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My second child taught me the importance of my postpartum health

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This had a definite impact on my health. The pre-pregnancy runs that I did four to six times a week dropped to one or two brief runs a week. Strength training was non-existent, and my diet was whatever was quickest (granola bars were a staple). But thanks to good genes, breastfeeding and a whole lot of luck, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight by six months postpartum, and 7 pounds under by eight months. I bragged about how I lost the weight without even trying and was in denial about the muscle I had lost in the process. I was skinny-fat.

After my second baby was born, I was anxious to lose the weight. Since I had lost the weight without trying the last time, I figured I could lose it even faster with a little added exercise. At just under five weeks postpartum, I made the mistake of going for a run before my body was ready. I was horrified to learn that I had no control of my bladder. I was running to the bathroom several times a day to avoid an accident and kicking myself for my poor pelvic and core strength. Now I know that Kegels and core exercises before and during pregnancy may or may not have saved me from this fate, but at the time I felt like it was my fault.

At eight weeks postpartum, I decided to try a form of HIIT called Tabata — quick, intense sessions that come with the promise of burning more calories throughout the day. After my first round, my complete lack of endurance and strength were all too evident. I had to switch to push-ups with my knees down even though I used to be able to do 50 regular push-ups in a row. Bicycle crunches were impossible. I was once again angry with myself for my poor physical ability. However, this only made me more determined.

If I've learned anything, it's that I have to take care of me, and that doesn't mean I am ignoring my baby. If you are looking to feel better about your own health, keep in mind that making your health a priority doesn't have to take a lot of time. Here are four areas where I made an effort to make sure my health was as good as it could be.

Nutrition

Both pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect your bone health. And if you're breastfeeding, you will have a lower estrogen level, which compounds the problem and leads to decreased bone mass — generally between 3 to 5 per cent. The good news is that this decreased bone mass is typically restored within a few months after breastfeeding ends. Make sure your calcium intake is adequate by upping your intake of low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables (such as broccoli), salmon and almonds. I start my morning with plain Greek yogurt every day, eat salmon at least once a week and have increased my intake of vegetables.

I've now learned to stock my fridge with healthy snacks full of protein to satisfy me longer. My favourites are roasted chickpeas and "energy bites" made with peanut butter, oats and whatever else I feel like adding.

More: Nutritional guide for women

Hydration

In the first few days following delivery, you may develop an insatiable thirst followed by swollen ankles. This is your body's way of sorting out your fluid balance to re-coup the fluids lost as well as aid in milk production. Some women — myself included — experience an unquenchable thirst with every milk letdown. The bottom line is, listen to your body. I find it useful to always have a glass of water next to me when I sit down to feed. I increase my fluids after I work out and have a glass next to me at bedtime.

MoreHow to stay hydrated throughout the day

Core and pelvic floor strength

At six weeks postpartum, I was shocked to find that I still couldn't sit up on my own — a much slower recovery than my first and likely due to no core strength training after. However, you may find your core strength difficult to restore due to a condition known as diastasis recti, or ab separation. Make sure to speak with your health care provider at your six-week postpartum visit to be checked for this condition, as physiotherapy may be indicated. They will teach you which exercises to do and which ones to avoid.

If there is one thing you are going to do after having your baby, Kegels should be it. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Do this at least three times a day. It is best done lying on your back. If incontinence is still occurring or you suspect pelvic floor prolapse (vaginal bulge, pain during intercourse, incontinence or inability to fully empty either your bladder or bowels), check for a pelvic floor physiotherapist in your area. (Yes! There are physiotherapists for that too!)

More: 8 Workout moves with baby in tow

Exercise

New moms are mostly focused on losing weight, but what about just feeling better? Before you start exercising, wait until you've gotten the all-clear from your physician or midwife, usually around six weeks. Start off slowly, and seek professional assistance if you're new to avoid injury. Strength training will aid in weight loss long term, as muscle burns more fat. Don't just focus on the scale initially, as it sometimes goes up before it goes down. Focus on how your clothes fit, and take measurements if you like.

Aim for short strength-training sessions three times a week, and slowly add in cardio three to five times a week. Some of your cardio sessions can be as simple as a stroller walk. Be very careful to not exercise too hard, too fast, and remember that your body is still recovering. You are more prone to injury, as your ligaments are still loose from pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, assure proper hydration, and don't push it too hard so that your milk supply is not affected. Baby-and-me exercise classes are a great way to bond with your baby while getting in shape (and they're a little easier on the guilt factor).

More on postpartum health

Mental Health Month: What is postpartum anxiety?
Workout moves with baby in tow
What to expect at your postpartum checkup


7 Stars react to Can't Buy Me Love actress Amanda Peterson's death

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Peterson, who had been a professional actress since she was a child and had a role in Annie, was found dead in her Colorado apartment over the weekend after her family couldn't get in touch with her for several days.

More: B.B. King's daughters make a shocking accusation about their dad's death

While Peterson's cause of death has yet to be determined, it appears that foul play was not a factor and her father told TMZ that she "had some illness and a sleep apnea problem that may have contributed."

Despite leaving Hollywood in the '90s, Peterson and her iconic character, Cindy Mancini, in the Patrick Dempsey teen flick, Can't Buy Me Love, are fondly remembered by legions of fans — and celebs paid tribute to her on Twitter upon the news of her passing.

