Parenting kids of various ages is hard. My youngest is 10 and my oldest is 18, and finding something we can all do together as a family that doesn't cost a gazillion dollars (vacations) or doesn't end up with an argument (which movie to watch) can be tricky. I want that family bonding time, but I also don't want my kids to resent family bonding time, which is why I love video games. I love Wii games in particular, because even though we own other gaming systems, the only brand I can count on to have content that isn't highly sexualized and doesn't contain extreme violence is Nintendo. I grew up with Mario and Yoshi, and I'm happy my kids are doing the same.

The weather has been really awful this winter where I live, with a lot of weekends spent trapped inside with nothing to do except play games together, and one of the latest we have is Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. This game is absolutely gorgeous and looks like it was made with clay. The gameplay involves moving Kirby through rainbows the player creates themselves by using their finger or the stylus, and one of the best parts of the game is that you can add up to three additional players — perfect for families. The game is bright and happy and candy-colored fun with a lot of charm and adorable characters. We have all been loving this one.

We also love all of the Super Smash Brothers games, and battling it out with my kids and seeing who can beat each other is one of the best ways I know to bond with them. Gaming with my kids also offers them the opportunity to grow by teaching me — many times, they have helped me solve a level or given me advice on how to beat a character, and it shows them that I think they are smart and that I value their input. Some of our best conversations have taken place when we are just sitting next to each other on the sofa, immersed in a game and just yammering about our day. I get as excited about games as they do, and we all talk about the new releases coming out and which ones we want to get, then spend release day playing together. It's just something we have always looked forward to. Other families share hobbies, go on trips, watch movies. Us? We'll be counting down the days until Mario Party 10 comes out.

More on video games

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This dish takes thick-cut pork chops and pairs them with a creamy mushroom sauce. It's hearty, filling and perfect for cold winter nights. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles or even seasoned rice.

Creamy, smothered, slow cooker pork chops

Adapted from Campbell's

These delicious pork chops are paired with mushrooms, creamy sauce and just a touch of spice. Easily made in the slow cooker, it's the perfect set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. Serve with noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 8 hours | Total time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut pork chops
• Black pepper
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Directions:

1. Lay out the pork chops, and sprinkle both sides with black pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the soup, diced onions, mushrooms and thyme leaves.
3. Place the pork chops into the slow cooker, pour the mushroom mixture over them, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More pork chop recipes

Sweet tea-brined pork chops
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Orange-crusted pork chops

Loyal, friendly and smart, Goldens aren’t looking for trouble, just a little grub and the occasional belly rub. If you are lucky enough to have a Golden Retriever of your very own, here’s a list of things only you can truly understand and appreciate.

1. Golden Retrievers give the very best cuddles

Image: Giphy

2. It’s scientifically proven that rubbing Golden Retrievers on your face makes wrinkles disappear (OK, not really, but puppies!) 

Image: Giphy

3. Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise, and sometimes you just have to get creative

Image: Giphy

4. Golden Retrievers are always ready for dinner

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5. Or even just a quick little snack

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6. Goldens are always up for a stroll around the neighborhood

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7. And they're highly intelligent

Image: Giphy

8. Golden Retrievers don’t make great guard dogs

Image: Giphy

9. They’re lovers, not fighters

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10. And sometimes they can get a little confused

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11. But no one’s perfect

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12. No other dog catches a tennis ball with quite the same enthusiasm as a Golden Retriever

Image: Giphy

13. Or any other kind of ball, for that matter

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14. For a Golden Retriever, there is no such thing as too many balls

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15. Flying papers? Not so much

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16. Golden Retrievers make the best friends

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17. They get along with everyone

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18. Their happy-go-lucky nature is absolutely infectious

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19. Goldens just want your love

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20. And they never get sick of you no matter how annoying you are

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21. Golden Retrievers make awesome snow angels

Image: Giphy

22. And they'll never turn down a nice dip in the pool on a warm day

Image: Giphy

23. Golden Retrievers just love to be in the water

Image: Giphy

24. Even if they don’t totally understand it

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25. Goldens are curious by nature

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26. They love to run and play

Image: Giphy

27. Which is totally exhausting

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28. And the number one thing every Golden Retriever lover knows is that the only thing better than one Golden Retriever are two

Image: Giphy

More in dogs we love

Meet the breed: Golden Retriever
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Cate Blanchett already has three boys: Roman,10, Ignatius, 6 and Dashiell, 13, and now she has a baby girl.

The Cinderella star's publicist confirmed the adoption news in a statement. "The Upton family [Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton] have adopted a baby girl. No further details will be provided."

Shortly before the news broke, 45-year-old Blanchett was spotted by a passenger at the Sydney airport toting a baby. "Just getting on a flight at LAX and #cateblanchett is on board. With a tiny baby," @smackedgob tweeted, before sharing the photo of Blanchett holding a tiny baby in her arms.

Australian Women's Weekly is reporting that her daughter's name is Vivienne. This is a pretty name of French origin that means "lively." Vivienne is quite the popular baby girl name among the Hollywood crowd, as Angelina Jolie and Ali Larter also have daughters with the same name. Country singer Jessie James has a daughter with the same name, only spelled Vivianne, while Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady have a Vivian.

The Oscar winner opened up to the Times Online in 2010 about her attitude on making movies and balancing motherhood.

"I've had to say no to things because I was pregnant, but then I had a baby, so it didn't seem like a sacrifice. I'm quite fatalistic — if something doesn't happen, then something else will," she said.

The Blue Jasmine star wanted to expand her brood, as she told InStyle that she wanted more children.

"I'd love to have more children," she said. "Just when, I don't know. But the thing is, we hadn't planned any of the others. They just popped out. So you shouldn't overplan these things. If it happens, it would be great."

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The show, airing Friday nights on WETV, explores very real — and sometimes very painful — issues couples face when it comes to intimacy and sex. On the show, each couple consults with a trio of psychotherapists and relationship experts before and after having sex in the large box situated the stage. The idea is to get the couples to bare their souls when their bodies are most vulnerable: right after sex.

One of the common themes between the couples on the show? Dying sex lives with no idea how to change it. It tackles the very real problem that happens when relationships change from new and exciting to boring and complacent. The sex is the first thing to go when a relationship hits the wall, but that can mean the end of a relationship.

"Relationships are built upon intimacy, which involves getting to know our partners and spending lots of time with them," says Sex Box relationship expert Dr. Chris Donaghue, Ph.D. "This is the closeness that makes us feel safe and secure, but it is also what lowers our sex drive. As we further build a life with our partners we create even more closeness and see sex as less of a needed resource."

However, it's the most vital resource in a strong intimate relationship. "Couples can overly rely upon talking and time together, forgetting that sex, with all the neurochemicals, hormones and other biological benefits, is our most powerful form of bonding," he adds.

