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5 Holiday 'how we met' stories that will warm your heart

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Even though there's no one bad time of the year to find your soul mate, there's just something about holiday meet-up stories that warms your heart. Perhaps years of listening to songs with lyrics like "Nobody ought to be alone on Christmas" and "All I want for Christmas is you" has us convinced the holidays are a time when we deserve to be happy, which often means in love and looking forward to cuddling up beside someone beneath a Christmas tree.

"For the past 22 years I have listened to people's complaints about spending the holidays alone; they say it’s a hard time to find somebody special because everyone is already busy doing their usual traditions," says Sherri Murphy, CEP/VIP Matchmaker at Elite Connections International. "I actually believe holiday time is the best time to look for love. There are other people out there searching for the right person just as much as you are. When you put two serious people together it can make to be an amazing success story."

Holiday love connections are special because they renew our faith in love, passion and commitment. These five holiday meet-up stories are as charming as they are unusual. If you're single, they might even inspire you to throw caution to the wind, heed Murphy's advice, and go to all of the events in which you're invited. Anything can happen.

1. He had exactly what she was looking for

"Anthony was dumped three days before Christmas by Mandie. Mandie told him that she had met someone else and did not want to see or hear from him again. There was no explanation except that she needed a 'real man' and that while Anthony was nice, he didn't rock her world. She did this via email and he showed me the email. Mandie had a 12-year-old son that Anthony had bought a gift for. Well, he went to Target to return the present, even though he still wanted to give it to her son. He was following her strict wishes. While he was waiting in the return line, Cary was stressed out waiting for someone to tell her if they have any more Lego Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter builder sets. This happened to be exactly what Anthony was returning.

Anthony heard the exchange and told her she could have it for her son. Cary, skeptical of his intentions and sincerity, said, 'No thanks, I will wait to see if they have it.' Mind you, she made no eye contact during this very brief exchange. Anthony, being very mindful of her impression and skepticism said: 'I understand why you may not want to take this from me but this is about your son and no one else. I'm returning it regardless and at least you know that you're buying it to make him happy. It would make me happy to know he'd get it. Do you really want to leave here with two people unhappy?' To which she smiled and said, "Are you going to ask me out and make us all happy?'

They've dated ever since."

Chris Armstrong, certified relationship coach at Maze of Love

2. Gift of kisses

"I met my now fiancee 10 days before Christmas. We instantly connected. We went on three dates before he headed off to Greece for the holiday for 2-3 weeks. I also was away at my parents' for the Christmas holiday. When I returned to my apartment in Manhattan after Christmas, I went to my house, and there was a small box of Hershey Kisses waiting for me, with a very cute card. When I went to office the next morning, there was an even bigger box with more Hershey Kisses and another cute card! This really got me."

— Maria Avgitidis, founder and dating coach at Agape Match

More: 12 Love quotes that should be your new relationship mantras

3. Filling big shoes

"A single mom on our site that was juggling school and work was fired right before the holidays. A friend of hers told her about the site, and how she could meet affluent and generous men. She met one man, a 40-something divorcee residing in New Jersey (she was in Brooklyn), and over drinks told him about her story and the unfortunate thing that had just happened to her. The following week, he drove to her house and surprised her with a car full of presents for both her and her daughter. They have been together for two years now, and he 'adopted' her daughter as his own."

Angela Jacob Bermudo at Seeking Arrangement

4. Mixing business and pleasure

"My now-husband and I met in college and went on a few dates, but I was pretty fickle at the time and didn't trust the fact that he played in a popular band and had scores of girls throwing themselves all over him. Seven years after we first met, I had just broken up with a serious boyfriend when I received an email out of the blue, two weeks before Thanksgiving. It was my college ex, who said he had found me through my then-place of employment and needed advice about travel. We began exchanging emails and, before I knew it, I found myself rushing home from work so I could read whatever long email he had written me that day and write my own witty reply.

We went on our first official date the night after Thanksgiving and enjoyed one of those rare eight-hour dates that you wish could never end. I'd normally never agree to go on another date with someone so soon after our first, but things felt so right between us that we agreed to meet up again that Sunday. We were both already in love — so in love that one of his Christmas gifts to me that year was a cozy green robe that he said he hoped I'd wear while spending more time at his place. It was meant to be — so, no, I didn't run from the room screaming. It was perfect."

Lisa F.

More: 4 Bad reasons to move in with your significant other

5. Second spouse around

"My mom died when I was almost 3. My dad was a widower with 4 kids. My mother's sister was married and had two sons. Her husband left her. My dad stayed in touch with my mom's sister and when her husband left, she talked to my dad about it — she was crying that she had to go to a holiday party alone. My dad offered to take her if she would accompany him to one of his parties. Long story short: they have been married now for over 30 years."

Stephanie D.


Sister Wives fans go nuts over Maddie Brown's engagement pics (PHOTOS)

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More: Sister Wives: Season 7 to alienate the rest of the wives, focus on Robyn

Kody Brown's daughter, Sister Wives star Maddie Brown, is engaged, and the photos she just debuted on Twitter are everything.

The adorable winter-themed shots feature Brown and her fiancé, Caleb Brush, snuggled together in warm winter hats, standing under leafless trees in warm flannels and jackets. They're smiling at each other while wrapped up together in a blanket, and looking lovingly at each other on a snowy landscape. They're perfectly adorable, and we can't get enough of the happiness this couple is simply radiating.

Maddie Brown engagement photos

Maddie Brown engagement photos

We're not the only ones impressed by the pics.

Fans have been replying to Brown's tweet, which has almost 500 likes, to tell the couple how much they love the photos, too.

More: Sister Wives' kids admit they yearn for a different lifestyle

"you two are perfect!" one follower wrote. Another replied, "ugh love you two so much!" Another wrote, "I LOVE THESE PHOTOS! They are so fun and relaxed. The photos really show how much you love each other," and still another chimed in, "very nice photos, you both are a good looking couple, who are very much in love." Of course, the responses from fans included plenty of heart and heart-eyed emojis.