More: Old-school movies to watch for family movie night

Celebs react to Amanda Peterson's death

Celebs react to Amanda Peterson's death

More: Patrick Dempsey tries to convince everybody there was no feud on Grey's Anatomy

But one star has surprisingly stayed silent: Patrick Dempsey. He has yet to make a press statement and his last tweet was on June 27.

The outpouring from other celebs is unsurprising to Peterson's mother, though. "I just think she was a precious person and it's a big loss," Sylvia Peterson told Us Weekly. "That's all I can say."

7 Things to think about when planning a garden

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The first thing you have to think about is how much you want to spend. Like any project you have going on, this will determine the outcome. What's that they say about caviar taste on a beans-and-franks budget?

Pools, for example, are wonderful but they eat up a lot of the budget, require maintenance and take up a lot of real estate in a yard.

Garden 1

For a smaller budget, something like vegetable gardens may be a better choice. I love the rustic towers for beans to twine up. They can add so much character. How great this will look when everything grows in!

Garden 2

So, if you're ready to get started on your garden, here are some tips to get you started.

1. Decide how you'll use your garden

It can be a zen oasis, a play area for your kids and pets, an entertainment area with a kitchen and tv, a source of food, a perennial border to look at and cut flowers from, a swimming spot... the list goes on.

2. Think about exposure

Sun and shade play a big part in plant selection as well as the placement of structures, patios, vegetable gardens, etc. Make note of the exposure for two or three seasons if you can.

3. Consider soil type

Soil type. Especially if you're doing a lot of planting, the soil is the foundation of your garden. It's best to start with a soil test, which can be done inexpensively at your local extension office or online. It's well worth the minimal charge as there may be something funky going on with your dirt.

4. Break it down

If you have a large area to do, break it down into sections so it won't be so overwhelming. It doesn't all have to be done at once. I did my front garden first, the side garden the next year and the back garden three years later. They are three separate areas and truth be told, my wallet didn't allow for it all to be done at the same time.

5. Address potential problems

Address any possible problems, like drainage, topography, grading, deer, drought, etc. before you start in. And, do any construction and hardscaping before the plants go in.

6. Think about maintenance

Are you going to do it or will you hire someone? This can determine the amount of hardscaping and the plant selection. A drip system is a great investment because it saves time and water.

7 Things to Think About When Planning A Garden

7 Things to Think About When Planning A Garden

My front yard has a seating area as well as a small, raised patio. I wanted a low-maintenance garden that was also drought tolerant.

Garden 3

I love my garden as well as the ones I did for clients and had fun planning all of them. Hopefully you'll have a good time with yours, too! Here's a little inspiration:

Garden 4

Do you need a place to meditate?

Garden 5

A formal planting bed along a walkway guides to the front door.

Garden 6

Yes, an old red wagon can be garden art. Now, what's up with the tractor?

7 Things to know about Zac Efron's super-hot younger brother, Dylan

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Sure, Zac Efron didn't really make it a hard decision in the first place, but the emergence of a younger — and equally as hot — Efron brother just sealed the deal.

Dylan Efron may not be a celeb like Zac, but he still has the movie star looks going on. We're just wondering where — and why — Zac has been hiding him for so long.

More: Channing Tatum wants to see Zac Efron naked

Dylan somehow manages to keep a low public profile despite his brother's fame, but here's all we know about him so far.

1. He is four years Zac's junior

Dylan Efron twitpic2

Dylan Efron twitpic2

According to vh1.com, Dylan was 23 years old as of May 2015, making him four years younger than 27-year-old Zac.

More: Zac Efron is over Michelle Rodriguez: Check out his new gal

2. He's got his brother's dreamy eyes

Dylan Efron twitpic

Dylan Efron twitpic

Looking into the Efron brothers' eyes is like the first time I heard The Beatles. This a throwback picture, mind you, but it really showcases those baby blues.

3. And his rock-hard abs

Zac Efron instagram2

Zac Efron instagram2

An eight-pack must run in the family.

4. He's a poet

Zac recently shared a super-sweet poem written about him by Dylan on Instagram. "When your dad goes through your little bro's old homework and finds a gem: Poem by Dylan in the 6th grade," Zac wrote in the caption.

Zac Efron instagram3

Zac Efron instagram3

That's pretty insightful stuff for a sixth grader.

More: James Franco leaks Dave Franco and Zac Efron's coupledom

5. And a scholar

Dylan attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which makes sense because the brothers grew up in Arroyo Grande, California, a town only about 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo.

Rumored Zac sightings on campus while Dylan was in attendance caused quite a stir in 2013, inspiring this report by the college's Mustang News.

Zac Efron Mustang News

Zac Efron Mustang News

6. He was an adorable baby

Zac Efron instagram1

Zac Efron instagram1

But I guess we wouldn't have expected anything less.

7. He might be getting into the biz as well

Dylan has exactly one credit on IMDb, but it's behind the scenes. The younger Efron is listed as "assistant: Mr. Mehta" on Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart's 2015 comedy, Get Hard. Ravi Mehta served as an executive producer on the film, so could it be Dylan is destined to be a powerhouse Hollywood producer? Only time will tell.

Homemade coconut butter is so much easier to make than you think

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When at my local health food store, I was looking at several brands of coconut butter that ranged in price from $9 to $13 or more. With this recipe, all you need is three super-simple ingredients and a good food processor or high-speed blender, and in literally minutes, you will have your own creamy coconut butter for a fraction of what it costs at the store.

