1. Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Photo credit: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN

"What [feminism] means to me is that you don't let your gender define who you are — you can be who you want to be, whether you're a man, a woman, a boy, a girl, whatever. However you want to define yourself, you can do that and should be able to do that, and no category ever really describes a person because every person is unique. That, to me, is what 'feminism' means. So yes, I'd absolutely call myself a feminist."

Feminists unite in 2013: 20 Most inspiring quotes >>

2. John Legend

Photo credit: Dan Jackman/WENN

"All men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights, the world will be a better place. We are better off when women are empowered — it leads to a better society."

3. Ryan Gosling

Photo credit: Ipa/WENN

"You have to question a cinematic culture which preaches artistic expression and yet would support a decision that is clearly a product of a patriarchy-dominant society, which tries to control how women are depicted on screen. The MPAA is OK supporting scenes that portray women in scenarios of sexual torture and violence for entertainment purposes, but they are trying to force us to look away from a scene that shows a woman in a sexual scenario which is both complicit and complex. It's misogynistic in nature to try and control a woman's sexual presentation of self. I consider this an issue that is bigger than [one] film."

4. His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN

"I call myself a feminist. Isn't that what you call someone who fights for women's rights?"

5. Seth Meyers

Photo credit: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN

"When you work with the sort of really strong women that I work with, the idea that anyone would want to make decisions for them is hard to wrap your head around."

Feminist fathers can make the rules >>

6. Jay Baruchel

Photo credit: Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/WENN

"I was raised by my mom, I have a little sister and I'm constantly annoyed [by] how terribly written most females are in most everything — and especially in comedy. Their anatomy seems to be the only defining aspect of their character, and I just find that untruthful and it straight-up offends me. A lot of the strongest people I know are chicks. And as a viewer, I get a kick out of watching real characters. So I take it upon myself to clean that shit up and write actual women. And I like writing strong women, because as a straight male, there's nothing more attractive to me than a strong girl."

7. Prince Harry

Photo credit: WENN

"We know that when women are empowered, they immeasurably improve the lives of everyone around them — their families, their communities and their countries. This is not just about women; we men need to recognize the part we play, too. Real men treat women with dignity and give them the respect they deserve."

8. Ezra Miller

Photo credit: WENN

"One in three women in the world will experience domestic violence or rape within the course of their lifetime. To me, I grew up in a household of women and I feel that all revolutionary causes should start with addressing misogyny."

9. Jon Hamm

Photo credit: WENN

"Men ruled the roost and women played a subservient role [in the 1960s]. Working wives were a rarity, because their place was in the home, bringing up the kids. The women who did work were treated as second-class citizens because it was a male-dominated society. That was a fact of life then. But it wouldn't be tolerated today, and that's quite right in my book... people look back on those days through a thick veil of nostalgia, but life was hard if you were anything other than a rich, powerful, white male."

10. Alan Alda

Photo credit: Carrie Devorah/WENN

"I think [misogyny] is like a disease that needs to be cured. And if we could eradicate polio, I don't see why we can't eradicate misogyny."

Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists is a call to action: Will you step up? >>

11. Harry Belafonte

Photo credit: PNP/WENN

"Let us use this century to be the century when we said we started the mission to end the violence and oppression of women. Let us never, ever let our children become the abusers to our women that we permitted in our lifetime."

12. Will Smith

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN

"We let Willow cut her hair. When you have a little girl, it's like, how can you teach her that you're in control of her body? If I teach her that I'm in charge of whether or not she can touch her hair, she's going to replace me with some other man when she goes out in the world. She can't cut my hair, but that's her hair. She has got to have command of her body. So when she goes out into the world, she's going out with a command that is hers. She is used to making those decisions herself. We try to keep giving them those decisions until they can hold the full weight of their lives."

13. Joss Whedon

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN

"Equality is not a concept. It's not something we should be striving for. It's a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women, and the misogyny that is in every culture is not a true part of the human condition."

14. Eddie Vedder

Photo credit: KIKA/WENN

"I'm usually good about my temper, but all these men trying to control women's bodies are really beginning to piss me off."

Why I'm raising a feminist >>

15. Andy Samberg

Photo credit: Ivan Nikolov/WENN

"Since there have been men and women, there have been funny women... f***ing idiot-ass men keep saying that women aren't funny. It makes me crazy. I find it disgusting and offensive every time."

$3.75 Million | 4 beds | 3 baths | 2,200 square feet

Photo credit: Zillow

Located off of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), this triple-wide provides you with a private backyard, four bedrooms, three baths, a rare two-car garage and is within walking distance of the beach. Looking nothing like a mobile home inside, this is not only the perfect home for beach getaways but for everyday living.

Tour this home >>

$1 Million | 3 beds | 3 baths | 1,390 square feet

Photo credit: Zillow

One look inside this home and you'll completely forget that you're in a double-wide. Granite countertops, custom cabinets, double-basin farmhouse sink, marble backsplash and KitchenAid appliances make the kitchen alone worth the asking price. A short drive (or golf cart drive as suggested in the listing) will take you to your own private beach. And although this property is amazing indoors, the location alone makes it worthy of your investment.

Tour this home >>

$1 Million | 3 beds | 3 baths

Photo credit: Zillow

Believe it or not, this house has not been added to this list by mistake. The handcrafted mobile home is detailed with carved stone and wood to look like it's anything but. Adorned with oversized windows that provide drool-worthy ocean views, this piece of real estate provides you with a private access to the beach, organic garden and two-level deck.