Take one couple featured on this week's episode. Taylor and Jarric started their relationship going at it "like rabbits," but let the spark die off after she gave birth to their son. Ultimately, she revealed her own hangups about her body caused the rift between them. After some prodding and backstage conversation the pair went back to the Sex Box and did the deed, to good results. The extra bonding time was just what they needed to put the spark back in their relationship — and they reported a stronger relationship afterward.

"Sex is our fastest, most intimate, and most powerful form of bonding," says Dr. Donaghue. "Our lack of desire for sex is a sign that we are backing away from intimacy and connection."

How can you relate this to your own relationship and sex life? Dr. Donaghue says it's all about prioritizing sex and pushing through with intimacy even when you don't feel like it.

"Keep sex sacred. Nothing negative is discussed during this time," he says. "Push aside other responsibilities to lay around and spend sexual time with your partners."

"The longer a couple goes without having sex, the harder it is to begin again," he adds. "The spark can always be salvaged if a couple is willing to prioritize sex, have sex that makes them anxious, and bring eroticism into their relationship daily."

So go ahead and get it on... right now!

More on sex

The real average male penis size is going to make a lot of men happy
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What's Homer's favorite food? Probably doughnuts (though pork chops are a close second). What's his favorite beer? Duff, of course! Bart's favorite snack? Bloody arrowhead cookies (no, not shorts… sheesh!). What about Barney's signature dish? Omelets! Marge's secret ingredient? Salt! (Well, sometimes love…)

The Simpsons features food a lot, but only a few can be truly iconic. These are my picks.

15. Don't piss off the lunch lady

You ever seen a pissed-off lunch lady? Well, you have now, and those egg beaters look sharp. Seriously though, the lunch lady is one person you don't want to anger ever, because the ones who like you tend to slip you extra fries.

Of course, in the Halloween episode, Lunch Lady Doris ends up cooking the children and serving them to Principal Skinner and the teachers. So, you really don't want to upset her.

14. Selling your soul for a doughnut

In this clip, Homer shows he's (almost) smarter than the devil when he sells his soul for a doughnut that he almost doesn't eat. Then does. Then almost has to stay in hell. Then doesn't.

13. A message in the mash

Image: Giphy

In this case, the message is an epiphany Homer receives, that family has kept him from going to clown college long enough. From there, he goes on to be a moderately successful miserable clown. What does your mashed potato sculpture tell you about your life?

12. April Fools' Day disaster

Image: Giphy

It's a can of beer, which is kind of a food, that puts Homer in the hospital in this unforgettable, roof-raising April Fools' episode.

11. The all-syrup squishy

Such a thing has never been tried before for good reason. The end result is the same: Milhouse and Bart take the controlled substance and go hog wild. This leads to a musical review of some of Springfield's most colorful characters and even makes one of their albums.

10. Jetpacks: Being drunk beats being sober

Image: Giphy

OK, in all seriousness, the writers of The Simpsons probably think they're promoting a lifestyle that carefully moderates alcohol intake. Homer has been arrested, kicked out of his house, beaten up and generally humiliated because of his drinking. Then again, The Simpsons can't help but make all that drinking look fun. C'mon, Barney's riding a jetpack, for crying out loud. You think he's doing that sober? No way!

9. Homer on disability

Image: Giphy

It's hard to point to one food that causes Homer to bulk up (any that turn paper clear with grease will do), but for one episode, Homer puts on enough weight to qualify for disability. This allows him to wear a mumu, work from home and eventually stop up a nuclear gas leak.

8. Trapped in a vending machine

Homer's love of snack foods is a common theme in The Simpsons. However, rarely does it get him into this much trouble. Refusing to give up his precious bounty, Homer's hand remained trapped in a vending machine.

7. Never cook with butter

Image: Giphy

You might think this is a health thing, but really, The Simpsons has taught us that butter is best consumed raw, on a stick, covered in a waffle. Agree or disagree?

6. All-you-can-eat

No, those don't sound like the actions of a man who had all he could eat. Homer would go on to win his trial against the seafood buffet that kicked him out. His reward: as much seafood as he could stick down his gullet.

5. Lisa goes vegetarian

With the help of a cute little lamb, Lisa decides to go vegetarian. Later, Homer learns that pork and bacon come from the same magical animal, and we learn that Apu was the fifth Beatle. Not too shabby for one episode.

4. Frogurt

OK, really it's the creepy forbidden-wish-granting doll that Homer buys, but hey, it comes with a free frogurt! Of course, the creepy doll is cursed (bad), but the frogurt is free (good). The frogurt is also cursed (bad), but it comes with your choice of toppings (good). And so it goes. Anyway, yay frogurt!

3. Power Sauce bars!

Yes, powered by Power Sauce bars (which — spoiler alert! — are really just shredded newspaper), Homer climbs the most terrifying mountain in Springfield: the Murderhorn. He couldn't have done it without the boost he thought he got from the bars, and to his surprise, he finds out what his father ate when he too once climbed to the top of the mountain.

(Second spoiler alert: It was the frozen body of another climber. Fun!)

2. Guatemalan insanity peppers are either very good or very bad

Image: Giphy

OK, mainly the Merciless Peppers of Quetzalacatenango are a bad thing. Grown in the jungle primeval by inmates of an insane asylum, one touch of these little peppers is enough to make even the most ardent pepper lover run for the bucket. Still, somewhere our inner chili-head is secretly wishing we could find one of these things and test our iron stomachs against it, and as much as we'd like to call that a good thing, it's really still bad.

1. Food and politics don't mix

Image: Giphy

No, we're not saying you should eat a three-eyed fish, but few Simpsons fans will ever forget that Montgomery Burns' political career was killed when Marge served him a three-eyed fish from the very stream he helped to pollute.

More Simpsons-inspired food

Loaded glazed doughnut breakfast sandwich
Sausage pizza tacos
The Dizza: Half pizza, mostly donut, Homer Simpson-approved

While many of us work hard to help the communities around us, and support women and families nearby, it can be more challenging to figure out how to help women across the globe. What better time than International Women's Day to learn more about organizations doing this sort of work on a larger scale and find out how you can get involved?

Global Moms Challenge: The United Nations Foundation has partnered up with Johnson & Johnson to create the Global Moms Challenge, an organization that connects mothers here in the U.S. with moms all over the world. The organization connects you to the people and programs helping mothers worldwide, from "Peru to Pakistan," with specific focus on health and happiness for both mothers and babies. You can sign up at the website to learn more and start hearing stories from mothers across the globe.

Every Mother Counts: Founded by model, activist and mother Christy Turlington, Every Mother Counts is a New York City-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safer for every mother. From training birth attendants in Haiti to helping ensure safer deliveries for mothers in Tanzania, Every Mother Counts impacts women and children all over the world. There are many ways for you to connect and support the work of Every Mother Counts, from volunteering to becoming an advocate and even shopping! And, for the athletically inclined, Every Mother Counts has a thriving program centered on running/walking races to raise funds and awareness. Join Team EMC, and together, every mile you run can make a difference for moms around the world.