If you have never had coconut butter, which is not to be confused with coconut oil, it is a super-thick and slightly sweet spread made of coconut meat. This is wonderful smeared on toast or melted and drizzled over pancakes or even fresh fruits or ice cream.

Easy homemade coconut butter recipe

Prepare your very own batch of homemade coconut butter right in your very own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.

Yields 1-1/4 cups

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound unsweetened shredded coconut (do not used sweetened coconut)
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • Pinch sea salt

Directions:

  1. To a bowl of a food processor, add the shredded coconut, melted coconut oil and a pinch of sea salt.
  2. Blend on high for a minute, until the coconut starts to break down.
  3. Remove the lid from the food processor, and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  4. Blend several times in 1-minute intervals (while scraping the bowl down) until the coconut butter is very smooth and creamy.
  5. Transfer to a glass jar with a lid, such as a Mason jar, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 month.

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

More easy homemade spreads

Homemade maple vanilla cashew butter
Homemade honey roasted cinnamon almond butter
22 DIY nut butter recipes

RHOBH has its eye on a pop star's mom as its newest cast member

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Angie Simpson could be the next Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. E! Online reports the mother of pop star Cody Simpson is in talks to join the show's lineup, and if she does, that would lead to her sharing screen time with Cody's ex's mom, Yolanda Foster (her daughter, Gigi Hadid, and Cody split in May 2015). Would the two moms get along or would their kids' past relationship send them on a one-way ticket to awkward town?

More: Who is Gigi Hadid dating now that she and Cody have broken up?

Of course, the question on every Cody fan's mind is will he appear on RHOBH if his mom joins the cast? It seems likely he would end up dropping by occasionally to hang with his mom. Cody's presence, however brief, could add some much-needed star power to the show.

More: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are basically just like The Avengers

The news of Angie's talks with Bravo come as RHOBH faces an uncertain future in Season 6. The cast could be full of shake-ups. It has already been confirmed Brandi Glanville and Kim Richards will not be returning full-time. Additionally, Yolanda may not be able to film the full season as she battles Lyme disease, and Season 5 newcomers Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna have not been confirmed for the new season. Kyle Richards and Lisa Vanderpump have not officially announced their returns either.

More: Get the latest on Yolanda Foster's recovery (VIDEO)

That is a lot of uncertainty for the Beverly Hills chapter of The Real Housewives. Officially signing Angie would be a great first step for Bravo in terms of beginning to firm up the Season 6 lineup. Would you like to see the pop star's mom join the cast — even if it's only because you would love to catch a glimpse of Cody?

Real Housewives slideshow

How to help a quiet kid find her voice (for starters, quit calling her shy)

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“What’s the matter, Bobby, are you too shy to talk?”

“How are you going to make Sarah get over her shyness?”

You know what? I can’t stand the word shy. It’s a negative label, and so unfair. What’s worse, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when the “shy” child hears it so often that she adopts it as her identity. This is a label we give to kids who are quiet or more introverted, who may be uncomfortable in social situations or who may be simply a deeper thinker.

The first thing I’d like parents to know is that when a child is quiet, that’s a personality trait, not a deficit or a fault. Parents need to respect and honor their children’s temperaments, help them learn to channel their feelings and teach them to navigate the world around them. So I offer these five tips for helping a quiet child manage social situations in a way that’s comfortable for them, while responding appropriately to people and situations.

1. Begin by appreciating and accepting the uniqueness of your child, and being responsive to his or her needs

Extroverted children are outgoing and get energy from being around others; this describes me to a tee, which may be why my parents sent me to sleepaway camp at age 8! But introverted children recharge their energy by having quiet time alone. The best thing you can do is to allow them that time. Validate his feelings. Nurture her. Listen empathetically and say, “I understand that.” You always want to be sensitive and understanding; never make your child feel there’s something wrong with him.

2. Teach them “magic tricks” that will help them feel comfortable in social situations

While you understand your child’s introverted nature, you also know they’re going to have to function in the outside world, and that requires socially appropriate behavior. Meeting new people is challenging; they ask questions that quiet children don’t want to answer! As much as you may be tempted, don’t rush to answer for your child just because you want to fill the silence. This robs him of his competence.

Instead, become the coach: Teach her how to introduce herself to a new person by shaking hands and making eye contact. This may be very uncomfortable for an introverted child, so teach him a “magic trick”: Look at the color of the other person’s eyes. This gives the child something to focus on while helping him make eye contact. Here’s another trick: Explain that the person she’s meeting may be uncomfortable on the inside, too, and that offering a smile can help that person feel comfortable.

Parents often worry that their “shy” child won’t make friends. Of course they will! And there are tricks to help that process along, too. If you’re setting up a playdate, make sure the other child has a similar temperament so that your child won’t be overwhelmed. When it comes to birthday parties or other social situations, impulsive kids will just go full steam ahead without noticing the dynamics of the group. But your introvert will be more comfortable if he can get the lay of the land first; teach him to wait a moment to observe the scene: Is someone standing alone that he can talk to? Teach him to ask the other kids questions, to be interested in their answers, to look them in the eye (remember the eye color trick!).

And remember: It’s not how many friends you have, it’s the quality of the relationship. If your child has one or two good friends, that’s all she needs. Those friends will be loyal to each other, and often those friendships are much deeper.