Maddie Brown engagement photos 2

Maddie Brown engagement photos 2

Maddie Brown engagement photos 3

Maddie Brown engagement photos 3

The couple revealed their engagement back in September, telling the sweet story to People magazine.

"It was cold and we were huddled in jackets and I thought he was crazy to stop," Brown recalled. "He said to come look over here. So I walked with him to the edge. He told me he could never express how much he loved me, but he wanted to spend the rest of his life trying, and went down in one knee and pulled out a box."

The couple has also revealed in interviews that they don't plan to live in a plural marriage.

More: Insider leaks juicy Sister Wives Season 7 details

What do you think of Maddie Brown's engagement photos?

sister wives family slideshow
Image: TLC

7 Things Pierce and Dylan Brosnan have in common

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Case in point: his son, Dylan Brosnan. While the two have some glaring differences — Dylan towers over his dad, for instance — they have an awful lot in common. Take a look.

More: Pierce Brosnan wishes he was more like James Bond

1. They both started their career as youngsters

Pierce Brosnan in Remington Steele
Image: WENN

Pierce was still a teenager when he began training at the Drama Centre London, and was already enjoying a successful career in theater before bursting into the mainstream with a starring role on Remington Steele in the early '80s.

Dylan was only 17 years old when he signed on to model for Saint Laurent last year, and he recently landed a huge campaign with Burberry.

Dylan Brosnan modeling 1

Dylan Brosnan modeling 1

Dylan Brosnan modeling 2

Dylan Brosnan modeling 2

2. Dashing good looks

pierce brosnan insta 1

pierce brosnan insta 1

Pierce is arguably the most handsome James Bond ever to grace the big screen, and it's obvious that Dylan is a chip off the old block when it comes to his smoldering appearance.

3. They rock the heck out of some formal wear

Dylan Brosnan modeling

Dylan Brosnan modeling

This may seem a bit redundant, but not all good-looking men can pull off a sharp black suit and bow tie like the Brosnan men.

Pierce Brosnan insta 2

Pierce Brosnan insta 2

4. They run with the same crowd

Pierce Brosnan, Gary Oldman with their wives
Image: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images

Pierce has obviously been hot on the Hollywood scene for decades, so naturally he has famous friends like Gary Oldman and Val Kilmer. Now, Dylan is not only walking the runway with fellow celeb offspring, but it's also been reported that he's developed personal relationships with Oldman and Kilmer's sons, Charlie and Jack.

More: Pierce Brosnan's daughter Charlotte dies of ovarian cancer

5. They are into the arts

Besides their professional focuses of acting and modeling, both Pierce and Dylan have artistic interests outside of their careers.

pierce brosnan insta 4

pierce brosnan insta 4

pierce brosnan insta 6

pierce brosnan insta 6

Before falling in love with acting, Pierce wanted to be a painter and began training in commercial illustration at Saint Martin's School of Art. Even after his big-screen career took off he continued to paint, and still does to this day.

pierce brosnan insta 3

pierce brosnan insta 3

In addition to modeling, Dylan is a talented musician and performs often in Malibu with his band.

6. They were adorable as children

pierce brosnan insta 7

pierce brosnan insta 7

Dylan Brosnan as a child
Image: Patricia Schlein/WENN

Their careers were obviously inevitable.

7. They both seem like they'd be really cool to hang with

pierce brosnan insta 8

pierce brosnan insta 8

They travel, love art, have cool friends and are ridiculously good-looking. What's not to love?

More: Pierce Brosnan red-faced after trying to board flight with a 10-inch knife

Kim Zolciak proves she's naturally gorgeous with no-makeup selfie (PHOTO)

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Zolciak posted a stunning makeup-free selfie on Instagram yesterday, and she looks absolutely beautiful, with flawless, glowing skin and simple hair pulled back in a bun.

Kim Zolciak post-facial selfie

Kim Zolciak post-facial selfie

More: Kim Zolciak's throwback picture sparks fresh plastic surgery rumors (PHOTO) 

"Thank you Magnolia Spa for my amazing Hydra facial today!" she wrote in a caption accompanying the photo. "No they didn't ask me to post, no I didn't get paid to say this! It's the only spa me and my entire family go to here in GA! They are the best! #PrettySkin #Maintenance #MaybeShesBornWithIt"

While Zolciak usually catches a lot of flak from haters when she posts selfies, she actually got plenty of compliments from her fans on Instagram for this one.

More: Kim Zolciak draws harsh criticism over "fake," heavily "Photoshopped" photo

kdwal: "this is the best picture I have ever seen of you, so real and true! Beautiful."

kazzie__: "Your the only woman I know who looks younger without make up on.. #WhatABeauty" [sic]

mirandaljohnson: "This is when you are the most stunning!!!"

mcgfsu: "You look so young and beautiful like this! Wow! Gorgeous"

kristilynnmy: "Wow look how young you look!"

julesellen45: "Love this look on you! So fresh!"

brookejvw: "your skin look AMAZING!!!! Love it!!!! And the no make up look is great!!!" [sic]

lisadeloury707: "Absolutely beautiful with Out make up" [sic]

bahnmc10: "Lookingyounger everyday." [sic]

pinkkbutterfly: "So beautiful!!!"

jharline_: "No wonder you be looking like you in your twenties. Lol. When I'm your age, I want to look young like you. P.S. IDK how old you are. Lol." [sic]

alisabrian: "Wow without makeup. You look really pretty."

nanvecky: "You look very youthful and fresh!"

ladyblue257: "You look amazing"

Looks like it's official: Kim Zolciak should never wear makeup again.

More: Kim Zolciak's husband Kroy is lending support in the cutest way (PHOTO)

kim zolciak slideshow

Your memory 'style' may be influencing your health more than you think

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Watch any episode of Law & Order, and you'll see all kinds of different "memory styles" in action. Some people love to tell long, detail-rich accounts, while others are strictly "just the facts, ma'am." But it's not just criminal suspects who can be divided into those with episodic (storytelling) or semantic (factual) memory type. We each favor one style over the other, and according to a new study published in the journal Cortex, which type you have can have different implications for your brain health.

