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Swan bites man as he tries to take a selfie

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Swan

Swan

There he was, poor fella, just enjoying the scenery and watching the majestic swans mosey around the pond when he was apparently seized by a thought: "But first, let me take a selfie."

Then he was seized again... only this time, it was by a swan.

As the unsuspecting man was merely trying to artfully compose his frame, the wily bird stretched its neck over the chain-link fence and latched on to the guy's back. From the looks of the welt, it was probably pretty painful. I guess that gives new meaning to the expression "goose bump," eh?

Swan bites man as he tries to take a selfie

For the record, though, that selfie turned out pretty damn good. Still, consider this your PSA for the day. The message? Always practice safe selfies.

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Your butt will love this guide to jeans

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Flare jeans

Zoe Saldana leaving the office

Photo credit: WENN

When it comes to a flare cut, the actual flare of the jeans matters less than the start of the flare. A flare cut jean will fit snugly around the waist, booty and thighs, and then begin to flare out just below the knee.

Fit tip: The flare of the jean can make this a very forgiving cut for women who carry a little extra weight through the thighs and knees.

Skinny jeans

Hilary Duff gets a coffee

Photo credit: Owen Beiny/WENN.com

Your skinny jeans are designed to fit very snugly from your waist all the way down to your ankles. Thankfully, modern styles include elastic in the jean material, so the snugness won't translate into discomfort.

Fit tip: Don't play around with a low waistline on a skinny jean. The elastic in the fabric will cause the jean to slide down over your booty if it's not fitted firmly around your actual waist.

Boot cut jeans

Giselle Bundchen checking her phone in Soho

Photo credit: WENN

Boot-cut jeans are fitted around the waist and taper into the knee until they flare at the top or middle of the calf muscle.

Fit tip: Boot-cut jeans were originally created to fit around a boot, but can also be folded to fit inside a knee-high shoe for winter. The cut can also make them look like skinny jeans when they're smushed into a boot.

Straight-leg jeans

Jennifer Aniston takes a stroll

Photo credit: WENN

Just like the name suggests, straight-leg jeans are straight from the waist all the way down to the ankle. The leg should be fairly narrow (although a little wiggle room is nice), and there should be no flare or tapering throughout its length.

Fit tip: We love straight-leg jeans as an update to the reviled mommy jean cut. They're forgiving, comfortable and they look great with a pair of pumps.

Boyfriend jeans

Jessica Alba getting coffee

Photo credit: WENN

The boyfriend jeans are tricky for a lot of body types. They are fitted around the waist or hips, but lie loosely around the booty and the thighs before tapering in for and hitting just above the ankle. Boyfriend jeans should have a low waistline and look slouchy and comfortable.

Fit tip: These jeans are comfortable, but they should be paired with a fitted top to keep it casual chic.

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5 Questions your gyno is really hoping you'll ask

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1. Is it normal to feel [fill in the blank] during sex?

"You should talk to your doctor about any issues that bother you," explains Robert Conatser, M.D. "They might be normal, but let us discuss it with you." The warning signs of potentially serious medical problems related to sex, he says, include bleeding after sex, significant pain with sex and pelvic pain and/or vaginal discharge.

A large part of determining where those problems stem from is patient history, which happens to be what we women tend to clam up about the most. Carrie Brooks, a 28-year-old who had a cervical cancer scare a few years ago, admits that speaking about her sexual activity to her doctor intimidated her at first.

"One thing I was always uncomfortable talking to my doctor about was 'the number,'" she reveals, referring to the number of sexual partners she has had. "But then again, I figured if it embarrasses me enough to bring it up, it's probably important enough to talk about."

According to Gweneth Lazenby, M.D., being honest about your sexual history, no matter how momentarily uncomfortable, is imperative. "Patients should be truthful about the number and types of sexual partners they have or have had," she elaborates. "This is critical in determining whether or not they need STD screening and which infections to screen for."

2. Can doing [fill in the blank] during sex hurt me?

Risky sexual behaviors — which can include anything from having unprotected sex to S&M — nears the top of the list of topics women are frequently unwilling to bring up.

"These topics are very important to discuss with your physician, because frequently the complications arising from them are treatable," Dr. Lazenby says, "and, in the case of risky sexual behaviors, there are infections that can and should be prevented by modifying sexual behaviors."

3. Am I supposed to be peeing this much?

Or, along the same lines, is it normal to pee myself a little bit sometimes? For many women, urinary incontinence is a real and frequent problem. And, unfortunately, many of those women are too embarrassed to bring the issue up to their doctor.

"Women are less willing to discuss problems surrounding bodily functions," Dr. Lazenby divulges. "However, many of the disorders we encounter in gynecology are treatable with medical or surgical therapies. It is best to disclose to your physician any concerns you have about your body rather than suffer through the condition."

Peeing too often or "leaking" falls in that category. Asserts Lazenby, "Urinary incontinence is a disorder that is very treatable, and women who suffer with this should feel comfortable telling their gynecologist their symptoms."

4. Could the pelvic pain I've been having be a sign of something more serious?

The hard truth about suffering through a few moments of potential embarrassment is that doing so could save your life or, in the very least, a lot of pain and frustration in the long run. Most doctors have a laundry list of patients they wish would have told them about pelvic pain when it first started.

For Dr. Conatser, it's a "long list" — one that includes a patient who secretly suffered with pelvic pain for a year before ultimately being diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer. Another patient failed to mention she had been having pelvic pain and had skipped her period for five months. As it turns out, she was pregnant and had been drinking alcohol and taking medications that are harmful during pregnancy.

Whatever the issue, your doctor might be able to help. But there are other benefits to fessing up, too. "There is some comfort in getting something off your chest," Conatser posits.

5. How often should I be getting screened for cervical cancer?

Do you know how often you should be getting screened? Many women don't, and they don't bother to ask, either. "Many patients think that pap smears are done every year and, in fact, our national guidelines surrounding the frequency of pap smears have changed significantly," elaborates Dr. Lazenby.

Plus, there is something else women can do to be proactive when it comes to cervical cancer. Says Lazenby, "Women under 26 should inquire about HPV vaccination, if they have not already been vaccinated."

The bottom line

"It is very normal to have some fear asking questions," reassures Dr. Conatser. "That is why it is so important to form a bond with your physician so there is a level of comfort." And, he asserts, it may be time for a change if you and your doctor don't share an easy rapport. "You should seek out a physician whom you are comfortable with. It allows us to make better decisions regarding your health."

Marilyn Richardson, a 57-year-old mother of three and grandmother of seven, says that her longtime gynecologist is a treasured confidante. "When I went through my divorce, he gave me advice and even put me in touch with my lawyer," she reveals. "When I found love again and was considering re-marrying, he urged me to follow my heart."