Image: Every Mother Counts

Circle of Health International (COHI): Based in Austin, Texas, this organization works to help bring quality care to women and children in crisis situations across the globe. COHI does a number of things to fulfill their mission including providing disaster relief in the form of volunteers, sending supplies specific to women and children in crisis, as well as providing professional training. How can you help? Like every organization, COHI accepts monetary donations and volunteers, but they also accept donations of supplies like sanitary pads, bras, soap, plastic gloves, razor blades and more. Why not get together with a group of friends to put together some supply packages that COHI can help distribute to mothers and children in need?

Women for Women International: For over 20 years, Women for Women International has been working with women in countries affected by war and conflict. By providing them with support, tools and the access to life-changing skills, Women for Women International has been able to help hundreds of thousands of women leave lives of poverty and crisis to ones filled with stability and economic self-sufficiency. Like many of these organizations, there are many ways to get involved from monetary donations to sharing your story or even a recipe.

In 1995, the historic United Nations Beijing Declaration imagined a world where every woman and girl can exercise ALL her rights. 20 years later, we’re asking: What has changed for women? What still needs work? SheKnows Media is proud to partner with UN Women on the Beijing+20 Initiative.

More on moms helping moms

Moms with a cause: A vision for Haiti
Mom story: I help the homeless rebuild their lives
Monday Mom challenge: Give the gift of charity

At the beginning of February, David Jones' 2015 gave us a sneak peek at the winter collection. All the classic '70 styles your mum used to love are back, from the oversized jackets and paisleys, to man-style suits. Check out how much you can save on these items if you find them packed away in your mum's closet.

1. The poncho

Burberry ponchos are a modern twist on the '70s style and can be monogrammed with your initials. But if you can't afford the steep price, then perhaps you can try your chances by asking your mum if she ever had one. (Burberry, $1,950)

2. The bold look

New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper has embraced the 1970s and use the bold and bright colours to inspire her winter collection. (Trelise Cooper, $749)

3. Culottes

Are they a pair of shorts or a skirt? Sometimes known as a "skorts", they're great for when you want to look ladylike without dressing too casually. These 'Backstage Jade Culottes' a great alternative to trousers on those mild winter days where the Australian weather is not hot enough for shorts, but too warm for wearing a pair of dress pants.(David Jones, $149)

4. Oversized Jackets

If you rifle through old photo albums you're sure to find pictures of your mum, even your grandma wearing big oversized coats in bright colours. They're back in style and look great teamed with a pair of flared jeans or skirt. (ASOS, $164)

5. Faux Fur

You can be a glamour puss with your very only faux fur jacquard coat designed by Stella McCartney. My mum used to have a similar jacket only the same colour as Seasme Street's Cookie Monster. If only she hadn't chucked it out thinking it would never come back in style. (Neiman Marcus, $1,950)

 6. The fringed boots

If your mum embraced her inner cowgirl, it's likely she had a pair of moccasin boots for a big night out on the town. If she kept them and they're still in good shape, you've just saved yourself a bundle. (The RealReal, $195)

 7. The wrap skirt

This 'Diana Ross by C&M Camilla and Marc' Wrap Skirt is a modern twist on the simple, yet classic wrap style. It's a wardrobe staple every girl needs, but if you mum has hers tucked away, you can save a fortune. (David Jones, $229)

8 The blazer jacket

The androgynous look for women is back in for winter. The single breasted blazer is a masculine look with a corporate feel, perfect for the working woman. You could see what Dad has hanging up in his wardrobe rather than fork out for this high fashion item. (David Jones, $391)

9. The handkerchief top

You can't go past the classic '70s-style handkerchief top. In fact, we love this so much, we're not sure why it ever went out of style. (Macy's, $47)

10. The crochet jacket

An oversized crochet jacket will give any outfit a boho-chic flavour. Perhaps you could dig out a crochet hook, a pattern and sign up for a YouTube tutorial if you can't afford the hefty David Jones price tag. (David Jones, $429)

More on beauty and style

How to wear the '70s look
Granny chic is the real deal — how to copy the trend
11 Banging lipstick colours for dark-skinned girls

1. Convert an old crib into book storage

Image: DIY Home Sweet Home

It's hard to part with your baby's crib. It means they're growing up, and that's a bitter pill to swallow. But this sweet hack allows you to extend the life of your baby's crib so you can hold on a little longer.

2. Use hanger labels to map out outfits for the week

Image: I Heart Organizing

This easy-to-create label set takes the guesswork out of planning your kid's wardrobe for the week, which will make you wonder why you never set up this system before.

3. Give an old dresser new life with chalkboard paint

Image: Kids' Activities Blog

What did parents do before chalkboard paint? Applied to a dresser, it helps kids keep their clothes organized. And maybe, just maybe, it can help combat the dreaded missing-one-sock epidemic.

4. Develop a meal plan

Image: Kids Stuff World

If moms added up just how many minutes each week we wasted trying to figure out what to make for dinner, well, it'd be an alarming number of minutes. Having a meal plan saves time, money and, you know, sanity.

5. Make a mobile art kit

Image: Stacy Vaughn

Art supplies are notorious for winding up everywhere but where they're supposed to be, but you can nip that problem in the bud — especially on road trips — with this DVD coloring case.

6. Turn an old dish rack into an organization station

Image: Kinderdi

This is one of those ideas that immediately makes you say, "Why didn't I think of that?" You can use an old dish rack to sort kids' school work, and the silverware holder even doubles as a pen holder.

7. Add magnets to your kids' cups

Image: Adventures in Pinteresting

If your kids are anything like mine, they have a special knack for misplacing their favorite cups — and then feigning devastation at the thought that they are gone. Keep track of their beloved tumblers with this insanely easy solution: add magnets to the back.

8. Contain shoe clutter using PVC pipe

Image: DIY Cozy Home

Shoes tend to take over, even if they have a designated space. Which is precisely why we are obsessed with this quick and affordable DIY storage system using PVC pipe. Functional and cool!

9. Start a family binder

Image: Thirty Handmade Days

With only a pretty template and some printer paper, you can ensure your family stays organized in every which way possible — from finances to school holidays.

10. Corral wrapping paper with a TP roll

Image: Mommy Shorts

Kids are expected to hit up birthday parties seemingly every weekend — and sometimes twice. Of course, this means you have a surplus of wily wrapping paper at home. Keep it under control using an unlikely source: an old toilet paper roll.

11. Cut notches in your bathroom cabinet shelf

Image: The Family Handyman

So simple. Yet so genius.

