Pre-measure your ingredients into separate shot glasses.
Pour the grenadine into a brandy snifter first.
Slowly pour the coffee liqueur into the glass over the back of a spoon (with the tip against the inside of the glass), being careful to let it run down the inside (to prevent mixing).
Following the pouring instructions in step three, add the Baileys.
Serve immediately, being careful not to rock the drink too much to avoid mixing the ingredients.
The earlier you catch a stain, the better. If you're out and about (and the item isn't dry-clean only), pre-treat the affected area with something like Spray-n-Wash's Stain Stick, Shout Wipes or a Tide Pen. (If none of these are available, you can at least wet the stain to keep it from setting as completely. An ice cube from your drink is the perfect way to wet the spot.) Then wash the item as soon as you get home.
After washing an item with a stain, check your wet laundry before drying it to make sure the stain is gone (the heat from the drying process will often make the stain permanent). If the mark is still visible, pre-treat as before or try another stain treatment process and wash again.
Types of stains
Dye stains: Fresh dye stains are the easiest to remove, but very hard to get out once they've set in. If possible, right when the stain happens, run it under cold water and then wash it in the hottest possible setting for the fabric. Dye stains are naturally occurring vegetable dyes found in many plants and acidic foods. If you can't get the stain out yourself, try the dry cleaner. These same cleaning methods should work for coffee, tea and ink stains—which are also dye stains.
Protein stains: Organic in nature, protein stains include things like vomit, sweat and blood. Treat them with alkaline stain-removal solutions which will digest the proteins. Enzyme presoak products can break down protein and help dissolve fats. Most detergents contain enzymes and can be used to clean protein stains.
Combination stains: Combination stains are stains from things like sauces (barbecue sauce, ketchup, hot sauce), makeup (lipstick, foundation, eyeshadow) and crayons. They are a combination of the other types of stains. First, rinse off any excess from the stain with cold water. Gently rub a detergent into the stain. Rinse out the detergent, apply a stain stick and launder.
Ice cream and other dairy product stains: Dairy stains are protein stains, because they are organic in nature (i.e., from an animal). Fresh stains should be soaked and agitated in cold water before washing. If the stain has dried, scrape or brush off any crusted matter. Soak for up to several hours in cold water with a detergent or an enzyme presoak (which breaks down protein-based stains like egg, grass and blood so your detergent can work more effectively). Launder in warm water. If the stain remains, soak an additional 30 minutes and rewash. If a colored stain remains, launder with bleach safe for the fabric.
Fruit and fruit juice stains: Fruit stains are a dye stain. Launder with detergent in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use soap (bar, flake or detergents containing natural soap), since soap-based products could make the stain permanent. Soak tough stains for 30 minutes in one quart of warm water and one teaspoon of enzyme presoak product. Removal of old or set stains may require washing with bleach that is safe for that particular fabric. If all the sugars are not removed, a brown stain will appear when the cloth is heated in the dryer or is ironed as the sugar is caramelized. This effect is great for crème brûlée... not so wonderful for your favorite white blouse.
Grass stains: Grass stains are also a dye stain —a combination of protein and other organic matter mixed with chlorophyll, xanthophylls and carotenoids. For stubborn stains like grass, soak in a solution of cool water and a laundry product containing enzymes, like Shout Advanced Ultra Gel Brush, for at least 30 minutes (and several hours for aged stains). Don't use hot water, as it will coagulate the protein and make the stain more difficult to remove. If stains remain, soak an additional 30 minutes, then rewash. (Follow product instructions, and note that some laundry detergents already contain enzymes.) After soaking, launder in warm water as usual.
Mud stains: Mud stains are a protein stain. Let mud stains dry. Brush to remove the soil. Soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water. Let stand for several minutes. If the stain persists, sponge it with rubbing alcohol, then rinse with clear water and wash. You may also soak the stain for 30 minutes in an enzyme presoak, and you can add chlorine bleach to the load of laundry if the label says it's safe for the fabric.
Barbeque sauce stains & other tomato-based sauce stains: Barbecue sauce is a combination stain. Soak in cool water, 1/2 a teaspoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and 1 tablespoon vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse. If stain remains, pre-treat area with a pre-wash stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or a paste of powdered detergent and water. Then wash in warm water. Air dry. If the stain remains, soak in an enzyme product for anywhere from at least an hour to overnight. Some detergents contain enzymes. Launder in warm water. Do not use hot water or hot air drying or iron the garment until the stain is gone as heat will set it.
Coffee stains: A coffee stain is a dye stain, but the cream or milk in the coffee is a protein. Therefore, you will want to treat the stain as both if you like a little cream in your morning cup of joe. If the stain is fresh, immediately rinse with cold water. If you are at home (or once at home), remove the clothing and add laundry detergent directly to the stain and rub together with cold water. Soak in the water for 30 minutes, rubbing detergent together every 5 to 10 minutes. Next, wash clothing on the hottest setting. Ensure stain is out of clothing prior to placing in the dryer. If stain has not been removed, try repeating the steps. For older stains, apply white vinegar directly to the stain and mix with cold water. Rub stain with a sponge until removed. You may also use baking soda as an alternative solution, applying with a wet cloth to scrub away the stain.
Removing stains from whites
The key to removing stains from white clothing is to attempt to remove the stain immediately. Scoop up or scrape food items off, while blotting up liquid spills from the outside in. Apply a liquid dishwashing soap directly to the stain and rub gently with a light-colored cloth or your fingernail. Do not use a darker colored cloth or terry towel as this may darken the stain. Soak garment in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes prior to washing.
New and older stains may also be removed with the use of corn starch or baking soda, gently scrubbing the powder into the stain with a cold wet cloth. White vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are also great pre-treatment solutions. With any white clothing, it is recommended that you wash separately and pre-soak in 1/2 cup of bleach and cold water.
Removing stains from darks
Like white clothing, it is important that you attempt to remove a fresh stain immediately. Scoop up any food residue while blotting away liquids. Avoid using bar soaps or terry cloth towels on stain. Soak in 1/2 cup white vinegar and cold water prior to washing the clothing on a regular cycle. If it is a tough or set stain, soak garment directly in 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup water for 30 minutes prior to washing. Rinse item out prior to washing on a warm cycle to sterilize clothing.
