon) written by a pediatrician.

More: 15 Must-Haves to Keep Kids Healthy During the Back-to-School Germfest

Take a bath

Here’s the thing. Baths are normally fun, but when you add bubbles, some colors or a bath bomb, it becomes an extra-special event. Try these Shark Attack Bath Bombs ($14.88 at Amazon), these Crayola Color Bath Dropz ($6.33 at Amazon), or this Munchkin bath bubble machine ($14.92 at Amazon). They’ll never want to get out.

Have a spa day

Let the steam of a shower help out their stuffy sinuses. Let them paint on the walls with shaving cream, wrap up in a robe, put cucumbers on their eyes, give their tootsies a rub with some lavender lotion; being sick is starting to look pretty good! Do something small that seems really fancy and special, like floating lemon slices in the bathtub or using a nice-smelling lotion. *Cough, cough* We’re sick too. Can we get in on the action?

Make ice pops

A nice cold ice pop is sure to soothe their aching throats, but all that sugar can leave them feeling worse than before, so check out these delicious ice pop recipes that are so good, you might want to make an extra batch or two. Or three. Or four. Peach melba ice pops, swirled berry and yogurt ice pops, or banana, Nutella and salted pistachio ice pops, all from Deb Perelman, the genius behind Smitten Kitchen.

A sick-day box

This requires a little planning ahead, but once every few months, it might be a good idea to throw together a sick-day box. Nothing fancy — just a few items that will make it so much easier to deal when your kid is home sick. And if you make it in advance, you won’t be panicked when you realize you have no tissues in the house but there is not a chance in hell you’re loading up your kid to go to the store. Items for the box can include a small stuffed animal, tissues, a new movie, a puzzle, hand sanitizer, crazy straws, an all-in-one craft kit and their favorite soup.

More: The Best All-in-One Craft Kits for Kids

A bird feeder — no, I'm not kidding

Germs wait for no man, and it is the absolute worst when your littles get sick when it’s nice outside. Get them outside in the fresh air if you can, either by making them a nest of blankets on the porch and doing a puzzle or, if they’re up for it, taking a quick walk. Too sick to go outside? Attach a bird feeder like this suction cup bird feeder ($29.95 at Amazon), to their bedroom window, and let them check out some feathered friends up close and personal.

A tea party IRL

Make sure it’s decaf (Lawd help you if you have a caffeinated child who’s physically and emotionally out of whack stuck at home for the day), but a little tea goes a long way in helping their sore throats. Add a dribble of honey and maybe serve some cookies, and you’re good to go. Just don’t forget that stuffed animals plus tea and cookies can often lead to a mess, so be sure to give bibs to those guests who need them. Looking at you, Mr. Snuggles.

Window markers

Prop them up by a window and let them express their inner Picasso. The bright colors will cheer up the room, and their spirits. And if you run out of windows, the shower and car windows are also available creative surfaces. Try washable, nontoxic markers ($12.45 at Amazon).

More: The Questions You Need to Ask at Your Child's Annual Check Up

Shrinky Dinks

Shrinky Dinks are incredible things and have been around for quite some time. For those of you living under a rock, Shrinky Dinks are clear plastic sheets you can draw on with markers, cut out and pop in the oven. In just a few seconds, your masterpiece will shrink down to miniature. There are so many fun projects you can do, like this DIY handprint keychain from Grey House Harbor. A classic fan favorite, Shrinky Dinks ($10.90 at Amazon) will keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. 

Netflix is your best friend

If all else fails, Netflix is your best friend. Find a show you both can stand, a children’s movie you loved as a child or something

Halloween is all about the cute kids in the creepy costumes — and celeb kid costumes often take the cake. Those wee ones' parents have the creativity and the money to make (or buy) a truly epic costume. But 2018 is a year full of surprises (good and bad), and this year's best costumes ran the gamut — from über-famous celeb kids to regular normals who just plain won at Halloween (and, let's be honest, at life).

More: 2018 Celebrity Halloween Costumes You Have to See to Believe

Here are our favorite kids costumes from this Halloween season.

The hitchhiking ghosts

Neil Patrick Harris, husband David Burtka and their children — Harper Grace and Gideon Scott — are known for their elaborate family costumes, and this year was no different. The Harris-Burtka clan's outfits were spooktacular.

Lego Batman, Robin & Harley Quinn

Who doesn't love Legos? The colorful blocks have been a childhood staple for more than 60 years. And this year, Justin Timberlake, wife Jessica Biel and son Silas took their love of Legos to the next level when they dressed as Lego Batman, Robin and Harley Quinn.

Michelle Obama

Young Parker Curry — whose photo went viral after a photographer snapped a shot of her looking at Michelle Obama's official portrait this March — dressed as the first lady, and we may actually now have hope for the future of U.S. politics. Maybe.

The cast of Black Panther

Ciara and her family became Wakandans this Halloween.

Stormi weather

In a cute play on her name, Kylie Jenner dressed as a cloud while her daughter, Stormi, was dressed as lightning.

A cool kid from the '80s

With a cassette player strapped to her hip and JanSport slung over her shoulder, Busy Philipps' daughter truly was realistic.

The headless Maya

Seriously, this is nightmare fuel.

A piece of sushi

Hilary Duff's daughter is too cute. Just try not to snack on this sushi roll.

The Joker & Harley Quinn

Freddie Prinze Jr. and daughter Charlotte Grace very creepily embodied one of the most infamous cartoon duos: the Joker and Harley Quinn. 

When it comes to fertility treatments, sorting out what actually works from the hype can be tricky. Given that the stakes are high for people who want to have children, choosing the safest, most effective and most affordable procedure for you is key to managing fertility issues. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, premature ovarian failure is a loss of typical ovarian function before age 40. With POF, the ovaries stop producing consistent amounts of estrogen, while ovulation stalls. POF often results in infertility. But a technique called ovarian rejuvenation may offer hope for people dealing with POF. We spoke with some doctors and fertility experts to find out what ovarian rejuvenation is, how it works and whether it's effective.