More: Why Alzheimer's is actually a young person's disease

People with a strong episodic memory are those who can not only recall lots of autobiographical events but can also remember all the little details that go with them — like the time Dad accidentally served dog biscuits on the cheese-and-cracker tray at Thanksgiving and everyone ate them, thinking they were supposed to taste like chicken but secretly a little baffled as to why they were so dry and crunchy. (That's a true story, by the way.) This type of memory increases medial temporal lobe connectivity to regions at the back of the brain involved in visual processes.

On the other hand, people with a strong semantic memory are the ones who know all the practical details. They can remember everyone's birthday, the directions to get to all the birthday parties and what each person would like as a gift. This type of memory leads to higher medial temporal lobe connectivity to areas at the front of the brain involved in organization and reasoning.

More: Readers share their favorite family memories

But strengthening one part of the brain may leave the other weak. This is a particular problem for storytellers, as their strong episodic memory may predispose them to Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments as they age, according to the study.

"People who are used to retrieving richly detailed memories may be very sensitive to subtle memory changes as they age, whereas those who rely on a factual approach may prove to be more resistant to such changes," said Brian Levine, Ph.D., lead author of the paper, senior scientist at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute and professor of psychology at the University of Toronto.

This may also explain why people who are experiencing memory loss often lose the small, factual details first but will retell stories from their past over and over again.

But storytellers shouldn't despair just yet. Knowing you have this potential weakness can help you work on strengthening other aspects of your mind while you still have it. So take the opportunity to learn a new hobby outside of your current skill set, like orienteering or math. Not only will you learn something new, but it could help preserve your memory of all the stories you love so much. At the very least, your family members will appreciate you remembering their birthdays!

More: Sharpen up your mom brain

Spiced panela syrup is the ingredient your rum cocktails have been missing

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The richness of the coconut milk cooked with the panela makes the drink slightly thick, and when it's combined with the rum, it gives this cocktail a tropical flair. And I can't tell you how aromatic it is! While the sugar is melting with the coconut, your kitchen will smell like summer on a faraway island. It never hurts to dream of white sand beaches in the middle of winter.

It's sweet, mild in alcohol and very easy to drink. For those with a sweet tooth, you will love this drink for its almost dessert-like flavor.

Rum-with-spiced-panela-dark-sugar-syrup-cocktail
Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

Rum cocktail with spiced panela dark sugar syrup recipe

If you can't find panela, you can substitute by mixing 1 cup of dark brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses.

Yields 1

Prep time: 13 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons panela sugar, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 2 tablespoons rum
  • Ice cubes

Directions:

  1. In a small pot over low heat, combine the coconut milk, 1-1/4 tablespoons of panela sugar and the cinnamon, and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool, mixing a few times.
  2. Into the cocktail glass, pour the rum, and then add the coconut milk. Mix well.
  3. Add the ice cubes, sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 tablespoon of panela sugar, and serve immediately.

Give the gift of homemade booze: 23 Easy recipes for DIY liqueur

Image: PDX Food Love

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Lindsay Lohan & family fire back at Jennifer Lawrence for drug joke (VIDEO)

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After raising the hackles of royal watchers across the globe by comparing Kim Kardashian's new baby Saint West to the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton's daughter Princess Charlotte, Lawrence is now feeling the wrath of Lohan's family after tossing out a throwaway joke about her lifestyle.

Lawrence appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote her new dramedy Joy when she made the quip about getting worn out by promoting her films.

Jennifer Lawrence on Late Night with Stephen Colbert

Jennifer Lawrence on Late Night with Stephen Colbert

"I'm a puker," Lawrence joked in the interview. "I don't stop working because I am a show pony. I don't have a choice. So I just keep going until my body is like, 'If we don't make her barf or pass out, she won't stop.' I get like, Lindsay Lohan-grade exhaustion, but without any drugs or alcohol. I'm always in bed early. I'm still tired."

More: Jennifer Lawrence is refreshingly honest about marriage and having kids

What was just a short bit of a longer appearance did not go unnoticed by the Lohan clan. First Lindsay's sister Aliana tweeted her displeasure about the joke, then Lindsay herself had a very Zen take on it.

Ali and Lindsay Lohan respond to Jennifer Lawrence

Ali and Lindsay Lohan respond to Jennifer Lawrence

More: Lindsay Lohan deletes Photoshopped pic after huge backlash (PHOTO) 

Even mom Dina Lohan had something to say about it. She told Entertainment Tonight, "We love Jennifer Lawrence, we have always been fans of hers," she said. "It was all unfortunate that she used Lindsay as a reference of not showing up to set, and that whole bit. It was disappointing that she didn't have her peer's back. You shouldn't trash anyone, it was just surprising. My family sticks together."

Of course, Lawrence's little dig may have had something to do with a story that surfaced regarding a particularly nasty rumor Lohan spread about her: that she has slept her way to the top. A Twitter user posted an example of that media coverage, which Lohan later claimed was faked.

JLaw casting couch rumors

JLaw casting couch rumors

Quite the unlikely feud, but an interesting one nonetheless. Do you think Lawrence should have sunk to Lohan's level?

Teen Mom's Adam Lind stirs up drama with unnecessary rant about Chelsea Houska

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More: Leah Messer reportedly caught lying about living with secret BF (PHOTOS)

It sounds like Teen Mom 2 star Lind needs a hobby — or anything to keep him from getting bored.

Houska's baby daddy proved that his boredom is seriously destructive by going on a late-night impromptu Instagram Q&A with his followers, and in some of his answers to their questions, he tore Houska apart.

Adam Lind Instagram Q&A

Adam Lind Instagram Q&A

At first, he was pretty mild in his criticism of Houska, saying, "Shes not a loser ... She just needs to learn to communicate better with me .. Great mom! .. Just is stuck in her own lil world of 'perfection',... She needs to come off her high horse and speak with me about things with our child .. I get I f***ed up pretty bad .. But for f*** sake it was 5+ years ago .. Get over it and move on with life ya know Lol... No hate here everyone calm the f*** down :)" [sic]

More: Leah Messer's fans accuse her of lying about a very serious disorder

But from there, Lind got a lot more hostile, telling his followers about how Houska used to hit him up for late-night booty calls.