12. Don't let bibs get the best of you

Image: Definitely Jennifer

Bibs. What can we say about bibs? Either they're taking over your kitchen or you just can't find one when you need one. Eliminate those bib conundrums by slapping an adhesive hook onto the back of your baby's high chair and — voilà! — your bib woes are no more.

13. Transform an oatmeal container into a ribbon dispenser

Image: Curbly

Got a little princess who loves to adorn her ponytail with ribbon? Then you no doubt understand the frustration that comes with trying to keep ribbon organized without your entire life turning into one big tangle. This DIY project cleverly repurposes an oatmeal container to create a cute ribbon dispenser.

14. Turn an unused wine rack into an office supply station

Image: My CA.S.E. Studies

Let's be real — we all have at least one tabletop wine rack lying around that we've since outgrown. Don't Goodwill it just yet, though. You can easily use it to keep pens, pencils and other office supplies straight.

15. Give old diaper boxes a DIY facelift

Image: Mandy's Krafty Exploits

If you're a new parent, you could essentially buy stock in diaper boxes, you have so many lying around. Before hauling them off, consider glamming them up with paint and canvas to create supercute storage bins.

This post was brought to you by Glad® Trash bags now with the irresistible scent of GAIN™.

More clever organization ideas

12 Ways to organize your home using old Kleenex boxes
6 Ways to organize beauty products with office supplies
Your home office is in desperate need of these life hacks

The 1950 Disney movie Cinderella made the glass slippers as iconic as Dorothy's ruby slippers from 1939's The Wizard of Oz. Both pairs of shoes are endowed with magical powers, but why make shoes so powerful? Why not bestow Cinderella with an enchanted necklace or a mystical golden ring? To answer the question, we'll have to look back a few centuries at the origins of Cinderella's famous story.

While the story of the burdened servant girl turned princess has been around since ancient Greece, it was France's Charles Perrault who redefined Cinderella, or Cendrillon, for a European audience in 1697. It would be over a century before the Brothers Grimm published their version, called Aschenputtel.

More:  Lily James admits to a liquid diet for Cinderella, but it wasn't her choice

Some scholars think that the glass slipper, or pantoufle de verre in French, could possibly have been a misinterpretation of the term pantoufle de vair, which means "fur slipper." If the slipper was originally made of fur, it becomes a startlingly clear metaphor for a vagina, especially when the prince requires a body part to be inserted into the fur slipper to see if it "fits."

Other scholars argue that Perrault purposefully changed the slipper to glass for very specific reasons. In 17th century France, glass was very expensive and works as a metaphor for Cinderella's prized virginity — only a man of great wealth could afford it.

More: 8 Bizarre scenes from Grimms' original Cinderella you won't see in the movie

Glass slippers would also be incredibly difficult to walk in without shattering the brittle substance, so only a true princess like Cinderella could walk and dance ever so lightly on her feet.

In the new live-action Cinderella, evil stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) smashes one of the glass slippers to bits. This could represent her attempt to shatter Cinderella's (Lily James) image as as a pristine virgin, suggesting her hymen has been broken.

In the German version of Cinderella, the evil stepsisters cut off their toes and heels in an attempt to fit into the slipper, leaving the shoe bloody. This also works as the shoe being an analogy of a hymen, which is associated with shedding blood when it is first broken, implying that the sisters weren't chaste.

More: Cinderella's glass slipper reimagined by top designers

The glass slippers worn by Lily James in the new film are adorned with butterflies, taking the metaphor even further. Butterflies represent change and rebirth, something that will certainly happen to Cinderella when she marries the discerning Prince Charming (Richard Maddon) and becomes a princess.

Lastly, shoes are often used as metaphors in literature simply because they have a sole, which serves as metaphor for the soul. In Cinderella's case, it would refer to the purity of her soul, or her viginity.

Disney's live-action Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh, opens Friday.

Do you think the glass slippers represent Cinderella's virginity? Weigh in below in the comments section.

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Everything becomes exaggerated when Mars conjoins Uranus on March 9. This could lead you to overreact to slights, rebuffs and anything that strikes you as condescending. You’ll feel like people are trying to bring you down even if they’re not. This could result in dramatic scenes with your partner that won’t make sense to him or anyone else in earshot. Truth to tell, you’re not even sure what’s gotten into you. You have the fiery energy coursing through your horoscope to blame. There’s no dialing it down, so ride it out as best you can until March 31.

Next: Taurus horoscope

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News that there are going to be some changes in your home life may send you diving for the nearest foxhole on March 9. You’ve been through so much on the domestic front these past two years that you’re still shell-shocked from the experience. Rest assured that the news is as good as it is unexpected. Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and higher purpose, will be forming a propitious aspect in the sky. This could signal approval for a home loan, exciting developments in a loved one’s life or even talk of a new addition to the family.

Next: Gemini horoscope

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Saturn turning retrograde in that part of your solar horoscope that pertains to relationships makes a tedious situation even more laborious. If you’re trying to get together with someone, then you’ll see things get more complicated. If you’re filing for divorce, then the process will take longer than planned. And if you’re trying to turn a loved one’s life around, then you’ll find that turning around an ocean liner would prove infinitely easier. Expect to expend twice the effort for half the results, but expend you must. Saturn will be retrograde from March 14 to Aug. 1.

Next: Cancer horoscope

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You steer clear of heated situations. Part of it comes from being nocturnal by nature (your ruling planet is the moon) and part of it comes from being born under the sign of the crab and crabs often get cooked when they get too close to open fires. It’s why you’ll beat a retreat when things get too hot between you and someone you’re attracted to. Nevertheless it’s time to do something wild and reckless on Friday when the moon in Sagittarius encourages you to express what you feel towards someone you’ve been crushing on. You won’t be disappointed.

Next: Leo horoscope

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On March 9, your faith in that special someone pays off. It looks like he’s finally resolved to clean up his act, determined to make something of himself or ready to leave that loveless marriage. In any case you can tell that you’ve gotten through to him and that he’ll no longer fight you. He’s totally simpatico with what you want to do. It’s cause for celebration until certain complications arise on March 14. This is when you discover that the faith being tested isn’t your faith in him. The faith being tested is your faith in yourself.

Next: Virgo horoscope

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You have a problem letting others do things for you. It’s why you always pay your part of the bill, rarely ask for favors and give more than you take. What this stems from is never wanting to feel beholden to anyone for anything. Born under the sign of the servant, you never want service to devolve into servitude. However, Mercury in Pisces over the next 2-1/2 weeks shows people showering you with tokens of appreciation, gifts of gratitude and good works. It’s a spontaneous show of love. Try not to act like you’re being pelted with stones.

