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Introducing the work of the 2015 Voices of the Year featured honorees

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Short-Form Video (one minute or under)

Deva Dalporto of My Life Suckers for "Male Pattern Blindness."

Deva Dalporto of My Life Suckers for

Deva Dalporto of My Life Suckers for

Liv of Unbelievably Human for "The Face of Suicide"

Face of suicide

More: Why the Girl Scouts are more important than ever (VIDEO)

Long-Form Video (between one and five minutes)

Imani Nicole Miller of Imani Miller for "Perfection".

Imani Nicole Miller of Imani Miller for

Imani Nicole Miller of Imani Miller for

Marcy Light of Marcy L for "101 Things in 1,001 Days."

Marcy Light of Marcy L for

Marcy Light of Marcy L for

Samantha Futerman of samfuterman for "Twinsters."

Samantha Futerman of samfuterman for

Samantha Futerman of samfuterman for

Impact

I am not your fat friend

More: Gwyneth Paltrow on family, co-parenting and a trip to Paris with her dad (VIDEO)

Written Work

After Eric Garner, what do I tell my son?

Congratulations to all! Be sure to check out our full listing of the #BlogHer15: Experts Among Us Voices of the Year honorees.

More: from the BlogHer15 conference

Rita Arens is the author of the young adult novel THE OBVIOUS GAME & the managing editor of BlogHer.com.


10 Stages of spending a Friday night in via Amy Schumer and Bill Hader GIFs

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It’s time for a nice night in, a little you time. You're psyched for the occasion. After all, when do you ever get a peaceful moment, let alone an entire peaceful night? It really can't go wrong. Every night in follows similar stages from the moment you walk through the door to the night's end.

1. First off, wine, lots of wine

Amywine

Amywine

I need to forget about that jerk from the office and prepare for my me time.

2. This is going to be great!

wine and ice cream

wine and ice cream

I'm in comfy clothes, and I can catch up on my Netflix series.

More: 4 Fun themes for a girls' night in

3. Let's do a happy dance through the house — no one is here… 

dancing gif

dancing gif

Yep, Beyoncé has nothing on me.

4. I need ice cream… and chips… and popcorn

AS popcorn

AS popcorn

Yes, today is a cheat day. I had a salad for lunch after all.

5. Let me take a selfie of this — my Instagram hasn't seen much love lately

selfie

selfie

I wonder if I can angle it so you can see the TV, so everyone will know what I’m watching. Every girl at the bar in heels will be so jealous of my OITNB marathon.

More: 5 Girls' night in movies

6. Ugh, that one isn't good enough

selfie bh

selfie bh

Let me try again. Why does it take 50 selfies to get one good one?

7. Oh look, all my BFFs are out… 

night out

night out

Remember how fun last weekend was? Now I'm missing out.

8. I’m totally lame for staying in

Bill hader gif

Bill hader gif

This was the worst idea. I'm wearing pajamas, and it’s 9 p.m. on a Friday.

More: Custom comfort food for a girls' night in

9. Let me text that guy from marketing who was trying to hit me up…

text Amy

text Amy

Oh no, now I remember why I ignored him. Bye.

10. Who am I kidding? I'm awesome!

Accurate

Accurate

I totally deserved this night in. Cheers to me!

Images: Riffsy

Brad Pitt's new tattoo may look strange, but it holds deep meaning (PHOTOS)

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More: 6 Times Brad Pitt got our vote for husband of the year

The proud husband and father's newest tattoo is located on his right forearm. The design resembles a two-cell chart that spans from his wrist all the way down to nearly his elbow.

Brad Pitt's new tattoo photo 1

Brad Pitt's new tattoo photo 1

At the top of the chart, where you would expect to find the headings, the letter "A" can be seen on the top left with the letters "M," "P" and "Z" visible on the right. Presumably the "A" is for Jolie, while the "M," "P" and "Z" are for their children Maddox, 13, Pax, 11, and Zahara, 10. We're guessing that there are also the letters "S," "V" and "K" somewhere on there for his three youngest children, Shiloh, 9, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 7.

More: Brad Pitt and kids are adorable at Unbroken premiere

Jolie actually beat Pitt to the punch on honoring their children with a tattoo.

The actress has the longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates of the locations of all of her children's birthplaces listed on her upper left arm. Maddox was born in Cambodia, Pax was born in Vietnam and Zahara was born in Ethiopia, while Shiloh, who is Pitt and Jolie's first biological child, was born in Namibia and twins Vivienne and Knox were born in Nice, France. Pitt's name is also included at the end of Jolie's list. He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

More: Sony hacks: More nasty comments surface about Angelina Jolie — really nasty

After dating for nearly a decade, Jolie and Pitt recently made their love official with a wedding in August 2014. But Jolie added the line for Pitt before the two were married, back in 2011.

Angelina Jolie tattoo

Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

No word yet if Pitt intends on filling in the chart with any information on the significance behind the look.

What do you think of Brad Pitt's new tattoo?

Devon Still posts photo of his 'fighter' daughter with her ESPY

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And hearing her father, Devon Still of the Cincinnati Bengals, talk about his daughter's fight against cancer will move you to tears. On Wednesday night at the 2015 ESPN ESPY Awards, LeBron James presented the Stills with the Jimmy V. Perseverance Award.

Devon took the stage to thank family, friends, fans and his team for their support through Leah's battle. Doctors didn't give Leah the clearance to travel to accept the award for herself, but Devon melted all our hearts one more time by posting a photo Thursday of his adorable little daughter holding her newly earned award for being a brave, courageous fighter.

More: People are hating on ESPN and Caitlyn Jenner for her ESPY Award

He captioned the photo, echoing his acceptance speech sentiments, saying, "This espy [sic] might have both of our names on it but this is Leah's trophy! Like I said last night what I do is easy, she has the hard job. Like a true fighter she showed true perseverance throughout her battle with cancer and I couldn't be any prouder. #leahstrong."

Leah Still holding ESPY

Leah Still holding ESPY

More: Every tearjerking moment from the 2015 ESPN ESPYs (VIDEOS)

During his speech at the ESPYs, the 26-year-old told a very teary-eyed audience, "Not knowing how hard it was going to be, we decided not to give up." Leah has been in remission since March.

More: Scott Stuart: 10 Inspirational quotes to remember the ESPN anchor

Meet the 7 ad companies who are changing our culture

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That's why SheKnows Media honored companies challenging gender stereotypes by building pro-woman messages and images into ads that target women—and by employing women to make them—in the inaugural #Femvertising Awards.

Of the 12 finalists, we honored seven in 2015. They're all either funny, touching, or stirring—and all of them are incredibly empowering.

Hatch Award: Sport England, "This Girl Can"

Hatch Award: Sport England,

Hatch Award: Sport England,

This award was chosen by the kids from SheKnows' Hatch Initiative: It's the ad they decided resonated most with them … after what Samantha called a "vehement argument." Three of the Hatch Kids came to the stage and (adorably) shared one word that described this ad for them: "powerful," "confident," and "honest."