3. Be encouraging and supportive every time your child tries to join in

They’ll take baby steps, so praise every effort. Read books and stories about being shy, not joining in, being left out (your bookseller can make recommendations); this tells them they’re not alone. Let them know that a lot of grown-ups feel that way, and add your own stories. I’d avoid using the word “shy;” instead, talk about a time you felt left out on the playground, or when you didn’t feel comfortable joining a group.

4. Teach your child the vocabulary for his emotions, along with socially acceptable ways to express feelings

Being able to understand and label emotions is a building block of emotional intelligence, or EQ, and EQ will be crucial to helping her succeed academically, socially and emotionally. Let your child know that every feeling is OK, but that you have to express them in appropriate ways. A lot of kids who are labeled shy are really afraid. Talk about those feelings, and let him color his feelings on paper or listen to music or read a story to get feelings out.

5. Never push your child to “perform” before they’re ready

Whether it’s a piano recital or a large social setting, she needs to start slowly and do it when she feels comfortable. Validate how he feels. Don’t be a pushy parent. Our role is to gently encourage, to supervise at a distance, so we’re not hovering around, waiting for them to do the right thing.

Extroverted children are easy to engage with because they’re like an open book: an open audiobook! Quiet children get labeled “shy” or “aloof” or even “stuck up,” simply because they keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. It takes love, understanding, empathy... and a few magic tricks... to help these children become comfortable enough to share what’s going on inside. And you’ll discover what loving, thoughtful, multifaceted kids they really are!

The Fosters highlights sexism when talking about virginity

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Mariana lost her virginity to Wyatt a month ago, but her moms only found out via a discarded pregnancy test box in the bathroom. Since the night on the beach, Mariana has been riddled with guilt over cheating on her boyfriend Mat. For Mariana, the desire not to be the only kid in the Foster home to still be a virgin (besides Jude) has been weighing on her since Jesus and Brandon teased her about it in Season 2. Teen pressure about what is and isn't normal in terms of sexual experience led to her making a snap decision to sleep with Wyatt, and the way Stef and Lena handled the revelation was interesting to say the least.

More: The Fosters tackled the struggle teen girls face to decide between being smart and pretty

While the moms gave Jesus and Brandon condoms so they would be safe, they apparently have not given their daughters the same protection, no questions asked. Mariana brought this up to her mothers and they were quick to point out they didn't want the guys having sex, but if they were having it, they wanted them to be safe. While neither Callie nor Mariana have been sexually active in the past, the double standard is glaring.

Mariana losing her virginity is treated as a huge deal by the show, but not because she lost it. By having Mariana lose her virginity to Wyatt it became much less about the experience and more about Mariana's feelings of guilt over cheating on Mat and her sense of fear that she betrayed Callie by sleeping with her ex. This might be one the first missteps The Fosters has made. No matter how the show spins it, Mariana is drowning in shame because she had sex, while both Brandon and Jesus have gone through multiple sexual partners (some of which they cheated on) without any angst surrounding their sexual activity — at least not from them, with the exception of Brandon dealing with being sexually assaulted by Mike's adult girlfriend.

Adding to the problem was Stef's reaction. She seemed so disappointed in Mariana that it added to Mariana's shame. Thankfully, Lena pointed out the error Stef made, and in the end they had a sweet talk with Mariana about how each time she sleeps with someone it is an important decision because she is giving away a precious piece of herself. Did they tell the guys this though? Because they should have.

More: A new Jesus is on the way for The Fosters Season 3

The idea that boys losing their virginity is no big deal while for teen girls it is basically the most important thing that will happen to them is a problem. It's one that is perpetuated across all forms of media, and it needs to stop. The moms are right that sex should not be treated with a flippant attitude, especially at such a young age, but the same standards should apply to their sons.

There was an underlying unease to Mariana's conversations with her moms, heartwarming though the final group hug was. They certainly weren't disappointed in her for having sex, but they did treat her differently than they treated Jesus and Brandon. Perhaps it is because they are women who have been in Mariana's position. For young girls, sex can be an emotional minefield because so much emphasis is put on it. The idea that Mariana is giving away a "precious piece" of herself every time she has sex makes it seem as if she is not capable of hooking up or having meaningless sex for the sake of having sex. Sure, right now sex is a big deal, but is this really the idea they want Mariana carrying with her into adulthood? Mariana was much closer to the mark when she pointed out that her moms are feminists and should know better.

Mariana is so much more than her virginity. Losing it was a big deal, and it was traumatic because of the unpleasant circumstances. She should know that every time afterwards won't be so fraught though. It's not for her brothers, and it won't be for her. Just like with any other part of life, sex can produce drama, but it doesn't have to. It doesn't even have to particularly mean anything, especially for adults. At 15, Mariana should protect herself both physically and emotionally, but it would have been wonderful to hear the moms reassure her that not every experience would be like the one she had with Wyatt and to give the girl a box of condoms — not because they want her to have sex, but because, just like they wanted for their sons, they want her to be safe and prepared if she does.

More: How will Callie react to the news that Mariana and Wyatt slept together?

Even a show as progressive as The Fosters has long way to go in the way it addresses teenagers and sex. Mariana choosing not to lose her virginity would have been a totally valid and worthwhile story to explore, just as Mariana losing her virginity and having her moms treat it with the same care before and afterwards as they did with their sons would have been great. Having the event shrouded in shame and then having the moms treat her choice to have sex so differently felt all too familiar in the world of teen television.