Next: Libra horoscope

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You really must draw upon that grace under pressure that is the secret source of strength for people born under Libra. Believe it or not there is a relationship worth salvaging once you decide to put your mind to it. Indeed it’s the huge demands that you make on yourself to be the perfect mate that has thrown things off balance. The sooner that you can put aside this need of yours to do things right by the other person and to be true to yourself, the sooner you will rectify your current situation and regain your footing.

Next: Scorpio horoscope

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Loved ones aren’t the ones being demanding; your schedule is. It’s clear from your scant hours at home that you are caught up in a triangle between love and work. Work has won out (no doubt about that with Jupiter crossing over your solar midheaven), but do you have to be so obvious about it? This is the source of the current disgruntlement and ignoring it won’t make it go away. Do yourself a favor and touch base with those you love. You say that you’re doing this all for them. Spending time with them would prove it.

Next: Sagittarius horoscope

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Saturn turns retrograde in Sagittarius on March 14. This brings your developing relationship to a grinding halt. This may be when you get cold feet, he’s called away for a while or complications arise that prevent you two from seeing each other as much as you would like. Saturn retrogrades often throw up a block and though we think we can surmount this obstacle, it’s really the planet’s way of saying that you need to take some time to be sure that this is the relationship that’s right for you. Saturn will be retrograde until Aug. 1.

Next: Capricorn horoscope

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You may be taken aback by the tongue-lashing you receive on March 11. It’s not unexpected. You’ve been at loggerheads with loved ones for weeks — reluctant to give approval when asked, poking holes in their dreams and leading them back to the very things that they say they don’t want to be a part of anymore. You say you’re doing this for their own good, but are you? People need freedom and encouragement to grow — even if it’s in ways you don’t understand. Give both of these unconditionally and you’ll discover something new about yourself in the process.

Next: Aquarius horoscope

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Usually Aquarians don’t do dark. That’s a Scorpio thing. However, the Mars/Pluto square on March 11 could bring about a meltdown. You could be seized by a wave of possessiveness, jealousy and even paranoia. One always goes a bit mad when Pluto is triggered, but your temporary bout of insanity could do some serious damage if you refuse to let a friend or intimate talk you down off the ledge. What it gets down to is that it’s hard to react to being hurt if you don’t acknowledge being hurt. Do that and you won’t feel so crazed.

Next: Pisces horoscope

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You were born under a zodiac sign that likes to search but not find. You yearn for things that lie beyond reach and are easily disappointed when they’re in your grasp. You have a romantic soul. But what makes you deep can also make you lonely. On March 12, Mercury enters Pisces for 2-1/2 weeks. Mercury in your sign is kind of like having a personal shopper. He’ll lead all kinds of candidates to your doorstep. Expect many knocks at the door, but it’s only by opening it that you’ll discover if he’s a dreamboat or a dud.

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Mardi Gras is supposed to be a celebration of the lengths we've come to get equal opportunity and equal rights for those who identify as LGBTI. But that message was overshadowed somewhat when both channels 9 and 7 decided to air a commercial against marriage equality. SBS, thankfully, decided to pull the ad.

"We hear about marriage equality a lot, but what about equality for kids?" a woman sitting in a playground with a child questions in the commercial.

Video: Australian Marriage Forum

The ad also features Dr. David van Gend, who is a family doctor and the president of the Australian Marriage Forum.

"Children have an equal right wherever possible to both a mum and a dad," he says.

"So-called marriage equality forces kids to miss out on a mother or a father. That's not equality for the kids who miss out. That’s not marriage."

It's any wonder both Channel 9 and Channel 7 aired the commercial at all, given the discriminatory nature of the commercial and the time slot it was organised for — smack-bang in the middle of the Mardi Gras parade.

A staunch supporter of same-sex marriage and independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, was the voice of reason on the subject, saying, "Same-sex couples make excellent parents, and the children of same-sex couples deserve the right to have married parents.

"I would like to dismiss the ads as being on the fringe of public opinion and clearly not representative of the way in which a strong majority of Australians support the LGBTI community, but I think we also can't underestimate the damage that these ads can do to vulnerable LGBTI people."

Surely, if it was a commercial against interracial couples, the commercial wouldn't have been given the green light. That's just one of the thoughts shared by the public on social media, who've been asking how the discriminatory and hateful message was allowed to be aired in the first place.

What do you think about the anti-same-sex marriage commercial that aired during Mardi Gras? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More on current events

Will My School improve our education system?
Should your sex life be part of the workplace?
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Make your guests feel comfortable and pampered with a guest bathroom that caters to all of their needs. Have it stocked with everything they might want — and a few things they probably haven't even thought of.

Start with a squeaky clean room, clear of clutter and personal items. Then add these things to have a guest bathroom ready to impress.

1. Toiletries

Stock the vanity with anything short- or long-term guests might need. Include cotton balls, cotton swabs, toothpaste, toothbrushes (store them in their packages), face and body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, new razors, shaving cream and feminine products. Set out a nice-smelling hand soap for an extra touch.

2. Medicine

You never know when a headache or allergy attack might strike, and guests may be hesitant to ask for meds. Keep aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, heartburn meds and bandages in the medicine cabinet where your guests can easily find them.

3. Towels

Put the threadbare stuff in your bathroom and set the good stuff aside for your guests. Get thick, luxurious towels and place them where your guests can find them easily. If you're hosting a party, remember to switch out the hand towels frequently so no one has to dry their hands on a damp towel.

4. Special extras

Give your guests a spa-like experience with loofahs, bath brushes, a pumice stone, bath oils and sweet-smelling soap for bubble baths.

5. New decor

Don't give your guests a dingy room with a faded shower curtain and mismatched rugs. Pick out a stylish new curtain, and get a matching bathmat and rugs that will feel good between guests' toes.

6. Trash can

The only thing worse than hunting for a trash can in someone else's bathroom is walking out of someone's bathroom carrying your trash because you didn't find a trash can. Put one in clear sight for your guests, and line it with a trash bag for easy and frequent changes.

7. Hamper

Guests never know what to do with their towels after a shower. If you have room, set out a hamper or a basket to put the wondering to rest.

8. Something that smells nice

When your guests walk into your bathroom, they should immediately feel relaxed. Set the mood with a great scent using a candle, plug-in air freshener, wax warmer or reed diffusers.

9. Flowers

Everyone likes fresh flowers. Put a small vase or pot of flowers on a candle or windowsill to brighten the room.

This post was brought to you by Glad® Trash bags now with the irresistible scent of GAIN™.

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1. Kalinda is leaving The Good Wife

Archie Panjabi, the Indian actress who plays Kalinda on The Good Wife, known for her fine leather jackets and stiletto leather boots, will no longer be an investigator for Florrick, Agos and Lockheart. The actress has designs on a film career and can be seen opposite Dwayne Johnson in the movie San Andreas, coming in May of this year.