To remove stains from jeans, apply hydrogen peroxide directly onto stain and allow to soak for 30 minutes prior to washing on a regular cycle. Grass stains can be removed by applying petroleum jelly directly to the stain and spreading with your finger. Wash on regular cycle after five minutes.
Removing stains from delicates
Remove set and new stains on delicates with the use of a salt-and-lemon-juice solution. Gently rub with the use of a non-invasive cloth or finger, and rinse with very hot water. Never rub garment harshly or with a rough cloth. Allow to dry in the sun. If stain has not been removed, attempt to soak item in two parts warm water, one part detergent and one part oxygen bleaching agent. Wash as recommended per garment instructions.
Another method of removing delicate clothing stains is by hand-washing the garment with the use of borax, baking soda and regular detergent. Lightly scrub the item together with its own fabric. Rinse with cool water and air dry to prevent stain from setting in.
The Bachelorette's Bristowe and her bethrothed Shawn Booth posed for the mag in an outdoorsy setting meant to match Bristowe's "bohemian meets country aesthetic," despite reports that the couple's relationship is all a sham for TV ratings and cash.
"It was our kind of setting, and we felt comfortable with our photographer, Tiffany," Bristowe said. "We both have a pretty good sense of humor and that helps!"
"Don't be surprised if you see Whitney Bischoff or Becca Tilley in my wedding party!! #finalthree" she said.
Bristowe also reveals her eternal optimism that she and Booth will be one of the few Bachelor franchise couples who actually make it.
"I truly believe we were meant to be together," she said. "He is my type to a T. I didn't even know I had a type until I met Shawn. Everyone asked us how it was going to be when the fancy extravagant dates were over and the cameras were off, and we both agreed that we couldn't wait for that. It has only gotten better.
"I've always dreamt about having kids more so than my wedding day," she added. "When it comes to colors, flowers, dresses... no idea. But if you ask me about kids; how many I want, names, genders? I'll have a full list for you!"
We can't wait to see how this TV couple's wedding plans come together!
If you thought Star Wars's R2-D2 was cute, then BB-8 is going to really impress you. But what is it, you ask?
Created by Sphero, it's a little white, silver and orange Astromech Droid whose adventures have been documented with YouTube videos (it also features in the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens film), and include it enjoying its popcorn, fooling around on a record player and playing with a marble.
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 2
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 2
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 3
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 3
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 4
BB-8 is the cutest Star Wars character 4
And BB-8 is the most inquisitive little fella you'll ever meet.
But we aren't the only ones who are impressed with BB-8 and its sheer cuteness — the comments on an Imgur post prove this.
ifindthismildlyamusing wrote, "Sorry R2... someone's more adorable than you now." cjay27 also commented on the droid's cuteness, writing, "Bb-8 is the cutest. Something about the ball shape gave him more life."
"Someone give BB-8's designer a medal. Seriously impressed by the functionality & personality of it, and that's really hard to accomplish," CirB shared.
A fan account on Instagram released the image on Wednesday. And while North West, Reign, Penelope and Mason Disick look so vogue in their adorable photo together, we were disappointed to see that Kim Kardashian's new little one, Saint West, missed out on the pic.
The Kardashian 2015 christmas card
The Kardashian 2015 christmas card
No doubt it's because the little guy was just born three weeks ago and can barely hold up his own head let alone pose for pictures.
Also, as Bustle pointed out, the Kardashians aren't the types to do things last minute. This photo opt has most likely been in the works for some time, which means Saint was probably actually still chillin' in the womb when the session with his sister and cousins went down.
In past years, the entire Kardashian clan has gotten gussied up in all their glory for their Christmas family photo. But with Kim giving birth, Lamar Odom still in the hospital, Kourtney's split from Scott Disick, a reported feud between Kris and Caitlyn Jenner, and Rob Kardashian's ongoing weight battle, it's no surprise the family opted for a more behind-the-scenes approach this season.
Plus, they have some of the most beautiful children on the planet. There really is no denying it. So why not get them all front and center for the holidays?
What do you think of the Kardashians' 2015 Christmas card featuring just the little ones?
He reached out to grasp the sides of her shirt, and Rylla jerked back, squeezing into the sofa cushion as far as she could go. She clutched the garment even more tightly to her. “You don’t need to do any such thing! I’m perfectly all right.”
His hands dropped. “You don’t know that. The knife went through your clothes.”
Holding her shirt together at the top with one hand, Rylla carefully lifted the bottom of her shirt. She peered at her stomach. “It’s only a scratch.”
“’Tis a pity to mar such beauty.” Gregory was studying her skin as if it held great secrets. His face was flushed, his blue eyes glittering, his mouth soft and full. She had never seen such a look on a man’s face before. It shot a strange leaping excitement all through her. He had lowered his hands, but now they rested on her thighs, warm and heavy. It was thoroughly indecent — and even more indecently, Rylla liked the way they felt on her.
He smiled at her, more with invitation than amusement. “What were you doing at that gambling den, I wonder? A romantic assignation?”
Rylla’s jaw dropped. “I beg your pardon!”
“But surely no man is so foolish as to leave you waiting. He would arrive early and wait any length of time.” He went on musingly, “No, I think more likely you were spying on a lover.”
“A lover!” Indignation surged through her. “You think I am a... a hussy!”
“Nae, I would never use such a term for you.”
“Oh!” Rylla jumped up, shoving him back with both hands. Irritatingly, he only laughed and rose lithely to his feet. “You are rude! Insufferable!” She rushed to refasten her clothes, her fingers trembling and clumsy with fury. In her agitation, she fumbled at both shirt and waistcoat, succeeding with neither.
“Wait, here, you are doing them up all wrong.” Gregory’s expression was indulgent as he reached out to help her. His action only served to fuel the fires of her anger.
Rylla slapped his hands away. “Don’t touch me! You are no gentleman. You’re a... a perfect beast. A scoundrel.” She drew herself up to her fullest height and lifted her chin haughtily. The pose was somewhat spoiled by the fact that she wobbled and Gregory had to grab her elbow to steady her.
“I did come to your rescue,” he pointed out mildly.
“My rescue! Hah!” She shrugged off his hand. “You were probably in league with him.”
Gregory’s brows popped up. “I like that. I chase off a thief who is attacking you, and now I’m a villain.”