Rosie Perez's exit from The View signals more big changes for the show

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More: Whoopi Goldberg has a controversial opinion about Rachel Dolezal (VIDEO)

Staff at the struggling show leaked that executive producer Bill Wolff informed them all Tuesday that Rosie Perez, who has been a cohost only since last September, plans to end her tenure on the ABC talk show.

"Our friend Rosie Perez has decided to leave the show at the conclusion of this season to pursue full time her love for acting," read an email Wolff sent to the show's staff, obtained by Entertainment Weekly. "Stepping into the role of talk show host at the same time she has been starring on Broadway has been incredibly impressive. And beyond being an enormously talented performer, Rosie is a dedicated advocate who has brought passion and insight to the panel every day. Rosie will always be a part of The View family, and we will welcome her back as a guest anytime to catch up. We'll plan a proper send off for her in a few weeks, but in the meantime, please join me in thanking her for her great work on the show."

More: Raven-Symoné shares body image story that will upset moms (VIDEO)

Perez had already taken a long hiatus from the show when she was cast in a Broadway play. When ABC didn't name her return date, it sparked rumors that she was planning to leave the show then, but instead, in February, cohost Rosie O'Donnell announced her departure just a few months after rejoining the panel following a years-long break.

O'Donnell was replaced just weeks ago by Raven-Symoné and now rumors say ABC plans to hire comedienne Michelle Collins to replace Perez. Collins, like Symoné, has been filling in on the panel amid the upheaval it's experienced in the last few seasons.

Further rumors say ABC plans to have a rotating bench of cohosts to appear alongside the three full-timers who remain: Symoné, Whoopi Goldberg and Nicolle Wallace, who also only joined the show last September. Entertainment Weekly reports model Molly Sims and stylist Stacy London could be among the guest hosts.

More: Raven-Symoné gets major backlash for controversial comments on Harriet Tubman

Who do you think should replace Rosie Perez? Or do you think it's time for The View to throw in the towel? Head down to the comments and share your thoughts.

Johnny Depp reprises his role as Jack Sparrow for the best cause ever

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More: Johnny Depp could face 10 years' jail time and the reason is insane

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor, in his famous, full Jack Sparrow getup, made headlines in Australia when he stopped by the Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, completely unannounced, to visit sick kids who were staying there.

Depp, who is filming his latest Pirates installment near the hospital, is seen in photos tweeted by a local newspaper hugging, laughing and taking selfies with the kids.

Johnny Depp hospital

Johnny Depp hospital

johnny depp hospital 2

johnny depp hospital 2

More: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard get married... again

One of the boys who got to meet the actor, 7-year-old Max Bennet, was eating with his mom, Rachel, when Depp's helicopter arrived at the hospital, ABC.net reports.

"He was going from room to room seeing all the kids who couldn't get out of bed," Rachel told the outlet. "We waited out of the front of one of the rooms, and he came up to us and had a really good chat to Max."

She continued, "It was really beautiful. Everyone kept on trying to move him on, but he kept on coming back" to be with the kids.

This isn't the first time the famously gruff actor has done something of the sort — it's clear he has a soft spot for kids. In addition to hospitals, he's dropped in on his youngest fans at schools, and he even told E! News in 2013 that he always keeps his Jack Sparrow costume handy because the character is so recognizable and loved by kids of all ages.

"Sometimes you go to kiddie hospitals and things like that," he said at the time. "I'll just sneak in and go and surprise a bunch of kiddies through the different wards… it basically turns into a two, three-hour improvisation and it's really fun. So I travel with Captain Jack."

More: Johnny Depp has 50 hours before his dogs will be put down

How cute are those pictures of Johnny Depp hanging out with kids at a hospital in Australia? Head down to the comments and share your thoughts.

Laura Prepon thanks Scientology for a surprising health benefit

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More: Kirstie Alley's diet company under fire for huge fraud allegations

And it's so successful, she says, friends can't stop asking her what's got her so relaxed. Good thing she's decided to share her secret with the world. Spoiler alert: It's Scientology.

In a new interview in Celebrity, the Hollywood-based religion's magazine, Prepon reveals how practicing the controversial faith has made her better able to handle her emotions.

"When I first got into Scientology, I did Personal Values and Integrity and then Overcoming Ups and Downs in Life. These courses touched on the observations I was aware of when I was younger," she said. "It was right there in black and white. It was amazing, and I felt that finally something was speaking my language. It totally connected with me. Pretty soon after that I got onto the Purification Rundown, and I started moving up the Bridge."

More: John Travolta is reportedly being blackmailed by Scientology

But the star credits the Scientology practice of "auditing" with helping her the most. In Scientology, "auditing" is similar to mind-freeing therapy.

"The auditing has stripped away all of this charge, false ideas, decisions and mis-emotions that were affecting me," Prepon explained. "I recently had one of my biggest cognitions in a New Era Dianetics session. I spotted this decision I made a long time ago that was affecting me to this day. It was a huge realization."

She continued, "Things don't bother me that had before. I remember I was doing a show with an amazing actor, and we were waiting to hear the fate of our show. He turned to me one day and asked, 'How are you always so relaxed? Nothing seems to bother you. I want to know what you are doing...' I take that as such a compliment and testament to the auditing I have done."