Stephen Martincic of SportEngland said, "'This Girl Can'" is definitely changing gender norms, it's a celebration of active women who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look, or even how red their face can get. It's inspired hundreds of thousands of women to change their behavior and start exercising."

Humor Award: Hello Flo, "First Moon Party"

Humor Award: Hello Flo,

Humor Award: Hello Flo,

Natalie Cosgrove accepted the award, describing Hello Flo as "a women's company aiming to normalize conversations women have about their bodies." They only have two full-time employees!

Social Impact Award: Dove + Twitter, "Speak Beautiful"

Social Impact Award: Dove + Twitter,

Social Impact Award: Dove + Twitter,

Kathy O'Brien of Dove accepted the award via video, saying, "#SpeakBeautiful is Dove's latest effort in its 10-year commitment to building women and girls' self-esteem. We believe one tweet can ignite positive change."

Inspiration Award: RAM Trucks, "Courage Is Already Inside"

Inspiration Award: RAM Trucks,

Inspiration Award: RAM Trucks,

Marissa Hunter of Ram Trucks accepted the award, saying, "The characteristics we tried to convey authentically in this short film: Tenacity and conviction, and passion, commitment, courage and love—these virtues in those women are a reflection of the difference real women in the real world are making today, and isn't that amazing? If we are motivated by our dreams and not paralyzed by our fears, anything is possible."

Next Generation Award: Always, "#LikeaGirl"

Next Generation Award: Always,

Next Generation Award: Always,

Louise Thatch with the MSL Group, who worked with Always to promote the campaign, accepted the award, saying, "The limitations that society puts on girls affect and limit us all. Please encourage all girls to smash all limitations." She noted that Always has just released a new #LikeaGirl video, called "Unstoppable."

Wildfire Award: L'Oreal, Women of Worth 2014

Wildfire Award: L'Oreal, Women of Worth 2014

Wildfire Award: L'Oreal, Women of Worth 2014

The Wildfire Award recognizes a brand that has sparked an enormous amount of conversation as part of their brand DNA. "The Women of Worth program has celebrated the intrinsic beauty and worth of all women and have honored 90 women for the difference they are making in their communities, said Carrie Gaffney from FleishmanHillard, who worked with L'Oreal on this project.

People's Choice Award: Sayfty, "The Daily Business"

People's Choice Award: Sayfty,

People's Choice Award: Sayfty,

Dr. Shruti Kapoor is the founder of Sayfty, an organization based in India that works with women and girls to empower them against violence and stereotypes. She said, "Today I urge you to look into your own daily lives and identify that one instance of gender stereotypes that you have experiences. Let's change the stories that we are telling ourselves."

Judges included SheKnows Media editors and members of the executive team (round 1), a panel of judges including people from AdWeek, the Clinton Foundation's No Ceilings project, and Forbes (round 2), and members of the community, who voted for your favorites among the finalists (round 3)—as well as the Hatch kids. We honored the winners during the eighth annual Voices of the Year keynote.

Congratulations to the 2015 #Femvertising Award winners!

More from BlogHer15

Gwyneth Paltrow on family, co-parenting and a trip to Paris with her dad (VIDEO)
#BlogHer15 tackles race, activism and allies in moving #BlackLivesMatter keynote
See what you missed at BlogHer15 

The Mindy Project casts Joseph Gordon-Levitt for the most unbelievable role

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The world is going topsy-turvy in The Mindy Project Season 4 premiere. BuzzFeed exclusively revealed Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on hand to guest star as Mindy Lahiri's husband. Calm yourselves, Mindy/Danny fans, this isn't real life. Now that The Mindy Project is on Hulu, it looks like Mindy Kaling is getting experimental. The season premiere will be an homage to the 1998 romance classic Sliding Doors that shows Mindy what life would have been like had she chosen Gordon-Levitt's character instead of Danny.

More: Here are 5 ways The Mindy Project could end up changing now that it is on Hulu

The answer: Her life would have been crazy-posh and very Mindy-esque, if the tease for Gordon-Levitt's character is any indication. The Inception star will be playing Matt, a reality show producer at Bravo. Is it any wonder the celebrity-obsessed Mindy swooned? As awesome as the premise is, my only hope is that it has a happier ending than the movie that inspired it. Gwyneth Paltrow's Sliding Doors fate is bittersweet in both directions. As long as Mindy ends up with Danny in the end, everything will be fine.

More: Mindy is getting a new BFF in Season 4, but we really hope she avoids these girlfriend tropes

Gordon-Levitt is the latest in a long line of high-profile guest stars on The Mindy Project. He joins James Franco, Seth Rogen, Lee Pace and Timothy Olyphant as just a few of Mindy's beaus. His presence is a clear sign that Kaling's famous friends are still showing up in full force now that The Mindy Project has made the jump to Hulu. That's good news for everyone, because half the fun is seeing which star Kaling will draft next.

More: Need a confidence boost? Let these Mindy Lahiri quotes be your guide

The Mindy Project Season 4 will have a whopping 26 episodes and is set to start streaming exclusively on Hulu later this year.

How do you feel about this creative, romance movie-inspired Season 4 premiere? Do you think you will fall for Matt before the episode ends?

Celebs who give back slideshow

10 Most underrated celebrity stories from this week that you have to read

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TLC officially canceled the ever-controversial 19 Kids and Counting; Scott Disick dared to show his face in Los Angeles since his split with Kourtney Kardashian and — even worse — hang out with a "gaggle of women" before seeing his three kids; and Loretta Young's children revealed the shocking truth about their mother's relationship with Clark Gable.

But while entertainment lovers across the world were busy eating up the biggest celebrity news, there were quite a few worth-the-read stories that slid right under everyone's radar.

While you're enjoying some well-deserved time off this week, take a couple of minutes to read our 10 most underrated celebrity stories of the week. At the very least, it'll give you some new material to discuss over the water jug Monday morning.

Lena Dunham's outspoken — and sometimes controversial opinions — can now be found in your inbox

The newsletter will, of course, encourage feminism, but it will also hit on six other important topics that all women should read about.

Lady Gaga was the most recent victim of cyberbullying and slut-shaming

She posted three super-hot photos, flaunting her toned bod and, of course, was attacked by a ton of haters. We have no idea what photos they were looking at, because she looked amazing.

Laverne Cox revealed her opinions on cultural appropriation and Kylie Jenner's cornrows

Up until now, Laverne Cox has stayed pretty quiet when it comes to cultural appropriation, but after all the backlash targeted towards Kylie Jenner and her cornrows, Cox felt inclined to respond — and eloquently explained what the problem really was.

Sinead O'Conner called Kim Kardashian some nasty names and tried to start a boycott

Not everyone was a fan of Kim Kardashian's Rolling Stone cover, but Sinead O'Connor may have taken her disapproval a little too far, tweeting profanities and putting unfair blame on the reality star.