Tour this home >>

$1 Million | 3 beds | 4 baths

Photo credit: Zillow

Forget beach houses, this mobile home is just what you need. With its coastline views, open floor plan and gourmet kitchen, anyone and everyone will enjoy this recently renovated listing. It's located close to the beach, has its own pool and nearby clubhouse and tennis courts. You'll never get bored if you make the choice to splurge on this amazing listing.

Tour this home >>

$1 Million | 3 beds | 3 baths | 2,200 square feet

Photo credit: Zillow

Sure, the inside of this manufactured home is spectacular with its mosaic tiled bathrooms, travertine floors and open floor concept, but it's the views that make this listing worth its price. The oversized deck provides views of the picturesque mountains and whitewater ocean. Although the inside of this mobile home is more than gorgeous, you'll probably be spending most of your time outside.

Tour this home >>

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Before you make any decisions about adding a four-legged family member to your home, watch this video. Then, watch it again.

At only seven seconds long, it will break your heart. It will make you angry. It may very possibly make you cry. What it should also do, though, is inspire you. It should make you want to help this poor, sweet pup that is so emaciated, it literally doesn't have the strength to stand. It's so emaciated, you can count every rib... every vertebra.

If you've been waffling about whether to adopt, my friend, let this video be the push you need in the direction of the nearest rescue organization.

Dogs like Rex need people like you.

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Kevin Hart can't miss, right? Everything the guy touches turns to comedic gold. It makes sense, then, that he would team up with funny guy Dave Franco to make a rap video celebrating the highly anticipated release of Madden NFL 15.

Kevin Hart rants and raves about ex on Twitter >>

This video starts out with a cranky Hart, who is highly annoyed that friend — and co-gamer — Franco dares to have a girlfriend during "Madden season." Hart fixes that easily enough by being a complete nuisance, driving Franco's lady friend into the arms of the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard. More correctly, the girlfriend ends up on the back of Lillard's barely running motorcycle.

VIDEO: Kevin Hart's bloopers from About Last Night junket >>

Hart is thrilled that he has his video buddy back, but Franco is not. NFL players bust out with a "blah, blah, blah" rap — the only real word in the lyrics is "Madden." (We have to say we love the random girl in the tinfoil dress in yellow makeup as much as we love Hart and Franco.) Hart got what he wanted, but Franco's out for revenge. No one seems to think it's odd when an overgrown teddy bear emerges from the pool — in fact, Franco is so in the zone, he keeps playing the game while his house is on fire. But enough talk. Feast your eyes on what all the gamers will be yakking about on Monday.

Challenge accepted. That's what Gates said when Zuckerberg challenged him to what has become a viral awareness and donation drive for ALS (Lou Gehrig disease). The idea is that, once you have been challenged by another participant, you either cough up a donation or get doused with a bucket of ice water. Like most, Gates agrees to donate and get doused.

The 7-second video that will change how you feel about animal adoption >>

Unlike most, Gates geeks out on the task in an effort to "do it better than it's been done." He drafts up plans and a hilarious (though seemingly highly unscientific) prototype. Next we see Gates building and welding his own design (also hilarious, as we're certain he has "people" for this type of thing). Each time someone accepts the challenge, they challenge three more people. Gates invites Elon Musk, Ryan Seacrest and Chris Anderson from TED to join in the ice-bucket-over-the-head fun. The slow-mo is a nice touch, too. Behold, quite possibly the coolest (pun intended) and certainly the nerdiest ALS ice-bucket challenge video.

10 viral wedding dances that started the craze >>

Eaze is a new on-demand medical marijuana delivery service now available in San Francisco that, through its mobile app, can verify patient eligibility, contact a network of dispensaries in your area and dispatch the closest driver to deliver weed to your door, all in about 10 minutes.

Don't think this is some kind of sloppy stoner operation like Mr. Nice Guy from Dave Chapelle's movie Half Baked. This is a high-tech outfit designed to bring together tech and health care professionals, medical marijuana dispensaries and drivers to meet a community need.

"The process of acquiring medical marijuana can be slow, cumbersome and unpredictable," Keith McCarty, founder and CEO of Eaze says. "Often patients have to search multiple dispensaries manually each time they order as stock often varies. Verification of medical eligibility can take 24 hours and has to be repeated with each dispensary. Eaze's technology automates all of that so each patient can have a consistent, comfortable experience — and can focus on getting better."

McCarty has some serious tech chops. He helped build the social enterprise platform Yammer, which was acquired in 2012 by Microsoft for $1.2 billion.

Although only operating in San Francisco, Eaze is looking to expand into Washington and Colorado, two states which have recently decriminalized pot. McCarty adds, many patients who would otherwise be too embarrassed to be seen buying medical marijuana, through the Eaze mobile app, now have access to a more discreet transaction.

"Although the healing effects of marijuana have been researched and documented, the medicine is still subject to much controversy," McCarty says. "It’s a shame that patients requiring marijuana for chronic illnesses are often stigmatized. At Eaze, we developed technology to make it easier and quicker for patients to receive their medicine through professional delivery experiences."

Eaze is currently offering job opportunities for drivers and looking to partner with medical marijuana dispensaries in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boulder and Seattle. Eaze is also interested in hearing from you if you would like Eaze's mobile medical marijuana delivery service to expand into your city. Fill out the contact form and make your pitch.