What it all boils down to is trust. No matter what questions you're asking, what your doctor really wants is simply that — for you to ask. "I wish my patients would tell me what's bothering them," says Dr. Conatser. "I know that sounds simple and vague, but that's really what we as physicians want. We want to hear about the things that keep you up at night thinking… the aches and pains and feelings you've always wondered about. If it's bothering you, let us know, and we can reassure you or work to figure out what's going on and get it fixed."

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Love horoscopes: Aug. 18 – Aug. 24

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 20 – April 18)

Meeting his family and friends is always tricky. You want to make a good impression and win them on over to your side, but you also don't want to feel beholden. It's important to remember that a feeling of ownership goes both ways. They're just as possessive and protective of their relationship with him as you are of yours. The moon/Mars trine this week shows that this is a good time to get to know the important people in his life. The mixing and blending of watery energy shows that you share similar interests, humor and values.

Up next: Taurus horoscope >>

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TAURUS (April 19 – May 19)

It's best to take things at face value now. You know that there's more going on with him than he says, but it would be wise to steer clear of that. We live in an impatient society when it comes to information. We expect people to tweet about every little detail, but where — and when — do we allow them their privacy to withdraw into themselves so that they can process things emotionally and reflect? Show him how much you care by giving him his space. This quiet reassurance will invite him to divulge all when he feels ready.

Up next: Gemini horoscope >>

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GEMINI (May 20 – June 19)

The Mercury/Neptune opposition on Aug. 18 will bring out all of your "where is this relationship going?" anxieties. You'll want to know what he thinks, if he's serious about your future and when he's going to put a ring on it. Do yourself a favor. Grab the psychic remote and fast forward. This isn't the right time for this kind of discussion — especially since you don't even have a clear idea of what you want. Relationships have a life of their own despite our attempts to label them. Yours is doing a lot better than most people's.

Up next: Cancer horoscope >>

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CANCER (June 20 – July 21)

You're not the person you used to be. You've grown in ways that make it difficult to continue with your familiar role. You may feel like your friends don't get it, but they do. They know you've changed. It's just that it's not in their best interests to acknowledge it. Conventional wisdom says that if they ignore it long enough, then you'll revert to who you were before. Over the next few weeks you'll make new friends who are drawn to who you are now. This will bring a collision of worlds, but that's a horoscope for another time.

Up next: Leo horoscope >>

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LEO (July 22 – Aug. 21)

You can't do the relating for both sides. It's the biggest problem Leos face. You believe that if you can make your partner feel loved, special and like the center of your universe, then everything will be great. You assume that what's good for you is good for your partner and that can be problematic — especially when your partner wants to travel a different life path than the one you think he should travel. The next two weeks are all about getting back on the same page. Try to listen to him with an open mind and heart.

Up next: Virgo horoscope >>

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 – Sept. 21)

You don't take in emotional strays. You've been fooled before by their plaintive looks and involved histories. They create the impression that they're looking for a loving home, but no sooner do you take them in than they're scratching at the door wanting to be let out. And once out, they disappear. It's understandable that you'd be skeptical about this new love interest that appears on your back step this week; however, the Mercury/Neptune opposition shows you softening your hard stance. Yes, history may be repeating itself, but then again, you could be learning something new from it.

Up next: Libra horoscope >>

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 – Oct. 21)

This week you learn things about him that you suspected were true, but hoped that they weren't. Libras are often portrayed as being so idealistic that the mere whiff of reality is enough to make their air castles crumble to the ground. That might be true of male Libras, but female Libras are different. You tend to be much more shrewd, savvy and resourceful. It's never pleasant having your illusions debunked, but that happens in every relationship. What will be nice to discover is that he's bigger than his mistakes and not afraid to cop to them.

Up next: Scorpio horoscope >>

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 – Nov. 20)

It looks like you're turning a corner in your relationship and can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. So why are you disappointed? It's hard being born under a sign where life doesn't come easy. Accustomed to trudging through the mire, the idea of getting what you want seems foreign. Your love life doesn't have to be a source of angst. It can even be an upper given a chance. Let yourself experience the heaven you don't know instead of the hell you do. At least it makes for a nice change of pace.

Up next: Sagittarius horoscope >>

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20)

You pride yourself on being an adventurous free spirit. You project a devil-may-care aura that men find exciting. This is fine when things are on an upswing, but it's hard to maintain when luck isn't on your side. Thankfully Jupiter in Leo shows that life is getting easier, but you're not out of the woods yet. This would be a good week to share your worries and anxieties. You won't scare away a potential paramour. If anything you'll make his day. Contrary to popular belief there are still some men out there who like to feel needed.

Up next: Capricorn horoscope >>

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 – Jan. 18)

Flirting is fun. That's what makes showing up at Starbucks every day at the same time when you know that he'll be there or manufacturing excuses to bump into him at work so delicious. You both know what's going on and you're both thrilled. But being a Capricorn means that you're bound to feel guilty. This could lead you to stop cold, to confess all to your boyfriend, or to tell this guy whose name you still don't know that you're already spoken for. Give yourself a break. Exchanging naughty glances and double-entendres never hurt anyone.

Up next: Aquarius horoscope >>

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 19 – Feb. 17)

On Aug. 21 you discover that behind the bluster lies an insecure and needy child. You suspected this all along, but it's nice to have proof. Now most people would use this information to gain the upper hand and bring him to heel. You, however, will find this endearing. You don't like big egos. The chest-thumping and endless recitation of names and accomplishments can get old quick. However, introduce a little fallibility and some flies in the ointment and you're hooked. You like people who are real. It comes with being born under the humanitarian sign of the zodiac.

Up next: Pisces horoscope >>

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PISCES (Feb. 18 – March 19)

Be nice to men. You may see yourself as a victim — someone who's been misled and deceived so many times that you feel like now it's your turn to show guys what it's like. But what does that have to do with the fellow you're seeing? Are you really going to make him pay for what was done to you in the past? And even if you did, then what makes you any different from them? Tear up the scorecard and give romance a chance. True love will always be the best remedy for what ails.

More horoscopes

Your weekly horoscope

Beyoncé serenades Jay Z in first trailer for HBO concert doc

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Akon says Beyoncé and Jay Z's marriage is all about business >> 

In the 50-second black-and-white trailer, Queen Bey serenades hubby Jay with a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang." Decked out in a sparkly silver ensemble, the pop titan stands on stage and croons into her mic as Hova sits front row in the audience, smoking a cigar and watching his lady perform the number. Just a few lines into the song, cuts of an old record player begin to flash and scenes from the duo's colorful show fills the screen. However, these clips aren't from HBO's broadcast — the power couple's Paris shows, which are scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13, will be used for the concert film.

Just a few weeks ago, Akon shared his two cents on the rumors swirling around the couple and their reported road to splitsville. When approached by TMZ reporters, the singer/producer told cameras that their union is more of a moneymaker than anything. "Their relationship has been more of a business to the outside world than an actual relationship," he said.