More: Danny Masterson has some harsh words for Scientology haters

Would you try Scientology as a relaxation technique? Head down to the comments and tell us what you think of Laura Prepon's method.

The inspiring reasons people are getting semicolon tattoos

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To a new online community, though, the definition of a semicolon is quite different. It's poetic and unifying and even links people through their shared experiences and difficulties with mental health.

How? Well, a semicolon is used in a sentence to signify a divide. The sentence could have been finished at the semicolon, but the author has chosen to continue the sentence instead of finishing it.

The same can be said of life. We have a choice. We can end our story — or we can chose to go on.

More: Your rainbow-coloured Facebook profile matters — here's why

And, now, people are seeing the power of the humble punctuation mark and getting it tattooed on their bodies as a way of representing how they, too, decided to carry on — that despite their struggles in life, they also choose to continue, because they are the authors of their lives.

It all began with Project Semicolon, which is a "faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury".

Inspired by what the semicolon represents, people are sharing their incredible life experiences and personal stories along with images of their semicolon tattoos. Here are just some of the inspiring reasons people are choosing to get semicolons tattooed on their bodies:

1. Project Semicolon founder, Amy Bleuel, got a semicolon tattoo to honour her father, who took his own life when Amy was just 18 years old

Semicolon tattoos 1

Semicolon tattoos 1

2. Sometimes our most difficult moments make us stronger and more capable of dealing with what life throws at us

Semicolon tattoo 2

Semicolon tattoo 2

3. Mental health issues affect many people, and talking about our experiences is the first step to breaking down the stigma associated with it

Semicolon tattoo 3

Semicolon tattoo 3

4. We may feel lonely, but we are not alone. We are part of a larger community that can help and support us

Semicolon tattoo 4

Semicolon tattoo 4

5. Beauty can come from darkness and difficulty

Semicolon tattoo 5

Semicolon tattoo 5

6. People and organisations are there to offer support and help when we need it most

Semicolon tattoo 6

Semicolon tattoo 6

7. How we march on, despite our difficulties, shows our strength and willingness to grow

Semicolon tattoo 7

Semicolon tattoo 7

8. It's always worth remembering that this, too, shall pass

Semicolon tattoo 8

Semicolon tattoo 8

9. It's time to break the stigma and raise awareness about mental illness

Semicolon tattoo 9

Semicolon tattoo 9

10. Never be afraid to ask for help

Semicolon tattoo 10

Semicolon tattoo 10

Have you joined Project Semicolon? Share your photos with us on Twitter. If you or someone you know needs support with anxiety or depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.

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Why you should reconsider how often you use dry shampoo

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Read the ingredients on a typical brand of dry shampoo, and you might see some ingredients you previously thought you would only need to light a barbecue, like propane and butane. This is a little alarming, as you're spraying these chemicals directly onto your skin and perhaps even breathing them in.

However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel confirmed that butane and propane are safe in shampoo, as they vaporize very quickly and are only used in small amounts.

Dr. Alan Bauman, board-certified hair restoration physician, confirms that the propane is nothing to worry about, although too much dry shampoo can leave hair dry if the hair isn't getting enough natural oil.

If you use dry shampoo routinely, you may want to rethink the amount of exposure you're getting to these chemicals, even if the risk is very small. Having the product sit on the scalp for long periods of time increases the likeliness of the chemicals absorbing into the skin, which can cause irritation.

To avoid these potential risks, opt for a brand that boasts more natural ingredients, or perhaps even consider making your own dry shampoo at home. Dr. Bauman also suggests to make sure to wash your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner so the powder does not build up on your scalp, limiting your dry shampoo use to about one to two times between washes.

Your current dry shampoo is harmless if you're using sparingly, although it might be worthwhile to avoid the brands containing chemicals until more is known about the effects. In the meantime, stay away from open flame to avoid any "Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial" drama and check your bottle for hazardous ingredients before causing an unnecessary scene in airport security.

Here's what your dermatologist isn’t telling you about your acne

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If you’re reading this, I’m guessing that didn’t work out so well for you.

I’m not about to bash dermatologists. They have to complete just as much medical education as any other doctor, and thoroughly understand a vast range of skin conditions. They are usually very intelligent and strive to do the best they can. They are very helpful for a lot of people. But for many of us, they are not. When the drugs that they prescribe fail to work, they have little more to offer you than a shrug.

It’s not their fault. Their profession just seems to only arm them with a few options to treat acne.

I’m hoping that medical treatment of acne will soon catch up with the latest research, but until then, it’s helpful to educate yourself with things your dermatologist isn’t telling you.

1. Antibiotics aren’t the best option

For many years now, one of the first things a dermatologist has prescribed for acne are antibiotics to kill bacteria. The problem with this is that acne isn’t really about bacteria. It’s involved, yes, but not as much of a factor as once believed. And treating acne with antibiotics, either topically or internally, can sometimes backfire. Bacteria can build up resistance to antibiotics, and if taken internally, these drugs also kill the beneficial bacteria living in your intestines, possibly leading to other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.

2. Topical products can only do so much

Acne doesn’t usually start at the surface of your skin, so treating it there isn’t necessarily going to work. Not that products are useless, but a pimple often starts with inflammation and oil oxidation deep within the pore. Most topical products prescribed by dermatologists are meant to either kill bacteria, or help with skin cell turnover. We’ve already talked about antibiotics and bacteria. As for the other products, they may help somewhat, but it doesn’t address the root problem. Which leads to number three...