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INTERVIEW: Degrassi's Cassie Steele on her new music video >>

Being crammed onto the small, dimly lit floor of the Bardot with those dark red walls can feel a little like waiting inside your mother's womb. It took an Indian girl from Norway to cut through the thick walls that we, as humans, put up around ourselves and the hefty, hypnotic beat of her drummer to help us further our escape from reality.

Samsaya's music is as easy to sink into as the atmosphere at Bardot itself. Loud and fun, her brand of salty pop pushes even the tiredest, heaviest feet to march along. And that raw, unique voice begs to be worshipped, hands lifted in the air above your head.

"It's such a reward to hear the crowd sing my songs back to me," Samsaya gushes, still clearly fueled up from the energy of the crowd each night. "I love how they just catch the lyrics so fast. Music is pure communication to me, so when I feel that type of connection, it's almost as if I'm having a conversation with each and every one in the crowd. I just feel ecstatic I get fueled, like that's my spinach and I'm freaking Popeye and [Olive Oyl] is the world!"

It's clear she's ecstatic from the minute Samsaya sets foot on the stage. There are concerts — you know the ones — where all you want to do is dance, but you're surrounded by unmoving people, their personal walls raised 10 feet high and 12 inches thick. As Samsaya bounces and kicks around the stage (an amazing feat considering the size of the stage at Bardot), she brings down all those walls. No one cares about hair tangled in strangers' hands, elbows knocking into lower heads. At Bardot, you disappear from the street. With Samsaya flailing around in front, you disappear into yourself. No one cares what you're doing beside them because they're just as captivated by that wild girl on the stage, lost in the overflow of feeling she unleashes with each song.

Proof she can bring it onstage:

"Regarding the music I make, I don't try to think about what it should be or how people perceive it. It's mostly what makes me feel good,' explains the singer/songwriter. "To me it's a conversation with my emotions, so most of the time I'm just getting it all out. I don't like to feel that I have to write it ever. I tap into the feeling I'm having and sometimes depending on what the producer and I feel in that creative moment is what comes out. I call it 'magma pop' to describe how the lyrics and melodies are built-up emotions that at some point demand release. It's pop in that sense that it's for people, from people."

For the people, indeed. On the surface, Samsaya's music is perfectly pop. But the heart of Samsaya, which she wears proudly not on her sleeve but on her face, makes her so much more than Miley, Ariana or Britney could ever be. Her heart, both the one in her chest and the one sweetly drawn around her eye, keep her focused on the people around her.

INTERVIEW: Icona Pop says we should all get naked >>

"I started painting my heart on my left eye for about four years ago," Samsaya says of her choice in face makeup. "It was to remind myself why I started with music and what it means to me. There was a period in my career where I felt like I was a passenger on someone else's ride. Music is very personal to me and it has always been there for me in my life. I don't ever want to lose that relationship, and I also like how it visually symbolizes how I want to view the world. To see others with my heart, stereotype-free. It's my heart vision!"

Lost in her music and enamored with her soul, we're seeing Samsaya with all our heart and hoping that soon enough, the world will do the same. Her new, self-titled EP starts with those upbeat tribal drums, is filled with synth to lose yourself in and littered with lyrics to connect with. Don't let her disappear into the shadows with the rest of the wannabes scrambling to make it to the top. As she says, "Bombay is calling" and you better f***ing answer.

For more music news and exclusives, sign up for our newsletter >>

In this super-simple but very elegant recipe, I used lots of ripe summer tomatoes that I cut into wedges and marinated for several hours in a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and herbs, with an added hint of sweetness from brown sugar. (Try to use a good-quality olive oil in the marinade, as it really does affect the overall flavor.)

The result is a very flavorful tomato that pairs wonderfully with the rustic grilled bread, whether you eat them independently or pile those tomatoes on top. Just be sure to get all that flavorful marinade from the bottom of the bowl.

Rustic grilled bread with marinated tomatoes recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:

For the marinade

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tomato salad

• 6 large Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 small bunch scallions, very thinly sliced
• 1 small handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 loaf fresh French bread, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Mix very well, and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the tomatoes, scallions and fresh herbs.
3. Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, and toss well. Cover, and chill for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Brush 1 side of the fresh sliced bread with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the oil side down on the pan, and grill the bread for 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Place the grilled bread onto a serving platter, and transfer the tomato salad to a serving bowl when ready to serve.
8. Garnish with additional herbs, and serve.

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Sriracha sauce is great, but sometimes it can be a little too spicy. I tamed down that flavor by combining it with Greek yogurt to create the perfect chicken marinade. Chicken does not have to be boring.

This crunchy, flavor-packed Sriracha chicken is the perfect weekend dinner recipe. Spicy, crunchy and packed full of protein. What's not to love?

Crispy yogurt Sriracha chicken recipe

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 chicken thighs
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, kosher salt and pepper.
3. Dip the chicken into the yogurt mixture, and then cover each piece in panko breadcrumbs.
4. To a large skillet or baking pan, add the breaded chicken. Spray the tops with olive oil spray.
5. Bake the chicken for about 1 hour, until fully cooked and golden brown.

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Pork chops remind me of growing up in the country. We were definitely a meat-and-potatoes type of family, and I probably still lean that way today. A good home-cooked meal to me is meat, vegetables, starch and a nice hot, buttery roll that just came out of the oven. This screams "home" to me.