Beyoncé, Jay Z divorce rumors continue rolling in >>

Us Weekly reports that Bey already has plans in store for when she decides to announce her split from Jay. A source tells the outlet that "she is done" after the couple wrap up their remaining On The Run tour dates in Paris.

On The Run trailer

On The Run trailer

Do you believe all the rumors about a pending split between Bey and Jay? Share your two cents in the comment section.

Weekly horoscopes: Aug. 18-24

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aries

taures

gemini

cancer

leo

virgo

libra

scorpio

sagittarius

capricorn

aquarius

pisces

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ARIES (March 20-April 18)

Expect to be beset by a wave of insecurity at work on Aug. 18. You may suddenly feel frozen out, like people aren’t sharing the full story, or that you’re being set up for a fall. Is this all in your head? It’s a reasonable question given that Mercury, planet of the mind, will be forming an opposition to Neptune. Neptune tends to increase the volume on the background chatter, which can distort things. It’s clearly not the time for big decisions, but you might want to watch your back, too. The influence dissipates on Aug. 22.

Up next: Taurus horoscope >>

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TAURUS (April 19-May 19)

Postpone giving your final answer until Aug. 30. You may feel like you’ve studied all of the options and possibilities and that you’re surer of yourself than you have ever been before, but a lot can happen between now and never. Indeed, there will be so many unforeseen developments, surprising about-faces, and last-minute saves that you might have a hard time keeping up with them all. You can expect to change your mind several times. Thankfully, the decision you make will be the right one, but you won’t want to repeat this experience anytime soon.

Up next: Gemini horoscope >>

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GEMINI (May 20-June 19)

You want a home life, but it doesn’t look like your career will let you have one — or at least not in the way it’s set up now. Being pulled in opposite directions by domestic demands and professional obligations is a dilemma that everyone’s familiar with. However, with you they seem to be almost mutually exclusive. Take this week to think long and hard about the future you want to create. Home and prosperity shouldn’t be an either/or choice. On Aug. 21 you discover a way to make them dovetail if you’re willing to be more audacious.

Up next: Cancer horoscope >>

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CANCER (June 20-July 21)

Creativity doesn't have to be such a big mystery. It’s not something exotic or otherworldly. In fact, many of us are much more creative than we think. We just don’t think of the millions of things we do every day as being especially imaginative, but they are. The Sun in practical Virgo from Aug. 22 to Sept. 21 will show you just how adept, talented and resourceful you truly are. These are attributes that you should stop taking for granted because all it takes is a little nurturing and mindfulness to turn these gifts into full-blown artistry.

Up next: Leo horoscope >>

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LEO (July 22-Aug. 21)

There is no such thing as easy money — especially when Mercury is forming an opposition to Neptune. Neptune is the planet of illusions and mirages, and when it’s powerful (like it is right now), then you will be unusually susceptible to the siren song of pyramid schemes, scams and frauds. You may think you’re savvier than that, but you’re not. Indeed, the more watertight the business proposition, the more likely that it’s sporting holes. Do yourself a favor and refuse to even broach the subject of money from Aug. 18 to Sept. 3. After that, you’re fine.

Up next: Virgo horoscope >>

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VIRGO (Aug. 22-Sept. 21)

This is an impossible week for any sort of reasonable negotiation. The more you try to pin people down to specifics, the more nebulous they’ll become. You have Neptune to blame for all of this shilly-shallying. Named after the Roman god of the ocean, Neptune’s placement in your horoscope right now points to everyone being at sea. You’re better off leaving that sale, purchase or contract suspended in limbo. You may think you have to act fast, but you have plenty of time to shore up details because that mental fog won’t be lifting until after Sept. 3.

Up next: Libra horoscope >>

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LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 21)

There are certain times when we live to regret the things we’ve said or done, and right now looks to be one of them. But there’s a difference between soulful reassessment and raking yourself over the coals. The first involves a delicate balance of objectivity and compassion that can only occur when you take yourself off the hook, whereas the second is so fueled by self-criticism that it will blind you to any lessons you might learn. The important thing is to grow from recent experiences. This can only happen when you’re standing in your own corner.

Up next: Scorpio horoscope >>

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22-Nov. 20)

Are you dealing with people as people or are they a means to an end? It’s an important question to ask when Mercury trines Pluto. We live in a “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine” world. Motives aren’t always pure and self-interest is applauded. However, there’s a way to benefit others as well as yourself, and that’s the challenge you’ll face on Aug. 21 when you’re presented with a certain opportunity. You could grab it for yourself or you could find a way for everyone to profit. It requires ingenuity and imagination, but you’re up to it.

Up next: Sagittarius horoscope >>

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20)

When’s the last time you purged your refrigerator? Took your clothes out of the dry-cleaner bags and hung them on proper hangers? Or weeded your garden? Sagittarians won’t win any awards for good housekeeping, but your environment still says a lot about your state of mind. If rooms are cluttered and unkempt, than chances are your thoughts and priorities are too. Take advantage of the organizational Virgo energy that will be coursing through your horoscope for the next four weeks. It will help you to get your house in order — both literally and metaphorically.

Up next: Capricorn horoscope >>

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan. 18)

That to-do list of yours just keeps getting longer and longer — not unlike a nightmare dream sequence where you’re racing down a hallway that stretches out endlessly in front of you. These haunting sensations often accompany a Mercury/Neptune opposition (Aug. 18), and try as you may, you just won’t be able to accomplish most of what you want. The best solution is to lower expectations, ask for extensions where you can get them and take things at an easier pace. You can’t fight the current when Neptune is this powerful. Thankfully, it only lasts two weeks.

Up next: Aquarius horoscope >>

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 19-Feb. 17)

Don’t get too heavy-handed on Aug. 21 when Mercury forms a trine to Pluto. A trine energy is a facilitating energy, which means you’ll get what you want in a sale or negotiation. You win — except that finalizing details will take longer than anticipated. The other party might vacillate, haggle or throw up one roadblock after the next. This could make you impatient and cause you to redouble efforts. Don’t. The people you’re dealing with are feeling outsmarted and like they lost their advantage. You need to allow for things like bruised egos and hurt pride.

Up next: Pisces horoscope >>

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PISCES (Feb. 18-March 19)

People will see you as the answer to their prayers on Aug. 18, thanks to the Mercury/Neptune opposition. They might regard you as uncannily prescient, deeply compassionate or the living embodiment of a cherished fantasy. You’ll have a hard time understanding what they suddenly see in you, but if that’s what they want, then why talk them out of it? This can be wonderfully gratifying, as long as you don’t take advantage. Make reasonable requests and they’ll be fulfilled. Get too grabby and you’ll face a wave of resentment after the hypnotic spell lifts on Aug. 29.

More in horoscopes

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8 Things you should probably know about your vagina

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As a medical doctor and public health educator, Dr. Anthony has a unique perspective on women's health. "I'm perplexed that women can have sex and babies, and still know so little about the vagina," she says. Anthony shares eight vaginal factoids that are good for more than a game of trivial pursuit — these bits of knowledge may actually help you live a happier and healthier life.