“You took advantage of me.” Rylla had managed to get her shirt fastened, even if the buttons were a trifle askew. She decided to abandon the attempt on her waistcoat.
“Took advantage of you! You are drunk as a wheelbarrow and running about dressed in men’s clothes, visiting gambling hells. And I took advantage of you?”
“I am not drunk as a wheelbarrow! Nor am I a woman of loose morals.” She fisted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “I, Mr. Rose, am a lady.”
He stared at her for a moment, then let out a long breath. “Devil take it. You really are a blushing virgin, aren’t you?”
About the author: Candace Camp is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 60 novels of contemporary and historical romance, including the bestselling Regency Romances Treasured, The Marrying Season, and A Summer Seduction. She grew up in Texas in a newspaper family, which explains her love of writing, but she earned a law degree and practiced law before making the decision to write full time. She has received several writing awards, including the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award. Visit her at Candace-Camp.com.
The Wachowskis are keeping quiet about their plans for the new season, but that hasn't stopped the cast from dropping hints — and the fans from speculating wildly. Here are some of the biggest rumors, hints and theories about where Season 2 will be taking the story and the characters.
1. Rajan is gearing up to become one of the key villains
Purab Kohli, who plays Rajan, hasn't said a whole lot about where his character will go in Season 2. In fact, he said in an interview last fall that Lana Wachowski hasn't given him any clues at all. Still, Sense8 fans are convinced that his role as a pharmacist might mean that he has a connection to the diabolical BPO, and if Kala and Wolfgang end up taking their relationship to a more serious level, Rajan will have the motivation to retaliate.
2. But Whispers is sure to be back, too
The sensates outsmarted mysterious villain Whispers in Season 1, saving Nomi and Riley from abduction, but he's hardly out of the picture. Even if Rajan becomes a more malevolent character in Season 2, Whispers will still be involved somehow. Fans have a lot of unanswered questions about who Whispers is and who the other members of his cluster are, and hopefully those will be illuminated in the upcoming season. Unlike his costars, actor Terrence Mann hasn't divulged any hints or teases about Season 2 so far, but he did recently start a Twitter account, and curious fans should probably start following it now, just in case.
3. More Kala means new powers explored
What excites me most about the possibility of Kala's involvement in Season 2 isn't the Wolfgang/Rajan drama at all — it's the fact that she'll be using her skills and powers to help the other sensates in her cluster more regularly. Kala's not a fighter like many of her fellow sensates, but she's a scientist, and her knowledge of pharmaceuticals and the human body will make her a critical asset in life-or-death situations. We didn't get much of a chance to see her abilities in action in Season 1 and that's bound to be one of the most exciting changes come Season 2.
Brian J. Smith — AKA sexy cop Will Gorski — dropped a major hint about Season 2's plot earlier this fall.
Brian J Smith tweet 1
Brian J Smith tweet 1
Season 1 may have introduced us to the eight members of the newest sensate cluster, but there are plenty of sensates from other clusters that we've yet to encounter, and they're likely based in countries and cities that the show has yet to visit. "Additional climates" suggests that the action will be expanding beyond North America, Western Europe, Africa and Asia — but where? Could we be meeting Middle Eastern or Australian sensates next season?
5. Things will get intense in Episode 3
The cast is keeping quiet about the major story developments in Season 2, but one thing is clear — Episode 3 will be killer. If it's making the cast freak out this much, the viewers are sure to be wrecked.
Jamie Clayton tweet 1
Jamie Clayton tweet 1
Brian J Smith tweet 3
Brian J Smith tweet 3
6. Capheus continues to live up to his hero, Jean-Claude Van Damme
We all know how much Aml Ameen's Capheus loves action star Jean-Claude Van Damme — he even named his business after the actor! Now it seems as though the character will continue to follow in his hero's footsteps. Check out this training video that Ameen posted recently — clearly, Capheus is going to need to be in shape.
7. We may get some answers about the Capheus-Amanita connection
One of the most persistent — and controversial — theories in the Sense8 fandom is that Nomi's girlfriend Amanita is also Capheus' long-lost younger sister. Season 1 did drop clues that Amanita might be adopted, and it would make sense that the sensates are connected in more ways than initially meet the eye. The cast and crew have remained silent on the validity of this theory, but it's likely one to be clarified in Season 2.
8. Get ready for more group musical numbers
Among Smith's biggest teases on Twitter is this one, suggesting that there's going to be another all-cast musical number like there was in Season 1.
Brian J Smith tweet 2
Brian J Smith tweet 2
If this video from the cast's appearance at Brazil's Comic Con Experience 2015 earlier this month is any indication, Bob Marley's "One Love" might be the new "What's Up."
Sense8 cast singing One Love
Sense8 cast singing One Love
What mysteries are you hoping will be solved in Season 2 of Sense8?
In the video, a bare-lipped Von Teese explained that she feels uncomfortable leaving her house without bright lipstick. We totally get it! It's her signature look, but she pressed on so she could give an accurate portrayal of her whole process. She always starts by applying lip liner all over her lip to create a long-wear base, adding that it's OK to overdraw. Next comes the lipstick; then sometimes she goes back over with the lip liner to fix the edges and create perfection.
Dita Von Teese lipstick
Dita Von Teese lipstick
In all, Von Teese shows how to apply three different shades: Hot pink (with M.A.C.'s lip pencil in "Cherry" and YSL lipstick in "Fuschia"), cherry red (M.A.C.'s "Von Teese" red lipstick) and a deep ruby red ("Beet" by M.A.C. and Maybelline lipstick in "Red Revival").
Her little secret to keeping a steady hand through the whole process? She rests her pinky finger on her chin so it acts like a little stabilizer of sorts.
And really, that's all it takes! She told The Cut that her beauty routine primarily consists of face powder and lipstick.
"It makes me feel confident and projects an image of who I want to be," she said of her love of lipstick and glam. "I can’t imagine my life without it; it’s the same as waking up and brushing my teeth every morning. When I am stripped of it for whatever reason by photographers who want to change up my look, I feel like I have my confidence taken away from me."
Christmas won't be much of a "Holiday" for Madonna this year.
According to Page Six, Madonna's 15-year-old-son has been ordered by a Manhattan court to fly from London to New York City to spend the holiday with her.