3. It’s about more than just your skin

I tell my clients all the time, acne is a symptom, it’s not the actual problem. Unfortunately, very few dermatologists treat it that way. They treat the check engine light, while I think it helps to look under the hood. Many things can contribute to the acne process such as diet, stress and emotional distress. You’re not likely to sit down with a dermatologist long enough to go over any of those factors.

If you’ve been struggling with acne, it can be worthwhile to visit your dermatologist, but understand they may not have all the answers for you. Widen your search, and keep the three things above in mind.

Volvo’s car seat concept goes against all we know about keeping kids safe

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We all know the struggle of going on a car ride with a baby firmly planted, rear facing, in the back seat. The wails that often ring out from such a baby are terrible to experience, and if there is no one with you who can ride along in the back seat alongside her, you're just stuck with a distraught baby.

Enter Volvo's new car design idea. Instead of a regular passenger seat, there is a pedestal of sorts in its place, complete with an attached carrier you can pop your baby into. This way you can maintain eye contact if you ride along in the rear seat, and if you're alone with your baby, you can talk to her more easily than you could if she was alone in the back. The seat swivels, which will make putting your baby in (and taking her out) a breeze.

Volvo baby car seat

Volvo baby car seat

Sounds great, right?

Well, I can't see how this would ever be a reasonable solution at all. In fact, it's crazy, and I hope it doesn't ever come to fruition. The single best spot in your vehicle to install a car seat is the back seat, preferably in the center. There is less of a chance of a baby being affected by any impact when he's back there, no matter where it happens, and there also is less of a chance of giving your baby a glass bath if he's in the rear center seat. I can't imagine that Volvo will ever convince me otherwise.

MoreHero grandpa saves baby from oncoming train

Yes, this particular car design looks pretty swanky and super modern and Volvo claims it will improve child safety, but it certainly sounds unreasonable considering how quickly babies grow. And I have so many questions. What is the weight range for the included seat? Will a kid outgrow it in a year? It's possible you could upgrade to a larger seat in the future, but that isn't mentioned anywhere, and eventually your kid will not have a need for a restraint beyond a seat belt. Maybe if you buy a car every year, this wouldn't be a problem, but I'm still trying to drive a 10-year-old minivan, so I'm likely not a target consumer for this anyway.

MoreMom-to-be sees dead grandmother in ultrasound image

I'd rather just stick with established car seat safety rules than explore using such a strange and pretty stupid integrated front row car seat. While I appreciate the effort, I think Volvo has a pretty hard "miss" on this concept.


Mark your calendars — Applebee's is giving away free food

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All day July 21, Applebee’s will be giving out free appetizers. It's all part of their “Taste The Change” event, as they have recently amped up their menu. To celebrate the restaurant's 35th anniversary, the chain created new and improved dishes and they're anxious for us to try them.

More: Taco Bell rolls out delivery to 200 stores, lets you stay on the couch

All 2,000 restaurants will be participating in the event, and Applebee’s estimates that about two million plates will be served.

Customers will be able to choose between two new appetizers: Sriracha Shrimp, which is “high quality shrimp, fried with Applebee's special coating, which provides a light, flaky crunch, then tossed in a Sriracha Chile Lime sauce,” and Churro S’mores, “twisted cinnamon churro twists, served with a warm marshmallow and chocolate dip.” Guests will also be given the option to add on other appetizers at lower prices.

More: How to get a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts for 78 cents

The event will go on from 11 a.m. to close on July 21, and we’ll be there to try those Churro S’mores.

Candace Cameron Bure, Raven-Symoné argue over First Amendment rights (VIDEO)

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Raven said that discriminating against gay people is the same as discriminating against someone because of their race — and then Cameron Bure had to bring the First Amendment into it.

"The Oregon law bars businesses from discriminating against sexual orientation, race, disability, age or religion," Symoné said, "and to me, it’s the same exact thing that they did back in the day saying that black people couldn’t do certain things because it's my 'religious belief.'"

More: Whoopi Goldberg continues to defend Bill Cosby on The View (VIDEO)

Cameron Bure, an evangelical Christian, disagreed. "I don’t think this is discrimination at all. This is about freedom of association," she said. "It's about constitutional rights. It's about First Amendment rights. We do have the right to still choose who we associate with.

"[The bakery] didn't refuse to bake the cake because of [the couple's] sexual orientation," she continued. "In fact, they baked cakes for them previously. They had a problem with the actual ceremony because that — the ceremony — is what conflicted with their religious beliefs. They are saying that they stand for marriage between a man and a woman."

More: Rosie Perez's exit from The View signals more big changes for the show

Raven was not having it. "I refuse to associate with you right now," she said. "Is that OK?"

The View lesbian wedding cake

The View lesbian wedding cake

More: Raven-Symoné gets serious backlash for controversial comments on Harriet Tubman

The best part of the video, though, isn't the spirited debate, it is Raven's epic side-eye game. The blinks. The eye rolls. The head shake. The grimace. The shade is beautiful in its perfection.

Tell us: Are you Team Raven-Symoné or Team D.J. Tanner?