1. A happy balance

Your vagina is an ecosystem of bacteria and yeast, and most of the time it's in a happy balance. When something gets out of whack, though, you can get a yeast or bacterial infection. "Definitely don't douche," says Anthony. Douches can throw off the happy balance.

2. Check your status

If you're sexually active, you simply must test regularly for sexually transmitted infections. "Some women don't have symptoms. Get tested for at least gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis and trichomoniasis," says Anthony. Doing so can prevent the disease from spreading and protect your health and fertility.

3. Give it what it needs

"Vaginas are actually really good at taking care of themselves," she says. "They don't need a lot of perfumes or powders." Instead, give your vagina what it needs by keeping it clean and dry. If you want to extra steps to pamper your vagina, use products like Vagisil Moisturizing Wash that are designed to cleanse and moisturize intimate skin.

4. Appreciate its shape

There's a lot of shame surrounding the female anatomy, and some women don't even know what their vaginas look like. "It's going to be with you for life," says Anthony. She adds that you need to know what it looks like so you can keep an eye on skin changes that might signal cancer. "Take a mirror, lie down and explore," she adds.

5. A hole in — wait for it — three

Your undercarriage has three holes, ladies. "I'm often surprised that women don't know they have three holes," Anthony says. "There is a vaginal hole, anal hole and a urethral hole for urinating."

6. Map your parts

You'll enjoy sex a lot more if you understand where to direct the action. "If you don't know the [location of your anatomy], your partner won't know it either. It's important to know your package — especially the vagina and clitoris — so you can teach your partner how to unwrap it."

7. Understand discharge

"Most women have a normal physiologic discharge," Anthony says. But do you know what your discharge is telling you? A cottage cheese, fishy-smelling or colored discharge can mean an infection. Know the signs of abnormal discharge so you can act.

8. Know your normal

Every woman has a slightly different take on "normal." When it comes to vaginal health, only you can know what's normal for your body. Anthony concludes, "Know your normal and see a women's health provider if anything changes. It is also important to tell us the whole truth — believe me, we have heard it all."

Tell us: Which myths did you believe about your vagina for far too long?

This post was sponsored by Vagisil.

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Yes, it's possible to breastfeed someone else's babies

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By far my favorite celebrity that helped raise breastfeeding awareness this month is Jaime King of Hart of Dixie fame. In case you don’t know, King is a former infertility sufferer. She went through eight years of pain with undiagnosed endometriosis and PCOS. In nearly five years of trying to conceive, she went through:

  • Five miscarriages
  • Five IVF cycles
  • 26 IUIs
  • Preeclampsia
  • 26 hours of labor

At the end of it all, she had her beautiful son James Knight. As an ex-infertility sufferer, I connect with King’s story completely. I went through my own form of torture trying to have my two beautiful children. Many do not realize that, after the ordeal of infertility, it is difficult to trust your body again. Even women who were successful at having children after infertility often still expect their bodies to "fail." With the emotions and hormones running high after birth, any difficulty breastfeeding makes it easy for women to think their body is failing again.

Many moms who go through the pain and struggle of infertility end up using adoption or surrogacy as their method to build their family. Due to lack of breastfeeding education, those moms don’t realize they have options to breastfeed their children. Given the many breastfeeding myths floating around, I want to clarify one thing: you can often breastfeed even if you adopt or use surrogacy.

How is this possible? There are three options adoptive and surrogacy moms have to get breast milk and have the bonding experience of breastfeeding:

  • By using certain herbs and pumping, you can induce lactation even if your body did not birth a child. This is usually performed with doctor supervision, but there are also many guides online, including Breastfeeding Without Birthing.
  • To induce lactation, you need plenty of prep time. Some moms do not have that time, such as with a last-minute adoption placement. If this is the case, you can also produce small amounts of breast milk and use milk from the surrogate mom, birth mom, breast milk banks, or formula to supplement the supply.
  • Regardless of if you’re producing enough milk to satisfy all of the baby’s needs, if you’re supplementing with another source or even if you’re using all formula, if it’s important to you and your child to have the breastfeeding bonding experience, you can feed the baby with a supplemental nursing system.

No mother who wants to breastfeed should be denied the opportunity. Whether it’s trying to breastfeed in public, struggling to breastfeed after infertility, or finding ways to breastfeed when you adopted or used a surrogate, there are options. Doing research on methods will help make breastfeeding easier, and finding a network of support will make you feel less alone during the journey.

To see more of this conversation, check out: http://www.beyondinfertility.com/media/.

Photo credit: KIYOKO FUKUDA/a.collectionRF/Getty Images

Bacteria are runnin' wild in these 7 areas of your home

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1. Sponges

It’s super counterproductive to use a germy dish sponge to clean your dishes. And boy, is that sponge germy. Studies show that the moist, dark, porous area inside your dish sponge is the ideal place for bacteria from food particles to thrive, like E. Coli or Salmonella. To solve this nightmare, try once a week microwaving your wet sponge on a high setting for two minutes. After frying those bad bacteria, let your sponge cool before using on pots, countertops and any other part of your soon-to-be sparkling, bacteria-free kitchen.

2. Cutting boards

At one point or another, your cutting board will get to know all different kinds of foods, toting all different kinds of bacteria. Both wood and plastic cutting boards are at risk for contaminating your food, and both need to be thoroughly cleaned to avoid it. Plastic cutting boards should be run through the dishwasher often or washed with near-boiling water, and be completely dry before being put away. Wood cutting boards are porous and have deep nooks and crannies to harbor bacteria. To penetrate those hard-to-reach places, try washing your board with household hydrogen peroxide. Keep your cutting boards ready for gourmet food preparation any time you need.

Scrap Wood Cutting Board via Hometalker Rachelle F

3. Pillows

We’re very grateful to our squishy pillows after a great night’s sleep, but we don’t often consider how that downy surface is also an ideal trap for allergy-inflaming fungi. Sweat, skin particles, saliva... pillows collect all of that, attracting fungi and dust mites and causing a generally harmful situation. Keep pillows clean by washing them regularly, and try out anti-allergen covers for further allergy prevention.

Clean Feather Pillows via Hometalker Megan Rapp

4. Toothbrush

For the really germ-conscious among us, you probably try not to think too hard about this one. Your toothbrush, sitting on a shelf or counter in your bathroom, is susceptible to the far-reaching germ contamination from your toilet’s flush. Yuck. Decontaminating a toothbrush is a difficult task, but if you’re desperate, running it through the dishwasher is shown to disinfect it somewhat. The best thing to do? Keep toothbrushes in a cabinet or somewhere tucked away, and close the toilet when you flush. Change out your toothbrush every three to four months, and use your old one to get at some other tough to clean spaces, like this toothbrush cleaning trick for your humidifier.