"That's right Lol... Member how she made a hugeeee f***in deal about me not having a license Lol .. (I do have one now)... But she never complained at 2am when is drive over there to .... Yup... .... Smh..but hey its all in the past everyone needs to let the shit go and move on ..," [sic] he wrote.

Seriously unfair, especially considering how well Houska has been doing lately. Despite her ongoing custody battle with Lind, she just got engaged to her boyfriend, Cole DeBoer, and she seems perfectly happy. We're willing to bet she doesn't need this kind of drama in her life.

More: Chelsea Houska's vacation photos spark "honeymoon" rumors (PHOTOS)

Do you agree? Do you think Lind was out of line when he talked about Houska on Instagram?


7 DIY holiday wreaths that look gorgeous the whole season

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Get out your glue gun and get crafting with these wreath inspirations, brought to you by the Blogger Community at Porch.

Take a look at these seven wreath ideas that will bring some serious holiday cheer to your front steps.

1. Diamond-shaped boxwood wreath

Image: Honey Oh My

A classic boxwood wreath is a gorgeous addition to your front door. Find out how to DIY this diamond-shaped boxwood wreath.

2. 15-Minute ornament wreath

Image: The Homes I Have Made

Perfect for last-minute decorating, this ornament wreath can be created in just 15 minutes! Follow this quick and easy tutorial to make your own this season.

3. Burlap and hydrangea wreath

Image: Simply Designing

Make your front door pop with this red hydrangea wreath. See how you can combine burlap ribbon with accent foliage to DIY this holiday wreath.

4. Classic Christmas wreath trio

Image: Tried & True

Bring a bit of Christmas joy to your front steps with this classic wreath trio. Find out how you can make your own by following this tutorial.

5. Winter wreath

Image: Wife In Progress

Frosted pine trees and snowflakes are the perfect pair in this winter wreath. Follow this step-by-step guide to have your own snowy wreath.

6. Red, gold and glitter holiday wreath

Image: Happiness is Homemade

Add a little sparkle to your front door with this fabulous glittery red and gold wreath. Get the how-to for this holiday wreath.

7. Green leaves and dried berries wreath

Image: Alice & Lois

Simple and sophisticated, this handmade holiday wreath mixes leaf branches and dried berries for a timeless look. Get the full tutorial for this handmade wreath.

What festive wreath will you be DIY-ing this season? Let us know in the comments below!

The Santa 'lie' really can give your kids trust issues

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I’d grown up believing in the jolly fat man and couldn’t wait to share that magic with my own children. Even though my husband had also grown up believing in Santa, he wouldn’t budge when I told him I wanted to share those same traditions with our own children.

When pressed for details, my husband told me the sad story of his Christmas undoing.

“I was 13 when I found out — way too old to believe in Santa. All my friends knew, but no one told me. One day some guy said Santa wasn’t real, and I argued with him. My mom didn’t even admit it then! She just mumbled that there was a Santa, but I could see people around us laughing. That’s when I knew the truth, and I felt dumb,” he shared.

The experience had scarred him. While I could understand the pain of embarrassment, it didn’t seem enough of an excuse to deny our children the years of joy they would have by believing in Saint Nick.

My childhood discovery of the truth had been far less jarring. I was 9, and my brother was 12. On Christmas morning we opened identical presents from Santa (they were sweaters), only to have our dad tell us we’d opened each other's gifts. Since he hadn’t even looked at the labels, I knew he must’ve been the one to wrap them, and forevermore I understood, without explanation or fanfare, that Santa wasn’t real.

As a new wife, I was persistent in my desire to incorporate Santa Claus into our children’s lives, and finally my husband caved. Even though nearly 18 years have passed and our sons have long learned the truth, my husband still has a bitter taste in his mouth when it comes to Santa.

More: Why I'll never force my kid to sit on Santa's lap

I recently asked friends and acquaintances how they discovered Santa wasn’t real and whether or not they initiated the same myth with their own children. I’d hoped this would help me understand my husband’s earlier misgivings about Mr. Claus.

I imagined that those who were especially hurt by the news would have reservations about teaching their children to love Santa Claus. It turns out I was wrong. It seemed that every parent I spoke to had rekindled the same traditions with which they were raised, even if they had been sad when they learned the truth.

While only a few parents shared stories of utter heartbreak when they found out the truth, most adults I asked seemed nonchalant about the whole ordeal.

Whether they learned the truth by finding the special wrapping paper only Santa used, having a sibling tell or seeing their parents bring the gifts from their hiding place, an overwhelming number of people shared that it wasn't traumatizing and that they gladly re-created the belief in Santa for their own children.

“I love the look on my kids’ faces,” one friend shared. Her sentiment was echoed by many others too.

Other parents shared that while they knew it was wrong to intentionally deceive their children, they felt the reward of seeing such joy on their children’s faces made the deception worthwhile.

I was beginning to think my husband had been an overly sensitive child, when a friend shared her own sad story of discovery. Her tale echoed what my husband had expressed and brought things into perspective for me.

More: My kids are terrified of Santa Claus, and it's all my fault

My friend explained that she, like my husband, had felt like the farce of Santa had gone on for too long. She credited her religious upbringing and conviction that lying was sinful as core to both her longstanding belief in Santa and her simultaneous devastation when she discovered her parents had been dishonest with her.

The worst was that in one brief conversation with her mother, she learned about Santa and every other holiday hero she’d ever loved. For her it was too much, too soon, and she developed trust issues with authority figures that linger to this day.

When I asked her if this influenced how she raised her own children, her answer was, “Yes.” 

Like my husband, she had decided Santa would not be in her parenting toolbox and opted instead to celebrate Christmas with all the beauty and love and none of the make-believe.

All these years, and I had failed to connect the dots. While my husband may have focused on his own embarrassment when telling his tale, what he really experienced was the realization that his parents — the people he trusted above all else — had lied to him. That trust made it easy for him to hold on to his innocence and belief for so long. By the time he found out the truth, he felt humiliated because he had been the last of his peers to know. Both his faith and his trust in his parents were broken that day.