Cara Delevingne responded to Vogue's homphobic remarks

If you don't remember, Vogue called Delevingne's bisexuality just "a phase." Well, that didn't sit too well with the model-turned-movie star, who addressed the controversy in a new interview.

Taylor Swift invited one of her famous friends to her concert, but the whole experience fueled insecurity

I mean... no matter how famous you are, how would you feel being a "normal" 5'3'' woman forced to stand next to four long-legged supermodels who know how to pose?

Miley Cyrus was shamed for sharing a Lady and the Tramp-inspired photo with her rumored new girlfriend

There were unnecessary comments about her sexuality... all over what really seemed like a sweet and innocent (yes, Miley is capable of being innocent) photo.

Brad Pitt showed of his new tattoo, which is chock-full of sentimentality

Sure, the permanent ink on his right forearm looks strange to some, but no one can deny how sweet the meaning of the tattoo is.

JJ Lane from the current season of The Bachelorette was violently attacked leaving the Men Tell All after party

This story was nuts. Lane and a crew member were attacked by an angry gang, and one super-ripped man who was booted off the show had to break up the fight. Both Lane and the crew member sustained some pretty serious injuries.

Britney Spears was overwhelmingly accused of getting a nose job

While we couldn't take our eyes off her sexy ESPYs dress, other viewers were shocked and certain that she was debuting a new nose job.

What was your top or favorite entertainment story of the week? Let us know in the comments below!

celebrity chef scandals slideshow

Girl Meets World gave fans the most satisfying Mr. Turner answers

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Mr. Turner was last seen in the 1997 Boy Meets World episode "Cult Fiction," in which he tried to talk Shawn out of joining a cult and then crashed his motorcycle. Aside from an offscreen mention here and there, the coolest English teacher this side of Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society was never seen again. This has driven fans of Boy Meets World nuts for nearly two decades. How could Mr. Turner go from debating being Shawn's legal guardian to disappearing into thin air?

More: Haven't caught the Girl Meets World bug yet? Here are 6 reasons you should watch

The real-life answer surely had something to do with contracts and story line issues, but it was the onscreen answer I was after, and in the Girl Meets World episode "Girl Meets the New Teacher," all my questions were answered in the best way possible. Dreamer Cory hired a young new English teacher, Harper Lee — who taught Frank Miller's The Dark Knight on her first day of class — because she reminded him of an English teacher he once had. Her unorthodox approach to teaching led to an abrupt firing by the principal and the superintendent was called in.

I think you already know who the superintendent was, but just in case you need clarification, it was the one and only Mr. Turner. After all these years, he's still cool, still totally crush-worthy and still fighting to reach the kids everyone else has written off as unreachable. After the motorcycle accident, he married his nurse (in case it happened again) and stayed close to Cory and Shawn, even if the viewers weren't privy to their continued relationship. Mr. Turner is so well known in the Matthews household that Riley calls him Uncle Jon.

More: Did you see the return of Boy Meets World's Eric and Jack bromance?

Curiously, Cory didn't appear to have told Riley his history with Mr. Turner, but in an inspired and downright tearjerking moment, it was revealed that Mr. Turner was the one who took a chance on Cory and gave him his job as a history teacher. It was a definite "all I ever wanted" kind of moment and it provided even more proof that Girl Meets World can work on multiple levels. Riley and Maya have their very own special English teacher who will guide them through every corner of literature now, but they also got to meet a true legend.

Even better, the writers went ahead and tied in the Maya and Shawn connection for maximum emotional overload. Shawn himself was absent from this episode, but even without him there, Mr. Turner's conversation with Maya hit hard. Maya, who is still longing for Shawn to love her like a daughter, timidly asked Mr. Turner if it was possible for love to transcend biology. Mr. Turner responded, "I loved Shawn like a son. I still do."

Suddenly, Shawn's attachment to Maya gained another level of meaning. Once upon a time, an adult saw promise in Shawn when no one else did and he is paying that life-changing gesture forward with Maya. Just like Mr. Turner, he never asked for the responsibility of raising a teenager, but he chose it because he sees what a special, amazing young woman Maya is and everything she can one day become.

Mr. Turner believes teachers should see their students as more than just transient beings who will pass through a class. He knows from experience that each one of those students can grow up to be so much more. He sees it in Cory, in Harper Lee and in Maya, who admitted she could see herself maybe becoming a teacher one day. He saw it in Shawn and look how he turned out.

More: Angela and Shawn's long-awaited reunion was an inspired choice from the Girl Meets World team

When Girl Meets World creates a bridge to the past, it enriches its own storytelling. Bringing Mr. Turner back sounded like the ultimate piece of fan service on paper, but it was executed flawlessly. The connections people make even at the earliest stages of their lives can last and pay off in beautiful and mysterious ways.

Mr. Turner is proof of that. The mystery of his life post-"Cult Fiction" has been revealed and it makes me incredibly happy to know he spent his life doing something extraordinary. He is the man behind the curtain in this story, the guiding hand who brought Cory to Riley's school and helped Shawn find a path. Even if every step of his journey wasn't shown onscreen, the weight of it is felt across the board. That is quite an achievement from a character who hasn't been seen since 1997. Old fan or new, you have to admit Girl Meets World outdid itself with the tale of Mr. Turner.

tv lego sets slideshow


Top 10 large dog breeds

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10. Bernese mountain dog

bernese mountain dog

Image: Stanze/Flickr

We can thank the Swiss for many great things: fine chocolate, luxury watches... and the Bernese mountain dog. This dog has become extremely popular throughout the years, recognizable because of its affectionate personality and keen intelligence.

Regal looking with its long, silky, tri-colored fur, the Bernese mountain dog is a true outdoors dog that, as its name might imply, fares well in cold weather. Ever patient and loyal, this large dog breed would make a great addition to any family with children, despite having a potential height of 23 to 28 inches and a weight of up to 110 pounds. Just note that due to their propensity to develop cancer, their life expectancy is only about 6 to 8 years, and they should be regularly screened by a qualified vet.

Want to see more photos of the Bernese mountain dog?

9. Collie

Collie

Image: Chris Leung/Flickr

It'd be very difficult to not mention Lassie when talking about collies, so there. Now that that's out of the way, collies are a very popular breed of large dog, not only for their obvious ties to classic literature and film, but for their sharp minds and friendly natures. These loyal dogs rarely show signs of aggression unless their owners are in need of protection. Equally fearless and gentle, the collie is good with kids and can be the ideal addition to a happy family.

They can get as tall as 2 feet and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, making them slightly smaller than the Bernese.

Want to see more photos of collies?

8. Mastiff

Mastiff

Image: Claudio Gennari/Flickr

If you've ever seen a mastiff, you'll agree that there is one word that can properly size up its appearance: powerful. No kidding, this dog is huge — not as tall as a Great Dane but probably twice as thick at between 2 and 3 feet tall with a weight of between 130 and 220 pounds.