Cleaning a Humidifier via Hometalk I Dream of Clean

5. Coffeemaker

You might think that running hot water and naturally antimicrobial coffee through your drip coffee machine would get the job done for you. But studies show that the water that runs through most coffee makers isn’t hot enough to kill anything that might be growing in the humid, dark air in your machine’s internal piping, not to mention that old coffee buildup affects the taste of a fresh pot. Don’t let your morning pick-me-up get you down. Try this tutorial for cleaning out your coffee maker using natural household products, like vinegar and baking soda.

Basic Natural Ingredients to Clean Your Coffee Maker via Hometalker Creek Line House

6. Toilet siphon jets

Because this area is under the inside rim of your toilet bowl, you’ve probably never noticed just how dirty it can get. Unfortunately, letting that area build up with gunk creates brownish residue and rings in your toilet bowl, making it much tougher to get it clean and sparkling. Prevent this phenomenon by cleaning the siphon jets with this tutorial, which uses vinegar, baking soda and water.

Keep Toilet Clean Longer via Hometalker Home Spot HQ

7. Phone

Your phone has been just about everywhere you have, except the shower, so it’s no wonder that it would be a carrier of bacterial infections. Whatever you touch comes into contact with your phone, which is often quite intimately close to your face and the area around your mouth. The fix is quick, easy and a good habit for those of us who have trouble disconnecting from our phones: Power down your phone once a week and give it a thorough wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe. If you don’t like the thought of those strong chemicals being so close to your face, try this tutorial for your own disinfectant wipes to get the trick done.

Homemade Disinfectant Wipes via Hometalker Saving 4 Six

For all of your cleaning needs, Hometalk has all the tips and tricks to help you out and get your home sparkling. Just try our Cleaning Tips page to get started.

Photo credit: Paul Bradbury/Caiaimage/Getty Images

11 Perfect Taylor Swift songs for every stage of your love life

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Now, I'm probably in the chorus of critics Taylor sings about on her new pop track, "Shake It Off." I'm a "hater" who insists she goes "on too many dates" and "can't make 'em stay" — in fairness, I say it with a lot of love and respect for her talent — but I still adore Taylor's music. It speaks to the range of emotions I have in regards to all things relationship-related. (Who else is with me?)

And to salute her new, soon-to-be-chart-topping single, I thought I'd flip through the Taylor Swift songbook to help you with whatever you're going through in your love life right now. No matter your mood, Taylor has a tune. Here's the definitive guide to finding one that speaks to your relationship stage:

When that promising new guy totally pulls the slow fade on you...

Play: "Shake It Off"

Why: Because when you suddenly realize, "OMG, this is a slow fade," all you can do is accept it, resist the urge to text him, save your dignity, have some Ben & Jerry's and... shake it off.

Key lyric: "Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break / And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake / Baby I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / Shake it off, shake it off."

Taylor Swift: Shake it Off

Taylor Swift: Shake it Off

It's been six months and you still can't move on from your last breakup...

Play: "All Too Well"

Why: Let's face it, most of Tay's album Red is dedicated to this very sentiment, but there's something about this track in particular. Maybe it's the bittersweet images of reminiscing about "plaid shirt days," "autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place" and still being able to picture it "after all these days" that hits so hard? Ugh, been there.

Key lyric: "Time won't fly, it's like I'm paralyzed by it / I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it... It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well."

Taylor Swift: All Too Well

Taylor Swift: All Too Well

When you're thisclose to texting your ex...

Play: "I Almost Do"

Why: The fallout will be way worse than the itch you're feeling to call him/text him/casually grab coffee by his place of work. Trust me. (Er, trust Taylor.) Just say no.

Key lyric: "And I just wanna tell you / It takes everything in me not to call you / And I wish I could run to you / And I hope you know that every time I don't, I almost do / I almost do."

When you go for the bad boy, and really you should've seen it comin'...

Play: "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Why: Because you really should have seen it coming. In fact, you probably did, because there is no other way to interpret, "I'd be a horrible boyfriend" other than "I'd be a horrible boyfriend" — but he was hot and charming, so you ignored it. Bad move. Let the self-scolding ensue.

Key lyric: "I guess you didn't care, and I guess I liked that / And when I fell hard you took a step back / Without me, without me, without me... I knew you were trouble when you walked in / So shame on me now."

Taylor Swift: I Knew You Were Trouble

Taylor Swift: I Knew You Were Trouble

When you FORGET TO GET THAT CUTE GUY'S NUMBER at the party...

Play: "Enchanted"

Why: You have my full permission to kick yourself for 10 minutes, and then revel in the evening of magic that was (and what could have been, sigh).

Key lyric: "This night is sparkling, don't you let it go / I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home / I'll spend forever wondering if you knew... I was enchanted to meet you."

Taylor Swift: Enchanted

Taylor Swift: Enchanted

When nobody seems to "get" why you're with your guy...

Play: "Ours"

Why: Sometimes relationships don't make any sense at all. (Whoever said they would, BTW?) And sometimes love grows between two total opposites — and it works. It can even be great. So listen to your heart, not the naysayers.

Key lyric: "Seems like there's always someone who disapproves / They'll judge it like they know about me and you / And the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do / The jury's out, but my choice is you."

Taylor Swift: Ours

Taylor Swift: Ours

When you break a good guy's heart and realize he's going to end up as your "one who got away"...

Play: "Back to December"

Why: Because, although the breakup sounded good at the time (when single life/another guy/career/friends seemed so appealing), it's finally hitting you how much you took his "amazing partner" qualities for granted. Now you're alone and directly responsible for your own heartbreak — and he's probably out there making some other girl really, really happy... Yeah. Some other girl. As in, not you. O-U-C-H.

Key lyric: "It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you / Wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine / I'd go back to December, turn around and change my own mind / I go back to December all the time."

Taylor Swift: Back ot December

Taylor Swift: Back ot December

When you find out he (*gasp*) cheated...

Play: "Should've Said No"

Why: An oldie but a goodie, this tune basically sums up everything you're thinking, feeling and want to say when you find out your man did the un-freaking-believable and cheated on you.

Key lyric: "I can't resist / Before you go, tell me this / Was it worth it? / Was she worth this?"

Taylor Swift: Should've Said No

Taylor Swift: Should've Said No

When you like a guy who is so clearly meant for you, but he is obliviously in love with some other chick... ?!

Play: "You Belong with Me"

Why: Not only is this song so catchy that it'll numb the pain, it's totally spot-on in terms of pleading confusion of, "How does he not see we'd be perfect together?!?!?" Whether you're 16, 26 or 36, it's always true.

Key lyric: "Have you ever thought just maybe / You belong with me?"

Taylor Swift: You Belong with Me

Taylor Swift: You Belong with Me

When you're finally totally over him...