The moral of the story for me is that the belief in Santa has the power to uplift as well as crush us. As parents, we need to approach this tradition with caution and recognize when our children may rely so deeply on a myth that recovering from the truth will leave them permanently wounded.

We can indulge in the fantasy without planting seeds for future therapy sessions in the process. That’s called balance.

More: Mom defends her 'disgusting' Christmas tree photo

What exotic animals can you legally have as a pet?

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That said, a quick online search makes both easily available for purchase online. But owning a pet of any kind comes with countless responsibilities, and taking on an exotic pet comes with additional obligations to consider before jumping into the wild world of pet ownership.

More: 10 Pets to fall in love with besides a cat or dog

Before falling hard for an exotic animal, be sure to check the local animal bylaw before making a purchase. “There may be fines and/or confiscation of the pet and possible euthanasia if a suitable place can't be found for it,” warns Kim Meehan, who sits on the board of and volunteers at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary. Everyone fondly remembers Darwin the Ikea monkey, who captured headlines around the world in December 2012 but was later taken from owner Yasmin Nakhuda and placed in a sanctuary after a lengthy legal battle. And far more tragic were the two New Brunswick boys who were killed by a 4-metre-long African rock python that had escaped its enclosure in a pet store underneath the apartment in which they were sleeping.

Every province except Ontario either prohibits exotic pets or regulates them in some fashion. So while it’s illegal to own a squirrel or raccoon in Ontario, there is no province-wide ruling against keeping a lion or tiger, for example. And even though other provinces have stricter policies, it isn’t always clear what species are permitted. In Saskatchewan, for example, no exotic animals are banned specifically, but the government has simply not been issuing permits for certain species in quite some time.

More: 7 Celebrities with surprisingly exotic pets

According to Catherine Gulliver, editor of Animal Law in Canada, the topic of keeping exotic animals as pets in Canada is clearly an interesting problem. “The problem is caused by Canada’s division of power between the federal jurisdiction and the provincial jurisdiction created by the BNA Act. Animals are considered personal property, but the provinces have jurisdiction over property. Each province has its own rules and legislation that govern animals in general. The problem stems from the fact that there is no standardization or uniformity of the laws governing all animals, including exotic animals, across Canada. Furthermore, exotic animals are not defined.”

To find out if an animal is allowed into Canada, go to Environment Canada's CITES site, and select Species Search List. In any event, one can import certain exotic animals to Canada directly from other countries with permits, so it’s really important to buy from a recognized local pet store or reputable breeder.

But just because there may not be a law preventing you from purchasing a certain reptile, it doesn’t mean it’s a wise choice.

More: 9 Exotic cat breeds every cat lover should know

All exotic animals require special attention beyond those of a pet cat or dog. Hopefully the pet store or breeder can provide this specific information. It is incumbent on the new owner to know the law and care of any animal, exotic or not. But Gulliver cautions, “The medical needs of exotic animals may go beyond the specific knowledge of the local vet.” Usually even run-of-the-mill exotics — the lizards, cockatoos and tropical fish found in your local pet store, potential alternatives to cats and dogs for allergic animal lovers — require special attention, so doing all your homework may not even prepare you for the true commitment needed. “It’s like the teenager that wants a tattoo. Before getting any tattoo, place a diagram of the tattoo on your bedroom wall. If after a month you still want it, go for it,” Gulliver says.

If the people who advocate on behalf of exotic animals seem unnecessarily cautionary, it’s because they have a very real understanding of the possible problems. For example, many of these animals do have special needs, from food to temperature and humidity. Meehan warns, “Most reptiles, if not cared for properly, will get metabolic bone disease and will have drastically shortened life spans as well as pain from poor diet and inadequate supplementation. Monkeys, other mammals and birds are often fed incorrectly and suffer dental issues as well as nutritional deficiencies.”

So doing your homework is necessary as well as sourcing a local vet to consult once you obtain your pet.

Nikki Bella gets 'permission' from John Cena to have an important talk (VIDEO)

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More: Brie Bella's wrestling career will be over sooner than you think

A new promo for the upcoming season of Total Divas gives viewers a hint at what might be in store for the Bellas' futures. First up? Some possible big news for Nikki.

Total Divas promo shows what's next for Nikki and Brie

Total Divas promo shows what's next for Nikki and Brie

In the 30-second preview, Nikki's longtime BF John Cena finally gives her permission to do something big for their future: have the marriage talk.

"We can talk about marriage," he says to her as they sit at a table together in a restaurant, making it look like Nikki's relationship will still be going strong during the next season of the show.

More: Nikki Bella dishes on the pressure of leading the Divas Revolution (EXCLUSIVE)

But can the same be said for Brie? The promo hints at her relationship being a little rockier.

In one shot, Brie can be seen saying to her husband, Daniel Bryan, "You're my No. 1."

His response?

"Clearly not."

What does that mean? Is there trouble in paradise for one of the Bella Twins? It looks like there could be.

The new preview doesn't reveal much, but from those couple of scenes, we can see that it looks like it's going to be a big year for the Bella Twins.

More: Bella Twins share their first-person experiences with Paris attacks (PHOTOS)

Will you tune in to watch the upcoming season of Total Divas? What do you think the next year will bring for Nikki and Brie Bella? Head down to the comments to share your thoughts with us.

Jane the Virgin's fall finale ends in major betrayal for pregnant Petra

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And the miracles were aplenty in "Chapter 30." Nearly every character was on the receiving end of a moving moment or two. Unfortunately for everyone's favorite former villain, though, the goodwill stopped just shy of Petra (Yael Groblas). Or, more accurately, it came to a screeching halt.

More: Jane the Virgin sneak peek: 3 Pics from the dramatic holiday episode (PHOTOS)

For the most part, the characters enjoyed more ups than downs. After a rough few weeks for Jane (Gina Rodriguez) and Rafael (Justin Baldoni) after learning of the latter's most recent lie, the couple came to a new level of understanding through couples therapy. Jane also learned that — despite the fact the now-broke Rogelio (Jaime Camil) actually funded the full scholarship she thought she had — she could continue her grad school studies by acting as a teacher's aide and through a short story competition.