What is ovarian rejuvenation?

Ovarian rejuvenation refers to a variety of procedures designed to help women up their chances of conception. According to an article by Dr. Zaher Merhi, a reproductive endocrinologist at the New Hope Fertility Center, ovarian rejuvenation can help people with POF or even those who are postmenopausal become candidates for in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. 

Merhi further explains that proponents of the procedure say that doctors can actually stimulate dormant egg follicles via needles, making it possible for some women to conceive again. 

How does it work?

According to resources provided by the New York Fertility Institute, another version of the ovarian-rejuvenation procedure is to inject a patient's ovaries with their own platelet-rich plasma. This involves a two-step process in which the patient’s own blood is drawn. The platelets and white blood cells in the blood sample are then separated by centrifugation, so that the platelets can be isolated for use. The patient’s ovaries are then injected with their platelet-rich plasma in order to stimulate the ovaries — and this part of the process happens under intravenous sedation, the New York Fertility Institute further notes. 

More: What I Wish I'd Known Before Going Through Infertility 

“The term ‘ovarian rejuvenation’ has been used widely for a variety of treatments, including injection of platelet-rich plasma into ovaries to encourage follicle growth," fertility expert Dr. Norbert Gleicher, director and founder of The Center for Human Reproduction, tells SheKnows. "As it relates to [platelet-rich plasma], whether it actually works remains to be determined, and this is why we are conducting two clinical trials right now.” 

Who is a candidate for ovarian rejuvenation?

According to the New York Fertility Institute, ovarian rejuvenation is best suited for perimenopausal and menopausal women who have POF or low egg reserves. For about one to three months after the procedure, hormone levels are measured to assess how well the ovaries responded to the treatment. The rise in fertility-promoting hormones post-procedure is the best indicator the technique was effective and you can then attempt to get pregnant via whichever way is best for you. The New York Fertility Institute says it can take time for a patient’s ovaries to regenerate tissue. Some people respond more slowly to the procedure than others do, and everyone’s body is a bit different. 

Does ovarian rejuvenation actually work?

It’s important to note that the ovaries contain a finite number of eggs in the first place according to an article on the Center for Human Reproduction's website, and these are irreplaceable. The article also notes that while many ovarian-rejuvenation techniques can help address the aging process of the ovaries in some ways, it can’t resupply them with new eggs. Understanding what the procedure can and can’t do is important. 

While some ovarian-rejuvenation techniques, like those used by clinics like the Center for Human Reproduction, might boost egg quality via the use of androgen or human growth hormone (and some rejuvenation procedures are much more invasive), not all ovarian-rejuvenation procedures work the same way. According to the article on the Center for Human Reproduction's website, while the less-invasive ovarian needling technique may help awaken dormant eggs and result in follicle stimulation and conception for some patients, it won’t generate new eggs. The article also concurs with Gleicher, saying more studies are needed to fully determine how effective these procedures really are overall. 

“The long-standing doctrine of reproductive medicine, that women are born with their lifetime supply of eggs and no new eggs are created, continues to be true,” double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Daniel Kort with Neway Fertility tells SheKnows. “Today, there are a variety of ‘ovarian-rejuvenation’ therapies, ranging from surgical puncture of the ovary to injection of the ovary with platelet-rich plasma or stem cells from other parts of the body. Unfortunately, none of these methods have been shown to actually increase the number or quality of a woman’s eggs, successful pregnancies or live births.” 

Kort also says more studies are needed to better understand which versions of ovarian rejuvenation are most effective in the long-term. 

More: Knowing When to Draw the Line on Fertility Treatment

That said, Dr. Adeeti Gupta, founder of Walk In GYN Care in NYC, tells SheKnows ovarian rejuvenation is a relatively new procedure and the jury is still out. 

"Data and information regarding it was introduced for the first time at an infertility conference in 2016 in Helsinki," she explains. "Quite a few practitioners have now started offering it… There have been promising results, and the ovaries have resumed natural function in many studies. A few studies have shown pregnancy with assisted reproduction after such a procedure. So, yes, it can improve [and/or] restore fertility. Exact success rates have not been published yet. However, the science behind it makes sense, and we hope that we can have more concrete data moving forward.”

While fertility issues can be disheartening and figuring out which treatment procedures are best for you can feel overwhelming, there are effective options available — though some may work better than others. While there is no guarantee of pregnancy with any type of fertility treatment, you can up your chances of conception by reducing stress as much as possible. Additionally, a good self-care routine to boost fertility — such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating well, getting some kind of exercise in throughout the week and sleeping enough — can all help you in your efforts to get pregnant. 

No one can forget the ranch house that served as the home for The Brady Bunch through all of their adventures, conflicts, and joys during the series' run from 1969 to 1974. The house, much like the people who lived in it, became a beloved icon in television. Now, following the sale of the actual ranch house that viewers would see in exterior shots on The Brady Bunch to HGTV (after a very hot and highly publicized bidding war), the network is planning a special six-episode series focused on the home's renovation. 

More: 6 Things HGTV Doesn't Tell You About Flipping Houses

As it turns out, HGTV also plans to reunite most of the remaining cast members to help make this renovation go smoothly, too. In a press release from HGTV, we learned cast members that Barry Williams, Maureen McCormick, Christopher Knight, Eve Plumb, Mike Lookinland, and Susan Olsen will all gather together for the first time in 15 years in order to tour the home that appeared in exterior shots of the show, before it is renovated to match the studio sets that we all knew and loved as kids.  

Currently titled A Very Brady Renovation and expected to premiere in September 2019, the series will include a parade of celebrity guests — at the walkthrough with the original actors along, a host of HGTV staples were present, including Property Brothers stars Jonathan and Drew Scott, Mina Starsiak and Karen E. Laine (Good Bones), siblings Leanne and Steve Ford (Restored by the Fords), Jasmine Roth (Hidden Potential) and Lara Spencer (Flea Market Flip).