My local grocery store was advertising pork chops this past week, and I couldn't pass on a good marinaded pork chop. Sweet tea reminds me of the summer, so pairing it with these gorgeous-looking chops was the only way to go.

Sweet tea-brined pork chops recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 quart sweet tea
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 pork chops
• Extra salt, for seasoning
• Olive oil
• Thyme, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, bring the tea, salt, bay leaves, garlic and nectar to a boil. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool. After 10 minutes, add in the ice cubes, and transfer the marinade to a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Add the pork chops, and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
2. Remove the pork chops from the bag, and set them onto a plate for 20 minutes before cooking them. Season both sides with salt.
3. To an iron skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Place the pork chops into the skillet, sear them for 2 minutes, and then flip them over. Sear them for an additional 2 minutes, and then place the heat on low-medium. Cook for 15 to 18 more minutes or until done.
4. Garnish with thyme when ready to serve.

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No-strings-attached encouragement

"The finest kind of friendship is between people who expect a great deal of each other but never ask it." – Sylvia Bremer

In today's society, we are programmed to think that no one does something for nothing. And, sadly, it's often true — even when it comes to something as simple as words of encouragement. You told your best friend it looked like she'd lost weight but, if you're being honest with yourself, it's because you really wanted her to notice that you'd dropped a dress size. We're all guilty of doing it sometimes. We are giving with the expectation of something in return. The next time you're chatting with your mom or your sister or your bestie, do her a solid and give her the gift of completely selfless encouragement — the kind where the only thing you hope to get back is a smile.

Open conversation

"It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter." – Marlene Dietrich

How can women have come so far in our fight to have the right to have a voice, and then not even use it to its fullest extent? The time has come to speak up. If women can't even talk to each other in full disclosure, how are we going to go out into the world and say what needs to be said? You should be able to talk to the women in your life about anything, and especially about things relating to your body — we should be able to tell each other if we're having vaginal issues without stifling a giggle or having to whisper. Open conversation is healthy and, even more so, liberating. Try it out.

License to be herself

"I always feel that the great high privilege, relief and comfort for friendship was that one had to explain nothing." – Katherine Mansfield

Once you've cleared the way for open conversation in your friendships, there's something critically important to keep in mind: You are now a judgment-free zone. If you tell your friend she can talk to you about anything and then you criticize, shame or ridicule her for what she tells you, you've just as quickly closed the path of communication. Give her a chance to truly be herself. After all, that's what being a friend is all about, right? If you can't be yourself around your girlfriends, when can you?

The truth

"What you didn't tell someone was just as debilitating as what you did." – Jodi Picoult

Just as you want to encourage the women in your life to be honest with you and with themselves in conversation, you should be honest with them as well. Not in a way that is critical or patronizing, but in that way that only women know how to speak to each other — gentle yet firm, soft yet harsh. Sometimes, the absolute best thing you can give your girlfriend is the truth. We often tiptoe around the truth for fear of hurting each other's feelings, but here's the thing: Your friend wouldn't have asked for your opinion if she didn't want it. And if she does want to be let down easy, you'll know.

Love, plain and simple

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou

As modern women, we have to be tough. Gutsy. No-holds-barred. There's nothing wrong with that, either. Sometimes, though, we forget to let our guard down when we're around the people we care about most. All of the gifts you've ever given the women in your life have been rooted in the same emotion: love. So let's start there. Forget the gift wrap. Toss the bow. Love doesn't have to be dressed up. Besides, what's more beautiful than a hug?

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The mouth

There are few things more frustrating than being mid-conversation when seemingly all of your saliva decides to skip out and leave you feeling parched — not to mention barely able to eke out anything other than small talk. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, doesn't have to ruin your day, though. "Treatment for dry mouth can be divided into the following three categories: saliva substitution, saliva stimulation and prevention of caries and yeast (candida) infection," explains Steven B. Horne, D.D.S. Staying hydrated and limiting caffeine intake fall into the first of these categories. When it comes to saliva stimulation, your best bet is to pop in a stick of sugar-free gum, chew on a raisin or — as strange as it sounds to deal with "cottonmouth" — wedge a small, tightly-wadded ball of cotton thread between your teeth and gums. As for prevention of infections, the key, of course, is practicing good oral hygiene.

The eyes

The discomfort of dry eyes is an altogether-too-frequent sensation for some people (like yours truly). And since eye dryness can be caused by a whole host of factors from allergies to staring at a computer screen all day, it can be difficult to predict or avoid. Happily, relief comes in the form of a sweet little over-the-counter bottle labeled "artificial tears." According to the National Eye Institute, these magical drops — along with gels, gel inserts or ointments — should be your first line of defense against dry eye. "They offer temporary relief and provide an important replacement of naturally produced tears in patients with aqueous tear deficiency. Avoid artificial tears with preservatives if you need to apply them more than four times a day, or preparations with chemicals that cause blood vessels to constrict. Doctors also recommend drinking plenty of fluids, getting lots of shut-eye and utilizing vitamins and supplements such as flax seed.