Fittingly, these dogs make excellent guard dogs. Though the mastiff seems beast-like, it is surprisingly affectionate, gentle and extremely loyal. Their devotion to their owners and patience with children have secured their popularity for years, though they must be properly socialized to get along well with children and other pets, and it's best if you don't have them around very small children or adults who are frail as they can easily knock them over, causing serious injuries. Their life span is generally between 6 and 10 years, but some have lived as long as 18 years.

Want to see more photos of mastiffs?

7. Great Dane

Great dane

Image: Jon Hurd/Flickr

Monumental in size and personality, the Great Dane towers over other large breeds at just over 2-feet to almost 3-feet tall.

Often thought to be the world's tallest dog, only the Irish wolfhound can claim to be taller.

Great Danes are gentle giants, calm and friendly despite their intimidating size. If you want to make sure you don't get one of the really huge ones, opt for a female — males can get up to 200 pounds, but females generally top out at 115 pounds. They do require love, attention and plenty of space to exercise those long limbs, though, so they're ideal if you have a big backyard. They're great with kids, but beware that you're probably investing in a 100 to 200 pound lapdog.

Want to see more pictures of Great Danes?

6. German short-haired pointer

German short-haired pointer

Image: Geraint Morgan/Flickr

A true hunting dog, the German short-haired pointer is bold, intelligent, strong and playful.

The German short-haired pointer requires lots of exercise and attention. If properly trained, the GSP makes the ideal companion for owners with an active lifestyle and a love for the outdoors. Otherwise, this headstrong breed may prove to be too much of a challenge for a first-time owner.

If you do love the outdoors, the GSP is good with kids, though it may just be a bit too feisty for very little ones, although at only about 2-feet tall and up to 70 pounds, this fur baby is a bit smaller for the large breed fan who's not willing to commit to one of the previous adorable monsters.

Want to see more pictures of the German short-haired pointer?

5. Rottweiler

rottweiler

Image: Kusadasi-Guy/Flickr

Despite the negative attention received due to its portrayal as a mean dog in television and film, the rottweiler remains a highly popular breed.

Here's why: Historically a herding dog, the rottweiler's natural obedience makes it adaptable to several roles — just as capable of being a guard dog as assisting as a service dog. Extremely intelligent and good-natured, the rottweiler is naturally attentive and very loyal to its family.

That said, rotties are best in homes with older kids who know how to interact with dogs. Since they are herding dogs, small children can easily get knocked over when the pup tries to herd them with leans and nudges.

These dogs are stout, generally around 2-feet tall but weighing as much as 130 pounds, and live between 8 and 11 years.

Want to see more pictures of rottweilers?

4. Standard poodle

Standard poodle

Image: Tracy out west/Flickr

It's no wonder the standard poodle is often a contributing factor to some cocktails of "designer mutts." Superiorly intelligent, training the standard poodle is a breeze. It is naturally inclined to be a crowd-pleaser — you'll be hard-pressed to find an unsatisfied owner of a standard poodle. Just be prepared to devote oodles of attention and playtime to your pet if you ever choose to become the proud owner of a poodle.

Usually only about 2-feet tall, they still only weigh in between 40 and 75 pounds. Better yet, they have one of the longer life spans of larger dogs, often living as long as some smaller dogs, at about 15 years. Even better, they're generally good with kids, though they may need some extra help accepting a new animal in the house if they're used to being the only four-legged friend.

Want to see more pictures of standard poodles?

3. Golden retriever

Golden retreiver

Image: Thomas Teubert/Flickr

Though named as such for their distinctively silky, gold-colored tresses, golden retrievers could have easily earned their name for having a heart of gold.

Friendly to both owners and strangers alike, these dogs are renowned for their compatibility with children. Golden retrievers are primarily indoor pets but do require a daily dose of exercise running around the yard. About 2-feet tall, they aren't as weighty as some of the dogs on this list, generally capping out at about 75 pounds. They also live a long life for a dog at around 11 years or so.

Plus... how could you resist that adorable face?

Want to see more pictures of golden retrievers?

2. German shepherd

German shepherd

Image: gomagoti/Flickr

Keenly intelligent and eager to serve, it's no wonder these dogs are commonly seen in service roles and working alongside policemen.

One of the most well-rounded pets out there, the German shepherd is highly versatile and can make for a loving family member as well as a trusted guardian. Generally trustworthy with children, they still need to be well-socialized with them, and small children should always be supervised around dogs of this size.

1. Labrador retriever

Labrador retreiver

Image: OakleyOriginals/Flickr

What can be said about the Labrador retriever that hasn't been said? The fact that the Lab placed No. 1 in the American Kennel Club's registration lists for 18 consecutive years speaks a lot for itself.

Equally excellent at being a working or companion dog, the Lab's intelligence and lovable personality make this breed the most popular dog in the world, regardless of size. They're usually about 2-feet tall, weigh 55 to 80 pounds and live a pretty long time, about 11 years.

These are one of the best dog breeds if you have kids. They aren't just accepting of kids — they seem to enjoy the chaos and often willingly submit to whatever humiliation kids dole out (like wearing crazy hats). They can also be great with other pets if properly socialized.

More on dog breeds

Top 10 smartest dogs in the world
How to choose the right size dog for your home
Top 10 dog breeds for kids

20 Small dog breeds that are the cutest creatures on the planet

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1. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Image: aaa/Moment open/Getty images

Lovingly referred to as the "Yorkie," the Yorkshire terrier is the ultimate cutie in small breeds. Not only are they tiny, some are even "teacup"! Adorable for dress-up or play, the Yorkshire terrier is a small breed with a big personality and perfect as a companion on the go. Yorkies have been a "fashionable" pet since the late Victorian era.

2. Papillon

Papillon

Image: Rook76/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another breed that makes an excellent companion, the papillon is a loyal and loving friend. Great with kids and families, this pint-size pup makes an excellent watchdog. Calm but alert, it is extremely protective of its master. A papillon's most distinctive feature is its large butterfly ears.

3. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Image: Sergey Ryumin/Moment open/Getty images

Not only is the Cavalier King Charles spaniel adorable, but it loves to cuddle, too! A member of the toy group, this pup is gentle and extremely caring of its family. These dogs are considered to be very elegant, possibly the reason Charlotte York from Sex and the City had one. One of the most popular in small breeds, it's a dog worthy of all of your love.

4. Brussels griffon

 Brussels Griffon

Image: Okssi68/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Some may think that the Brussels griffon isn't the most attractive dog on the planet, but it sure is cute. A bit awkward looking, Brussels griffons are smart, adaptable and cat-friendly. What they lack in appearance they make up for with their ability to perform a variety of tricks. Not great with kids, it'll make a single owner a very happy one.

5. Boston terrier

Boston Terrier

Image: blueumbrellastudios/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Just like the natives of the city it was named after, the Boston terrier is one loyal breed. It loves people, kids, cats and other dogs alike and is extremely adaptable. One of the most popular small breeds, the Boston terrier is one tiny pup that dog lovers like to have around.