The central challenge of the show will be creating all of the details of the original sets, such as the shag carpeting, the extremely retro kitchen, and the floating staircase, while keeping the integrity of the exterior view. The show's producers say the renovation will add about 2,000 square feet to the current home, and an untold amount of 70s retro style. 

“What’s so exciting about this project is that we are creating one of the most iconic homes from many of our viewers’ childhoods,” said senior vice president of HGTV programming and partnerships Loren Ruch in the press release. “It will be the first time in history that the house from all of our memories will be created in a real brick and mortar location. It is certain to be a trip down memory lane.”

More: HGTV's Drew & Jonathan Scott Are Getting Their Own Scripted TV Show

The Brady Bunch, which was one of the first to follow the story of a blended family, ran for five seasons between 1969 and 1974, and then ran widely in syndication, plus countless television specials, spin-offs, and reboots, including two feature-length satirical spoofs that aired in 1995 and 1996. While the home seen in exterior shots existed at the time, the interiors from the show were shot on sets. 

Although Lyrsa Torres was the most recent contestant to be voted off Survivor: David vs. Goliath just shy of the merge, she actually believes Nick Wilson made the right decision to flip his vote against her. SheKnows recently had the chance to chat one-on-one with Torres about her time on the show, and it was truly a Survivor interview like no other. Instead of expressing anger or bitterness, Torres expressed absolutely no disappointment in being booted out of the game. 

SheKnows: Did you have any idea you were getting voted out?

Lyrsa Torres: I knew it was me. You feel it once you sit down and start talking. As soon as Angelina was praising Nick's baby blue eyes, I was like, "What about my eyes, girl? They're beautiful. They're brown, but they're beautiful." I knew that was it for me. It wasn't a blindside. When you're going to Tribal and you're getting ready, you see which people are talking to you, what they're saying and how they're looking at you. I knew it was gonna be me.

SK: If you had that feeling, did you make any arguments to stay in the game that we didn't see?

LT: Yeah. I told them, "Hey, I'm gonna be loyal to you because I'm a loyal person." I showed it the whole game. I could've voted for Nick. I didn't because I was loyal to him. What I brought to the table was, "I'm honest. I'm loyal to you. I'm not a physical threat at all. I'm nice to have at camp. I'm making life easy by working at camp. I'm making jokes and everybody's enjoying the time with me. So keep me. At least you'll have fun."

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

SK: You stayed loyal to Nick, but he voted against you. What was your reaction to that?

LT: In the beginning I felt like, "Oh my God, what a flip-flopper." We could've let it be a tie and then figure it out. But seeing the episode, I saw how he was against the wall. He had to make a decision, and I think for his game and the way he's playing, it was better to stick with Angelina and Mike. He would get the compassion of the Goliaths because Mike and Angelina would probably put a good word on him. For his game, it was the right decision. 

But it's just a game, and I think it was a win-win situation because I never expected to be on the show. I went to that audition just for fun to see what happened. What happened is that I became part of this great family. I got to play this amazing game that I've loved for so many years. For me, even though I didn't make it to the end like I would've wanted to, it was a win-win situation.

SK: Not many people would have that kind of positive outlook after being voted out of the game.

LT: What are going to do? I'm out. Am I going to be bitter for years because they took me out? No. Life continues. This is a great experience. How many people want to be part of this, trying year after year after year? I got the chance to be part of this amazing experience and adventure, so why am I going to be bitter? I got the chance of doing this great thing that a lot of people want to do and they don't get the chance. Everybody should see it as a win. You're on Survivor and seeing Jeff's dimples every day, come on!

More: Survivor's Bi Nguyen Rejects the Idea that She's a Quitter

SK: It seemed you were disappointed in having to spend more time with the others eliminated contestants, like Natalie. Was Natalie different outside of the game?

LT: I think that my words have been taken wrong. When I said this, I wasn't coming from a place of hating Natalie. It was more of me thinking, "Oh my God. I'm going to Ponderosa with Natalie that I voted out. She doesn't like me and I voted her out. This person must hate me and is going to be uncomfortable. Except for Natalia and Jeremy, everybody that left I had something to do with. The group preferred me over them. I was more coming from that point that they're going to hate me, not that I was going to hate them. I think my words were a little bit miscommunicated. I had a great time with Natalie. She's a character. She's very special. She's very powerful. If I want to get acceptance from people because of the way I am, I should give acceptance because of who they are. We can't change people. It's who they are and you have to take them as they are.

More: Natalie Cole Wants to Set the Record Straight on How Survivor Portrayed Her

SK: Was there ever any conversation about voting Mike out because he had enough money in his life outside of the game?

LT: I didn't see Mike as a person that has money. I saw Mike as another contestant and another possible relationship that I could have. I really like Mike. I knew who Mike was because of The Amazing Race. I completely forgot he had a career in the movie business. I knew him from Mike and Mel of The Amazing Race, and I was so ecstatic when I saw him there. 

If I had made the merge and he presented a good case, I would have given him the money. I would have voted for him. Having money or not, to me, is not important in this game. It's the way you get to the end. 

I’m not a mother yet, but as a nearly 30 non-mom, I’m at the age when my social media feed is a steady stream of baby announcements, gender reveals and growing family photos. I’m often asked questions about my own family plans. “Are you guys thinking about kids yet?” And Google certainly seems to think I’m ready for strollers and bibs, probing me with ads for all kinds of parenting products.

There’s so much to learn about becoming a parent, and as we all know, there isn’t a manual for how to pull it off. I’ve discovered, though, that there’s one major unexpected perk to waiting a while to have kids: As more and more of my women friends become moms, I’ve collected a few major maternity lessons. I’ve gained a ton of knowledge that could never be acquired from reading a book simply by observing the mothers around me. Here's what I've learned so far — from other people's parents.