The vagina

Remember how I said there were few things more frustrating than dealing with a dry mouth? Well, dealing with vaginal dryness is definitely one of those. Nobody wants to be in the throes of passion only to be deterred by the fact that your vagina is as arid as Death Valley. Seriously, it's inconvenient and, quite frankly, it's painful. First, if it's something you're dealing with, get thee to a gynecologist. You're going to want to give your OB-GYN a heads-up, since there is a chance it could be health-related. Second, take a moment to size up the foreplay situation — sometimes a simple lack of stimulation beforehand can be the cause of dryness, so chat up your lover for a little extra attention. Once you've checked those off the list, head to your nearest drugstore and grab a few handy products, like Vagisil Moisturizing Wash. Oh, and lube. You can't go wrong with lube. And, here's some happy news, more sex is another solution. "Use it or lose it applies here," says Dr. Oz. "The more sex you have, the more you will stimulate blood flow to your genitals to improve lubrication."

The elbows

Why do elbows tend to get so dry and scratchy? What's the deal? Elbows are an unfortunate body part to dry out, because they are seriously unattractive when they're dry. They're sort of gray and ashy, like an elephant's forehead. But, unless you have a skin condition like eczema, the most likely explanation for your pachyderm-ian elbows is lack of hydration. To combat it, make sure you're chugging plenty of water and invest in a heavy-duty moisturizer or body butter. Or follow the advice from Dr. Andrew Ordon of The Doctors and slather your elbows in petroleum jelly before stepping into a steamy shower — it'll help the moisturizer penetrate deeper. Afterwards, pat 'em dry and top with vitamin E oil.

The feet

It's summer, so chances are you're going to be living in sandals. While that makes for some easy, breezy fun in the sun, it unfortunately also means that your feet are going to be exposed to the elements a lot more and, subsequently, be far more prone to symptoms of dryness like cracking and peeling. We know... yuck, right? If you've got some scaly Godzilla feet going on, a pedicure may be in order. In between trips to the spa, whip up this honey and sugar foot scrub created by podiatrist Dr. Krista Archer. You can also try coating your feet in body butter and sliding on thick socks to sleep in — that insider trick should help keep your pretty little pedicured feet nice and supple.

This post is sponsored by Vagisil.

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Look at your life. The jokes made in middle school about funky smells that didn't exist. The way no new porn shows a vagina with a natural covering: Everything is shaved/waxed bare or covered by a tiny wisp of hair. Comfortable, healthy panties are called granny panties — if you don't have a string of pearls up your rear, you're not "sexy." And don't even get us started on the placement of feminine hygiene products! Tampons and pads do not belong next to the adult diapers.

Society's rules for our vaginas aren't just crude, they're off-base and they need to be addressed.

Your vagina should not smell like lavender or "spring showers." Your vagina should smell like you. This expectation of fruity smelling vaginas starts in middle school, and we're not sure how. In junior high, your entire body probably smelled like cucumber melon or juniper breeze, right? Inevitably one gross boy decided to pick on a girl and his go-to insult? Telling her she smelled like fish. Where did that come from? Who taught him that? The minute one girl is accused of such a thing, everyone in the class suddenly becomes ultra-aware of how we smell between our legs. 15 years later, we're still wasting insane amounts of Burberry Brit on our underwear before date night.

Speaking of date night: How many times have you had to plan an extra hour into your afternoon to hit the waxing place or take a lady's BIC to your vagina? Why? Because, God forbid, your hot new boyfriend might see your vagina in its natural state? Puh-lease. Sure, some of us like the fresh, clean feeling of going hairless. But that doesn't mean we should be embarrassed to unveil our vaginas in all their glory after a busy month. If your boy scrunches his nose at pleasing you after a missed waxing appointment, scrunch your nose right back the next time he thinks you should get on your knees for a post-game reward.

We can't blame the guys for everything, though. At some point we have to dig a little deeper and examine where they're getting their beauty ideals from to begin with. Of course the answer is porn. Would it kill for just one porn star to suggest that when her boyfriend "surprises" her in the kitchen, she's wearing sensible underwear? (Or even underwear at all?) Why is it all strings, straps and strands of pearls? When a guy really loves you, he's going to think you're hot in some Hanes and his Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt. So, why are porn, Victoria's Secret and other clothing catalogs trying to shame us into something more uncomfortable?

Nothing, though, is as shaming as going to the store for tampons or other feminine products. Why should buying these products be any different than picking up aspirin or toilet paper? Sadly, picking them up feels like a massive and embarrassing undertaking. Why do we feel we need to bury our box of tampons under the bread and apples as we pile it all onto the the conveyor belt? It's pretty safe to assume you're not the only person making that particular purchase today. There's no need to be embarrassed.

It needs to stop. You look adorable in your polka-dot "briefs." And half of the country also shops for tampons. In the '70s, a full bush was hot and we're sure it will cycle back around... especially if we stop letting our significant others talk us into landing strips. Own your vagina in all its natural glory. And tell middle school boys, porn and drugstore merchandisers to stuff it.

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We spoke with the doctors at Walnut Hill Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dallas, Texas, to learn what your period is really saying about your health each month. Listen up.

1. Your period is lagging behind

The doctors at Walnut Hill said that a couple things could be going on if your period is slower and slower to arrive each month—or doesn't show up at all. "For a few years pre-menopause, menstrual cycles may become longer and symptoms may change," they said. That's right, if your normal 28-day cycle slows to a 32- or 33-day rate, menopause might be just around the corner. You might also want to grab a pregnancy test if your period suddenly goes missing.

2. Your period is too enthusiastic

Of course, a Speedy Gonzales period isn't a great thing, either. "If your period is on a cycle that's less than 21 days, that could signal that something is abnormal," reported Walnut Hill. Go to your doctor if your period shows up too rapidly each month, as a rapid period might mean a thyroid, pituitary or bleeding disorder problem.