The Villanuevas discovered Michael (Brett Dier) had secretly fixed their sentimental angel tree topper, enabling them to carry on their longstanding Christmas tradition. In the same scene, Rogelio found his next passion project via his intern's script and Alba got her green card (yay!).

As for Petra, things got off to a shaky start. The stress of Ivan's death has become so overwhelming to the pregnant Petra that she is haunted by illusions of him and it is causing her blood pressure to rise to dangerous heights. Things seem to take a turn for the better when Rafael expresses genuine concern and asks her to tell him what's going on.

I mean, whew, right? Carrying around so many secrets has been such an emotional (and due to the twins, physical) burden on Petra. Coming clean about everything — and I mean everything — to Rafael had to be a huge relief.

Especially when Rafael said he didn't hate her even after she admitted to holding Ivan hostage, covering up for her crazy mom upon realizing she tried to kill Alba, being blackmailed into marrying Milos and, of course, dumping Milos' lifeless body into the ocean.

At that point, Rafael finally urges Petra to do the thing we've all been screaming silently in our heads at Petra for weeks: Call the cops on that lunatic you call your mother!

More: Gina Rodriguez has big dreams for Grey's Anatomy — and we say yes!

I'll probably get skewered for saying so, but I feel as though there was a bit of a spark between Petra and Rafael in that moment. In my ideal word, Jane would reconcile with Michael (or, hey, Professor Chavez is growing on me, too) and Raf and Petra would end up together. I can't help it — I adore Petra's character.

But mere moments after Rafael hands the phone to Petra and says, "Let's get your mother out of your life," there is a knock at the door. In true Jane the Virgin cliffhanger fashion, the police barge into Raf's suite at the Mirabella and handcuff Petra — Magda has betrayed her daughter once again.

Now the hard part truly begins, because we have to agonize over Petra's fate for months before the show resumes in the early spring of 2016. And, you know, it probably won't be a walk in the park for pregnant Petra either.

As the narrator reminds us, however, "That's the thing about miracles — there are only so many of them... or else we wouldn't call them miracles, would we?"

Could there be another miracle milling about somewhere in the stratosphere for Petra? How will this play out? So. Many. Questions.

Petra is pretty far along, so it's entirely possible the latter half of the season will really spice things up with a prison delivery. What if Petra isn't released from prison after the birth of the twins? It seems safe to assume Rafael would get custody of the babies. Unless, of course, Magda finds some way to interfere and/or lay claim to them.

More: Golden Globes embarrassingly confuses America Ferrera with Gina Rodriguez

Whatever the case may be, the entire cast may be in store for a major pick-me-up come Jan. 10 when Rodriguez vies for Best Actress in a TV Series at the Golden Globes.

What do you think will happen? Are we headed for birth behind bars?

Scandal's Fitz vs. Kiefer Sutherland: Who will be the best TV POTUS?

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1. Both presidents reside at ABC’s incarnation of Pennsylvania Avenue

The beauty of television is that so many fictional realities can exist in the same sphere at the same time. Since it’s not too strange for one network to air multiple fictional accounts of a government, Scandal and Designated Survivor will be perfectly at home on ABC together.

2. Both presidents were appointed early in their political careers

Did you know that only nine presidents in U.S. history served as state governors immediately before starting work in the Oval Office? President Grant would bring that number up to 10, and, as far as we know, serving as the governor of California is what launched his career. Likewise, the president on Designated Survivor is described as a “lower level United States Cabinet member,” suggesting that he’s a relative newcomer in Washington, as well.

More: Scandal theories: What's in store next for Olivia and Fitz?

3. Neither president was (fairly) voted into office

Certainly, Fitz would prefer we forget about Operation Defiance altogether. And I can’t really blame him; he didn’t know his victory was fixed. But sadly, it was, meaning that he wasn’t elected fairly until his second-term victory. Meanwhile, the Designated Survivor president hasn’t been elected at all. The premise for the series is that a catastrophic event hits Washington and Sutherland’s character is the next in the chain of command when everyone before him is killed. So, as much as he has in common with Fitz, he might want to ask Battlestar Galactica’s Laura Roslin a thing or two, as well.

4. Both presidents have overcome tragedy

The president on Designated Survivor is, well, a survivor. He’s going to have to learn how to be a leader in the face of violence and death. Meanwhile, Fitz’s son was killed by the father of the woman he loves, so it’s not like he’s unfamiliar with the subject of loss.

More: Harrison Ford, POTUS? Top 3 vote-getting fictional presidents

5. Unlike Designated Survivor’s president, Fitz was never really an “ordinary man”

Deadline describes Sutherland’s character as “an ordinary man in an extraordinary situation.” That may be true of him, but “ordinary” isn’t a word that accurately describes Fitzgerald Grant. When you’re the son of a rich and powerful creep like Jerry Grant, nothing is ordinary.

6. Sarah Wynter would be a fitting choice to play a Scandal/Designated Survivor crossover character

As hard as it would be to pull off a crossover between these shows, one starring Sarah Wynter would be so gratifying, since she’s the degree separating Goldwyn and Sutherland from one another. Wynter and Goldwyn played opposite each other in The 6th Day, while Wynter had a role in the second season of 24, which starred Sutherland.

More: Kiefer Sutherland made Freddie Prinze Jr. want to quit acting

7. And, of course, there’s a Shonda connection

Designated Survivor will be produced by Mark Gordon, one of the producers of Grey’s Anatomy. Grey’s Anatomy was created by Shonda Rhimes, just like Scandal. See? These two presidents couldn’t be any more alike!

Are you looking forward to Designated Survivor? Tell us why in the comments!

RHONY's Ramona Singer involved in booze-fueled drama at holiday party

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Singer and Dorinda Medley's boyfriend John Mahdessian got into a huge fight at a holiday after-party Tuesday night after a boozy confrontation, resulting in Singer getting tossed from the bash — but not before she revealed that she was purposely trying to start drama for The Real Housewives of New York cameras.