Up next: 10 More of the cutest small dog breeds on the planet

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6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Image: Geri Lavrov/Photodisc/Getty images

The Shih Tzu's cuteness matches its vibrant and spunky personality. A breed known for its luxurious coat and adorable appearance, the Shih Tzu needs a lot of grooming to keep it looking good, including daily brushing. Another popular breed, this dog makes a great companion for adults and older children.

7. Bichon frise

Bichon Frise

Image: thomaszobl/iStock/Getty Images Plus

It's cute, its white and it's super-fluffy: The bichon frise is the epitome of cuteness. A feisty breed, this little guy loves to play with its beloved owner. Despite the fact that it looks just like a child's toy, the bichon frise is not actually classified as a toy breed but rather one of the non-sporting group. A super-cuddlebug, the bichon frise is also very affectionate and loving toward adults and other furred friends.

8. Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Image: Laures/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another fluff ball to love up to, the Pomeranian is a compact puppy of Nordic descent. Smart and curious, this is a soft and lively breed. Excellent as a show dog, the Pomeranian is easily trained due to its incredible intelligence. Not very good with kids, this dog does amazingly well with cats.

9. Scottish terrier

Scottish Terrier

Image: MorePixels/iStock/Getty Images Plus

There's a reason we see the Scottish terrier adorning sweaters and holiday gear — it's super-adorable! Their thick eyebrows and stout build make them resemble old men, in the most charming way. With more than just cute looks, the Scottish terrier makes a wonderful watchdog. Witty and hypoallergenic, it's another small dog breed best suited for adults and older children.

10. Cockapoo

Cockapoo

Image: Jody Trappe Photography/Moment open/Getty images

A designer breed, the cockapoo is a mix of the English cocker spaniel and the poodle. Small and cute, this breed hits every mark for a great dog. A cockapoo will never leave your side, as it loves to show affection and follow its owner. Good with kids and other animals, the cockapoo is intelligent and adaptable.

Up next: 10 More of the cutest small dog breeds on the planet

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11. Pekingese

Pekingese

Image: Gwenvidig/iStock/Getty Images Plus

A member of both the toy and companion groups, the Pekingese is a charming and delightful dog to be around. An intelligent pooch, it's a watchdog that prefers adults and kitty friends. These pups are usually between 7 and 14 pounds, yet they are mighty and quick to defend themselves. With a lot of fur, the Pekingese's luxurious coat requires regular grooming.

12. Maltese

Maltese

Image: MaR_RiiO/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The Maltese is a breed that loves to shower its owner with affection. Lively and energetic, this breed also enjoys playing with its adult owner and fur-covered friends. The Maltese loves its owner so much, however, that it often suffers from separation anxiety when left alone too long. Covered with white, fluffy fur of its own, the Maltese requires daily brushing.

13. Lhasa apso

Lhasa Apso

Image: VKarlov/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Small yet assertive, the Lhasa apso is a companion breed that was bred to protect its family. Good with all kinds of people and pets, it makes a great addition to any family. Fearless and devoted, the Lhasa apso is a pretty pup that enjoys a good pampering, requiring lots of grooming, and cuddle sessions at the end of a busy day.

14. Skye terrier

Skye Terrier

Image: Brytta/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Made famous by Queen Victoria herself, this versatile breed can get fiercely protective or just be a friendly companion. Don't be fooled by its small size — the Skye terrier is an excellent watchdog. Smart, friendly and outgoing, this is a happy pup to have around. Fearless and loyal, the Skye terrier is a breed suited for a one-pet-only household.

15. Sussex spaniel

Sussex Spaniel

Image: Gareth Byrd/Flickr

A sporting and gun dog, the cute Sussex spaniel makes an excellent hunting and family pet. Reliable and a lover of dogs and kids, the pup is friendly, lovable and notoriously slow. Looking a bit somber, the Sussex spaniel is actually a very happy and good-natured dog and loves the company of other dogs.

Up next: 10 More of the cutest small dog breeds on the planet

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16. Petit basset griffon Vendéen

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Image: Nathan150/Flickr

A hound breed, the petit basset griffon Vendéen loves to be active and will often keep itself entertained by getting into a little trouble. Adorable with its furry features, this dog requires a lot of grooming and playtime. Smart and easily trained, the petit basset griffon Vendéen makes a great family dog with its friendly and outgoing nature.

17. Havanese

Havanese

Image: @Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty images

There isn't a furry friend or human the Havanese doesn't like. A charming little pup, the Havanese has a soft, easy-maintenance coat. A pup that loves to cuddle, this lovable pooch enjoys the company of its owner 24/7, which is why it's nicknamed "Velcro dog."

18. Japanese chin

Japanese Chin

Image: Justin Horrocks/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Another toy breed, the darling Japanese chin also falls into the category of a companion breed. Well-mannered, affectionate and extremely loyal, this dog believes its life goal is to be at the service of its owner. Beware, however, of these pooches' jumping skills, as they can leap up great distances in just a single bound. A bit on the sensitive side, the Japanese chin does best with adults and feline siblings.

19. Chihuahua

Chihuahua

Image: @Hans Surfer/Moment/Getty images

Still sometimes referred to as the "Taco Bell dog," the Chihuahua is one of the most well-known small breeds on the planet, ranging from just 3 to 6 pounds. Filled with a feisty personality and watchdog abilities to boot, this pooch is a confident and sassy breed. Best as a one-human kind of pet, the Chihuahua gets along best with cats and adult humans.

20. West Highland white terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Image: jfoto/Moment/Getty images

The West Highland white terrier is arguably the cutest dog on the entire planet. White, fluffy and a great therapy dog, there's no denying this breed's awesomeness. A "Westie" is good with kids, families, cats and pretty much everyone. Perhaps their best quality is how easily they are house-trained due to their preference for cleanliness.

More on dog breeds

Meet the breed: Papillon
Meet the breed: bichon frise
Meet the breed: petit basset griffon Vendéen

Peach-oatmeal cookies: a smart way to use one of summer’s tastiest fruits

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No other fruit even comes close to challenging a juicy, ripe peach for me — they are hands down my all-time favorite. These oat-packed cookies celebrate all there is to love about peaches in a bite-size snack you can feel good about eating. They're about as healthy as a cookie can get.

oatmeal peach cookies

Oatmeal-peach cookies recipe

A healthy oat, coconut, pecan cookie packed with fresh diced peaches is perfect for a summertime snack or dessert.

Yields 15-16

Prep time: 10 minutes | Bake time: 14 minutes | Total time: 24 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend to make these gluten free)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or other nut
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup diced fresh peaches

Directions:

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, coconut, pecans, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, applesauce, butter and vanilla.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until just combined. Fold in the peaches.
  5. Scoop the batter out onto the baking sheet in about 3- to 4-tablespoon-size heaps, leaving about 2 inches of space between the cookies.
  6. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown.
  7. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

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

More peach recipes

Peaches and cream tart
Peach melba parfait
Summer peach bruschetta

The Pitch: Meghan Martinez sells us on a digital alternative to the key

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Name: Meghan Martinez

What you’re pitching: Keasy is a software platform that gives property managers, homeowners and investors the ability to remotely manage access to their homes from anywhere in the world using our patent-pending keyless lock and smartphone app. I'm on a mission to keep vacationers safe and protect homeowners' investments.