3. Your period is more than you can handle

"Each woman's menstrual period is going to be as different as they are, so if something feels off to you, it may very well be," said Walnut Hill. One of the things for women to keep an eye on is the level of their menstrual flow. The doctors at Walnut Hill said you may have a problem if you bleed through a pad or tampon in 2-3 hours. Heavy bleeding might mean uterine fibroids or endometriosis.

4. Your period is accompanied by tummy troubles

Bloating, diarrhea and even nausea are normal symptoms of a woman's menstrual cycle. But if you don't usually deal with monthly tummy troubles, pay close attention if you feel queasy or nauseous. "Toxic shock syndrome may occur during menstruation," our experts said, "and it's usually characterized by high fever, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea." Toxic shock syndrome can be life-threatening, so seek medical attention immediately if you experience intense and unusual tummy symptoms.

5. Your period makes your head spin

Feeling dizzy? Surprisingly, period blood loss can trigger the onset of anemia, which can make it difficult for red blood cells to effectively deliver oxygen to your brain and lungs. The Walnut Hill docs said that you're especially at risk for anemia if you bleed heavily or pass blood clots. See your gynecologist first, but you may want to consider adding an iron supplement each month to address fatigue and dizziness.

6. Your period makes you double over

There's nothing quite like the special hell of period cramps, but unusually intense cramping can signal something is wrong. Severe cramping around the onset of your period could mean a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or a pelvic infection. "You know your period better than anyone else," the doctors said. "If you're concerned about your symptoms, including intense cramping, talk to your doctor."

7. Your period is confusing

"A woman's period can tell her a lot about her fertility, which can come in handy when planning for pregnancy," said Walnut Hill. Also, it's helpful when not planning on pregnancy. If your period is confusing and all over the map, you're missing out on helpful clues to your fertility. Talk to a doctor about your questions and concerns so you can approach your childbearing years wisely.

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Photo credit: Julia Wykes

The most popular article I've ever written was a happy breastfeeding story that started out as harassment and ended up awesome. In June, a mom was nursing her baby in her local Starbucks when another customer went to the counter and loudly complained about her. In response, the young male barista went over to the mom, offered her a free refill and gave her a voucher for a free drink next time she stopped in. He also told her that he was sorry she had to deal with the unpleasant customer. Bravo, barista!

Photo credit: Project: BreastFeeding by Hector Cruz

An adorable set of dads showed their support of their breastfeeding partners in a photo series titled, Project: BreastFeeeding. In March, we tracked down the photographer behind the project, who shed a little background and talked about how he hoped to help spread awareness for moms who need support in the home as well as when they're out and about. There is nothing cuter than a man cradling his child, and these dads certainly look adorable "breastfeeding" their children.

Technology improves by leaps and bounds each year, and it helps modern moms in ways their own moms never dreamed of. Google Glass, a wearable internet access device, even has the capability of providing real-time lactation support. While this idea started as a small initiative with five Australian moms, project leaders hope to roll it out to the rest of the country. It's exciting to see how technology can bring breastfeeding help to moms who may not have easy access to it.

Photo credit: Hawaii News Now

And sometimes even the crummy stories have a happy ending. Karen Penley's comments actually served to make changes at a homeless shelter after she expressed her unhappiness when she was told to cover while nursing her child — or she'd have to leave. I love that Penley had the courage to stand up for her rights, and that her bravery paved the way for other moms trying to get through tough situations.

Photo credit: Monica Beyer

Even though I've breastfed all of my kids, and done so plenty of times in public, I have never personally experienced breastfeeding harassment or discrimination. In fact, I've actually had positive experiences, such as the time when I was 21 and nursing my first baby. A woman who was sitting nearby said how happy she was to see such a young mom nursing, and that simple sentence of support made my day.

Isn't it great to read a nice, positive breastfeeding story? Do you have one of your own to share?

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When I had my first baby in 2010, I already had a 3-year-old child from my husband's previous relationship. He still had bottles and other abandoned baby things hiding in cabinets and corners. By the time I had my second one earlier this year, we'd acquired a whole lot of kid stuff. In order to have enough space for our family of five, we needed to shed some of our own belongings while keeping our newest member's stuff to a minimum. The following is my personal and comprehensive list of must-haves for newborns.

Infant car seat

I have used the Chicco Keyfit 30 (Amazon.com, $190) for both of my infants. But we also love this convertible Safety First seat (Amazon.com, $156) that can be used both rear-facing (5 to 40 pounds) and forward-facing (22 to 65 pounds). If you buy the latter, you only need to buy one car seat, ever! Just keep in mind they don't transfer easily to strollers should baby fall asleep in the car seat, which mine rarely do.

Baby carrier

Find a convertible baby carrier that does a back carry as well as front and side carries. The popular Ergo (Amazon.com, $115) grows well with the child, and the Beco Gemini (Amazon.com, $117) is the most versatile as babies can face both in and out from the front carry.

The options are vast. To find the absolute best baby carrier for you, check out a local Babywearing Meetup group. They happen around the globe.

Blankets

I use swaddle blankets to keep baby tightly cocooned for the first few weeks. Aden + anais blankets are functional, pretty and they become softer over time so don't forget to wash them before baby arrives (Amazon.com, $49).

Any receiving blanket will do. You need these close at hand for changing diapers, cleaning up spit up and keeping baby warm.