More: The Mom's Guide to Nashville

Listen, but don’t take all the advice

As an outsider, it seems that the minute you become a parent, everyone wants to give you advice. Onlookers are quick to supply an opinion about nap routines, appropriate amounts of screen time and organic snacks, among other things. It really irks me when I see mothers receive this unsolicited guidance. Whether the recommendation comes from a grocery store bystander or a close family member, I’ve learned that it’s OK if that uninvited feedback is taken into account but then later ignored. The parent knows what is best for their child. While advice typically stems from good intention, there is no need to follow everyone else’s playbook when it comes to raising your kid.

It’s perfectly OK to put yourself first

A mother must handle an endless number of their child’s needs before her own. I see how self-care can easily become a low priority. But after a while, moms start to lose themselves and what makes them happy. It’s apparent that if you want to be the best mom you can be, you must first be your best self. The simple act of doing something you choose creates a huge impact. Whether it’s working out, reading a book or just enjoying a kid-free cup of coffee in the morning, carving out some time for a regular self-care ritual provides a necessary reenergizer. In the end, taking care of yourself in this way will yield great rewards for your child too.

Let the kid fall down

Whenever I’m helping out a mom friend at a park or in a crowded play area, my first instinct is to keep their kid at arm’s length so I can prevent a sudden fall. I’ve learned, though, that parents can’t keep their kid in a bubble. Kids are going to fall and get hurt sometimes. It’s incredible how resilient they can be, and taking a tumble is a learning experience, after all. How does a kid learn not to jump off the swing if they never get hurt? Of course, there is a level of safety all parents must maintain, but it’s healthy to allow a kid to experience life without a net sometimes.

More: 26 Brilliant Hacks for New Moms

Quit comparing

I often see moms compare their friend’s kids to their own. If children are around the same age, parents think they should be doing the same things — crawling, talking, doing long division — whatever the case may be. But each kid is different and has his or her own set of strengths. It’s important to keep this in mind as a child advances. It can take longer for one kid to achieve a milestone moment, and that’s OK. Moms have shown me that a delay in progression doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. After all, your kid’s progress is not a competition, and your kid is perfect just the way they are. 

Kid life is a happy mess

I welcome my mom friends and their little ones at my house. I love hosting guests. But, boy, kids are messy. They spill milk. They scatter their Legos all over the place. They leave behind cereal in the couch and scratches on the floor, and the TV remote is nowhere to be found. But they also leave behind laughter and love. I’m amused to later discover lost Legos under the couch or suddenly remember how the remote quickly got shoved out of sight. In the end, a clean house does not equal a happy home, a happy family does.

Embrace their natural interests

Some kids like sports, while others prefer books. Some kids like crafts, and others want to build towers. It’s truly amazing to see a child’s preference for things so early in the life, and I’ve learned that it is crucial to celebrate their natural interests. While parents hope they can connect with children through shared hobbies, it’s more essential that the child find enjoyment in the activity. Preferences change, and parents might even discover a new interest.

More: How to Start a Conversation With Your Introverted Kid

To all the mothers out there: You may not know it, but you are teaching us non-moms a whole lot about parenting. We embrace the interrupted phone conversations while you navigate motherhood. We appreciate the experience of witnessing your kid’s meltdown. Not only are you teaching your child about life, you’re also teaching us non-moms about what we can expect for our life as a future parent.

Ree Drummond isn’t quite done building her massive empire of branded goods.

In the midst of running her own hotel, The Boarding House, which opened back in April, Drummond has not only recently launched her very own Barbie doll and kitchen play set and a line of cookware and home decor items (including Instant Pots!), but she will also have a brand-new line of prepared foods — all of which are exclusively available at Walmart. 

More: Ree Drummond's Guesthouse, The Lodge, Is Now Open for Free Tours

Starting next week, fans of the Pioneer Woman can pick up one (or all) of her signature comfort food dishes in the refrigerated section of Walmart. The best part? They're all affordable and cost less than $7.

"I feel solid about them, and I know a lot of people will love the flavors and textures,” Drummond told Delish.

Bacon meatloaf, $5.98 at Walmart

According to the publication, the line is divided into three categories: Drummond’s go-to comfort food staples (like her tried-and-true country fried steak and bacon meatloaf), sides (including your pick of loaded mashed potatoes or four-cheese mac and cheese) and bowls (she’ll have a whopping three breakfast bowls available). 

Country fried steak, $6.98 at Walmart

“My No. 1 goal with my new line of entrees and sides is to give folks a taste of my family’s favorite dishes, all ready to heat and serve,” Drummond said in a press release. 

Creamy mashed potatoes, $3.98 at Walmart

One of Drummond’s goals with this prepared foods line, according to Delish, was to cater to busy families. So, the meals come with two servings and can be heated up in the microwave or oven.

"When you have a house full of kids, especially teenagers, the opportunity of staying in the kitchen for hours and making things from scratch — even though I love doing that — that time dwindles," Drummond told the publication.

Tex-Mex breakfast bowl, $2.98 at Walmart

More: Without Ina Garten, Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Wouldn't Be Married

Now, how convenient is that?

This is Drummond’s first-ever line of comfort food, and prices range from $2.98 to $6.98.

It's been a minute since we last saw Chip and Joanna Gaines on our TV screens. With the final episode of Fixer Upper airing in April, the beloved HGTV couple has returned to focusing on their life in Texas as well as business ventures with family-friendly companies like Target. It may feel like they're on a totally new path, but the couple's latest comments about whether they'd return television might surprise you.

“We never rule anything out,” Chip recently told People in an interview, no doubt igniting hope in the legions of Fixer Upper fans that the celebrity house renovation couple could return to the small screen at some vague point in the future.  

More: A Car Seat Photo Lands Chip Gaines in Hot Water, but Not for the Reason You Think

The couple's wildly popular home-improvement show ended in April 2018 after five seasons, just months after they welcomed a surprise fifth child, Crew, into their family. They decided to step away 

“The show was amazing and we are so thankful for it, but it’s also a whirlwind where, if you are not careful, it will flat run you over,” Chip remarked. “You can’t believe how out of gas you are.” 