Rocco Ritchie, Madonna's son with ex-husband Guy Ritchie, has been staying in London with his father while his mother is on tour. He'd been on tour with Madonna until a few months ago, but got sick of it. He reportedly wanted to stay in London and refused to visit his mother.
Madonna didn't take the refusal lightly and went to Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Neither Guy nor Rocco Ritchie appeared in court. Guy's attorney, Eric Buckley, told the judge, "[Rocco] has expressed very clearly that he does not want to return to New York."
At the end of the proceedings, the judge said, "I'm directing the child to be returned to New York. If he wants to stay with his father, he must return to his mother."
The judge said Rocco will have a court-appointed attorney in the custody case and will have the chance tell the judge which parent he wants to live with. But first he has to come to New York to see his mother.
A Page Six source said Rocco might not abide by the judge’s order. “This is a 15½-year-old strapping young kid, so we’ll see." It sounds like Rocco Ritchie has a "Rebel Heart" like his mother.
It's not a surprise a 15-year-old boy isn't getting along with his mom, but this is harsh. And it doesn't take a crystal ball to know that Madonna, Guy and Rocco Ritchie are all going to be in court next year for a custody battle. It's just a question of where the battle will take place: London or New York.
In the U.K., Rocco has his own attorney and there is a pending court proceeding. Madonna already argued in court that the dispute should be heard in New York because that's where the divorce agreement was registered in 2009. The judge told Madonna to talk to her ex-husband before they return to court in January.
What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall during that phone call. In my mind, she'd say, "'Papa Don't Preach' to me!"
And Guy would say, "'Open Your Heart,' Madonna!"
And they'd both say, "'Sorry,' let's get 'Into the Groove' and 'Live to Tell' a better story."
Everyone would live happily every after.
If only we could live a life through The Immaculate Collection.
There are a million and one diets out there that will help you lose weight — some better than others. But researchers behind a new study say that the diet of the future is "precision dieting" that uses the information in your DNA to determine the right workouts and nutrition to get the body you want.
"I think within five years, we’ll see people start to use a combination of genetic, behavioral and other sophisticated data to develop individualized weight management plans," said lead author Dr. Molly Bray, a geneticist and professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, in the study published in the journal Obesity.
"We are pretty good at helping people lose weight in the short term. But the stats on long-term weight loss are pretty dismal. We still don’t understand the process of weight gain very well, either from a behavioral or a biological standpoint," said Dr. Bray, according to the Daily Mail.
Here's how it'll work: You submit a saliva sample and then the researchers will use automated sensors to collect information about your environment and habits. A computer program would then be used to evaluate the information and then spit out recommendations tailored to your situation that will help you get to your target weight.
And no, the test won't just tell you if you have the so-called obesity gene or the genetic trait that seems to cause people to store fat rather than burn it.
But there are already companies like DNAFit that offer diet and exercise recommendations based on DNA, so why do the researchers say we are still "five years away" from the technology? Simple: It's not just a matter of studying your DNA. While genetics play a large part in how we hold fat, the environment and habits come into play, making it necessary for the tests to take that into consideration.
"There are going to be several genes involved with obesity, and they’re going to interact with each other in complicated ways," said Dr. Bray. "And that’s certainly true of weight loss and maintenance too."
We all know Gigi Hadid is a Southern California girl whose mom is Danish model and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster. Thanks to her most recent Instagram post, where she and some friends are showing off henna tattoos, we also know she's half-Palestinian.
gigi hadid henna tattoo
gigi hadid henna tattoo
Hadid captioned the photo, "Had the best night with some of my oldest friends last night. Feel so blessed to have a foundation of friendships that will bond us for the rest of our lives. The way we can all sit around and talk like the clock's been turned back 10 years is the most beautiful and grounding feeling."
She continued, "It's so important to be with the families that raised you and the friends that were raised with yours. So much love in my heart this holiday season !!!!! (& before you go all 'cultural appropriation' in my comments, check out the last name. Hadid. Half Palestinian & proud of it)."
Her father is Mohamed Hadid, a Palestinian real estate developer who's had cameos on RHOBH.
I hate that she had to add a note to stop any potential trolls from blasting her. She should be able to post a photo like this without having to anticipate stupid comments about her being culturally insensitive. Clearly, she's experienced the hate before and didn't want to deal with it so close to Christmas.
At least we know another interesting fact about Hadid. I just wish she didn't have to add it as a preemptive measure. May any haters find coal in their stockings.
Not only did Jeff exit the limo and introduce himself to Ashley Herbert while wearing a mask, but the entrepreneur continued to keep the mask on for virtually his entire run on the show. He called it a "social experiment," explaining he wanted Herbert to get to know what was in his interior before getting a full glimpse of the exterior. Props for originality, I guess? Regardless, it didn't work out so well for Jeff, who got the boot shortly after unmasking.
2. Chris Strandburg, The Bachelorette Season 11
Crazy Intros - Chris the Cupcake
Crazy Intros - Chris the Cupcake
It may have given the rest of the world a toothache, but cruising into the dating pool inside of a giant cupcake car wasn't lost on Kaitlyn Bristowe — she kept dentist Chris Strandburg in the game far longer than anyone could have predicted after he parked the Cupcake Mobile. Major bonus points would have been given if he'd actually brought baked goods for the Bachelorette.
3. Kaitlyn Bristowe, The Bachelor Season 19
Crazy Intros - Raunchy Kaitlyn
Crazy Intros - Raunchy Kaitlyn
Speaking of Bristowe, she made quite the first impression herself when she vied for the attention of Chris Soules. Homegirl had no qualms about firing right out of the gate with a raunchy farmer joke, saying, "I don't know much about you. I know your name's Chris. I know you are a farmer. And you can plow the f*** out of my field any day." But, hey, it did the trick — not only did she catch Chris' eye, but she also landed the coveted spot of the next Bachelorette.
Woe is Diogo Custodio! After going through the trouble of donning a full suit of armor for his meeting with Desiree Hartsock — not to mention finding the armor in the first place — the Brazilian was sent packing along with five other suitors on the very first night. Oof! Guess Desiree wasn't looking for a knight in shining armor or, you know, a dude whose creases she'd have to grease.