More: Key and Peele want to see a female nighttime talk show host "yesterday"

2. Kalinda won't go out Will Gardner-style

Fans of the show were devastated when Will Gardner (Josh Charles) was murdered in the courtroom. But the show's creators say they can't do something similar because everyone knows Panjabi is leaving the show, while no one knew Charles was leaving. "It's a whole different beast," said the show's co-creator, Robert King.

3. Archie Panjabi will finish out the season

The Good Wife creators Robert and Michelle King confirmed that Panjabi will appear in the last three episodes of this season, which means it's unlikely she'll be killed, since most dramas kill off a character in the second-to-last episode. Still, anything could happen.

4. None of Kalinda's lovers will come back this season

Apparently, all the actors and actresses from Kalinda's past are busy working. "The problem is they're all on shows — damn them! I don't know what they're thinking. They should all make themselves available. So it's always coming down to schedules," said Robert King jokingly.

More: Good Wife star Julianna Margulies' marriage is crazy strong

5. The election for State's Attorney will not end the season

On the red carpet, Robert King said they will wrap up the election sooner than the last episode, then caught himself revealing the plot. He said, "Oh, look what I'm doing, I'm giving this away!"

6. No Nathan Lane

The fabulous Nathan Lane played the meticulous rule-follower Clark Hayden on The Good Wife, and we loved him. But the show's creators said he can't come back because he's currently performing on Broadway in the show The Iceman Cometh.

7. Oliver Platt is coming back for three episodes

Platt returns for a three-episode arc as R.D., the politically conservative businessman and avid hunter.

8. Diane and Kalinda will bond

Christine Baranski told us to expect her character, Diane Flockhart, to open up to Kalinda. "Expect to see genuine affection between Diane and Kalinda. She used to be Will's girl, but she's kind of been my girl," Baranski said. "I love working with her. She's such an interesting character."

More: Spoiler alert: The Good Wife's creators explain major plot twist

9. The Good Wife is unlikely to spin off another show

King said that as popular as the show is, it takes place in a specific world that can't be franchised. "This show has a very intelligent, specific audience that is not as wide-ranging as CBS would like," he said. It's definitely not a CSI.

10. Ed Asner returns to the show

Ed Asner will again play the lecherous billionaire Guy Redmayne, and we can only wonder what morally ambiguous situation he'll put Alicia in.

11. Will Gardner's character returns, but not Josh Charles

We will see a shadowy Will Gardner and hear Josh Charles's voice in a dream sequence, but we won't actually see Charles onscreen.

The Good Wife airs Sunday nights on CBS.

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Forbidden fruit is always the problem when Mars and Pluto form a square in the sky (March 11). You could become obsessed with your girlfriend’s husband, something out of your price range or a position at the top of the totem pole just because it’s there. Mars and Pluto don’t know when to quit, and they can bring a false sense of invulnerability. This could result in an expensive reality check. However, if you were to accurately assess your talents and play to your strengths, then you could wind up pulling off a coup on the 25th.

Up next: Taurus

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Even you will be surprised by how nasty an exchange at work gets this week. You knew that things weren’t exactly simpatico between you and a certain co-worker, but the vitriol will be pretty palpable. It’s hard to see yourself as being the one who needs to back down (especially when you’re the injured party), but that’s what you need to do. You may not be aware of how you’ve been pushing this person’s buttons. Walk away and let someone else put out the fire. Rest assured that you will receive an apology when tempers have cooled.

Up next: Gemini

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Did friends and associates get together somewhere and decide that this was the week to have their collective meltdowns? That’s what you’ll be wondering as you’ll be on call fielding one personal crisis after the next. In all fairness, the planets upstairs are dishing out some heavy cosmic caca, and people born under Taurus and Libra will be hit pretty hard. Thankfully, you’ll be spared the brunt of it, but you’ll still want to be on hand with words of advice, a shoulder to lean on and maybe a wisecrack or two.

Up next: Cancer

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There are no half measures when Mars squares Pluto in the sky. You are either in or out. This could pertain to a family matter, a business deal or a relationship. On March 11 you have to choose if you’re on board with what’s going on or if you’re going to bail all together. You already know that the decision you make (or don’t make) will have enormous repercussions, so there’s no point in forestalling the inevitable. All you have to do is go with what you think is best because deep down inside you already know it is.

Up next: Leo

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This is perhaps the best time of the year for you. You’re feeling emboldened and inspired, and people are really sitting up and taking notice. It’s the ideal time to launch a business, begin a relationship or scramble up the ladder of success. Yet you will undoubtedly be the object of envy and the target of others’ animosity. Thankfully, an added plus to Jupiter traveling through your sign is that it protects you from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Anything done against you now will bounce off and cause more harm to the hater than to you.

Up next: Virgo

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Sealing the deal will take longer than you think. That’s what happens when Saturn turns retrograde in that part of your solar chart that pertains to home, property and bringing matters to a close. On March 14 it looks like something that was supposed to go off without a hitch will become mired in complications. Most people would throw up their hands in despair but not you. If anything, you’ll take this as a challenge to your resourcefulness and ingenuity. Yes, it will take until August to sort things out, but you will — and all in nice tidy rows.

Up next: Libra

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It’s only natural to want to return fire with fire but that could prove to have disastrous consequences for you on March 11. This is when Mars, the warrior planet, will be at its most antagonistic. It will inflame the minds and hearts of the people around you, making them unusually combative, demanding and selfish. Nevertheless, it’s up to you to maintain your peace and calm while everyone else is losing theirs. The heated fever will pass (March 23), and when it does, people will be looking to you to help them rebuild all the burnt bridges.

Up next: Scorpio

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You’re full of excitement about all the big ideas you have in mind. Unfortunately, colleagues still have questions about how to proceed. Usually you’d walk them through the finer points, but the Mars/Uranus conjunction on March 11 will make you impatient, brusque and maybe even provocative. This is when you need to take a couple of steps back and remind yourself that you can’t just run around rattling people’s cages whenever you don't get your own way. It’s important that you keep your cool when people are feeling the heat and pressure just as much as you.

Up next: Sagittarius

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You believe that everything will work out for the best and mostly it does — except for finances. The Mars and Pluto square on March 11 will present some sobering truths. Perhaps it’s time you recognized that money could help you to accomplish what you want in life if you treated it with respect. Treat money like a friend (instead of something that rains on your parade), and it will treat you kindly back in the form of a job to your liking, a bump in salary or a reward for your efforts when you choose to make them.

Up next: Capricorn

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Ruling planet Saturn turns retrograde on March 14. It’s an interesting pivot because it will signal an end to that spiritual journey you recently embarked upon. Now this doesn’t mean that you found what you were looking for. On the contrary. Saturn’s retrograde will introduce the sort of monied job or responsibility that you said you were trying to get away from. Saturn is the planet of tests, and its retrograde will test your faith and belief in the new path you chose for yourself. Remember that sometimes you have to go backward in order to move forward.