The couple also stated that while the show was fun, they are not television personalities as much as they are entrepreneurs -- and for now, they want to focus on that. 

“Being in front of the camera is a different experience than running a business, and we run businesses. That’s who we are,” he continued.

More: Joanna Gaines Celebrates Her 40th Birthday With a Little Sweetness

The couple also opened up about having a sixth baby -- with the same sentiment of never ruling out anything. 

"I think we have to have another one because I'm particular about the only child thing," Chip said. "Crew needs a sister to manage this whole thing out. Don't be surprised if No. 6 is in the cards!"

Joanna agreed. "I love the labor part. This is the moment we get to meet this little baby. It's so much fun. I want to do it again."

Their newest arrival was a surprise, but the whole family, including Drake, 13, Ella,12, Duke, 9, and Emmie, 8, have welcomed the baby with excitement. 

More: You'll Want Everything From Joanna Gaines' Limited-Edition Baby Collection

Even if the Waco-based couple's return to television doesn't come for a long while, or even if it doesn't come at all, there are still lots of ways to get your fill of Chip and Joanna. You can subscribe to their magazine, The Magnolia Journal, you can spruce up your house with their Hearth and Hand line at Target, or your can read Joanna's soon-to-be-released book, Homebody.

I'm going to state the obvious here, but everyone loves Target — how can you not? The retail chain carries everything from food and toys to clothing, cookware and home decor. But Target just made us love them even more. On Black Friday and other peak days, Target will offer mobile checkout... meaning you can check out wherever (and whenever) you want.

More: Target Launches Dangerous New Feature — Free 2-Day Shipping

According to a press release, the new "skip the line" checkout will give customers a "more convenient experience...[by allowing] team members... [to] scan any item in a guest’s basket or shopping cart and accept payment by credit card on the spot from anywhere in the store."

Hooray!

Target's checkout technology is the company's latest innovation designed to make shopping easier. Last month, the company announced they would be offering free, two-day shipping (with no order minimum), and last year, Target introduced technology that allows team members to place Target.com orders for guests in-store and then have the purchase shipped to their doorstep.

But the good news doesn't end there. Target also released their Black Friday ad, which includes some amazing deals in toys, electronics and entertainment. They announced the return of their popular weekend deals, which will begin Saturday, Nov. 10 and run through Saturday, Dec. 15, and Target revealed they will once again offer localized store maps in the Target app, which will show customers where specific Black Friday deals are located within each Target store.

“We know many of our guests look forward to our Black Friday deals every year, and today, they can start shopping and save big on some of the hottest items of the season,” Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Target, said in the press release. “Combined with the unmatched easy ways to shop with us — including new mobile technology that allows guests to skip the line for an even more convenient checkout — we’re confident guests will save time and money and experience the joy of the season by choosing Target.”

More: Our Favorite Items From Target's New Home Decor Line

If customers want to nab the hottest deals this Black Friday, they'll have to head out early: Doors open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, close at 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23 and reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23.

With three seasons under its belt, Outlander has not only brought the beloved, time-defying romance of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall to life, but it has also built up an invested, enthralled fan base around it. If you happen to be one of those fans eagerly awaiting Outlander's return to Starz on Nov. 4 for season four, why not prepare yourself with a little refresher? It's been a good, long while since season three wrapped on Dec. 10, 2017, which means unless you recently re-binged the season, details are fuzzy. With that in mind, here's a recap of season three and — bonus! — a little preview of what we can expect in season four. 

More: Fall & Winter TV Premiere Dates You Need to Know About

1. Season 3 begins with 2 different timelines

Season three begins with Claire and Jamie not only in different places geographically but also time-wise. Jamie finally kills Randall during the Battle of Culloden, but unfortunately, his clan has been defeated by the English. Injured and imprisoned at Ardsmuir, his friends executed, and Claire gone, Jamie feels like he has no further reason to live and begs to be killed. Meanwhile, in 1940s Boston, Claire decides to look toward the future, work on her relationship with Frank and raise baby Brianna together. 

2. Separated, Claire & Jamie try to start fresh

Claire takes on the new challenge of attending medical school in an era when women were still struggling to find parity in the workplace. Back in Scotland, through the connections of John Grey, Jamie leaves the prison and goes to work on the English estate of Dunsany where he fathers a son, Willie.

3. There are some notable time jumps

By episode four, Claire and Jamie's daughter, Brianna, is grown up, and Claire is older with a time jump to the late '60s. Claire is a surgeon, but she is now a widow after Frank dies in a car crash. After revealing the truth about time-traveling and Jamie, Claire gets help from Brianna and Brianna's fiancé, Roger, to get back to Jamie in 18th-century Scotland.

4. Claire & Jamie's connection is tested

Returned to Scotland, Claire is coming onto a very new kind of scene. Jamie has adopted the alias of Alexander Malcolm and is working as a printer and smuggler; he's also married Claire’s former nemesis, Laoghaire. Claire's return throws Jamie for a loop, eventually leading to the dissolution of his marriage to Laoghaire and paving the way for a romantic reunion with Claire. In order to separate from Laoghaire and leave her with enough money, he needs the jewels he left stashed away on Silkies’ Isle. In true Outlander fashion, the situation becomes even direr when Ian  — along with the jewels  — is kidnaped by sailors who apparently came for the same treasure.

5. Jamie & Claire sail for Jamaica

To rescue Ian, Jamie and Claire find a ship sailing for Jamaica, but a twist of fate puts them on two separate ships, The Porpoise and The Artemis. On The Porpoise, Claire is held captive by Captain Leonard as bait to trap Jamie, who he wants in relation to the murder of a man Claire killed in self-defense. In her bid to make an escape and somehow warn Jamie, Claire jumps overboard and ends up washed ashore on an island, where she meets eccentric priest Father Fogden. Aboard a now-crippled Artemis, Jamie and crew have taken temporary refuge off the coast of the same island. Learning of this, Claire rushes to find the ship making its way back out to sea and shines a mirror in the sun to get Jamie's attention. Seeing it, he goes back and they’re reunited.