Position: Founder, Keasy

Hails from: I grew up in a suburb of Memphis, moved to Phoenix to attend ASU in 1995 and have been a Southern girl living in the desert ever since.

Birthday: Nov. 30

Personal life: Married to my favorite person on the planet, mother to an adorable gremlin/terrier rescue named Lucy

Priors: Party girl in college #GoSunDevils; I've sold everything from cars to beachfront homes in Mexico; owner of a funny gift line called Lil Basket Case; co-owner of a snarky T-shirt line, Unsweetened Tee; real estate broker; lifelong dreamer

Pitch inspired by: Allyson Kapin of Women Who Tech, who was kind enough to reach out and encourage me to introduce Keasy to the BlogHer-sphere. It has been a blast, and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity.

Mentor(s)/people who inspire: My mom, for "not breaking my spirit." My dad, for never telling me "no." My brother, for thinking I am hilarious and providing a safe space always to be myself. My husband, for signing up to marry the monster created by the parties listed above and loving me unconditionally. I am inspired and encouraged by strong/funny/smart ladies — Chelsea Handler, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Robin Quivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Amy Schumer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sheryl Sandberg, Sara Blakely and Elizabeth Holmes

Words to live by: "Please" and "thank you"

Last read/watched/listened: Read: Zero to One by Peter Thiel; watched: True Detective Season 2 / Episode 2 #DAMNBIRDMAN; listened: Howard Stern Show, every day

Social: TwitterInstagramPinterest

Guilty pleasure: Tater tots, dirty martinis, binge-watching House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black

How I recharge: My ultimate recharge is the beach; it is the end of complications. I also love to read, hike, color, write or spend the afternoon laughing with friends.

Top of travel wish list: Overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, or I'd settle for a few weeks at Necker Island #easytoplease.

What does it take to change someone’s mind? To convince them to buy a product, modify their daily routine or completely make over their lives? Could you sell someone on an idea in under 60 seconds? We invite you to try. But remember — the clock is ticking. To participate in The Pitch or recommend someone you know, contact us at ThePitch@SheKnows.com.

The Pitch

The Pitch: Majora Carter sells us on a way to create and provide tech jobs

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Name:  Majora Carter

What you’re pitching: StartUp Box is a B2B tech services company located in and employing people from low-status communities. We do cross-platform quality assurance software testing, customer care and diverse talent recruitment for some amazing clients. Our employees build peer-to-peer professional relationships with the people at client companies and learn on the job that there is more to the knowledge economy than just coding!

Position: CEO

Hails from: The Bronx

Birthday: Oct. 27, 1966

Personal life: I have a personal life? Oh...

Priors: MacArthur "genius" Fellow, Peabody Award-winning broadcaster, lots of honorary Ph.D.s, NYU MFA, Wesleyan Distinguished Alum

Pitch inspired by: I wanted to design a solution for diversifying tech that leveraged existing cash flows, not more handouts.

Mentor(s)/people who inspire: This week, Bree Newsome

Last read/watched/listened: Read: Bad Hair Does Not Exist. Watched: Game of Thrones

Social: @MajoraCarter

Guilty pleasure: Bacon, chocolate, peanut butter... can be combined

How I recharge: Spin class, my husband's cooking

Top of travel wish list: South of France, again

What does it take to change someone’s mind? To convince them to buy a product, modify their daily routine or completely make over their lives? Could you sell someone on an idea in under 60 seconds? We invite you to try. But remember — the clock is ticking. To participate in The Pitch or recommend someone you know, contact us at ThePitch@SheKnows.com.

The Pitch

5 Facts about service animals you need to get straight

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1. Any dog can be a service dog but only if trained

There are many myths that only golden retrievers and Labradors can be service animals, but this is not true. Any breed can be trained to be an excellent service dog, demonstrated by Zeus, a miniature poodle. However, this does not mean that someone can go to the pound and select any dog to become his or her service dog. "I’ve seen quite a few people just go to the pound and adopt a dog and go, 'This will be my service dog.' It doesn’t work that way. It’s not that easy," said Jessica. The dog has to be trained from the beginning as any training done to a rescue dog may wash out due to the baggage it come with.

Zeus the miniature poodle

Image Credit: Jessica Douglas

2. There is a difference between service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support companions

Emotional support animals aren't specifically trained. "They’re literally just there to cuddle, basically. It’s a pet, but it’s a pet for your emotional well-being," Jessica told us. Then there are therapy dog companions, which are used mainly for comfort and companionship, not specific tasks. They are trained and well-behaved, but they are only meant to help emotionally and are not allowed everywhere like service animals are. "One of my friends is a psychologist, and she has a therapy dog that she keeps in her office, and when her patients come in, she has her therapy dog there that they can just cling to when they need it," Jessica said.

Service animals, like Zeus, are highly trained and must be able to do at least one task specific to their owners' disability. They're only assigned to people who have been classified as disabled by their doctor, and the doctor has made a recommendation for a service animal. They can go anywhere the general public can go.

Zeus and Jessica in public

Image Credit: Jessica Douglas

3. Service dog owners can get a lot of backlash

Service dogs require a lot of training, health care and attention, but even more challenging can be the resistance owners receive when interacting with other people. It is common for retail and restaurant owners to be wary of service dogs since so many people have used “fake” service dogs as a way to take their pets into places. "I've had to miss out on a birthday party because a restaurant owner refused to let me in because she didn't believe that Zeus was a service animal," said Jessica.

Owners of service dogs have to be prepared to answer questions about why they need the animal, which is technically legal but can feel invasive, and often get turned away if a store owner does not believe the animal is necessary. Also, people who have service dogs have to constantly tell people not to pet their dog, which can upset people who don’t understand why — leading us to the most important thing to know.

4. Do not pet the dog!

Something people don’t realize is that service animals are always on the job, and distractions of any kind are not appreciated. "At the end of the day, they’re still dogs," Jessica said. "So when people get their attention and/or make cooing sounds at them or reach out to pet them, any sort of direct interaction with the dog, what they’ve done is pulled the dog out of the job."

It is difficult for owners to ask adults and children alike to leave the dog alone, so remember to keep yourself and your kids away from the dogs in vests. And don’t pull it out of the job just because you think it’s cute. You could be stopping it from performing a life-saving task. "In my case, Zeus is often trained to go get help if I fall unconscious," Jessica said. "If I let someone pet him, then he associates them as someone safe, and so if I collapse at a convention and he knows he has to go get help, he will go for someone who's been allowed to pet him."

So please, “Don’t pet, don’t talk to them, don’t look at them. It’s not rude to ignore my dog. Please ignore my dog!”