Up next: Aquarius

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You will score an amazing coup on March 11, thanks to the extraordinary power of the Mars/Uranus conjunction. It’s been an uphill battle, and you’ve won it. But don't treat yourself to a victory lap yet. Instead, find something of your spoils to share with competitors and also-rans. Maybe it’s praise, recognition or even a piece of the action. This will prevent them from scheming against you in the near future. Empty bellies make them fixate on revenge while full stomachs make them want to lounge around in the sun and put off those plans for another day.

Up next: Pisces

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Saturn retrograde on March 14 gives you a necessary respite. If you haven’t been burning the candle at both ends at the office, then you’ve been working after hours to improve your skill set. You’re bleary-eyed, exhausted and could probably use a break. You won’t get it (sorry, this is Saturn), but things will ease up. This gives you a chance to look up from that wall of stone you’ve been scaling and to take in the view. You’ll be impressed with how far you’ve come. So impressed, in fact, that you’ll want to go right back to work.

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Speaking about a colleague who'd won a legal case of sexual harassment against a male superior, senior Sydney surgeon, Dr. Gabrielle McMullin, said women should perform sexual favours to those who ask for it instead of reporting them in order to avoid losing their jobs and ruining their careers.

"Her career was ruined by this one guy asking for sex on this night. And, realistically, she would have been much better to have given him a blow job on that night," Dr. McMullin said during an interview on ABC Radio.

"What I tell my trainees is that, if you are approached for sex, probably the safest thing to do in terms of your career is to comply with the request.

"The worst thing you can possibly do is to complain to the supervising body because then, as in Caroline's position, you can be sure that you will never be appointed to a major public hospital."

I am still picking up my jaw from the ground after reading that shocking statement. Comply with sexual assault, she says. Give the man a damn blow job, shut up and get on with it, she says. Say yes to sexual harassment if you want to keep your job, she says.

Following McMullin's comments, women working in the medical field have reportedly come forward, speaking to different media outlets about their fear of losing their jobs if they open up about sexual assault in the workplace.

On one occasion, a female doctor, who preferred not to be named, told Fairfax Media that she was told by a consultant surgeon to "get some knee pads and learn to suck c***".

This is something that goes beyond the medical profession, though, of course, and both men and women have shared their own experiences with sexism and sexual assault in the workplace on social media.

Share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

More on current events

Anti-marriage-equality ad aired during Sydney's Mardi Gras causes anger
Will My School improve our education system?
Should your sex life be part of the workplace?

1. Frame them

Image: House & Home

Vintage handkerchiefs shouldn't be relegated to a bottom drawer or some dusty corner. By framing them and creating a mini-gallery wall, everyone can appreciate your lovely linens. Plus, they add great color and texture to the space!

Image: Michellelunt.com

If this isn't brilliant, we just don't know what is. Interior designer Michelle Lunt found a clever way to honor the hard work and accomplishments of her client — a marathon runner — by grouping and framing her medals and hanging them on the office wall.

2. Create a cluster

Image: Ki Nassauer Style

Clusters do not necessarily equate to clutter. In fact, as evidenced by this beautifully curated collection of alarm clocks, displaying your collectibles in an organized cluster adds more impact to the grouping and gives the entire area more dimension.

Image: I Heart Naptime

Who isn't guilty of hoarding vacation souvenirs? We all want to feel like we've brought back a piece of the magic and tucked it away for those times we need a good memory. But Jamielyn over at I Heart Naptime has the right idea — ditch the tchotchkes in favor of sand displayed artfully in a cluster of glass bottles. Sweet and chic!

3. Use color as a unifier

Image: Tidbits and Twine

Part of what can make a collection look so overwhelming is simply the wide array of colors, patterns and textures within. Just check out the spectrum found in this impressive teapot collection! That's where color comes in handy. Using a unifying color — here, the soft emerald shelving — makes an eclectic collection feel more cohesive.

Image: Thistlewood Farms

Another idea for using color as a unifier is grouping items in like colors. This all-white display of vintage dishes and milk glass feels less like a collection of tableware and more like an art installation.

4. DIY a display area

Image: Completely Coastal

If you have a collection of bits or baubles you just can't seem to find a spot for, create a spot. Here, Completely Coastal upcycled an old bird bath by topping it with glass. The result? A conversation-starting curio table to hold all of her sea treasures.

Image: Schaaf House

We can attest to the fact that coffee mugs are perhaps the most likely item to creep up on you and turn into a full-blown collection. I mean, really, who doesn't love a good coffee mug? This DIY shelving display is especially smart if you are short on cabinet space.

Image: Daily Makeover

Not exactly the craftiest kid on the block? DIY-ing doesn't have to mean flaunting your wood shop skills. Daily Makeover offers an innovative twist on a display space for your collection of perfume bottles — a simple repurposed spice rack.

5. Think of it as art

Image: The Nesting Game

While you may not immediately think to put dishes on a bedroom wall, this space is proof enough for us that it might just be one of the greatest untapped design ideas ever. Set against a superdark accent wall, this perfectly grouped collection of white dishes is a work of art.

6. When in doubt, defer to open shelving

Image: The Southern Plate

Goodness gracious, if you are lucky enough to have a collection of vintage Pyrex like this, there is only one option — show it off! Stack it according to theme and color on open shelves or behind glass cabinet doors. Anything that beautiful deserves to be seen, right?

Image: A Little Bit Biased

Open shelving is also great for decorative linens you aren't content to simply shove in a hall closet. Quilts are made with love, and they're best when they're loved to nubby softness. Show them off in a tall, open-front armoire for a sweet, nostalgic touch.

This post was brought to you by Glad® Trash bags now with the irresistible scent of GAIN™.

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Gavin Fernando is a self-confessed Madonna fan and a gay man who first came out of the closet when he was 12. But is he proud of being gay? Not quite.

"I'm not proud to be gay," he says in a piece he wrote for News Ltd. "Believe me, I'm not ashamed either. I just don't understand Mardi Gras — the almighty gay pride parade."

It's not the celebration that he doesn't get, it's not the message of social equality and equal opportunity and respect, it's just that he thinks that message gets lost among the glitter, the Spandex, the butt cracks and the drugs.

Why does the blatant display of sexuality have to be linked to sexual orientation, he muses, failing to see the link between hot pants and political statements.

"I don't understand the undeniable fact that sex — glorious as it is — is everywhere you look, walk and breathe," Fernando says.

Don't get him wrong, though, he's not ashamed of his sexuality, not in the least, but it doesn't define him; his sexuality is such a small part of his identity that it's hardly worth a mention.

"My sexual orientation is so unremarkable — so batshit boring — that my idea of gay rights is holding hands with my boyfriend and walking down the street without anybody so much as raising an eyelid."