Play: "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

Why: Because eventually, you reach that brilliant day when you can see all the reasons it was never going to work out anyway — and no amount of pleading will sway your heartstrings. And when you do get to that day, you deserve this song! *confetti*

Key lyric: "I'm really gonna miss you picking fights / And me falling for it screaming that I'm right... This time, I'm telling you, I'm telling you / We are never, ever, ever getting back together."

Taylor Swift: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Taylor Swift: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

When you meet a special guy who is truly your weakness, no matter how hard the relationship is to maintain...

Play: "State of Grace"

Why: Because sometimes great love is worth fighting for, plain and simple.

Key lyric: "So you were never a saint / And I've loved in shades of wrong / We learn to live with the pain / Mosaic broken hearts / But this love is brave and wild / And I never saw you coming / And I'll never be the same."

Taylor Swift: State of Grace

Taylor Swift: State of Grace

5 “Healthy” foods that can hurt your gut

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1. Wheat

Wheat

Photo credit: Karaidel/iStock/360/Getty images

Gluten is present in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, farro and other derivatives of wheat. Structurally, gluten is a two-part protein — consisting of a larger glutenin protein molecule that gives wheat dough its stretchiness or elasticity and gliadin, a smaller protein molecule.

The gliadin component of gluten is responsible for breaking down the microvilli lining in your small intestine and, over time, causing the tight junctions between intestinal cells to separate. The result? Intestinal permeability, or a "leaky gut" that allows undigested food particles to pass into your blood stream, causing allergies, digestive problems or autoimmune health issues. It can also affect the brain — manifesting as brain fog, ADD, anxiety and impulsive behavior.

Rx: For improved overall health, it is best to eliminate wheat from your diet altogether.

2. Soy

Soy

Photo credit: Fotosearch/Getty images

Soy has been touted as a healthy alternative to meat, dairy and other foods. But whether you're chowing down on tofu, soy milk or soy snacks, it's important that you know:

♦ Ninety-three percent of soy is genetically modified (GMO) — organisms that have been modified through genetic engineering — a technique used for altering a living organism’s genetic material (DNA). In other words, soybeans have foreign genes forced into their DNA. GMO foods can wreak havoc on gut flora, potentially causing antibiotic resistance (a big problem when you've been prescribed an antibiotic that can help you recover from a health crisis).

 ♦ Soy crops are heavily sprayed with pesticides. Toxins are stored in fat. Since soy contains 30-40 percent fat, it easily absorbs pesticides, which are passed along to you when you eat soy foods.

 ♦ Soy can inhibit thyroid function. Phytoestrogens in soy can trigger an autoimmune condition where your body makes antibodies that attack your thyroid hormone. Even if your thyroid makes enough thyroid hormone, your body won't get what it needs because the antibodies destroy it.

 ♦ Soy foods — like soy burgers, soy dogs and soy “ice cream” — are overly processed foods, often containing sugar, additives and fillers for taste and texture.

Rx: Skip the soy. Opt instead for eating real, whole, unprocessed, non-GMO produce, meats and seafood.

3. Whole grains (brown rice, millet, barley)

Whole grains (brown rice, millet, barley)

Photo credit: Multi-bits/Photodisc/Getty images

Grains are hard to digest for a number of reasons, including:

Phytic acid. Also known as inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), phytic acid is the main storage form of phosphorus in many plant tissues. It is present in the bran and hull of most grains and cereals. Phytic acid binds to and prevents the absorption of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Regular consumption of grains — all of which contain phytic acid — leads to mineral loss. A mineral deficiency may manifest in a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, decreased immunity, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain.

Gluten and other grain-based proteins. Like wheat, grains also contain gluten and other proteins that contribute to leaky gut — and attendant digestive and autoimmunity-related health problems.

♦  Lectins. Present in grains, lectins are mild toxins that are part of a plant’s defense mechanism targeted at the pests and insects trying to eat them. Lectins are resistant to human digestion. In other words, our bodies are unable to break down lectins during the digestive process. Not only can lectins damage the intestinal lining, they inhibit the repair of damaged cells in the intestinal lining. As a result, the gut becomes "leaky," allowing lectins and other food particles into the bloodstream. Your body perceives lectins as "dangerous," triggering an immune response to get rid of these foreign invaders. However, when you constantly activate this immune response (by regular consumption of high lectin foods), you can develop an allergic reaction. Symptoms may range from skin rashes and joint pain to general inflammation.

Rx: The best way to reduce or neutralize lectins is by sprouting grains; soaking, then cooking grains; or fermenting grains.

4. Dairy

Dairy

Photo credit: olgakr/iStock/360/Getty images

Conventional cow's milk and dairy products (sour cream, buttermilk, ice cream, cheese, etc.) contain the protein A1 casein. If you experience bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation after consuming dairy, you're likely reacting to the casein, which can hurt your gut. Pasteurized dairy also destroys enzymes, which makes milk sugars, like lactose, difficult to digest. If your gut health is already compromised, dairy protein will leak through the gut barrier and into the bloodstream, where it is viewed as an "enemy" by your immune system, which creates an autoimmune response and inflammation.

Rx: Depending on your ability to tolerate dairy, you may want to consider dairy from goat, sheep, buffalo or grass-fed raw dairy instead.

5. Nuts

Nuts

Photo credit: Creatas Images/Creatas/360/Getty images

If you're downing nuts by the generous handful, ease up! Yes, nuts are a source of protein, fiber and considered a healthy fat. Unfortunately, like grains, nuts are also high in phytic acid and inhibit the absorption of minerals, especially iron and zinc. Phytic acid also inhibits the work of important enzymes during the digestive process, such as pepsin (which breaks down proteins in the stomach), amylase (breaks down starch) and trypsin (required for protein digestion in the small intestine).

The nuts highest in phytic acid per 100-gram serving are, in descending order:

  • Brazil nuts
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Peanuts, roasted
  • Hazelnuts

Rx: The best way to break down some of the phytate is by soaking the nuts for at least 18 hours, dehydrating the nuts at a very low temperature in a food dehydrator or low temperature oven and then roasting the nuts. Be mindful, too, of overconsuming commercial nut butters, which are often made with unsoaked nuts. Look for raw, sprouted nut butters instead.

More on nutrition

The skinny on saturated fats
The pros and cons to drinking raw milk
The downside to antioxidants

Decadent turtle cheesecake dip, you're my new best friend

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Dessert dip is basically my new best friend. Especially this dip. It's packed full of cheesecake flavor and lots of pecans and chocolate chips. Trust me, if you want to impress your party guests, then you need to make this dip.

Decadent turtle cheesecake dip

Decadent turtle cheesecake dip recipe

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box Jell-O instant cheesecake-flavored pudding mix
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup caramel sauce, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Pretzels

Directions:

  1. To a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, cheesecake pudding mix, powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Mix to combine using a handheld or stand mixer.
  2. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
  3. Add to a serving bowl, and top with the remaining caramel sauce and a few chocolate chips.
  4. Serve with pretzels.