5. Reegan Cornwell, The Bachelor Season 19
Image: ABC
Some people wear their heart on their sleeve, but Californian Reegan Cornwell carries hers in a cooler... and presents it to her date like a bloody corsage. "It's a joke!" she exclaimed upon presenting the faux (or so we hope) heart to Chris Soules. But relying on her career as a cadaver tissue saleswoman as shtick didn't do Reegan any favors — Chris soon sent her back home, presumably to harvest more organs.
6. Clare Crawley, The Bachelor Season 18
Image: ABC
While Clare ultimately ended up winning over viewers, she spooked everyone — and most especially Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis when she stepped out of the limo sporting a burgeoning belly. "I know you have a daughter, and I know you want more children," she told a clearly terrified Juan Pablo, "and I was thinking of maybe adding to it!" She proceeded to reveal she wasn't really pregnant, of course, but yikes!
7. Shawn Evans, The Bachelorette Season 11
Crazy Intros - Hot Tub Car
Crazy Intros - Hot Tub Car
Who even knew hot tub cars were a thing before Shawn Evans? This guy rolled into Season 11 of The Bachelorette in style inside of a car, hehe, pool. And despite being trolled by that one drunk idiot, he still managed to keep his cool. Kaitlyn may not have kept him around for the long haul, but at least he'll go down in history as one of the most memorable introductions ever.
8. Emil, The Bachelorette Season 10
Image: ABC
When you explain your name's pronunciation is like "anal, but with an 'm' — just remember that," oh, people do. We only wish we could forget, buddy.
9. Stacey Elza, The Bachelor Season 12
Image: ABC
This is not a picture of Stacey Elza. Rather, this is a picture of The Bachelor: London Calling's Matt Grant — and Stacey's underwear, which she handed to him shortly after introducing herself. "Pantygate," as it was dubbed, lives in infamy. Well, that and the way Stacey passed out before the rose ceremony even started. Oh, honey.
10. Robyn Howard, The Bachelor Season 17
Crazy Intros - Robyn backflip
Crazy Intros - Robyn backflip
Here's a pearl of wisdom we all learned at Robyn Howard's expense: Gymnastics and ball gowns do not mix. While Robyn's attempt to show off her tumbling skills could very well have wowed Bachelor Sean Lowe, the whole tripping on the dress and flopping onto the pavement earned her more pity than props.
11. Brett Melnick, The Bachelorette Season 10
Image: ABC
In the absence of any apparent forethought, Brett Melnick introduced himself to Andi Dorfman by handing her a lamp he'd stolen from his hotel, saying, "My mother always told me, never greet a lady empty-handed." Who is this guy, Brick Tamland? Andi insisted Brett return the lamp, likely while mentally crossing him off the list of people to leave unattended near her belongings.
12. Josh Seiter, The Bachelorette Season 11
Crazy Intros - Josh the stripper
Crazy Intros - Josh the stripper
What happens when you cross The Bachelorette and Magic Mike? Josh Seiter, that's what. Things went from boring to bow-chicka-bow-wow real quick-like when this law student/exotic dancer exited the limo and proceeded to give the then-dual Bachelorettes Britt Nilsson and Kaitlyn Bristowe a sexy striptease.
13. Jonathan Vollinger, The Bachelorette Season 9
Image: ABC
Dear Jonathan Vollinger, no. Just no. Whew, we've been wanting to say that to you since you stepped out of the limo and handed Desiree an envelope urging her to proceed straight to the Fantasy Suite with you. Shout-out to Des, who nipped Jonathan's misogynistic stunt in the bud.
14. Amy Jokinen, The Bachelor Season 18
Crazy Intros - Massage Therapy
Crazy Intros - Massage Therapy
Granted, a relaxing massage is nearly always a welcome occurrence. But when you factor in a full tux, the viewing public and Juan Pablo, even the most well-intended massage can turn awkward. Having said that, we'd happily accept all introductions in the form of massage were we the Bachelorette.
15. Lindsay Yenter, The Bachelor Season 17
Crazy Intros - Lindsay the Bride
Crazy Intros - Lindsay the Bride
Lindsay. Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay. Where were you going with this, girl? When she stepped out of the limo in a legit wedding dress, even I felt my heart race (and not in the good way). To his credit, Sean Lowe handled the whole bridal snafu like a total gentleman, even when Yenter went in for a matrimonial kiss mere moments after their meeting.
If I had to decide on the best part about this treat, I wouldn't be able to. I love every bit of these tasty bars.
Image: Patricia Conte/SheKnows
This dessert is so easy to make, yet you might not think so given its range of flavors. The classic flavor combo proves you cannot go wrong with this dessert. It can be yours in under two hours.
Image: Patricia Conte/SheKnows
Chocolate chip banana bars with peanut butter frosting recipe
1/2 cup powdered sugar (a bit more if you prefer the frosting thicker)
Directions:
For the bars
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with the nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, applesauce and sugars. Mix well to combine.
A little at a time, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and stir until thoroughly combined.
Add the chocolate chips to the mixture. Transfer the batter to the baking pan.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely (about 45 minutes) before slicing into bars and frosting.
For the frosting
Mix together the yogurt, peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. If you like your frosting on the thicker side, add a bit more powdered sugar. Stir to combine.
You may remember Stage as the model skinny-shamed earlier this year because her Instagram followers thought her pregnant belly was "too small." She later gave birth to a healthy baby boy... the baby boy at the center of the latest brouhaha over one of Stage's photos, this time from Snapchat.
In it, she poses in a teal gown while baby James chills out on the floor. Take a look:
Image: Sarah Stage/Snapchat
Well, saints preserve us. She put a baby on the floor... as have multitasking mothers for who knows how long.
Of course, if you look closely, you'll see the baby is lying on a green blanket, and Stage sent a close-up shot of the baby on the blanket to TMZ to prove she hadn't put the little guy on a dirty dressing room floor. Good for her.
But should a mom really have to defend against this to begin with? This is a reality of motherhood. One of the beauties of babies is that they're immensely portable. Moms do not have to stay locked away at home just because they've given birth. We can go out. Run errands. Shop. Even try on pretty dresses in mall dressing rooms.
But when you're out and about with baby, you can't hold them in your arms at every blessed moment. Anyone who has tried has realized it's impossible. They're cute and cuddly, but they can be very difficult to work around.
And so sometimes, moms put their babies down. Heck, sometimes they even put them on the floor.