5. Owning a service dog should not be taken lightly

One thing Jessica could not emphasize enough is that a service dog is a major responsibility, not just a cute pet to take everywhere. If you're thinking about getting a service animal, it is important to talk to your doctor first, as a doctor must first agree that you are disabled and that a service animal is in your best interest. "I really want to emphasize to people, get your mental health sorted out first before you think about a dog," Jessica said. "Take care of your health first and then decide if it’s going to be the right choice."

More for dog lovers

6 Common dog ailments all pet owners should know
11 Dogs that are more ready for summer than you are
Tindog is a dating app for dog lovers that will help you find true love

15 Things only Mac converts understand

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Without further ado, here are 15 things only people who've converted from PC to Mac understand. PC users: Put down that giant trackball… it's all in good fun.

Mac users are generally a creative, happy bunch

dancing in front of a mac

Image: Giphy

...although PC users seem to have their fun too

crazy guy dancing

Image: Giphy

PC users have their Windows champion…

steve balimer screaming yes

Image: Randy/YouTube

...and Mac users have theirs.

justin long saying no

Image: Giphy

Some people think their PCs are smart…

winking help paperclip from windows

Image: Giphy

Some people think their PCs are sexy…

peter griffin and homer simpson washing a car

Image: Giphy

...but Apple users know their Macs are smart — and sexy

steven colbert looking sexy

Image: Giphy

When it comes to malware, Mac users are all, like…

dog relaxing using a mac laptop

Image: Giphy

PC users can't always be sure what's going to pop up

guys from sirens freaking out over computer

Image: SirensUSA/YouTube

(How could you cancel Sirens, USA?)

It's true that Macs may be a little behind when it comes to gaming…

prince of person (old school)

Image: groovymacgamesYouTube

...but that may be a good thing

guy beating his friend with keyboard over game

Image: Giphy

Mac users may have to face an occasional Spinning Beach Ball of Death

family guy episode with spinning beach ball of death

Image: Normandy/YouTube

...but the Blue Screen of Death will make even the most mild-mannered androids of the future lose their cool

data gets blue screen of death and freaks out

Image: grant2053/YouTube

There is one big thing that no PC user will ever understand — while PC users can relax...

kid rocking out in front of old PC

Image: Giphy

Mac users live under the constant threat of panda attack

fake panda destroying a guy's desk

Image: Giphy

(Yeah, OK... so I made that last one up. Had to throw them some kind of bone. They're viewing this on a PC for cryin' out loud.)

More to tickle your funny bone

15 Things every short girl understands
This laminated passive-aggressive note on a parked car gets the job done
This anchor's response to naked man is what we were all thinking (VIDEO) 


The Pitch: Christine Souffrant sells online access to street vendors across the globe

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Name: Christine Souffrant

What you’re pitching: Vendedy makes it easy to access local products while you travel the world! One out of five of global goods is located in street markets, bazaars and souks, yet there is no digital platform to access them. With beta success in Haiti, Vendedy launched the first mobile network connecting travelers to street vendors in real time. Now a traveler can use the network to browse through live feed photos of products and either connect with the vendor to purchase via SMS or request a product delivery to their hotel. The launch of the network goes live this summer. Sign up for the first access here: vendedy.com/landing

Position: CEO and founder

Hails from: Born in New York, raised in Haiti, lives in Dubai (currently at NASA for the summer)

Birthday: Feb. 24, 1989

Personal life: Scrapbooking, traveling, public speaking, photography

Priors: Former banker, policy research analyst, start-up development strategist

Pitch inspired by: The pitch was inspired by the convergence of my childhood reality and life learnings with the street vending industry. As the daughter of three generations of Haitian female street vendors, I grew up understanding that the way of life for many was selling in the streets. I earned a Bill Gates scholarship to Dartmouth and traveled to over 22 countries, witnessing the stories of street vendors across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. I became obsessed with the street vending industry, and when the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, I made it my life goal to transform the black market street vending industry as I walked through the rubble amongst street vendors. By 2013, I quit banking to move to Dubai to study social entrepreneurship, with the goal of launching a start-up post-graduation — little did I know that it would be Vendedy.

Mentor(s)/people who inspire: My mother has a huge influence on me. She embodies resilience, bravado and boldness.

Last read/watched/listened: Bold by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler

Words to live by: 

  • "When 99% of people doubt your idea, you are either gravely wrong or about to make history."
  • "Life is a promise. Fulfill it."

Social: @Csouffrant

Guilty pleasure: Red velvet cake

How I recharge: Music playlist and binge-watching Ancient Aliens on National Geographic

Top of travel wish list: Any ancient site of the world: Machu Picchu of Peru, pyramids of Egypt, etc.

The Pitch: Luvvie Ajayi sells us on a unique way to promote HIV awareness

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Name: Luvvie Ajayi

What you’re pitching: The Red Pump Project

Position: Executive director/co-founder

Hails from: Chicago, by way of Nigeria

Birthday: Jan. 5

Personal life: Something I keep sacred and mostly to myself.

Priors: Bachelor of Science in psychology, University of Illinois

Pitch inspired by: We created The Red Pump Project because both me and my co-founder, Karyn, know people who are infected and affected by HIV. One of my friends has 20 cousins who were orphaned by AIDS in Malawi, and they're living with her grandmother. HIV affects women, because even when we're not the ones who are living with it, we're the caretakers, so we wanted to do something that shows that we're standing with women who are touched by this epidemic in any way.

Mentor(s)/people who inspire: My mother, for her sacrifices that have lit my path.

Last read/watched/listened: I last read Taiye Selasi's book Ghana Must Go. SO GOOD.

Social: My personal Twitter and Instagram: @Luvvie. Red Pump's Twitter: @RedPumpProj and Instagram is @RedPump

Guilty pleasure: Watching The Maury Povich Show. Except I don't feel that guilty about it.

How I recharge: Napping. Lots of naps.

Top of travel wish list: Ethiopia

What does it take to change someone’s mind? To convince them to buy a product, modify their daily routine or completely make over their lives? Could you sell someone on an idea in under 60 seconds? We invite you to try. But remember — the clock is ticking. To participate in The Pitch or recommend someone you know, contact us at ThePitch@SheKnows.com.

The Pitch SheKnows

How to use advertising principles to craft a killer résumé

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Target your audience

Try to think of yourself objectively, as a product you're selling. What problems, concerns and fears do they have (professionally speaking), and how can you fix them? What makes them happy? What makes them tick? What would make them want to buy in (to you)? Yes, these are professionals, but they're people, too. People make decisions emotionally then justify them with logic, even in a business setting.

Analyze "market research"

Most of the hours I bill for are for research time. Read the job listing carefully. What does it tell you about what they're looking for? What problem do they really need solved? Yes, they need a web designer, but if their listing says you have to work well in high-pressure situations, work quickly and learn quickly, that probably means they're short on time and need someone who can jump into the fray without much training. Look at their website and research the company online. What kinds of skills are likely to be necessary to do this job? You want your résumé to tell them you have what they need.