"This all started at Sushi Roxx," an insider who saw the whole thing go down told the New York Daily News' "Confidential." "Everyone was having a great time, especially Ramona and Sonja (Morgan). They had dinner, they danced... everybody was rocking."

More: RHONY's Ramona Singer reveals terrifying details of her traumatic childhood

The trouble started when the party moved to Mahdessian's Madame Paulette cleaners for a private after-party, cameras in tow. Some random dude showed up — "a 6-foot-5 drunk" — who started to make trouble.

"He was some big drunk guy who claimed he'd dated LuAnn (De Lesseps) in the past," Mahdessian told the Daily News. "I didn't even realize he was there at first. LuAnn had to leave because he was creating issues with her. Then he was having an issue with Ramona and Sonja, so I asked him to leave."

But Mahdessian said rather than being grateful for defending her, Singer was angry at him for messing up "her scene."

"She wanted the guy to stay because he was creating a shit show," he said. "The problem was that Ramona kept encouraging this guy, fueling the fire."

More: The Real Housewives of New York: 10 Most volatile fights on the show

The secret source elaborated, "Ramona flipped out (to Mahdessian), saying, 'How dare you interfere with my show?' It was a horrible scene. Ramona was screaming and going nuts — John put his hands in her face and yelled for her to stop."

Mahdessian eventually kicked her out, but Singer wasn't angry or embarrassed about it — instead, the witness said she was quite pleased with herself.

"She was standing (outside) on the corner cackling about ruining the party," said the insider. "John told everyone it was because she was miserable and alone. He said he thinks 'she's an angry, bitter bitch.'"

Singer has not commented on the incident.

More: Ramona Singer's new tell-all reveals RHONY drama we never knew

Real Housewives slideshow


Guy may have gone too far in pranking his girlfriend (VIDEO)

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However, I believe there is a pranking threshold — that point where either you go a bit too far with a certain prank, or worse, go on a pranking binge until it's just not funny anymore. That's about where Australian comedian Shammi got to with his video in which he repeatedly pranks his model girlfriend, Sarah Reay-Young.

More: Beware of the Christmas couples crisis that can torpedo your marriage

Sure, she looks like she's got a sense of humor about all the stuff Shammi pulls on her in the beginning, but that changes as the video progresses and the pranks get more extreme. If I were her, I would've been so out of that relationship by around the part where he shoves her into a garden patch for wearing "work boots."

Aussie prankster

Aussie prankster

And while the world seems to have a very polarized love/hate relationship with Shammi's antics, the video has been viewed over 20 million times and shared almost 250,000 times. So even though he might not be doing so well in the boyfriend department, as a comedian, I'd say he's on pretty solid ground.

However, many of the women who've viewed his video refuse to see it as a joke. Some warn him that it's all fun and games until she seriously gets hurt, while others berate him endlessly for his seemingly terrible treatment of his girlfriend. Then a few viewers took a step back and made an important realization about the couple — they're both performers.

She is just as much of a jokester as her other half and, based on her videos, seems to get a similar rush from messing with the average person.

More: Woman outs her cheating husband on Craigslist in hilarious fashion

Sarah Jane

Sarah Jane

So you see, their senses of humor are almost identical, which suggests that she was not only a willing victim in Shammi's prank video but an equal partner. If that is indeed the case, some producers had better get on giving this girl her own show quick, because she's about to be the next big thing in the acting biz.

Reay-Young even commented on her boyfriend's video after the barrage of hateful comments to help calm people's fears that it bordered on abuse. She posted, "Its all fun and games people... besides wait until its his turn."

PLL: 'Who's in the coffin?' and other questions raised by the new 6B poster

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More: What PLL's new sneak peek taught me about Season 6B (VIDEO)

PLL 6B Poster
Image: ABC Family

As it goes with everything PLL, I have so many questions about this poster. So, let's get to it and start theorizing even more about the show that keeps fans coming back for more mysteries involving Hanna, Aria, Emily, Spencer and Alison.

1. Who's in the coffin?

This is the most obvious question. Seriously, who is in that coffin? Could it be a familiar face or maybe a new Rosewood resident? Seeing as all the Liars are carrying the casket, I assume the person inside the coffin is someone they all know and are connected to. Whoever it is, let's hope it's not a fan-favorite character.

2. What are the Liars' secrets?

The poster's tagline reads: "Are you strong enough to carry your secrets?" Clearly, the Liars seem to be, but what are their secrets? How many secrets can someone truly have? Like with every other season, they tell more lies and keep more secrets, but how long can it go on for?

3. If someone was killed, who did it?

The coffin doesn't mean that someone was killed. If someone was murdered (let's face it, you know someone was killed), who did it? Was it one of the Liars? Was it all of the Liars, since they are all carrying the casket? They just can't help but get blood on their hands.

More: Pretty Little Liars: Will the new "big bad" be anything like A? (VIDEO)

4. What's with the veils and sunglasses?

This might be a stretch, but the black veils and dark sunglasses might be a clue. For example, does the veil represent the Black Widow, aka Sara Harvey? Also, do the sunglasses symbolize Jenna? Maybe bad things are ahead for both Sara and Jenna.

5. Does anyone really dress like that for a funeral?

Don't get me wrong, the Liars look fab, but I've never seen someone dress like that for a funeral. However, it's PLL and when does anyone dress "normal"?

6. Is someone inside the casket?

That casket looks awfully light, or maybe the Liars are just really strong. There might not even be a body inside the coffin. It could just be a symbol of what's to come during 6B: death.

Pretty Little Liars returns Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 8/7c on Freeform, the new name for ABC Family.

More: Pretty Little Liars: 11 Questions we have after watching the new promo (VIDEO)

Kaley Cuoco's reportedly dating Arrow star just three months after divorce

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More: Kaley Cuoco's b-day message gives insight into her life post-divorce (PHOTO)

It's only been three months since her divorce from Ryan Sweeting, but Cuoco already appears to have a new man in her life: Arrow's Paul Blackthorne.

Sources recently revealed to Us Weekly that the two are dating, saying, "It’s new, but she’s really excited about it."