7. A daring escape lands Claire & Jamie on new shores

Claire, Jamie and Ian make their escape on The Artemis, but fate being the fickle and cruel thing it is, the ship is once more damaged in a storm, Claire is swept overboard and Jamie dives in to rescue her. The season ends with them waking up on the shores of the new American colony of Georgia.

More: 8 Things We'd Like to See Happen in Midnight, Texas Season 2

What can we expect in season four?

For fans familiar with the book series, season four will follow the events of Drums of Autumn, the fourth book in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. As we can see from the season four trailer, Claire and Jamie adjust to their new life in colonial America. But as is expected, that's easier said than done — especially with the threat of revolution on the horizon. They will have to decide which side of history they want to be on while learning how to navigate the politics and society of a country discovering what it wants to become.

Mental illnesses are common — very common — and they are particularly prevalent in children. In fact, it is believed that 17.1 million American children are affected by a psychiatric disorder, making mental health disorders one of the most common pediatric illnesses. And that number is increasing. 

More: When You're in the Depths of Depression, Asking for Help Isn't Always an Option

According to a new study conducted by the Children's National health system and presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition, the number of children and adolescents visiting emergency departments due to mental health concerns rose dramatically from 2012 to 2016. 

The increase was more than 27 percent.

What's more, non-Latinx Black children received more emergency mental health care than non-Latinx white children.

The reason for the increase and racial disparity was unclear, as researchers did not review individual charts and/or interview patients or health care providers. However, Dr. Monika K. Goyal, assistant division chief and director of research in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Children's National health system and the study's senior author, said in a statement that this information reveals there is a problem in accessibility and care.

"Access to mental health services among children can be difficult," Goyal said, and the "data suggest[s] that it can be even more challenging for minority children compared with non-minority youths."

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

Goyal indicated that the study's findings emphasize the importance of improving access to outpatient mental health resources and expanding capacity within the nation's emergency departments to respond to this unmet need. It's clear whether children are going to emergency rooms, but we need more suitable resources to serve these vulnerable patients, she added. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, text “START” to 741-741 to immediately speak to a trained counselor.

In June of last year, Starburst finally released a bag filled with solely pink fruit chews (we only begged and pleaded for it for, what, several years?). Now, Starburst is wasting no time releasing what might be their next best product. 

In January 2019, Starburst will release Duos, which features two popular flavors packed in one bite-size treat.

More: Ben & Jerry's Launches Pecan Resist, Supporting 4 Nonprofit Organizations

As one might guess, Duos are half one flavor and half a different flavor, and Starburst is certainly kicking it off with two refreshing duos: strawberry-watermelon and blue raspberry lemonade. They'll be available in a single pack for $0.99 and a 14-ounce bag for $3.19.

In early October, Mars Wrigley Confectionery — which owns many of your favorite candies and snacks, including Starburst, 3 Musketeers, Combos, M&M’s, Skittles, Snickers and Twix — announced a ton of new flavors across its candy offerings. 

For starters, 3 Musketeers is releasing its first new flavor in six years, birthday cake, which will be available nationally in Walmart in January 2019.

Other flavors to be released at the end of this year through 2019 include the following: 

• Combos jalapeño-cheddar will launch nationally sometime in 2019/
• M&M’s hazelnut spread will launch April 2019.
• M&M’s will also launch new bars in five flavors at the end of this year: peanut, milk chocolate, crispy, almond and crispy mint.
• Skittles Darkside, which contains dark berry, black cherry, forbidden fruit, blood orange and midnight lime flavors, will be available January 2019. 
• Creamy Snickers will hit shelves in December 2018.
• Twix triple chocolate, which features chocolate cookies and chocolate caramel covered in milk chocolate, will be available December 2018.

More: Reese's Unveils New Thinner Peanut Butter Cups — & People Are Not Having It

Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean we don't still want all the candy. Keep 'em coming, Mars Wrigley Confectionery.

Kristen Bell dressed up as Elsa from Frozen for Halloween — for the second year in a row. Yep, we know she voiced Anna in the film, not Elsa. What gives? Well, it turns out one of her daughters demanded Bell be Elsa again "to match her." 

Bell posted a hilarious shot of herself on Instagram looking decidedly less than thrilled with her repeat costume.

She captioned the cute selfie, "#frozen2 (Otherwise know [sic] as the SECOND year in a row my daughter demanded I be elsa to match her).

Bell may have been gritting her teeth, but commenters loved the two-year Elsa streak. Even actor Sterling K. Brown got into the comment thread, joking, “Anna don’t get no love?!”

More: Kristen Bell Recalls First Meeting Dax Shepard

Last year, Bell posted a similar selfie, looking comically glum in the same Elsa costume. "When your daughter demands you BOTH be Elsa for Halloween...you GRIN AND FORKING BEAR IT," said The Good Place star, referencing the fictional "curse word" used frequently on the television show.

Ah, the things we do for our kids. Bell's husband, Dax Shepard, didn't have to dress up as Elsa, but their daughters — Delta, 3, and Lincoln, 5 — definitely have strong feelings about what their dad should be doing with his hair. Bell posted a shot of Shepard sporting a fetching Olaf headband, captioning it, "Living that #dadbeast life. #olafheadband."

We love Bell and Shepard, especially when it comes to #DadBeast and #MomBeast life. The two generally keep their kids out of sight from paparazzi, but on Tuesday, Bell posted a sweet shot on social media of her girls playing together on Glamis sand dunes in Southern California, where the family was on an RV camping vacation.

"Caked with sand on every inch, unshowered for 5 days, and loving that sand dune life #glamis #camping," Bell captioned the sunny shot. Yasssss. These two are slaying parenthood in our humble opinions.