And that is where the real celebration of the LBGTI community lies for Fernando, not merely in brightly coloured floats and glitter-filled celebrations, but in walking down the street and not being seen as different.

"Because being gay is not my most defining feature. It's downright ordinary. And that, right there, is equality."

Kara, a conservation worker from the Sunshine Coast, says the Mardi Gras is an important event on the social calendar because it is a testament to both LGBTI and straight communities, showing their mutual support for each other and interconnectedness.

"I definitely do not think we should rethink gay pride," Kara says. "The Mardi Gras does not just do the LGBTI community justice but also the straight community justice as it's the single most important event we have [together]. I have the same amount of straight friends who support and participate in the Mardi Gras as I do gay friends.

"When I was younger, I was very out and proud, attending every Pride Fest in Musgrave Park and the annual Gay Day at the Wickham. As I've grown older, I've moved away from the scene, but I'm still very much gay and proud.

"For some people these events are all they have," she says.

What do you think? Do we need to rethink Mardi Gras and gay pride? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More on current events

Sydney surgeon urges women not to report sexual abuse at work
Anti-marriage-equality ad aired during Sydney Mardi Gras causes anger
Will My School improve our education system?

It's time to stop the presses and go back to perfecting your victory dance. Why? Well, I'll tell you why:

1. It's the 21st frickin' century

GIF credit: Giphy.com

Your one-night stand wasn't an abomination. Your reputation isn't tarnished. You didn't randomly sleep with a guy because you have 'daddy issues'. You did so because you're a woman with needs and desires who has just as much of a right to act on those needs as a man does. The only way to stop associating sex with a stranger as a bad thing is to stop feeding into the stereotype that it's a bad thing. Own your body. Own your friskiness. Own your decisions.

2. You're exploring sexually

GIF credit: Giphy.com

The only way to know what you like and don't like sexually is to experiment. One-night stands are perfect for that, especially if you don't want the emotional exhaustion and expectations that come with a relationship (friends with benefits can even be too relationshippy at times). Whether your one-night stand is mind blowing or an epic fail, you're one step closer to knowing exactly what does your body good.

3. You were safe and smart about it

GIF credit: Giphy.com

You used protection, you felt safe physically and had a lot of fun. Sure, you kept accidentally calling out "Todd" when his name is actually "Tony," but whatever. Clearly he didn't care because you both woke up the next morning with a limp. Just remember: The twinges of guilt afterward are only because society has programmed you to feel like what you did was wrong — but it wasn't. Except for maybe the Todd thing, but it's all subjective. Stop punishing yourself for letting go and having a good time.

4. Uh, you had an orgasm

GIF credit: Giphy.com

Not only did you have an orgasm, but you had one because of someone other than your right hand. Embrace it.

5. You slept with a guy who isn't going to waste your time

GIF credit: Giphy.com

The best part about having a one-night stand is you don't have to go through months of dating him just to find out he's not Mr. Right. Getting jiggy with Mr. Right Now ensures your sexual needs are met while saving yourself from drowning in a dating pool of duds.

6. You made a feminist statement

GIF credit: Giphy.com

You didn't just get laid: You proved all the ridiculous stereotypes weighing down your sexuality wrong by not falling for him. The joke's on you, society! (Plus, see number four.)

7. You had a "pure" sexual experience

GIF credit: Giphy.com

Erica Jong said it best in her 1973 novel Fear of Flying: "The zipless f*** is absolutely pure. It is free of ulterior motives. There is no power game. The man is not 'taking' and the woman is not 'giving.' No one is trying to prove anything or get anything out of anyone." And it's the truth: You don't have to be anything other than a horny woman looking to try out a few new positions... with a guy you'll forever remember as Furt.

8. And regarding that walk of shame...

GIF credit: Giphy.com

It's actually a victory lap. See those close-minded people over there trying to decipher if you're still wearing last night's clothes? They're just jealous, since you know, their private parts have cobwebs on them.

So the next time you wake up next to whatshisname with a condom wrapper stuck to your face, forget the walk of shame: Strut out of there like you're stomping a runway. (Unless he's awake, in which case he might take the fact that you're happy to leave personally.)

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When it comes to shedding pounds, a few age-old myths seem to still be honored as truths so we consulted some experts "weigh" in.

"The short of it is, any plan that doesn't involve making maintainable, healthier lifestyle choices is a myth," says Dr. Charlie Seltzer, a weight loss specialist based in Philadelphia.

1. Going gluten-free to avoid weight gain

While those with celiac disease require a gluten-free diet, the rest of us won't find many weight loss benefits by avoiding the protein. "If you plan on eliminating gluten to lose weight, I highly recommend a Plan B," Seltzer warns.

He said that most processed gluten-free products just substitute sugars and fat for the gluten-containing ingredients. That often raises the calorie content and can actually cause weight gain, something he has seen in his practice. He said if people plan to eliminate gluten by cutting down on processed foods to focus on lean protein, fruit and veggies, that's another story. As for losing weight, it will only result if you decrease your calories below what you need to maintain your weight. "And if you eat a piece of bread your head will not explode," adds Seltzer.

2. The grapefruit diet

The theory behind this weight-loss myth is that grapefruit is a "negative calorie food" meaning that it burns more calories to eat and digest the food than the food provides. Living on grapefruits can lead to nutrient deficiencies and slow your metabolism — and set you up to regain everything you lost and then some.

"If you don't address what caused the weight gain in the first place, you will not succeed," Seltzer says.

3. Food combinations that spark weight loss or gain

Food-combining diets are based on the premise that different foods digest at different rates and should be consumed in groups to heighten those factors. One principle is to avoid eating protein and carbs together. "Run like the wind from a plan that says eat as much as you want as long as you don't eat certain foods together," Seltzer said. "There is just no evidence this causes weight loss."

4. Eliminating carbs

While we can glean some important insights when we know about different kinds of carbohydrates, experts in the post-Atkins era say it's OK to enjoy them.

The general thought is to avoid processed carbs that are often high in sugar and white flour, and instead consume whole grains. Some fruits and veggies also contain carbs that provide essential nutrients and fiber. Working out as a way to lose weight? Another reason to enjoy carbs, because they are used as fuel during exercise.

5. Constant grazing and snacking over big meals

Fitness guru Jillian Michaels says on her website that grazing all day cannot help people lose weight. Not only can grazing lead you to inaccurately monitor calorie intake, but it can leave you feeling unsatisfied.

"By grazing around the clock, you’re preventing your body from burning fat," her website states. It also says that when you eat constantly, it releases insulin and puts the body into an absorptive phase so your insulin is storing sugar and preventing enzymes from releasing sugar to break down fat.

"The goal is for your body to be in “postabsorptive phase,” where it uses your energy stores for sustenance, and burns more fat," her website states.

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