If social media is any indication, Cuoco has been super happy since her divorce. Could this new man have something to do with it?

And there are hints that the relationship isn't even as new as it appears, and that it could have started nearly a month ago — on Nov. 26, Cuoco tweeted a photo of herself wearing a signed T-shirt to support Blackthorne's conservation charity.

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating

More: Kaley Cuoco and Johnny Galecki's new pic gives fans the wrong idea (PHOTO)

She's been taking other steps to leave her past relationship behind her, too. On Instagram, Cuoco shared snaps of the process of having her wedding date tattoo covered by a giant moth tattoo. An insider added, "Kaley's doing great post-divorce."

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating 3

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating 3

Cuoco certainly seems to be enjoying life after leaving Sweeting behind. On her 30th birthday last month, she documented her celebration on Instagram, calling it "the best birthday I ever had."

"Thank you for all the love and best wishes .. My heart is overwhelmed with joy and complete contentment," she wrote.

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating 2

Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne might be dating 2

"There have been a few bumps along the way, but thank you god, nothing I can’t handle. … #30isgonnarock," she added alongside the photo.

More: Kaley Cuoco makes final move to leave her marriage in the past (PHOTO)

Do you think Kaley Cuoco and Paul Blackthorne make a cute couple?

The 'hangry' struggle is real and here's what you can do about it

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Try and be understanding. As it turns out, a lack of calories and sufficient nutrients can not only wreak havoc on the body, but also seriously affect the psyche and mood. If you aren't willing to give your system the healthy food it craves to function normally, you can't expect it to sit back and carry on with its everyday duties. At some point, it's going to rebel and turn you into the ultimate crab.

"The reason that we 'feel' a particular way (such as hunger, moody, lack of focus, etc.) is because of changes in our underlying biochemistry such as cortisol (stress hormone), blood glucose, neurotransmitters (such as serotonin involved in mood, norepinephrine involved in focus, and dopamine involved in happiness)," says Dr. Shawn M. Talbott, a nutritional biochemist and author. "Biochemistry drives our behavior in lots of different ways."

Talbott says specific changes in our body that can have a direct effect on hunger and the way we react to it include: 

High cortisol levels — Ever notice how your tummy seems to growl more when you haven't slept well? Our bodies create more cortisol when we're tired or stressed, which Talbott says sends signals to the brain that stimulate carbohydrate cravings.

Fluctuating blood sugar levels — Reaching for a quick fix, like a candy bar, may make us feel good for a few minutes, but the drop in glucose after the sugar high wears off will only stimulate our brain and send us on a quest for more "fast calories," like those found in chips and sweet treats.

More: 6 Foods to cut from your diet for significantly better health

"Both cortisol and glucose can interfere with neurotransmitter function, so aside from their 'direct' simulation of hunger in the brain, they also lead to various forms of mood disruption that can range from fatigue to brain fog to irritability, (e.g., being hungry + angry = hangry, is very much due to changes in all of this biochemistry)," Talbott says. "But we can easily 'fix' it all with the right foods."

Interestingly, there is a perfectly reasonable biological reason why we feel like we could destroy anyone and anything in our path when we crave a big meal — particularly after we've eaten a high-sugar, high-starch diet: Our bodies perceive hunger as an emergency because if blood sugar goes too low, it can kill you within minutes, says Dr. Georgia Ede, a psychiatrist and nutrition consultant.

"Adrenaline is our 'fight or flight' hormone designed to mobilize us in a crisis (such as seeing a saber-toothed tiger at the door of our cave)," Ede says. "But it also can cause very real panic symptoms in sensitive individuals. These people are often told that they have 'hypoglycemia,' when in reality, they are simply experiencing carbohydrate withdrawal. Food, but in particular sugar, will be all you can think about during times like this, because your brain believes you will literally die without it."

More: Which top-rated diets are unhealthy?

Ede says many people mistake actual hunger, which she says is uncommon, with the extremely common carb withdrawal, and that the crazy "hangry" phenomena is catching on like wildfire because so many of us are eating the wrong foods.

"The vast majority of us eat a diet that contains too much carbohydrates, particularly sugars and refined starches," Ede says. "In fact, women are even more likely to eat a high-carbohydrate diet because they tend to be more health and weight conscious, and dutifully follow the low-fat diet recommended by the USDA guidelines."

To combat the "hangries," Ede suggests following diets that are lower in sugar and refined starches, which will smooth out what she calls an "invisible roller coaster" and help you feel satisfied longer.

"True hunger is far less common, and feels quite different," Ede says. "True hunger is not a response to plummeting blood sugar, but to an actual need for nourishment, and does not cause the irritability and urgency that carbohydrate withdrawal does."

Could fewer carbs and more protein and veggies actually contribute to a kinder, gentler population of humans? It's certainly worth a try — pass the Brussels sprouts and grass-fed beef, please.

Unisex baby names that are just a bit unusual

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Celebrities have embraced unique unisex names in a big way. From Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' daughter Wyatt to Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's daughter Arlo, it's clear crossing the gender aisle is a bona fide trend.

More: Restaurant offers $10,000 of food to whoever names their baby Quinoa

Other famous parents opted for unisex middle names. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Bruce Willis named baby girls Gloria Ray and Mabel Ray, while. A.J. McLean and Jessica Capshaw named their daughters Ava Jaymes and Poppy James.

Open your mind and consider these surprising unisex names for baby boys and girls alike. Use them as first names, middle names or both.

Two babies, three unisex names:  Joe Nichols' daughter is named Dylan River, while Jay DeMarcus' son is named Dylan Jay.

More: Surfer and rock star baby boy names rising fastest in popularity

Rachael Leigh Cook paired a feminine first name with a unisex middle name: Charlotte Easton.

Lisa Ling gave her daughter the same name that Katie Price gave to her son: Jett.
Kristen Bell's daughter and Kailyn Lowry's son are both named Lincoln.

Jack Huston and Shannan Click named their daughter Sage Lavinia.

David and Victoria's daughter is Harper Seven and Brent Seabrook's son is Carter Seven.
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