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Kids hilariously reenact Emmy-nominated shows (VIDEO)

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In the three-minute video, these adorable kids take on your favorite Emmy-nominated shows including Breaking Bad, Mad Men, House of Cards, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey and True Detective.

The video, which was just published on Monday, already has nearly 200,000 views.

Aaron Paul hosts Breaking Bad Emmy scavenger hunt >>

The video starts with Game of Thrones, with the kids arguing over who gets to be king in the throne room. Daenerys swoops in with her dragons (stuffed animals in this case) and quickly settles the dispute. She gets to reign. "All hail to Queen Daenerys," the boys agree after they've been smoked by the dragon. The silent scream completes the win.

Next, it's on to True Detective. We can hardly tell what this kid is saying as Matthew McConaughey's character Rust Cohle, but it doesn't really matter because that wig and mustache are to die for. Cap it off with McConaughey's signature, "All right, all right, all right," and this clip is set.

After that, we get up close and personal with Kevin Spacey's Frank Underwood from House of Cards and sexist with Jon Hamm's Don Draper. The Mad Men segment is made even better by the fact that the kid can barely remember his lines.

Billy Crystal to pay tribute to Robin Williams at the Emmys >>

Then it's off to Downton Abbey for some more jabs at women. (Hmm, the oppression of women seems to be a popular topic in television right now.) 

Finally, the spoof takes on Breaking Bad, complete with Jesse's beanie and Walter's beard and sunglasses. "This is the last time I trust my chemistry teacher!" 5-year-old Bradley Bundlie exclaims as Breaking Bad's Jesse Pinkman.

Watch the full video below.

Kids reenact Emmy nominated TV shows

Kids reenact Emmy nominated TV shows

The 66th Emmy Awards air this Monday, Aug. 25 on NBC.

I started “dating” a horse so I could have a better love life

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Bear with me for a second, because Joe is definitely a horse — but that's only because I have absolutely no business starting a relationship with a human male at this time.

Why, you ask? I have what I like to call a "checkered dating history," which is a euphemism for the sad truth that I'm a train wreck when it comes to men. I'm the type of woman who chats with 60-year-olds at a bar, because I think I somehow owe them a conversation when they buy me a drink. I'm the type of woman who gets engaged to a dude who literally stole my identity, because I'm scared to be alone. I'm the type of woman who allows a grown man to take me on a first date to his mom's house, because I don't want to offend him. For real. That happened.

In other words, I have very poor relationship boundaries, and my dating life will remain a disaster until I figure out how to grow some. And that's exactly where Joe comes in.

Joe the horse

Photo credit: Kristie Marie Photography

Learning how to date with the help of a horse

Joe is my therapy horse, which I still find humorous to put in writing. I always thought that equine therapy was for handicapped children and developmentally-delayed adults, so it was a little humbling when I made the call to Diamond LK Counseling for my first session of equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP).

My therapist, Lisa Kruse, is a licensed professional counselor with specific training in EAP. "Equine therapy is special because horses are afraid of humans but also strive to have a relationship with us," Kruse says. "It works well for women with relationship issues because horses can sense authenticity, and will respond to a woman's behavior like a man, except with more purity and simplicity." The simplicity of a horse's response allows a woman to learn how her actions either improve or damage her relationship with the horse — and then take her new experiences into dating and marriage.

A glimpse at Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

OK, so that sounds great in theory. But what does it look like in practice?

I stand in the middle of a stable with Joe, who weighs 1,800 pounds and could smash me into the wall if he wanted to. His size is a reminder of his danger, and the danger inherent in the building of any relationship. I'm scared to death, but I put on a powerful persona because I mistakenly believe it will protect me from harm. Instead, Joe nudges toward me and tries to bite at my knees.

From across the stable, my therapist encourages me to try authenticity with Joe, instead of acting like I'm unafraid. I think to myself, I don't know what to do with you, but I know I don't want you to hurt me and I want you to back away. In an instant, Joe's demeanor changes. He backs away from me, but looks at me and then closes his eyes to rest. He falls asleep just three feet from me, and I feel the tension leave my neck and shoulders as I burst into tears.

So this is what it feels like for a creature to respect my personhood and my wishes, I think. Slowly but surely, my horse is teaching me that my feelings and my wishes matter, in a way they never have with the men I've dated. Maybe there's hope for me, after all.

More about dating

The real problem with dating apps
Dating: It's friggin expensive
Think he's The One? Check his spit first

My kindergartner has two moms

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Notebooks. Folders. Markers. Pencils. All the glue sticks. It's time to get ready to go back to school. A new year. A new teacher. A new set of forms that say "mother" and "father" to be crossed out and corrected. Another year of the parents in the class assuming that Michelle, my wife, is our daughter's (only) mom and I, the gender-neutrally named Casey, must be the dad when they see our names on the class parent list.

"Mommy, why does my teacher only say one of my last names? Does that make Mama feel bad?"

It's a new school year for this two-mom family. Another year of coming out to the other parents. Another year of explaining that "yes, we can be a two-mom family" to the curious children on the playground. Yes, little one, we are both the real moms.

Our daughter is starting kindergarten this year. And though we live in the sometimes progressive city of Boston, we still have issues. Every single year. Thankfully, it gets easier as time goes on. Most families know at least one other same-sex parented family by now. Our friends joke that it's less common to be straight than gay around here, and sometimes that does feel true, especially while waiting in line at the vegan sandwich shop.

But still, preparing our daughter for kindergarten involves more than buying glue sticks and new public-school-uniform knee socks. Getting ready for a new year means another round of reminding her what the word gay means. We talk about bullying. We tell her that it's never OK for other kids to call her names because her family is different, just as she is never allowed to make another child feel bad for being different. Differences are to be celebrated at home and at school. We talk about how babies are made and talk about donors and adoption and mothers and fathers and grandparents and all the ways families can be created. We talk about her hyphenated last name and how two of her friends at school also have hyphenated names and why we chose that for her.

Her backpack is labeled and packed. She knows her story. She's ready to be different in some ways and just a regular kindergarten kid in all the other ways. She's ready to learn how to read and how to spell her last name. Now we just have to find a way to come to terms with the fact that our little one is big kid and off to kindergarten.

More on back-to-school

Tips for healthier back-to-school lunches
If you take away recess, don't expect kids to behave at school
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Jesse Williams discusses racism and Ferguson (VIDEO)

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Williams is a passionate activist and often calls for social and racial justice, and he has been praised for his powerful and rousing comments that he delivered on CNN. The actor appeared on the news network to discuss race relations after the tragic shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown.

T.I. talks Ferguson: "America has created a monster" >>

"I think we have to talk about the narrative, and making sure we're starting at the beginning," Williams began. "You will find that the people doing the oppressing often want to start the narrative at a convenient point, or always want to start the story in the middle.