Clothes

Photo credit: iulianvalentin/iStock/360/Getty Images

I know, I know. Baby clothes are cute. Especially the tiniest ones. But my babies barely wore clothes in the beginning — they were always naked or swaddled, unless we were in the car on our way to well baby check-ups. Any parent will tell you that putting a newborn in clothes is not easy. I challenge you to keep your baby's wardrobe limited to five to seven outfits and pairs of socks, as well as two to three seasonally appropriate hats.

Diapers and wipes

I love diapers from The Honest Company (Honest.com, $14) and Seventh Generation (Amazon.com, $15). They both make great wipes as well.

Safe place for baby to sleep

If you plan on co-sleeping, I recommend using the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper or a guard rail on your bed (Amazon.com, $124).

If you want baby to have her own place for sleeping, try a hammock, a Moses basket or a rocking bassinet. I personally loved the Arm's Reach Hammock (Amazon.com, $122).

Baby monitor

Photo credit: mathieukor/iStock/360/Getty Images

This is a personal choice but I love having a video monitor. I didn't use one with my first child and I constantly woke her up by checking on her. A video monitor brings me peace of mind.

Feeding

If you're breastfeeding, you will need a good nursing bra so go to Motherhood Maternity or a similar store and get fit for one. You will also want this natural vegan nipple cream to soothe your hardworking nipples (Amazon.com, $9).

If you're working outside of the home or planning on leaving your baby for more than an hour at a time, you will need a breast pump. I love my Medela pump which was paid for by my insurance (Amazon.com, $238).

Whether you're pumping or using formula, you only need three bottles. Wash with soap and hot water after every use and you will always have at least one clean bottle ready to go.

Toys and pacifiers

I've never had luck with pacifiers so I can't recommend a certain brand, just be sure you buy BPA-free.

For baby toys, I love the Haba brand as their toys are eco-conscious and many are made with beech wood and colored with non-toxic stain (Haba.com, $10).

This lay and play is very popular with babies (Amazon.com, $37).

Fisher-Price makes great swings and vibrating chairs (Fisher-price.com, $45).

Toiletries

Your first aid kit should include at the very minimum a thermometer, nail clippers and a nasal aspirator.

You will also want baby wash and lotion. I love products by California Baby (Amazon.com, $24).

For diaper rashes, I use coconut oil.

What you don't need

You don't need a changing table or a wipes warmer. You don't need a crib in the beginning. You don't need many clothes, socks, hats, bibs or a special diaper bag. A large purse will do. You don't need a sound machine because a well-placed fan or air filter does the same job. You don't need more than a few toys. You don't need 10 pacifiers and 20 bottles and you don't need every type of baby carrier on the market. You don't even need a special waste basket for foul-smelling diapers. Any trash can with a lid, or any trash contained in a cupboard, will keep the stink contained.

My best piece of advice? If in doubt about what you need, wait until baby arrives. Those diaper creams aren't going anywhere.

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JacquesLeCoqGrande: I'm just curious if having a large amount of sex actually alters the size/shape of the vagina. Also, if a woman sleeps with a man with a very large penis many times, will her vagina change shape permanently? Or will it snap back to its original form eventually?

Dr. Margaret Villers: No — lots of sex does not alter the size or shape of the vagina. The vagina is very elastic and will return to its original size. A woman can have a 10-lb baby and I'll never be able to tell when I'm doing an examination.

3rddimension: If the only purpose of the clitoris is for pleasure, why has it evolved outside the vagina?

MV: I wish I knew.

GoneWildGinger: Have any women measured how deep their vagina is? I'm guessing almost every man has measured the size of his penis. But have any women measured their vaginas? I think you could do this with a long dildo, and marking how much you can fit when you are fully aroused.

MV: No one has ever admitted doing this [to me]. The depth of the vagina does not change when a woman is aroused or not aroused. Many times a gynecologist will measure the depth of the vagina if a woman complains of pelvic prolapse. It can help us figure out if the uterus is falling out.

dalekak: When you are in the pool, bath or any other way submerged, does water go inside your vagina? If so, what happens when you get out? Does it absorb like an enema or leave like water from the ears?

MV: No, water does not go into the vagina when you are submerged. The vagina is not a rigid space like the ear canal. It is just a possible space. When there is nothing in the vagina, the walls touch. The vagina is like a sock before you put your foot in the sock.

Backseatdriver28: Low vagina? Is this a real thing? So I was at a thing tonight with a bunch of friends and they were talking about a male friend who wouldn't stop talking about a girl he hooked up with that had a "low vagina." Apparently he later described this as having her vaginal opening extra close to her rear hole. Is this real?

MV: Yes. But I've never heard it called this. Everyone's anatomy is a little different. The area between the vagina and the anus is called the perineum. This distance varies from woman to woman. Some women have very long perineums and other women have very short perineums.

AdolphManson: I'd like to ejaculate in a vagina — are there any consequences that I should be aware of?

MV: Ummmm… pregnancy?

needtoknowthis: Not sure how to word this... have you ever pushed a poo out using your fingers inside your vagina?

MV: Yes. It is called splinting. Some women have nerve or muscle problems that make it difficult to have a bowel movement. Sometimes this can be a symptom of pelvic prolapse.

salted_vagina: Is it okay to insert a cordless bullet vibrator into my vagina?