Why? Because contrary to popular opinion, babies — especially 8-month-old babies who are likely at crawling stage — are not made of glass. They can be set down. They can even be set down on the floor of a mall dressing room, provided there are no sharp objects or other hazards in easy reach (and from the looks of this photo, there weren't).
As for the cry that the floor is dirty, the miracle that is hand-washing applies to babies, too. What's more, encountering germs with your baby is hardly the worst thing in the world. Although doctors warn moms to be wary in the newborn stage, by the time they're infants, encountering germs is part of building a healthy immune system. While moms certainly shouldn't encourage their baby to gnaw on the handle of the grocery store cart, we've all seen it happen... and our kids have survived.
So the next time you see a mom put her baby down so she can make use of both hands for a moment, instead of chastising her, consider this: Maybe she was just doing the best she could do to multitask as a mom.
Teigen wrote, "So proud and honored to have shot the cover of Vogue Thailand! Special to me for so many reasons...one being I am SO PROUD to be Thai, so excited to have shot a Vogue cover (a dream, of course), annnnd a couple minutes after this shot, John and I learned we were having our little baby girl!"
The caption continued with lots of thanks to all of the people who helped her on the shoot. If you didn't read it carefully, it would've been easy to miss the announcement.
Even sneakier is that she doesn't look pregnant enough in this photo to be able to tell the baby's gender. Another tip of the hat to you, Teigen. I'd look like I was trying to conceal a watermelon.
I can't wait to see a baby mash-up of little lady Legend's face. Just about all I'd be able to predict is that she'll have a pink bow. And she'll be gorgeous.
Teigen shared her pregnancy news at the three-month mark back in October. Using my questionable math skills, I'd predict this baby to arrive sometime in May. But I think it's safe to say we'll need to read her Instagram captions to find out when she's born and what her name will be.
Here's to starting a great 2016 with dreams of pink balloons, onesies and nursery wall art. Congratulations, Teigen and Legend!
The person who plays James Bond needs to look like a gentleman and be British or Scottish — or able to convince me with his accent. I think the recent James Bond films don’t resemble the classics: there's no music during the film, the opening sequences aren’t anything like it should be and James Bond is played like he was part of the Expendables cast. His depression and darkness are reminiscent of Batman in TheDark Knight. Also, what happened to the famous Bond lines that no woman can resist?
However, all the fans of the James Bond films were happy to finally see that the directors and actors realized what the character is actually about when Spectre came out.
However, the question is who should be the next James Bond?
1. Clive Owen
Image: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
He’s British, handsome, looks like a gentleman in a suit and is a great actor. If it was up to me, I would definitely consider him for this part. He’s famous for his roles in Closer, Sin City, King Arthur and Croupier.
Clive Owen could take this part to the next level and be as good as Sean Connery.
2. Hugh Jackman
Image: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Famous for his parts in X-Men, Les Misérables, Prisoners and many others, this actor is certainly one of the sexiest and most talented actors in the world. His parents are English, so I don’t see why he couldn’t play this legendary role.
When you see Hugh Jackman, you definitely see the next James Bond. Handsome, attractive, an excellent actor and — most importantly — looks like a gentleman spy who could easily win over women’s hearts.
3. Michael Fassbender
Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
This German-Irish actor has experience both in films and on stage, and we all remember him from the new X-Men movies and Inglourious Basterds. We’ve seen him in every role, except for James Bond. Directors, what are you waiting for?
Many women will certainly agree that Michael Fassbender would be the perfect choice for the new James Bond.
4. Dan Stevens
Image: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
The talented English actor is most famous for his role in Downton Abbey, but with his role in The Guest has shown us that he has what it takes to pull of a convincing James Bond. He would certainly be a surprise as no one would expect him to absolutely rock this part.
We are all looking forward to seeing him as Beast in Beauty and the Beast, directed by Bill Condon, who couldn’t possibly have made a better choice than matching Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as Beast.
These four actors would take the role of James Bond to next level, and mark another James Bond era. While Clive Owen and Hugh Jackman look perfect for this part, you shouldn’t doubt Michael Fassbender’s charm, and Dan Stevens might surprise you with his acting skills.
What do you think? Who should be the next James Bond?
Think about it: When we need to rant, we post and get the inspiration we need from friends that push us to a more positive place. When we need advice about how to jazz up a recipe, friends offer up their old favorites or dish out their grandma's good ole go-to recipe. Friendships on Facebook often do develop into more meaningful relationships — but then, there are friendships we thought we've cultivated well that have taught us lessons about limits.
I had a big lesson that pushed the limit this year. My daughter and I often do online comedy videos, since she aspires to be an actress and comedienne. My daughter is just 11 years old, and our videos are really fun and quite foolish. It's the brand of comedy that makes you crack up while shaking your head and co-signing our craziness together as a mom and daughter comedy duo.
Most recently, we decided to do a video on a hot topic: Should wives give their husbands a hall pass. If you haven't heard about "hall passes," let's just say that it's a green light to cheat without getting in trouble. So, I decided to have my daughter act like her crazy character, an old lady named Miss Edna, and offer up advice to wives that is totally against giving hall passes. Keep in mind, this is comedy coming from an 11-year-old.
A so-called Facebook friend jumped on my post and literally cursed out my daughter and me, using F-words and spewing hate that truly hurt my heart — especially since she directed her sour words toward my child. Where in the world did that come from? Apparently, this person subscribes to the school of "get your groove on with every Tom, Dick and Harry" and she was offended by a nonsense video because she said she does give and takes hall passes and didn't like what we had to say about it. Again, it was a video of an 11-year-old dressed as an old lady giving old-school advice.
I learned this person's hateful words were just a reflection of how she has always felt about me. Her hate didn't just happen to hurl at us on this particular day for no reason. She always hated me. As I look back now, I can see that the crumbs were always there and evident in her comments on many other posts, but I just failed to recognize it because I wanted our friendship to be real. It wasn't. This person was likely jealous of my life and that I found happiness and comfort in my kids and my husband and that I was confident enough to pursue everything that matters to me. Friends don't up and throw hate your way unless they've always had it in for you. If they do, just know that it's something deeper inside of them that they are lashing out about.