Target your message

Major companies have multiple ads going at the same time because they're trying to appeal to various audiences. You have to do the same thing. Every company has different needs, different problems and different goals. Get out that market research you just analyzed and adjust your résumé to reflect their unique needs, problems and goals.

Use the name of the person who's hiring on your cover letter instead of a generic salutation. Look him or her up on LinkedIn. Speaking of which, when was the last time you updated yours? 'Cause they're going to look, too. Use these same rules there.

Tailor each and every résumé and cover letter to the company and person you're sending it to. You always want to be professional, but you also don't want to send a hyper-formal résumé to a company with a laid-back corporate culture. Your résumé has to say "I fit in here."

Bonus tip: They'll also look at your Facebook and Twitter (and Pinterest and Instagram) profiles if they find them, so if you don't want them seeing any of that, make them private for the time being. Otherwise, be careful what you post. I have 100 percent gone through over a month of someone's Twitter profile to see whom I might be hiring.

Open (and close) strong

In advertising, you have to grab people's attention in an instant or you've lost them. Same with résumés. Your objective statement should tell them what you want out of this, but in a way that relates directly to them. It should say, "See, we want the same things out of life."

Since people only scan résumés, they're most likely to miss the stuff in the middle, but they'll pause when they hit the end. Do you want the last thing they read to be "references available upon request"? They know that.

Benefits, not features

Which product do you want to buy? A flexible-connectivity mobile hard drive with 1 TB of storage and 480 Mbps transfer rates? Or an ultra-portable hard drive that triples your iPhone photo space, so you can capture all your vacation memories? Would it surprise you to learn the second hard drive has less than 1 percent the storage space of the first one? The first is an example of features. They're important, but you should always be mindful of focusing on the latter: benefits.

You may have great negotiation skills, but remember that your future employer is a human being, too. What's in it for them? Instead of writing "negotiated contracts," give examples of times your negotiation skills got the job done. Focusing on benefits will help you avoid all the boilerplate language and give your potential employer a real sense of why hiring you is the best decision they can make. Save your skills section for things like unusual computer programs you know how to use.

Leverage the rule of three

People are more likely to act on information when it comes in threes (scientific fact). In advertising, we use this to get customers to actively think about buying what we're selling (that's why you see three commercials for the same product when you're watching one TV show).

When you write your résumé, focus on threes. If you only have two examples to prove you're good at something, you don't have enough evidence. If you have more than three examples, choose the best three because more than that may dilute your point.

Write and edit ruthlessly

In a typical TV spot, you have 30 seconds to communicate your point. That's about 80 words, max. Every word has to count. Use strong, powerful verbs and concise, direct sentences in active voice. Extraneous words only detract from the power of the sentence and should be cut.

Also… put down that thesaurus and step away slowly. OK, that's a little harsh, but even the government has rules about plain language now. Highfalutin words are more burdensome to read, regardless of someone's intelligence. It's OK to use the thesaurus for inspiration, but never, ever, ever use words you wouldn't normally use in conversation. Sometimes I see commercials on TV and have this image of a 65-year-old copywriter desperately searching Urban Dictionary to find out how "the kids talk these days." People can smell a lack of authenticity like blood in the water. You want to present the best version of you, not someone else entirely.

Achieve "shelf impact"

Shelf impact is the visual appeal or distinctiveness of a product when it's on the shelf (surrounded by similar products).

Make sure your résumé looks great. It should be really well formatted with enough white space to keep it from looking cluttered. Use a single, easy-to-read, non-decorative font to avoid font soup and difficulty reading. Also avoid Courier, Times New Roman or Arial (they're dated, and believe it or not, lot's of people can tell!). A pop of color is OK, but don't overdo it, and don't use it on important text (it's hard to read).

And don't forget the paper. Cheap printer paper is a no-no. If you're sharing your résumé electronically, make a PDF. A Word or Pages doc can be modified (which I've done and saved by accident and had to spend 20 minutes searching my email for the original). Plus, if you use tables or other features to help with formatting, they may see nasty lines.

More on résumé advice

Why Times New Roman is an awful font to use on your résumé
10 Common résumé errors and how to fix them
5 Effective ways to help employers find your résumé 

Artwork starts conversation on sexual objectification of women, as intended

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It looks like a simple mosaic, but as you get closer to the artwork by Rosalie Maheux you can see that it is composed of photos of women engaged in different sexual acts. The piece hangs in the John B. Aird Gallery which is at the base of some government office towers in Toronto.

Laurie Scott is the PC women's critic and she doesn't think that the racy art should be posted in a government building. She told the Canadian Press: “Regardless of the aims or intent of the artist, Ontarians expect their government to lead by example in combating the sexual objectification of women. The fact that a publicly housed gallery has been allowed to not only display but to sell images of this nature is very worrisome.”

More: New feminist app makes your phone buzz where women made history

Sacred Circle V1 is part of an exhibition featuring artists under the age of 30. The artist, French-Canadian Rosalie Maheux, said to CityNews that she was surprised that the piece was chosen for the government gallery. On her Tumblr page she writes that the piece is supposed to be beautiful from afar but forces you to question the images as you get closer. She writes, "The irony in my work is that it becomes more challenging as you approach it, as its elements draw our attention to our stake in the politics of looking, voyeurism, sexual degradation, sexism, sexuality, and so on.

Sacred Circles VI is part of larger series, a social critique of the excessive value that society places on women’s sexual attractiveness. Given these standards, as a woman artist it only makes sense that I would take the images of women that are out there, including the sexualized and the pornographic, reconfigure them on my own terms, and offer them back as something transformed."

Scott, however, disagrees. Anyone following Ontario politics should be amused by the irony of the PC member trying to co-opt the language of feminism. Scott is trying to sound like she cares about the plight of women, but like the artwork itself, the closer you get to her statements, the uglier they become.

More: Colouring could be just the therapy you need to manage stress

Context is important and while the art may make people uncomfortable, having the uncomfortable discussion is better than pretending that troubling images of women in our culture don't exist. While trying to scare Ontarians about the possibility of porn in the government building, the women's critic is actually creating more discussion and awareness about the use of women's images in art than any small print, in a quiet gallery tucked into a corner of a government building, ever could.

More on Living

Kids don't have a problem with the word feminism
Gwyneth Paltrow on family, co-parenting and a trip to Paris with her dad (VIDEO)
Amy Schumer addresses her devotion to feminism in one great quote

Cute kitten takes on his nemesis: A sandal (VIDEO)

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Kitten and sandal

Kitten and sandal

OK, so it wasn't that fierce of a battle, but it certainly trumps the WWE in terms of entertainment value. It has also left me with many an unanswered question, chief among them being: How did he get into this tangle in the first place?

There was also a brief moment where I thought perhaps the bigger question was whether or not this is the cutest kitten I've ever seen. But then I realized how stupid a question that is — when it comes to kitten cuteness, this one has all the other kittens at his mercy. I wonder if he'll agree to come live with me if I promise to offer a sandal-free home?

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