MV: Yes, if you can get it back out again. The vagina is like a sock; there is a dead end at the cervix. Nothing you put in the vagina will wander out to other parts of your body (like your brain or your lungs).

If you can't reach it to get it out, you can see a gynecologist. Most of us have taken out vibrators or similar things at least once in our careers.

panties4sale: Any other ladies able to "inhale" through their vaginas? Like suck air into their vagina? I can. I can't explain how. I was just curious if this is damaging at all (stretching my vagina? hurting my cervix? taking in contaminants?)?

MV: I've never heard of this. I don't think it's bad. It's not going to harm anything.

Yes, your gynecologist can be this cool. So the next time you've got a question, ask your doctor instead of the internet. Chances are the answer will be a lot less dangerous.

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Christina Aguilera is expecting baby No. 2! >>

Aguilera's had a big weekend with the delivery of her second child. She and her ex-husband are already parents to 6-year-old son Max. It's been a big year for the powerhouse singer, too. Back in January, news of her engagement to Rutler surfaced, and now they've expanded their family.

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Aguilera recently put her baby pride on display for the latest issue of V Magazine, taking it all off and showing off in a belly-baring photoshoot by Brian Bowen Smith. In the feature, the singer says that she wanted to capture some "some blissful moments" before she gave birth. Aguilera isn't known for being camera-shy, so it's safe to say her desire to get nude wasn't a big surprise, either. "As a woman, I'm proud to embrace my body through all stages of life, staying fearless and confident in surrendering to the unknowns the future has in store," she told the magazine.

Party like it's '00 with Ricky Martin and Christina Aguilera >>

Pregnancy also had an impact on the singer's professional life. Less than a week ago, Xtina took to Twitter to share a shot of her full-term belly bump. While she wasn't nude in this photo, the big-voiced diva was in the recording studio with a pair of headphones next to her belly. In the caption, she wrote: "Baby girl getting first listen to what mama's been creating in the studio." Bring on the new music!

Send your congratulations to the singer in the comment section below.

New Downton Abbey promo photo features one big blooper >>

On Saturday, the show posted a photo on social media with the cast holding up water bottles. Describing the viral snapshot as "water bottle-gate," the caption explained that the cast has decided to pose with water bottles to poke fun at the recent headlines and simultaneously promote the work of WaterAid, an international charity.

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As for why there was a plastic water bottle left in the photo in the first place, the caption reads: "The official photograph of The Earl and Lady Edith was cropped and used during the launch of the new season, but it was when an un-cropped version of the image worked its way onto the internet that it sparked a global press frenzy." A spokesperson for ITV said that the cast and crew came up with the idea of turning the attention to an issue that really mattered and hopes that this new photo will help "raise awareness and amplify the work of international charity WaterAid."

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WaterAid's chief executive Barbara Frost was overjoyed that the show wanted to partner with the charity to support such an important cause. "How fantastic that the attention created over one water bottle ends up benefiting some of the world’s poorest communities through access to safe, clean water today," her statement read.

What do you think of Downton Abbey's response to the viral promo photo? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Practical yet fashionable skinnies

Photo credit: Steve Searle/WENN.com

Skinny jeans are fantastic because of their elasticity. They show off a woman's curves without fear of suffocation — in fact, many women say that their skinnies are their most comfortable pair of jeans. When you wear skinnies, you project that you're fashion-forward and energetic.

Best for: Any activity that requires a lot of motion — since they won't slide down — and a polished appearance. Wear while traveling, going for a walk or jumping around at an outdoor concert.

Party hardy with a flare

Photo credit: WENN.com

Look around the next party you attend. Who is wearing flare jeans? Most likely, it's the women who are confident and commanding in a group setting.

Best for: A night on the town. Or, if you're like January Jones, a nice lunch with toddler in tow.

Daring and sexy super-skinnies

Photo credit: Rocky/WENN.com

Not sure what super-skinny jeans look like? Think of jeggings. These jeans are so tight and so elastic that they could pass for leggings in the right light. Super-skinnies communicate sexiness, sultriness and confidence.

Best for: Clubbing. Rock concerts. Radio interviews. But please, ladies, don't wear these to work or your daughter's preschool.

Trendy and unique vintage wear

Photo credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Vintage jeans, like high-waisted bell-bottoms, totally have their place in fashion. They're incredibly versatile and they allow women to create a unique look that others can't copy. If you wear vintage jeans of any kind, you communicate that you're bold and unafraid.

Best for: Anything. Vintage wear allows you to create a unique look that can fit anything you want to do. And since it's trendy without trying too hard, you really don't need to worry about a misstep.

Maxin' and relaxin' boyfriend jeans

Photo credit: WENN.com

Could boyfriend jeans look any more comfortable? A nicely fitted pair of boyfriend jeans suggests that you're casual, laid-back and approachable.

Best for: Running errands, completing household chores or walking the dog. They're perfect for active women or a casual chic weekend.

Straight-laced and boot cut

Photo credit: WENN

Every woman needs a pair of boot-cut jeans in her closet. These jeans say that you're powerful and feminine.

Best for: Casual Fridays at work, presentations and first dates.

No-nonsense straight leg

Photo credit: TNYF/WENN.com

Straight-leg jeans get no love, and that's really a shame. They're flattering, but they also suggests that you don't take yourself too seriously. Wear them with a ponytail and you'll look completely adorable.

Best for: Multitasking moms. Are you going to work, then happy hour, then grocery shopping? The straight-leg is for you.

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