You should never apologize for being who you are. For me, I love people and I will never stop showing love, inspiring people and striving to reach my dreams or helping my kids aspire to reach theirs because someone wants to throw shade and put a damper on our sunny days. I've learned I will be careful with who I consider my friends and who are worthy to share in my joy. Not everyone will cheer for you, and not everyone wants you to win. At the same time, never let someone's misery deter you from doing you.
This year I've learned:
I've spoiled way too many unworthy people with my time, when they clearly didn't deserve all of me.
That nasty post ended up being a breakthrough for me, in knowing I have a right to be respected online. I didn't have to try to justify that video to that person, and I was totally within my right to end that friendship by unfriending that person. I welcome different perspectives from people, but she disrespected me, my child and our so-called friendship in the worst way by being callous and uncaring.
When you are dealing with friends, you should use your voice for kindness and compassion and should never resort to cursing them out and taking to heart something as trivial as a video that supports my child's career and has nothing to do with you. That alone shows that she was more of a frenemy than anything else.
Walk in your truth every single day. Do what makes you happy and don't care if people like it. Comedienne Tina Fey actually said that, and it holds true to life. If I let one "monkey" stop my daughter's show, she'll never become the star she aspires to be. I definitely will not let that happen.
Keep your trigger finger on the "Unfriend" and "Block" buttons. Enough said.
The idea that we were indeed just one mother and one daughter stuck with me. It’s one of those truths that gives you both comfort and dread. Which is why it shouldn’t surprise you that I decided to do my genealogy. I figured, there have to be more people out there who share my DNA! I asked genealogist, Adam Kanciper to help me out and what I discovered was fascinating.
The first thing he did was ask what information I already had. Then he asked to hear stories that had been passed down along the way. It seems that every family has their family legends. Stories that seem too romantic or fantastical to be true. He asked, “What do you know and what do you think?” I told him the names of the few family members I was sure of, which were very few. My mom had no family left, so when she says, “just one mother and one daughter” she means that literally. Her sister, uncle, cousins and parents are all gone. It is just us.
The second thing Kanciper did was hand me a DNA test. I spit into a tube, and for $99 they traced my DNA (that irrefutable matter that tells you everything about your biological history) all the way back to what seemed like the beginning of time. I found that not only was I related to my best friend's husband's family, but that I was 18% Scandinavian! I knew that my family was French. However, I always suspected there was some Irish in my blood, primarily based on the absurd fact that I dated Irish men almost exclusively. Kanciper found that I was 0% Irish, and that my family was from — not just France — but specifically, Paris. They had been there for many, many generations. He speculated that the Scandanavian was when the Vikings came through. He also found that I was related to several French scientists and a WWI veteran, Jacques Spreiregen who founded Kangol.
The coup de grâce (since I’m French) was that Kanciper found cousins of mine all over the world, and more importantly, two less than 8 miles from my home. I emailed one to introduce myself. That was four years ago and now she and her sister are two of my closest confidants.
Knowing who you are is more than just your personality. So much of your identity is tied to your history and your family. Therefore, the more you know, the more connected you feel. We live in such a tech-heavy world, the idea of being connected is appealing. Kanciper says clients have found secret lives family members hid, he’s helped adopted kids find their family tree, and most importantly, he says, “If you don’t know who your ancestors were and what they died of, you can’t build a real health history for yourself.” So, it’s more than just curiosity if you descended from royalty and if cousin Kate Middleton will be coming to your wedding, but a real legacy that you can leave your children.
When I connected with my cousins and learned about who I was and where I was from, the feeling was indescribable. That feeling is what made this the perfect shower gift for a close friend who was about to give birth to her first child, a girl. They didn’t need any more Baby Bjorn items and I didn’t want to get her something she would grow out of in two months. I wanted something unique for her. So I had Kanciper do the family’s genealogy for the baby. With very little information, he traced her family back, finding that she was related to Mark Twain!
She was so blown away that she hired Kanciper to trace her best friend's family as a wedding gift. I can’t think of a more personal, special gift. During times when we’re thinking about family — weddings, baby showers and the holidays — giving the gift of family history is unparalleled.
Genealogists are able to get information that regular folks never could. Kanciper tells me, “There is a tiny fraction of relevant information that has been digitized and is available online.” Which is why Google doesn’t work. Kanciper has traveled to archives all over the world. He’s been everywhere from Ireland and England to Salt Lake City (the geology research capital of the world) and The National Archives. He’s even gone to St. Petersberg, Russia for a client. “Many times you don’t know what you need until you, yourself, have sifted through it.”
Finding out the origins of my family and sharing that with my mother not only made us feel closer but it made us feel as if we are more than just one mother and one daughter.
While the location rule may be set in stone — you still can’t beat a piece of prime real estate! — the right season to sell your home provides a little more wiggle room.
Most real estate agents with a few years in the biz argue that spring is the best time of year to sell to get a jump on the pre-summer moving rush. The thinking is, listing your home in the months leading up to June will help it sell faster as families prepare to move once school gets out. Spencer Rascoff and Stan Humphries, co-authors of the book Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate, took it a step further by analyzing supply, demand and sellers’ outcomes and came up with an ideal springtime window spanning from mid-March to mid-April.
While homes listed in this “March Madness” slot may sell a little faster and a little higher (15 percent faster and 2 percent higher, on average), this doesn’t rule out the fact that your home could still sell for a good price in another season. If there’s one thing we know about real estate, it’s that change is constant. Markets fluctuate, property values vary, and neighborhoods transform in the blink of an eye.
If you’re hoping to sell your home before the birds start chirping this spring, all hope isn’t lost. In fact, there may be a few advantages to putting your house on the market early:
1. Better curb appeal
Winter home 1
Winter home 1
This is an easy one — if you put your home on the market around the holidays, it’s going to look absolutely adorable with all of the Christmas lights and sparkly decor (you know you leave your lights up until February anyway). And as Bruce Ailion, Atlanta attorney and real estate expert with RE/MAX Town & Country, points out, your landscaping and even your neighborhood are more likely to appear attractive in the winter versus the summer months.
2. Better financials
Winter home 2
Winter home 2
At the very least, putting your home on the market in the winter can appeal to your logical side. Christy Hertel, realtor at McEnearney Associates in Leesburg, Virginia, says that a winter sale can be more successful since “people have a clearer picture of their finances and what they can afford” at the end of the year.