More: Kristen Bell Has a Genius Hack for Getting Her Kids to Talk About Their Days

According to Bell's Instagram, the pair drove a nearly 40-foot-long RV for their Glamis adventure. Bell posted a makeup-free shot of herself in the driver's seat, saying, "Driving a 36 ft motor home isn't easy but throw on the AC and you bet it's glamorous AF." 

So not arguing with that. This camping fam really puts the "glam" in Glamis. 

Wedding bells rang for actress Gwyneth Paltrow and producer Brad Falchuk on September 29, but we haven't seen pictures of the intimate, fancy, Goop-tacular event until now. Paltrow posted a picture of her and her new partner on her Instagram account and uploaded a blog post on Goop that includes a 47-picture slide show that captures every detail of the posh Hamptons affair, from the calligraphy on the place settings to the rehearsal dinner feast to the post-ceremony dance party. 

Hashtagged with the portmanteau #thefaltrows, Paltrow shared a picture of the newly-announced bride and groom as they head down the aisle after the ceremony, as guests toss flower petals and leaves in the air. The East Hampton, New York, celebration included just 70 guests, among them their families and old school friends, plus Paltrow's daughter Apple and son Moses and Falchuk's daughter Isabella and son Brody. The posh rehearsal dinner took place a Jerry Seinfeld's house, while the wedding itself took place in the backyard of the couple's home. 

"The revelry started the night before with a rehearsal dinner, where wedding guests dined alfresco under a canopy of bistro lights," reads the Goop blog. "And for the big day: perfect weather, a superlative dinner, a dance party for the ages, and a dress that defies adjectives. Hours later, when the last guest went home and the last champagne flute was cleared away, the day ended as it began—with beauty, love, and two very happy people.

More: Gwyneth Paltrow Confirms Her Engagement in the Most Gwyneth Way Possible

Paltrow wore two outfits for the festivities. Her wedding dress was a traditional, fitted custom-made lace piece by Valentino that featured super-femme capped sleeves and an open back. She then changed into a fun short, white Stella McCartney jumpsuit to party after dinner on the dance floor. Throughout the night, she kept both her hair and make-up super-simple and natural. 

More: Gwyneth Paltrow Might Quit Acting to Expand Goop 

The flowers sprawled everyone, with the "wild" arrangements dotted with figs, blackberries, and plums. 

For food, Argentine chef Francis Mallmann few 5,000 miles from Chile for the rehearsal dinner, to cook squash, beets, salmon, rib-eye, and whole pineapples over an open fire pit. On the big day, chef Mario Carbone served up prime rib and tortellini -- a special choice because the pair went to one of Carbone's restaurants on one of their first dates. 

For dessert, Paltrow chose 45 individual carrot cakes, while the groom chose 45 vanilla and chocolate cakes. 

Guests enjoyed dirty martinis and gin, lemon juice, and thyme concoctions — before toasting the couple with Ruinart Champagne. 

The couples' four children served as bridesmaids and groomsmen, while the celebrity guests included Cameron Diaz and her husband Benji Madden, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Rob Lowe and Robert Downey Jr., according to People. 

More: Is There Any Bad Blood Between Gwyneth Paltrow & Reese Witherspoon? 

Paltrow and Falchuk met on the set of Glee and began dating in 2014 — a year after Falchuk's first marriage ended and the same year that Paltrow and Coldplay's Chris Martin consciously uncoupled after over a decade of marriage. They announced their engagement in January. 

The day after their wedding, Paltrow posted a simple picture of the couple's rings. 

Since Paltrow and Martin eloped in 2003, Paltrow had fun planning a traditional wedding, which included an engagement party and bridal shower. 

“I’m excited about everything! I’ve never had a wedding before. So even though I’m 45, I sort of feel like a 21-year-old,” she told People about her wedding plans. 

The couple took off on their honeymoon in Umbria and Paris after tying the knot. 

In the middle of sex, most of us probably aren’t thinking, “Wow, my pituitary gland’s really lighting up now!” But that’s precisely what’s happening. That and a slew of other bodily functions and processes you’re probably not aware of — nor thinking about — during your romp in the hay. The truth is, your brain and body are going through one heck of a roller coaster in order for you to experience as much pleasure as possible. 

“Both men and women go through four sex-response cycles,” Dr. Diana Ramos, OB-GYN and cochair of the National Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative, tells SheKnows. “Excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution — in no particular order or amount of time for each.”

Each stage comes with its own set of bodily changes and responses, some trippier than others. 

Excitement stage

During this stage, your body undergoes a variety of visible changes. “Increased blood pressure and flow along with your body releasing more nitric oxide can cause a woman’s vagina to change shades of color or swell,” says Ramos. “Breasts and other sensitive areas become tender and aroused, and it’s also why heart racing and muscle tension occurs.”

Also during this stage, the penis may become erect and the testes elevate as the scrotum contracts, she adds. And don’t forget about that sex flush, which is a result of blood flowing to the surface of the skin. 

Plateau stage

Here, the signs of excitement are even more visible according to Dr. Jess O’Reilly, host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. 

The clitoral glans may retract beneath its hood. In addition, the outer third of the vagina may swell, and the uterus may continue to tilt upward, she tells SheKnows. Muscular tension, heart rate, breathing and blood pressure continue to increase. The testicles may elevate closer to the body, and muscles may begin to spasm.

Orgasm stage

Though the heart is often thought to represent matters of love and sex, O'Reilly says the heart’s involvement in sexual processes is minimal in comparison to that of the brain and the nervous system. 

“The pituitary gland lights up. The nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental areas are activated. The hypothalamus goes into overdrive. And the center of reasoning and behavior shuts down entirely as you spiral into the euphoria of sexual pleasure,” she explains. “All this activity may sound like sensory overload, but this is actually your brain... on sex.”

PET scans of the brain during sexual activity and orgasm reveal that its reward circuit lights up with a flurry of activity during sex, O'Reilly says. 

“These scans confirm anecdotal reports that sex is both a physical and emotional experience, as the amygdalae, which control emotion as well as the area which manages muscle function, are activated,” she adds.