"This started with a kid getting shot and killed and left in the street for four hours," he continued. "I've never seen a white body left in the street for four hours in the sweltering heat. The cop doesn't call in the shooting, the body isn't put in an ambulance, it's shuttled away in some shady unmarked SUV."

Donald Glover tweets poem about being black in America >>

Since the shooting, protests have broken out across the town and police released a video that shows Brown being involved in a robbery prior to his death. The Cabin in the Woods actor has called on journalists to "start telling the story from the beginning" to ensure that justice is served, instead of focusing the story around the fact that Brown stole cigars from a convenience store.

"This idea that every time a black person does something, they automatically become a thug worthy of their own death, when we don't own drug crimes — we're not the only ones that sell and do drugs all the time," Williams said.

TV's sexiest men: We're thankful for these guys all year >>

"That needs to be discussed, that is the story. That's what gets frustrating for people — because you don't know five black folks, five black men in particular, that have not been harassed and felt threatened by police officers. You can't throw a rock and find five of them. We're not making this up.

"There's a complete double standard and a complete different experience that a certain element of this country has the privilege of being treated like human beings, and the rest of us are not treated like human beings, period," Williams said.

Watch Jesse Williams speak about the events in Ferguson below.

Jesse Williams on CNN

Jesse Williams on CNN

The tiniest French bulldog takes a big leap (VIDEO)

Jimmy Fallon trims Jared Leto's bush (VIDEO)

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Jared Leto calls Ukraine fight "something really beautiful" >>

Leto, who has made quite the name for himself with his wavy, long locks of hair that put most women to shame, has a new addition to his wardrobe: an untamed mass of beard.

We have to agree with Fallon on this one. "I would take the beard down a notch... I would just take it down a little bit."

Luckily for Leto, Fallon has quite the talent for beard trimming. He promptly whips out a hairdresser's cover-up and a trimmer and sets to work before Leto has even really agreed to the cut.

POLL: Which Jimmy Fallon #hashtag bit was your fave? >>

Leto, who has been growing the beard since the Oscars, seemed a bit nervous as he graciously tipped his head back for the shave. "I'm very attached to it, so..." Leto says, ending the sentence by letting out a deep breath.

Leto, who is currently touring the U.S. with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, later took to The Tonight Show stage with his newly trimmed face to perform his single "End of All Days."

"It's a great song to play with a mustache... or a goatee," the singer said as Fallon whacked through Leto's beard.

Taylor Swift, Jimmy Fallon get nerdy for Ew! skit (VIDEO) >>

"Looking good!" one female audience member yelled from the crowd as Fallon took the beard down even shorter. We hope they had someone waiting backstage to even out Leto's new style. Fallon, though he had a lot of hair to go through, was doing a patchy job without a mirror.

"You trimmed my bush really good," Leto joked as he stroked the stubble left on his face.

Watch the full clip below.

Jimmy Fallon trims Jared Leto's bush

Jimmy Fallon trims Jared Leto's bush

Revealed: Ciara puts Future's mistress on blast

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Reports surfaced that the rapper had cheated on his lady, but there had been no mention as to who his mistress had been until now. According to Us Weekly, Future had been cheating on Ciara with his wardrobe consultant Tyrina Lee.

INTERVIEW: Ciara just wants to get lost in her music, and nothing will slow her down >>

"She found out about the affair through multiple sources in recent weeks," a source revealed to the mag. "There was clear evidence when she approached Future about the cheating. This was clearly not just a one-night thing."

The "Like a Boy" singer was devastated to learn that her baby daddy had been cheating on her all this time. Lee was apparently the rapper's personal shopper as well as his stylist specifically for his music and photo shoots.

Ciara kicks her cheating fiancé Future to the curb >>

Ciara had also been so happy about her forthcoming nuptials that she even previously gushed to Brides magazine about her wedding dreams.

The "I'm Out" hit maker revealed to the mag that she wanted her nuptials to be "indoors and black tie. For the palette, I'm not into loud colors. I like black and white, classic and clean." Unfortunately, the beauty will now have to wait a little longer before she finds the right man to walk down the aisle with.

Our thoughts are with the singer during this sad and difficult time, but at least she has one awesome man to spend her days with: her baby son.

Ciara and Future welcome a baby boy >>

10 Ways you're over-parenting your kid

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Unfortunately, seemingly perfect parenting can cause problems for your kids and your own sanity. Give yourself a break from the parenting rat race by ditching these "perfect" habits so that you can enjoy your relationship with your kids again.

1. Shielding children from emotions

Everyone loves a happy family. The problem, however, is that even happy families are also sad, angry, frustrated and disappointed from time to time. Allow your child to see your genuine emotions so he can learn emotional regulation and coping skills.

2. Choosing the best of the best activities

Your child doesn't deserve the best of the best. She deserves to have fun, and she deserves to not stress about how much money and emotional energy you've invested in her activities.

3. Not using a babysitter

A dad once "man-splained" to me that he and his ex never used a babysitter before their kids were ten, because they didn't want to trust their kids to someone else. I thought, "Wait, didn't you guys end up divorced?" Right. If you don't have family nearby, you simply must hire a babysitter to give yourself a break and to teach your children that there are other trustworthy adults in the world.

4. Demanding straight A's

When you demand for your child to earn perfect grades, it may work for a while. It won't, however, create a love of learning. If what you're really after is your child's love of learning rather than your love of raising a genius child, find ways to reward your little scholar that have nothing to do with the report card.

5. Purchasing only healthy foods

My mom bought only healthy stuff when I was growing up, and that translated into a lot of binge eating when I went to college. You can stick with mostly healthy foods in your house, but a few unhealthy options can teach your child the art of moderation before leaving home.

6. Using "shoulds" to control behavior

"Should" is a nasty little word that can generate both good behavior and a lot of shame. If you have a rule for your house, insist on it. But don't introduce "should" into your parenting language to control behavior.

Consider, for instance, the difference between these two mantras I often hear from women: "I should lose ten pounds," versus, "I want to lose ten pounds." Which one is dripping in shame, and which one enhances power and self-control?

7. Hyper-scheduling

Step away from the day planner. Packing your kid's schedule with activities is a recipe for burnout, so just pick one activity at a time. Remember that your child's downtime is when he learns to self-regulate, ponder and relax, which are hugely important (and disappearing) skills for the real world.

8. Building a reputation together

Repeat after me: "My child does not reflect on me." I know it's tempting to think he does, but enmeshing your reputation with your child's is a good way to destroy the relationship as he grows older and becomes his own person.

9. Satisfying your kid's every desire

It's impossible, so don't even try it. Children are remarkably resilient, so you don't need to worry about long-term damage if you can't get your kid everything she wants. You may even teach some virtues that are in short supply these days: diligence, patience and gratitude.

10. Believing that perfect parenting is the answer

You're going to mess up. Your child will be mad at you, and she may even have some fodder for therapy when she grows older. But the only way to really mess this thing up is by insisting that you can't and won't.

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