The nice way to put this, in Hertel’s words, is that winter home buyers are likely to have “more time on their hands.” This means extra days off around the holidays and free time on weekends, offering more time to check out (and buy) a dream house.
4. Happy buyers
Winter home 4
Winter home 4
You know that warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you’re in a great mood and just want to buy some stuff? According to Jerry Grodesky, managing broker at Farm and Lake Houses Real Estate in Loda, Illinois, this happy shopper mentality can work to your advantage as a seller throughout the holidays and into the new year. “Though many consumers believe real estate sales are seasonal, here in Illinois, there are a determined group of buyers who want or have to buy in the ‘off season,’” he says. “Holiday buyers are often very cheerful to work with and negotiating a transaction during this festive time of year is likened to the magic and excitement of opening a present under the tree in your childhood. It is amazing as to how many lake houses that I have sold while the skies are gray, snow crackles under foot and the cold wind whistles around us.”
5. Motivated buyers
Winter home 5
Winter home 5
“Motivated” is another popular buzzword you may hear from your real estate agent, and Ailion says it has a special significance in the cold winter months. He explains, “Many believe winter buyers are more motivated. They need to buy, where buyers looking to move in spring, summer and fall have more time to look. A 2011 Realtor.com survey found nearly 80 percent of real estate professionals felt this was true.”
Don’t knock the power of having a de-stressed realtor by your side. Joshua Jarvis, realtor at Jarvis Team Realty in Duluth, Georgia, says that since the market is likely to slow down in the winter, real estate agents and mortgage brokers are generally more relaxed during this period — making it much more likely that everyone will have a good time on closing day.
7. Slim competition
Winter home 7
Winter home 7
Fewer houses on the market not only means a greater likelihood of a sale, but it also means fewer showings and fewer times you have to leave your warm house. Jarvis considers this lack of competition a major advantage in listing in the winter, saying, “Most people don't really want to move during the holidays — that means that buyers that are looking are much more motivated. In essence, they have to buy a home. So it's less of a hassle and fewer people just ‘browsing’ what's on the market.”
8. Transfer assignments
Winter home 8
Winter home 8
This last big benefit is one that is easily overlooked. If you still can’t decide between a wintertime or springtime listing date, consider the fact that many companies have end-of-the-year evaluations and make their new transfer assignments in January. Hertel says this yields even more motivated buyers who need to lock in a house before they can plan their big move.
It seems logical that having first-hand experience with the pain of infertility would mean that I'd be ecstatic to find out a friend is expecting, but some recent news unexpectedly brought out the green-eyed monster in me. A longtime friend and partner in infertility told me she's unexpectedly pregnant. I'm not proud to admit it, but my first reaction wasn't happiness, it was pure jealousy.
As I read the text message that contained her happy news, my vision clouded with tears, not of joy, but of anger and even betrayal. Although she struggled to conceive her first child, this second baby was a complete surprise. In fact, she was actively trying to prevent getting pregnant, but despite her medical issues and the use of contraceptives, it happened anyhow.
I ultimately won my battle against infertility almost three years ago with the birth of my twin boys. After going off the pill with the expectation of getting pregnant naturally, I never got my period. At first I thought my husband and I had broken the record for world's fastest conception, but as it turns out, my hormone levels are abnormal and my egg quality is nothing to brag about. Thanks to in vitro fertilization and months of daily injections and pills, I'm now a mommy.
No matter how much I cherish the children I have, there will always be a piece of me that wonders why my body failed at naturally doing something women's bodies are supposedly designed to do.
And I'll always be a bit envious of friends who can use "see what happens" as a family planning method when expanding my family requires months of carefully timed shots, tens of thousands of dollars and the very real chance that after all that I still won't get pregnant or carry a baby to term.
Even though I now have two beautiful boys as the result of advanced reproductive technology, I still relate to and lean on my comrades with less-than-stellar reproductive systems. I'm young enough that many of my friends are having second and third children or starting their families. Having other infertile women who understand how I can simultaneously be so grateful for the family I have and still be disappointed that I'll never have a surprise pregnancy makes me feel less like a biological outlier. Turning to my tribe of fellow infertiles makes me feel like I'm not the only one who struggles with feeling grateful and regretful at the same time.
Even if her pregnancy had been planned, I'm not conceited enough to think that my feelings would weigh into anyone else's family planning decisions. And while I'm typically nothing but overjoyed when other friends share the news that they are expecting, the news stung coming from a fellow infertile. It's difficult not to internalize what's happening, hard not to feel betrayed or deceived. After countless hours spent discussing and empathizing over our mutual struggles with trying to have children, this sudden, unplanned pregnancy makes me feel like those heartfelt conversations were a lie. Instead of feeling a kinship with someone who has been in my position, I felt like I had been pitied. I had been heard by my friend, but was no longer understood.
Along with feeling cast aside, I admit hearing about her good news gave me an overwhelming sense of false hope. Every craving for chocolate or sore chest muscle of late has been interpreted as a reason to run out and grab a pregnancy test, even though I know PMS or my workout routine is the more likely explanation. These moments when I allow my fantasies to get the best of me and wonder if I'm pregnant add insult to injury. It's like having someone you know win the lottery when you both had a ticket. Sure, you're happy for them, but you still wonder why it was them who was chosen over you.
Some would label me as a horrible person for having such an ugly reaction to a friend's joyful news, and I understand that. There's a big part of me that can't help but think my capacity for jealousy is the reason my friend has received this gift instead of me. Despite knowing it's medically impossible, a part of me thinks if I had only been a kinder person, perhaps I, too, would be rewarded by the universe with my own miraculous pregnancy.
You can't change your reaction to something just because it's not an ideal response. And if there are any other women struggling with infertility fighting back tears of anger and frustration while they see yet another sonogram post on Facebook, it's important they know their feelings are not only normal, but valid.
My friend is an amazing mother. I'm looking forward to seeing her daughter become a big sister, and I hope she knows that I'm trying my best to be happy for her. I'm sure that in time I'll be able to knit something soft and adorably tiny and welcome this new baby with a happy heart. I hope that any woman with previous fertility problems who finds herself suddenly pregnant will understand how sharing the news with friends who've had their own infertility issues can lead to a complex reaction.
Please be gentle with us. It's not that we're not ecstatic for you; we are. It's just that we have a tiny bit of grieving to do for ourselves too.