Additionally, during sex, the levels of dopamine and epinephrine are on the rise, says Ramos. “When your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure are at their peak, there’ll be a spike in the production of oxytocin, which tends to cause the climax,” she notes.

This, as O'Reilly points out, all leads back to the brain. “Brain studies also explain why sex is so pleasurable from a chemical perspective, as the areas related to dopamine release become hotbeds of sexual activity resulting in increased levels of this feel-good neurotransmitter,” she says. “And as the pituitary gland is activated, the release of endorphins, oxytocin and vasopressin promote pain reduction, intimacy and bonding.” 

What also might be happening during this stage? According to O'Reilly, quite of few things are going through your body as it experiences orgasm. 

Some might experience a dilation of pupils in response to the oxytocin release into the spinal cord area that controls this response. You might also experience involuntary muscular contractions throughout the pelvic region, including the vagina, uterus, anus, penile base, prostate and pelvic floor. These contractions are spaced at an average of 0.8 seconds apart, says O'Reilly, beginning at 0.6 seconds and slowing down thereafter. Some might also ejaculate, which refers to the expulsion of fluid through the urethra. 

The resolution stage

Post-climax, Ramos says all the hormones and neurotransmitters will begin to resolve, and your body will return to its normal state, including swelled and erect body parts as well as body parts that might have changed in color. 

While you might experience these sensations during sex, O'Reilly points out, “It’s very important to note that these reactions are not universal and the process is not linear. For example, you may not orgasm every time you have sex, and that’s OK.” 

She adds, “I really want to emphasize that you don’t have to experience all of these bodily responses to enjoy sex.” But if you do, at least now you know what's going on.

Actress and model Diane Kruger and actor Norman Reedus have welcomed their first child together, according to an US Weekly source. There are no confirmed details on the birth or the baby's name at this time. According to Page Six, the child is reportedly a girl.

More: Diane Kruger & Norman Reedus Are Reportedly Expecting Their First Child

The celebrity couple announced that they were expecting in May of this year, when Kruger shared a photo on Instagram with tiny footprints as a caption. The announcement came after speculation grew when the 42-year-old Inglorious Bastards star started abstaining from alcohol and wearing billowy clothing at the Cannes Festival. 

Other than the subtle announcement and being spotted with a bump out and about in New York, Kruger has been quiet about her pregnancy, while Reedus has also been mum about expecting a child. 

The couple met on the set of Sky in 2015, though rumors of romance didn't start flying until the spring of 2017 when they were spotted smooching in New York City. They didn't hit the red carpet together until the 2018 Golden Globes took place in January, but since then they've been all about the PDA.

More: Diane Kruger Isn't Afraid to Get Tough in Order to Get Equal Pay

This is the first child for Kruger, though Walking Dead star Reedus has an 18-year-old son, Mingus, with model and photographer Helena Christensen, who he dated from 1998 to 2003. 

Kruger was married to French actor and director Guillaume Canet from 2001 to 2006, but the pair said that their busy schedules and world travel made it impossible to have a relationship. She then dated actor Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek, The Affair) from 2006 to 2016.

More: Norman Reedus Can Have a Love Life, but No One Wants to See It

A source told Us Weekly that Kruger and Reedus were opposites, but that their differences are what make them a good match. 

“They complement one another,” the source said. 

Grey's Anatomy has had a lasting impact on many. In fact, the show has touched numerous fans over the last 13 years, and Thursday's episode was particularly emotional.  The episode, titled "Flowers Grow Out of My Grave," brought back several deceased cast members that we haven't seen in years and which served as a deeply emotional moment for the show.

More: Here's Why Kim Raver Says Teddy's  Grey's Anatomy Season 15 Storyline Is 'Tumultuous'

The "reveal" happened in the final moments of the episode, while Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) was walking through the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial. At first glance, it seemed like any other night; however, Meredith was soon greeted by close family members and friends — including George O'Malley (T.R. Knight), Mark Sloan (Eric Dane), Lexie (Chyler Leigh) and Ellis Grey (Kate Burton) and even Doc, Meredith Grey's dog.

But that's not all: Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) — who died following after a horrific accident in season 11 and was Meredith's husband — also made an appearance.

Of course, many fans were shocked by the scene, but Grey's Anatomy producer and writer Krista Vernoff told Entertainment Tonight the encounter has been in the works for some time. "We’ve been talking about that sequence since the writers’ room gathered in July," Vernoff said. "We’ve been working on that sequence in some way or another for many months. We talked a lot about who would ultimately be included. Where we landed, it felt like the significant deaths of Meredith’s family and close friends and her dog, and so that was who we included there."

There was one notable omission, however: Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a fan favorite from seasons two and three. When asked about this, Vernoff said they considered including Denny, but ultimately decided against it.

"There was a version where we included Denny Duquette... [and] there was a version where we included Kyle Chandler, the bomb squad guy [who died in season three]. These were pivotal deaths in Meredith’s life," Vernoff told ET. However, "it didn’t feel to me when I watched it that those characters would be visiting Meredith. I believed that they would be visiting their own families."

As for the timing of the episode, it intentionally coincided with Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead — a multi-day Mexican holiday in which family and friends pray for (and remember) their deceased loved ones. Eagle-eyed fans likely would have noted that Grey's was making a connection to this special holiday when Meredith was seen wearing a marigold, the flower most associated with the holiday, tucked behind her ear.

"Day of the Dead is a holiday that is about celebrating and inviting back for a visit those who we’ve loved and lost," Vernoff said. "The episode aired on Day of the Dead and we did a Day of the Dead theme for the whole episode. It felt like perfect to me as an opportunity to have dead people and her dead dog visit Meredith." 

More: Ellen Pompeo Reflects on the Impact of Grey's Anatomy in a Heartfelt Interview

And while this scene may have been a bit unconventional, it was nice to see Grey's take the viewers down memory lane and give some comfort to Meredith, who has undoubtedly undergone her share of tough personal losses in recent seasons.