Women are putting male nipples over their own to call out censorship hypocrisy

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Women have taken to posting topless photos of themselves with a male nipple covering the "offending area". The trend seems to have been inspired by an artist named Micol Hebron who created a male nipple template last year on Facebook. The template was meant to ridicule the sexist double standard the media has for the human body part. She offered it up as a way for women to post their topless photos and still pass the social media community standards. However, in the wake of the current Instagram backlash against their nudity policy, this little nipple hack might be the key to stripping away all that's wrong with censorship of the female form.

MoreFree the Nipple's director shares her fears about going topless

nipple hack

nipple hack

And this is not the first time Instagram has been confronted by its users for its censorship policies. Last year, artist Rupi Kaur's photo of a woman with a menstrual blood stain on her pants was pulled twice by the site, and only reposted after they were hit by a flood of complaints. Could this clever nipple loophole be the thing that finally pulls all these absurd media censorship rules down? I think Chrissy Teigen said it best in a tweet she posted in response to her topless photo shoot pictures being removed repeatedly by Instagram:

Chrissy nipple

Chrissy nipple

MoreChrissy Teigen hilariously mocks Instagram's nudity policy

The reason movements like #FreeTheNipple are important goes far beyond media censorship. Most states have strict laws against flagrant nipple display, but again, only for women. According to Yahoo News, a woman can be arrested for indecent exposure if she "exposes the areola or nipple of her breast," but only if someone else is present. And it just gets worse from there. In Louisiana, exposing “female breast nipples in any public place or place open to the public view with the intent of arousing sexual desire or which appeals to prurient interest or is patently offensive” can receive three years of jail time for a first-time offense and a $2500 fine.

And I'm sure if you argued that you weren't trying to arouse anyone with your nipples, the court would find a way to prove you were. Men, on the other hand, have hardly any laws against publicly showing off their nipples, and there is absolutely no good reason for the distinction.

Up until the 1930s, men's nipples were just as taboo as women's are today. It was illegal for men to show their nipples until 1936, after a series of protests that took place on Coney Island and Atlantic City beaches. Their fight was not unlike what's happening now on social media (minus all the technology), and actually succeeded in changing the laws in New York State barring male nipples from public view. Eventually, women's nipples were also given the OK in the Empire State, and yet somehow women can still get slapped with indecent exposure simply because of how they are perceived by the world.

To that end I say, keep the nipple protest going, my breast-bearing friends! Follow Chrissy Teigen's example, and use the #FreeTheNipple hashtag excessively with pictures of your own beautiful mammaries, either censored with the acceptable male cover or not. The more you post, the harder it will be for the media to censor all of them, and eventually the point of contention will be moot. After all, if nothing else, history shows us that nipples speak louder than words.

free nipple

free nipple

More: Female nipples: Overhyped, sexualized and censored

nipple freedom

nipple freedom

nipple chain

nipple chain

How to make caprese salad better — add bacon and tortellini

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If I had to pick a salad that epitomizes summer, it's definitely, no questions asked, a caprese salad. Basil, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh mozzarella... I just can't get enough. I really didn't think there was much out there that could make it any better than it already is, but then I got the idea to combine it with cheese tortellini for a mashup between the classic summer salad and the classic pasta salad. No mayo to be found, just a hint of crumbled bacon added to the mix. That's an addition I can get behind.

tortellini salad

Tortellini-bacon caprese salad recipe

The classic summer tomato and mozzarella salad gets combined with cheesy tortellini for a new spin on pasta salad.

Serves 10

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cheese tortellini
  • 1 pint red grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup small mozzarella balls, drained
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini, and cook according to the package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and bacon.
  3. Drain the tortellini once cooked, and let it cool for a few minutes in the strainer. (Immediately adding it to the bowl will melt the mozzarella.)
  4. While the pasta cools, make the dressing by whisking together the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Add the cooled tortellini to the bowl, and toss it with the dressing until everything is well coated and combined.
  6. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, until serving.

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

More pasta salad recipes

Bruschetta pasta salad
BLT pasta salad
Summer pasta salad with zucchini and mint

7 Décor DIYs for a tropical paradise at home

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1. 10-Minute palm pillow

Let the popular palm print take over your home decor with this easy no-fail DIY pillow cover. Follow this 10-minute tutorial to create your own!

Image: Crane Concept

 2. Gold palm frond garland

Mix some faux palm fronds with gold spray paint and string them together with a bit of rope for the perfect palm frond garland.

Image: A Fabulous Fete

3. Flamingo stenciled blanket

Make your backyard pop with this DIY neon-green and pink stenciled flamingo blanket. See how this plain drop cloth was perked up with paint by following these easy instructions.

Image: A Bubbly Life

4. Banana leaf headboard

Bring a boho-tropical vibe to your bedroom with this DIY banana leaf headboard. Get all of the details on this DIY to try the tropical trend, here.

Image: Burlap and Lace

5. Mini pineapple clay air planters

Start small with these fun little DIY pineapple air plant holders. You’ll need white polymer clay, a bamboo skewer, air plants and gold paint to create these mini planters!

Image: small + friendly

6. Palm frond balloons

Deck out your next dinner party with pretty palm frond balloons! See how this festive decor DIY can be made in minutes by following these simple steps.

Image: Mary Costa via Studio DIY

7. Pineapple wall decals

Add the iconic pineapple to your home decor by filling your walls with these fruity accent decals, for a festive space that brings the beach inside.

Image: Urban Walls

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